frequently asked questions
Answers to a range of questions frequently asked by Kararu guests prior to their arrival in Indonesia, (what to bring, dive conditions, etc). You can download and print a copy of this page in Adobe Acrobat format by clicking on the icon at right. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions not already answered here.
Do I need to bring money onboard the vessel?
All meals and soft drinks are included onboard but you might wish to purchase alcoholic drinks and other snacks. In addition, Kararu has an onboard shop selling a range of Indonesian products. During shore excursions you may wish to purchase local handicrafts and will find it useful having some of the local Rupiah currency.
What currencies should I bring to Indonesia?
Bring a strong western currency either in cash or travellers' cheques. When bringing American dollars it is best to bring $100 notes (in good condition and printed after 2003). Travellers' cheques are accepted at money changers and hotels but you will receive a reduced rate of exchange, this will also be the case for notes of lower denomination. All other major currencies are accepted in popular tourist destinations such as Bali and with fewer rules about note denomination.
Can I use my credit card in Indonesia?
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops as well as onboard with Kararu. Visa and MasterCard are the best credit cards to bring. Most shops will insist on charging a 3% fee for using a credit card. Hotels and restaurants will apply an additional 10% tax and often a service charge of between 5% and 11%. Banks will give cash advances for a fee of 1% to 2% of the amount drawn in Rupiah. ATM machines are common in Bali but less so in the remoter areas of Indonesia. They offer the best exchange rates.
How do I pay for purchases on the live aboard?
Onboard purchases can be paid in local Rupiah or any western currency with either cash or travellers' cheque's. Kararu also accepts credit card payments for Visa and MasterCard. There will be a sales tax of 10% added to all charges made on board.
What is the tipping policy?
Industry standard is 10% of your per person cruise price. We provide two tip boxes, one for the Crew members and one for Divemasters/Cruise directors. It is suggested that the tip be divided 50/50 between the two tip boxes.
Can I tip the crew on my credit card?
Yes, It will be subject to the same 10% sales tax as all other charges (cash tips are not subject to sales tax)
What can I expect the water temperature and visibility to be like?
Typically, the northern shores are warmer (80-86F), with clearer waters, whereas the southern waters are colder (70-75F) with poorer visibility.
What wetsuit do you recommend?
This is always a difficult question to answer because people have different reactions to temperature. For the northern shores a 3mm suit or even a skin is fine. For the southern waters 5mm is the norm although 3mm with a hooded vest is often used by guests.
Do you rent dive equipment onboard?
Yes, we have a large range of dive equipment onboard including wetsuits should the water be too cold. We insist on our guests all diving with a dive computer and a surface marker (safety sausage). You can rent these onboard should you wish. Please contact our office should you wish a full list of rental prices.
How many dives can I expect to do on the trip?
It is the aim of Kararu to offer our guests as much diving as weather, sea conditions and time permit. It is usual to do 35 dives on an eleven night trip and 21 dives on a 7 night trip. Please note that there is usually no diving on the first day of the regular live aboard itineraries as we will be steaming to our first dive site
Do you offer shore excursions or tours?
Yes, we organise an excursion on every trip to see the Komodo dragons. All costs involved are included in the trip. Guests are also very welcome to go ashore on the islands during a trip when we are anchored for a period of time. We ask guests to let us know anytime you would like to go ashore so we can make plans.
Bali is also a wonderful place to take time to explore and Kararu Dive Voyages offers a number of tours and excursions that may be taken either before or after the trip. Please enquire for further details.
Any more questions?
We look forward to welcoming you onboard and sharing the delights of the region with you. Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any further questions not answered here.