Talk to me about Indonesia

[Moose.]

There's a slight possibility that I might be taking my dream job in this part of the world but actually know very little about it! Closest I've been was living the Middle East during my childhood. Only problem is the pay would be crap! I assume it's pretty cheap to live out there?

Has anyone here ever lived in Indonesia? What's it like? Is malaria a big issue out there? Any experiences and comments welcome

[cs174]

I lived there for about 5 years in the late 90's. Absolutely loved it. Where about in Indonesia is the job? It's nothing like the Middle East, as it's much more liberal. Indonesia can be as cheap or as expensive as you like but the standard of living will be just as varied, depending on budget. When I was there, mostly in Jakarta, there were lots of English teachers living there, not earning much, but they seemed to have a good time.

Malaria is not a big deal, unless you'll be out in the remote parts of the country.

Have you worked overseas before? Will there be many other expats working for the same company? If your in Jakarta I'm sure you'll meet lots of expats quite quickly, but it can be a lonely place if you don't know anyone. It took me three months to find my feet but when I did, the social life was fantastic.

I've been back for a holiday a few times since, don't know how I managed to live in Jakarta for so long, I guess you just need to get beneath the surface. Lots of traffic and smog but when your living there you just get used to it.

There are some beautiful places around, e.g. Bali, Lombok, Thousand Islands etc. Diving is also the best ever.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Cheers,

Colin

[Moose.]

<Bump!>

Well, I got the job so am definitely going to be heading out to Indonesia at the end of this month

As for where I'm going to be; the training takes place in Pangandaran for a month or so. ~After that I could be based anywhere. Most likely Medan initially but really could be anywhere depending on where they need pilots and aircraft. They've got bases on Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua

I'll be living a shared houses with other expat pilots, so won't be the only westerner out there. Not to mention one of my good flying buddies also got a job on the same course, so we'll be travelling out together.

I've just booked up a visit to the local surgery to get some vaccinations. Sounds like I might be a human pin cushion

Edited by Moose. on Monday 12th October 13:12

[cs174]

Congratulations! You're gonna love it.

Colin

[anonymous-user]

You don't need many vaccinations for Indonesia, but if you are having them get them done by a WHO approved clinic that can give you a 'vaccination passport' then they will be valid for entry anywhere.
Indonesia is great, once you see through the traffic in Jakarta to the country underneath.
My advice to anyone coming to SE Asia for the first time, is don't see the same girl twice until you have been there at least 12 months, by then you will be over the loe at first sight syndrome.

[Not Ideal]

Congrats!