ENTRY PERMIT. Especially for someone or group who visit the Lambusango forest and Kakenauwe Nature Reserve as well as to visit Wakatobi National Marine Park required an entry permit from the Forestry department office. This is important just for the convenience of the journey.

HOW TO GET THERE .There is regular flight from Makassar to Baubau. Pelni (Ferry Boat) is available from Makassar , but NOT everyday. The best is from Kendari, where four jet-foil from and to Kendari-Baubau are operate daily. It is highly recommended to contact your agents.

CLIMATE. Buton Island has a tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of 230 to 320 Celsius. The Rainy season from December to March brings heavies and cool evenings.

FEATURES AND LANGUAGE. Buton inhabitant renowned as very friendly and smiling people. They are speak in some local languages. Wolio language is mother tongue of the major community. However, “Bahasa Indonesia” is spoken throughout the islands.

ETIQUETTE. Appropriate dress is appreciated when visiting places of worship. Shoes should be removed before entering homes or holy places. Nude sunbathing is uncommon.

INDONESIA - GENERAL INFORMATION

Indonesia is a vast and beautifully diverse country of more than 17,000 islands spread across some 5,000 km of tropical ocean. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago spanning the seas between Australia and Asia . This country is the world’s 14th largest nation. More than 300 ethnic groups and languages co-exist here although “Bahasa Indonesia”, the national language is spoken throughout the archipelago.

CLIMATE. Warm, tropical weather year round, with an average maximum 300 C (880 F) from April to September, October to March, features higher rainfall and an averages maximum temperature of 280 C (830 F).

CREDIT CARD AND FOREIG EXCHANGE. Master Card, Dinner Club, American Express, and Visa are among the widely accepted credit cards by licensed retailers and restaurants. US dollar and other major currencies in banknotes or travelers cheques are easily exchangeable in banks or at authorized money changers in main tourist destinations but it is advisable to carry rupiah in sufficient amount before traveling to outer provinces or minor towns. Daily exchange rates are posted in banks and in leading daily newspapers.

OFFICE HOURS. Government office open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday in Jakarta and closed on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces they close at 3.00 p.m. and open on Saturdays till 1.00 p.m. Business offices have staggered hours. Some open for 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. or 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Some stay open for half day on Saturday. Banks in hotels stay open longer hours, and money changers till the evening.

SHOPPING. The big cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They stay open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. everyday. and some even on Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary.

MANNER. Indonesians are very polite people. Handshaking is customary both for men and women on introduction and greeting, and smiling is a national characteristic. The use of the left hand to give or receive is taboo, also crooking in your finger to call considered impolite.

PASSPORT AND VISA. All visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of passports valid for at least six month with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.