Lonely Planet Best of Bali (Lonely Planet Encounter Series)

National Geographic Traveler, September 2006
“Lonely Planet Phrasebooks. Portable, pocket-size, cheap, and available for almost any country you might want to visit…”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 27, 2004
“…Lonely Planet phrase books have long taken a hip, streetwise approach.”

Indonesian: Lonely Planet Phrasebook

This book is, despite being a bit dated now, far more thoroughly researched than most other LP guides. It is well worth having on a trip to Nusa Tenggara, even if you already have the general Indonesia guide (whose coverage of this region is far less extensive).
If only all LP guides were written by this author!

A word of warning though: despite the title, this book DOES NOT cover most of Indonesia’s eastern islands, only the smaller region of Nusa Tenggara or Southeastern Islands. Lonely Planet Indonesia\’s Eastern Islands

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)