Yes, we intend getting you out of bed at 3am in at a remote little village Nagasari... and then it's on the back of a little pony with guide for a journey across the 'Sea of Sand' to the base of Mt Bromo. To get to the rim of the volcano however there is no other way than climbing the staircase in the freezing cold and 'enjoying ?" the sulphur fumes - you'll hate it and you'll love it but you'll never forget it!.
Your Mt Bromo Tour Details
Over many years we've taken hundreds of Australian travellers to Mt Bromo. The journey is truly interesting...First it's by car round the southern area of Bali to the ferry linking Bali & Java... Then through Banywani in East Java and ontoProbolingo on the Surabaya road... then up  Mt Bromo where arrival is approx 4pm... Accomodation at Nagasari is "simple"... you can upgrade to nearby hotels if desired...and if the thought of a pony ride is of concern... we can arrange jeep transport to the mountain..Have an early night..as we will have you up at 3am for the trek.
The spectacle of sunrise over Bromo is spectacular!... and with your sense of achievment at the pony ride and the long staircase up the mountainside... you'll truly enjoy breakfast on return..
Later today we leave for Tretes where accomodation is at Tretes Raya... they consider their lobby is "Romanesque"!... Very interesting villages and artifacts are found here.
Next day we stay at Kalibharu Spice plantation where another aspect of Java's fascination is found..
On the homeward trip you might like to add some kilometres to Grajankun... the world famous... & feared... surfing beach... Then back to the ferry and your Bali hotel.

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It's widely accepted that Jogja is probably the most interesting centre of culture in the whole of Asia... when one takes account of the fabric designs... the incredible puppet shows... the skill of the Anklung orchestras... the leather and wood carvings on offer..added to the history and trapping of one of Asia Royal empires
Simply take a walk down Jalan Malioboro, full of street stalls selling souvenirs, t-shirts, leathergoods etc. cheaper than Bali... and don't miss a bowl of their delicious frog legs cuisine. We take you to the World famous temple complex of Borobudur, built in 837AD and predating Angkor Wat by 3 centuries. Then round to the Sultan's Palace where you see the Water Palace, the bird market and various Kraton performances at different times.And if you're lucky... and it's the right date... a performance of Ramayana Epic at nearby Prambanan Temple will "blow your head off"!
Travel from Bali can either be by one hour flight or car via Malang (own arrangements).
Your Jogja Solo Tour Details
The tour begins at Jogjakarta and we have a personal guide to visit the temples... the batik factories... the markets... which are stunning!... and of course Borobudur and Prambanan.
We include an Angklung performance tonight ... Next day we're driving to the world famous Batik markets at Solo.
Accomodation is at the excellent Melia Hotel or similar.

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Sulawesi,formerly known as Celebes, is a holiday destination  for those in search of the exotic & unusual.. You'll find the sights and people of Makassar and Rantepeo are absolutely unique. The more populated northland & central  regions are rarely visited ( through, of course, for some travelers  this is the most attractive region . Such as ; Bada Valley ( Lore Lindu ) for its MegalithicCulture and Birding site, Togean Islands with its fantastic under-sea-garden and its coral reefs, and Morowali Nature Reserve.
A Way Of Death!
If the Toraja (Rantepeo) way of life is interesting, the way of death is an even more fascinating mix of rituals custom and spectacle. For the Toraja peoples...the dead are as much a part of society as the living. At Lemo, cliffs  rise  precipitously  from  the  ricefields  like  stonework condominiums. crypts carved with prodigious manual labor high into the solid rock house the mortal remains of Toraja nobility. Set amongst the crypts, the striking tau-tau, wooden effigies representing the deceased, look impassively on the world below....
Torajan culture is a complex blend of ancestor worship and animistic beliefs where rituals for the dead are colorful festivals to pave the way for the soul's entry into the hereafter. This unique culture, the scenic beauty, cool climate and gentle people are the main reason that Toraja is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. For many visitors, Toraja will linger in their mind as a land steeped in mystery, magic and ancient traditions. It is one of the world's rare cultural treasures.
Once boat dwellers!
Symbolized in mythology as the land of heavenly kings, its boat-shaped houses face north in honor of the deities. Their traditional house called Tongkonan are related to the settlers who converted their boats into houses, and set the pattern of present-day community life. There is a belief that early settlers came by boats and converted the boats into houses. The houses are beautifully decorated with carvings and geometric designs. The number of buffalo horns hanging in front of the house indicate the status and wealth of the owner. Though Christianity and Islam have found converts here and modern trends have made inroads, traditional rituals remain strong, especially that of funeral rites.
Your Toraja Tour Details
Your tour begins in Makassar and the incorporates travel to Rantepeo and Toraja land...We offer either one night Makassar and one night Rantepeo....two nights Rantepeo...or as a third alternative one night Rantepeo and a day/night in the remote southern corner of Suluwesi where the incredible Phinisi boats are built...Travel is by airconditioned car with English speaking Driver/guide.

Famous around the world for it's "prehistoric" Komodo Dragon and excellent diving, Komodo lies just to the east of Sumbawa. The legendary reputation of the Komodo Dragons, coupled with dangerous currents and deep waters around the island, have kept the population and visitors to a minimum. This has helped preserve the island's natural flora, fauna and coral formations. The neighbouring islands of Rinca and Padar are the only places where the dragons are kept in wild habitat.
LABUAN BAJO
A little town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western part of Flores Island. The town serves as a jumping off point for the trip to Komodo Island. It is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing and many other marine activities.
Batu Cermin Cave is five kilometers from the town of Labuanbajo. It can be reached partly by car, and partly on foot. The grotto is 75 by 75 meters large, and contains stalactites and stalagmites. Some tunnels are narrow and dark but in others sunlight falls.
R U T E NG
Ruteng is the capital of Manggarai Regency that was once ruled by the kings of Bima. The influences of Bima. The influences of Bima and Goa are evident in prevailing titles, such as Karaeng, and in the manner of dress. The shape of the roofs with the buffalo horn symbol, may be an element inherited from the Minangkabau. The cool town of Ruteng lies at the foot of a mountain. It can be reached by air from Kupang or Denpasar via Bima, or by ferry from Bima via Labuanbajo, or from eastern part via Ende and Bajawa. Beside the fame Komodo lizards, the area has many attractions to offer the tourists, such as the caci dance, a wildlife reserve, and archeological caves.
Cancar;Golo Cara; the unique lingko rice fields, circular terraces arranged like a spider web.
The Hobbit... miniature ancient skeletons!
Liang Bua: the place where Homo Floresiensis was founded by the archeopathology of new England university of Australia and from Indonesia. The tiny skeleton called Hobbit was discovered during a three-month excavation inside Liang Bua, Scientists believe it may represent a new human species, Homo floresiensis, The species existed alongside modern humans as recently as 13,000 years ago, yet may descend from Homo erectus, which arose some two million years ago...
Your Komodo tour details.
Arrive at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo west Flores and we transfer youto the pier for the boat to Rinca and Komodo Islands.Lunch is on board,then it's about 2 hour sail to the island of Komodo DragonHere we  start your trekking, w through the typical dry forest to explore the Island of Komodo dragon, you will find not just the Dragons but also many other species..., deer.. wild buffalo,long-tailed macaque and wild pig... also numerous of birds. Keep your eyes upward also  as sometimes you will find the young Komodo dragons in the trees. A local ranger will lead you through this natural preservation.Usually a highlight is the feeding of enormous Komodo dragons who make short work of a goat carcas..Dinner and overnight are on boat or at the Rangers house.We then return to Labuan Bajo where for the next two days you'll explore fascinating Flores Island.

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Let's offer you three choices here!...all at the same price!
(1)  Three nights at Villa Ombak incl the "Gili Cat" boat transfer to/from Bali
(2)  Three nights at Alang Alang resort on Lombok includes a half day island tour and transfers from Airport to hotel.
(3)  One night Alang Alang...half day tour and two nights Villa Ombak as described below.
Vila Ombak Resort is located on the magical island of Gili Trawangan just off Lombok. The resort offers Lumbung Huts or modern bungalows...Right on the beach...you will find Villa Ombak will have you regretting you're only staying two or three nights.
Known to seasoned travellers as the place to go to experience "Bali-of-old", Lombok is still unspoilt in it`s raw beauty and limited in tourism development as found in pockets about the island. You will find traditional local villagers and true "village" lifestyle here on the island..
Your Lombok or Gili Island Tour Details
This holiday begins at Lombok where we have chosen the charming Alang Alang hotel Resort...in a secluded beach with fabulous food.Arrival is either by ferry from Padang on Bali  or the Merpati air flight early morning...(own arrangements)
On your second day have an early morning swim...then it's off by air-conditioned car with driver/guide to see an island quite different to Bali and then about midday we transfer by local boat to Villa Omback Resort...
A suggestion...for your Bali holiday!... to fit in with the atmosphere you'll find at Ombak & Alang Alang...can we suggest your Bali accomodation is at either Segara Village Resort run by the royal family Kompiang...or at Seminyak at Villa Lumbung...Neither of these are on "the most popular?" list...but they are exceptional for quiet ambience and superb service...Ask us about their advantages!

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Borneo & Orangutans!
DURATION    : 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS       $595.00 PER PERSON share twin

Over the years we've found a fascination with orangutans with hundreds of our clients... The chance to see them in good conditions is truly limited... Some spend a fortune getting to Sepilog in Malay Borneo for a brief glance... some to Kuching... Others to Sumatra... A few to Camp Leakey where a fee of some $500 is charged to visit the reserve... The Samboja reserve is quite unique... laid back... still non-touristy! & the combination of Mahakam & close contact with wild life is a genuine experience!

Day 01. Balikpapan – Airport – Samboja.

Upon arrival at Balikpapan airport we transfer you to Samboja Lodge by car (about 1 hour driving) late this afternoon you'll be able to observe the Orang utans around the lodge. Dinner at Lodge. 

Day 02/3. Trekking.

Breakfast first... then we're trekking to plant some fruit trees to support the foundation for food supply assisting  future orang utans. Today you'll see many of the Orang Utans around the lodge, and also  other wildlife of Borneo like the sun bear.

This area is strictly for the Orangutan survival and the foundation has been growing since 1992 in Borneo .Samboja Lodge has about 210 orangutans  which  have been released into 6 islands around the lodge. After lunch lets take the car to Bukit Bangkiray where after a short trek you'll go onto the jungle canopy bridge. & if that's not enough..If  time is available we'll embark on a  canoe trip  of the back river and see  fascinating  proboscis monkeys...then back to Lodge. Dinner at Lodge. 

Day 04. Samboja Lodge – Airport.

Early trekking available around the lodge for feeding time about 07.00 and then return to Balikpapan airport

Price includes :

1. All transport to orangutans and lodge accomodation.

2. Tree planting.
3. Meals as indicated on program.

4. English speaking guide. 

Mahakam River Holiday... Orangutans & Dayaks

Duration : 4Days / 3 Nights   $995.00 per person share twin  

Day 01: Airport  - Loajanan - Mahakam River.

Upon arrival at Sepinggan airport you're met &  transfered  to  Loajanan (about 2 1/2hours drive by car to boarding the Houseboat for an exciting safari up the Mahakam river. Meals and overnight on boat...this accomodation is simple (repeat...simple!)...but the food is great!. 

Day 02: Muara Muntai - Mancong - Mahakam.

After breakfast we proceed upriver to Muara Muntai ..the passing tableau of village people living on the river is fascinating...if only to see the "loo" positioned on a long jetty out from the home.We continue the trip by motorized canoe over Jempang Lake and pass Ohong river with stunning views before reaching Mancong. On arrival a welcome ceremony will be performed by dayak Banuaq tribe in front of their long house(this is the real thing!) and then return to the Houseboat to cruise down on to  Tenggarong. Lunch box, dinner and overnight on boat.(Don't worry!... by now you've got used to it and it's quite fun!)

(We've done it & many of our clients...they truly enjoyed the experience!) 

Day 03: Tenggarong - Loajanan – Samboja Lodge          

Breakfast on board.. then we  visit the  local market, royal cemetery and museum of Kutai Kertanegara (Actually! quite interesting). Afterwards return to the boat and down river for Loajanan After lunch we proceed to  Samboja Lodge to visit the orangutan rehabilitation centre. Afternoon it's walking to observe the orangutans , sun bears etc and check in at Lodge. Meals and overnight at Lodge. 

Day 04: Lodge – Airport.

 We'll have you out of bed early because the oragutans like breakfast at 06.00 You'll have ample opportunity to visit the orangutans up quite close...no cuddling allowed!   then it's back to the  Lodge for breakfast and transfer to the airport in Balikpapan for your next destination.

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Day 1.There are two options for your first sector... the cloice of flying Bali to Surabaja... or travel by coach round the coast of Bali and across the ferry at Banyawani... In Surabaya you'll be transferred to your hotel. Today you'll join a Surabaya City Tour featuring the Ujung ferry harbor with views of the island of Madura, known for its Bull Race. Visit the Jembatan Merah; a memorial monument to freedom, the Zoo and the Kayoon flower market. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2. Surabaya – Malang/Batu. Breakfast at hotel and depart for Malang or Batu. On the way you'll visit the Singosari Temple with its giant Dwarapala. Also see the Selecta, the Songgoriti Waterfall and the city of Malang. Lunch enroute. Overnight at your hotel in Malang or Batu. BL

Day 3. At the crack of dawn it's off to a pony ride (or jeep!) and the absolute stunning experience of Mt Bromo

Day 4 &5. Solo & Jogja.This trip by car is a wonderful tableau of Javanese village life.You'll be astounded by the quality of Batik in the markets at Solo.During your time at Jogjakarta you'll become aware that this city is the hub of culture for the whole of Asia...From the rich history of the Majapahit Royal family...the Sultan still rules as supreme authority...to the leatherwork...the puppet shows...Borobudur,Sewu & Parabanan temples...the incredible music of Anklung..The fascinating stories of Ramayana & Wayang Kulit
the varied cuisine...Don't miss the frogs legs on Maliboro St !...
We'll make sure you enjoy the experience of Jogja! 

Day 6.  We travel this sector by 1st class rail to Bandung...a sophisticated mountain city with a University background and a mile of history

Day 7. Arrive Jakarta... but we're giving you a half day tour of this capital city

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Day 01 : Medan-Brastagi
Upon arrival at Polonia airport then drive to Brastagi via Sembahe, arrival at Brastagi visit Batak Karo traditional village at Peceren and
fruit market, afternoon check in to hotel.

Day 02 : Brastagi-Parapat / Samosir (B).
After breakfast drive to Parapat via Simarjarunjung, on the way stop at Sipiso-piso waterfall and visit Rumah Bolon (Long House) the Palace of Batak Simalungun Kings.Arrival at Parapat crossing to Samosir Island by ferry boat and check in to Hotel.

Day 03 : Samosir-Excursion .(B)
After breakfast excursion by car or ferry boat on Lake Toba and visiting several Batak Toba villages. The villages are : Tomok (the place of the old tomb of Sidabutar Kings), Ambarita ( the site of the stone chairs and table the execution place of Sialagan Kings) Simanindo Batak (Toba traditional dance and museum). Afternoon return to hotel.

Day 04 : Samosir-Sipirok (B).
After breakfast crossing back to Parapat and then drive to Sipirok, on the way stop to see clove, and pineapple plantation, visit traditional village at Balige, and Sipoholon Hot springs, and Walking at the bank of Sarulla river near the nice view of terrace. Arrival at Sipirok check in to Hotel.

Day 05 : Sipirok-Bukit Tinggi (B).
After early breakfast leave Sipirok for Bukittinggi on the way stop at Sihepeng to see the atraction of mongkey picking up the coconut and
pepper, vanilla, cardamon garden. Then passing rain tropical forest of Rimba Panti and crossing equator line at Bonjol, afternoon arrival at Bukittinggi the charming town of Minangkabau check in to Hotel.

Day 06 : Bukit Tinggi-Minangkabau Tour (B).
After breakfast city tour by visiting Sianok Canyon with its Japanesse tunnel, for de kock, Museum, Big tower O’clock “Jam Gadang”, Museum and Market. Then drive to Batusangkar to via Tabek Patah on the way stop at Baso to see traditional weaving and arrival at Batu Sangkar visit the old Palace of Minangkabau Kingdom at Pagaruyung, afternoon return to Bukittinggi via Lake Singkarak.

Day 07 : Bukit Tinggi-Padang. (B).
After breakfast drive to Padang on the way stop at Anay valley waterfall and arrival at Padang directly transfer to Airport for your next
OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE!!

Sumatra Overland SIC (Join Tour) departure on Mondays (Minimum 2 Persons) with English, French, or German speaking guide Private tour: Guaranteed daily departure with English, German, or French speaking guide

Day 1 : Arrival Medan – Brastagi (no meals) Arrive in Polonia airport Medan, clearance & meeting service. Leave airport for city tour in Medan to visit Sultanate palace of Old Malay Deli kingdom, Maimoon, grand mosque Al Mashum and Buddhist Temple. Then, continue on a two-hour journey to Brastagi - a highland resort with its refreshing weather and magnificent mountain scenery, through some part of the lush tropical rain forest of Sumatera. Reaching Berastagi, visit Peceren – a Batak Karo village with a number of traditional houses that are still being used in where eight families living together in every house. Then visit the fruit market of Berastagi. *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Brastagi Cottages / Sinabung Day 2 : Brastagi – Lake Toba / Samosir Island (B) Breakfast at the hotel Depart for Parapat – a famous lake resort lies on the east shore of Lake Toba. On the way visit the slender Sipiso-piso waterfall which drops into the northern tip shore of Lake Toba from hundred meter of height. Visiting the ancient King’s Palace of Simalungun at Pematang Purba. Then, proceed to Parapat through the fertile vegetable and fruit farms, pine tree forest and spectacular view of Lake Toba along most part of the journey. Arrive in Parapat, cross the lake by motorboat to reach Samosir island. *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Toledo Inn / Silintong Day 3 : Samosir Island (B) After breakfast, excursion by motor-boat to visit: - Tomok : to see the tomb of Batak Toba King, Ompu Sidabutar - Ambarita : to see traditional Batak village with ancient megalithic furniture - Simanindo : to see traditional Batak dance and museum - Tao island : a small island at the opposite of Simanindo In the afternoon return to the hotel *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Toledo Inn / Silintong Day 4 : Samosir Island – Parapat – Sipirok (B) Breakfast at hotel Cross back the lake to reach Parapat. Continued to Jangga Dolok to see traditional Batak village. Proceed to visit pineapple farm. Stop at Balige with its richly ornament market building. Then to visit hotspring in Sipoholon. Continue journey to Sipirok through Tarutung. Stop at incense trees. Enjoy the scenic view of mountains along the winding road. *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Torsibohi Hotel or similar Day 5 : Sipirok – Bukittinggi (B) Breakfast at hotel. The journey today is rather long but worthwhile. It exhibits the inner part of Sumatra. The scenery of mountains, river valleys and traditional village will relive you from your weariness. Stop at Aek Sijornih to see waterfall drops among thousand coconut palm trees. Next, stop at botanical garden to see pepper, cinnamon, etc. Proceed to Panti nature reserve and the equator monument. Continue journey to the most charming town, the heart of Minangkabau Highland and the centre of matrilineal society of Sumatra, Bukittinggi. *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Gran Malindo / Pusako Day 6 : Bukittinggi – Minangkabau - Bukittinggi (B) Breakfast at hotel Fullday tour to explore the beauty and the cultural aspects of Minangkabau Highland visiting the landmark of Bukittinggi – Jam Gadang (Clock Tower), the uniqueness of local market, Ngarai Sianok – a grand valley, Pandai Sikat which is renown for its hand-woven traditional cloths Songket and wood carving. Travel further to Pagaruyung palace – the site of the ancient Minangkabau kingdom where women ruled in matrilineal society. Before returning to hotel, visit Fort De Kock, Museum and Zoo. Return to hotel. *** Lunch and Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the Gran Malindo / Pusako Day 7 : Bukittinggi – Padang - Departure(B) Early breakfat in hotel Drive to Padang via Anai valley to see waterfall. Arrive in Padang and direct to Tabing airport Padang to catch your next flight. Back to Top