Liveaboard Diving

Indonesia FAQs

Travel

Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions

See our COVID-19 Travel Requirements page for the latest COVID-19 travel updates.

Pre-Travel Health & vaccinations

We strongly advise that you ensure that routine vaccinations are up-to-date (MMR, tetanus, polio, diptheria, etc.). Immunisation against Typhoid and Hepatitis is also recommended for most travellers visiting Indonesia. We recommend that guests check with their nearest travel clinic for the latest information and recommendations.

Please make sure you use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of Dengue Fever and other insect borne diseases.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. An overview of Yellow Fever risk areas can be found on the UK’s Fit For Travel website, here: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/

If you are traveling with medication, please ensure to bring your physician’s prescription with you.

Passports & Visas

Passport validity

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival into Indonesia.

Visa Information

A visitor visa is required for all travellers entering Indonesia for the purpose of tourism. Indonesia offers a visa on arrival (VOA) service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days (Visa Type B213) and costs 500,000 IDR (approx. 35 USD).

A list of nationalities eligible for visa on arrival and other information can be found here:  https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/front/info/evoa

We strongly recommend applying for an e-VOA before travelling via the Indonesian Government’s Official e-Visa Website. Applications can be submitted via the portal 14 days before your planned date of arrival; however, we advise doing so no less than 48 hours before travelling. If you do not obtain an e-VoA before you arrive in Indonesia, you can purchase a Visa on Arrival at the VoA counter in the airport arrivals hall.

If you are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival, or are planning to remain in Indonesia for longer than 30 days but no more than 60 days, you should apply for a Tourism Single entry Visitor Visa (Type 211A) either on-line through the Indonesian Government’s Official website or the Indonesian Consulate or Embassy in your home country before you travel.

As visa and passport regulations and requirements differ per country, and can change at short notice, we advise checking your home country’s government travel advisories (e.g. US https://travel.state.gov, UK https://www.gov.uk, AU https://www.smartraveller.gov.au, etc.) or your nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for any updates or changes to visa procedures.

Proof of onward travel

Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket). Some airlines have refused to board passengers without evidence of onward travel.

Customs Declaration

All travellers to Indonesia are required to complete an electronic customs declaration which must be presented to customs officials after collecting their luggage. There is no charge for the e-CD which can be completed on-line no more than 3 days before arrival via the official government website  (https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/), or at the airport; pre-registration is highly recommended to save time. Once the electronic declaration form has been completed you will receive a QR code which must be shown to customs officers at your arrival airport. Paper customs declaration forms are no longer available. 

Bali Tourism Levy

Effective from 14th February 2024, an International Tourism Levy of 150,000 IDR (approximately 10 USD) per person will payable by all travellers arriving in Bali. 

  • This is a one time fee (for each visit to Indonesia) and is part of Bali’s ongoing commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
  • Payment facilities are available at Bali’s airports for travellers to pay the levy on arrival and receive a QR Code as proof of payment which must be presented after passing through immigration.
  • Only cashless payments are accepted, which includes credit cards, bank transfers, or virtual accounts via the Love Bali website.
  • Officials strongly advise paying the Bali levy before arrival for a smoother entry experience. This can be conveniently done through the Love Bali website.
  • Pre-paying the levy expedites the arrival process and ensures compliance with the new regulations.
  • Travellers without a QR code will be directed to one of the payment counters at the airport.


Further details can be found here: https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/gov_notice

 

Flight Advice

The two main international airports for travellers arriving in Indonesia are:

  • Jakarta – Soekarno–Hatta International Airport  (CGK)
  • Bali, Denpasar – Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Additional domestic flights are required to and from the embarkation and disembarkation points for all Indo Master itineraries. For most itineraries there are domestic flight options from both Jakarta and Bali, although some are not direct routes.

For further advice on suggested routes, please refer to the itinerary specific information which can be found under the Indonesia section of the downloads page: https://masterliveaboards.com/downloads/

Our ‘How to get to Indonesia’ blog also provides a lot of helpful information about Indonesia as a country, international flight routes and the best point of entry for domestic connections.


PLEASE NOTE:
Flight cancellations and schedule changes are a common occurrence in Indonesia. We strongly recommend that you arrive at least one day before the start of your liveaboard and depart at least one day after.

Should domestic flights that you or your agent have booked be delayed or cancelled, our ground handler can offer assistance although an administration fee will be charged for the service.

In accordance with our Terms & Conditions all guests are required to have adequate travel insurance. We strongly advise you ensure that your policy will cover all costs that may be incurred in the event of flight changes.

Domestic Travel Assistance

Master Liveaboards is able to provide assistance with booking domestic flights, hotels and transfers within Indonesia. Should you wish us to do so, please contact our reservations team at dive@masterliveaboards.com


PLEASE NOTE:
Indonesian domestic flights are often subject to delays, rescheduling and cancellations which can result in missed connections. For guests who have booked domestic flights through Master Liveaboards, our ground handler will endeavour to find the best alternatives in the event that flights booked through us are affected by such changes.


IMPORTANT:
Where flights that you, or your agent, have booked are cancelled or delayed, our ground agent can provide assistance with making alternative arrangements, although there will a 25 USD fee charged for the service, in addition to the cost of any hotels and transfers that might be required.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance covers all costs that may be incurred in the event of changes to both international and domestic travel arrangements. 

DiveAssure’s comprehensive ‘Dive&Travel Plus’ insurance policy provides cover for many such eventualities, including missing your liveaboard departure due to flight delays and missed connections. Further details, and a link to the DiveAssure website can be found here: https://masterliveaboards.com/insurance/

Do I need an additional night before and after my liveaboard?

Domestic flight schedule changes and cancellations are common in Indonesia so an additional night either side of your liveaboard allows time for alternative arrangements to be made for you to arrive at your intended destination. 

Ideally, you should plan to arrive at your liveaboard embarkation location the day before the itinerary start date to allow for possible domestic flight changes which could result in missing your liveaboard departure.

Depending on your itinerary and domestic flight route, we also recommend spending one day / night in Jakarta or Bali either side of your cruise to ensure you are on time for your flight connections and that you are well rested before your liveaboard departure.


PLEASE NOTE:
You may be charged for the cost of arranging a speed boat transfer if you arrive after the liveaboard has departed from port.

Should you require assistance with domestic flights and / or hotel reservations, you can send a request to our team via email from the contact us page, or use the ‘chat now’ button. 

Country Information

Is diving in Indonesia suitable for everyone?

Much of the diving in Indonesia is generally not suitable for newly certified or inexperienced divers due to strong currents throughout the region and the exposed nature and depths of some sites on certain itineraries.

Please refer to specific itinerary information for details of required or recommended certification and experience.

Any guests who do not fulfil the recommended minimum requirements for the itinerary they are joining, or who the crew feel have insufficient experience in certain conditions, may be denied participation in some or all dives during the liveaboard.

Where can I see Orangutans in Indonesia?

Orangutans are native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia and are on the critically endangered species list due to poaching and the decimation of many rainforest areas for palm oil and other agricultural plantations. Today these magnificent primates can only be found in parts of Sumatra and Borneo.

We are happy to be able to offer our guests the opportunity to take a 3 or 4 day tour of Tanjung Puting National Park in the Central Kalimantan region of Borneo to experience first hand the conservation projects that have been set up to help protect the Orangutans and their natural habitat.

Further details of the tours which we can arrange as an extension to your liveaboard holiday can be found here:  Tanjung Puting Orangutan Discovery

Climate & weather

Indonesia is a tropical country with a climate that is fairly even all year round. Influenced by the East and West Monsoons, there are two distinct seasons, ‘wet’ and ‘dry’, which differ depending on which part of the country you are in.

The transitional period between the two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms.

  • For Komodo & Banda sea, rainy season is from November to March.
  • For Raja Ampat, Triton Bay and North Moluccas rainy season is from May to October. 

As Raja Ampat is on the Equator, even during the “dry season”,  rain can be expected at any time.

Even in the midst of the wet season temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 33°C (90°F), except at higher altitudes, where it can be much cooler. 

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures in Indonesia vary from 21°C (70°F) in the Sumba Strait area of Southern Komodo up to 30°C (86°F) in the Halmahera Sea (North Raja Ampat).

Please refer to the useful trip information documents which can be found on the downloads page for an indication of the water temperatures that can be expected on your chosen itinerary.

Language & religion

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, which is similar to Malay, although there are around 580 regional languages and dialects in use. English is widely spoken in all major touristic areas.

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. Though very relaxed, travellers should still be respectful of the country’s culture by covering legs and shoulders when in towns or visiting religious buildings. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, although officially only recognises 5 other faiths (Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism) which make up approximately 13% of the total population’s religious beliefs.

Communications

Overall, Indonesia has excellent mobile phone coverage and telephone systems; However, in less populated or remote areas you may find that there is little or no mobile coverage, even with a local SIM.

Money Matters

The official currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Banknotes come in denominations of IDR1,000, IDR2,000, IDR5,000, IDR10,000, IDR20,000, IDR50,000, and IDR10,0000. Coins in circulation include IDR1,000, IDR500, IDR200, IDR100, and IDR50.

Many places will accept cash payments in US Dollars although, by law, all transactions have to be registered in IDR. The average exchange rate is approximately USD 1 : IDR 14,000 

Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops. ATM machines are plentiful around the International airports, all major Indonesian cities and tourist destinations and resort areas. ATMs dispense Rupiah in either 50,000 or 100,000 notes, with a sticker indicating which one. Most have a withdrawal limit of 1,250,000 (50,000 note machines) or 3,000,000  (100,000 note machines).

PLEASE NOTE: Money changers and banks in Indonesia will not accept 2006 series or earlier USD notes. If you are bringing cash with you in USD please make sure it is post 2006.

Time zone

Indonesia covers 3 time zones so the time varies depending on location:

  • Western Time zone (Sumatra, Java/ Jakarta and Western Borneo): UTC +7
  • Central zone (Bali, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, Eastern Borneo): UTC +8 
  • Eastern Time zone (Ambon, Papua and Maluku): UTC +9 
Health

Health services in Indonesia are by no means up to western standards, although there are hospitals in all major towns.

When on land, we recommend that travellers take precautions regarding local food and drink purified/bottled water only, as well as using insect repellent and covering exposed skin to reduce the risk of Dengue Fever and other insect borne diseases.

Recompression chambers

In the event of a diving emergency, transfer from Indo Master to the nearest available chamber is likely to require emergency air evacuation.

Recompression chambers are located in Denpasar (Bali), Manado (Sulawesi) and Labuan Bajo. There is also a chamber in Waisai but, it is not permanently staffed so may not be available to deal with an emergency. Therefore, suspected DCI incidents occurring in Raja Ampat are likely to be evacuated to Manado.

It is imperative that guests have insurance which covers all costs that may be incurred as a result of a diving accident, including emergency evacuation, hospitalisation and treatment. 

Drones

There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. 

However, the use of drones is only allowed at certain areas around Komodo National Park and requires a permit which must be obtained in advance of the commencement of your visit. The cost of the permit is approximately 70 USD and must be applied for through our local operations team. Please let us know if you wish to use a drone on your trip so we can submit the permit application on your behalf.

During Your Trip

What thickness wetsuit is suitable?

For the majority of our guests a 3mm full wetsuit will suffice for the majority of dives on most itineraries. However, a 5mm full wetsuit in combination with a  hood and booties is recommended for the cooler waters, or for those who are prone to feeling cold after multiple dives. 

Rental wetsuits on Indo Master are 3mm, full-length a limited number of shorties may also be available.

Please refer to the itinerary specific trip information for an indication of water temperatures to determine which type of thermal protection is most appropriate for you.

How are the dive groups organised?

Indo Master has two (2) Zodiac RIHB tenders which are used to transport dive groups to and from the dive sites. In addition to the Cruise Manager, there are 3 dive guides on board allowing guests to be divided into groups of 4-6 divers.

Each group will be transferred, separately, to the dive site entry point where exit from the tender is usually a backward roll into the water. Once all groups are in the water, the tenders will remain at the dive site to pick divers up when they surface and transfer them back to Indo Master.

Exit from the water is via a ladder on the side of the tender.

Access between the tenders and Indo Master is via a ladder from the dive deck onto a platform from where the crew will assist divers into and out of the RIHBs.

Electrical outlets

Power outlets on Indo Master are 220V / 50Hz European, 2-pin sockets (Type F). 

Should your electrical equipment have a non-European style plug, or require different voltage to charge correctly, please bring adapters with you.

PLEASE NOTE: For safety reasons, extension cables and multi-socket adapters are forbidden on Indo Master.

Communications during your trip

There is Wi-Fi available for guests to use on board Indo Master although internet connectivity may be limited in some locations.

Most mobile phones that have ‘roaming’ will work in most areas of Indonesia or a local sim and data package can be purchased from various outlets prior to embarkation. However, signal strength can be sporadic or very weak and, in the remoter areas that our itineraries cover, there may be no coverage at all. 

There is a satellite phone onboard which can be used in the event of an emergency. (Charges apply).

Environmental Considerations

The use of classic sunscreen is banned on Indo Master. We ask that guests only use sun protection that is considered ‘reef-safe’ which generally includes mineral-based active ingredients rather than chemical ingredients.

We also suggest hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, and utilising shade as easy and environmentally-friendly ways to further protect yourself from sun damage.

Please only bring environmentally friendly / reef safe toiletries and sun products for use on board. 

NOTE: There are limited or no recycling facilities in many of the areas where Indo Master operates so we ask that guests take their empty plastic containers, spent batteries and partially used products home with them to be disposed of responsibly.

Land visits

On all Indo Master itineraries we usually offer at least 1 included land visit and, where possible, 2 may be offered depending on the itinerary, logistics, weather and sea conditions.

The place(s) visited may differ from one trip to the next although there are some that are always included, e.g. Penemu Viewpoint in Raja Ampat and, on Komodo itineraries, we go ashore to see the Komodo Dragons. Others may be a village visit, sunset and drinks on the beach, a waterfall, caves or other areas of interest, some of which may incur additional charges.

Please refer to your chosen itinerary’s information document on the downloads page for details of the land visits that may be included on your trip. Some visits may involve walking or climbing over or through uneven terrain so it is recommended to bring trainers (sneakers) or comfortable walking shoes with you.

Marine, park and port fees

Marine, park and port fees are obligatory for all guests on all itineraries. The amount depends on the areas covered on each itinerary and will be added to your invoice to be paid on board. The total amount covers not only the cost for park permits but also port fees and other local taxes.

Raja Ampat visitor entry cards are valid for 1 year (12 months from date of purchase); If you are joining an itinerary which covers Raja Ampat, and already have an entry card that will be valid for the duration of your trip, please let us know and send us a copy of it at least 4 days before the start of your itinerary. You will also need to bring the card with you, and the cost will be deducted from the fees that are payable on board.

Tipping guidelines

We believe that tipping is a matter of personal choice; Should you feel that our crew has made your holiday extra special, they will certainly appreciate a tip as a sign of your appreciation. An envelope will be provided by your cruise director at the end of your itinerary and all gratuities will be divided equally amongst all crew, including the captain and dive guides.

If you are unsure how much to tip, we suggest 5-10% of the liveaboard cost. Tips can only be accepted in cash.

On board payments

Equipment rental, Nitrox and other extras that have not been for paid in advance, in addition to merchandise, services and alcoholic beverages purchased on board need to be settled at the end of your cruise, before disembarkation. All prices are listed in USD, although we can also accept cash payment in EUR, GBP, or Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 

We are only able to accept USD notes that are dated after 2006; money changers / banks will not accept 2006 series or earlier.

We are also able to accept payment by credit card (Mastercard or Visa) for which there is a 3.5% surcharge.

PLEASE NOTE: Crew gratuities can only be accepted in cash.