Passenger Service Charge Excluded from Garuda Tickets

Indonesia’s Passenger Service Charge (PSC) will no longer be included in the price of a Garuda Indonesia flight tickets. From October 1st 2014, the PSC will have to be paid separately. Garuda first started including PSC in its fares in 2012 and was widely praised for the move.

 

However, it has now been said that it has since suffered significant losses due to uncollected payments. The Indonesian national carrier said it could start to bundle the PSC into its fares again in future, but only if other Indonesian airlines do likewise. Garuda’s low-cost subsidiary Citilink will continue to include PSC in its fares.

Follow us :

Latest News

Mount Ruang eruption: Indonesia & Malaysia update

Malaysia Product & Destination Update: April 2024

Japan Destination Update: April 2024

Family travel in Malaysia & Singapore: EXO’s insight and tips

Laos Product & Destination Update: April 2024

Read more...

Indonesia

Dive into the latest from EXO Indonesia: News, travel inspiration and stories

  • Indonesia

    Dive into the latest from EXO Indonesia: News, travel inspiration and stories

    View all
  • " alt="">
    Mount Ruang eruption: Indonesia & Malaysia update
    Continue reading
    Mount Ruang eruption: Indonesia & Malaysia update

    On 18 April 2024, Indonesia’s Mount Ruang began to erupt with smoke and ash spewing into the air. Although evacuations have been ordered for the northern side of Sulawesi Island, to date, there have been no recorded injuries or casualties and disruption to travel has been very limited.Please note that the volcanic eruption is Mount Ruang in Sulawesi, not Mount Raung which is located in East Java near to Mt Ijen.  As a precaution, Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia cancelled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sabah and Sarawak on 18 April. However, most regular flights have resumed as of 19 April.EXO continues to monitor the situation carefully,  ensuring the safety and well-being of all travellers, guides and staff.  We will update partners should further developments cause disruption to travellers.  Reach out to our Indonesia team Reach out to our Malaysia team

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Meet EXO Indonesia GM: Pablo Ramirez
    Continue reading
    Meet EXO Indonesia GM: Pablo Ramirez

    EXO welcomes back Pablo Ramirez as General Manager of EXO Indonesia. Previously serving as EXO Travel’s CFO, Pablo brings a passion for travel, deep connection to Indonesia and finance expertise to his new role.A global citizen with roots in Colombia and upbringing in Australia, Pablo has lived and worked on four continents. He first joined EXO as CFO in 2018, supporting the company through a period of remarkable growth and through the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic.Taking the helm of EXO Indonesia, Pablo looks to elevate our product offerings and enhance partner services by channelling his financial expertise and business acumen, as well as a personal passion for the country.‘Professionally and personally, [accepting the GM role]  felt like the right thing to do’, Pablo explains. ‘It’s really what I wanted to do and where I want to be. I can do finance with my eyes closed, but for GM I have my eyes and ears open. I love travelling and I love conversing and getting to know people from different walks of life.’ Partner with EXO 'I’m looking forward to scratching a bit deeper and finding more niche adventures to delve into.  Every island offers something different. It’s…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Trailblazing Talents: EXO Indonesia’s Adventure Guide Training
    Continue reading
    Trailblazing Talents: EXO Indonesia’s Adventure Guide Training

    EXO Indonesia’s Adventure team just returned from a retreat to the island of Flores. Over the course of five days, they participated in skills trainings, team building activities and, of course, adventures.‘This trip is a great opportunity for us to break the ice and connect after an intense and wonderful season’, explains Eka Putri, EXO Indonesia Adventure Manager. ‘Over the last decade, the team has grown from 9 to 28 people’.The retreat consisted of two components: Adventure Leadership training and Adventure Tour Leaders gathering. The former focused on developing leadership skills and group management while the latter was an opportunity to reinforce to the entire team EXO’s quality standards and sustainability policies.‘This training is crucial to improve the leadership skills of our guides in Flores when they lead trips’, Eka explains. ‘It is also a great opportunity to meet in person and clarify our standards and EXO expectations in the field’.In addition, the gathering provided a valuable exchange of ideas and to hear feedback from the guides about how EXO Adventure can continue to enhance our service quality. EXO Adventure Epic routes, great gear and support teams raise the bar on each EXO Adventure journey but it is our guides…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Beyond Bali: Quick, easy getaway to Komodo and Rinca
    Continue reading
    Beyond Bali: Quick, easy getaway to Komodo and Rinca

    Beyond the allure of its namesake dragons, Komodo National Park and its surroundings boast opportunities to snorkel above vibrant coral reefs, trek through savannah landscapes and experience cultural traditions. With daily direct flights from Bali, accessing this region is easier than ever. And with a growing number of hotels being developed and a wide range of boat trips on offer, this region is poised to become a popular add-on to any Indonesian holiday. A three day trip, using Labuan Bajo as a base, is enough to include a boat trip to Komodo, Rinca and other neighbouring islands for trekking, wildlife spotting, snorkelling and more. Or stay longer on Labuan Bajo to dive deepr into Flores’ culture through the food, art and diverse landscapes. Fresh off an inspection in the region, EXO Indonesia is excited about the range of options available. Camille, EXO French Regional Production Manager, suggests, ‘Everyone should include Komodo in their trip to Indonesia. It's an absolute must-see and so different from what Bali has to offer! With direct, daily and short flights from Bali, it's an easy combination to explore more of the country and its natural wonders’.Read on to discover more about the islands and the experiences that…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Bali Arrival Fee to be Introduced
    Continue reading
    Bali Arrival Fee to be Introduced

    The Indonesian government recently announced plans for a new tourism fee. Effective 14 February 2024 onwards, all international visitors to Bali will be required to pay 150,000 IDR (approximately 10 USD) on arrival.This one-time payment is required prior to entry, whether by land, sea, or air.  Guests can pre-pay by card, bank transfer or with virtual accounts via the official website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/).  Alternatively, the levy may be paid on the spot by credit card. A digital receipt will be issued post-payment and must be presented at various checkpoints throughout the stay. This receipt remains valid for the entire duration of the visit to Indonesia, even if travellers exit and re-enter Bali.Please note that this fee is independent of the Indonesia Visa fees. For most nationalities, an e-visa can be easily be obtained (here)  for 500,000 IDR. Read on for more information: Payment optionsTravellers can pay the Bali tourist levy in advance or on arrival. Prepayment: The levy can be paid in advance of arrival. Travellers need to go to the official website and enter their passport number, name, email address and arrival date. They will then be directed to a secure payment gateway where they can pay by credit card, bank transfer or…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Discover Raja Ampat: Indonesia’s island paradise
    Continue reading
    Discover Raja Ampat: Indonesia’s island paradise

    The Raja Ampat archipelago is often billed ‘The Last Paradise on Earth’ and for good reason: with spectacular, unspoiled nature and relatively few visitors, it is easy to see why! Following a recent inspection, EXO shares our impressions and trip planning insight.Amanda Pilar, Director of Sales for EXO North America, and Camille Barberis, EXO French Product Manager, recently returned from an inspection of Indonesia's Raja Ampat region.‘Raja Ampat has more than 1,500 small islands, each with its own charm. We spent six days island-hopping and discovering hidden beaches, lagoons, spectacular viewpoints and more,’ Amanda Pilar explains. Camille was also on a cruise in the region, adding ‘Raja Ampat has the best snorkelling spots I've ever seen in my life! But also there are the diverse landscapes like islands, jungles and mangroves as well as varied experiences including fishing, village visits and a cooking class to enjoy. The length of the trip also makes it unique- I was cruising for more than a week and I almost felt like a pirate exploring undiscovered territories!’ 'The light in Raja Ampat is incredible from sunrise to sunset, reflecting the vibrant underwater colours of the fish and corals.' Raja Ampat underwater experiences Raja Ampat is…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Recent volcanic activity in Indonesia: updates and impacts
    Continue reading
    Recent volcanic activity in Indonesia: updates and impacts

    Since the start of December, there have been a series of significant seismic events in Indonesia. To date, EXO’s tours have not been affected but our team in Indonesia is monitoring the recent eruptions and ongoing developments, with our top priority being the safety and well-being of travellers. Despite these volcanic activities, it's worth noting that Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta Airport continues to operate as usual. There have been no disruptions to air travel, and the airport remains fully operational. Here is the most current and comprehensive information about the Indonesian volcano activity: Mount Marapi, West Sumatra: Ongoing Eruptions Mount Marapi, located in West Sumatra, erupted on 3 December around 15.00. Unfortunately more than 20 climbers are missing and  a further 11 have been confirmed dead. As of 5 December, the Marapi volcano continues its eruption phase. This volcanic activity has been monitored closely by local authorities, though no significant changes have been reported. The ash from the volcano has spread across the Agam district in West Sumatra, but North Sumatra is still safe to travel and has not been affected. *Please note: despite the similar names, this is different Mt Merapi in Yogyakarta, Java. More information on Merapi below. Mount…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Indonesia Product Update: October 2023
    Continue reading
    Indonesia Product Update: October 2023

    Welcome to the October EXO Indonesia Product update. As we head into low season, we want to keep you informed on all the happenings across our country. Key Takeaways:   New products - We've been developing new products around Bali. This month, Ubud is the featured area. More to come in the South and West soon but for the time being we wanted to keep things around wellness, nature and temples. Indonesia public holidays 2024 - These are updated for your reference here Hotels - This month, we have selected six hotels to highlight, mostly on the island of Lombok. Promotions - Don’t miss out our hotels’ promotions! Click here for more details. New Products Balinese water Blessing & Purification Experience a transformative spiritual cleansing ritual designed to purify both the body and soul. Indulge in a private spiritual encounter with a knowledgeable Balinese priest. Marvel at a remarkable waterfall within the secluded confines of private property. Ubud's Culinary Delights on Vespa Enjoy the sunset at Sayan Valley over cocktails and tapas Cruise the roads of Ubud in the back of an antique Vespa. Savor several dishes at three different venues. Discover more Discover more More inspiration The Waterfalls of Ubud Experience the Captivating…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Sumatra Trekking Challenge
    Continue reading
    Sumatra Trekking Challenge

    Indonesia is an adventure-lovers paradise, with its incredibly diverse landscapes and unspoiled nature. With EXO’s Sumatra Trekking Challenge, our adventure team shines a light on one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular wilderness areas with an intense but highly rewarding trek. Indonesia Adventure Manager, Eka Putri, picks this as  her favourite adrenaline-pumping adventure.‘In Sumatra, any traveller can see orangutans within a one day trek. But with this Sumatra Trekking Challenge we invite true adrenaline junkies to go deeper into the dense jungle to discover not just orangutans, but other wildlife they have never seen before’, Eka explains.The journey kicks off with a 3-4 hour drive from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, to the charming village of Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. A short, easy, 'warm up’ trek gives guests their first glimpse of the jungle before returning to town for the evening.  On day two, with the comforts of the eco-lodge left behind, the true jungle experience begins. Over the next four days, the trekking route journeys deeper and deeper into the heart of the rainforest- a full immersion into nature. 'The trip was way more than expected, beautiful surroundings, challenging walks and climbs up and down topped off with amazing food and…

    Continue reading
  • " alt="">
    Central Java Uncovered: Indonesia’s Island of Wonders
    Continue reading
    Central Java Uncovered: Indonesia’s Island of Wonders

    The island of Java, with its rich cultural heritage, historic vestiges, natural beauty and friendly locals, is a microcosm of Indonesia’s vast and varied allure. From ancient temples to lush landscapes, it is a fascinating travel destination with a rich tapestry of experiences on offer.Central Java stands out as an exceptional alternative for those seeking to avoid the typical tourist crowds, offering a more intimate glimpse into the 'real Indonesia'. Through EXO's local knowledge and curated experiences, guests are immersed into the island's vibrant culture and daily life, far from the mainstream tourist trails. The opportunities for more authentic and enriching experiences are a key reason why Java is a favourite of EXOs. After a recent inspection by four members of EXO Indonesia, we are sharing our highlights and insight into this captivating region. 'Yogyakarta has such a cool mix of traditional Javanese culture and history - with sites like Keraton Sultan Palace and Taman Sari water palace-  and a modern, young vibe.' Yogyakarta Food Tour Yogyakarta: Java's cultural heartYogyakarta, often referred to as Jogja, is a city of significant historical and cultural importance in Indonesia. It's renowned for its traditional arts and heritage, embodying Javanese culture at its most refined.…

    Continue reading

  • Indonesia

    Dive into the latest from EXO Indonesia: News, travel inspiration and stories

    View all View website

Industry News

  • Industry News

    View all
  • " alt="">
    Keep Travel Dreams Alive
    Continue reading
    Keep Travel Dreams Alive

    The turn of a new decade brought cheer, optimism and aspirations of a brighter future. For many, it was a time of resolutions to live fuller lives, to focus on experiences more than things and to travel more. But the new decade also brought a storm. In just three short months, COVID-19 and its terrible impacts have swept across the world, casting doubt on the positive outlooks of many.  With an ever-growing list of travel restrictions, closed borders and concerns for safety, dreams of travel are now more distant than any other time in recent history.  While health is rightfully at the forefront of everyone's thoughts, the travel industry is bunkered up at the frontlines of what will be a hard-fought battle to see this storm through to the end. In these uncertain times, we'd like to remind you that we're here and we're not going anywhere. Because when everything settles down again, which it will, the world will continue being just as amazing as it's ever been — maybe more so! Keep travel dreams alive by encouraging guests to postpone their trips rather than cancelling them. We firmly believe, just as we always have, that travel makes the world…

    Continue reading
  • Updates on Mt Agung Volcano in East Bali
    Continue reading
    Updates on Mt Agung Volcano in East Bali

    Updates on Mt Agung Volcano in East Bali (Updated at 09:00 — 3 July 2018) This page will keep you up to date with all the latest news regarding Mt Agung Volcano and the impact that its eruption has on travellers and operations on the ground. [one_half] Operational Updates  Bali Denpasar airport (DPS) is open and operating normally. Banyuwangi and Jember Airport in East Java is closed.  EXO Travel is operating as usual except for Besakih Temple visits on Mt. Agung and we are in touch with all clients in Bali.  We continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed of new developments. We have customer service staff deployed at Ngurah Rai International Airport to assist departing guests affected by changes to their flight schedules. We expect some flight disruptions over the coming days and will keep all partner agents informed directly about each and every file on the ground, as well as those who are soon to arrive. In case of delays of flight departures, clients can sit back and relax at their hotel for the moment or contact us at our customer care - +62 (0) 361 288 821 if they want to be more active. [/one_half] [one_half_last] Volcano Status…

    Continue reading
  • EXO News - February 2016" alt="">
    EXO News – February 2016
    Continue reading
    EXO News – February 2016

    JAPAN: Virtuoso announces EXO Japan as latest On-Site provider The luxury travel network, Virtuoso, has announced EXO Japan as their latest preferred on-site supplier. EXO Japan is delighted with this opportunity to provide thought-out experiences for high-end clients and will have a dedicated Virtuoso travel consultant to assist in designing tailor-made journeys. “EXO Travel has been in Japan for six years and has built a team of remarkable travel consultants with a genuine understanding of the needs of luxury travellers as well as the knowledge and flexibility to provide personalised touring itineraries. We are looking forward to working with Virtuoso advisors to help them unravel the mysteries of Japan and deliver exceptional journeys for their clients” said Hamish Keith, Managing Director of EXO Travel.   LAOS: AirAsia plans direct flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang Following Lao Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, AirAsia are preparing to launch a direct route between Bangkok and Luang Prabang. AirAsia will be the first low cost carrier to do so. The first flight is planned for the 24th of March 2016. The flight will depart from Bangkok’s Don Muang airport daily at 14.10 and arrive in Luang Prabang at 15.30, with the return flight leaving at 16.45 and arriving back in…

    Continue reading
  • Top Takeaways from ITB Berlin 2015" alt="">
    Top Takeaways from ITB Berlin 2015
    Continue reading
    Top Takeaways from ITB Berlin 2015

    A Long Time Coming: Mobile Grips the Travel Industry From booking on-the-go to using bespoke apps for checking in and replacing room keys at hotels, the inevitable sweeping change of mobile technology is finally making bigger strides into the travel industry. At ITB Berlin we heard that by 2020, there will be around 18 billion smartphones and tablets in use around the world. Travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, airlines – any and all stakeholders in the industry must be prepared to harness the opportunities of going mobile or face the consequences of not doing so. Disruptive technology is a term that has been thrown around for what seems like an eternity, but companies that strive to embed the right technologies as part of their core strategies can really thrive.   International Growth in Outbound Tourism and Long-Haul Travel IPK International released a report this year that unveiled how most of the world’s markets had enjoyed continued growth in the outbound travel sector. The report noted that the growth was largely driven by Asia with China proving to be one of the world’s most lucrative future markets. This was echoed at ITB Berlin where it was put forward the China was…

    Continue reading
  • Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2" alt="">
    New Development’s at Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport
    Continue reading
    New Development’s at Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport

    On December 31st 2014, just in time for the New Year, Noi Bai International Airport opened up its brand new Terminal 2. Housing five floors including a basement level, and situated across a main building and two wings, the new second terminal covers an area of 139,216 Sqm. The architectural design utilizes large glass walls to make the most of natural light within the space and minimize daytime energy requirements. Terminal 2 will exclusively serve international flights, whilst Terminal 1 will continue to handle all domestic operations.   Furthermore, Hanoi’s new Nhat Tan Bridge also opened to traffic, arriving a little later on January 4th 2015. This new bridge connects the recently-opened Terminal 2 at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport with Hanoi city’s nearby Westlake area. The Nhat Tan Bridge was a joint project completed by a Japanese and Vietnamese coalition, and is one of three bridges in the world to have the greatest number of suspension spans. Nhat Tan Bridge will help ease traffic congestion accessing the capital, and is expected to reduce the travel time required from Hanoi city to the Airport and to the adjacent provinces.   If you would like more information regarding these matters, please…

    Continue reading
  • Myanmar expands e-visa eligibility | EXO Travel Myanmar Tours" alt="">
    Myanmar expands list of E-visa eligibility
    Continue reading
    Myanmar expands list of E-visa eligibility

    In early January, Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population (MOIP) announced that the scope of their E-visa services had been expanded, adding 32 nationalities to the list of passport holders eligible to apply.   Among the new additions are Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Uruguay and Jamaica. These changes will make it far easier for nationals of these countries to apply for tourist visas in order to travel within Myanmar’s borders. E-visas grant 28 days entry for the holder to visit the country, and the application may be completed up to 90 days before the intended date of entry, giving plenty of time to organize travel plans.   If you would like any further information regarding the e-visa services, or travel within Myanmar, please get in touch with [email protected].

    Continue reading
  • Easier Landings" alt="">
    Myanmar Prepares For International Growth
    Continue reading
    Myanmar Prepares For International Growth

    By 2016, international arrivals to Myanmar are projected to exceed the capacity of Yangon’s Mingalar International Airport. To counter the strain being put on the services delivered by Mingalar, a project to build a new airport has been awarded to a Singapore-based consortium, including Changi Airport Planners and Engineers. The new airport is to be located near Bago, 80 kilometers from central Yangon, and the planned capacity is expected to cater for an additional 12 million passengers per year, doubling what the current airport can handle.   Richard Ludwig, Product Manager for EXO Travel, commented on the new plans; “These developments are greatly needed as the current airport is bordering on the limits of its capacity. It is fantastic news that the same developers of Changi, considered the best airport in the world, will be leading this project. We are, however, concerned about the distance. The current airport is located 20 kilometers from downtown, and it can take an hour with traffic to get into the city. Plans must include a fast and efficient transport option, preferably by train, between the airport and the center of the city.”   In addition to this, Mandalay International Airport’s new management have announced…

    Continue reading
  • Vietnam's Proposed New Metro System" alt="">
    Paving the Way for Vietnam’s Future
    Continue reading
    Paving the Way for Vietnam’s Future

    The long-awaited development of a more environmentally friendly transportation system in Vietnam has finally begun. The HCMC transport department has closed down a section of Le Loi Street, Nguyen Hue Street and the Le Loi - Nguyen Hue roundabout to make way for Vietnam’s first underground.   The 19.7km underground line, between Ben Thanh Market in District 1 and Suit Tien Park in District 9, is scheduled to be completed in 2017 and be operational in 2018, when it is estimated to transport around 620,000 passengers each day.

    Continue reading
  • Cambodia Live Arts - Shadow-puppets" alt="">
    Cambodia Living Arts to Pilot Plae Pakaa in Siem Reap
    Continue reading
    Cambodia Living Arts to Pilot Plae Pakaa in Siem Reap

    The Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) operate one of the most incredible traditional Apsara dance shows in Cambodia; Plae Pakaa, in the grounds of the iconic National Museum of Phnom Penh. Now they have announced that they will be opening 2 more shows in Siem Reap. Melissa Im, the Creative Industries Manager has announced that “This November we are launching a pilot of Plae Pakaa in Siem Reap. It will feature 2 troupes, Wat Bo Shadow Puppet Troupe and the Sounds of Angkor”   The Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) operate one of the most incredible traditional Apsara dance shows in Cambodia; Plae Pakaa, in the grounds of the iconic National Museum of Phnom Penh. Now they have announced that they will be opening 2 more shows in Siem Reap. Melissa Im, the Creative Industries Manager has announced that “This November we are launching a pilot of Plae Pakaa in Siem Reap. It will feature 2 troupes, Wat Bo Shadow Puppet Troupe and the Sounds of Angkor”   The Shadow Puppet Troupe of Wat Bo: Performances of Sbaek Thom will last 70-minutes and feature 20 master puppeteers and trained dancers manipulating large-scale leather shadow puppets against a lit screen. The show is accompanied…

    Continue reading
  • Fansipan Peak" alt="">
    World’s Longest 3-Rope Cable Car to Open in 2015
    Continue reading
    World’s Longest 3-Rope Cable Car to Open in 2015

    The world's longest three-rope cable car system, extending from the northern Lao Cai Province's Sapa Town to Fansipan peak, will open for passengers towards the end of Q3 2015. The construction of the cable car is being carried out during the first phase of the Fansipan Sapa tourism complex.   The cable car can carry a maximum of 2,000 passengers per hour, with each cabin accommodating 35 passengers. The cable car will transport passengers from the base of the 3,143-metre Fansipan Mountain, to its highest point within 15 to 20 minutes. Currently, it takes one to two days to trek to the top of the mountain.

    Continue reading

  • Industry News

    View all View website

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.