Indonesia

Situated between two continents and two oceans, The Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago comprising some 17,508 islands that stretch across the equator for more than 5,000 miles. Straddling the equator, Indonesia is distinctly tropical with two seasons: dry and rainy season with tempreture ranging from 24-33 degree Celcius. With its geographical location in South East Asia, Indonesia is accessible for delegates regardless of the region they are from. Being the 4th biggest population in the world with nearly 88% of its 220 million citizens of the Muslim faith, peace-loving Indonesia welcomes the opportunities to host The 1st International Round Table Meeting of World Ocean Conference, Indonesia is also a melting pot different community, benefiting from centuries of peaceful coexistence.

Indonesia is great place to visit, as it offers super natural beauty, cultural, artistic wealth, and warm hospitality. The diversity and authenticity of cultures, arts, as well as flora and fauna represents the precious treasures that can be found throughout different parts of Indonesia.

Manado

Manado is the capital of the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. Manado is located at the Bay of Manado, and is surrounded by a mountainous area. The city has about 417,548 inhabitants. The municipality of Manado is divided into nine districts: Malalayang, Sario, Wanea, Wenang, Tikala, Mapanget, Singkil, Tuminting and Mapanget.

As the largest city in the region, Manado is a key tourist transit point for visitors. Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado is one of the main entry ports to Indonesia. In 2005, no less than 15,000 international passengers entered Indonesia via Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Ecotourism is the biggest attraction in Manado. Scuba diving and snorkelling on the nearby island of Bunaken are popular attractions. Ban Hin Kiong Temple is another tourism spot in the city, especially during the Chinese New Year celebration. Souvenirs shops are located on B.W. Lapian street. Other places of interest are nearby Lake Tondano, Lokon Volcano, Klabat Volcano and Mahawu Volcano.

It is easy to find places to shop around Manado, since many of the shopping malls are located on Piere Tendean Boulevard. There are four recent shopping malls there, namely Mega Mall, Manado Town Square, Boulevard Mall and IT Center. Traffic jam usually occurs at Piere Tendean Boulevard because of the existence of the shopping malls.

Culture and Customs

Manadonese are fun loving and radiant people and smiles are characteristic. Shaking hands on introduction is the usual for both men and women. Using the left hand to give or to receive something is considered taboo (the left hand is used for personal hygiene), pointing with the left hand is rude and crooking a finger to call someone is impolite.

When bargaining for a purchase, settle all prices in advance. Don't ask a price or make an offer unless you intend to buy. When bargaining, start at half the asking price and reach a compromise. Remember that Rp. 5000 (US 40 cent) can mean the difference of a day's meal.

Don't display large sums of money. Manadonese have a strong sense of pride and consider temptation, and suspicion, insulting.

Wear a shirt or swimsuit cover-up when not on the beach or pool. Swimsuits, a swim top and sarong, etc., are not acceptable attire on any street. Nude bathing is illegal and impolite.

Begging is not customary in Manado. If you hand out money you encourage people to ask again.

Manadonese are conscious of presentation, both for themselves and visitors. Poor attire often attracts poor service, especially in government offices. Singlets, halter tops and mini skirts are not acceptable in government offices. The proper dress code: trousers and collared shirt with sleeves for men, and dress or skirt with blouse with sleeves for women.

Language

The working language of the World Ocean Conference meetings is English.

Bahasa Indonesia is the most widely spoken language in Manado. English is a common second language (and the primary foreign language) of many Manadonese.

Sales and Service Taxes

Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add government tax and service charge of up to 21 percent to the bill. Tipping is unusual and you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your taxi driver, a tip of 10-15 percent is appreciated. Carry small change with you as taxi drivers often have none. Round up the fare to the nearest Rp. 1000. If traveling in a group, a tip to drivers and guides is appreciated. Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 5000 per bag, depending on the size and weight.

Climate / Weather

Manado has a climate that is tropical all year; however the wet session is from October to March. In May, the average temperature hovers around 27 – 33 C.

Clothing

Light cotton, viscose or silk clothes are most comfortable to wear in this warm climate (linen is usually too heavy). It is recommended during the meetings to wear shawl or light jacket when the air conditioning may be too cool in the hotel.

Time Zone

Indonesia is divided into three time zones:

UTC/GMT + 7 hours – Jakarta
UTC/GMT + 8 hours – Island of Manado
UTC/GMT + 9 hours – East part of Indonesia

Electricity Supply

Hotels use 220 volt A/C. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have transformers switch. It is suggested that each delegate should take an adaptor for your appliance.

Banking Services

Banks located at Manado, are open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 to 16:00 pm, and provide the full range of financial and banking services, including currency & traveler’s check exchange, and automatic teller machines.

Most Hotels accepts most credit cards and international debit cards.

Currency /Foreign Exchange

In Manado, most of the resorts accept Singapore Dollars (SGD) and US Dollars (USD). However, all the transaction in Manado and other places are in Indonesia Rupiah (IDR), so it is required to exchange the currency to IDR.

Convertion rates against major currencies are as follows (as of December 2008)

Please exchange money only at official exchange offices such as banks, hotels and money changers. Banking hours are from 08.00 am to 15.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Money Changers are generally open till evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA, MASTER, ALTO, LINK and more. A mobile banking service will be operational during office hour at the conference sites.

Telecommunication

Local and International direct-dial telephone, facsimile services and e-mail facilities will be available at the hotel and the World Ocean Conference venue.

Wi-Fi high speed wireless Internet access and several stationary computers will be provided to delegates at The Conference Centre.

Prepaid seluler vouchers are widely avalaible in most outlets in Manado. Indonesian Seluler companies have signed roaming services with major global providers operating on GSM system. Citizen from the US, France, Japan and other countries with particular seluler system are requested to consult their local providers for roaming capacity in Indonesia.

Tourism

Information on tourism can be found on the following websites: www.woc2009.org.

Social / Leisure Events

The Programme of social events, including a day’s excursion on Sunday, 10 May 2009 (to be confirmed) is arranged and with the compliment of the Local Government of Manado and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism. Details of these events can be found at the registration form.

Business and Shopping Hours

Officials working hours of government institutions: 09.00am – 17.00pm
Shopping hours: 10.00am – 22.00pm

Security & Crime

Don't leave valuables unattended. Be extra careful of purses, wallets and backpacks in crowded areas. Don't lend money if you expect it to be returned. Carry photocopies of passports, tickets and driver's licenses and keep originals in the hotel safe. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia and prosecution means a long prison term and/or huge fines, even death penalty for trafficking.

Prohibited Articles

Customs regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of one litter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 gram of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume.. Narcotics, arms and ammunition and Chinese medicines are items that strictly prohibited while fresh fruits, plants and animals must pass the Quarantine Office.

Children

Children are loved in Manado. Reliable baby sitters are available. Limited hotels have kid's clubs and children's programs.

Health and Medical Services & Concerns

Please advise the host country if you have a health condition that need particular attention.

Doctor and medical services are available at all official hotels including stand by paramedics at the conference centres. Please inform the host if you have health conditions or factors that need special attention. The host is preparing medical services, facilities and practitioners including some stocks of common drugs in and around the covention center and the hotels.

There are no inoculation or vaccination requirements for visitors to Manado. Visitors arriving from parts of Africa, however, may be screened for Yellow Fever, Cholera and diarhea. If you have recently been infected with these diseases please consult your health authorities and obtain travel advice accordingly.

Day-biting mosquitoes often carry dengue fever, but this is not a problem in tourist areas. Manado is non-malarial and prophylaxis is not required. Mosquito bites, cuts or abrasions easily infected in the tropics. Treat them immediately.

Drink only bottled or boiled water (air putih) and never drink tap water. Be particularly cautious when drinking water with Ice except in international hotels and the conference banquete outlets. Peel fruit before eating, avoid raw vegetables except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants is safe.

Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun. Use sun block and a hat.

A fever along with gastro-intestinal symptoms require doctor prescribed antibiotics. Drink as much liquid as possible. For discomfort, diarrhea and cramping, drink strong, hot tea; avoid fruits and spicy foods. White rice and bananas are a good diet during these ailments