Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia, located on the islands of the Malay Archipelago. Transport communication, especially sea and air, is very well developed here, as it plays an important role in the country's economy. Tourists will be able to move to Indonesia on cars, highways and roads in large cities are in good condition. The total length of motorways (as of 2008) is almost 438 thousand km.
Public transport
Within one island, locals and tourists travel on intercity buses that run on a clear schedule. There are several routes using a ferry to ferry to neighboring islands . Tickets for such trips are purchased at the ticket offices of bus stations or in the offices of bus companies. The cities are mostly old, bus-worn buses, which are always crowded with passengers. The money for the fare is transferred to the driver or conductor, who, using ignorance of foreigners, constantly strive to cheat them. Tourists are advised to monitor how much other passengers pay for their fare.
Most popular are small minibuses, which the islanders call bismo, because often this is the only way to get to the right place. It is difficult for foreigners to recognize bimo, since the machines are not always signed and do not have specific stops. Another type of public transport in Indonesia - is bechak, which is a three-wheeled trishaw with a basket in front. Travel on such an exotic vehicle is relatively inexpensive. Near the hotels , large shopping complexes and in the markets, tourists are offered their services by drivers of Odzhek or, more simply, mototaxi.
Railway transport
The train is a fast and comfortable way to travel around the island, but the railway system operates only on the islands of Java and Sumatra . In Indonesia there are 3 classes of passenger trains:
- Executive - luxury cars with wide, soft seats, air conditioning and a rosette near each passenger;
- Business - this is also an air conditioned car, only the seats in it can not be booked in advance;
- Economy - a car without an air conditioner with wooden benches, as in ordinary domestic trains, always stuffed with passengers with different belongings.
The fare on the train, especially in executive-class cars, will correspond to the cost of the flight of any local budget airline.
Air Transport
The most convenient and fastest mode of transport in Indonesia is to travel through countless islands. Prices for domestic flights are low: for example, from Jakarta to Bali can be reached for $ 5. Domestic lines are served by public and private airlines. The air gateway to Indonesia is Ngurah Rai , as most of the tourists come to the country through this airport in Bali. Charter flights from Russia also take this particular Indonesian island. The international airport of Soekarno-Hatta is located 20 km from the capital, so the city center will have to travel by bus or taxi.
Water transport
The second most important and popular after the aircraft is the sea transport of Indonesia. The main flow of passengers is served by ferries and ships owned by the state-owned Pelni. Water transport carries out numerous local transportations, and also makes flights to the Philippines, to Singapore and Malaysia . Tourists can always use the services of private companies that are engaged in sea transportation. Their offices are in any major port. The routes are arranged by agreement in any direction, however, the price of such a trip should be agreed in advance.
Rent a car and taxi
To travel around the country as a whole, a car is hardly useful for tourists. But as a local means of transportation rental will make sense. To rent a car in Indonesia , the driver must be at least 21 years old and carry:
- driver's license of an international standard, received at least 1 year ago;
- paid insurance;
- a security deposit (a credit card is suitable).
One of the convenient ways to travel in Indonesia is by taxi. In the capital and other major cities, taxi drivers speak a little English, which can not be said about small settlements. Using the services of a taxi, make sure that the meter is turned on, otherwise on arrival you will be very surprised by the large amount that will be required for you to travel. Pay here is better Indonesian currency.