Foreign Tourists Share Travel Tips in Indonesia: Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Fundacion Rapala – Indonesia attracts millions of travelers each year with its rich cultural heritage. Joshua Wood, founder of Digital Nomad Exchange, urges visitors to respect local customs and traditions. He stresses that understanding cultural etiquette helps tourists connect better with locals.

Greeting Locals with Proper Honorifics

Wood explains that greetings carry weight in Indonesian society. Tourists should address men with “Pak” and women with “Ibu,” followed by their names. This practice shows politeness and signals respect toward elders or people with authority.

Dressing Appropriately in Every Region

Travelers often face hot, tropical weather, but modesty remains important. Visitors should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially when entering religious sites or traditional villages. For trips to cooler highlands or long rides on air-conditioned buses, a light jacket or sweater is useful.

Respecting Religious Practices and Traditions

Religious life forms a central part of daily activities in Indonesia. Tourists should remove shoes when entering homes or places of worship. Locals also value the gesture of giving and receiving items with the right hand, which symbolizes respect and courtesy.

Mark Eveleigh’s Key Travel Advice

Travel writer Mark Eveleigh highlights Indonesia as a must-visit destination because of its culture, landscapes, and adventures. He shares fifteen essential tips to help tourists enjoy their stay more fully and avoid common travel mistakes.

Choosing the Right Travel Season

Indonesia’s climate varies across islands, so timing matters. Eveleigh recommends avoiding Bali during its rainy season from November to March. Instead, visitors should plan trips between March and October. For Sumatra and Kalimantan, the same period offers better weather conditions.

Preparing the Right Clothing and Essentials

Eveleigh advises tourists to carry lightweight, tropical-friendly clothes for daily wear. At the same time, he encourages packing warmer layers for evenings in the mountains or rides in air-conditioned transport. Being prepared ensures comfort across different environments.

Staying Connected Through Local Services

To make travel easier, Eveleigh suggests buying a local SIM card and downloading ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab. These tools allow tourists to book transport quickly and stay connected with family or friends throughout their trip.

Staying Safe During the Trip

Although Indonesia remains generally safe, tourists should remain cautious in crowded areas where pickpockets may operate. Eveleigh also reminds visitors to respect sensitive topics such as drug use or LGBT issues, since ignoring these rules may lead to serious consequences.

Taking Health Precautions Before Arrival

Health preparation forms a vital part of traveling to Indonesia. Eveleigh recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B. Most importantly, he warns against drinking tap water, which can cause illness. Bottled water or filtered water provides a safer alternative.

Being Aware of Natural Risks

Because Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, natural disasters like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions can occur. Tourists should pay attention to local warnings and follow safety instructions to reduce risks during emergencies.

Practicing Everyday Social Etiquette

Social etiquette shapes the way Indonesians interact with guests. Visitors should take off their shoes before stepping into a home or place of worship. Offering small gifts to hosts often strengthens bonds and leaves a positive impression.

Avoiding Inappropriate Questions

In certain cultures, asking about parents or family backgrounds feels intrusive. Eveleigh advises tourists to avoid these questions and instead engage in lighter topics that create comfortable conversations.

Making the Most of Indonesian Hospitality

By respecting customs, preparing for health and safety, and staying culturally aware, tourists can enjoy a deeper travel experience. Visitors often describe Indonesians as warm, welcoming, and eager to share their traditions with outsiders.