The orangutan is a fascinating but increasingly rare creature. The only species of great ape native to Asia, its numbers have declined drastically over the past few decades, mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. There were only about 61,234 left in the wild as of 2007; a disturbing decline from the population of 76,300 that scientists estimated were left between 2000 and 2003 (via Wikipedia). However, if you’re tough enough to handle the Indonesian jungle, you can still see these “men of the forest” up close in their natural habitat… for now.

Mark Wiens of GoBackpacking recently went on an orangutan trek in Sumatra. He writes:

“It was a truly magnificent site. The bulkiness of the Orangutans miraculously swung through the branches of the trees with effortless ease. The weight of their heavy bodies were supported by rubbery limbs that seemed to just bounce from tree to tree and then spring back as the ape released grip.”

Heat, sweat and insects aside, it sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To experience it yourself, you’ll need a passport and an Indonesian visa. When it comes to getting the visa, you have two options: apply before you leave the US or apply when you arrive in Indonesia. If you’d prefer to beat a hasty retreat from the airport to your hotel after the long flight, applying in advance will give you an edge. Either way, here’s a handy list of the required documents:

• Your passport, which must be valid for 6 months and have a complete, pristinely blank page in the back for the visa.
• 2 completed Indonesian visa application forms
• 2 passport photos
• A copy of your most recent bank statement
• A letter from your boss verifying that you are employed or on a leave of absence. If you don’t have a job, you’ll need to include a detailed letter explaining that fact.
• An itinerary letter that explains why you are going to Indonesia.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you with the paperwork and expedite your visa for the fastest possible processing. Our service makes applying for a visa easy, quick and painless.

Apply for your Indonesian visa today!

With its turquoise water, gorgeous beaches and excellent waves, Bali is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. If you’ve always dreamed of riding the waves in this island paradise, here’s what you need to know to make it happen.

When to Go

The dry season, from April/May to September/November, is the best time to go to Bali for a surfing trip. However, even during the wet season there are still plenty of places to surf. In fact, SurfingBali.com notes that “Bali has surf breaks both the west-facing and east-facing coastlines and, because of this an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day. Because of the number of surf breaks and the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is still possible to find a many places to surf with only a small to moderate crowd.”

Best Places

Bali’s most famous breaks include Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Impossibles. However, those are far from the only places to surf. Other great options include Medewi Beach, Canggu, Kuta, Bingin and Dreamland.

For Beginners

If you’ve never surfed before, Bali is also an excellent place to learn. There are plenty of places to rent boards and other equipment, and a plethora of surf schools offering lessons. Gadling recommends that you choose a school where the instructor actually gets in the water with you. You’ll learn faster and have a better experience.

Also, make sure not to get in over your head. Choose surf spots with waves that are appropriate for your capabilities. You can move on to more advanced waves as you get better.

If you like the idea of volunteering while in Indonesia, you might consider a trip like i-to-i Volunteer and Adventure Travel’s Surf and Teach English in Bali trip.

Visa Requirements

To visit Bali, you’ll need an Indonesian visa and a passport good for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country. You can get your visa on arrival at certain air and seaports, but you’ll be out of the airport must faster and with less hassle if you apply for your visa in advance.

For more information, see Indonesian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get your visa quickly and easily. Let us help you get your Indonesian visa today!

Habitat for Humanity has a new project in Indonesia: turning the small village of Soran into an eco-tourism community.  (h/t Jaunted)

The village is located near the Prambanan Temple and the volcano of Mt. Merapi, so once the community is complete it will provide environmentally conscious travelers with an excellent base for exploring the area.

More importantly, it will also provided upgraded housing for the people of Soran, as well as an opportunity to make additional income. Since 60% of the people in Soran are below the poverty line, this is relief that they desperately need.

In a press release, James Tumbuan, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, commented on the project:

“This is the first Habitat project in the world that creates shelter and economic opportunity for an entire community, and it is precisely the kind of project needed to combat Indonesia’s poverty. This unique program not only improves housing for most of the community, it also allows Soran villagers to economically benefit from the art and culture they have preserved for centuries, and to share it with the world.”

If you’d like to help, information on volunteering with Habitat for Humanity overseas is located here.

You’ll also need an Indonesian visa.

Tourists are able to obtain visas on arrival, called “visitor visas,” at designated airports and seaports. However, if you’re volunteering it’s a little bit different. According to the US Department of State, “even gratis volunteer work with local or international NGOs is not permitted on visitor status.” So, you’ll need to apply for a “social visit” visa in advance.

To apply for your Indonesian visa, here’s what you’ll need:

• Your passport. The expiration date must be 6 months or more in the future and have two blank pages in the back for the visa.
• 2 completed Indonesian visa application forms
• 2 passport photos
• A copy of your most recent bank statement
• A letter from your boss verifying that you are employed or on a leave of absence. If you don’t have a job, you’ll need to include a detailed letter explaining that fact. If you’re retired, you’ll need to submit proof of a retirement fund.
• An itinerary letter that explains why you are going to Indonesia.
• 2 copies of an invitation letter. This will be provided by the company you volunteer with in most cases.

If you’re traveling to Indonesia, RushMyTravelVisa can make getting your visa quick and easy. We walk you through the paperwork, and then expedite your visa with the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest processing available.

Apply for your Indonesian visa today!

Have you ever wanted to learn to surf? Would you like to spend some of your next vacation giving back to the local community? In that case, i-to-i Volunteer and Adventure Travel has a voluntourism package for you!

Their “Surf and Teach English in Bali” trip lasts 3 weeks or longer and gives you the opportunity to teach English to local kids and learn to surf. Here’s how i-to-i describes the package:

“The picturesque coastal village of Canggu remains largely ignored by all but the cleverest tourists and you’ll only have the locals to share the beach with. You’ll spend your time teaching English to the local kids and young adults. They won’t be the only ones doing the learning though as free surfing lessons are included in the project along with enough free time in the afternoons to practice.”

Nice! Even better, the trip is on sale through the end of January.

Accommodations are a shared room, and while breakfast is included, you’ll need to budget for lunch and dinner. You’ll also need to make sure you have your visas squared away. American citizens are required to have an Indonesia visa. Tourists can get an visa on arrival at certain airports and seaports, but according to the US Department of State, “even gratis volunteer work with local or international NGOs is not permitted on visitor status.” So, you’ll need to apply for a “social visit” visa in advance.

To get your Indonesian visa, you’ll need the following documents: (more…)

Indonesia’s motto is “Unity in Diversity,” and this is an apt description of a country that consists of 17,508 islands and 206 million people speaking 742 different languages. Opportunities for tourism in Indonesia are equally diverse-there’s so much to see and do that it’s hard to narrow it down. Nevertheless, here are 5 of the most spectacular reasons to get an Indonesian visa:

Bali:

Bali is a wonderland of clean white and black-sand beaches, gorgeous rice terraces, and enchanting temples. The island is also one of Indonesia’s most important artistic centers, nurturing dancers, painters, sculptors and metalworkers alike. It’s no surprise, then, that Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist attraction.

Sumatra:

Sumatra is a wild island packed with smoky volcanoes and verdant jungles (at least in areas where logging and development have been kept at bay.) It’s also Indonesia’s most productive coffee-growing region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan is Borneo’s beating heart, secret and mysterious. While it’s not on most tourist itineraries, it’s definitely worth your time. Explore the canal city of Banjarmasin, visit traditional Dayak villages or look for orangutans, monkeys and even sun bears in Kalimantan’s jungles.

Java

Indonesia’s most densely populated island, Java is fringed with active volcanoes, adorned with richly decorated temples and palaces, and vibrates with the energy of 120 million people.

Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is the homeland of the Toraja people. The Toraja are famous for their intricate wood carvings and incredibly elaborate funeral ceremonies. Funeral rites can last days, involving hundreds of people and including music, dancing, feasting and chanting to help the deceased person’s soul journey to the next world. The Toraja are also known for carving burial sites into the sides of cliffs.

To visit Indonesia, you will need an Indonesian visa. You can apply for one in advance, before you leave the states, or you can apply for your Indonesian visa on arrival. See Indonesian visa requirements for tourists for more details on what you’ll need.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you apply for your Indonesian visa, as well as any other visas needed for your trip. We make the process quick and convenient, taking you through the application process step-by-step and expediting the paperwork for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Indonesian visa today!

One of the neat things about Indonesia is how many different local tribes and cultures there are, each with their own unique customs. Gadling has a post up about some of the most interesting tribal cultures in Indonesia, encouraging readers to visit groups like the Sea Gypsies (more properly, the Moken or the Mogen), the Batak, the Baliem Valley Tribes, the Tana Toraja and the Dayak Tribes of Borneo.

Certainly, a huge part of the charm of any foreign travel is seeing how people live in other parts of the world and experiencing local cultures. And often, your tourist dollars are a boon to the people you’re visiting, providing money for food, schools and other necessities that we take for granted. However, too many tourists can also interfere with traditional ways of living, and there’s something inherently disrespectful about treating living, breathing people like zoo exhibits.

For example, in an article from the Expeditions website describing how the lives of the Moken have changed since the outside world became aware of their existence after the tsunamis:

“In spite of government protections, more and more tourists come to gawk at the Mogen. They bring with them outside cultural influence and a dependence on cash.”

The dependence on cash and government regulations have interfered with the Moken’s traditional “Sea Gypsy” lifestyle. On the plus side, they now have access to medical care and education. However, they stand to lose their language and culture.

If you decide to visit indigenous cultures in Indonesia, make sure that you go to learn, not to gawk. Also, do your research and try to find resorts and/or tour companies that are dedicated to helping local people instead of just profiting off them. Although I thought the Gadling article made most of the indigenous tribes featured sound like sideshow attractions, the jungle resort they recommended in Sulawesi is actually run by an anthropologist and focuses on generating income for people in the surrounding villages.

Remember, to visit Indonesia you do need an Indonesian visa. You can apply for your visa on arrival or you can apply in advance, before you leave the US. To see what you need to apply, check out Indonesian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

If you’d like your Indonesian visa in advance, RushMyTravelVisa can help. We can also help research your itinerary and apply for any other visas you might need.

Apply for your Indonesian visa today!

At this point, you’re probably wondering: what, exactly, is a tarsier? About 5 inches long from nose to tail, the tarsier is the tiniest of all primates. Known for their huge, saucer-shaped eyes and basically for being adorable, they are also, unfortunately, endangered.

Although tarsiers are classified as primates, they are very primitive and look more like adorable, furry pocket-sized aliens than monkeys. They don’t adapt well to captivity at all, so you won’t find them in any zoos. If you want to see one, you’ll have to travel to their natural habitat.

Tarsiers are endemic to Southeast Asia, and can be found in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Indonesia has a decent-sized population in Tangkoko National Park near Manado. With the help of a guide, you can look for tarsiers in the jungle at night (the only time they come out of their nests.) In fact, over on the Environmental Graffiti blog, there’s a great post describing just such an excursion. There is also incredible scuba diving close to the park, in case you decide you don’t want to spend your entire trip in the jungle.

To visit Indonesia, you need a US passport and an Indonesia visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you enter Indonesia, and you need to have at least one blank page in the back to accommodate the visa. Indonesia is very strict about this and will turn you away if your passport expires in less than 6 months, so apply for a passport renewal if necessary before you go.

Indonesia visas are available on arrival to tourists at most airports, or you can apply in advance. See Indonesia Visa Requirements for Tourists to see what documents you’ll need for the visa. Also, keep in mind that if you are entering Indonesia by land or flying into the Banda Aceh airport, you are not eligible for an Indonesia visa on arrival and you must apply in advance.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get your visa quickly and easily. We’ll also take a look at your itinerary and let you know what visas are required for each stage of your trip, including any transit visas.

Apply for your Indonesia visa today!

It’s hard to believe that anyone would want to leave Indonesia’s gorgeous beaches if they didn’t have to, much less to explore a landscape that strongly resembles Mordor in Lord of the Rings. And yet, according to the New York Times, “volcano tourism” is rapidly growing in popularity amongst visitors to Indonesia.

As the name suggests, volcano tourism involves hiking in and around Java’s active volcanoes. Tourists may go for day trips, or they may stay in nearby villages, as the New York Times writers did on their journey.

What makes the volcanoes so appealing? The New York Times explains:

Exploring Mount Ijen and the other volcanoes that form the spine of Java offers travelers a chance to understand how geology has so deeply influenced the lives and culture of the people who reside in the highlands. Over the centuries, eruptions have buried villages, destroyed farmland and filled the air with black haze, contributing to the ancient belief that the volcanic gods must be appeased.

One of the most popular places to explore these volcanoes is in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. In addition to both active and dormant volcanoes, this park preserves several other interesting geological features. The Tengger Sand Sea is a sea of sand that covers the caldera of an enormous, ancient, long-dormant volcano. Inside, 5 younger volcanoes have formed: Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok, Mt Kursi, Mt Watangan and Mt Widodaren.

The area around the volcanoes is also home to the Tenggerese people, a Hindu minority in this mostly Muslim country. Living and working this close to the volcanos inspires both fear and reverence. According to the New York Times, once a year the Tenggerese hold a festival in which they sacrifice both food and money to the volcano.

If you don’t mind a little fire and brimstone and you want to see these volcanoes for yourself, you need two things: a passport valid for at least the next 6 months and an Indonesian visa.  If your passport expires within the next 6 months, you need to apply for a passport renewal before you apply for the Indonesian visa. Once you have your passport in order, see Indonesian Visa Requirements for Tourists on how to proceed. Depending on how you plan to enter the country, you may be able to apply on arrival or you may decide to apply in advance.

If you need a visa to visit Indonesia, RushMyTravelVisa can make the process of applying in advance much faster. We’ll walk you through the application process and deliver your visa to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Indonesian visa today!