- 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
Primates & Dragons of Indonesia
14 Days
from
16 Days
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Wildlife
Itinerary
Medan Ubud
Depart London
Depart London
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Depart Ubud
Trip ends after breakfast for Land only clients. Those on the group flights will be taken to Denpasar airport in time for their flight home.
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.
Code: WOZ
Price per person: £ 429
Mandatory Single Supplement: £ 195
Trip Experts
Reviews
Add your own reviewPrimates & Dragons of Indonesia
It was a great trip. Exceeded all my expectations.Our guide Elly was brilliant and always on hand if we needed anything. The local guides that were used on various parts of the trip were also very good. On the 2 days spent in the forest in Bukit Lawang we saw Orang Utans within 20 minutes of leaving our lodge. Getting fresh local fruit in the middle of the jungle was a very welcome treat. Possibly the juiciest pineapple i have ever eaten. On the boat trip to Komodo and Rinca Islands the food was very good and fresh. Sleeping on the deck of the boat was great. Saw about 15 Komodo’s over the visits to the two Islands. the snorkelling off the both on numerous occasions was brilliant. Crystal clear waters where we saw loads of turtles and fish to rival the Barrier Reef. Bring an underwater camera, I didn’t and i’m sorry i didn’t. The only slight gripe i have was the walk to the volcano/lava fields. In my opinion this was a waste of time. Elly had asked us if anyone wanted to try Durian fruit. A few of us said yes, so Elly stopped at a stall selling it. Trying Durian fruit has been on my bucket list for a long time. It tastes as disgusting as it smells but I’m glad i tried it. Overall it was a great trip and one i would highly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Orang Utans and the Komodo Dragons. Also seeing turtles while snorkelling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly is a great guide. Always there if we needed us. The local guides we used during the trip were also great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring good walking boots/shoes for the jungle. It had rained during the night we were in Bukit Lawang and the jungle floor was very slippery underfoot. If you intend to go snorkelling bring an underwater camera/go pro.
Fantastic
From beginning to end this trip was one wow moment after another. The trip itinerary is well structured into 4 parts, all quite different. Trekking the jungle in Bukit Lawang and being lucky to see so many orangutan was unbelievably moving. The two very different stays in the chilled out beach town of Sanur and Ubud with its monkey forest (not on the itinerary but a must to visit). Flores islands were just stunning, loved the two nights sleeping on deck quite literally under the stars. The unexpected highlight of this trip was probably the snorkelling ….never have I seen such a variety of fish, corals and abundance of life underwater.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many moments, the very human like and curious orangutans, being charged at by a 3 meter long male Komodo, the tranquility of the temples and the peace just sitting on deck watching the sunrise in the mornings. The walk up the hill on Padar was worth every step to watch sunsetting over the islands.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ely is one of the best. She guided us efficiently and effortlessly through many flights, journeys and experiences over the 14 days. Her enthusiasm never faltered even keeping us company on what should have been her rest days. Her concern for our safety was paramount even sitting in the tender boat watch over us whilst snorkelling. Ely made the trip the fantastic experience it was.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Long trousers a must for the jungle, be prepared because these leech get everywhere!
Suggestions
If you are thinking about this trip don’t hesitate….it’s one of the very best. I loved every minute.
Inspirational Indonesia
I have been on several wildlife trips with Exodus and I think this is probably , all things considered the best one that I have been on when taking into account the wonderful support of the guide Elly and the great crew on the boat . The variety of activities on offer, the locations, the food and the hotel accommodation all had a part to play in contributing to that recommendation.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .
Advice for Potential Travellers
I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.
Suggestions
In addition to the wildlife aspect , we got to visit some temples and meet local people and school children on the village walks as well as scuba diving from the boat . I came home with over 1300 photos …… there was plenty to see see artistically, culturally, spiritually , architecturally and of course wildlife wise . I would love to return and maybe visit another island and the lovely people in Indonesia.
Exceptionally good adventure holiday
I’ve been lucky enough to travel on many small group adventure holidays over the years, and this is one of the absolute best. It features a well designed itinerary that balances activity and rest, an exceptional tour leader, and wonderful settings for wildlife viewing, scenery and culture. Although some of the walks are on the challenging side (at least if you’re unfit like I am), the days of travelling provide a good opportunity to rest up and to reflect on what you’ve seen. I finished the trip feeling both that I’d seen and done a lot, and that I was rested and had been able to relax – not something I find with many holidays where it’s either one or the other! The variety is exceptional, feeling like several holidays in one and yet all integrated well into an overall package. The standard of the accommodation and food was also really good. I’d very highly recommend the trip to anyone who enjoys this type of holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing manta rays close up underwater was the absolute highlight for me, but also seeing orangutans and gibbons in the wild and all of the time on the boat were wonderful experiences.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a truly exceptional group leader who is surely deserving of formal recognition from a tour leader awards programme. Very well organised, caring, helpful, great communication skills, assertive enough to get things done but never anything other than kind to everyone. She knew the trip inside out and made every element run smoothly - there was nothing she hadn't anticipated and sorted. On our free days she accompanied us for free on walking tours of the relevant places, something that is not required of a tour leader and was done entirely out of her own goodwill. She managed a difficult situation when one of our group fell seriously ill and had to be hospitalised, ensuring that he and his wife were supported even when they were on a different island, whilst also delivering the itinerary for everyone else to a high standard. This must have been extremely hard for her but she never gave any sign of it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't underestimate the toll that the heat and humidity of the jungle will take on you, particularly when combined with the jet lag and tiredness after a long flight. Take it easy and don't push yourself too much. The six hour jungle trek in Bukit Lawang is really tough (I didn't do it myself) and the participants didn't see anything more than we saw on the three hour trips. You definitely need walking boots with ankle support - you'll be glad of them several times over the course of the trip and they're worth the extra weight. The boat is not as basic as the trip notes suggest - if you have been on other 'liveaboard' boats you are likely to be pleasantly surprised. There is electricity for charging, space to sit and relax and if you choose to sleep on deck, you'll find it very comfortable and enjoy a good view of the stars. There are multiple en suite bathrooms with showers and plenty of space. Some of the hotels only have bar soap so if you prefer a liquid soap then it's best to take some with you, plus some shampoo and conditioner. It's always hard to get a sense of the fitness level required for a trip as what one person finds hard can differ from another. The challenging factors here are the heat and humidity, and some short but steep up and down hill walks including multiple steps. In Bukit Lawang the paths are rough and full of hazards like roots and fallen trees, and can be extremely muddy and slippery. The pace is always as slow as you need with multiple supportive and sympathetic guides and I never felt pressured to go faster than I could manage. You also do have the option to miss out any of the active elements if you need to. I was very worried about the temple in Bali with the multiple steps but actually it's not too bad at all, as the steps are broken up by stops to see things. If you could manage the 3 hour treks in Bukit Lawang you can certainly manage that. The snorkelling is generally easy in still water with good buoyancy, suitable for beginners, and again well supported. The only more challenging swim is for the manta rays. You need to be ready to go quickly and to stick with the guide and swim fast.
Perfect trip
Loads of wildlife, orangutans, komodo dragons, snorkeling with huge manta plus monkeys, turtles, water buffalo, wild boar, deer.. The list goes on. Hindu temples and shrines, great scenery, food, an excellent guide, good local guides and transport, comfortable hotels and a group that gelled. A fantastic mixture of wildlife and culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sleeping out on deck on our boat. Baby orangutans playing in the trees. The friendliness of the Indonesians. Snorkeling with manta.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was excellent. Everything you want in a group leader and more. Organised, enthusiastic, warm. She really looked after us and made sure we made the most of our trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking in Sumatra is muddy and slippery. You need walking shoes/boots, not trainers or sandals. And insect repellant. If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it, you will get good use out of it.
Suggestions
One of the best wildlife/cultural trips I have done.
WOZ - Sept.
Excellent trip, great group and great group leader. Guides also excellent. People very friendly and helpful. Went smoothly and fulfilled expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Great Argus Pheasant (aka the 'Sumatran pigeon').
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was Superb. Nothing to suggest for improvement other than a little more research on restaurants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ignore hotel and accommodation restaurants. There are much better and better value restaurants outside the accommodation. Go in the dry season. We had very little rain (other than the usual afternoon downpours in the jungle).
Suggestions
If you do the long walk int he jungle of Sumatra, cover up and watch out of leeches. They will get you so remove them as soon as possible.
Primates and Dragons June 2023
An outstanding tour giving a very good insight into a number of aspects of Indonesia and some amazing wildlife experiences. From the close up encounters with Orang Utans in Sumatra to the excellent viewing of Komodo dragons in Komodo and Rinca the tour delivered on its main two objectives. The second trek in Sumatra was challenging but the local guides gave adequate information to the group to allow a decision to be made but we had good viewings even on the simpler walks. In addition to this although I am personally a non swimmer the group also experienced close encounters with Manta Rays and turtles. There are a few days in transit which is inevitable given the variety this trip tries to provide and for our tour we had two boats one better than the other but as per the trip notes expect very basic accommodation but worth it for the benefits early arrival on the islands bring and the outstanding scenery around Flores and the neighbouring islands. Nice beach stay at Sanur which is not as hectic as Kuta but still provides ample nightlife. Ubud adds a nice cultural experience to the tour and a gentle trek in the mountains. I would highly recommend the optional cycling trip available from Ubud which is mainly downhill so doesn’t require any high degree of fitness. The cycling is fun but the bikes really just allow you greater interaction with the locals on the regular stops and to see the real Bali which can be harder to find these days. Another must do is the extension to Gili Islands. Absolutely stunning and a great laid back feel. If you want crazy nightlife it is available as is complete peace and quiet with everything in between.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader Elly was exceptional and added to the trip considerably with her knowledge, sense of humour and continual concern for the well-being and enjoyment of the group. Also local guides used including Udin and Wayan had tremendous enthusiasm for their country and were two more great examples of the wonderfully hospitable Indonesian people.
Mismanaged, poorly prepared and mis-sold
If you are considering booking this trip, please do be aware of the following: – The “hike” on “local trails” on day two of the trip is, in actuality, a walk down the town’s high street past all of the local tourist hotels and restaurants. – Exodus do not check the internal flights with the airline. As such, you may miss multiple days of your trip should the airline reschedule flights as Exodus will not be aware. – Exodus do not check whether Rinca Island is open. Therefore, should the island close for construction works, as it did for two years during the pandemic, you will lose out on the dragons part of the Primates and Dragons trip. – Manta Rays, are not regularly seen at Manta Point, they are instead seasonal visitors to the area with sightings outside a few months exceedingly rare due to the roughness of the sea Unfortunately, our trip encountered all of these issues and more. Exodus utterly failed to deliver nearly any part of this trip as advertised and in the aftermath have deliberately misinterpreted our complaints, refused to take responsibility for their failings and refused to make adequate amends. This was our fourth trip with Exodus. After thoroughly enjoying the first three, we never want to travel with Exodus again.
Reply from Exodus
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review, although we are genuinely sorry that you were disappointed with several aspects of your trip to Indonesia and that this has discouraged you from travelling with Exodus again. The regrettable issues your group encountered were the result of flight schedule changes, which affected the planned itinerary, and the unexpected closure of Rinca Island, both of which were outside Exodus’ control. We understand that our customer services team have been in contact since your return and I hope that they are able to resolve your concerns as we wish that, in time, you might consider travelling with us again. We, nevertheless, remain apologetic that your recent experience did not meet your expectations.
Kelly Reid, Product Manager
Excellent trip - full of variety
I loved the variety in this trip, it’s three different holidays in two weeks ! From jungle hiking in Sumatra to seas and sunsets in Flores and finally Bali for temples, the beach and chilling.
Despite the distances covered and three flights, it doesn’t feel like you are always on the move as when you get to a location you stay for several days. All the accommodation was good and well located and the Indonesian people are lovely and welcoming. Food on the boat is exceptional and sleeping on deck is an experience.
An excellent guide and fantastic travel companions made this a highly memorable trip
Most Inspirational Moment
The main highlights were obviously seeing the orangutans and Komodo dragons and we saw both. We were lucky to have the opportunity to watch several orangutan mothers with their babies in close proximity and we saw plenty of dragons on both Rinca and Komodo islands. Other highlights were watching the fruit bats fly at sunset and watching the playful monkeys in Ubud. I also did an optional horse riding excursion (from Sanur) which unexpectedly included a visit to a turtle conservation area where we saw just hatched baby turtles.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was an excellent guide. He usually does the activity based trips in Bali, but had stepped in to take this tour as Elly was unavailable. Wira was always laughing, approachable, organised, practical, knowledgeable and sociable, he was always prepared to go the extra mile for you. Additionally, the local guides that accompany you in Sumatra and Flores are excellent. Wira had to deal with a couple of situations which he did quickly and effectively and he couldn't apologise enough for a couple of issues that were completely beyond his control. He helped to arrange some optional excursions that were "not on the list" and even joined a few of us on one of them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take decent walking boots, I'm glad I did especially for the 2nd day "long" walk in Gunang Leuser National Park. They provide walking sticks (no need to pack one)- I was grateful for the one I used though it does become a liability when trying to take photos ! If you are offered the opportunity to visit the Bat Cave - it's not for the faint-hearted, lots of rocks and scrambling (I had to bail part way through) A few of us wanted to do different excursions to those presented to us on the list. So from Sanur, 5 of us went horse riding on the beach with Bali Horse Riding who were very professional, taking time to assess your ability and matching you with one of their well looked after horses. Most of us slept on the boat deck for both nights. If you go July, I recommend taking something warm to sleep in. I wore my jacket and leggings both nights and many of us added socks for night two ! Some of our group got the chance to see Manta Rays at Manta Point, so make sure you are "snorkel ready" with your underwater camera when the boat gets there. Some of us also wanted to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, so Wira arranged a driver for us and actually came with us. He even arranged the hotel to do breakfast e=half and hour earlier so we could leave and get there before any of the tourist buses. We watched the locals go about their prayers, saw a cremation purification ceremony and got "classic" photos of the temple (minus hoards of tourists). We then went onto the Jatiluwih rice terraces which were beautiful and so much less touristy than the ones we'd seen the previous day on the itinerary trip. We left at 7.15am and we were back for 1.15pm and it cost us about £7/8 each (including driver's trip) well worth it. If you want to do the optional half day trip to Tanah Lot temple from Sanur, I would ask your guide if you could arrange to leave earlier than scheduled, we left at 8.15am and got stuck in the dreadful traffic and consequently we were rushed around the temple.
Suggestions
As with any trip, it depends on your interests and attitude as to whether it's the one for you. But if you like some variety in a trip, I highly recommend this one.
Primates and Dragons May 2019
A well organised trip. The chief guide was excellent as were all the additional guides.
The accommodation was first class with a variety from Eco Lodges to top hotels.
The tour was arranged to see the maximum sights during the 3 week period – but at times there seemed too many options and a slower pace would have improved the trip. Of necessity there were lots of internal flights that had to be endured!
As a group we all mixed in -we varied from 3 couples and 6 singles but all meals etc. went well.
An enjoyable trip that ticked all the photo opportunities with a blend of local culture for interest.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most hilarious moment was during our watch of the Orang-utangs when another visitor had left his back-pack open and this was spotted by a sharp-eyed male who shot down from his tree, snatched a crisp -packet from the bag and shot up another tree where he ripped open the packet and starting eating the crisps - never underestimate the intelligence of a primate!! My other memory is of the traffic and the number of mopeds all overtaking cars and lorries with abandon and with no overt action from the car,etc. being overtaken - a lesson in politeness for Westerners!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly our group leader was very efficient and got us in a group to the right place at the right time - no mean feat considering all the different ways of travel.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a poncho as it can rain heavily.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
09 Jun 2024 08 Jun 2024
Saturday Sunday
22 Jun 2024 23 Jun 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From £ 3,399 £ 4,679 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 300
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
23 Jun 2024 22 Jun 2024
Saturday Sunday
06 Jul 2024 07 Jul 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 3,399 £ 4,749 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 300
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
01 Sep 2024 31 Aug 2024
Saturday Sunday
14 Sep 2024 15 Sep 2024
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 3,599 £ 4,899 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 300
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
29 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Saturday Sunday
12 Oct 2024 13 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 3,399 £ 4,599 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 300
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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