Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 21:15
Cycling Indonesia's Islands Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Indonesia
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 15 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 13 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MOI
- Carbon Footprint: 47kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Cycle through rural Bali and eastern Java on roads and dirt tracks
Active volcanoes tower over paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Villages and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along paved roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels, we explore quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java, uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells.
At a Glance
- Nine days of cycling with 90 percent vehicle support
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader
- 10 nights in hotels, one night in a homestay and one night camping
Highlights
- Cycle through paddy fields, jungles and plantations
- Ride up and down volcanoes and through villages
- Discover the islands of Bali and Java
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Nine days of cycling
- Average daily distance: 31mi (50km)
- 90 percent vehicle support
Terrain and route: Most rides are moderate with mostly flat terrain. There are, however, two potentially very challenging days. The harder routes include the ride to the top of Batur volcano (Day 3) and, especially, the ride up Mount Ijen (Day 7). The daily elevations are listed on each day of the itinerary so you can be the judge of your ability.
There is the opportunity to jump in the bus at any point if necessary so there is no pressure to complete these two rides. The trip is 85 percent paved, 15 percent dirt tracks. The sealed sections vary in condition from relatively smooth paved roads to partially broken stone. The dirt tracks can be muddy if it has recently rained. Most of the roads are fairly quiet but you should be comfortable riding in traffic as we approach towns. There is vehicle support on most rides, including the harder mountain rides; however, there may not be vehicle support on a couple of the shorter rides on days 9 and 10. The heat and humidity can also make some of the rides tougher.
The trip ventures into some of the lesser visited areas of East Java and West Bali, where the accommodation can be more basic, in particular when we stay with a local family for one night where there are squat toilets and bucket showers. When travelling in some areas of the country, service may not be as fast or reliable as you are used to in other countries and Indonesian attitudes towards certain things such as animal welfare and food may differ from your own. That said, if you come ready for an experience, the country rarely fails to deliver. There are some vehicle transfers but journey times are usually one to three hours maximum apart from when transferring from Ketapang, Java, to Canggu, Bali, which is a longer journey by ferry and private minibus.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Ubud
- End City: Canggu
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Depart London
Start Ubud
You can arrive at any time today. The bustling town of Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali, set among the hills and paddies of the island interior. This afternoon, we have time to relax and explore the temples, shops and cafes in town, though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There is a briefing this evening with your leader about the trip.
Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages/Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort (or similar)
Arrive in Bali, transfer to Ubud
Those making their own way to Bali can arrive at any time on the first day. Those on the scheduled group flights normally arrive in Ubud in the afternoon.
The bustling town of Ubud is Bali’s cultural heartland set amongst the hills and rice paddies of the island’s interior. This afternoon there will be time to relax and explore the town’s temples, shops and cafes though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There will be a briefing this evening about the trip with your tour leader.
Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages/Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort (or similar)
Cycle through paddies, villages and temples
We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud, across rice fields, villages and temples. After arriving to the Tampaksiring village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese come to bathe in sacred waters at least once a year in a cleansing ritual dedicated to Vishnu.
The final leg takes us along backroads to the lesser known temple of Pengukur-Ukur, where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud.
Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Cycle to Batur volcano; afternoon mountain bike descent
Starting with a ride along rice terraces, we continue by slowly climbing up the road to the Kintamani plantations area and beyond to the crater rim of Batur volcano. This is a tough climb so, after about 12.5mi (20km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging, this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle, which can take you up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting, we get stunning views of one of the bigger volcanic lakes in Bali.
After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to the base of the volcano where our hotel is located. You then have the option to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon off-road cycling on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses a lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the otherworldly moonscapes it has created.
Accommodation: Segara Hotel (or similar)
Ride to Ponjok Batu Temple and Lovina coast
After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur caldera, we start cycling up and down hills along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards the northwest coast of Bali. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar and Kubu, we observe the everyday life of local people. We enjoy a refreshment on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone. Finally, we pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in Lovina. From here, it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul.
Accommodation: Strawberry Hill Hotel (or similar)
A day of cycling, monkey forests, twin lakes, Buddhist monasteries and hot springs
Our day starts with a short ride up to Monkey Forest (it is possible to take a transfer to the top of the hill). From here, we enjoy a view of a twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across the north coast. We visit the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, Bhrama Arama Vihara, and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs, where we can relax in the open-air pools. After lunch, we cycle along the coast to our beachfront hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Adi Assri Beach Cottage (or similar)
Pedal to the harbour; snorkel around Menjangan Island; transfer to Java
After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour, we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning Deer Island, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso.
Accommodation: Ijen View Hotel (or similar)
Cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano; optional sunset hike
Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920ft (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially broken paved roads. We take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery, and have a light lunch en route. We regroup after about 12.5mi (20km) before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle as it is definitely harder than normal for an Activity Level 3 (Moderate) graded trip. Of course, it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle further up if needed. The support vehicle is available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous.
On the way, we stop to visit one of the largest coffee plantations in Indonesia before ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here, we spend the night in a local homestay with basic amenities within a colonial building on a coffee plantation.
Accommodation: Jampit Catimor homestay
Early morning trek to the crater rim; later cycle off the volcano to Ketapang
Getting up very early, while it is still dark, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and, as we hike in the dark, we should be able to see blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater.
After sunrise, we have time to enjoy views of the lake, which is 655ft (200m) deep and filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulphur blocks weighing up to 155lb (70kg) out of the crater.
Please note that poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater.
After returning to camp, we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning.
Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Cycle through jungle and plantations to the fishing village at Meru Betiri National Park
Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and head into the jungle. Our rainforest trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface through coffee, cacao and rubber plantations.
We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we can see the day’s catch being unloaded.
We camp on the beach tonight. Camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers.
Accommodation: Camping
Ride along jungle trails to the beach at Pulau Merah; free time to relax on the beach; transfer to Ketapang
On our final day of cycling, we continue along jungle trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. We visit Green Bay along the way, with views of another hidden beach in East Java. Today’s final ride is mostly on flat elevation with a few rolling hills.
We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time, where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel in Ketapang, where we spend our last night on Java.
Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Transfer by ferry and bus back to Bali to Canggu
After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive for 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on Bali. From here, it is about a four-hour drive (with a lunch stop) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
Free day to relax on the beach or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak
Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days of cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations.
The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water.
Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
End Canggu
The trip ends this morning after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip Gili extension, where white sands and turquoise seas provide the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled cycling adventure.
Arrive London
Arrive London
Post-trip Extensions
Gili Extension
Continue your adventure with our perfectly designed Gili extension.
Only a short boat ride away, the Gili Islands epitomise tropical paradise with white sands, palm trees, and warm waters teeming with rays, sharks and all kinds of marine life.
Spend a couple of days snorkelling, diving or just relaxing by the turquoise sea and taking in the atmosphere on Gili Trawangan.
This is a four-day extension; you spend three nights in a resort right by the beach with two full days at leisure. The best place to jump out of bed and into the sea in the morning.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Extension Day 1: Early morning pick up from hotel (where your tour ends), transfer to Serangan/Padang Bai Harbour; ferry to Gili Trawangan
You are picked up early in the morning from your hotel and transferred to the harbour in time to check-in for the ferry. Upon your arrival at Gili Trawangan (usually mid-morning), you are transferred to your resort. The rest of the day is free to explore or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Accommodation: Desa Dunia Beda Resort (or similar)
Extension Day 2: Free day in Gili Trawangan
Free day at the beach/leisure
Accommodation: Desa Dunia Beda Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Extension Day 3: Free day in Gili Trawangan
Your second full free day at the beach/leisure
Accommodation: Desa Dunia Beda Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Extension Day 4: Transfer back to Bali; end Denpasar Airport
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being picked up and transferred to the ferry back to Bali. The ferry usually departs Gili Trawangan around 11.15am and arrives back to Serangan/Padang Bai Harbour in Bali at 2pm. Upon arrival, you are picked up by a private transfer to Denpasar Airport (approximately 30 minutes) where your Gili Trawangan beach extension ends.
Meals included: Breakfast
Important: If you have booked this Gili Island (Gili Trawangan) extension after the MOI, WOZ or EOI trip and intend to depart Bali on the day the extension ends, the boat back to Bali is scheduled to arrive in Bali at around 2pm. However, there can be delays depending on currents. Therefore, if booking your own flight and flying out of Bali (Denpasar Airport) on the same day we strongly advise you book a flight no earlier than 8pm.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Price per person
£ 429
Mandatory Single Supplement
£ 195
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels, homestay and camping
We spend 10 nights in hotels, one night in a homestay and one night camping.
The Kintamani hotel is basic and the hot-water supply can be unreliable but we use this hotel because it is best located for our exploration of Mount Batur.
When camping on Rajegwesi Beach, we stay in two-person tents; mats and sleeping bags are provided and there are basic toilets and showers with cold water.
The homestay on Mount Ijen is run by a coffee cooperative and is basic but clean. While some rooms have Western-style toilets, we cannot guarantee these.
There is no hot water at the campsite or at the homestay.
The hotel rooms generally have private bathrooms and all have air conditioning apart from the hotel in Bedugul which, being at altitude and having cooler night-time temperatures, does not normally require it. The more basic accommodations are balanced by staying in some comfortable hotels on other nights.
Single supplement from £ 375
Food & Drink
There are 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and three dinners included.
Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes enlivened with ingredients such as cloves, chilies, coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but other meats are also common. Peanut-based dishes are also common on Indonesian tables (if you have a peanut allergy, make sure to inform us beforehand and to inform your tour leader). Food is often spicy but you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish.
Western food is available in Ubud and Canggu, though it is well worth trying the local cuisine.
Quite often, tea or water is drunk with a meal. Beer is often not cold and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary. On some days, we have a packed lunch as we cycle.
Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood, so if you are vegetarian please be clear and state you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Snacks and local fruit are provided when cycling but you may want to bring your own snacks from home too.
Transport
We have a pick-up truck to carry the bikes for groups of seven passengers and more, as well as the air-conditioned bus as a support vehicle and for transfers when not cycling (groups of six or fewer just have the one vehicle) We also use a ferry on two occasions: Bali to Java and Java to Bali.
We also use a boat when visiting Menjangan Island.
When transferring with the vehicles, the drives are normally just one to three hours, apart from the day we go from Java back to Bali, which is a full day of travelling by bus and ferry.
Weather & Seasonality
Indonesia has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures are 23C-33C (73F-91F) during the day and rarely drop below 20C (68F) at night. In the mountains, temperatures are much cooler; on the coast, sea breezes usually keep temperatures comfortable. In most parts of Indonesia, the long rainy season falls between late October and early May, though rain occurs throughout the year. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Sri Ratih Cottages, Jl. Campuhan 1, Penestanan Kelod, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud, Bali, 80572, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 975638
Recommended arrival time: In the morning. There will be a bike fitting this afternoon and a welcome meeting with your leader this evening.
Airport: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Ubud
Location end: Canggu
What To Take
Essential Equipment
As space is at a premium, please try not to overpack, soft bags such as kitbags and backpacks are easier to store in the vehicle than suitcases and are recommended for this trip. Other items you need are:
- Ear plugs if you a light sleeper as the early morning calls to prayer in East Java can often be heard
- Generally bring warm-weather clothes, though a fleece is also recommended as it can get a bit chilly in the highlands
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and rain protection (lightweight rain jacket)
- Skirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable in the areas we visit
- Swimwear for snorkelling and time at the beach
- A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters (band-aids) and a blister-treatment kit
- Insect repellent – repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
- A torch (flashlight) is provided when camping but you may want to bring your own from home
- Walking shoes/trainers (sneakers) for the Injen hike
- Large refillable water bottle
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Environmental considerations
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are a combination of Patrol 091, Trek X-Caliber 7 and Dominate A-One Comp.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Visa
Indonesia
Many nationalities can apply for a 30-day visa on arrival at Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, Batam, Bali and Yogyakarta at a cost of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately US$33). Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/indonesia
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Indonesia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Indonesia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. There is also a high risk of malaria in Irian Jaya (Papua) and low risk in Bali, Lombok, Java and Sumatra. Please speak to your doctor or travel clinic for the best course of action on all the above.
You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Additionally, dengue and zika fevers are known risks in places visited. Both are spread by mosquitoes. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Indonesia's time zone: Asia/Jakarta (UTC +07:00)
Electricity
Indonesia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Indonesia's currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are now widespread in Indonesia and the easiest way of obtaining money. It is possible to withdraw a maximum of 2m Indonesian rupiahs (US$130) in one go. Credit card acceptance is not widespread at places we visit, except for some areas in Bali. As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
While it is possible to obtain Indonesian rupiahs before arriving in Indonesia, the exchange rate outside the country tends to be much lower than within. Even within Indonesia, the exchange rate can vary greatly between one town and the next depending on how touristy it is.
You should allow approximately 3m rupiahs (US$200) for all meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Some temples, sites and national parks charge a nominal camera fee, normally 50,000 rupiahs (US$3.50) for photo cameras and 150,000 rupiahs (US$9.75) for video cameras. Your leader can advise on the exact amounts.
Optional excursions
- Scuba diving on Menjangan Island (two dives): 1.6m rupiahs (US$102) per person (minimum two people)
- Entrance to Ijen volcano crater for sunset: 150,000 rupiahs (US$9.75)
Optional activities in Canggu:
- Surf lessons: 846,000 rupiahs (US$55) per person (minimum two people)
- Uluwatu Temple visit and Jimbaran seafood dinner: Price varies on group size from 590,000 rupiahs (US$38) per person (for 13-15 people) to 1.15m rupiahs (US$74) for one person
- Traditional cooking class: 1.4m rupiahs (US$90) per person (minimum two people)
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Indonesia and the local staff will probably expect some gratuity. The leader will suggest to the group they donate US$25 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It helps to take the hassle out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool, you are, of course, free to do so.
The number of staff on this trip varies depending on the group size, from three (for groups up to six people) to five for larger groups. If you feel your leader and support staff have performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal but, as a guide, US$100 per person for the entire trip to be shared between the leader/support staff is a reasonable amount.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers are well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
- One night is spent in Jampit Catimor in a local homestay within a colonial building on a coffee plantation.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. For example, we venture to more remote locations in East Java and around Bali. We spend a night camping on Rajegwesi Beach and a night in a local homestay in Jampit Catimor.
- We also visit national parks including Baluran (for Ijen volvano), West Bali (for Menjangan Island) and Meru Betiri. Entrance and conservation fees contribute to the preservation of these areas and to the Indonesia Nature Research Centre (BKSDA).
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The Exodus Travels Foundation has launched the Community Kickstart Project to help our destination communities recover and rebuild following the impact of COVID-19. In Indonesia, we’ve contributed to the Eco-brick Building initiative, more details can be found here.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about Exodus Travels’ Planet Promise here, including our rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some accommodation and restaurants.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation including spending one night camping on Rajegwesi Beach.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect
- Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country so modest dress is required when visiting holy sites (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered as well as a headscarf for women).
- One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.