Indonesia Local Customs

  Jakarta roses -bunga mawar in little...
by ullfri49
 
  • Jakarta roses -bunga mawar in little house garden
      Jakarta roses -bunga mawar in little...
    by ullfri49
  • 'Black Jack Kopi', Banda Aceh
      'Black Jack Kopi', Banda Aceh
    by Daihappydai
  • Sweet treats at a coffee shop, Banda Aceh
      Sweet treats at a coffee shop, Banda...
    by Daihappydai
  • A small warung selling local coffee, Banda Aceh
      A small warung selling local coffee,...
    by Daihappydai
  • 'Dakota Kopi', one of the many coffee shops
      'Dakota Kopi', one of the many coffee...
    by Daihappydai
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

There are ceremonies for...

by yeah_baby

There are ceremonies for every stage of Balinese life but often the last ceremony-cremation-is the biggest. A Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried. Of course an auspicious day must be chosen for the cremation and since a big cremation can be very expensive business many less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation and sending their own dead on their way at the same time. Brahmans, however, must be cremated immediately.

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People are mostly smilling,...

by zdenekk

People are mostly smilling, they appreciate your effort to speak by Bahasa Indonesia. Children call Hallo, Mister meeting you. Be carefull - left hand is considered as a non clean. Nothing hand on by left hand!

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When meeting someone for the...

by Kozzmozz

When meeting someone for the first time in Indonesia, you should offer your hand to be shook, and slightly nod your head. If you are seated and cross you legs, cross them at the ankles or knees, but not with one ankle up on the other knee. When pointing, Indonesians will point with the thumb extended, instead of the forefinger. To show approval, you may pat another person on the shoulder, but never on the head. When you are finished eating your meal in Indonesia, leave some food on your plate. To leave nothing on the plate is a sign that you would like more food.

This isn't cultural but it's...

by GenkiMac

This isn't cultural but it's hardly a warning either.I took about 8 rolls of film in a couple of weeks in Bali and because Japan is expensive decided to process them in Bali. It's mega cheap to get films developed there (2 or 3 US dollars) but I am a photo lover and the quality was distressingly bad! My friends didn't care about the bad quality and it wasn't that noticeable until I got some reprinted when I got back home and saw the difference. If you want your photos to be as good as they can be then don't process in Bali but if you are not an enthusiast and want to save money then it's a bargain price!

After you get introduced to...

by GenkiMac

After you get introduced to the 5th person in a row called 'Wayan' you start wondering and asking a few questions straigtened it all out. Men and Woman are named in the order they are born. A prefix of 'I' for men and 'Ny' for woman is added and for originality (as its obviously going to be confusing!) friends will give each other nicknames. The order of names is:1st born- Putu, Wayan or Gede2nd born- Made or Kadek3rd born- Nyoman or Komang4th born- Ketut.I didn't think to ask what happens if they have more than four children!We mostly came across Wayans', Mades'and Putus'.

You should not touch...

by Dreamaker

You should not touch anyone,except shake hands. Use only the right hand when giving anything to a local. It is inpolite to point, or stand with your hands in your pockets, and try not to show the soles of your feet. When buying a beer it is traditional to buy everyone a beer in the bar.

I fell in love with wooden...

by Audrey118

I fell in love with wooden carvings in Bali. They are really the best I ever seen in Asia. The larger pair of wedding dolls in the picture were bought in Mas, while the smallers ones on the left, I could also not resist were bought just I was leaving the airport. The larger ones are Balinese culture while the smaller ones are of Javanese. They are now part of my many souveniers I enjoy collecting.

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In general, the Indonesians...

by Sinta

In general, the Indonesians are polite. They are quite appreciative if we return this. A smile is appreciated here.Here, it is common to use your right hand in handing or recieving something. If you are entering a home, it is common practice to take your shoes off. They might not ask you or they will try to understand your lack of understanding of their culture, but it is best to win their respect.

The Balinese are very...

by Vickster

The Balinese are very hospitable people and take their religion seriously.Although now illegal in many Western nations, cockfighting is still a popular sport in Bali, especially as way of making sacrifices to the Gods.The cockerels are very important members of the family and are pampered and even painted to ensure they are in prime condition for their next fight.

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There are a number of dances...

by Vickster

There are a number of dances which are worthwhile watching while you're in Bali including the Barong, the Legong, Kecak Fire and Trance Dance. All tell a different religious story and all are an interesting spectacle.

Top 3 Hotels in Indonesia

The Laguna Resort & Spa  Bali

 8 Reviews and 841 Opinions  MY WIFE AND I STAYED IN THE SHERATON LAGUNA FOR THREE WEEKS IN JULY 2006. THE HOTEL HAS JUST GONE... 

 Hotels in Bali

Hotel Mulia Senayan  Jakarta

 15 Reviews and 403 Opinions  My family was planning to have a new year's eve here in Hotel Mulia, so we went there and I've once... 

 Hotels in Jakarta

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta  Yogyakarta

 4 Reviews and 564 Opinions  I had a fantastic stay in the old colonial Phoenix Hotel. It's a beautiful building and the staff... 

 Hotels in Yogyakarta

Questions and Answers

snurt profile photo

Q:  Hello Folks, I am going to Indonesia and want an idea as to what is a realistic daily budget, a little further... 

Mozumbus profile photo

A: Motorcycle may cost you around 30-50k + 10k for the petrol. Say 50k on average for both basic accommodation will be around 100k-150k 30k-50k for the food so 300k... 

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