THE ISLES OF INDONESIA: SUMATRA, JAVA, KALIMANTAN & SULAWESI
A cultural tour of Indonesia

Indonesia! With over 17000 islands, a journey here is nothing if not an experience of different cultures, every time one crosses from one to the other of the over 6000 inhabited islands. Our 15-day journey has been tailored to take you across this huge country to experience the variety in history, culture, landscape, beliefs, etc. of the largest and most inhabited islands of the country. An extension to the more remote regions of East Timor, Komodo and Papua New Guinea is also offered in our tour entitled: Journey through East Timor, Komodo, Irian Jaya & Papua New Guinea.

Day 01 : Arrival in Medan and drive to Parapat (176 Kms/4hrs)
This unique journey starts from Medan, located on the northern tip of Indonesia in the Sumatra province. Medan is best accessible by short duration flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Jakarta. Upon arrival we are warmly welcomed. Our cultural exploration of the Isles of Indonesia begins with a typical Sumatran lunch before taking a scenic drive to the Parapat Mountain and the stunning lake resort located on the eastern shore of Lake Toba. This drive takes us through Pematang Siantar, passing the North Sumatran rubber, oil palm and cocoa plantations.
Overnight: Niagara Hotel Parapat (2 nights) - http://www.niagaralaketoba.com (L, D)

Day 02 : Parapat / Samosir / Parapat (2 kms boat ride)
We start the day with a motorboat cruise on Toba Lake taking us to the remote Samosir Island Tomok Village where we see the Old Gray Stone of King Sidabutar. We also visit the Ambarita Village. Here we see the stone chairs where executions were conducted during the reign of King Siallagan. (B, L, D)

Day 03 : Parapat / Brastagi (170 Kms/3 hours)
We drive to Brastagi in the Karo Highlands. En route we visit Pematang Purba to tour the Palace of King Simalungun after which we stop at the slender Sipiso piso waterfall where we have a magnificent view of the falls. At Brastagi we visit the traditional fruit market and time permitting, we also view from the Gundaling Hills two active volcanoes. A good day of both the cultural interaction and scenery.
Overnight: Hotel Sibayak in Brastagi - http://www.hotelsibayak.com
(B, L, D)

Day 04 : Brastagi - Medan - Jakarta ( 66 Kms/2 hours)
After returning to Medan we visit the majestic Maimoon Palace, the Palace of Sultan Deli and the Grand Mosque. Then it is time at the local bazaar before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Jakarta where we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Santika Hotel Jakarta - http://www.santika.com/jakarta-premier (B, L, D)

Day 05 : Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun
An early morning flight gets us to Pangkalan Bun where we take a countryside drive to Kumai and board a traditional Klotok wooden river boat about 6m long and 2m wide, with a roof that forms the upper deck where one can view the rainforest as we glide by. Lunch is served onboard just before we arrive Camp Leakey, a rehabilitation center for orphaned Orangutans, 3 hours away from Kumai. Here the playful and friendly baby orangutans are taught the first stages in fending for themselves in the jungle. In this peaceful afternoon we'll have the chance to explore the river by the Klotok and observe the monkeys along the riverside.
Overnight: Rimba Lodge (2 nights) - http://www.rimbalodge.com (B, D)

Day 06 : Camp Leakey (1 km walk on mostly even surface)
Another exciting boating experience as we head back to Camp Leakey Here we take a 1Km trek deep into the jungle to explore and observe the different trails. We enjoy lunch in the jungle with more time to explore before returning our lodge for the evening. A day into nature at it’s best. (B, D)

Day 07 : Camp Leakey / Orangutan Clinic / Pangkalan Bun
Another interesting river day in the serene swampy forests. Afternoon we visit the Orangutan Clinic on Pasir Panjang, the last stop before they are released into the wild. Most of the Orangutans here are orphans, having been rescued from illegal traders. As part of the process of getting them ready to be released, regular check ups and care are provided to ensure that they have no communicable disease.
Overnight: Hotel Purnama / Blue Kecubung in Pangkalan Bun (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08 : Pangkalan Bun / Semarang / Jogjakarta (90 Kms/3 hours)
Morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Jogjakarta – a different world from the days we have had so far. Upon arrival we are welcomed in the traditional Javanese style and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Melia Purosani hotel Yogyakarta http://www.meliajogja.com (B, L, D)

Day 09 : Jogjakarta
Our tour of this historical city starts with a visit to the King Palace located in the city centre. The palace was the center of the government of Mataram Islam kingdom and is now a center of the Javanese art and culture. Our tour also covers the famous Borobudur Temple. This huge 9th century Buddhist pyramid is Buddhism's largest shrine in Indonesia. From afar Borobudur looks like a huge ordinary stone construction, but when one gets closer one sees that it consists of hundreds of wonderfully detailed statues and sculptures, representing Buddhist teachings mixed with images of Javanese life of a thousand years ago. We also visit the Mendut Temple discovered in 1834. Upon our return to the capital of Java we witness how the locals make their wonderful batik and the craftsmen at work in a silver handicraft factory. (B, L, D)

Day 10 : Jogjakarta
our second day at Jogjakarta starts with a visit to the stunning Prambanan Temple, one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Indonesia. The local people also call the temple as the Roro Jonggrang, meaning the temple of the slender virgin. According to the local belief, the temple was a beautiful virgin, who was cursed after ignoring her promise. Afternoon is free to enjoy and explore Jogjakarta, this cultural city, independently. (B, L, D)

Day 11 : Jogjakarta - Makassar (flight) /Torajo Land (310 kms/ 7 hours)
A short morning flights gets us to Makassar where we start with our journey to Rantepao Toraja Land. The day’s drive takes us through the most picturesque landscape of South Sulawesi and includes a typical cuisine lunch at Barru beach. Rentapo is a cool city, approximately 800 m above sea level. We arrive at our hotel late afternoon. Evening is free to visit the local bazaar and have personal encounters with the friendly Sulawesi.
Overnight: Toraja Heritage Hotel (3 nights) - http://www.torajaheritage.com (B, D)

Day 12 : Rantepao - Toraja Tour
Our day begins with a visit to the royal family tombs at Suaya, the cliff side stone grave with wooden effigies ''tau - tau "on the balcony at Lemo, the baby's graves in the huge tree at Kambira. This unique way of making tombs is unique in this archipelago. The Torajans do not bury their dead in earth, but in a stone hole, cave or alike. Before the corpse is placed in such a "tomb", it is laid to rest for a short period in the Tongkonan (the clan house). The belief is that the soul of the deceased would not leave, as long as the body is still at home. Afternoon we visit Londa, the natural cave grave and Kete Kesu village famous for its hanging grave and traditional wood carving craftspeople. Lunch will be at a local restaurant with a lovely view of the rice field. (B, L, D)

Day 13 : Rantepao - Toraja Tour
Another interesting and culturally rich day as we see the unique 'Tongkonan' houses each with several buffalo horns decorating their front doors. Later we visit the traditional cotton weaving village of Batutumonga which is surrounded by the highland area and has a beautiful landscape. At 1355m it has a constant temperature of 17 C during the daytime. Our afternoon tour covers Lo' ko mata, known for the unique graves placed on rocky slopes.
We then take an easy trek from the villages of Pana to Tikala. (B, L, D)

Day 14 : Rantepao - Makassar / Bali (flight)
Our journey touching some of the many islands of the world's largest archipelago is coming to an end as we drive to Makassar for our flight to Bali. Upon arrival at this popular beach resort town, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Bali is a beautiful resort and many independent activities are on offer. Optional extensions for longer stays in Bali are available.
Overnight: Sanur Beach Bali (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15 : Bali - home bound
Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home after what will have been an interesting experience of the island cultures of Indonesia. (B, L)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Oct 04 2011 English Speaking Departures Mar 13, May 15, Aug 07, Sep 18 & Oct 16
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar International Airfare & Airport taxes Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Domestic airfares (as per flights mentioned in the itinerary approx US$ 750) All Sightseeing and Transfers Insurance & Visa fees English Speaking local guides Tips/Gratuities Entrance fees to performance, tourist objects, museums, monuments   Boat ride, ferry ride, where mentioned
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 2985 US $ 495 2011 US $ 3185 US $ 495
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.