Discover Toraja Lombok Bali Culture & Nature

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Upon arrival in the morning  at Hasanuddin International Airport of  Makassar, meet with your guide and proceed to Rammang-rammang Village (the karst mountain) for a short walk on the rice fields, continue onboard a motorized fisherman boat to visit Kampung Berua and the traditional Bugis/Makassar Village. Light trek in the countryside to explore the local  life is planned. Continue your visit by car to discover  Leang-Leang Cave and Parang Tinggia Village to see hundred of bats nested surrounding trees, quiet impressing.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Palopo (not available daily) . On arrival in Palopo, drive to  Toraja (2,5 hours). En route visit Old Mosque and the traditional fisherman village in Palopo. We will drive on many curves and ascend road till we reach the altitude of 1000 m where you will witness superb views of rain forest and Palopo City from a distance. As we approach Toraja Land, the view gradually changes to rice terraces, traditional houses and unique Toraja Village. Arrive in Toraja in the afternoon, check in for overnight.

After breakfast, visit the fascinating villages of Tana Toraja with the unique Tongkonan Houses shaped like a ship bow and stern. Continue with LEMO, a grave yard on the cliff, SUAYA some old royal stone graves of the seventh king and SANGGALA, the tree for the dead babies. Then having lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch visit LONDA, ancient natural graves and puppets on the balcony representing the dead. Continue with visiting  KETEKESU, traditional Toraja Village.

After breakfast, visit buffaloes market, the local market then dropped off at a traditional village where you will start  trekking to the northern part of Toraja, deep into the country side. Trek up and down the hills passing through Toraja Villages, we will admire the beautiful landscape of Toraja countryside, rice terraces, old houses, coffee and cacao plantation, old graves etc. We will have the chance to see Toraja people doing their daily activities, people taking palm wine from palm tree, pounding rice, drying coffee etc. We will be walking on the footpath, rice terraces for about 3 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness level), late afternoon transfer back to hotel by car. Please be informed, if any funeral ceremony take place and guest is interested to see, then itinerary will be rearranged by guide on the spot to suit with guests preference.

After breakfast, transfer to Airport in Palopo (2.5 hours drive) to catch your flight (not available daily) back to Makassar then continue flight to Bali . Arrive in Bali, then transfer to your hotel in Sanur area for overnight .

Free Days on the Beach

Free Days on the Beach

Leave Gili trawangan early morning to Bangsal harbor, Lombok by local boat. Then we drive to Mataram city . The ethnic and religious diversity of the island and its population consisting of Sasak people, Balinese Hindus, and other ethnicities from further west and east in Indonesia becomes visible on a tour through the most interesting places and sites around the bustling yet relaxed capital city Mataram.

Visit the bustling Kebon Roek Market where, during the busy morning hours, locals are immersed in the daily activities of trading goods such as vegetables, spices, fish and meats as well as tobacco and other agricultural goods. This market is where all communities blend together. Visit Mayura Water Palace with its “floating pavilion” built in the middle of an artificial lake surrounded by mangosteen trees. It is part of the former kingdom of Karangasem in East Bali and was built in 1744. It combines both Hindu and Islamic architectural features and is quite a sight to behold. Continue to Lingsar Temple in the outskirts of Mataram to discover a fascinating syncretism between Balinese Hinduism and Lombok’s mystical take on Islam, the so called Waktu Telu. Built in 1714 by King Anak Agung Ngurah, the beautiful complex is nestled among rice fields and hosts different shrines with locational relationships to both the islands’ holy mountains. Nearby Pura Agung Narmada has been built as the summer palace of King of Mataram in 1805. When he was no longer able to climb the mighty Mount Rinjani to make offerings in the crater-lake Segara Anak, he built the palace as replica of the volcano and its lake. Narmada Palace and Park invite for a stroll through lush gardens that also host a swimming pool fed by natural holy springs. Drive to Tete Batu for overnight

Today after breakfast, begin a trek across the rice fields, plantations and fruit gardens of Tetebatu. Depending on the season, different crops are grown such as chilies, tobacco, and fruits like rambutan, jackfruit or durian and guavas. Farmers are usually busy with seeding, ploughing or harvesting and a trek through the fields and forests gives unique insight into the lifestyle of the rural community. Pass a monkey forest where, with a bit of luck, it’s possible to see monkeys jumping from tree to tree before arriving at the scenic Tibu Topat Waterfall. Enjoy the soothing waters of this gorgeous spot and be sure to snap a few photos. Afterwards, return by car to the hotel in Tetebatu. Upon arrival, take some time to freshen up before checking out. We will drive to Sade Sasak traditional village with stop on the way for lunch. Then we will drive to Lombok Kuta beach for overnight .

After breakfast, be picked up from the hotel by the guide and driver then transfer to Pink Beach on the east coast of Lombok. From here, start an exciting snorkeling excursion to  three different spots.

First, snorkel at a spot near the beach which features lots of coral in different shapes and sizes. There are blue coral, purple coral and yellow coral. Then continue by boat to the two small islets of Gili Petelu, connected by an exotic beach. Gravel on this beach make the water very clear and perfect for discovering the underwater-world. While on one side of the islets it’s possible to encounter small reef sharks, the other side is usually swarmed by lots of colorful fish. Continue to some of the deserted beaches around this area to enjoy a snack lunch under the shade of a tree or on the  boat or relax on the beach. Next, sail to Tanjung Luar past a small island with a fishermen village and huge fishing nets on wooden structures built in the ocean, which are usually inhabited by sea gulls. From Tanjung Luar,  continue by car to Kuta. En route make a brief stop at a salt panning place, where sea salt is cooked in fire and collected in conical containers almost resembling ice cream cones. Return to Kuta late in the afternoon for overnight .

Breakfast at hotel. Flight to Bali . Upon arrival in Bali, transfer to your hotel in Ubud for overnight

Leave hotel early morning with first stop will be Penglipuran ; one of traditional village in Bali, Continue the tour and visit another ancient village called Bayung Gede which is believed to be the one from which all the ancient villages of Bali derive. Many people come here to see the hanging newborn placentas, unique to Bayung Gede. In Trunyan, the bodies of the dead are placed on the ground without burial, but here it is the placenta that is not buried. It is the only village in Indonesia to have this custom then drive to Kintamani for lunch while overview of lake and mount Batur. After lunch we will drive to Gunung Kawi Tampak Siring and Tegallalang rice paddies before back to hotel for rest.

Take part in a day of shamanic healing and spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul Temple. Firstly we will meet the Balinese healer near Ubud who will combines Yagna, Yatra and Mantra healing practices. The Yagna practice is performed to remove the negative factors in life, and to help find peace and happiness. Mantra practice, performed by reciting mantras, removes the lower vibrations of your system and elevates your energy. A mantra is a precise combination of sacred sounds, which forms a core of spiritual energy to stimulate high spiritual vibrations, inducing spiritual awakening and invigoration. The Yantra practice is designed to remove the afflictions that prevent you from achieving a certain goal. This can result in the removal of obstacles in your career or the bad intentions of your enemies. The ritual also protects you from negative forces, heals your aura and balances your chakra. The whole ritual is known as melukat by the locals and is done to spiritually purify the mind and soul. It can be practiced in any place considered sacred by the Balinese, then we will drive to Tirta Empul temple for most recommended this kind of purification.

After this first experience, we head a Balinese lunch in Ubud and after lunch we will visit Ubud palace and Monkey Forest before we back to hotel for overnight

Breakfast at hotel. Check out time at hotel at 12.00 noon . Transfer to Airport at 22.00 for your flight home

Explore Exotic Indonesia

Arrive in Jakarta International Airport  . Transfer to your hotel for overnight

Breakfast at hotel. Start your day in Jakarta with city tour around the city. First stop will be Old City Batavia. The Istiqlal Mosque with passing by Indonesia President palace before we stop at Indonesia monument. Back to hotel for rest .

Breakfast at hotel .Transfer to Jakarta Airport from flight to Pangkalan Bun by Trigana Air IL 708 at 09.25.

Upon arrival at the airport of Pangkalanbun direct transfer to the boat for cruise up for Rimba Lodge and afternoon watching proboscis monkeys and wild Orang Utan by boat. Dinner and overnight are provided on Klotok .

Breakfast at Klotok then half day trek for exploring The Orang Utans. Research for feeding time at 13.30  at camp Leaky by trekking at rainforest about half hours  watching  such as the King during feeding time at 14.00. Meals & overnight provided at Klotok.

Breakfast at Klotok, morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Semarang by Nam Air IN 195 at 08.30 . Arrive Semarang 09.30.

Upon arrival in Semarang , Meet and greet  by our guide and drive to Borobudur temple

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE was built during the golden age of Syailendra Dynasty, sometime in the beginning of the 8th century.The word BOROBUDUR is believed to mean monastery on a hill. It is derived from the words baram and buduhur. Bara is from Sangskrit word Vihara meaning a complex of temples monasteries or dormitories, Beduhur is a old Javanese word meaning above. BOROBUDUR TEMPLEwas built on a small hill in the Kedu Basin, a rich, fertile valley surrounded by the spectacular volcanoes.

To the East lies Merapi and Merbabu and to the North lies Sumbing and Sindoro.The unsual jagged Menoreh Hills encircle the temple to South and West. The temple is also located near the meeting place of two rivers, the Elo and the Progo, these rivers are believed to be symbolic of Gangga and Yamuna, two rivers feeding the Indus valley in India. We get a sense of the grandness of the landscape when we rise to final terrace of the monument wich opens up into 360 degrees view of the magnificent valley.

Breakfast at hotel .Enjoy your first day in Jogjakarta by visiting Sultan Palace,Taman Sari then to Batik Centre. Late afternoon visit Prambanan Temple and last ratu Boko temple before back to hotel for overnight.

Breakfast at hotel. Merapi takes and Merapi gives. Merapi destroyed and then Merapi provide. And Merapi always keep his promises.
Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia that erupting around 5 years cycle. Last 2010 eruption of Merapi was considered as the biggest eruption of Merapi in the century. it swept all the jungle and buried many villages deep under the pyroclastic cloud, Hot sand, Tons of stones and Ashes.
Our adventure will start early to get the better chance to see the whole Merapi. We explore Merapi ex eruption area using Jeep with the stunning view of the devastating effect of the eruption, the nature that try to heal and the amazing landscape.
Then, we will visit Ullen Sentallu Museum which is the best museum in Jogjakarta. Ullen Sentallu Museum is the museum about Javanese Culture and tradition, Jogjakarta-Solo Kingdom history, Hindus and Buddhist statue and history and many Javanese traditional things. This Museum will provide guide that will explain about the collection that they have in the museum

Breakfast at hotel .Transfer to Jakarta Airport from flight to Pangkalan Bun by Trigana Air IL 708 at 09.25.

Upon arrival at the airport of Pangkalanbun direct transfer to the boat for cruise up for Rimba Lodge and afternoon watching proboscis monkeys and wild Orang Utan by boat. Dinner and overnight are provided on Klotok .

At 3.30 in the early morning you will be wake up & start Mt. Bromo tour, to witness sunrise from rim of crater. The tour will conducted by pony riding ( own expenses ) cross sea of sand and climb up 245 stairs. After enjoy the surrounding of Mt. Bromo, back to hotel for breakfast and drive to Surabaya to visit Submarine Monument  Monumen Kapal Selam / navi museum / SEE Suramadu National Bridge.Last visit Sampoerna before check in at your hotel in Surabaya  

Early morning flight to Ujung Pandang .Arrive and drive to Toraja via Pare Pare.

Your journey takes you through several villages of the Bugis people whose stilted houses line magnificent mountain passes. Stop at a local restaurant in Pare-pare for a late lunch.

After lunch, the journey leads through several villages of the Bugis people, whose stilted houses line magnificent mountain passes. Stop at a local restaurant in Pare-Pare for a late lunch. The drive continues through the hills reaching Rantepao in the late afternoon. Rantepao is the small capital of Toraja, with an estimated population of around 450,000. The Toraja ethnic group is renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, traditional houses and spectacular carving and dancing. Here, spend next two days exploring the Toraja villages and learning about their unique culture and customs.

Check in to the hotel in Rantepao.

Dinner at the hotel.

This morning after breakfast, if the timing is right, have the chance to be immersed in the bustling life of the Torajan’s with a visit to their once-a-week traditional Buffalo Market in Bolu. This market is important to the local society as buffalos and pigs are an essential part of the intricate funeral ceremonies that take place here.

Note: Bolu Market depends on the schedule and is only held once every 6 days. In case there is no market on the day of visit, we will replace it by a visit to a local market in Rantepao. Afterwards, head south of Toraja and visit two traditional villages. After exploring these cultural hotspots, head to the villages of Lemo and Suaya, which are enveloped  by cliffs pierced with graves and tau tau (hanging effigies) of deceased nobility. These cliffs are also referred to as the ‘death balconies’ due to their perilous locations. Lunch is served in a traditional ‘Liong Tongkonan’ (local name for housing structure). While enjoying some unique local food, learn about the spiritual elements of ancestral Torajan architecture.

After lunch, visit Londa Village where wooden coffins are suspended by ropes and poles extending from the cliffs. Continue to Kete Kesu, a village which has one of the finest ensembles of Tongkonan (Toraja traditional houses) on the island. These boat-shaped houses have tall roofs made of slender bristles and create strange silhouettes in the sky. The Tongkonan facades boast many carved and painted motifs and a wooden buffalo head typically adorns the wealthiest homes. Kete Kesu Village also has a rice granary of the traditional Toraja country style. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon.

Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Overnight in Rantepao.

After breakfast in the morning, head to Palawa, a typical Toraja village, and then on to the highlands of Batutumonga for stunning views across the Toraja Valley.

In this incredible surrounding, take lunch at Mentirotiku Local Restaurant.

According to preferences, take a 1 or 2-hour light trek through fascinating Toraja villages.

Perched on the slopes of Mt Sesean, these villages offer beautiful views of rice fields dotted with large black rocks -remains of ancient volcanic eruptions. The one-hour trek leads through the villages of Lempo and Tinongbayo, while the easy two-hour walk leads through the villages of Bori and Tikala. In both instances, there will be an opportunity to meet locals and observe their traditional lifestyles. These villages have ancestral stone circles, part of the local lore of the Toraja people, with each stone representing an important noble who has passed away. They also feature impressive Tongkonan houses.

Return to Rantepao, with a stop at a Todi weaving factory where the ancient technique and motifs for Torajans textile known as Ikats are preserved. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Rantepao.

Note: Between July and September (dry season) many funerals take place and during this period, and many Toraja migrants return home for the holidays. The program will be tailored to allow guests to attend a ceremony if they choose to do so.

 

After breakfast in the morning, check out from the hotel and begin the day’s journey to Sengkang.  Stop enroute in Enrekang and enjoy a  late lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to the village of Sengkang, a former capital of the Bugis Kingdom which overlooks Lake Tempe, the largest lake in Sulawesi.  

Enjoy a Local Bugis style feast dinner at Glory Restaurant while soaking up spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Overnight in Sengkang.

Depart from Sengkang to Makassar city Tour , firstly we will visit The fort of Makassar harbour, also known as Fort Rotterdam dates back to 1545 and built by King of Gowa. Today, it is considered one of the best preserved examples of Dutch architecture in Indonesia. Walk to Museum Negeri La Galigo in the same complex, where about 5,000 itesm of exhibits, including sailing boats, artefacts from Tana Toraja, ancient musical instruments, and ethnic costumes are displayed. Paotere, is a large port where Bugis Pinisi sailing ships berth. They are hand-built in the South Sulawesi style by Bugis or Makassan shipwrights and trading all over Indonesia. UNESCO formally recognised the cultural significance of the boat-building and listed it as world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage The port and the nearby fish market are atmospheric places from dawn until mid-morning, when giant tuna and every sea creature imaginable are traded Somba Opu, a street lined up with souvenir shop, within walking distance from Losari beach. Late afternoon flight to Bali . Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for overnight

Breakfast at hotel . Relax on at hotel or enjoy optional tours

After breakfast drive to Monkey Rorest, Ubud palace ,Tegallalang for rice paddies. Then we will drive Kintamani for lunch with enjoy breathtaking view of Mount and Lake Batur then to Coffee plantation and last to Tirta Empul temple before back to hotel .

Breakfast at hotel . Free days in the hotel  

Depart after breakfast to visit  lake Temple at Lake Beratan of Bedugul, continue to Jatiluwih ; Unesco heritage rice paddies in Bali then last we will stop at Tanah Lot Temple for sunset before we drive to Nusa Dua for overnight

Breakfast at hotel . Relax on the beach or enjoy optional tours

Transfer to Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport for flight HOME

Blue Fire Ijen Crater and Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour

Arrival Surabaya Airport ( must be morning flight ) then direct transfer to Ketapang, on the way we will visit Pasuruan Old Harbour, Local Market.. Break at Pasir Putih Beach for hand craft made from seashell, fishing boat and coral watching. Arrive in Ketapang and overnight stay at Hotel Ketapang Indah. Free at your own leisure.

Early wake up and breakfast, depart to Paltuding; ranger’s post on 4 WD jeep to the awesome beauty of Java’s wonder volcano; Mt. Ijen. Then walk up the Ijen plateau through the hilly landscape till to the crater edge. The reward of your effort is a breath taking morning view and during clear weather you may see the great sulfur lake. After enjoying the lake and the activities for the local sulphur mining at the lake shore, back down to the ranger’s post then drive on to Tosari. Arrive early evening in Bromo and check in to Bromo Terrace Hotel.

Morning call and coffee morning then drive to Mt. Pananjakan; a viewing point for sunrise. Afterwards drive down to Mt. Bromo crossing the sea of sand. From here will change with a local pony and ride to the foot of the Mt. Bromo. Then walk up to 246 steps straight up to the rim of the mountain and experience the great view on top. Back to your hotel for breakfast. Free at leisure until your time to transfer Surabaya Airport for your onward destination.

Ijen Crater Blue Fire by Car from Bali

At 19.00, Our driver will pick up at your hotel in Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur area only then drive to Gili Manuk harbor to cross to East Java.

23.00 : Meet & Greet with our local tour guide and crossing the Bali strait to Banyuwangi of Eastern Java.

23.30 : Arrived at Ketapang Harbor and direct to Paltuding (car park and hiking starting point)

01.30 : Arrived at Paltuding and hiking preparation

03.30 : Reach the Ijen summit, continue climb down to the blue fire spot.

Notes :
Actually, Climb down to the blue fire spot is not allowed due to the rock hill quite steep. If client insist to go then the risk will be on their own.

04.00 :Enjoy the blue fire and the crater, continue explore Ijen area, if lucky sunrise will be clearly visible.

06.00 :Back to Paltuding, Coffee Break and snack kampong will be provided at local cafe while enjoying the scenery.
Snack kampong (peanut, potato tuber, banana which all in BOILED)

09.00 : Back to Ketapang Harbor for Gilimanuk, then drive back to your hotel in Bali.

Amazing Java Bali Overland

Upon arrival Jakarta airport meeting service with guide then transfer to hotel about 1 hrs.

Drive passing National Monument

  • National museum;
  • Merdeka Square;
  • Istiqlal Mosque;
  • Independence statue;
  • Chatolic Cathedrale;
  • President/Meredeka Palace.

TMII (2 hours for visiting TMII)

Stop and visit The Kota Tua or old city of Jakarta and Sunda Kelapa Harbor Bogor Botanical Garden (1 hour for visiting the garden) and Photo stop Puncak. Check in at your hotel for overnight.

Breakfast at Hotel, Depart from hotel then visiting Tangkuban Perahuabout 45minutes driving, a smoldering 2000 m wide, surrealistic volcano 1800 above sea level. Continued to Ciater Hot Spring with passing through the huge wonderful tea plantation. Here, you will have lunch by personal account and possible to take a bath in the hot natural water pool. Afternoon back to your hotel in Bandung and free program. Then visiting Padasuka village to enjoy the Angklung (traditional bamboo instrument) performance at Saung Angklung Ujo. Back to hotel for overnight.

Early breakfast at Hotel, then (06:00 am) transfer to Bandung Train Station for your next journey to Jogjakarta by Argowilis Executive (07:00-14:08). Arrival Jogjakarta then driving to Prambanan temple about 45 minutes from Jogjakarta Train Station, (15:00-16:30) visit Prambanan Hindu’s temple, Prambanan built during the Canjaya dynasty in the 9 century. Check in to your hotel (17:15)

Breakfast at hotel, (09:00) depart from hotel and driving to Sultan Palace, (09:20-11:30) visit to Sultan Palace, the Kraton built in 1755, a large part of Kraton is used as museum and holds an extensive collections and it becomes a living museum of antiquities and grandeur. The architect of this elaborate retreat built between 1758 and 1765 was a Portuguese from Batavia. Continued visit to Tamansari by Becak traditional vehicle, It was no doubt intended as a cool place for the Sultan and ladies of the heaven to relax in the days when it was surrounded by gardens and from the tower overlooking the pools the Sultan was able to witness what was going on down below. From the Palace, we will proceed to visit the factory of hand made batik factory (11:45-13:30). Here you can still see the clothes are being made manually.

Jogjakarta is famous also of its silver ware which is still, until nowadays made manually. Continue visit to Tarumartani Cigar Factory (14:00-15:00), since 1918, Taru Martani always created the formulas for blending tobacco to create cigars with high color of tastes to satisfy the craves of cigars lovers. These days, the company produces fourteen types of cigars which are well known worldwide, namely: Cigarillos, Extra Cigarillos, Senioritas, Panatella, Slim Panatella, Half Corona, Corona, Super Corona / Grand Corona, Boheme, Royal, Perfecto, Rothschild, and Churchill.

The fourteen types of cigars have become promising export commodity. The shipment of cigars has reached markets in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Czechoslovakia, the United States, Asia, and soon Eastern and Central Europe, and the Southeast Asian countries. Taru Martani blends three formulas of cigar mixtures, namely: 1) natural cigars (pure tobacco), 2) flavor cigars (tobacco with accent sauce of Mint, Amareto, Vanila, Rum and Hazelnut), and 3) mild cigars (with mild tobacco).

The main material of tobacco comes from Besuki area, Jember, East Java. It is called Java Besuki. The taste is dominant and the color is brownish black. It is used for inner liner wrap (omblad) and outer liner (dekblad) of the cigars. The filler is a combination of Java Besuki and tobacco from Havana – Cuba, Dominican Republic and Brazil. The uniqueness of Taru Martani cigars is that all the processes are hand rolled. Every single cigar is carefully and accurately wrapped by hand to become a quality of cigar. (15:30) Back to your hotel and free program.

Option: Dinner Ramayana Dance /Duration 3,5 hrs (18:30-22:00)

Breakfast at hotel, (08:30) After breakfast driving Dieng Plateau abot 3 hours drive and then continue to Borobudur, Located northwest of Jogjakarta, (09:30-11:30) the Borobudur Temple is one of Seven wonders of the world which was built by SANMARATUNGGA in the most glorious time of CAILENDRA Dynasty in the 8 century, the entire monument was conceived as a Buddhist vision of the cosmos in stone, starting in the everyday world and spiraling up to Nirvana-eternal nothingness, The Buddhist heaven.(11:40-12:15) Mendut & Pawon temple also visited. (13:30). Back to your hotel and free program.

Mankunegaran palace of Solo and drive by Bus to Bromo about 9-10 hours
Arrival in Bromo for overnight

Wake up call at 04.30 am start with hot tea then leave early morning to Mount Bromo by jeep to
Sunrise from Penanjakan Hill (by local transport (Jeep)
Mount Bromo crater
After breakfast drive to Banyuwangi via plantation road about 7-8 hours drive.
Check in at hotel

Early breakfast at hotel (05:00) starting point from your hotel at Banyuwangi area ride to 4WD Jeep and driving to Ijen Crater (1h:30 ) we drive a short way to the start of the trail that leads up to the active beautiful crater of Kawah Ijen volcano (about 1 h 30 soft trekking climbing) with its famous blue acid lake (which is the most acid in the world!) and the hot, partly liquid sulphur deposits. (8:00-10:00) The fumaroles are so hot that sulphur comes out as green vapor. (12:00) After plenty of observation time, we leave the Ijen Plateau and drive to Ketapang Harbour to take the one hour trip ferry boat to Bali (15:00) Transfert to your hotel in Legian Kuta .

Day 10 : Nusa Du

Early breakfast at hotel (05:00) starting point from your hotel at Banyuwangi area ride to 4WD Jeep and driving to Ijen Crater (1h:30 ) we drive a short way to the start of the trail that leads up to the active beautiful crater of Kawah Ijen volcano (about 1 h 30 soft trekking climbing) with its famous blue acid lake (which is the most acid in the world!) and the hot, partly liquid sulphur deposits. (8:00-10:00) The fumaroles are so hot that sulphur comes out as green vapor. (12:00) After plenty of observation time, we leave the Ijen Plateau and drive to Ketapang Harbour to take the one hour trip ferry boat to Bali (15:00) Transfert to your hotel in Legian Kuta .

Depart after breakfast to the Middle of Bali. Visit Royal family temple of Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Temple, stop for lunch at Jatiluwih; UNESCO Heritage site for rice paddies then Tanah Lot Temple for sunset.

Transfer to Airport for your flight home

Lombok’s Wonderfully Waterfalls Tour

This tour covers the area of Lombok’s Northeast and North. First stop, after a 30 minutes drive from Senggigi is the Autore Pearl Farm. Further tour stops include Tiu Teja Waterfall ; Tiu Teja is located in Desa Santong North Lombok. This twin waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls on Lombok Island. The waterfall is surrounded by the beautiful forest, so its much looks peaceful to spend your day here. You can have a shower or pictures then continue to Tiu Kelep Waterfall in Senaru village before visit Malimbu Hill for great view during sunset. Back to hotel for overnight.

Sumatra Island Overland Tour

Today you arrive for Sumatra island overland tour in Medan, the main city in northern Sumatra. Then you drive about 1,5 to the centre of Medan. Depending on your arrival time you will get a city tour here. You will visit the Maimun palace built in 1888 in Malayan and Middle-East style and belonging the sultan of Deli. Visit the grand mosque Almashum built in the same period of the Maimun palace. Last visit is the colorful Chinese temple, vihara Gunung Timur. After city tour, drive about 3 hours to Bukit Lawang, a small tourist village situated on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park. It is the most accessible place to spot the Orangutans in the park. And the park is one of the largest national park in the world containing over 800,000 ha of virgin rainforest and home to an impressive number of mammal species like tigers, Orangutans, gibbons, elephants and rhino’s. Most of the view en-route to Bukit Lawang are oilpalm plantation, rubber and also occasional market set near the road. The rest of the afternoon is free. Enjoy the scenery from the veranda of your hotel room.

Accommodation at ECO LODGE / RINDU ALAM, simple accommodation but nicely located by the river side on the outskirts of the park. The rooms comes up with traditional Indonesia shower with only cold water.

First you will visit the feeding platform of orangutans. The platform was built to help the orangutans that have been released to the wild after their rehabilitation. As they are semi-wild, they are sometimes having trouble finding food on their own in the wild. Then they can come to the feeding platform for some milk and bananas. Wild orangutan occasionally come to the platform too. So the feeding platform is meant as the first place for the orangutans come to for help rather than plantations or village where conflicts can occur. When the orangutans are getting enough food on their own, they will not come to the platform because the food they find in the wild is more exciting than just milk and bananas! So although it is a marvelous sight to see the orangutans at the platform, it is also good news when they do not show up, as this means they are surviving well in the wild without help. From the platform you will follow a 2-3 hours jungle walk to experience the rainforest. It is not a flat walk but involves some ups and downs. A bit hard but in return you get a very nice experience. You have a big chance to see gibbons, thomas leaf monkeys, longtail and pigtail macagues, flying squirrels, Sumatra peacocks and hornbills. A wild Orangutans might cross your way. Return to Bukit Lawang and short rest. Then departure about 5 hours to Berastagi (1300m), a hill town flanked by two active volcanoes Sinabung (2417m) and Sibayak (2172m). It is the homeland of the Batak Karo, one of the six Batak tribes that inhabit the province of North Sumatra.

Accomodation at GRAND MUTIARA / SIBAYAK HOTEL

Note

  • The program in Bukit Lawang may be reversed, jungle trek first then visit the feedings.
  • Those bringing camera/video camera into the park will be charged Rp 50,000/150,000
  • WHAT TO BRING! Shoes with good profile, rain coat & dry bag for wallet, mobile etc to protect from waters, insects repellant & drinking water.
  • A nice option you can do after trekking is tubing, floating down the river on car tubes (cost at personal account)

Scenic drive to lake Toba, one of the deepest and largest crater lake in the world with stop at Dokan, a small Batak Karo village with a number of traditional houses still inhabited by eight families each. Proceed to Sipiso piso waterfall and Rumah Bolon, the long house of king Batak Simalungun. From this site you will continue following the lake and arrive in Parapat somewhere afternoon. Parapat is a small town on shore of lake Toba. From here you will cross the lake ± 45 minutes to Samosir island using public boat. It is enjoyable trip. Upon arrival direct transfer to your hotel and relax.

Accomodation at TOLEDO INN / TABO COTTAGE, simple accomodation but clean and nicely located by the lake side

Explore the natural beauty and cultural aspects of Batak Toba by visiting Ambarita village where the remnant megalithic culture of Batak Toba lies in front of traditional houses. Continue to Simanindo to see folkdance performed by the villagers. Here you also can visit a museum built in typical Batak style. On returning to your hotel, stop at Tomok village to see a very old but nicely decorated sarchopagus.

Notice: Samosir tour made by car for max 5 paxs while 6 up by boat

Across back to Parapat by public boat and drive up to Sipirok with view of marching mountains Bukit Barisan, a long but beautiful trip. First stop will be at a typical Batak village Jangga Dolok/Lumban Binanga. Next stop at colourful market place in Balige and sulphur hotspring in Sipoholon.

Accomodation at TORSIBOHI HOTEL, nicely located on top of a hill. The cottages are spacious and offer enough comfort but still are SIMPLE accommodation.

The journey today is rather long but worthwhile to exhibits the inner part of Sumatra. The scenery of mountains, rivers, valleys and traditional villages will relieve you from weariness. Enroute stop at Sijornih waterfall and Sihepeng to see a small herb garden where several kinds of herbs are grown (kardemon, ginger, vanille etc). Here, often there is also a short tailed monkey present who are specially trained to collect coconuts. Next stop at moslem school. See how moslem children go to school and live nearby in very small wooden houses and finally in the late afternoon across the equator. From the equator it takes another 1,5 hours to reach the higland town of Bukittinggi (literally “a high hill). It is the heart of the Minangkabau tribe that inhabits the province of West Sumatra. The specialty of the Minangkabau is their matriarchal and matrilineal society.

Accommodation at THE HILLS / GRAND ROCKY HOTEL

Drive about 1,5 hours to Harau, a nature and wildlife reserve surrounded by 100-200 meters high cliffs that like a giant wall. In the bottom of cliffs stretches vast paddy fields and green forests. Very scenic landscape! Here the atmosphere is quiet, unpolluted, and beauty as far as eyes could see. Besides cliffs, forest and paddy field, Harau also has several waterfalls with swimming pool beneath. Visit one of them before returning to Bukittinggi. Before/after Harau, we bring you for Bukittinggi citytour visiting the clock tower Jam Gadang which overlooks the colourful market Pasar Atas, the remains of Dutch fort called De Kock & Ngarai Sianok valley.

Optional tour

To those who like walking, Harau has a wonderful walk. It is a light walk that takes about 3 hours. The walk is around the valley through rice field paths, village and some paved roads between giant cliffs as background. During the walk you could see people working on rice fields, rainforest and would sometimes hear the calling of the black Siamang and gibbon. The walk ends at waterfall with swimming pool beneath. Take a swim before returning to Bukittinggi. The cost at personal account

Day 8 : Bukittinggi – Padang Airport

Free to relax until time to leave for airport. The trip takes about 2 hours passing by the greenery of Anai park. If time permits you may get a chance to stop at Anai waterfall. End of tours

Explore Sumatra (Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang – Lake Toba Tour)

Upon arrival at Kuala Namu Int airport pick up by our tour guide to explore sumatra  and then transfer to hotel, afternoon free at own leisure

After breakfast, pick up by our tour guide and then transfer to town for city tour visiting Sultan Palace, Great Mosque, Chinese Temple and then drive to Tangkahan via Binjai and Batang Serangan. Afternoon arrival at Tangkahan check in MEGA INN

After breakfast walking to the elpahant station and then join with the Mahout during washing the Elephant, and then feed the elephant, after feeding the Elephant you can ride the Elephant and pass through the river and jungle, the elephant riding will take about 01 hour. After riding the elephant take a short rest and then enjoying tubing through the river and stop will be made at Fantastic Buluh Waterfall where you may enjoy the waterfall where you can take nature shower and then you can enjoy sun bathing and swimming on the river. Afternoon arrival at the village you can get in touch with local people, where you can see the daily activities of the local people and then return to guest house by walking for overnight.

After breakfast leave Tangkahan for Bukit Lawang by Jeep passing plantation and jungle roa, on the way stop at plantation and several interesting places (school!!) for enjoying the panorama and witness the activities of the local people.

Upon arrival at Bukit Lawang check in to hotel and afternoon walking to the jungle to start a jungle tracking to explore the nature of Leuser National park with their flora and fauna, the possibility to see Orang Utan on their own habitat and other kind of animal such as Thomas leaf monkeys, long tail macaque, gibbon, black gibbon and other kind of flora and fauna of tropical rain forest. This tracking will take about 03 hours, after tracking return to hotel.

After breakfast drive to Brastagi on the way stop at Sembahe River, passing Sibolangit, and arrival at Brastagi visiting Lhumbini Park with its duplicate of Shwedagon temple, traditional fruit market and then drive to Samosir, on the way visit Batak Karo traditional village at Dokan, stop at Sipiso-piso waterfall, visiting “Rumah Bolon” (Long House) the old Palace of Batak Simalungun Kings and then stop at Simarjarunjung to enjoy the fantastic view of Lake Toba. Arrival at Parapat crossing to Samosir Island by ferry boat, arrival at Samosir Island check in to hotel.

DAY 06: SAMOSIR – EXCURSION BY CAR (B)
After breakfast excursion on Samosir Island by car, visiting several Batak Toba traditional villages :

  • Ambarita : To see stone chairs and tables the old meeting place of Sialagan Kings.
  • Simanindo : To see Batak Toba traditional dance and museum.
  • Pangururan : To see the view of Lake Toba and Hot springs water.
  • Tomok : To see the old tomb of Sidabutar Kings.

Along this trip also possible to stop at school to see the activities of young children in the school, visiting the village where the people make traditional hand weaving.+ stop also at scenic places like the graves! Afternoon return back to hotel

After breakfast drive back to Medan via Pematang Siantar and Tebing Tinggi, on the way stop at several plantation, and it will take about 5 hours driving. Arrival in Medan directly transfer to airport to catch the flight to next destination.

Incredible Sumatra Adventure

Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport pick up by our tour guide and then Transfer to hotel, afternoon free at own leisure. 

After breakfast, pick up by our tour guide and then transfer to town for city tour visiting Sultan Palace, Great Mosque, Chinese Temple and then drive to Tangkahan via Binjai and Batang Serangan. Afternoon arrival at Tangkahan check in MEGA INN 

After breakfast walking to the elpahant station and then join  with the Mahout during washing the Elephant, and then feed the elephant, after feeding the Elephant you can ride the Elephant and pass through the river and jungle, the elephant riding will take about 01 hour. After riding the elephant take a short rest and then enjoying tubing through the river and stop will be made at Fantastic Buluh Waterfall where you may enjoy the waterfall where you can take nature shower and then you can enjoy sun bathing and swimming on the river. Afternoon arrival at the village you can get in touch with local people, where you can see the daily activities of the local people and then return to guest house by walking for overnight. 

After breakfast leave Tangkahan for Bukit Lawang by Jeep passing plantation and jungle road , on the way stop at plantation and several interesting places (school!!) for enjoying the panorama and witness the activities of the local people. Upon arrival at Bukit Lawang check-in to hotel and afternoon free at own leisure to enjoy the nature of Bukit Lawang. 

After breakfast walking to the jungle to start a jungle tracking to explore the nature of Leuser National park with their flora and fauna, there will be possibility to see Orang Utan on their own habitat and other kind of animal such as Thomas leaf monkeys, long tail macaque, gibbon, black gibbon and other kind of flora and fauna of tropical rain forest. Overnight in tent or shelter in the jungle. Lunch and dinner provided.

After breakfast prepared by tour guide continue tracking, today is full day walking and explore the rain tropical forest with their wild life living in their natural habitat. In afternoon return to Bukit Lawang. Nightstay at Bukit Lawang Cottages. Lunch included. 

After breakfast drive to Medan via Binjai, on the way visiting traditional market at Kuala, arrival in Medan directly transfer to Kualanamu International Airport for your flight to next destination.