Globalteer orientation guide

Sulawesi, Indonesia All the tips, information and recommendations you need to get ready for your

upcoming volunteer placement.

Contents

1. Welcome to Sulawesi, Indonesia!

• About Globalteer • Getting out and about • Day excursions from the project • Useful local contacts

2. Getting ready for your placement

• Visa and insurance information • Packing guide • Getting to Indonesia

3. Volunteering in Indonesia

• A brief history of Indonesia • Climate • Health • Safety • Responsible travel • Expenses • Culture shock • Keeping in touch with home

This Globalteer Sulawesi Indonesia information pack will ensure you arrive fully prepared for your international volunteering and travel experience. Welcome to Travelling to a new country always causes a few 1 worries and apprehensions, and this guide will give you all the information you need to turn Sulawesi, Indonesia! those worries into excitement.

You will also receive an additional project Congratulations on your decision to specific information pack before your arrival. volunteer with Globalteer! We are certain that you will have a fantastic So sit down, have a read, and start getting ready time and also help out your project in an for your trip of a lifetime! amazing way. We also have additional project information on our website, including FAQs, previous volunteer This guide is for everyone who will be stories, photo gallery and further accommodation coming to Sulawesi, Indonesia, to information. volunteer with Globalteer.

If you still have questions after reading this guide, please contact us by email.

Our team is well travelled and we are able to help answer anything further you would like to know about the project, getting prepared for your placement, and in-country travel!

“I donated more than a little blood to the mosquito population, and shared laughter and tears with volunteers that will remain in my memories as bright candles in the darkness of one possible future of our planet. A truly remarkable and unforgettable adventure!”

– Ann, Globalteer Indonesia volunteer

About Globalteer Globalteer was founded as a UK non-profit organisation in June 2006. Globalteer is a registered charity in the UK (registration number 1119706), which means that Globalteer is legally required to ensure that 100% of all monies received are used to achieve our charitable objectives.

Our Strategies • To work with projects that meet genuine local needs, as identified by the communities they serve, and that meet our criteria for sustainability and responsibility. • To work closely with our partner projects to ensure that all volunteer placements are of genuine value to the project and are in keeping with the projects’ short term goals and long term objectives • To place suitably experienced volunteers within approved partner projects on tasks where there is a local shortage of necessary skills. • To encourage the transfer of volunteer skills to local staff wherever possible. • To help fund the continued development of partner projects. • To help all our partner projects to become fully self-funded and locally managed with minimal requirement for external support. • To continually assess the needs of the communities with whom we work and identify new partners and new initiatives as necessary.

Getting out and about This section of the orientation guide will give you more information about what to do in and around Sulawesi. Our travel partner can advise if you wish to book excursions before you leave home and if you do book through them, they will make a small donation to Globalteer. Please visit our website for details of our travel partners

However, don’t forgot to ask project staff for recommendations once you arrive, especially regarding any local upcoming festivals, or places to visit near your project site.

There are many things to do during your free time, including relaxing, reading, observing the animals, exploring the area, socialising with other volunteers, and learning Indonesian. The project also has a TV and DVD player that are available for use during certain hours with a large selection of movies. There are also a variety of games available.

On days off, volunteers sometimes choose to take a taxi to the capital city of Manado to spend a night or two. Manado has many restaurants, bars, markets and shopping malls, and is approximately 60 minutes from the rescue centre. You can spend the day there shopping, sightseeing or getting a well-earned massage.

Alternatively, you could do a day tour of Manado and its surroundings, including Tomohon Market and Mount Mahawu.

The rescue centre itself is situated on a volcanic beach next to a coral reef so many volunteers choose to spend their time off relaxing and snorkelling.

Sulawesi is a beautiful island and you may wish to explore via hire care. Please note that you should obtain an international driving licence in your own country if you wish to drive in Indonesia.

Day excursions from the project Mount Klabat Hike 35-40 minutes drive from the project The highest peak in the Minahasa region (1,995m) with a spectacular view to the coasts and islands all around, Klabat is a popular hike for local residents as the trail is in good condition.

It is possible to complete the climb as a day hike, although the 1,750 m elevation gain with a steep and steady climb makes this quite challenging. Four to six hours are required for the ascent and approximately four hours for the descent.

Tangkoko-Duasudara Batuangus Nature Reserves 1.5 hour drive from project Tangkoko is particularly attractive as its unique wildlife can be observed roaming free in the forest on easy level walks, such as the critically endangered Macaca Nigra – also known as black crested macaque – the nocturnal Spectral Tarsier, and various bird species, like the Sulawesi Knobbed Hornbill.

Masarang Sea Turtle Project 1 hour drive from the project This project provides the unique opportunity to support sea turtle populations from a small beach in North Sulawesi. Visitors will not see turtles held captive in tanks or have any opportunity to touch turtles, as the programme is focussed on increasing wild populations that already suffer too much human disturbance.

If you do a night safari, there may be the chance to witness hatchlings emerging from the nest and going to sea. It may even be possible to witness turtles nesting during March-September, but this is often difficult as the presence of visitors can deter the turtles from coming to shore.

Minahasa Highlands 1.5 hour drive from the project This is an excursion of breath-taking scenery heading through the city of Tomohon, known locally as the ‘city of flowers’. It sits at about 900m in elevation in a saddle between two volcanoes: Mt Lokon and Mt Mahawu.

You can visit the local market and see the traditional Minahasa wooden houses, or stroll around the sulphurous Lake Linow near Lahendong Village, or visit Pulutan Village – the centre of local pottery. Easy climbs up to the crater rim of Mahawu volcano are possible for views to Lokon-Empung and beyond.

Useful local contacts You will be provided the essential project contact details in your travel confirmation email from Globalteer. Here are some general phone numbers and addresses for your stay in Indonesia. The project will be able to provide recommendations for health care clinics and hospitals if necessary upon your arrival.

Emergency numbers US Embassy Police – 110/112 (SMS 1717) Jl. Merdeka Selatan No. 5, Jakarta 10110 Ambulance and Rescue – 118 +62 21 34359000 Fire – 113 Medical Emergencies – 119 Canadian Embassy Tourist Police (Jakarta) – (021) 526 4073 World Trade Centre, 6th Floor, Jl. Jend Sudirman, Kav. 29, P.O. Box 8324/JKS.MP, Immigration Jakarta Department of Immigration – Manado +62 21 2550 7800 Jl. 17 Agustus Kel. Teling, Kec. Wanea, Manado Australian Embassy (0431) 841688, 863491 Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16, Jakarta [email protected] Selatan 12940, Jakarta http://www.manado.imigrasi.go.id +62 21 2550 5555

Embassies and consulates For other nationalities, you can find a full list British Embassy of embassies in Indonesia here. Jl. Patra Kuningan Raya Blok L5-6, Setiabudi, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12950 +62 21 23565200

Visa & insurance Getting ready information 2 Getting your visa It is the volunteer's responsibility to arrange an for your placement entry visa.

To volunteer in Indonesia you will require a ‘Social- Cultural’ Visa. Now that your placement confirmed, it is time to start getting prepared for your You need to apply for this visa before you travel from the Indonesian Embassy in your country. You trip of a lifetime. will get a 60 day visa, which is extendable up to 6 months. This includes organising flights, insurance, visas and of course trying to A single entry Social-Cultural Visa is valid if fit everything in your bag! presented within 3 months from the date of issue.

You are required to send us a copy of your Everything in this section will help you Passport photo ID page so the center can provide know exactly what you need to do a sponsor letter for your visa application. before coming to the project and starting your placement. You can read more about getting your visa on our website.

Travel insurance

Insurance is not included in your volunteer placement fee.

Travel insurance is only a boring subject if you are unlucky enough to get sick or injured, or find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere on your big trip. Being uninsured in such situations can work out much more expensive than the cost of an insurance premium and can also be dangerous.

In developing countries reliable healthcare and emergency treatment can be hard to find, and extremely expensive for foreigners. This is why we strongly recommend that all our volunteers take out suitable travel insurance.

You can read more about the importance of travel insurance and our insurance partner here on our website.

Packing guide Almost everything you need can be bought in Manado. Packing clothes is a personal thing as some people prefer to pack light and others take as many items of clothes as can be fitted in their backpack! This is only a general guide that should be adjusted to your personal preferences. The average size of people in Indonesia can be smaller, so if you require large size clothing or shoes then it may be very difficult to find them locally.

Please bring clothing that you are happy getting dirty at the project.

The rescue centre is located in a conservative country in a rural village. In order to preserve the reputation of the project in the local community, volunteers are requested to behave in a respectable manner at all times and to dress conservatively. For cultural reasons, this applies particularly to women. Please observe the following: • Wear t-shirts and tops that cover the shoulders and do not display any midriff or cleavage. • Always wear a bra and preferably tops that are not tight. • Shorts should be about knee length, not displaying too much thigh.

Essentials Accessories Passport (and some photocopies) Camera, memory cards, battery charger Travel insurance documents Torch or headlamp ATM cards (remember to tell your bank you are Books going overseas!) Phone and charger if required Card listing vaccinations received Electrical converter if necessary Copies of tickets for any onwards travels US dollars, euro or pounds as back-up cash Copies of essential project phone numbers Clothing Health 1 x sandals for general wear Insect repellent 1 x walking/running/hiking shoes (your feet will get Shampoo/soap wet no matter what time of year due to the nature Deodorant of some of the work). You can also buy gumboots Sunscreen locally if you prefer to work in these. Toothbrush and toothpaste Light and cool underwear and socks Tissue/Toilet Paper* (to take on days out, just in Quick drying long trousers or shorts (a pair of case none available in toilets) Note: toilet paper trousers that zip off to shorts can be handy). Long can’t always be flushed in Indonesia trousers will protect you from bugs at night Hairbrush/comb/shaving gel if required T-shirts that are loose and lightweight Feminine hygiene products (tampons can be hard 1 x long sleeve shirt for sun and bug protection to find and are expensive) 1x warm top for cooler nights Personal prescriptions 1 x hat for sun protection Painkillers for headaches, etc. 1 x swim suit (depending on travels) First Aid Kit 1 x nightclothes Glasses/contacts (with a spare set and your prescription) 1 x waterproof jacket/poncho *a note regarding toilet paper – you may be asked to 1 x lightweight gardening gloves purchase your own at the project in an effort to prevent over-use and maintain eco-friendly policy. It can be purchased inexpensively at the supermarket once you arrive – no need to bring it along in your suitcase.

Getting to Indonesia

You will receive a pre-arrival email from Globalteer before your placement, which will include your airport or hotel pick-up confirmation, project address, local project staff contact details, and any other relevant arrival information.

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your travel arrangements, Globalteer has travel partners who could save you both time and money. Read more about booking your travel through our partners on our website.

Travel within Asia is becoming easier and cheaper. Getting to Manado, Sulawesi, from your home country usually involves arriving at a major hub in Asia and then taking an onward flight to Sulawesi.

The nearest international airport is Manado (airport code MDC).

Flights to Manado are available from Indonesia (Jakarta, Denpasar), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), the Philippines (Davao) and Singapore (Singapore city).

We recommend you contact a local travel agent for the best deals or research online.

Note that the cheapest flights will have fixed dates, so if you are unsure of your return date and wish to have a flexible ticket, then this will probably cost more.

NB: For airport pickups, you need to arrive by 6pm. If you arrive in Manado after 6pm you will need to book a hotel for the night and will be picked up the next day.

The project recommends the Novotel Manado for a hotel with English speaking staff close to the airport. An additional surcharge applies for hotels that are not in the airport area, so a hotel pick-up from Manado City or the habour will be 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah.

A brief history of Indonesia Volunteering 3 The history of Indonesia has been shaped by its geographic position, its natural resources, a series of human migrations and contacts, wars and in Indonesia conquests, as well as by trade, economics and politics. Indonesia is known for its diversity and beauty, with its rich history, stunning Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited) stretching along the scenery, and welcoming people. equator in South East Asia. The country's strategic sea-lane position fostered inter-island and Here is a snapshot of Indonesia so you international trade; trade has since fundamentally can understand more about this shaped Indonesian history. amazing country and people! The area of Indonesia is populated by peoples of various migrations, creating a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and languages. The archipelago's landforms and climate significantly influenced agriculture and trade, and the formation of states.

Europeans arrived in Indonesia from the 16th century seeking to monopolise the sources of valuable nutmeg, cloves, and cubeb pepper in Maluku. In 1602 the Dutch established the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and became the dominant European power by 1610.

The Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation in 1942-45 during WWII ended Dutch rule, and encouraged the previously suppressed Indonesian independence movement. Two days after the surrender of Japan in August 1945, nationalist leader, Sukarno, declared independence and became president.

An attempted coup in 1965 led to a violent army- led anti-communist purge in which over half a million people were killed. General Suharto politically outmanoeuvred President Sukarno, and became president in March 1968. His New Order administration garnered the favour of the West whose investment in Indonesia was a major factor in the subsequent three decades of substantial economic growth.

Climate Like other regions in Indonesia, North Sulawesi has a typical equatorial climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. In September, cool northwesterly winds pick up moisture while crossing the South China Sea and arrive in the Sulawesi Sea about November. The wet season lasts from about November to March, but it is usually less pronounced than in many other parts of Southeast Asia and thus not really a serious concern in North Sulawesi.

With the effects of global warming already changing the climate in tropical areas, it is hard to predict what the next season will bring. However, the following is a rough guideline for this part of Indonesia:

Dry season: May to October (23-31°C, rare occurrence of rain). Wet season: November to April (23-30°C, brief heavy rain showers a few times per week).

Health All volunteers must have up to date vaccinations for Tetanus and Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B can occur in apes and therefore there is a potential risk, although no cases have been recorded at the centre.

The most likely ailment you will encounter is the usual for travellers to a foreign country: traveller’s diarrhoea. This is caused by bacteria or parasites in water or food. Some tips to avoid getting sick are: • Do not drink the tap water – bottled drinking water is available everywhere and there is also clean water available onsite. • Use bottled water for brushing teeth. • Personal hygiene – always wash hands after using the toilet and before meals. • Food – peel fruits and vegetables before eating. • Ensure your salad is not washed in tap water. • Be cautious of ice cubes in drinks – ensure they are not from tap water.

Symptoms usually last for 48 hours and the most dangerous side effect is dehydration. Drinking water and rehydration salts will help.

If the symptoms persist or you feel the need for help, then consult a doctor.

The centre does not require a rabies pre-exposure vaccination, but you may want to consider it to protect yourself from infection from stray dogs outside the centre. If you are exposed to rabies, you must obtain treatment within 24 hours if you have not received the pre-exposure injections.

Treatment includes immunoglobulin injections into the wound and a series of rabies vaccinations. If you have received the pre-exposure injections, you will still need to seek immediate medical attention to receive booster doses of the vaccine. There are medical facilities within one hour of the rescue centre.

Safety Northern Sulawesi is safe and friendly, but as always when travelling you must take the usual precautions to ensure your safety.

Common sense and knowledge are key, and you will have an orientation meeting on arrival to advise you of any necessary precautions to stay safe whilst working with animals.

You will spend almost all of your time at the project location, which is considered very safe.

You can read more about health and safety recommendations on our website.

Responsible travel

Globalteer is dedicated to a style of travel that is culturally, socially and environmentally responsible. Please, therefore, read the guidelines below to ensure you act responsibly whilst in country. The following are also the rules at all of our projects, and if these are not followed you will be at risk of being asked to leave the project and your placement with Globalteer.

• No drinking whilst volunteering, and smoking only in allocated areas. • Volunteers must come to the project during the agreed on hours. • Handing out political or religious materials is forbidden. • Volunteers are required to follow our Globalteer code of conduct.

Body language When Indonesians meet, they touch their heart after shaking hands. If meeting an Indonesian, do the same. This will really impress them!

Indonesians are non-confrontational. If they are upset about something you do, they will just walk away. Instead of denying any request with a direct no, they will say ‘maybe later’. You will cause a lot of trouble for the project if you behave in a confrontational manner towards Indonesians. This includes shouting or making stern remarks towards them or anyone else.

Smile and speak a little Indonesian and you will be loved by the locals. Do not take offence if they call you ‘bule’ – this translates as white person and is just used to describe westerners.

Do not point the soles of your feet at anyone. Do not touch people’s heads or step over anyone’s head. Remove shoes when entering Indonesian houses or a temple. Physical expression of love (eg. hugging, kissing) is not very common among the conservative Indonesians. You are strongly asked to avoid such actions in public.

Indonesian people are very proud of their country and culture and we would encourage you to read more about Indonesia and make a real effort to understand and respect the Indonesian culture. You will find this really enhances your experience of Indonesia.

Dress code Indonesia is a conservative country and we ask that you respect them by dressing accordingly. Indonesia hosts many tourists and one of the major concerns to the Indonesian people is the liberal and inappropriate dress worn by tourists. The basic rule is to cover your knees and shoulders. T- shirts covering the shoulders, sandals and anything that covers the knees are all acceptable. Modest, high cut sleeveless tops are acceptable. Men should always wear a top and women should always wear a bra.

Toilets Do not put toilet paper down the toilet if there is a bin in the bathroom as this can block the toilet. If there is a bin then it is there for all toilet paper.

Time Here people do not stress over time and it is not uncommon for things to happen later than arranged. Just go with the flow and forget stress!

Photos Always ask permission before taking someone’s photograph. Children will be very, very interested to see their image on your digital camera and will rush to see it after the photo is taken.

Beggars and hawkers Try to be courteous to hawkers selling gifts to tourists. A polite ‘no, thank you’ and a smile is usually all that is needed to be left alone. Don’t forget that they are just trying to make a living. Begging is an unsustainable activity. People do not wish to be beggars but have been forced into the situation by poverty.

Giving sweets to children who have no access to toothpaste or toothbrushes causes major problems. Giving money to children makes them spend more time begging and prevents them from going to school. When they become older and ‘less cute’ they earn less money and have no education or possibility of employment.

Litter The streets are often dirty as there are limited rubbish bins provided. Please do not throw your litter in the street or countryside just because it is already dirty.

Expenses The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Please check the current exchange rate from the Rupiah to the currency of your country.

Examples of some typical costs Indonesian Rupiah A meal, excluding drinks, at a restaurant (average) 75,000 Average meal at a street vendor 15,000 Bottle of beer at the supermarket (620ml) 18,000 Bottle of soft drink 1.5L (e.g. Coca-Cola) 12,000 Taxi/bemo from the rescue centre to Manado city, 255,000 each way Indonesian SIM-card starter pack for your mobile 700,000 phone (SIM-card including credit) Mobile phone call to Europe/North America/ 2400/3000/2100 Australia (per minute)

Getting cash Please note that there are no cash-dispensers in the local village and it is not possible to pay with cards there. To draw out cash, you will have to go to Manado city or take some out when you arrive at the airport.

For emergency cash, you can also change money at the airport (located in the international arrival hall). If you plan to change lots of money, it is recommended you change it at an exchange bureau in Manado City as they give better rates than in the airport.

Culture shock

Culture shock expresses a lack of direction and the feeling of not knowing how to do things in a new environment. This feeling generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place where everything is different. Although culture shock can be difficult to overcome, it is also an opportunity for learning and acquiring a new perspective!

Symptoms • Sadness, loneliness, melancholy • Preoccupation with health • Aches, pains, and allergies • Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little • Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless • Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others • Loss of identity • Unable to solve simple problems • Overeating or loss of appetite • Unexplainable crying • Boredom • Developing stereotypes about the new culture • Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness • Longing for family, extreme homesickness • Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused

How to fight culture shock Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are: • Develop a hobby, or continue to practice things that you also do at home. • Be patient – the act of acculturating is a process of adaptation to new situations. • Learn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavourable environment, don't put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself. • Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etc. • Relaxation and meditation can be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress • Make friends! This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation. • Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time. • Allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, friends, etc. • Accept the new country. Focus your power on getting through the transition. • Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future.

Keeping in touch with home Please make sure your friends and family are aware of how to contact you before you leave!

Telephones Even if you are only staying a few weeks, the best option is to bring your own mobile phone and buy a cheap Indonesian SIM-card here (e.g. SIM-Pati), so you can receive calls/messages free and make calls at a reasonable cost.

The mobile wavebands in Indonesia are the same as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc. so a mobile phone from these regions will work fine. Cell-phones from North America will need to be multi-band to be able to work, however it is also possible to buy new phones for less than 300,000 IDR.

If you do not have your own phone with you, it is not possible to make international calls from the rescue centre. If you need to make an overseas call you can do so at one of the nearby towns such as Bitung.

In case of an emergency (and only in a real emergency!), you can receive incoming calls at the rescue centre; the best time for people to call is in the evenings and not after 21h00 local time in Indonesia. Please stress that calling the centre numbers must only be in a real emergency and preferably not during the middle of the night in Indonesia. Local time in Sulawesi can be checked on the following site: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=555

Internet There is a 24hr internet café within a 10 minute drive from the project that has a good connection where volunteers often go when they are finished with the day’s duties.

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