For most first timers, the areas covered in this book will be more than enough. While the Periplus guide “Diving Indonesia” covers more areas, this one has the plus of containing information for snorkellers as well.
Practical details are a bit dated by now, though. The Dive Sites of Indonesia

Indonesian culture? A bit like saying Western culture… a rather broad term. But this book acknowledges that right away and does an admirable job of isolating the most important manners for visitors to know and use.

The book’s practical tips are especially useful, and these are organized with finger-tip simplicity (Do’s and Don’t’s appendix is great), making this book easy to consult at a moment’s notice. Business section and home help section (”Translating Needs into Action”) are especially helpful.

There are also meaty and interesting sections about Indonesian values, social structure, and food. It’s a good read, will serve well the traveler or expat.

Cultural quiz at the end, a test so silly no one could fail it, is the only negative to this guide. Culture Shock: Indonesia (Culture Shock! Indonesia)

Reviews of every surfing beach in Indonesia. This is a comprehensive guide covering every inch of every coast, a fantastic, one-of-a-kind, resource for surfers and vacations. Every full-color, pocket guide covers every inch of the Indonesian coast and also includes * signature Surfer’s Eye beach and wave maps * handy 4×5 inch size * breathtaking color & B&W photos by the world’s top surf photographers

About the Author
Larry Blair, born in Sydney, Australia, remains the only non-Hawaiian to twice win the Coke Classic pro surf contest. He is considered one of surfing’s true legends.

This book is a great disappointment. I have just returned from a visit to Bali and Jakarta and found this book to be almost totally useless. In fact because the book contains advertising from MCI and American Express I think that it could be possible that only establishments (retuarants and hotels/resorts who remunerate Foder’s get mentioned in this book. Specifically the information on Hotels and restuarants in Bali is so skimpy as to be laughable. Also applies to restuarants in Jakarta. I got mich more information by searching the web. All in all, don’t waaste your money on this book. Fodor\’s Indonesia, 2nd Edition: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore, Smart Travel Tips from A to Z, Plus Maps and Co lor Photos (Fodor\’s Indonesia)

A good reference overall that packs a lot of information in a small volume. While history is an important factor in understanding culture, too many pages were spent on it, and in some cases, seemed repetitive. It is a good primer reference, a handy travel ready reference, or good refresher. I recommend it for business travelers. Indonesia - Culture Smart!