Indonesia contains some of the best tropical diving in the world, and it is difficult to decide on the best area. The country spreads over an enormous distance (wider than Australia!) and comprises over 17,000 islands. Visit Komodo for encounters with pelagic animals drifting in the colder water. West Papua and Southeast Sulawesi have pristine coral reefs that go on forever, and North Sulawesi has some of the most outrageous critters in any underwater environment. You can see sunfish in Bali and dive a war wreck. For the widest variety of diving, Indonesia is best explored onboard a liveaboard boat. There are several options, with the number of boats travelling these waters increasing exponentially in the past few years. The word is out!
Diving Destinations in Indonesia
Diving Liveaboards in Indonesia
General Information
- Entry Requirements
- Money
- Language
- Electricity
- Time Zone
- Clothing
- Climate
- Water Temperature
- Departure Tax
- Tipping
Australian passport holders travelling to Indonesia require six months validity beyond your intended stay. Visa on arrival for Australian passport holders is $25 USD or equivalent payable on arrival, currencies accepted include USD, AUD, IDR, & EUR. For more information and for holders of other passports, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for the latest travel advice.
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the unit of currency. One Australian dollar buys approximately 9,900 IDR.
The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, and many local dialects are also spoken. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
220-240V and uses either the European or British plug type (take both adaptors).
Three time zones operate across Indonesia:
GMT+7 Western Borneo, Jakarta (3 hours behind Sydney),
GMT+8 Sulawesi, Bali, Eastern Borneo (2 hours behind Sydney),
GMT+9 West Papua (1 hour behind Sydney).
Light casual clothing is recommended. Women should dress modestly in public places.
Indonesia has a tropical climate with a wet season from November to March. The average temperature is 28°C.
The water temperature is quite variable in Indonesia so it’s a good idea to take layered thermal protection that you can add or remove at will. Temperatures can range from 20 – 30°C, with cooler temperatures in some parts of the Komodo region and in the winter months.
A departure tax of 100,000 IDR (approximately $12 AUD) is payable in local currency at the airport prior to departure.
Tips are never expected but are always appreciated.
