WHAT TO BRING

Most things are cheaper to buy in Indonesia, but there are also things that are hard to find. If you shop in Indonesia, do it in a big town in order to find everything you need.

• Sun lotion is available, but t is easier to bring it.
• It is wise to bring medicines from your own country.
• International driving license can come handy.
• Watertight bag for your camera if you are planning to visit islands and go by boat.
• Clothes are much cheaper in Indonesia, but big sizes can be difficult to find.
• Shoes over size 42 are hard to find.
• Mosquito repellants are common and cheap.
• A couple of padlocks can be useful, both for your bag and for your beach bungalow.
• For surfers bringing their own boards a board bag is recommended. Also wax for warm waters, some extra leg ropes, a nose guard for your board for safety, and footwear to get out over reefs. A repair kit can save hassles. Repair shops for surf boards are not available.

ACCOMMODATION

Most, but not all towns, have at least a modest Hotel or Losmen (pension). Other words you often see are Penginapan, Wisma, Pondok Wisata, Guest House, Home Stay, Cottage, Mess, and Bungalow. All of them are accommodations; Wisma and Mess can sometimes be something else. Mess Pemda or Pesanggrahan is government owned accommodation, used by officials on visit. They are normally open for non-officials also. In most villages, however, there is seldom any proper accommodation. In such places there is normally a coffee shop/restaurant (warung) or two that let you sleep for free on the floor, as long as you eat in the place. Another alternative, especially in villages without even a restaurant, is to ask the village head (Kepala Desa). He will surely arrange something for you. Just remember to try and follow local customs as a way of showing respect and appreciation. If you are unsure, just ask. It will be very much appreciated.

A very few places, mainly in areas where foreigners seldom come, are always “full” when a foreigner wants to rent a room. There can be several reasons for this. One is that the proprietor doesn’t know how to treat tourists, or that he finds the obligatory reporting to the police too bothersome and expensive. It can also be that they are afraid that the foreigner doesn’t know how to use the bathroom. There is always a story going around about a tourist who entered the water container (bak mandi) instead of scooping up water and poring it over himself outside the container. To enter the container is utterly disgusting for an Indonesian and very embarrassing for us tourists that do behave. On Pulau Weh a small hotel didn’t accept tourists for ten years after such an incident.

DRIVING

Cars drive on the left hand side. Bring an international driving license. if you have the opportunity, practice some motorcycle driving before coming. It will likely be useful. Driving in Indonesia is a special experience, especially in Medan.

Honking with the horn is not a way to show anger as it often is in Europe. It can mean Hallo Mister or just being a reminder that the light has turned green, if you do adhere to the traffic lights.

Cycling and riding a motorcycle in North Sumatra is ideal, except along the main routes out of Medan. The black soot of trucks and busses will quickly erase the need for sunbathing. On other roads the traffic is scarce. Helmets are officially obligatory, but seldom used in the countryside. It can be cold in the mountains, especially in early mornings and a jacket is recommended for such occasions. Rain is also common. Cheap and practical rain capes are available in many shops. Beware of deep potholes, even in major towns. Chickens, dogs, cats, buffaloes, cows, goats and other animals are everywhere, so be careful, especially at night. Flat tires are not too uncommon, but there are repair shops in every village and they do the job very inexpensively. Gas stations are rather scarce, but gas is also sold in many small stalls along the road.

DURING THE FASTING MONTH

For a non-Muslim tourist, the Ramadan (the Muslim fasting month) gives traveling a new dimension. In strict Muslim areas basically all restaurants and food stalls are closed between sunrise and sunset. In North Sumatra there is normally always an alternative, as a big part of the population is non-Muslim. While fasting, not only food, drink and cigarettes are avoided, but also bad thoughts, lies and unethical behavior. The Ramadan is a cleansing period for both the body and the soul. If you are in a Muslim village and need to eat, drink, or smoke, do not do it in public. It is considered offensive and inconsiderate towards people who are fasting.