TOUR PACKAGE : DISCOVER JAVA

Day 1. Arrival in Jakarta and transfer to Bogor
Meeting service at the airport and transfer to Bogor in around 1,5 - 2 hours. Bogor is a friendly though busy city and somewhat cooler than its big neighbor Jakarta. It’s green heart is formed by the Botanical Gardens or Kebun Raya. Opened in 1817 the gardens were used to experiment with all sorts of cash crops, nowadays it is a cool and healthy gateway for visitors both foreign and domestic. The gardens contain streams and lotus ponds and more than 15,000 species of trees and plants are found here. Footpaths and small roads make it easy to explore the gardens and there is more than enough to see to wander around for hours.

Day 2. Bogor, free program
Today you will have all the time to relax from your flight and visit the Botanical Gardens.

Day 3. Transfer from Bogor to Bandung
You will travel to Bandung via the well-known Puncak Pass, the location of one of the first colonial tea plantations. A mountainous road takes you via far stretched tea plantations (now under management of the government), rice fields and villages. Views are great and there will be plenty of time to stop for making pictures or even walk through the tea trees. Traffic however can be quite severe (especially in the weekends) because the area of Puncak Pass is also a very popular spot for domestic tourists. Near Padalarang you will stop and visit a traditional chalk factory, where chalk from surrounding mountains is processed. In the early afternoon you will reach Bandung. The rest of the day is free for you to spend.

Bandung , with at least 2 million inhabitants, was known as the ‘Paris of Java’, were the latest fashion could be bought in elegant shops. It was the place to be seen as a colonial planter. Most of that atmosphere has gone, however Bandung retains the gravitas of a dynamic, major city. Today, grandiose Art Deco building and other historical important houses, market stalls, becaks and multiplexes jostle for space in a city where past, present and future effortlessly coexist.

Day 4. Transfer from Bandung to Cipanas
In the morning you will make a city tour through Bandung and visit the traditional coffee factory Kopi Aroma and some Art Deco buildings. In the late morning you will be heading southwards in the direction of Cipanas. On the way you will make a stop at the temple of Cangkuang at the village of Leles. This small Hindu temple is the only one found in West-Java. It is located on a small hill surrounded by a lake covered with pink lotus flowers. You will reach the temple by horse cart and bamboo raft. Afterwards your local guide will take you on an easy and wonderful one-hour stroll through rice fields and small villages. After Leles you will reach your comfortable hotel in Cipanas within an hour.

The village of Cipanas is nestled on the hills of the Guntur mountain, the village is known for its hot springs, cool climate and beautiful rice terraces. Your hotel will have a swimming pool filled with hot natural water

Day 5. Transfer from Cipanas to Pangandaran, visit of Papandayan volcano and Kampung Naga
An one-hour drive will take you to the Papandayan-volcano. From the parking area it is an easy half-hour walk to the crater, which is riddled with bubbling mud pools, steam vents and crumbling sulphur. After walking near the crater you will return to the car and head downwards. Traveling through amazing rice terraces your next stop will be at Kampung Naga, a very traditional Sundanese village nestled between mountains and rice fields. It is home to more than 100 families who preserve the old ways of life despite the crowds of tourists that pass through here. The architecture is typical Sundanese with houses made from split bamboo and its roofs are thatched with ijuk, fibers of the sugar palm. A long stair leads to the village. After a visit of Kampung Naga you will continue your way to Pangandaran where you will arrive late in the afternoon.

Pangandaran is an idyllic place more like an overgrown fishing village situated on a narrow isthmus near the border with Central Java. It has a beautiful western beach and a national reserve filled with monkeys, wild cattle and other animals just on walking distance. The colorful fishing boats can be found on the beach. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.

Day 6. Pangandaran, free program
Explore Pangandaran: watch fishermen return from sea with their fresh catch; walk through the national reserve and spot all sorts of animals or take a boat to the so-called Green Canyon: a spectacular canyon, great for adventurous swimming. Pangandaran is also a good place to see the making of the wayang golek puppets, the well known Sundanese three-dimensional puppets.

Day 7. From Pangandaran to Wonosobo by car and by boat
Morning departure from Pangandaran and drive to the harbor of Kalipucang. Here you will board a small wooden boat that will take you in 4 hours to the industrial town of Cilacap through mangrove forest and along the coast of Nusa Kembangan island (partly a national reserve and known for its high security prison). Around noon you will arrive in Cilacap and continue by car to Wonosobo, a scenic trip of around 3 hours.

Day 8. Visit of Dieng-plateau and transfer to the Borobudur.
Early morning rise for your trip to Dieng-plateau. It will take you around 1 hour to reach this plateau situated at an altitude of more than 2000 meter. On the way the views are breathtaking, allowing you to enjoy vast views of agriculture fields and volcanoes. At this mystical plateau the oldest Hindu temples in Java were discovered. The name ‘Dieng’ comes from Di-Hyang (Abode of the Gods), and it is thought that this was once the site of a flourishing temple-city of priests. Several of the once hundreds of temples have been restored. You will visit these as well as a blue-green colored sulphur lake. Last stop will be at some impressive fumaroles and craters before you will drive to the highest located Central-Javanese village called Sumbing. Here you will start with a 1,5 hour walk downwards through agriculture terraced fields and small villages, almost everywhere enjoying vast views.

Afterwards you will return to Wonosobo and continue in eastern direction. After several hours you will reach the famous temple Candi Borobudur. In stead of just visiting the temple you will overnight in a nice middle class hotel on 50 meters distance of the temple, allowing you to visit the temple as long and as often as you would like.

Day 9. Sunrise at the Borobudur and transfer to Yogyakarta
As you overnight at the temple it will be possible to visit the Borobudur at sunrise. The sun will come up from behind the Merapi or between the Merapi and Merbabu volcano (depending on season): a magical sight.

After return to your hotel and breakfast you will depart and drive in around one hour to Yogyakarta, on the way you can stop at another well preserved temple, Candi Mendut. Arrival in Yogyakarta around noon. Rest of the day is free for you to spend.

Day 10 & Day 11. Yogyakarta, free program
Yoygakarta is one of Indonesia most enjoyable cities. It has a lot to offer, like the sultans palace, the batik- and silver factories; musea etc. Its atmosphere is wonderful, mystical and traditional. A great way to discover this town is to take a becak or to use an andhong (horse cart). In the evening you can enjoy a performance of the Ramayana ballet; a spectacular show. Even bicycle tours through rural villages can be organized and a trip to see how jamu, Indonesian homemade herb medicines, is made is also a great excursion.

Day 12. From Yogyakarta to Tawangmangu with stops at Prambanan temple and the palace of Solo
Morning departure for the mountain resort of Tawangmangu. First stop will be at the Prambanan temple, Java’s most beautiful and famous Hindu temple. Afterwards continue to Solo where you will visit the Istana Mangkunegara, the well preserved palace of the royal family of Solo. After lunch in Solo you will drive another 1,5 hours until you reach the erotic temple of Sukuh. This small temple on an altitude of 900 meter is not often visited. It’s main building looks more like a Maya temple. This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is thought to be build in the 15 th century when Islam was introduced. From Sukuh temple you will start with a wonderful 3-hour walk through agriculture fields, small farming villages, clove plantation and enjoying amazing views. After around 2 hours you will reach a small reserve with a waterfall and swimming pools filled with natural spring water set amidst large fern trees: a great way to wash your sweat away. After the fresh dip you will continue walking to your hotel in Tawangmangu.

Day 13. From Tawangmangu to Malang
Departure from Tawangmangu to Malang via Sarangan, Madiun and Pare. Via a scenic road you will drive to Malang. No special stops on the way, but nice views. Arrival in early afternoon.

Malang is a nice and friendly town. Like most cities in Indonesia it’s centre is crowded with a lot of traffic, but Malang also has several nice and quite area’s will broad lanes, lots of trees and beautiful houses, partly from its colonial history. At a height of 400 meters Malang has a pleasant temperature.

Day 14. Malang, excursion to Wonosari
In the morning you will drive to the tea plantation of Wonosari, situated at the slopes of the Arjuna mountain. Originally planted by the Dutch this plantation is well kept and its agro tourism sector is well managed. You will be taken by a local guide on a tour by foot through the plantation, and will sea the workers pick the tea leaves, enjoy the spectacular view (at clear weather it is possible to see the Semeru-volcano, Java’s highest volcano), visit the tea factory and off-course drink some fine tea. The plantation also houses a big swimming pool and a small zoo.

After a visit you will return to Malang and visit the small Hindu temple Singosari, on the way. Rest of the day is free for you to spend, and you can explore some of Malangs colonial buildings in the centre of town.

Day 15. From Malang to Tumpang and by jeep to the Bromo.
The approach of the Bromo via Tumpang (northern side) is not often used, but it is perhaps one of the most scenic ways to reach the Bromo. It takes around one hour to reach the small town of Tumpang, where you will change to special jeeps: the back part has been left open and a railing makes it possible for you to stand in the back part relatively comfortable. In this way you can really enjoy the beautiful scenery you are going to pass on the way to the Bromo. You will drive on a mountain rim with at the left and right site primary tropical forest. After half an hour you will stop and walk through forest to a well hidden waterfall. Continuing your tour it takes you another half hour to reach the village of Ngadas, the highest village in eastern Java. With clear weather views are amazing here, you will see agriculture fields against the mountain slopes, just like a mosaic. In the background the Semeru volcano is well visible. After Ngadas you reach the edge of the mother crater within 15 minutes. Here you will descend and drive through an amazing landscape. You can leave the car and walk through the so called padang rumput (fields of herbs) and laut pasir (sea of sand). Stop at base of the Bromo and have a look at its crater. Afterwards continue to the edge of the mother crater and drive up to the village of Cemoro Lawang. Your hotel is located right on the edge of the mother crater, from where the Bromo is very well visible.

Day 16. Bromo at sunrise and drive to Kalibaru.
Very early rise to witness the sunrise near the Bromo. Drive with a four wheel drive jeep to the viewpoint called Mount Penajakan. From here you have a great view of the Bromo and its surrounding landscape. After sunrise drive to the base of the Bromo and climb the stairs to the top (if not already done on day before). Return to hotel and after shower and breakfast you descend via a different route to the north coast near Probolinggo. Continuing your way to the town of Kalibaru, situated at an altitude of around 400 meters. You arrive in the early afternoon. Kalibaru is a small town known for its plantations. There are several very attractive hotels with garden and swimming pool. A great place to relax.

Day 17. From Kalibaru to Sukamade
By jeep or truck you will leave Kalibaru behind and drive to the plantation of Kendang Lembu. Here you will find rubber trees as well as coffee-and cacao trees. At a higher point surrounded by forest you will start with your 2,5 hour walk through healthy primary forest. The path on which you will be walking is broad and easy to follow, allowing you to look around whenever you want (in stead of looking at your feet). Forest is beautiful, views amazing and often you encounter black monkeys, hornbills and other birds. At the end of the walk your vehicle is waiting for you to take you to the beach of Rajagwesi, although forbidden to swim here, it is a beautiful white sandy beach, suitable for a picnic lunch. After resting and having lunch you will continue via a very bad road to Sukamade through a thick tropical rainforest. Stop as often as you want to enjoy the scenery and to go for a walk. Arrival in the village of Sukamade will be in the afternoon. Your accommodation is very basic but sufficient.

After diner you will drive in half an hour to another stretch of beach. Here you have to be patient and a bit lucky to see the big sea turtles moving slowly from the water to the beach to lay their eggs: a spectacular experience.

Day 18. From Sukamade to the Ijen volcano
In the morning there will be some time to visit a small factory next to your guesthouse where rubber is being processed and coffee- and cacao beans are being dried. Afterwards you will return following the same road as the day before. Arriving at the main road you will continue eastwards in direction of the harbor of Java. At a certain point you will leave this road and enter a scenic secondary road al the way up to your guesthouse or hotel near the Ijen volcano.

The Ijen volcano is a very active volcano with a crater lake. Sulphur is forced to the surface and the bright yellow solidify sulphur rocks are taken daily by carriers to a certain point where the rocks are weighed and the carrier paid according to the amount of sulphur taken.

Day 19. Walk to the crater of the Ijen volcano
Early morning departure. A one and half hour walk will take you for the parking place to the crater lake, on the way passing the sulphur carriers. Views are spectacular. After returning to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day free to spend and perhaps can visit the nearby coffee plantations and factory or take a swim in the swimming pool.

Day 20. From Ijen volcano to Surabaya
A five hour drive will take you from the Ijen volcano to the capital city of East-Java, Surabaya.

Day 21. Surabaya, flight to next destination

TOUR PACKAGE : DISCOVER BALI

Day 1. Arrival in Denpasar and transfer to Seminyak
Meeting service at the airport by guide and driver and transfer to Seminyak in around 30 minutes. The rest of the day is free to spend.

Seminyak is located near a very wide white sandy beach. It is near Kuta, but is much more quiet. There is a good choice of excellent restaurants here as well as good shops. A nice place to enjoy Bali’s beaches and to relax.

Day 2. Seminyak, free program
You can relax on the beach or at your hotel.

Day 3. Transfer from Seminyak to Munduk
A beautiful route will take you to the western part of Bali. You will stop at several less visited temples and enjoy the famous rice fields of Jatuluwih, go for short walking and see how pottery is being made. Via the photographic temple Pura Ulun Bratan, located on the edge of Lake Bratan you will reach your accommodation in Munduk.

Munduk is a small traditional Balinese village situated on a altitude of 800 meter. It is surrounded by rice terraces and clove trees. Guided walks take you to waterfalls, Bali Age villages, rice fields and the Tamblingan and Buyan lakes. Views are amazing.

Day 4. Munduk, trekking near Tamblingan
In the morning you drive in around 30 minutes to the starting point of your walk. First you descend to the edge of LakeTamblingan. This pristine lake is the least visited of lakes in Bali. It is partly fringed by fine primary forest with huge fig trees and mosses hanging from its branches. You will be following the edge through this thick tropical forest, allowing glimpse of the lake at several points. You will pass small holy temples and shrines. After 1,5 hour walking you will reach the edge of the lake and follow the lake until a small village. From here you start walking downwards via villages, peoples gardens, flower fields and rice fields. Great views all the way. You will reach your hotel after 5 hours of walking.

Day 5. Munduk – Lovina
It will take around one hour to reach the north coast and then onwards to Lovina. Driving downwards, you will almost constantly have great views on rice-fields and on the ocean. On the way stop at the colorful Buddhist temple and take a bath at the hot springs of Banjar.

Lovina is a long stretched black sandy beach consisting of several small villages filled with hotels. Although its many hotels facing the beach it is still a relatively quiet place to be. Not to many tourists find there way to Lovina. You can swim in the ocean, snorkel or diving or take a boat to find dolphins. The hinterland of Lovina allows for great walking.

Day 6. Lovina
Watch dolphins, snorkel, go to the island of Menjangan for more world class snorkeling and diving or perhaps enroll yourself in a Balinese cooking class.

Day 7. Lovina – Toyabungkah
Several great ways to reach Toyabungkah, a small village right on the edge of Lake Batur. Visit temple’s, go for a walk near the picturesque Balinese village of Sembiran, see how gongs are made, or walk to a less often visited waterfall. You will arrive in the afternoon in Toyabungkah. Near your hotel is a huge public swimming pool, with an olympic size pool and several small hot spring-pools. It is beautiful located on the shores of the lake.

Day 8. Trekking Batur crater and biking to Ubud
Early morning rise and after a short drive to the village of Songan you will start climbing the crater wall. The 30-45 minutes climb will take you to the edge of the crater, from where you wait for the sunrise. It is an amazing sight to see the sun rising from this point. You have views both to the south ( lake Batur and Mount Batur) as well as to the north (ocean and coconut palm covered mountain slopes). After sunrise you continue following the crater edge in southern direction enjoying amazing views. After one hour of walking you descend to a small village and cross the Batur lake by small boat. Back at your hotel you will drive for a short while in southern direction to the starting point of your next adventure: bicycling downwards to Ubud. Following small scenic secondary roads and stopping at several interesting sights like a herb garden, rice fields, bamboo craft village, temples and a traditional Balinese house compound. This wonderful and easy going tour will end in the outskirts of Ubud where you will be given a terrific lunch, a real Balinese feast. After lunch it will take you 15 minutes to reach your hotel.

Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali. There is lots to do: walking through nearby rice fields, following a cooking course, visited nearby handicraft villages were beautiful wooden, stone and silver objects are being made and in the evening you can enjoy one of the many dance performances held every evening. Several parks like an elephant park, reptile park and bird zoo are on short driving distances. A great adventure is rafting on the Ayung river. Ubud is an ideal place from were you can explore the surroundings.

Day 9 & 10. Ubud Free day

Day 11. Ubud – Sidemen
Today you will start your adventure to the heart of East-Bali, known for its beautiful rice terraces and dominated by Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain on Bali. You can stop at several temples like the fine Kehen temple in Bangli or visit the spectacular paintings of the remains of the Klungkung-court. In Sidemen watch people weave in their home atelier. Your hotel is nicely set amidst rice terraces on the slopes of the Agung volcano. The surroundings are great for walking.

Day 12. Climbing mount Agung – Amed
Departure from your hotel at 2 am and drive to the temple Pura Pasar Agung in Selat, high on the southern slopes of the mountain. From this temple you start walking for around 3- 4 hours to the top of the Agung and wait for the sunrise. Views will be great in southern and eastern direction. A different approach would be from Pura Besakih, which is a more tougher and longer climb (around 6-7 hours). Advantage of the Pura Besakih approach is that you can reach the very highest point from which you also have a view of central Bali.

For those who do not feel like climbing the Agung, the surroundings of Sidemen also offer great and easy walks through nice landscapes and villages.

After lunch you will be transferred to the small village of Amed following the slopes of the Agung mountain. Amed is one of the several small fishing villages located on a long stretch of black sand beach on the eastside of Bali. In contrast of a lot of other Bali beaches Amed has remained it’s rural atmosphere and numbers of accommodation and visitors is limited. Snorkeling and diving is great here, you find some of the best diving spots here. Fishermen catch there fish everyday in colorful boats and in the dry season a part of the beach is used for processing sea salt.

Day 13 & 14. Amed, free program
Relax, swim, snorkel or dive.

Day 15. Amed – airport or next destination

You will be transferred to the airport of Denpasar or to another destination, like the beaches of Sanur, Tuban etc. From Amed it is easy to reach the village of Padangbai from where you can take the ferry to Lombok.

TOUR PACKAGE DISCOVER KALIMANTAN

Day 1. Balikpapan – Samarinda – Mahakam river*
Arrival at airport of Balikpapan, you will be met by your guide and transferred by car to the small town of Loa Janan on the banks of the Mahakam river. Here you will board your houseboat that will function as your hotel and restaurant during the next 6 days. The boat consists of two floors: below is a closed space surrounded by windows that can be opened and is used for eating and relaxing. There is a small open deck on which chairs are placed. Upstairs is a large air-conditioned room that can hold around 10 people. Comfortable mattresses are placed on the floor and not on beds because the ceiling is, in accordance with typical Kalimantan riverboats quite low around 1,80 meter. There is a western toilet and shower on this floor and an Indonesian style toilet on the lower floor.

The Mahakam river is one of the longest rivers in Kalimantan. It finds its way through the lands of several Dayak-tribes, known for their mystical practices, their silent stalking through the deepest darkest jungle, their longhouses and their appearance with long earlobes and heavily tattooed wrist and ankles. Although quite modern these days still a lot of the old mystic can be traced and some of the older men and women still keep their long earlobes and their tattoos. The smaller children are still carried in often beautiful decorated typical baby carriers to the fields and forests.

Near its estuary the Mahakam is quite broad but it gets smaller and smaller the more inland you travel. The first part of the river, near Samarinda and Tenggarong, is the main highway. Relatively small tug boats pull enormous barges full of coal and wood down river to Samarinda, and there is a lot of boat traffic with passengers traveling down and up streams. Once you are ‘out of town’, the scenery changes and becomes more rural. Small villages with lots of activity taking place at the riverbank, including people fishing in canoes, women beating clothes on river stones and once in a while a floating toilet that passes the boat.

* Itinerary of Mahakam river adventure depends on the water level of the Mahakam.

Day 2. Muara Muntai, Tanjung Isuy, Mancong
In the morning you will arrive in the town of Muara Muntai. This is one of the many towns built on the river with the ‘main road’ full of boats of all shapes and sizes zipping up and down transporting people as well as animals, wood, engines and virtually anything that can fit on a boat. A large part is built on stilts and the smaller roads are made of wood.

Shortly after Muara Muntai you will get in a small motorized canoe with loud engines and cross the Jempang Lake. This lake is one of the biggest lakes in the Mahakam area, which supports around 32 bigger and smaller lakes. Its sizes very much depends on the water level of the Mahakam. The bigger lakes and wetlands are the home of the rare and threatened Irrawady dolphin.

You will find the first part of the Jempang lake stark and quite lifelessness. But in no time, you will enter a totally new environment of green lush everglade-type wetlands. Entering the Ohong Creek you will find yourself surrounded by much higher and dense vegetation and will have the opportunity to spot some wildlife like birds and the proboscis monkey with their funny nose. In Mancong you will visit a nice renovated and decorated longhouse. In the afternoon you will travel down streams by canoe to the village of Tanjung Isuy. You will be greeted by the villagers (Dayak Benuaq tribe) with a dance performance. Afterwards you will continue to the houseboat for your diner and overnight.

Day 3 & 4. Tering, Long Iram, Datah Bilang, Rukun Damai
During two days you will be cruising further upstream. Not to far from Muara Muntai you will enter the Bolongan-river. The Irrawady dolphin is constantly monitored here and therefore the location of the animals is known precisely. With this information the chance of seeing a dolphin is rather considerable.

Returning to the Mahakam-river you will find the river getting narrower and village life from both banks are well visible. You will pass and stop at typical Dayak villages. Both Datah Bilang and Rukun Damai are villages that belong to the Dayak Kenyah-tribes. You will reach them by local motorized canoe and will spent one night at a local house. You will experience and observe the life of Dayak people and have a look at their longhouses or communal houses.

Day 5. Rukun Damai, Data Bilang, Long Iram, Tenggarong
You will be cruising down streams, back in the direction of Samarinda. You will leave the boat at the village of Tering and will visit an old longhouse of Eheng by car. You will witness a traditional dance performance. Afterwards you continue to the Ombau Asa waterfall and have a swim in a refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall. In Melak you will board the houseboat again and continuing traveling towards Tenggarong.

Day 6. Tenggarong – Loa Janan – Balikpapan
In the morning you will arrive at Tenggarong, de centre of the former powerful Kutai-sultanate. You will visit the Mulawarman museum and have a look at the impressive collection of heirlooms, ceramics, Dayak art’s and culture items. Tenggarong is the place where you Mahakam-trip will come to an end. You will be transferred by car to Balikpapan and check-in at your comfortable hotel.

Day 7. Balikpapan – Banjarmasin, river tour
You will be driven to the airport of Balikpapan from where you take a domestic flight to Banjarmasin.

From the airport of Banjarmasin you will be picked-up and transferred to your comfortable hotel in center of town. Banjarmasin is the capital of South-Kalimantan and is situated at the delta of the Barito-river. The numerous rivers and canals that flow through the city are an unique characteristic of Banjarmasin. Daily life of its inhabitants involves along these waterways. Every family has its own canoe. In the afternoon you will travel by small boat on the Martapura River that flows through the backyard of many houses. It allows an unique view of daily life of Banjarmasins inhabitants.

Day 8. Floating market – home industry – sasirangan
Early in the morning you walk to the Barito River, were you board a small-motorized canoe and cruise to the floating market in the delta of this river. Jukung (local canoes) are loaded with all sorts of products: fruit, rotan, rice, clothes and vegetables. There are also several salesmen and women who specialize in selling tea, coffee and different kinds of cakes. Here you can park your boat and relax while drinking and eating snacks. If the sun is too bright or if its raining the big round Banjarnese hats, made of palm leaves, are used as protection. After lunch you will make a short trip by car to see the process of batik sasirangan. Batik sasirangan is a local procedure of decorating textile. Nearby you will be offered a great traditional Banjarnese meal at local people’s home. In the afternoon there is still some time to visit some old Banjar houses as well as a museum and the biggest mosque of Banjarmasin, Mesjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin.

Day 9. Diamond mining
In the morning you will leave by car in the direction of the small town of Cempaka, north of Banjarmasin. Nearby is the village of Pumpung where diamonds are found using traditional methods. Work starts with digging a deep small shaft. Depending on the structure of the soil, this shaft can reach depths of 30 meters. At the bottom men fill rotan baskets with earth. These baskets are taken to the surface where the soil is washed and checked for diamonds or other precious stones. As the precise location of the mining changes once in a while you probably need to walk short distance to reach the mines.

After the diamond mining you will drive by car to the town of Martapura to see the traditional polishing process. You will also visit the colorful market. On the way back to Banjarmasin you can stop at a small local museum.

Day 10. Banjarmasin – Pangkalanbun – Tanjung Puting
You will leave Banjarmasin and fly in around 1,5 hour to Pangkalanbun in Central Kalimantan. Here you will be picked-up from the airport and driven to the town of Kumai were you will board your klotok (motorized boat) that will serve as your hotel and restaurant for the next several days.

National Park Tanjung Puting is covered by a complex mosaic of lowland habitats, like nipa palms, mangrove forests, tropical rainforest and lakes. This amazing mosaic is home to a diverse fauna and flora. There is a relatively high population of primates. However Tanjung Puting is foremost known for its orangutan center. These big red apes that once lived in captivity are taught how to live in their natural environment again.

By small boat you will travel on narrow black-water rivers with lush vegetation. You will spend the night and will eat on board and will make walks in the forest in search of wild orangutans. In the mornings and late afternoons it is relatively easy to spot the funny nose-monkeys. The male of this primate species has a big red pickle-like nose.

Today you will travel 2-3 hours until Tanggui, the first orangutan center on your way. Your crew will find a quiet and save spot to spend the night.

 

Overnight on board

It is a unique opportunity to sleep amongst the rich fauna and flora of the Tanjung Puting Park. The boats that are used for this trip consist of a closed deck as well as an open deck. There are mattresses and mosquito nets, a simple toilet and you can rinse yourself with water. A cook will join you and will provide you with tasty meals. The boat offers enough space for 4-6 persons.

With additional costs it is also possible to spend the night at a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the national park.

Day 11 Tanjung Puting
You will wake up surrounded by the many sounds of the forest. After breakfast you will cruise to the main orangutan center, Camp Leakey. Here you will make a walk through the forest guided by local rangers. If you are lucky you will see wild orangutans (depending on the availability of fruits). In the afternoon you will travel by boat upstream in search of more primates and other animals.

Day 12 Tanjung Puting – Kumai
In the morning there will be some time left to make a short trekking in a different part of the forest, before heading back to Kumai where you will arrive in the early afternoon. This friendly town is dominated by Buginese (from Sulawesi) and Malayan people.

Day 13 Kumai – Pangkalanbun
You will be taken to Pangkalanbun from where you can fly to Banjarmasin or to Semarang on Java.

TOUR PACKAGE : Discover Sulawesi (North & South Sulawesi)

Day 1. Arrival in Manado.
Arrival around noon and transfer from airport in around 30 minutes to your hotel in town.

Day 2. Manado, full day snorkel excursion near Bunaken
You will leave your hotel in the morning and drive to the harbor. Here you boat is waiting to take you snorkeling around the famous coral gardens and drop-offs of the national sea park Bunaken. There are many snorkel sites, and it is not difficult to spend a full day here. Lunch will be on the beach of Bunaken in a simple restaurant. In the afternoon you will sail back to Manado.

Day 3. Transfer from Manado to Tomohon, Minahasa excursion.
On your way to Tomohon you will explore the Minahasa district. On an average altitude of around 700-800 meters this district has a lot to offer to its visitors. The ancient waruga sarcophagi in which important people were buried sitting a fetus position can be seen in the small town of Sawangan. In Woloan you will see how people construct wooden houses to break them down again and to sell them as a ‘do-it-yourselves-packet’. In the village of Pulutan pottery is being made. You will have your lunch in a fish restaurant on the edge of Lake Tondano, make a short walk near the colored sulfur lake of Linow, and walk to the Kali waterfall. In the afternoon you will arrive at your hotel in Tomohon situated at an altitude of around 700 meters.

Day 4. Tomohon, Mahawu volcano
In the early morning you will drive to the 1300 meter high Mahawu volcano. The climb starts at an altitude of 1000 meters and within an hour you have reached the top, from were you have a good view of the crater lake as well as of the surrounding area including the national park Bunaken. After descending you will visit the colorful market of Tomohon. The Minahasa are known for eating everything with at least two legs, so you will find dogs, rats and bats ready to take home and to cook. Together with very spicy sambal these animal make a very fine dish.

For those enjoying rafting there are two different locations. During more than 2 hours on the water you can enjoy the excitement of passing rapids and enjoy the wonderful landscape.

Day 5. From Tomohon to Pulisan
In the morning you will leave for the small resort of Pulisan, it will take you around 2,5 hour before you reach the village Pulisan. From here you have to go on by foot for another 20 minutes before you reach your secluded bay and white sandy beach. The several basic bungalows are beautiful situated near a wide beach and surrounded by jungle. It is possible to see the volcano’s Batu Angus and Tangkoko.

Day 6. Pulisan, free program
Enjoy the beach, walk in the jungle to hear all kinds of birds singing; snorkel from the beach or hire a boat or go diving.

Day 7. Pulisan, half day excursion to Tangkoko Batu-Angus national Park.
After lunch you will leave by boat to the national Park Tangkoko Batuangus. It is a beautiful park, filled with fruit trees and palm trees. As fruits are abundant here, the forest can hold a large number of mammals and birds. It is not to difficult for you to spot the black short tail monkeys which are endemic to Sulawesi. In the afternoon you can spot the tarsier, a very small monkey the size of a human hand. It feeds during the night and will only return to its sleeping tree just before sunrise.

In the late afternoon you will return back to Pulisan.

Day 8. From Pulisan to Makassar
From Pulisan you drive in around 1,5 hour to the airport of Manado. Here you take a flight to Makassar. From the airport of Makassar you will be taken to your hotel in centre of town. The rest of the day is free for you to spend. You can visit places of interest or relax in your comfortable hotel with an attractive pool right at the waterfront of Makassar.

Makassar (called Ujung Pandang between 1972 and 1999) is the lively capital of South-Sulawesi and because of its central location the city functions as a gate to the eastern islands of Indonesia already for centuries. Makassar also has a rich historical past with two powerful kingdoms that were able to resist the Dutch colonial forces for many years. The fort of Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) in the centre of Makassar is a well-preserved remain of that past.

In the evening the boulevard starts to live when many pushcarts are placed near the waterside and start selling all sorts of food until late in the night: for seafood dishes this is the right place to go. A part of the boulevard is closed for traffic and here you can enjoy a nice sunset.

Day 9. Makassar – Bira
You will leave in the morning by private aircon car with driver to the small fishing village of Bira, around 120 km east of Makassar. On the way you will pass a very interesting landscape of vast plains bordered by mountains alternated by views of the coastline. All sorts of palm trees grow in this area like the coconut palm and lontar palm. You will make a stop at a nice waterfall. During the dry season you will see people collecting and processing sea salt and seaweed. Arrival in the late afternoon.

Day 10. Bira, snorkel excursion
In the morning you depart by small boat to a fisherman island nearby with a beautiful beach and colorful fishes and corals. Your lunch will be a picnic at the island. Afterwards your guide will take you walking through a small village near the beach to see the local daily life. Women weave nice colorful clothes. In the afternoon there will still be some opportunity to snorkel before heading back to Bira.

Bira also offers some nice area for short walks, some caves and off-course the well known traditional wooden boat building (pinisi). If you are lucky you can witness this labor-intensive work at one of the beaches nearby.

Day 11. Bira – Kajang – Sengkang
You will leave the white-sandy beach of Bira behind and will drive in northern direction to Sengkang. It is a varied route and after around 2 hours you will stop at a small traditional area that is called Tanah Tua, homeland of the Kajang. The Kajang try to live according to traditional rules, in harmony with nature. This nature provides them for everything they need. Food is cultivated, houses are made of wood and palm leaves and the clothes are weaved themselves and dyed with a dark natural dye. You will walk through the village (dressed in black clothes yourselves) and visit some of the houses.

In the afternoon you will reach Sengkang. Sengkang is a small and quiet town with a population that is almost 100% Islamic Bugis who dominantly live in traditional wooden pile dwellings. It is the capital of the district of Wajo, one of the most influential Bugis states of the sixteen-century.

Day 12. Sengkang: Lake Tempe and silk-home industry – transfer to Rantepao. Early in the morning you will walk with your guide from the hotel to a small local pier were you board a traditional colorful motorized canoe. The canoe trip will take you through the small Walennea River to the Tempe Lake, a lake that covers an area of at least 1.000 ha in the dry season and expands to around 35.000 ha during the wet season when all surrounding areas are flooded. On the lake you can observe the local fishermen catch fish in different ways using nets, fishing roads and bamboo fences. More than 20 species of water birds can be seen at this lake. Some of the fishermen live in floating houses near the edge of the lake. You will visit a floating house to drink tea and coffee together with its inhabitants. After return to Sengkang you will drive to some small villages nearby by mini bus to see the process of traditional silk weaving. At certain days of the month it is also possible to see the cocoons or the spinning of the fine silk threads.

In Sengkang you will enjoy a great traditional meal seated on mats in people’s home. After lunch you will drive further north to the town of Rantepao, the hart of Toraja land. You will arrive here in the late afternoon.

The mountainous district of Toraja is the homeland of several ethnic groups who are called Toraja (Toraja means ‘the people of the mountains’ or ‘the people of the west’. The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (rites of the ancestors) and they live according to the patron that was defined by the ancestors and gods. These include the impressive rituals that accompany the burying of the deceased. The beautiful carved houses with the remarkable roofs, the so-called tongkonan, are also built according principles of Aluk to Dolo. Although most Toraja are Christian nowadays, still many traditions live on.

If during your stay at Toraja there will be the unique opportunity to visit an impressive funeral- or house ceremony or the big animal market we will try to alter the program, according to your wishes, to fit in these visits.

Day 13 & 14 Rantepao, sightseeing
During two days you will visit several Toraja villages by minibus to get a good picture of the culture of past and present Toraja. These picturesque villages are located in an amazing mountainous landscape dominated by rice terraces and bamboo forests. You will see the different ways the Toraja burry their death, like hanging graves as it was done in the old days and the well known stone graves guarded by puppets, tau-tau, high up a rock. Also the baby graves in the trunk of big trees as well as huge richly carved traditional houses with their rice barns will be on the program.

On the evening of day 13 you will enjoy a Torajan meal served in traditional house in a small kampung on a short distance of Toraja. Most famous is the pa’piong manuk: chicken with grated banana stem cooked in a bamboo tube. Cooked young fern and red rice are the perfect match for this chicken dish. If you arrive on time you can witness your meal being prepared.

Day 15 Toraja, free program
There are lot of interested activities to undertake, rafting on the Maulu-river is perhaps one of the highlights. This trip takes you to a wonderful gorge, with small waterfalls, lush vegetation and remarkable lizards warming up in the sun on big rocks. Grade is around 3, which means that this trip is also suitable for beginners. However if you want to take it easy this day you can also consider short trips by bicycle or just have a swim in one of the pools of some of the bigger hotels near Rantepao.

Day 16 Toraja – Makassar
In the early morning you will drive by aircon car with private driver to Makassar. This interesting and varied route will take around 8 to 9 hours. If there is time left you can make a d-tour and see some more of the incredible lime-stone cliffs belonging to a national park. Here you can visit a cave with prehistorically paintings and see hundreds of flying foxes hanging from tree. You will arrive in Makassar in the late afternoon.

Day 17. Makassar - airport
Transfer to the airport and connecting flight.

Note: for maps and more information click DESTINATIONS

Note: Above-mentioned itinerary is subject to change due to altering weather and road conditions, varying flight and boat schedules, accessibility of certain areas, etc. Please CONTACT US for updated information.

TOUR PACKAGE 1 : LOMBOK
TOUR PACKAGE 2 : DISCOVER KOMODO – FLORES – SUMBA

Day 1. Flight to Mataram and transfer to Senggigi.
Upon arrival you will be driven in around 30 minutes to your comfortable hotel near the beach of Senggigi. Rest of the day is free to spend.

Day 2. Senggigi, half day bicycling tour.
You will be driven to the starting point of a wonderful bicycling tour. You will pass small villages and stop to have a talk with the villagers, visit a temple on a hill, see rice fields and above all enjoy the great views. After lunch you will return and have the rest of the afternoon free to spend by swimming and enjoying the beach.

Day 3. From Senggigi to Tetebatu
On your way from Senggigi to Tetebatu you will stop at the Lingsar temple, belonging to both Balinese Hindus and Wetu Telu Muslims, the Narmada water palace (once built for the king to be a replica of the Rinjani mountain with its crater lake) and have lunch at Saranadi were you can enjoy your meal in a lush green environment with a big swimming pool filled with fresh spring water. Often you will pass small traditional markets were you can have a look and bargain for fruits or sweets. You will reach Tetebatu in the afternoon. This village is located on the southern slopes of the Rinjani mountain. The area is very fertile and rice and tobacco are being planted here all year round. The surroundings of Tetebatu allow for some great walks.

Day 4. From Tetebatu walking to Pringgasela and transfer to Labuan Pandan
In the morning you start with a wonderful walk through rice fields, tobacco fields, crossing small rivers and streams, enjoying the view of the Rinjani mountain and passing several traditional villages. You end in a village called Pringgasela, known for its weaving. Here the women weave beautiful clothes use natural dye and several decoration techniques. You will make a walk through the village and will have a Sasak lunch. After lunch you will continue to the east part of the island, and stop at the pottery village of Masbagik and if time allows you will visit a traditional Sasak village.

You will arrive in the afternoon at your cottages near the beach of Labuan Pandan.

Day 5. Snorkeling tour
The coral that fringes several small islands near the coast of Labuan Pandan in a very good condition. By boat you will visit several sites for snorkeling.

Day 6. From Labuan Pandan to Sembalun
You continue your trip today by taking a scenic road until you reach the village of Sembalun, nestled in the very fertile Sembalun-valley at the base of the Rinjani mountain. All shorts of vegetable are grown here.

The north coast of Lombok is still very traditional north cost of Lombok. Still many adherents of the old Wetu Telu religion, a mix of Islam, Hindu and Animism, live here in traditional Sasak houses. Not many tourists find their way to this area. You will have plenty of time to explore the beautiful valley and go for some walking nearby. Sembalun is also a starting point for 2-4 days climbing of Mount Rinjani and its lake.

Day 7. Sembalun - Senaru, walking and transfer to Gili Meno
After a scenic drive of around one hour you will reach the village of Senaru, another picturesque villages on the slopes of the Rinjani. This will be the starting point of a 3-hour walk guided by local women. You will follow old pathways amongst shady bamboo groves and villages before entering a wide and open landscape of rice terraces and palm trees. The walk will end at a waterfall. From Senaru it will still take about 2,5 -3 hours to the harbour of Bangsal were you cross the sea with small motorised boat to the tropical island of Gili Meno.

Day 8. Gili Meno, free program
Snorkelling, swimming, enjoying sunset and walking on the island. Gili Meno is fringed by a nice white sandy beach and coral gardens. It also has an nice bird park were all sorts of birds are being held.

Day 9. Gili Meno, transfer to Mataram for a flight to your next destination.

 

TOUR PACKAGE 2 : DISCOVER KOMODO – FLORES – SUMBA

Day 1. Arrival in Denpasar and transfer to Seminyak
Meeting service at the airport and transfer to Seminyak in around 30 minutes. The rest of the day is free to spend.

Seminyak is located near a very wide white sandy beach. It is near Kuta, but is much more quiet. There is a good choice of excellent restaurants here as well as good shops. A nice place to enjoy Bali’s beaches and to relax.

Day 2. Seminyak, free program
You can relax on the beach or at your hotel.

Day 3. Seminyak, flight from Denpasar to Labuanbajo
In the morning you will drive to the airport of Denpasar and fly to Labuanbajo, the most western town on Flores. You will be picked-up by your driver and taken to your hotel. Rest of the day you have the time to explore this charming somewhat cluttered town situated on a beautiful bay with many small tropical islands. This is one of the few Muslim towns on Flores. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset here.

Day 4 & 5 Boat trip to Rinca and Komodo
Early in the morning you leave by boat and head for the island of Rinca, one of bigger islands belonging to the national park of Komodo. It is also one of the islands where the Komodo dragons live. Rinca is more untouched and less visited than the neighboring island of Komodo. It has secluded bays and is grown over with lontar palms, grasses, small shrubs and cacti. Walking here means walking through an open landscape with vast views of the green-blue waters of Komodo National Parks. Sometimes you meet wild horses, buffalos and monkeys.

After a visit of Rinca you will continue sailing to Komodo, on the way there will be time to do some great snorkeling. Your boat will be anchored for overnight at a seclude bay. In the morning you head for Komodo island. There is more dry and bare forest on this island and you will see gecko’s peeking from their holes in trees, hear the shrieks of the cockatoos and spot more colorful birds. After Komodo you will return to Labuanbajo, if time allows you can stop at some uninhabited islands and do some snorkeling.

Boats are very simple, but have basic facilities for sleeping and washing. The crew will cook for you during your stay on board.

Day 6 First day of an unique trip visiting a remote part of Manggarai; from Labuanbajo to Wailiang
The western part of Flores is inhabited by an ethnic group called Manggarai. They have their own culture and tradition, which in some parts of the area is still quite strong. They are dressed in beautiful textiles called sarong, that are woven according to a special method using yarns of bright colors. Their traditional architecture is a very unique one, the houses are cone-shaped and offer space up to 100 people! Just a few of these house remain and our goal for this unique trip is to visit a remote village that still has several of these houses still inhabited.

This first day we will drive by truck to a small village called Wailiang. We have to use a truck as some parts of the road are too bad for other means of transportation. There are wooden benches and a roof. It is a long road entering a seldom visited area and allowing for spectacular views of the rough south coast of Flores. You will spend the night at local people’s homes.

Day 7. From Wailiang to Wai Rebo: second day
You will continue a short while by truck before you start a trek through a beautiful landscape, several times descending and ascending. You will enjoy great views on rice terraces and on the south coast of Flores. In the afternoon you will reach the village of Wairebo, where you can still find several typical Manggarai communal houses. You have all the time to witness the life in this small and unique village. You will spend the night in one of the Manggarai houses sleeping on thin mats.

Day 8. From Wai Rebo to Denge: third day
You have all the morning to look around in this unique village before heading down to the village of Denge. In this very friendly village you will be staying at the house of the local school teacher. Off course you can have a look at the primary school.

Day 9. From Denge to Ruteng
From Denge you drive by truck via a scenic but quite bad road until you meet the main road to Ruteng. Ruteng is the centre town of the Manggarai country. Very unique here is the shape of the rice fields: they are laid out in the form of a spider web, with each part belonging to a specific family. You are in Ruteng in the afternoon and still have time to visit the colorful market where typical Manggarai sarongs are sold.

Day 10. From Ruteng to Bajawa
The scenery in Flores is never boring: rice terraces, volcano’s, traditional villages, beaches and rough coasts. On this day you will witness all of these different landscapes. You will stop to enjoy the incredible rice terraces near Ruteng, walk to a serene blue lake and hear typical birdsongs. Near the coast you witness people originally from the island of Sawu, making strong liqueur of the juices of lontarpalm. You will picnic on the beach and afterwards follow a mountainous road which allows you views of the Inerie volcano. Arrival in Bajawa will be in the afternoon.

Bajawa is the centre of the Ngada area. This mountainous area is still very traditional, partly due to its isolated location. Villages here consist of traditional wooden houses with specific decoration. Women and men sit on the veranda’s engaging in small handicraft work while chewing betel nut. Every village has a number of totems which symbolize the male and female ancestors. The scenery is wonderful, with high mountain peaks and views of the Sawu sea. A great area for walking.

Day 11. Bajawa, trekking and transfer to Riung
In the morning you will be taken to the starting point of your trekking. During several hours you will pass traditional villages and great landscapes. The walk will end in the village of Bena, a magnificent village. You will be driven back to Bajawa and after lunch continue your way to Riung. There is still time left to enjoy the hot springs of Soa, in which you can take a bath and relax. Half an hour before you enter Riung you will have a stunning view of all the islands belonging to the national sea park Tujuh Belas.

Riung is a small fishing town and quite primitive. There is only electricity in the evenings and many of its inhabitants still live in stilted wooden houses.

Day 12. Riung, excursion to the National sea park Tujuh Belas
With a small motorboat you will explore a part of the national sea park. You will sail to an uninhabited island and enjoy great snorkeling here. Your lunch will be barbequed fish and salad on the beach. Afterwards you will sail to mangrove forest and see many flying foxes hanging on the trees, waiting until dusk to fly off with thousands in search of fruits.

Day 13. From Riung to Moni
A long but beautiful trip through central Flores. After crossing the island you end up at the south coast of Flores and will have the opportunity to walk along the beach partly covered by green stones. After passing rice terraces and driving through an impressive steep valley you will reach the town of Moni, on the slopes of the Kelimutu volcano. The area here is known for its beautiful ikat textiles.

Day 14. Kelimutu volcano and transfer to Maumere
Early in the morning you will drive and walk to the to the top of the Kelimutu volcano to see the sunrise near its three colored lakes: a special experience. On the way to Maumere you will stop at a traditional house, special for this area, and will see women weaving and decorating textiles. In Maumere you will be sleeping in wooden houses near the beach. You will be able to swim and snorkel.

Day 15. From Maumere to Kupang
Flight from Maumere to Kupang and transfer to your comfortable hotel in Kupang.

Day 16. From Kupang to Sumba - Waingapu
You will continue your journey to the island of Sumba by taking the flight from Kupang to Waingapu on Sumba. After arrival you will be taken to your simple hotel in town.

Sumba is a very unique island were people still adhere to their ancient merapu-religion, based on the worshipping of ancestors and spirits. Traditional houses with huge roofs are very impressive, huge carved stones are sometimes still erected to honor the dead and the ikat textile is famous throughout the world. The western part of the island is more traditional but the ikats from the eastern part are more famous. Not too many tourists visit this island, facilities are therefore limited.

Day 17. Waingapu
Today you will learn about the complicated process of ikat making by visiting small villages where women engage in making ikat textiles. It can take years of dying, drying, weaving etc before a cloth is finished. You will see how women bind the threads into patrons, see how they prepare the dyes using roots, leaves and tree bark and witness how they weave their textiles.

Day 18. From Waingapu to Marosi in western Sumba
A long but interesting drive will take you to the traditional western part of Sumba. You will pass Waibakul and Pasunga were you can see the huge and fine decorated megaliths. At the end of the day you will arrive at your very comfortable accommodation an a hill. From your hotel you can enjoy great views.

Day 19 & day 20 Exploring Western Sumba
Using your comfortable hotel with swimming pool as a base, during these days you will visit several areas and make a trekking of around 4 hours to see and visit the traditional houses and markets. You will have tea at people’s home and try some of the betel nut chew which is a very important way for the villagers to welcome guests.

Day 21. Flight from Sumba to Denpasar, transfer to Sanur.
You will fly to Denpasar and check in at your comfortable hotel in Sanur.

Day 22. Sanur, free program
Relax, swim and perhaps do some shopping.

Day 23. Sanur – next destination

Note: for maps and more information click DESTINATIONS

TOUR PACKAGE : BALIEM & BIAK

Day 1. Arrival in Jayapura and excursion to Lake Sentani
Arrival in the morning around 9.00 am. The airport is located near Lake Sentani. If the weather permits you will see the irregular shapes of its shores and its velvet green hills, very clear just before landing. You will be picked-up by our local agent / guide who will take you walking to your nearby hotel. After some rest and lunch you will leave by car to a small harbor where you board a small motorized boat that will take you on Lake Sentani. Along its shores and on its small islets you will see the numerous fishing villages full of wooden houses raised on stilts above the water. You will witness several activities like sago-flour making, boat building and painting of prepared tree bark with natural paints. The boat trip will be finished at the end of the afternoon in a nice restaurant on the shores of the lake. Here you will have your diner before you will be taken back by car to your hotel.

Day 2. Flight to Wamena and exploring the town
A spectacular morning flight takes you from Jayapura to Wamena in about one hour. You will fly over green valleys, twisting rivers, thick tropical forest and when approaching Wamena you will see the extensive Baliem-valley with its small villages consisting of the traditional circular houses, topped by a thatched dome-shaped roof (honay).

Wamena is situated at an altitude of around 1.600 meter and therefore has a cool climate. Here you will see the first Dani’s and Lani’s sparsely dressed in penis gourds or grass skirts and on the head a noken (bark-string bag). Although nowadays most of them were western clothes.

After settling in your centrally located hotel you can explore Wamena on your own, you can visit traditional markets, cross a big suspension bridge or visit a small Dani settlement nearby. In mean while your guide will finish the necessary arrangements for your trekking: buy food, arrange porters, cooks and transportation.

Day 3.–day 7. 7 days / 6 nights trekking near the Southern Baliem Valley
Today you will start with an astonishing 7 days trekking through the most beautiful part of the Baliem Valley: an once in a live experience taking you through breathtaking landscapes and allowing you to meet the very traditional and intriguing tribes of the highlands. You will be walking through Dani territory and spend one full day in Lani-area*. A knowledgeable and English speaking guide will accompany you during the trekking.

Together with your guide, porters and cooks you will be driven to the starting point of the trekking: the village of Sogokmo. Adventure starts right away with crossing a river and balancing on a small bridge before reaching a broader path. You will be walking in about 4-5 hours to the first village (Tangma) where you will spent the night. Via the villages of Ibiroma, Syokosima, Seima, Yogesema (Lani-country) and Ugum you will reach Wamena again. Views are astonishing and the local people friendly and always ready to shake your hand and to pose for your camera. The villages you will pass consist mainly of traditional honay’s with pigs kept in wooden cages.

During trekking the cooks will prepare a lunch for you and boil water to refill your drink water bottle. There will be steep ascends and descends, small roads, rivers to cross, muddy footpaths and wading through the water or walking on suspension-bridges. A reasonably to good physical condition is necessary as well as no fear for heights. Porters will be carrying your luggage and lend you a helping hand during the more difficult parts. You will spend the night in local villages in people’s homes. Sometimes in a traditional honay sometimes in the wooden house of local teacher of in a small church. Conditions are primitive but unforgettable. You bring your own mattress, sleeping bag and mosquito net. Your bath will be the river and depending on the facilities the toilet will be near the house or at a longer distance. Cooks will prepare simple but tasteful meals for you and you are welcome to help anytime. The forth day their will be a resting day (so you will be spending 2 days in the same village) and on this day you will witness a very impressive pig feast, probably one of the most interesting things to see on a travel to Papua. Several clan members dressed in traditional outfit will be dancing for you and prepare a meal using the old methods. They will dig a pit and covering it with grasses. Pig meat, fresh vegetables and hot stones will be put in the pit and afterwards covered with several layers of grass. After a while the food is cooked and the pit is opened. The taste is wonderful and you will enjoy the food together with the clan members.

*Although we will be walking following a fixed route, it is possible that due to unforeseen conditions and circumstances (road conditions, flooded rivers, physical condition of participants etc) routes have to be altered of villages for accommodation have to be changed on the spot.

Day 8. Last day trekking, arriving in Wamena
This last day there will be a half day trekking and after lunch you will be driven by car back to Wamena.

Overnight in Hotel Baliem Palimo.

Day 9. Wamena, free program
A day to relax or do some shopping. It is however also possible to visit the salt springs and a old mummy of the famous Dugum clan in Jiwika (Central Baliem-Valley).

Day 10. Wamena – Jayapura – Depapre beach
You will leave by early morning flight back to the shores of Sentani. After arrival at your hotel you will be picked-up by your guide and taken to a beautiful and empty beach set under the dramatic mountain ranges of Pegunungan Cyclops. To reach this beach you will drive to the village of Depapre and from there on take a boat and walk a short distance to the secluded Pantai Amai. Near the beach you can do some snorkeling and relax. In the late afternoon you will return to your hotel.

Day 11. Jayapura – Biak
In the late morning your flight leaves for the tropical Papua island of Biak. After you settling in your hotel you will drive to see the impressive Japanese caves and the bird park, where you can see many Papuan bird species.

Day 12. Biak
Early in the morning you will leave by car to the harbor and board a motorized canoe to Owi Island. This beautiful island fringed with white sand beaches belongs to the Padaido archipelago. You will have all the time for swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon you will return to your hotel.

Day 13. Biak – Jakarta / Denpasar or other destination

Note: for maps and more information click DESTINATIONS                                          [Top]

Note: Above-mentioned itinerary is subject to change due to altering weather and road conditions, varying flight and boat schedules, accessibility of certain areas, etc. Please CONTACT US for updated information.