Going to Indonesia is a dream come true – tropical islands, smiling people, yummy food, and beautiful temples. But if you don’t prepare carefully, little mistakes can turn that dream into a travel headache.
Here are some of the most common slip-ups friends have made and how to avoid them, so your trip stays sunny, fun, and stress‑free.
Bonus alert: Two recent news stories highlight real risks travelers have faced, and how you can stay safe.
A Surprise Rule Change at Bali Airports
In June 2025, the news shared a scary story about an Australian visitor at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport. He had extended his visa online, but because the rules changed quietly in May, he still needed to go in person to an immigration office to finish the process.
He didn’t know this, and ended up missing two flights, spending thousands extra on hotels and new tickets, and feeling trapped. It all could’ve been avoided with just a quick check of the rule changes before traveling.
Just recently, the Indonesian immigration officials officially confirmed that starting May 29, 2025, all visitors who want to stay beyond 30 days must appear in person at an immigration office, after applying online, to get their visa extension.
This includes tourists, students, and those with temporary permits. If you belong to groups like elderly travelers or pregnant women, there’s special help available in person, but you still must appear.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Always check the latest visa rules before your trip.
- Plan ahead: finish the in-person steps well before your stay ends.
- Don’t rely only on online completion.
Methanol Danger in Drinks – A Hidden Threat
Here’s a sobering story: a Canadian woman who was traveling in Bali had a delicious-looking cocktail at a nice bar. But it turned out to have methanol in a poisonous substance sometimes found in fake alcohol.
She lost most of her vision afterward. Thankfully, she got medical help quickly, but she was left nearly blind.
Adding to that, Australian safety advisors recently warned tourists visiting Bali about two dangers: strong currents at unsafe beaches, and a rise in methanol poisoning risks from harmful drinks. This comes after reports of drownings and drink-related illnesses.
How to stay safe:
- Swim only where there are lifeguards.
- Avoid unsealed drinks, especially from street stalls or cheap sources.
- Choose canned or bottled drinks from trusted stores.
- Watch out for scams and trust only official help
Passport Validity: The Six‑Month Rule
One traveler’s family found themselves stuck, not at an airport in Indonesia, but back home, because a travel agent forgot to check that a child’s passport was valid for at least six months.
The plane ticket was non-refundable, and they lost a lot of money. Always check your passport’s expiration date early, and if someone else is helping book, ask them to check, too.
Make sure your visa and other document requirements are completed well before your travel time, so choose services that are reliable and align your travel timings accordingly to have a safe and relaxing travel experience.
Watch Your Stay, Avoid Overstays
Some tourist regions like Bali, Papua, and others are carefully monitored now. If you stay too long without a proper extension or try to sneak past the rules, you could be deported, or face much worse, like being banned from returning to Indonesia for many years.
Tip: Keep track of how many days you’ve been in Indonesia and make sure to renew your visa on time, without missing a beat.
Respect Local Customs – Don’t Get in Trouble
Different parts of Indonesia have different rules. In Bali, for instance, there are updated guidelines that tourists must follow, like dressing properly and using official payment methods (like QRIS). These rules are part of new efforts to encourage respectful, safe tourism.
Smart tip: Learn a few local customs before you go. Simple things like covering shoulders or knees in sacred places, or paying with approved methods, help you avoid trouble and show respect.
A Quick Checklist
Here’s a checklist to keep your trip smooth and happy:
- Check visa rules: Know if you need to appear in person or have special
support. - Stay safe at beaches: Swim only in safe spots; avoid unknown drinks.
- Use official sources: Avoid bogus websites or agents.
- Check your passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six more months.
- Track your stay: Don’t overstay your visa; extend on time.
- Learn local rules: Simple respect goes a long way.
Final thoughts
Indonesia is full of wonder – sunny beaches, tasty foods, beautiful islands, and kind people. But a few oversights can turn your fun adventure into a big hassle. By planning, staying informed, and respecting local rules, your trip can stay just as beautiful as you imagined.
Planning a trip to Asia? Read these articles next:
- Guide to Adventure Holidays in Asia
- 10 Things to Do in Singapore
- A Guide to Living in Thailand as a Digital Nomad
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