Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 14:06

Komodo Dragon in Komodo Island National Park, Indonesia

Primates & Dragons of Indonesia Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Indonesia
  • Programmes: Wildlife
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 16 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 14 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: WOZ
  • Carbon Footprint: 97kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Come face to face with two of Indonesia’s most mesmerising inhabitants, orangutans and Komodo dragons

‘Here be dragons’ goes the old cartographers’ adage, and in Indonesia there are, with forked tongues, venomous saliva and scaly bodies. Tracking Komodo dragons in the national park of the same name is just one of the experiences this vast country offers on this two-week trip through Sumatra, Bali and Komodo. We explore the jungles around Bukit Lawang looking for orangutans and various monkeys, take to the seas as we snorkel with a myriad of colourful fish and possibly swim with manta rays and uncover the culture and natural beauty of central Bali.

At a Glance

  • Travel by minibus, boat and internal flight
  • 11 nights in hotels and lodges, two nights on a boat

Highlights

  • Seeing wild orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park
  • Track Komodo dragons on Komodo and Rinca islands
  • Snorkel with colourful fish and possibly manta rays and turtles
  • Discover Ubud, the heart of Bali's artistic community

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.

It is designed so you can see the two main wildlife highlights of Indonesia in a relatively short period of time. There is plenty to see in the time you are there, and although there is a lot of travelling involved, everything is scheduled so it doesn’t feel too rushed. On most travel days, the average travelling time is between four and six hours, though traffic is often the determining factor in how long journeys take. There is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has stops where we spend two or more nights. Due to the vagaries of internal flight schedules in Indonesia, travelling from Medan to Labuan Bajo normally requires two days so we have broken up the journey with a stopover in Sanur to make the journey less stressful and to allow us to see a different side of Bali to the region of Ubud we visit at the end of the trip.

The wildlife tracking is fairly accessible and should not be too hard for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang, especially the longer optional hike, should not be underestimated. This takes place in hot and humid conditions, along potentially slippery mountainous terrain littered with roots. Good walking shoes/boots are highly recommended, especially if it has been raining. There are local men who can assist you for a small fee should you wish. The walks on Komodo and Rinca are not too strenuous.

When we visit Komodo National Park, we spend two nights on the boat where the sleeping arrangements are basic. There is a mix of bunk beds and mattresses on deck. Many people, however, enjoy sleeping on the deck under the stars. Spending two nights on the boat allows us to maximise wildlife viewing around the islands and to try to see as much as possible.

During the time spent on the boat, there could be a changed itinerary/route according to weather conditions to ensure overall group safety and enjoyment.

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’s rewards will not fail to deliver.

Local guides in Komodo warn that women who are experiencing their period should avoid visiting as the smell of blood may attract the dragons. We have consulted with various people who have years of experience with the islands and the dragons and, as long as normal precautions are taken, and you stay with the group (which people should do in all cases anyway), the risk is negligible.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

Land Only

  • Start City: Medan
  • End City: Ubud

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Medan, Sumatra; drive to Bukit Lawang

Meet the tour leader at the airport at 9am (subject to change – see Final Joining Instructions) and then the rest of the group (it is normally possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7.30am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand). From the airport, we drive to Bukit Lawang (approximately four to five hours) on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, stopping for lunch on the way.

The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore the village. Bukit Lawang is one of the most accessible places to spot orangutans, thanks to an orangutan conservation programme that has been operating on the eastern edge of the park since the 1970s. The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the final orangutan strongholds, with more than 5,000 thought to be living in the wild. Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinos and Sumatran tigers all live in the park, though very rarely seen. The village is attractive, built along one side of the river; relaxing at the riverside, it is not uncommon to see wild orangutans come to the water to drink.

Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 2
Walk in Gunung Leuser National Park in search of orangutans

This morning, we head into Gunung Leuser National Park, which is one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran orangutans. This is one of the largest national parks in the world and we spend time with our guide and have an opportunity to explore the trails, searching for orangutans and other wildlife. The hike itself is a leisurely couple of hours and there is a good chance of seeing Thomas’s leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques plus, hopefully, one of the orangutans who inhabit the forest. Our hike ends at the one-time feeding station, where we have an improved chance of spotting orangutans.

Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Full day with local guides in Gunung Leuser National Park

This morning, we return to the old orangutan rehabilitation centre. Those who want will then venture further from the park headquarters, discovering the flora and fauna of the park, and continuing our search for orangutans and other wildlife. The park hosts approximately 700 different animal species: more than 175 mammals, including Thomas’s leaf monkeys, macaques and gibbons; 320 birds; 190 reptiles; and amphibians. Other mammals include Sumatran elephants and the elusive Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, although the last is unfortunately facing imminent extinction. We are unlikely to encounter these shy animals. This excursion lasts approximately six hours, including time spent at the feeding station, and can be taxing given the steep, muddy terrain and hot and humid climate. Reasonable fitness is required and, therefore, completely optional. For anyone who chooses not to undertake the jungle hike, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the lodge.

Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Morning village walk and cooking demonstration; afternoon return to Medan

This morning, we explore the cultural side of Bukit Lawang. Following a walk through the village, we head to a local house where we watch an Indonesian cooking demonstration by one of the villagers. This is followed by a homemade local lunch. In the afternoon, we return to Medan (approximately four hours) where we spend the night before our early morning flight tomorrow.

Accommodation: Aryaduta Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
Fly to Denpasar, Bali; transfer to Sanur

We fly to Bali via Jakarta. We aim to catch an early morning flight with good connections to minimise travel time but this may not always be possible and we may have to take a later flight. If all goes as planned, we arrive in Bali in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel in Sanur near the beach. The rest of the day is free to relax and plan any optional activities for tomorrow.

Accommodation: Swastika Bungalows (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Free day to relax on the beach or optional activities in Sanur

Today is a free to enjoy Sanur. There are numerous options both on land and water whether you’re feeling active, want to take in culture or just relax on a nearby beach. Some of these options include a full-day temple tour, downhill biking tour, rafting or a Bali village tour.

Accommodation: Swastika Bungalows (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
After a relaxed morning, fly to Labuan Bajo, Flores

Today we fly to Labuan Bajo at the western tip of Flores island. This town is the main entry point into Komodo National Park and, as such, has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination. We aim to catch the afternoon flight, which means we leave for the airport around 12.30pm and arrive at our hotel in Labuan Bajo later this afternoon.

Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Board the boat; look for Komodo dragons on Rinca

Komodo National Park, established in 1980, is comprised of islands and the surrounding sea and includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds and colourful coral reefs. The three main large islands are Komodo, Rinca and Padar although many smaller islands come within the park boundaries.

Boarding the boat early, we set sail for the next three days. Our first destination is Rinca, which we visit after lunch. Rinca is one of the islands that houses Komodo dragons but is also home to wild pigs, buffalos and birds. Going ashore, we go on a trek accompanied by a local island ranger to look for Komodo dragons in their natural environment.

Afterwards, we return to the boat and set sail for Padar, where we go snorkelling in the pristine waters. In the late afternoon, we can walk to a hilltop to watch sunset above the national park.

Accommodation on the boat is fairly basic and is a mix of bunks and mattresses on deck.

Accommodation: Boat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9
Track Komodo dragons and snorkelling excursion to see manta rays

This morning, we head to Komodo island. Upon arrival, we trek to Banunggulung, the riverbed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats (until the mid-2000s). The hike takes us through spectacular scenery and there are many unusual plants along the way. There are about 2,000 Komodo dragons on the island plus wild boar, deer and buffalos. There is also good birdwatching with cockatoos and Gosong birds among others.

Following this, we visit Pink Beach where we have time to snorkel with good chances of seeing parrotfish, clownfish and, with a bit of luck, various other sea creatures including sea turtles. There is ample time to swim and snorkel and enjoy the beach before we head towards Manta Point, so-named as giant manta rays, some with a wingspan of 13ft (4m), are regularly seen here. Our final leg today takes us to Gili Laba Island, where we drop anchor for the night.

Accommodation: Boat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10
Final day in Komodo National Park before returning to Labuan Bajo

Those who wish can rise before dawn to visit a viewpoint on Laba Island to watch the sunrise.

Later on, we can snorkel more around Laba Island before setting sail again. Time permitting, we make one final snorkelling stop at Kanawa Island on the way back to Labuan Bajo. Returning to Labuan Bajo, we transfer back to our hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11
Fly to Bali; transfer to Ubud; Bali's cultural heartland

We fly back to Denpasar (flight times can vary) and drive (approximately two hours) to our final destination, Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and temples.

Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine); the town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants, but these days is known for its artistic community, awash with art workshops and galleries. The history of Ubud can be traced to the eighth century, when a Buddhist priest came to Bali from Java. He meditated at the confluence of the two Wos rivers at Campuan, just west of the modern town centre. A shrine was established and later expanded by Nirartha, a Javanese priest who is regarded as the founder of Bali’s religious practices and rituals as we know them today. When Ubud became a Dutch protectorate at its own request, the colonialists interfered little, allowing the traditional arts and culture of the area to remain relatively unchanged. From the 1930s onwards, Western artists and intellectuals arrived and furthered the local art scene, among them Charlie Chaplin and HG Wells. Ubud is still a haven for literati, glitterati and art collectors.

Accommodation: The Artini Dijiwa Ubud (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
Hike to Batur Volcano; visit Gunung Kawi Temple, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang

Our first stop on our tour of central Bali is the Kintamani area, where we go on a 3mi (4.5km) hike from the rim of the Batur caldera, descending through black lava fields. We can learn more about the volcano and enjoy views over the crater and surrounding area.

Our tour continues to the Tampaksiring area where we visit Gunung Kawi Temple. Set amid rice terraces, this 11th-century temple features 10 rock-hewn candi (shrines) carved into the cliff itself. They stand at 23ft (7m) and combine both Hindu and Buddhist attributes. The descent to the candi involves numerous stairs (which we also have to climb back up!). After this, we can visit Tirta Empul Temple, known among Balinese Hindus for its holy waters, which are believed to wash away bad spirits. The final stop of the day is Tegalalang for sweeping views over paddy fields.

Accommodation: The Artini Dijiwa Ubud (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13
Free day in Ubud; optional trekking or rafting

Today is free to wander through the vibrant streets of Ubud enjoying the cafes, shops, temples and theatres or go on another optional trip exploring other parts of the island. Your tour leader can advise you on how best to spend your time.

Accommodation: The Artini Dijiwa Ubud (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14
End Ubud

The trip ends after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore this beautiful part of the world, speak to your sales representative. Alternatively, join our post-tour extension to the Gili Islands, where white sands and a slice of paradise await.

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Accommodation

Hotels and boat

We spend 11 nights in hotels (a mix of comfortable and standard) and two nights on the boat in Komodo National Park.

The nights on the boat are idyllic as we anchor in quiet bays but please be advised the accommodation is basic. Accommodation is a mixture of bunks in cabins and mattresses on deck with shared bathrooms. The reason we spend two nights on the boat is to maximise wildlife viewing around the islands.

Worth knowing

  • The hotel in Bukit Lawang only has cold water, but as outside temperatures are hot this is refreshing.
  • Single supplements are available (on request) for 11 nights only. The single supplement does not apply for the two nights spent on the boat in Komodo National Park. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.

Single supplement from £ 300

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included.

Food is cheap in Indonesia and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is available in Ubud and Sanur though it is well worth trying the local cuisine. In more touristy areas, especially Ubud, there are many food options and some fantastic restaurants and coffee shops catering for all tastes and requirements.

Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes created with various spices including cloves and chilies plus coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but meats are also common.

Peanuts are a popular ingredient especially in dishes such as sate or gado gado and you should inform your tour leader if you have a peanut allergy. Nasi (rice) and mie (noodles) are very popular, especially the staple dish nasi goreng (fried rice). Quite often tea or water (aqua) is drunk with a meal. Beer is not always cold and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary.

Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood so if you are a vegetarian, please be clear and state that you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Transport

Throughout the trip, we use a private coach usually with air conditioning. Road conditions, in many cases, are not very good and traffic is a constant problem in Sumatra and Bali. On most driving days, the average travelling time is between four and six hours. We also use a boat when visiting Rinca and Komodo islands. All bookings on domestic flights are made in economy class. Domestic flight schedules in Indonesia can change so we cannot guarantee we are using flights at the preferred times stipulated in the itinerary.

The luggage allowance on the domestic flights is one checked bag per person of maximum 44lb (20kg).

Weather & Seasonality

Indonesia has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures range from 23C-33C (73F-91F) during the day and rarely drops 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 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:  Eco Lodge Bukit in Lawang, Jalan Besar Jl. Bukit Lawang, Sampe Raya, Kec. Bohorok, Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatera Utara
Phone: +62 812-6079-983
Recommended arrival time: This trip starts at the arrival airport. The group will all meet with the leader for the transfer.
Airport: Medan Airport

On arrival

Those not on the group flight from London, UK, meet the tour leader at Medan Airport at 9am (subject to change – see Final Joining Instructions) and then meet the rest of the group there (it is normally possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7.30am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand). From the airport, we drive to Bukit Lawang (approximately four to five hours) on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park stopping for lunch on the way.

Please note, if you are not travelling on the group flights you need to be at our Medan hotel by 7.30am (or be at the airport when the group flight lands); the group leaves Medan on Day 1. If you are not booked on the group flights and you do not get to the pre-tour hotel (or airport) on time, you need to pay for an additional transfer locally to catch up with the group. As this is over four hours, the transfer will be expensive.

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: Medan
Location end: Ubud

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton (neutral colours as this will make animals and birds more approachable) are recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cooler if there’s a bit of wind and you should bring a light jacket/jumper with you. Please note, Indonesia is a Muslim country so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered plus a headscarf for women).
  • Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when visiting temples
  • Torch (flashlight)
  • Strong walking shoes for the jungle walks in Gunung Leuser National Park and Komodo National Park
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm
  • Swimwear
  • Small backpack – you carry your own gear during the day walks, You also use this as your main luggage when staying on the boat. Main luggage is safely stored at the hotel in Labuan Bajo during this time
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket or an 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.

If you have any space in your luggage, please check out our partner Pack for a Purpose (www.packforapurpose.org) to identify items needed by local schools and medical clinics. Your Tour Leader will happily assist with your donation.

Optional Equipment

  • Rash vests or swimsuits that are like shortie wetsuits as they can protect you from the sun while snorkelling
  • Binoculars
  • There are several opportunities to snorkel and you may want to bring your own mask and snorkel

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.

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.

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 widespread in Indonesia and the easiest way of obtaining money. Generally, it is possible to withdraw a maximum of 2m Indonesian rupiahs (US$130) in one go (a few ATMs will give out 2.5m rupiahs). Credit card acceptance is not widespread at places we visit, except for Ubud and Sanur in Bali. As you will probably carry 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 Indonesia. Within Indonesia, the exchange rate can vary greatly between one town and the next depending on how touristy it is.

You need about 3m-4m (US$200-US$260) for all meals not included, which allows you to eat well. Apart from the food, allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs. Some temples and sights charge a nominal camera fee, generally:

  • 50,000 rupiahs (US$5) for photo cameras
  • 150,000 rupiahs (US$15) for video cameras

We use domestic flights to get from Sumatra to Bali to Flores and back to Bali. In the past, some groups have had to pay an airport tax at the airport, others haven’t. Still, be prepared to pay an airport tax for the various flights. The rates may change but, as a guide, budget for 60,000 rupiahs in Medan, 75,000 rupiahs in Denpasar and 22,000 rupiahs in Labuan Bajo (in total about 160,000 rupiahs/US$11).

There are several optional activities, which your leader can arrange for you if you wish. They are subject to schedules and availability; your leader will let you know what is available and the exact local costs. It is also possible to arrange many of these activities independently if you prefer.

Bukit Lawang

  • Jungle hike: 305,000 rupiahs (US$20)

Sanur

  • Half-day Uluwatu temple tour: 535,000 rupiahs (US$35)
  • Downhill biking tour Kintamani-Ubud: 610,000 rupiahs (US$40)
  • White-water rafting: 610,000 rupiahs (US$40)
  • Bali village tour: 610,000 rupiahs (US$40)
  • Castaway cruise: 1.5m rupiahs (US$100)

Ubud

  • Full-day temple tour: 610,000 rupiahs (US$40), less for individual temples
  • White-water rafting: 610,000 rupiahs (US$40)

Tipping

With the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary in Indonesia. To make things easier, the leaders will organise a tipping kitty to tip local guides, hotel porters and drivers.

As we use two separate leaders, the tipping kitty will be split in two. The leader collects around 800,000 rupiah (about US$55) for the trip. This is, of course, optional and only intended to make things easier for you.

We use two leaders on this trip. If you feel your leader has 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, a reasonable starting point is 46,000-76,000 rupiahs (US$3-US$5) per person per day. The tipping kitty explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work.

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 will be 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.
  • Villagers in Rinca and Komodo make and sell wood carvings for visitors who wish to purchase, which financially supports these fishing-dependent communities.
  • We often use Bukit Lawang Ecolodge, which is a not-for-profit organisation run by Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, which means the Foundation for a Sustainable Ecosystem. Money spent here goes directly back into community development and nature conservation.

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.
  • 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 the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge.

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 on this trip when visiting holy sites (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered plus 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

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. 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.