| Hello there. Today I want to address a few of the questions that some prospective visitors ask me: 1. Is Indonesia a safe place to visit? This question usually has two parts. The first concerns personal safely and the second natural disasters. As to the first, there has been some negative publicity lately due to the actions of some militant religious groups. These were not however directed at foreigners but rather at other Indonesian groups outside the main Islam following. I defy you to find a country where you will feel more welcome than you will here. You will be met with smiles everywhere you go and are sure to receive invitations to visit Indonesians in their homes as the culture includes outstanding politeness and hospitality. As to the second, yes Indonesia does have its share of natural disasters. Some people refer to it as the country of 1001 disasters. What with floods, volcanoes, earthquakes and mudslides there is always something in the news. However in our area I am happy to relate, it is extremely rare for any of these to occur. 2. How much will I have to spend while I am there? If you are visiting under our sponsored trip, after paying the airfare and our charges you will not really have to spend much. If you stay with us, your food will be provided and, when you wish to take your new love out to eat the cost is extremely low. Most local girls eat at native restaurants where one can purchase a meal for less than one US dollar. The best restaurant in the whole area would cost around $25. Tipping is not expected here. Entertainment is very limited. There are few bars or nightclubs. A local girl would be happy to be taken to the beach or to the mountains or maybe out of town to a water park or zoo. If you decide to marry here, an engagement ring is not usually required, definitely not a diamond one. Alcohol though illegal can be obtained but is not common. Transportation, if you don’t use our car or motorcycles will be in the form of minibuses or pecak...a three wheeled pedal cycle, costing very little. 3. I’m middle aged and not handsome or rich, is there any hope for me? You will find that the values of Indonesian women are very different to what you are accustomed to. Here age is associated with wisdom, reliability and faithfulness. Physical appearance is not of primary concern though if you are Caucasian it is a definite advantage. Indonesian women are not generally materialistic. As long as you are able to support them adequately they will be contented. My husband is retired and just receives a pension, yet I have everything that I desire and love him to death. 4. What is the food like there? The staples here are rice, chicken and goat meat. Beef is available but not that common. Not too many people own refrigerators so frozen foods are practically non-existant. Bananas, mangoes, papayas, grapes, limes, oranges, leeches and many exotic fruits grow here as do many vegetables. As we are surrounded by water, fish is abundant. One of the favourite dishes is Bakso, a kind of meatball. Other popular dishes are noodles, nasi goreng (seafood), soto (chicken and rice), nasi bebek (duck) and rujak (black salad). Here they use very hot spices, probably a little hotter than in Mexico. 5. What are the visa requirements? From many countries, including the USA, UK and Canada a tourist visa is not necessary but must be purchased on arrival for $10 a week or $25 a month. This visa is non-extendable and any overstay will be charged at $20 a day. However, there is no limit on the number of times you can visit so you could leave after 30 days and immediately return for another 30. If you are married or have relatives here, you can apply for a family visitation visa which is good for 60 days and can be extended 4 times for 30 days without leaving the country, giving a total of 6 months. For longer stays or for a working visa you need to apply for a KITAS which is good for one year. These are the common questions that I receive and I hope that you understand my replies. See you next time...Yuyun |