6 Ubud Ubud 7 Boat,Bus Ubud - Padangbai - Senggigi Senggigi 8 Senggigi/Excursion Tanjung Luar and Tetebatu

Transcription

1 Indonesia: Bali & Lombok Pearls of the archipelago Trip code: Group size: Number of days: SOO Detailed description Welcome These two islands are renowned for their astonishing beauty, mystic temples, impressive volcanoes and palm-lined shores. The natives, like the traditional Sasak in Lombok, are known for their wonderful hospitality and we ll experience their rich culture, abundant nature, gorgeous food and unforgettable entertainment. Day to Day schedule Below is a summary of the day-to-day description. Transport Route Overnight stay 1 Sanur Sanur 2 Sanur Sanur 3 Bus Sanur - Lake Bratan - Bedugul - Lovina Lovina 4 Lovina Lovina 5 Bus Lovina - Kintamani - Gunung Kawi - Tirta Empul - Ubud Ubud 6 Ubud Ubud 7 Boat,Bus Ubud - Padangbai - Senggigi Senggigi 8 Senggigi/Excursion Tanjung Luar and Tetebatu Senggigi 9 Boat,Bus Senggigi - Gili Islands Gili Islands 10 Gili Islands Gili Islands 11 Gili Islands Gili Islands 12 Boat,Bus Gili Islands - Tuban Tuban 13 Tuban Tuban 14 Tuban End of tour Tuban

2 Day to Day description Day 1: Sanur Welcome to Indonesia! Your tour starts in Sanur on the island Bali, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon) on day 1. Sanur is situated only 20 km (½ hour drive) from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. Your travel companions will also arrive this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at hrs on day 1 in the lobby of your hotel in Sanur. Sanur is one of Bali's largest traditional villages and one that offers not just the delights of a tropical island and a window into Balinese culture but also an array of fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment. Day 2: Sanur Enjoy the quiet and relatively laid back Sanur, which has a certain flair about it that appeals to just about everyone. It has a great stretch of white sand beach, with a variety of water sport activities. You can choose to take an optional tour of the island's temples. Your day would begin with a Barong dance performance before a visit to the Pura Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. Next, travel to see the famous Tanah Lot temple, located at sea, where you will have lunch nearby. In the early afternoon you arrive back at your hotel. Day 3: Sanur - Lake Bratan - Bedugul - Lovina Today you will make a wonderful journey through the heart of Bali. The tour leads you to Lake Bratan at a location 1240 meters above sea level. You can see the beautiful Ulan Danu Temple on the shore of a mountain lake and the Gitgit waterfalls or the Botanical Gardens in Bedugul, where you can enjoy a nice walk. Any entrance fees are not included. You will travel on to the less visited north coast of Bali. The next two nights you'll stay in a hotel on the beach. Lovina beach consists of black volcanic sand. Day 4: Lovina Relax on the beach top up your tan and enjoy a quick dip in the glistening water. There are also opportunities to take an early morning boat trip to watch for dolphins, to go to a coral reef to snorkel or go diving in the underwater nature reserve and the shipwreck just off the coast of Tulamben. You could also hire a moped and tour the sites such as Singaraja, the former capital of Bali or to a Buddhist monastery before returning for a delicious seafood dinner at Lovina. Day 5: Lovina - Kintamani - Gunung Kawi - Tirta Empul - Ubud Drive through the village of Kintamani, which is known for its stunning views of the Batur volcano (1717 meters) and continue to Gunung Kawi. Here you'll find the impressive Royal Tombs dating from the 11th century. A long staircase leads to the gorge where the carved rocks and a temple complex can be admired. Then you can visit Tirta Empul, where the Balinese take a purifying bath and water is extracted for ceremonial use. At the end of the afternoon you arrive in Ubud. Any entrance fees are not included.

3 Day 6: Ubud Ubud is also the cultural centre of the island, a popular haunt of artists who sell their work in the market place where you can buy everything from hand woven baskets, carvings, jewellery, traditional clothes, batiks and paintings. Ubud is also the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys walking or cycling as this is the ideal way to explore the island. As an alternative you may choose to take the opportunity to visit the temple in the Sacred Monkey forest sanctuary. (commonly known as Monkey forest of Padangtegal). Day 7: Ubud - Padangbai - Senggigi Today you will continue your trip in Indonesia by travelling from Bali to Lombok. First you drive from Ubud to Padangbai and then take the fast boat to Lombok, taking around 2 hours. You arrive later in the coastal town of Senggigi. Senggigi has a number of beautiful, abandoned, pearly white beaches with crystal clear water. It is wonderful to swim and snorkel among the beautiful coral reefs. TIP: Those who wish can participate in an optional excursion to Rinjani volcano between April-November. The 3-day excursion (with 2-day climb) of the Rinjani is a difficult journey that should not be underestimated. You walk about 7 to 8 hours a day. You start above the tree line in the rainforest and you stay in tents on the crater rim. From here you have a magnificent view of the crater lake, especially as the sun rises in the morning. The stays/excursions in Sengiggi are waived if you choose this climb. You will rejoin the group on the Gili Islands afterwards. Day 8: Senggigi/Excursion Tanjung Luar and Tetebatu In the early morning we drive to the village of Tanjung Luar located on the east coast where the largest fish market in Lombok is. Large rays and sharks are among the many different species sold here. TIP: Next you pass Tetebatu, beautifully situated at the foot of the Rinjani volcano (3726 m). You will be led by a local guide for a short walk through the rice and tobacco fields around Tetebatu, on the lower flanks of the volcano (about 2 hours). You will be regularly greeted by enthusiastic children along the way. After the tour, return again to Senggigi where you can lounge once more on the beautiful white-sand beaches. Day 9: Senggigi - Gili Islands On the way to the Gili Islands, you can visit the Narmada water palace with the garden complex dating back to 1805, in which the 'fountain of youth' is located. Any entrance fees are not included. You then drive by bus to the departure point for the three Gili Islands and set off in one of the local boats to the bounty islands off the coast of Lombok. The three Gili islands are Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Here you will find coral reefs, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. You can swim, snorkel or go diving where you can sometimes see turtles. The beach runs all the way around the island, so you can make a real 'round' trip. There are also nice bars and restaurants about. In short - a wonderful hideaway!

4 Day 10: Gili Islands Continue enjoying the tranquility of the Gilis where there are no cars or motorbikes on the island; only the sound of birds calling, waves lapping and the tinkling bells of the horsecarts. Day 11: Gili Islands Today is your last full day to savour the delightful Gili Islands. Day 12: Gili Islands - Tuban A fast boat takes you back to Bali and the port town of Padangbai before travelling to your hotel in Tuban in the south of Bali by bus. The beach towns of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Tuban have developed so much in recent times that it is no longer clear where the various boundaries are. Day 13: Tuban Free day. You can enjoy the beach or look for souvenirs at one of the many shopping stalls. You will have no problem finding carvings, baskets, jewellery, 'antiques', clothing, batik cloth or paintings. Your last rupiah can be easily spent! And on the beach you can surf or go boogie boarding. The south of Bali also has a vibrant night life. Day 14: Tuban The last day of your tour. Your hotel room is usually available until about 12 midday. You need to arrange your own transfer back to the airport at Denpasar, a journey of approximately 30 minutes by car. We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of Indonesia. Your personal µmy.shoestring page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today. When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any posttour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (day 14) is not included. Please note that when the group size is between 2 and 7 you will have one guide for Bali and another for Lombok. When the group size is 8 and above, then it will be one guide staying with you throughout. More info What's included: Accommodation in hotels including breakfast; transportation in AC (mini)buses only for transfers from hotel to hotel; all boat transfers; English speaking tour leader.

5 What's excluded: International flights; optional ascent Mount Rinjani (reservation should be done at time of booking tour); all other meals; tips; visas; optional excursions; all entrance fees; airport transfers; booking fee; travel insurance. Attention Please note that when the group size is between 2 and 7 you will have one guide for Bali (Day 1-7) and another for Lombok (Day 8-14). When the group is 8 and above, then it will be one guide staying with you throughout. Travel documents It is your own responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents for your trip. You should have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport beyond your return travel date. For a number of nationalities, it is possible to gain a free 30-day tourism visa (depending on point of entry). For those not qualifying for the free visa, it is possible to organise the visa upon arrival at a cost of US$35 per person (11/14). If you need to organise your visa in advance of travel then you should do so either through your closest Indonesian embassy or through an agency such as CIBT. Please check visa information in good time before your trip commences as this information is always subject to change. You can check this information through a site such as this one Accommodation and transport

6 Transport During this trip we have access to a private bus. For the routes from Bali to Lombok and from Gili back to Bali, we use fast boats. Airport transfers are not included in this trip. Departure tax: Please note that you must pay a departure tax at the airport in Indonesia. We do not list any amounts for this as they are often changing. Travel distances: Denpasar Airport to Sanur: 20 km / 1 hour Sanur to Lovina: 87 km / 5 hours (including visit to Gitgit and Ulun Danu) Lovina to Ubud: 98 km / 7 hours (including visit to Kintamani, Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi) Ubud to Senggigi: 4 hours (including boat crossing) Senggigi to Gili Islands: 20 km / 1½ hours (by bus and boat) Gili Islands to Tuban: 120 km / 4½ hours (including 2 ½ hours sailing time) Tuban to Denpasar Airport: 15 km / 30 mins Note: The above times are approximate and will vary depending on traffic, road conditions and weather. Accommodation You will stay in hotels in double/twin rooms with private bathroom. Almost all scheduled hotels have a pool which we 're sure you'll enjoy! This applies to Sanur, Lovina, Ubud, Sengiggi and Tuban. In exceptional cases we may need to change the hotel but an alternative pool will be located. Most hotels have a restaurant, sometimes with a lovely garden or patio. Travellers who book alone will share a double/twin or sometimes triple room. A triple room often consists of two double beds, which means the beds are shared. Sometimes it is a double room with a third bed or mattress added. We of course keep in mind that you should share the room with fellow group members of the same sex. If you would like a single room for the whole trip, this is possible. You just need to indicate this on your booking and the applicable supplement will be charged. Group size: *Please note that when the group size is between 2 and 7 you will have one guide for Bali and another for Lombok. When the group size is 8 and above, then it will be one guide staying with you throughout. During your trip, it is possible to participate in 'single' excursions offered locally by the tour leader. These excursions are optional. To allow you to plan a budget for your trip we have provided you with an idea of the cost of these excursions. The price can change due to currency fluctuations. The amounts are therefore only meant to give you an indication of the cost. Entrance fees will often change and therefore are excluded from the prices displayed (unless explicitly stated). We display the prices in Euros/GB Pounds/US Dollars. When you are in your destination, it is possible to pay for the excursions in local currency. Excursion package ( 51 ) Excursion Details Single excursions

7 Excursion Details Price Gili Air - Snorkel Trip Book at location You go with the boat to an area where there is a good chance of seeing sea turtles. After this adventure, the boat takes you to a place where the snorkelling is good. You snorkel above a coral garden with many species of colourful fish. After snorkelling you will be brought back to the hotel by boat. Excursion schedule: 09.30: Departure from hotel by boat 10:30 am: Snorkelling 14:00: Back at the hotel Included: boat trip, snorkelling equipment Not included: gratuity 17 Lombok - Gunung Rinjani Trekking Book at location From April / November you may participate in a very heavy, optional ascent of Gunung Rinjani. You must mention that you wish to join, at the time of booking. From mid-november to late March the local authorities are advised not to climb Mount Rinjani because of the rainy season. The Headquarters of the Rinjani Park is closed during these months. The minimum number of participants is 2 people. 289 We book the "superior" version of the trek for our travellers. That means that two porters and an English speaking guide will accompany you, and that you have access to a larger tent and superior sleeping bag (compared with the 'standard' version). The porters will transport the equipment (tent, sleeping bag, folding chairs, cooking gear, toilet tent, etc.) and the required food. You will carry your own luggage so make sure you bring a comfortable backpack for your belongings. Please note that you will only take what you will need during the trek, your other luggage can be stored at our local partner. If you want to hire an additional porter for carrying your luggage, then this can be arranged. Please mention this when booking your trip. This extra support costs IDR 150,000 per day (amount is subject to change) and is payable locally. Trekking program On day 7 you leave the group on arrival in Lombok. The group travels to Senggigi and those climbing the Rinjani will separate to Senaru. You'll spend the night in a simple hotel with only cold water. In the afternoon you will meet an employee of the Rinjani Trekking Centre who will talk with you further about the upcoming trek. You start on day 8 in the morning at around 8.00 am. At the Rinjani Trekking Centre, you meet your English speaking guide and porters, and you get a short briefing. Then begins the hike to the crater rim (2634 m). Along the route you regularly stop at shelters and of course for lunch. It's a tough climb! A good condition is necessary as are proper walking shoes, preferably with support around the ankle. Total walking time is about 6-8 hours to the crater rim. By the end of the afternoon you will arrive at the crater

8 rim to enjoy the beautiful views (as long as its clear of course) and the sunset. Your local guide and porters make a fire, put the tents up and start cooking your dinner. The next morning (day 9) you awake at around 5.30 am, so you can experience the sunrise. While you enjoy it, your breakfast is prepared. After the tents are dismantled you start the descent back to Senaru. Do not think this is much easier and faster. Descending takes its toll on your thighs and knees. Again you will often stop to relax and enjoy lunch. At the end of the afternoon you'll be back in Senaru and guided to your hotel on Gili Air, where you can talk about your wonderful experiences with the rest of the group. Take on the hike: rucksack with sunscreen, hat / cap against the sun, flashlight, spare batteries, fleece or sweater or thermal underwear. Extra T-shirt and socks, towel, slippers, raincoat / poncho, sleeping bag liner, camera. Consider also a cover for your backpack when it rains, so not everything gets wet during the walk. Put an extra garbage bag inside your backpack for this. Drinking water is brought by the carriers. Please bring your own bottle of mineral water with you, that way you can top up so you always have water handy. Included: transfer from Teluk Kodek (the port of Senggigi)to Senaru; transfer Senaru to Gili Air, 2-day trek, English speaking guide, services of porters, night in basic hotel in Senaru (day 7) with breakfast, overnight in 2- person tent with sleeping bag and sleeping mat; meals during the trek (day 8 lunch / dinner day 9 breakfast / lunch) and 2 times a day coffee and tea during the trek, entrance fee to Rinjani Park. Not included: gratuity, other drinks Note: When you book the optional trekking, you do follow this schedule instead of the standard program. Obviously these costs have been deducted from the price of the optional trek. Trekking also means that you have less leisure time in Lombok. Sanur - Temples and Barong dance performance Book at location The day starts with a Barong dance performance in Denpasar. Then visit the Pura Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi and then the famous Tanah Lot temple located in the sea, where we will have lunch in the vacinity. In the early afternoon you'll be back at your hotel. Excursion schedule: 8:30 am: Depart from hotel 10:00 am: Barong dance in Denpasar 11:30 am: Pura Taman Ayun Temple Visit 14:00 hrs: Visit Tanah Lot temple 14:00 hrs: Lunch 16:30 pm: Back at the hotel Included: barong dance, English speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, transportation Not included: drinks, tips 41

9 Ubud - Cycling Book at location In the morning you get on your bike and you'll ride from the hotel to a Balinese family to see how people there live. We walk through the rice fields a little, and with luck we can see how the rice is planted or harvested. Then we cycle to the small village and drive through the beautiful rice fields near Ubud back to the hotel where you arrive in the afternoon. You're on the road about three hours. Please note that there are a few steep climbs in this tour. 17 Excursion schedule: 9:00 am: Depart from hotel 12:00 pm: Back at the hotel Included: bicycle, English speaking guide Not included: gratuity Ubud - Dinner with local family Book at location Before having dinner you get a tour of the house and the surrounds. You see that more than one family is living here, each with its own sleeping quarters. Several buildings are built according to religious guidelines. Thus, the direction is determined by the location of Gunung Agung, the Hindu Balinese 'Holy Mountain'. In the yard is a shrine from where offerings are made to the gods. Your host can tell you more about this. Balinese dinner can be combined with a visit to a small shrine carved into the rock, dating back to the 11th century. During this excursion you will learn a lot about the Balinese culture. 19 For dinner, it is useful to adopt the Balinese style, sitting on the floor. You can choose to eat with your hands, like the Balinese. Your meal is freshly prepared in the kitchen and usually consists of soup, vegetables, beans and chicken. 'Selamat makan! " The price mentioned is based on a minimum of 4 participants. Included: dinner, visiting temple Candi Tebing, transport Excluded: drinks Festival info News 5/16/2013 Baggage allowance for internal flights Please be aware that you are allowed to check in a maximum of 15 kg of baggage for all internal flights within Indonesia. If you exceed this limit then there will be an additional (per kilo) amount to be paid on the spot. COUNTRY INFORMATION INDONESIA BACKGROUND INFORMATION Culture

10 Europeans behave differently from the Indonesian people in many ways. In fact, you could write an entire book about the differences. The following hints should help you avoid the biggest misunderstandings. Etiquette: Indonesian folk are extremely friendly and open. Wherever you go, you will be frequently greeted by children and even adults with the phrase Hello mister (even if you are a woman!). The most important things to remember are; don t get angry, stay calm and retain a sense of humour at all times. Indonesians see showing anger as a severe character flaw. A grin is your best weapon. Do not stroke anyone s head or criticise people in the company of others. Indonesians are particularly sensitive about losing face, and being seen to be criticised will do this. Bad news or displeasure must be expressed in private. Meetings/appointments: We come from a hectic culture where time is money and punctuality is expected. Indonesians do not share this pressure, although that is not to say that they will necessarily be late. Sometimes they may have nothing else to do and arrive an hour early. Indonesians live much more in the here and now, worry less about the future than us and have a lot of patience. A local saying sums this attitude up nicely; jam karet. This means rubber time! Flexibility is the key. Hands and feet: Indonesians do not use toilet paper; they clean their backsides using water out of a bottle and their left hand. This is the reason why you never offer your left hand to shake, gesture or eat. This is considered filthy. Never touch anybody s head (even children). Pointing to somebody is also considered rude. If you wish to indicate somebody, use a downward swing of the whole hand. Never put your feet up on a table and always take your shoes off before entering someone s home, a mosque, and sometimes even a museum. When you sit, you must hide your feet. Do not cross your legs in a manner that leaves the sole or point of your foot pointing towards someone. Physical contact: Although Indonesians do not particularly approve of open shows of affection between a man and woman, they do not hesitate to make much physical contact during conversation, even with a complete stranger. Do your best to tolerate this habit. Clothing: Indonesians like to dress formally for particular occasions. They judge their fellow man mainly on appearance. Neat clothing is seen as a status symbol. Unwashed hair, body odour and unwashed or untidy clothing results in a complete loss of face publicly. Shorts are acceptable in the home or on the beach, although they are seen as inappropriate when worn publicly. Visiting mosques/temples: When you visit a mosque or temple, look for signs which indicate whether or not you must take off your shoes. Show respect for the monuments by dressing appropriately and behaving calmly and quietly. Do not walk in front of praying folk, ask permission before taking photographs and if there is a ceremony taking place, make sure that you do not disturb it. When visiting a Balinese temple, you must usually wear a temple sash around your waist, and these are usually available on site. Mandi: Indonesian bathing practises (mandi) are somewhat different to what we are used to. You will often come across the traditional mandi bucket. It is not for sitting on, the custom is to scoop water out of it with a small bucket and pour the water over yourself. Curiosity: Indonesians are hospitable people and it takes little or no effort to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. Questions about age, salary, religion and other issues which we would consider highly personal are everyday conversation topics in Indonesia. The chances are high that you will find yourself in conversations with many locals, especially in areas less frequented by tourists. They will want to know everything about you, and may even wish to touch your hair to convince themselves that it is real. Other people may engage you in conversation simply to practise their English. Women on holiday: Indonesia is a reasonably easy country for (respectably dressed) female visitors to travel in. That is not to say that you will not be hassled, although this is usually just innocent niggling. The best response is to keep your sense of humour about it. You will often be asked whether you are married and how many children you have. You will make your life much easier if you simply say that you are married. It is not wise to tell people you are divorced. Haggling: Haggling is an everyday part of Indonesian life. You will be expected to haggle at the market, in tourist shops, in taxis which have no meter and for bicycle taxis (becak). If you require a becak for the whole day, it is better to agree a fixed price beforehand. On local buses with fixed routes, haggling is not necessary. The price of food (harga pas) in restaurants is also generally fixed. Take your time when haggling, especially for expensive souvenirs, and a good starting offer is around a third of the asking

11 price. This does not apply for gold, silver and precious stones, where the margins are much smaller. Remember that haggling is a social activity here and not a matter of life and death! Boleh tawar? means may I haggle? Begging: In many cities you will be approached by beggars, who will ask you for money, soap or pens, and sometimes for sweets. Some beggars will immediately name an amount of money that they would like from you. You will be solving no great problems for them by giving them money. They have become dependent on this sort of income. In the larger cities, mothers with children are found on the street. Sometimes they lie in the street and look more bedraggled. Bear in mind that the children are often borrowed, to make it seem that the mother has bigger numbers of dependents than she actually has. A number of beggars use make-up, and they wash a number of wounds and scars off at the end of the day. Shoestring advises that you give no money to children; a better idea is to give them fruit or other food. If children earn a good wage begging, their parents will usually not send them to school and thus keep them on the streets. It is much more acceptable to give money to the elderly or to invalids. However, the reality behind every beggar is very varied; some genuinely beg for money to buy food, although more of them are forced to resort to begging to pay their rent. In the larger cities, the number of alcohol and drug addicted beggars is on the increase. You are better off giving money to reputable charitable organisations. Dance and Drama You will come into contact with dance, the art of storytelling and many forms of theatre in Indonesia. Dancers, shamen, actors, wayang puppeteers, storytellers, poets and gamelan musicians fulfil an important role in Indonesian entertainment, giving advice and teaching traditions to their fellow men. Dances are performed to prevent illness, drive away evil spirits, celebrate victories, to mark births, funerals, marriages, the onset of puberty and at annual celebrations usually related to farming and harvests. Sometimes a select group performs the dances, but the entire community often takes part. The musical accompaniment is provided by angklung (traditional instruments made of bamboo), flutes or an orchestra. During some of the dances, the dancers go into a trance. The most famous of these trance dances is the Balinese barong. This dance pictures the struggle between the forces of good and evil in the universe, symbolised by the good spirit Barong and the evil witch Rangda. Bali s most popular dance performance among tourists is the kecak, which is sometimes performed by hundreds of singing, swaying men. Textile Forms People with knowledge of textiles will agree that Indonesia has the largest variety of traditional textiles in the world. Every ethnic group seems to have had their own unique tradition of fabric artistry. The eastern islands are home to the ikat technique, Sumatra is home to songkets, and Java is famous for its stunning batiks. Batik still plays a part in modern Javanese culture. The creation of intricate batik requires a huge amount of patience. It must first be sketched, parts of the fabric require particular treatment with wax and the cloths must be dyed, washed and dried. The dying and wax treatment has to be repeated as many times as is necessary to create the desired number of colours. Crafts Traditional handicrafts are one of the few things that the different islands have in common. The variety is once again as large as the variety of different cultures, from primitive carvings to elaborate cloth, cane and bamboo items, gold and silver jewellery and necklaces made from kauri shells. You can also find traditional items such as paintings, krisses (Javanese daggers), dance masks, wayang puppets and musical instruments. It is not at all difficult to find fantastic souvenirs. In general Remember at all times that you are visitors in this foreign land. Their behaviour and customs are not bizarre, yours are!

12 Religion About 87% of the population is Muslim, and in some areas this figure is as high as 95%, although not all of them share the same ideologies. The further east in Indonesia you travel, the larger the population of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Animists becomes. Of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Lombok and Sumbawa are predominantly Muslim, although Flores has a Christian majority. The adat plays a large role in all of these religions in Indonesia. Religious beliefs and customs are greatly influenced by local traditions which are passed down through the generations. A follower of Islam in Indonesia usually adheres also to other traditions, such as the burning of incense and the offering of small sacrifices to local spirits. Many followers of Islam combine Muslim rituals with a deep rooted mysticism which dates back to the pre-islamic period in Indonesia. Only a small percentage is orthodox, and these Muslims live mostly in Aceh, on North Sumatra, South Kalimantan and Madura. Indonesian Muslims are Sunnis. Compared with Malaysia and the Middle East, the Islamic practises in Indonesia are generally much more moderate, although this has begun to change in recent years. Only a small population of the women wear veils and alcohol consumption is quite widespread. Indonesia is currently the largest Islamic community in the world. Islam: The Arabic word Islam means submission to God. The basis of Islam is the belief in the one indivisible god, Allah. Mohammed is his prophet. Through the archangel Gabriel, Allah revealed His word to Mohammed in the 7th century, and this was written down to form the Koran, the Muslim holy book. The sharia, the holy Islamic law based on the Koran, dominated education and justice for centuries. There are five duties that all Muslims must fulfil, known as the five pillars of Islam. These are: - Shahada: The declaration that there is no god other than Allah and Mohammed is his prophet. - Salat: Prayer, which every Muslim must recite five times a day in the direction of Mecca. Before prayer, face, hands and feet must be washed. The verses and bodily positions/movements are fixed. Men are obliged to say their Friday afternoon prayer in a mosque. Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets, which are spread throughout the country. - Zakat: The giving of alms to the poor. This is generally not observed as strictly as in earlier times. - Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, in which time people may not eat, drink, smoke or have sexual relations in the period from sunrise to sunset. - Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim must make this pilgrimage once in their lives, as long as health and finances permit. Balinese Hinduism: Most Balinese follow a form of Hinduism that they call Agama Hindu Dharma. It is a unique combination of Hindu and Buddhist ideals developed on top of native, pre-hindu religious practises. The three main ideas of Hinduism are knowledge of the epic verses (the Mahabharata and the Ramayana), knowledge of philosophy and theology and ritual worship (puya), characterised by bakti (religious devotion) and sacrifice (banten). Typical ceremonies are held to honour the gods, the dead, ancestors, births, the onset of puberty, exorcistic rituals, ritual sacrifice and numerous purification rituals. Altogether, the Balinese take part in hundreds upon hundreds of rituals and will devote much time and money to them. Animism: Animists believe that all matter has an intrinsic soul and spirits inhabit every man, animal and object. Many hundreds of ghosts inhabit forests, rivers and hills. Satisfying these spirits is the integral purpose of Animism. Tattoos and enchanted amulets are reputed to bring luck and protect against the influence of evil spirits. Anyone possessed by the devil or evil spirits must go to the shaman, medicine man or exorcist. Many peoples combine Animism with the practise of ancestor worship, a custom that honours dead family members and forefathers.

13 Festivals Indonesian festivals include: 1 January (New Year s Day), 21 April (Kartini Day, roughly Mothers Day), 17 August (Independence Day), 1 October (Hari Pancasilia, a reminder of the five principles of Pancasilia: the belief in one god, Indonesian unity, a sense of community with your fellow man, democracy and social equality for all Indonesians), and 25 December (Christmas Day). Besides these celebrations, there are several festivals which have varying dates in our calendar, such as the Chinese New Year, Balinese Saka (the Balinese New Year) and Waisak Day (commemorates the birth and death of the Buddha and is celebrated in the regions of Yogyakarta and the Borobodur). Islamic Festivals: Because the Islamic calendar is based on moon position, the Islamic festivals have a different day each year in our Gregorian calendar. The Festival of Sacrifice begins on 16 November December (in 2010) and lasts 3 days. Ramadan (the month of fasting) can cause inconvenience for visitors, as many restaurants are closed for this month and eating, drinking and smoking in public are not appreciated. However, people will accommodate and cook for non-muslims. Naturally, you should eat this food discreetly and not right in front of fasting Muslims. In 2010, Ramadan begins on 11 August and ends on 9 September. Eid ul-fitr, the breakfast festival held to mark the end of Ramadan, begins on the 10 September. Food and drinks Food: It is surprising to talk of Indonesian cuisine in a country with so many different cultures, yet the basic ingredient of every meal is boiled white rice (nasi putih). Other ingredients that unite the island are coconut, chilli peppers and local herbs and grasses. The range and number of different spices harvested in this country is un-matched in the world. Rice is the basic ingredients of meals but the side dishes vary in ingredients and spiciness depending on the island. Javanese cuisine can be categorised into four regions; Sundanese (western Java), central Javanese, eastern Javanese and Maduran Javanese. Meals in central Java are cooked chicken (ayam) and gudeg. Javanese chickens are free-range, and wander everywhere in the villages. Consequently, they have a much better taste than factory farmed chickens. The Javanese cook their chicken for a couple of hours in a mix of herbs, spices and coconut milk before roasting them or deep-frying them for just over a minute at high temperatures, to crisp the outside. Gudeg is a delicacy from Yogyakarta and consists of new sweet potatoes boiled in coconut milk and herbs, served with chicken, eggs and buffalo meat which has been cooked with sambal sauce. An area s religion also influences the ingredients. Balinese are the only Indonesians who eat pork (babi), while they see the consumption of beef, popular throughout the country, as taboo. Do not expect local Indonesian food to resemble the sort of Indonesian food that you may encounter in Europe. The most authentic dishes can be found in the warung, which are improvised stalls and kiosks in the streets. The cooks steam, deep-fry and cook in wadjans (Indonesian woks). You are better off going to the busiest of these kiosks, as this is usually indicates that the food is fresher and of better quality. Vegetarians are well catered for, some well-known dishes being gado-gado and tjap tjoy. Fish (ikan) is also widely available. Drinking Water: Indonesian mains water is not fit to drink. Buy bottles of purified water, available all over the country. However, make sure that the seal is intact and original. Ice cubes in drinks are also worth avoiding, as they are made from tap water. Drinks: Despite the Islamic ban, the Indonesians do not particularly quibble over the consumption of alcohol. Beer brewed in Indonesia, such as Bintang or Anker, is widely available, although spirits are more difficult to obtain. Soft drinks and mineral water (air minum) are available. Coffee (kopi) is made from excellent quality Indonesian beans and is available everywhere, as is tea (teh). There is also a large range of fruit juices.

14 Tipping People working in restaurants, bars and hotels who make your trip pleasant by cooking, making your beds etc. all earn paltry wages. You cannot put an end to the general poverty on the islands, but you can certainly ensure that your staff gets a reasonable tip to supplement their meagre wage. For your bus driver and possible second driver, a tip of 50 cents per day for each of them (per traveller) is a good guideline. For this sort of tip, it is useful to pass around a collection box (consult with your tour guide first). This pot can also be used to buy small snacks for the group during the journeys. The local Englishspeaking tour guides will also expect a tip for their services, assuming they have performed their duties in a satisfactory manner. Our guideline is around 1 per person per day. Naturally, you may give more if you wish. Weather and climate Climate: Indonesia has a tropical climate with two clear seasons. The dry season runs from April to October, the rainy season from November until March. Most of the rain falls in December and January. The amount of rain varies from island to island and is influenced by geography and altitude. On Java and Bali, the dry season is between May and October, and in the mountainous regions rain falls mainly on the lowland plains. The word rain has a different connotation in Indonesia; a downpour in the high temperatures can have a very refreshing effect, clearing away humidity. The roads become less dusty and plants come to life. The average temperature at sea level in Indonesia is around 30 degrees centigrade. In the mountains, the temperature drops at a rate of around one degree per 650 feet climbed. This results in cool, pleasant temperatures in higher- locations. The Lesser Sunda Islands are known for their fresh breezes and many hours of sunshine. In most of the coastal areas the sun shines for 7-8 hours per day between June and October, and in December and January you are still pretty much guaranteed at least 4-5 hours per day. The inland areas are wetter and cloudier in general. The warmest period is during October and November, with a maximum temperature of 33 degrees centigrade, although the difference is negligible given that the temperature is just three degrees lower on average during the coolest months of June and July. The temperatures drop to between 16 and 21 degrees at night. The regions of higher ground are cooler and more pleasant than the lowland coast, and the nights there could sometimes even be described as cold. Best Time to Travel: The best time for this Java/Bali tour is during the dry season, from May until October. The optimum period for visiting the Lesser Sunda Islands is between May and October. Population Indonesia has a population of 235 million. 9.3 million live in the capital city of Jakarta. The range of peoples, languages, cultures and customs found in this archipelago is unbelievable. There are 365 different ethnic groups and 300 different languages. Indonesia could almost be the Tower of Babel of the modern world. The language predominantly spoken is Bahasa Indonesian. The Javanese form the largest ethnic group, with 60 million people, followed by the Sundanese on West Java. The Balinese number 2.5 million. 2.4 million live on Lombok, 80% of which are Sasak. These people follow Islam, although they have a culture that is unique to the island. The Lesser Sunda Islands are more sparsely populated than Java or Bali, and the villages and cultures there are metaphorically and literally far away from each other. There are enormous physical differences between the people of the different islands in the country, differing in pigmentation, hair types, physiques and facial features. Many on the island still live isolated existences. The feeling of Indonesian identity is the strongest in the more developed region, while the more isolated (and therefore more traditional) communities identify more with their own ethnic identity and their adat (traditional laws and customs of one ethnic group or community).

15 Landscape The Republic of Indonesia is an island nation in Southeast Asia. The distance from the most westerly point of Aceh to the eastern border with Papua New Guinea is 3,100 miles, and from north to south the country stretches over 1,250 miles. There are 13,677 islands of which 6,000 are populated. The surface area of the country is 735,000 square miles, 14.5 times larger than England. The landscape varies from spectacular smoking craters in chains of volcanoes that run from Sumatra as far as Flores, to green, fertile rice fields, tropical rainforest, white beaches and the dry savannahs of the eastern islands. These different landscapes are separated by equally numerous seas. Indonesia s rich nature encourages a huge range of flora and fauna to flourish. It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards and orang-utans. Sea tortoises live in the waters around Bali and the rafflesia, the world s largest flower, grows on Sumatra. There are several national parks. Unfortunately, the tropical rainforest in the country is disappearing at an alarming rate. Java: The island of Java is roughly the same size as England and has a population of over 120 million. This gives Java a population density at least twice as high as other countries in the world with a similar area. The Javanese landscape is dominated by the volcanoes, of which there are over 100 on the island, such as the Papandayan and the Bromo. About 30 of the volcanoes are still active. Bali: Bali is dominated by the Gunung Agung, a volcano with a height of nearly 2 miles. It is a small island with very varied geography, ranging from majestic inland mountains and volcanoes to limestone and lowland on the coast. Beautiful beaches and coral reefs surround the island. Bali is also famous for its stunning rice fields in the hills. Lombok: The predominantly Islamic island has empty beaches and a quiet, rural way of life. The Rinjani volcano dominates Lombok, with its peak at 2.3 miles above sea level. The Lesser Sunda Islands This chain of islands is situated east of Bali and extends over a distance of 800 miles. In modern Indonesia the islands are called Nusa Tenggara (the south-eastern islands). The archipelago is known amongst geologists as the Lesser Sunda Islands, as opposed to the Greater Sunda Islands of Sumatra, Java and Borneo. However, with regards to tourist attractions there is nothing lesser about Nusa Tenggara. A region of such small scale with such diversity and wealth of nature and culture can be found nowhere else in the world. From Lombok in the west to Timor in the east, this group of islands is blessed with calm white sandy beaches, clear water and stunning coral reefs. Nusa Tenggara has no less than 566 islands, 320 of which are so small that they are as yet unnamed. 42 of these islands are inhabited. The islands in this volcanic archipelago are potentially very fertile. Several volcanoes rise up to a height of around 2 miles and many contain deep crater lakes. Mass tourism has not quite reached these islands and the facilities are quite modest. The predominantly Muslim island of Lombok is an island with quiet beaches and a peaceful rural community. It is dominated by the Rinjani volcano (2.3 miles high) and is a stop on our tour of the islands. Sumbawa is larger than Lombok and Bali put together. It is a sparsely populated (just 900,000 inhabitants) series of connecting peninsulas, and the areas of forest in the western region are particularly uninhabited. The eastern side of the island is more densely populated, especially in the plains around Bima. Sumbawa is a photogenic island, ideal for travellers who wish to visit areas less trodden by tourists. Komodo is a hilly and deserted island, sandwiched between Sumbawa and Flores. The main attraction here are the numerous 10-foot long Komodo dragons. Just a few hundred people live on this island, in its only village of Kampung Komodo. The dragons also live on the nearby islands of Rinca and Padar and on the west coast of Flores. Rinca has fewer tourists and Komodo dragon spotting is less organised here. Flores is one of the largest and most beautiful of the Sunda Islands. A chain of volcanoes runs across the island and a great number of diverse ethnic groups are native to the area, many of which follow Animist religious beliefs. The multi-coloured crater lakes of the Kelimutu volcano and the traditional Ngada village are a couple of this fascinating island s highlights. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

16 Arrival information The first impression that you will get of Indonesia is of tropical luxuriance and warmth. You will also notice immediately that it has a well developed tourist industry, although this is much less evident in the more remote areas. Take time to acclimatise. The difference in climate, culture and food can be rather overwhelming. Let it sink in gently at a pace that you find comfortable. Welcome to Indonesia! Time differences Indonesia has three different time zones, which are +7 to +9 hours GMT. This is one hour less during the summer period, as Indonesia has no daylight savings time. Money The amount of spending money suggested is the minimum required to pay for your meals, drinks, optional excursions, entrance fees, airport taxes and tips. The amount you actually need of course depends on your own spending pattern; that is why souvenirs are not included. We suggest an amount of per week. Luggage and clothing Indonesia is a tropical country, so bring thin, cotton clothes with you. For the evenings, a high-collared T- shirt with long sleeves or a thin roll-necked sweated will help reduce insect bites. It is better to bring too little than too much clothing, as anything you feel you are lacking can be bought very cheaply in Indonesia. An umbrella and a raincoat can come in handy, and the umbrella can provide protection against the bright sun as well as the rain. For the visit to Mount Bromo, a thick sweater is necessary. A good, worn-in pair of walking shoes/hiking boots and a pair of slippers is all that your feet require. Remember that you must remove your shoes when visiting sacred sites, and slippers are useful in these instances. Other important items include sheets, hand towels, sunglasses, sun creams, toiletries, a firstaid kit, a roll of toilet paper, headgear/headscarves, a (video)camera with enough film, a torch, a pen/pocket knife (make sure it is not in your hand luggage during the trip), a lighter, a small supply of snacks, an alarm clock, writing materials, books, your (valid) passport, all relevant travel insurance details/documents, copies of your passport and travel insurance details, sufficient money and/or travellers cheques, a list of numbers of your travellers cheques and the receipt of purchase (store separately), your flight ticket(s), a diary with important addresses and a good travel guide. You may also wish to bring a mosquito net and string to hang it up, or a reading light. Small tokens from home such as pens or postcards can make nice presents for any locals you may meet. Pack all of these items into a weekend bag or backpack: do not bring a hard suitcase as this will prove difficult to transport. A shoulder bag or small backpack is useful for daily hand luggage. For storage of valuables or important documents, a thin money belt worn under your clothing is very useful. Make sure your hand luggage is sufficient for a possible period of 48 hours in case your main luggage is delayed. Pack a change of clothes, a toothbrush and any medication in your hand luggage. Make sure also that your luggage is not too heavy, as it must be hoisted up and down from the roof of the bus many times. Electricity Continental 2-pin plugs fit into most sockets in Indonesia, although they may need a bit of a push. Most places use 220 volt current, but some places use 110 volts. Power failures or disruptions are quite common. Hotels usually have a supply of candles or oil-lamps for such occasions, but it is useful to bring a good torch, especially for when you are out walking in the evening or at night. If the street lighting fails, the many holes, bumps and ditches in the road can cause nasty surprises in the dark.

17 Safety Theft from tourists is rare in Indonesia, although there are exceptions, so take sensible precautions. As long as you keep an eye on your belongings and do not flash money/valuables around, you should have no problems. Wear a money belt under your clothes and carry your daily hand luggage on your back at all times. Don t keep wallets in your back pocket and carry bags against and in front of you when it is busy (which it almost always is). Do not leave valuables/important documents behind in the hotel; hand in money and passports by the hotel reception and store important equipment/items in a locked cupboard in your room. Fraud is not uncommon. Examples of this are numerous and can be avoided by following one simple rule; never give money or valuables out until the services or goods have been delivered. Westerners are particularly susceptible to overpricing. Always consider and work out the real price of something before purchase, although in our experience the practical difference is often negligible.