8 min read
Money and Connectivity in Indonesia: Rupiah, Cards, ATMs and QRIS
From carrying rupiah to scanning QRIS codes and getting online, here is a practical guide to handling money and staying connected across Indonesia's islands.
On the Ground Indonesia
Insights, updates and local perspectives to better understand Indonesia as it evolves.
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8 min read
Indonesia's Tourism-Village Movement: How Desa Wisata Is Reshaping Travel in 2026
Away from Bali's crowds, Indonesia is quietly building a network of community-run tourism villages. What the desa wisata movement means for slow travel.
8 min read
Tanjung Puting: A Slow River Journey to Borneo's Orangutans
Aboard a wooden klotok on the rivers of Borneo, Tanjung Puting is one of Indonesia's great slow-travel journeys, drifting toward wild orangutans.
8 min read
Bali's Tourist Rules in 2026: The Do's, the Don'ts and the Fines
Bali's official rules for tourists, from the levy to temple conduct and scooter licences: the 2026 do's and don'ts, and the fines behind them.
8 min read
Cultural Etiquette in Indonesia: Temples, Mosques and Everyday Respect
A practical guide to cultural etiquette in Indonesia: temple and mosque dress, the right-hand rule, respect for heads and feet, and Ramadan.
8 min read
Bali's Building Moratorium: The Fight Against Overdevelopment in 2026
Bali has moved to freeze new hotel and villa building in parts of the island. What the 2026 construction moratorium means, and what it means for travellers.
8 min read
Yogyakarta and Central Java: Slow Travel Through Indonesia's Cultural Heart
A slow-travel guide to Yogyakarta and central Java: Borobudur and Prambanan, the Kraton, batik and craft villages, and how long to stay.
8 min read
Indonesia's Remote-Worker and Long-Stay Visas in 2026
Indonesia now offers real long-stay options for remote workers and slow travellers. A 2026 guide to the E33G remote-worker visa, second-home and golden visas.
9 min read
Timing an Indonesia Trip: Ramadan, Nyepi and the Religious Calendar
Indonesia's religious calendar can transform a trip. A guide to Ramadan, the Lebaran exodus, Bali's Nyepi and how to plan around them respectfully.
9 min read
Bali's Reckoning: The Island's 2026 Crackdown on Bad Tourism
After years of overtourism and bad behaviour, Bali is cracking down. What the 2026 push for quality tourism means, and why slow travellers should welcome it.
8 min read
Lake Toba and Samosir: Sumatra's Giant, Gentle Lake
Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake, and Samosir its unhurried heart. A slow-travel guide to Batak culture, lakeside villages and doing little.
9 min read
Entering Indonesia in 2026: The Arrival Card, Bali's Levy and the New Park Fees
Indonesia has merged its arrival formalities into one digital form and tightened fee collection. Here is exactly what to complete, pay and carry in 2026.
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