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Indonesia Country Highlights
Indonesia is a vast and varied region, with enough to captivate travelers on many a return journey. Too large a destination to see all in one trip; we recommend a series of suggested itineraries. Some focus just on the islands of Java & Bali, others are geared towards travelers seeking adventure on wildlife excursions to Sumatra, Kalimantan or Komodo. There are also programs concentrating on the extraordinary range of cultures that have developed throughout the archipelago. Our custom-designed trips average two weeks, providing an excellent introduction to the nature and culture of these fascinating islands. The programs can be extended, combined, or amended to suit your own personal preferences. Below are examples of the kinds of activities we can arrange for you. Yogyakart , the cultural heart of Java, pulsates with dance, puppets, batik and much more. All of our trips feature a privately guided tour of the Royal Kraton (Palace of Javanese Royalty) including shadow puppet (wayang kulit) and dance performances according to ancient Javanese traditions. We can arrange for seating at special gamelan performances in the Golden Pavilion. Along the main boulevard leading directly to the Kraton, you'll find batik, weavings, leather goods, puppets, woodcarvings and other produce common to the markets of Southeast Asia. In the evenings, this area is alive with students promenading and eating at local stalls illuminated by lanterns . Served in humble surroundings, the food is as close to home cooking as you will find in your travels in Indonesia. For travelers interested in textiles, there are numerous reputable batik schools and galleries throughout the city where full day classes in batik dye & design can also arranged.
To the east of Yogyakarta, visit the elegant Saivite temple complex of Prambanan , completed in the 9 th century. Its superb sculpture and reliefs depict the great Hindu epics. On full moon nights between May and October, the great Hindu epic The Ramayana is performed in one of the 9 th century open-air theaters nearby. Stop at other temple clusters in the area including Plaosan Temple for superb views of the plains and scattered ruins. Drive east to Solo , another center for Javanese arts and culture known for its entrancing gamelan performances . East Java is home to the sites of ancient civilizations, where Java Man was found. Arrangements can be made to visit one of East Java's active archaeological or paleontological centers . This region's premier destination is the still active volcano of Mt. Bromo . Our cheerful guides will wake you gently in the early morning to cross the eerie sea of black sand on foot or horseback in time to stand on the lip of the crater for a breathtaking sunrise!
Bali's magnificent coastline is sure to appeal to sun worshippers,surfers, divers and snorkellers. The northern beach of Lovina and the southern beach of Sanur are conveniently located for touring and relaxation. We can also arrange for stays at some of the lovely resorts on the unspoiled northern beaches of Singaraja and Lovina . This quiet corner of the island is a superb base for snorkeling and diving expeditions, or simply luxuriating in Bali's tranquil beauty. Visit the cultural and geographical center of Bali, Ubud , set in the highlands among the spectacular rice terraces. Ubud is the best place to observe graceful Balinese dance , much of which is derived from the South Indian temple dance forms. In the village of Peliatan , you'll be entranced by a traditional Legong dance performance and its all-woman gamelan orchestra . Stroll to the magical monkey forest just outside Ubud. Visit the surrounding villages, each one renowned for its inhabitants specializing in a particular art or craft like woodcarving, oil painting, silver & goldsmithing , as well as shadow puppets. We suggest Bali's premier woodcarving center of Mas or the village of Celuk to observe the silver filigree crafting process. For a remarkable sunset over the Indian Ocean, visit rugged Tanah Lot , a remarkable Hindu temple partially submerged off the southwest shore. Near the village of Kintamani , glide in your canoe on Lake Batur , a dramatic volcanic lake with hot sulfur springs and the ruins of a pre-Hindu civilization . Not to be missed on any of our trips is the 22-temple complex of Besakih nestled on the slopes of Mt. Agung , the most important Hindu pilgrimage point on Bali. Sumatra  Straddling the equator, Sumatra is equally famed for its fecund landscape, and plethora of cultures. Medan , on the northeast coast is the preferred gateway for visiting the crisp volcanic lakes, deep canyons and diverse ethnic groups of Sumatra. Our staff can arrange for a visit to the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center just outside the village of Bukit Lawang. This is a unique and rare opportunity to observe the daily feedings of these once-captive primates being trained for their return to the wild. For the more adventurous, we offer a 2-3 day trek through spectacular rainforest and the active Gunung Sinabung volcano from Bukit Lawang to Brastagi, a pleasant hill station and market town. Ask about our whitewater rafting expeditions on the Alas River that can easily be combined with a trek, all within the boundaries of the Gunung Leuser National Park .
Lake Toba is located on a high plateau in the mystical Batak highlands, home to six major tribes, each with their own dialects and customs. Let us arrange for an overnight visit to Samosir Island in the middle of lake, home to Batak culture where you can visit traditional raised houses, enjoy a musical performance, or just walk around this peaceful island. We can also arrange for 1,2, and 3 day trips around the island that are more focused on cultural exchange and respectful observance of Batak traditions. Arriving in Padang, a busy seaport on the west coast inhabited by the Minangkabau peoples, our guides will help you explore one of the largest matriarchal societies in the world known for their gold & silver filigree, hand embroidery and intricate weavings . Surrounding the friendly hill town of Bukittinggi are villages specializing in intricate basket weaving, songket weavings, and delicate silversmithing. Ask about specialized wildlife tours which feature the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, and touring in a large nature reserve near Bukittinggi. We can also arrange for an excursion to the island of Nias where the people have retained most of their traditional animist beliefs and ancestor worship. Nias architecture is a particularly fine example of a feature common throughout Indonesia: architecture and design illustrate community beliefs . A visit to Nias must include the stone jumping marriage ritual complete with sword.
Our excursions into the surrounding countryside start in Rantepao and explore the villages of Toraja Land filled with examples of their ornate upturned boat-shaped houses built in reverence to their seaworthy ancestors who first landed on the shores. Those interested in coral reefs and colorful marine life may choose to travel to Manado on the northern tip of Sulawesi. The region is home to the strongly traditional Christian Minahasa people and the most spectacular coral gardens in all of Southeast Asia . As one of our most recommended dive sites, our experts can arrange for an amazing snorkeling/dive vacation in the relatively untouristed Bunaken Manado Tua National Marine Reserve . Kalimantan  Kalimantan is an explorer's paradise. Consisting of over three quarters of Borneo , this Indonesian territory is home to a myriad of primates, birds, and cultural groups. Travel to Pangkalan Bun, and take a boat up the river to Tanjung Puting Reserve . One of the largest lowland reserves in Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting is home to otters, hornbills, egrets, crocodiles, pythons, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans . Located in the reserve is Camp Leakey Orangutan Centre , where previously captive orangutans are retrained as to how to fend for themselves in their natural habitat.
Learn first-hand about Dayak culture as you cruise along the Mahakam River , in eastern Kalimantan. Traveling along the river takes you to the heart of Dayak communities, where villages have traditional longhouses . The people here follow animist traditions; the surrounding region is replete with carvings, offerings of rice, bird carvings, and other signs of animist practices. This region is also home to the rare black orchid. which blooms only after the rains. Kalimantan is undoubtedly one of the world's premier destinations for travelers interested in natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional cultures
Secluded sands and comfortable beach bungalows await those that require rest and relaxation after the climb. Flores , known as the Cape of Flowers , is an important center for Ikat production . Flores has always been open to foreign influences, especially Christianity. The island is one of the most beautiful, and intriguing, in all of Indonesia. The western port village of Labuanbajo offers sublime sunsets over the ocean . The central highland villages of Ruteng and Bajawa are excellent bases for exploring joint patrilineal and matrilineal cultures, and megalithic sculptures We can make special arrangements to attend the Maha Kudas Mass held at Christmas. This spectacular celebration is followed by a ritual deer hunt in the forest . From the city of Maumere , visit the intriguing volcanic lakes of Keli Mutu . One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Indonesia, these lakes change their color every few years as a result of shifting mineral compositions. The experience of viewing the multi-colored lakes, while listening to birdsong will be one of the highlights of your trip to Indonesia. Maumere offers fine snorkeling and diving in warm tropical waters . We also arrange visits to traditional weaving villages known for their ikat techniques and designs. Floresian textiles are noted for their vibrant colors and Portugese stylistic influences . Flores is an unmissable destination for art and music lovers, as well as for those drawn to Indonesia's natural splendor. Accessible by boat from Sumbawa or Flores, Komodo is the only natural refuge for the world's largest monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon , who can grow up to 10 feet long and 300 pounds. Feeding time provides an ideal time to observe these rare, evolutionary wonders. Our guides will escort you while walking the lovely trails and small villages of this wild island. As well as the famed dragons, Komodo is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including orchids, sunbirds, bee eaters, deer, and wild hogs , making the island a naturalist's Mecca. Accommodation ranges from basic chalets or a chartered yacht for ultimate luxury. The people of Sumba are considered by many to be the finest ikat weavers in the world . Cultures exist here almost uninfluenced by the waves of religious and political transitions that have shaped Indonesia's history. Here, islanders practice animistic religions, and elaborate funerary rituals . Eastern Sumba is a land of broad plateaus , and magnificent textiles. The lush, hilly region of western Sumba is also the home of megalithic cultures - vast slabs of stone are dragged across mountains for ancestral tombs. Travel to Sumba in the spring, and witness the Pasolo--a ritual tribal battle on horseback . Sumba's aesthetically rich cultures are bound to intrigue adventurous travelers keen to explore this fascinating island. Irian Jaya  Situated on the western half of New Guinea, Irian Jaya remains one of the most isolated places on earth, from the impassable mangrove swamps to the dense jungles that rise up to the snow-capped peaks that soar over 16,000 feet. Our itineraries originate in Jayapura , the capital on the north central shore and point of departure for explorations in the Baliem River Valley . Step back in time for a visit to the Stone Age Dani tribespeople who live in small villages along the valley floor. Deplane near Wamena and follow our guide to isolated settlements along the river. With more than 100 dialects, these people still work with stone tools.
Trek to the villages of the Asmat ('the people of the wood") and stay overnight with traditional woodcarvers whose crafts are now recognized and appreciated throughout the world. Exotic nature lovers can visit the Wasur Reserve on the border with Papua New Guinea: guided walks and nature trails pass gigantic ferns, wild orchids, and a network of vines that provide for a thick forest canopy. We will provide you with background on the wildlife of New Guinea and help you spot tree kangaroos, flying phalangers, and the magnificent Birds of Paradise .
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Just to the north lies Borobudor , the world's largest stupa, built in the late 8 th century. We can provide an in-depth view of this magnificent model of the cosmos. You'll be treated to a personal account of the history and meaning of this impressive structure depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha. Venture into the highlands and explore the sulfur springs, caverns and petrified lava flows of Dieng Plateau . This ethereal landscape inspired early inhabitants to build many temples; these and the unique flora and fauna make the Dieng Plateau a highlight of a trip to Yogyakarta. 
Bali is the crown jewel of the Indonesian archipelago. With its luminous rice paddies, graceful women bearing offerings on their heads, splendid temples, and dramatic music and dance, this alluring island enthralls all who visit. The family and community are of foremost concern, as is evident in their colorful Hindu rituals and religious ceremonies . For an excellent introduction to traditional Balinese arts and crafts, we highly recommends the Werdi Budaya Arts Center as well as a student music and dance performance at the Abiankapas Arts Center in Denpasar.
Ujung Pandang is the capital and commercial center of the seafaring Bugis people . Our trips begin by traveling north through the lowland rice paddies and highland plateaus, until you arrive in Tana Toraja (Land of the Toraja People). Ancient crafts and customs of these proto-Malay people are intricately intermingled with animist rituals focusing on death and the passing of the spirit. Our guides will arrange for the respectful observance of opulent funerals complete with the slaughter of water buffalo and wild pigs. Equally intriguing is the burial: the coffin is hoisted up and set in sheer limestone cliffs where effigies of the dead (Tau Tau) stand or sit in balconies in front of the tombs.
Just east of Bali, the islands of Nusa Tenggara represent a transitional zone of Eurasian and Australian flora and fauna . Lombok , only a short cruise from Bali, offers great topological contrast from lush rainforest to arid plains and smouldering volcanoes. The island offers many diverse attractions, including miles of white sand beaches, snorkeling, and a broad range of arts and crafts. Our trips to Lombok usually combine adventure with leisure. Observe a full moon pilgrimage to the crater of sacred Mt. Rinjani (over 12,000 feet) where local people participate in sacrificial ceremonies in reverence to the appetite of the gods.
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