Authentic Journey : Sumatra – Java – Bali
20 days discovering the authentic soul of Sumatra, Java and Bali
Embark on an authentic 20-day journey through the iconic islands of Sumatra, Java, and Bali, where each stop immerses you in the true soul of Indonesia. From the depths of the Bukit Lawang rainforest to the serenity of Lake Toba, from the majestic temples of Borobudur and Prambanan to the spectacular volcanoes of Java, and finally to the rice paddies and vibrant traditions of Bali, this trip offers a complete immersion in nature, culture, and human connection. More than just a tour, it's a profound and genuine experience, designed for travelers seeking meaning, authenticity, and unforgettable moments, far from the beaten path.
ITINERARY: YOUR SUMATRA, JAVA, AND BALI TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MEDAN – BUKIT LAWANG
- You will be met by our representative upon your arrival at Medan Airport. Transfer to Bukit Lawang National Park, dominated by oil palm and rubber plantations.
- Free afternoon.
- Overnight stay at the Ecolodge in Bukit Lawang or another hotel of the same category.
DAY 2: JUNGLE HIKE IN BUKIT LAWANG
- After breakfast, a day is dedicated to hiking in Bukit Lawang National Park to see orangutans in their natural habitat. There is a chance to spot various wildlife species, such as monkeys, baboons, gibbons, squirrels, and many types of birds.
- Picnic lunch.
- Return to the hotel in the afternoon
- Overnight stay at the Ecolodge in Bukit Lawang or another hotel of the same category.
DAY 3: BUKIT LAWANG – BRASTAGI
- After breakfast, transfer to Berastagi, a town at the foot of the active volcanoes Sibayak and Sinabung, renowned for fruit growing.
- In the afternoon, visit the fruit market and Lumbini Garden, where you can find a large pagoda, a replica of the Myanmar Pagoda.
- Continue the tour of Saint Xavier Church, featuring traditional Batak architecture.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Pariban in Brastagi (3★) or another hotel of the same category.
DAY 4: SIPISO PISO WATERFALL - LAKE TOBA
- After breakfast, hike up Mount Sibayak. A walk of about two hours to reach the summit, offering a beautiful view of the natural scenery around Brastagi.
- Continue the journey towards Lake Toba. On the way, you can visit the beautiful Sipiso-piso waterfall.
- Overnight at Toba Village Inn (3★) or similar (same category)
DAY 5: VISIT TO SAMOSIR ISLAND AND DAYAK CULTURE
- After breakfast, take an excursion to the Batak villages on Samosir Island. You will begin with the village of Simanindo, where you can watch a traditional Batak Toba dance performance.
- You will then continue to the village of Ambarita to discover the megalithic culture, followed by a visit to King Sidabutar’s tomb in Tomok. This is an opportunity to discover the way of life and philosophy of the Batak Toba tribe.
- Discovering the nature of Samosir Island.
- Overnight at Toba Village Inn (3★) or similar (same category)
DAY 6: LAKE TOBA – MEDAN
- After breakfast, transfer to the city of Medan for a sightseeing tour. You will visit the North Sumatra Museum to learn about Batak culture and then visit the Tjong A Fie Mansion to discover the history of the Chinese community in North Sumatra.
- Overnight stay at Kualanamu Medan Airport Hotel (3★) or similar (same category)
DAY 7: FLIGHT FROM MEDAN TO YOGYAKARTA – VISIT TO SEMAWUNG VILLAGE
- Morning flight from Medan to Yogyakarta.
- You will be met by our driver upon your arrival at Yogyakarta YIA Airport.
- Transfer to the village of Semawung, approx. a one-hour drive.
Semawung is a small, authentic village. Located about 30 minutes from Yogyakarta Airport, it is a peaceful place to relax. The Bogowonto and Gesing rivers flow through the village, providing irrigation for the rice paddies and crops; most residents make their living as farmers, cultivating rice, cassava, peanuts, corn, and chili peppers. Java Exotic Tour offers you a tranquil stay in the village, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of daily Javanese life, local activities, and the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Traditional lunch featuring authentic Javanese cuisine.
- After lunch, you will stroll around the village to discover rural life and meet locals in their daily lives and make contacts with locals.
- In the evening, enjoy tea time and some free time to rest.
- Overnight stay at the Joglo guesthouse in the Semawung countryside.
DAY 8: IMMERSION IN THE DAILY LIFE OF FARMERS
- Immerse yourself in local life: work alongside the locals and join in farming activities like rice cultivation. Enjoy a picnic breakfast right in the middle of the rice fields.
- Visit the village primary school. This is an opportunity to meet the students and make contact with them. You can share a few words from your language, such as greetings and introductions. This will instill in them the value of meeting foreigners and sharing a little of their language. To show your appreciation, you can give them small gifts from your country, such as pens or notebooks, for those who are willing to speak with you face-to-face in your language.
- Return to the house for the cooking class for your lunch.
- In the afternoon, you can go for a bike ride through villages and rice fields to discover daily life.
- In the afternoon, you can go for a bike ride through villages and rice fields to discover daily life.
DAY 9: BOROBUDUR TOUR – YOGYAKARTA
- After breakfast, transfer to the city of Magelang to visit Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional cultural and historical value. The temple consists of nine tiers of terraces: six square and three circular, crowned by a central dome known as the Stupa. The temple is decorated with 2,672 bas-reliefs and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated in a perforated stupa. Built in the 9th century BC, the temple is a magnificent example of Buddhist art.th dating from the 19th century during the reign of the Shailendra Dynasty, this temple is designated with Javanese Buddhist architecture, the mixture of indigenous Indonesian ancestor worship and the concept of achieving nirvana.
- In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Yogyakarta. You will visit the Alun-Alun Kidul square to experience local Javanese life and try the traditional *Masangin* game.
- Check-in to your hotel.
- Overnight at Yogya Village Inn (3★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 10: DISCOVERING YOGYAKARTA – PRAMBANAN – SOLO
- The morning is dedicated to exploring the city of Yogyakarta. Take a "becak" a common form of local city transport to the traditional Ngasem Market to discover local life, traditional dishes, vegetables, and a variety of spices.
- Continue your walk to the Keraton (the Sultan's Palace), considered the center of Javanese culture. Traditional performances such as Javanese dance, song, or puppetry, depending on the day are presented daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Visit a batik workshop to see this traditional fabric iconic to Yogyakarta created using beeswax-resist patterns. Batik is recognized as part of Indonesia's World Heritage. You will learn how batik is made and explore the unique processes involved; it is a craft that requires patience and concentration.
- In the afternoon, transfer to Prambanan and visit the Prambanan temple, built in the 9th century.th Built by the Sanjaya Dynasty, Prambanan is known as the largest and most refined Hindu temple in Indonesia. The complex comprises 340 temples, with the three main ones dedicated to the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The walls feature bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana, a story also presented through dance and puppet performances.
- Overnight at Hotel Mahalaya the Legacy (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 11: SOLO – BROMO & HIKE IN THE SEA OF SAND
- After breakfast, transfer to Bromo Village via the highway, passing through beautiful scenery featuring active volcanoes.
- This afternoon, we're going to do some hike approx. 3 hours walking across the sea of sand and reaching the summit of Bromo VolcanoIt's a peaceful moment without too many tourists. If you're lucky, you might even catch a beautiful sunset.
- Checking into your hotel.
- Overnight at Hotel Lava Lodge View (4★) or similar (same category)
DAY 12: EXCURSION FROM BROMO – LUMAJANG
- Departure at 02:00 from your hotel. Transfer by Jeep approximately 1 hour drive to reach Mount Penanjakan/Bukit Kingkong, the viewpoint to see a magnificent landscape at sunrise over the large caldera and its active volcanoes.
- After sunrise, hike down to Seruni point via small paths, little known to tourists to avoid mass tourism.
- Meet back at the Jeep to head to the hotel for breakfast.
- Mid-morning transfer to the village of Pronojiwo, Lumajang. The village is located at the foot of Mount Semeru; the drive takes approximately 4 hours.
Note: Bromo is one of the most visited volcanoes in Java. Especially on weekends, there will be tourists and locals, and there are often traffic jams on the road before reaching Penanjakan. We advise you to visit during the week.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Artha Cottage / another hotel of the same category.
DAY 13: TUMPAK SEWU WATERFALL AND HEAD CAVE – BANYUWANGI
- Get up early, then leave by car at 5:00/5:30 am to discover two gems nestled in the jungle of East Java. One is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Java. The waterfall is approximately 120 meters high and its multi-fall design, with several streams cascading simultaneously into the valley below, makes it truly spectacular!
- Continue your visit to the Tetes Cave. It is a stunning cave with a unique character that draws in adventurers and nature lovers alike. You will find beautiful stalactites amidst waterfalls that create a magical atmosphere. You can even take a dip in small, natural pools of cool water. It is a wonderful, unique experience that combines caves, fascinating waterfalls, and lush nature.
Pour les visites, vous allez faire des petites randonnées en descendant dans la vallée et en traversant des petites rivières pour rejoindre la cascade/la grotte. N’oubliez pas de préparer des chaussures pour marcher dans l’eau, aussi le poncho imperméable et la Waterproof pouch for your smartphone.
- Return to your hotel for breakfast andTransfer to Banyuwangi
- Overnight at Hotel Ketapang Indah (4★) or similar (same category)
DAY 14: THE ASCENSION OF KAWAH IJEN – PEMUTERAN
- Get up early to climb Kawah Ijen at sunrise, enjoying magnificent views of a large lake and turquoise water. Kawah Ijen is famous for having the largest sulfuric acid lake in the world. Every day, porters carry blocks of sulfur weighing 60-125 kg on their backs in baskets.
- Depart by car at 2:00 AM (with your luggage) for Paltuding (1,800m altitude) to begin the ascent of Kawah Ijen. After a 1.5-hour hike, you will reach the summit of Kawah Ijen (2,386m altitude). The best time to visit Kawah Ijen is between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
- Descend back to Paltuding and transfer to the village of Cemoro Lawang, a journey of approximately 6 hours by road.
Note :
If you wish to see the blue flames, you must set out at 12:30 AM equipped with a gas mask. You will need to descend into the crater (consult your guide). Please take note: this is not recommended for those with respiratory problems.
*Every Friday of the first week, Kawah Ijen is closed.
- Overnight at the Bali Menjangan Boutique Hotel (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 15: PEMUTERAN – SNORKELING MENJANGAN
- After breakfast, transfer by car to Banyuwedang port to catch a boat (approximately 30 minutes) to Menjangan Island. You'll spend a lovely morning snorkeling and enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach. It's a day of discovering marine life, beautiful aquarium fish, and the coral garden. You might even spot deer roaming freely. Balinese people often come to make offerings at the temples of Menjangan, in front of the Ganesha statue.
- Afternoon: Return to your hotel.
- Enjoy the hotel and get some rest.
- Overnight at the Bali Menjangan Boutique Hotel (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 16: PEMUTERAN – MUNDUK
- After breakfast, transfer to the village of Banjar, renowned for its hot springs. The site features dragon statues from which hot water flows into three separate pools. You can enjoy a relaxing soak here after your volcano hikes in Java. Balinese locals often visit for the therapeutic benefits. Don't forget your swimwear.
- In the afternoon, continue exploring northern Bali with a visit to the beautiful Sekumpul Waterfall, tucked away amidst lush nature. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water. Take a lovely walk through the village to discover Balinese life and learn about the cultivation of tropical plants, coffee, and clove trees.
- Overnight at Hotel Bali Rahayu (2★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 17: MUNDUK – UBUD
- You will embark on a one-hour hike through the Tamblingan forest, discovering a beautiful rainforest and towering trees that seem to touch the sky. You will encounter diverse flora, including medicinal plants. The Balinese people hold nature and the forest in high regard; they often wrap black-and-white cloth around tree trunks and place small offerings there—a practice that helps preserve the natural environment. For the return journey, you will cross the water in a wooden canoe, enjoying a sense of peace amidst the natural beauty of Lake Tamblingan.
- We will visit the beautiful Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, built on the shores of Lake Bratan in the 17th century by the King of Mengwi. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Sri; in Hinduism, Sri is the goddess associated with rice. The temple offers a stunning view of the lake. Ulun Danu is a major temple and a popular location for local pre-wedding photoshoots.
- We will visit the village of Jatiluwih, a village renowned for its beautiful terraced rice paddies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a walk along the small paths through the rice fields to discover agricultural life and the Subak way of life.
- Transfer to Gianyar Ubud
- Overnight at Ketut's Place Cottage Ubud (4★) or similar (same category)
DAY 18: UBUD BY BIKE
- After breakfast, we will explore Ubud by bicycle, passing through villages and terraced rice fields, and experiencing temples and Balinese traditions. Along the way, we may come across a local community performing a ceremony at a temple.
- You will attend the traditional dance evening at the Puri (Palace) in Ubud.
- Overnight at Ketut's Place Cottage Ubud (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 19: UBUD AND CULTURAL VISITS
- In the mid-morning, transfer to the village of Tampaksiring to visit the Gunung Kawi temple. Built in the 11th century, this monument is believed to house the tombs of King Udayana and King Anak Wungsu. To reach the temple, you must descend hundreds of steps, passing through beautiful terraced rice fields and alongside the lovely Pakerisan River. The temples are carved directly into the rock face. You will also find artisans at work carving coconut shells and animal bone.
- Continue your visit to the Tirta Empul temple, which means "water springs forth." You will find freshwater springs that never dry up, even during the dry season. The water at Tirta Empul Temple is considered sacred. Many Balinese come to the temple every day to perform purification ceremonies.
- Overnight at Ketut's Place Cottage Ubud (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 20: UBUD – TIRTA GANGGA – VIRGIN BEACH AND SANUR
- Transfer to East Bali. You will visit the Tirtagangga Royal Water Garden. "Tirta" means "water," and "Gangga" is the name of a sacred river in India. Tirtagangga features several freshwater pools and ponds filled with colorful carp, all adorned with statues of deities.
- In the afternoon, you will head to Virgin Beach to relax before making your own way back to your hotel.
- Overnight at the Parigata Resort and Spa, Sanur (4★) / or similar (same category)
DAY 21: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO PARIS
- Transfer to East Bali. You will visit the Tirtagangga Royal Water Garden. "Tirta" means "water," and "Gangga" is the name of a sacred river in India. Tirtagangga features several freshwater pools and ponds filled with colorful carp, all adorned with statues of deities.
- In the afternoon, you will head to Virgin Beach to relax before making your own way back to your hotel.
The highlights
- A complete journey through 3 iconic islands.
- An encounter with wild and spectacular nature.
- Authentic cultural immersion.
- Discovering temples and UNESCO heritage sites.
- Unique and exclusive experiences.
- A perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
- Comfort and professional support.
OUR GUARANTEES
Local Expertise
Tailor-Made Experience
Secure Payment
Responsible Commitment
When to Leave?
The best time to travel is during the following months:
Rates start at €2,350, based on a minimum of 4 people during the standard season.
The rate is per person and subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This rate may vary based on several factors (number of participants, travel dates and hotel availability, vehicle size, guide specifications, and service levels).
If you are interested in this itinerary and the price indicated does not correspond to your budget, we can customize the quote according to your wishes.
General Terms and Conditions
- Starting price: From 2.350 € per person, on a basis of 4 participants in the low season (and subject to availability).
- Custom made : The final price is calculated per person. We will send you a personalized quote with a fixed price.
- Factors of variation: The final price may vary depending on several factors:
✓ The exact number of participants.
✓ The travel period (high/low season, school holidays).
✓ Hotel availability and category.
✓ The type of vehicle required.
✓ The guide's specialization and the overall quality of the services.
The price includes
- Accommodation: Overnight stays in the hotels mentioned in the program, with breakfasts included.
- Private transport: A private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver throughout the stay.
- Accompaniement : A local guide (English or French speaking, depending on your choice) throughout the stay.
- Visits: Entrance tickets for the sites, monuments and all activities mentioned in the program.
- Transfers: All land and sea transport (connections between the islands).
- Equipment: The equipment needed for the planned activities (snorkeling, mountain biking, rafting, etc.).
- Assistance: An emergency number is available. 24/7.
The price does not include
- Flights: International flights and domestic (internal) flights.
- Formalities & Insurance: The tourist visa must be paid for upon your arrival in Indonesia (approximately 500,000 IDR / ~€33 per person) as well as your personal travel insurance.
- Meal : Lunches and dinners not explicitly mentioned in the program.
- Extras: Optional activities and personal expenses.
- Tips: Expect to pay approximately €10 to €20 per couple and per day (recommended for the driver and guide).
- Modifications: Any change to the program or itinerary initiated by you.
- Any service not mentioned in the "The price includes" section.
Supervision and Support
For your comfort, we offer different levels of support depending on the stage of your trip:
Private drivers (Logistics)
They handle the logistics of your stay. They know the routes perfectly and drop you off directly at the different sites.
- Language: They speak basic English (generally not French).
- Role: They are happy to share anecdotes about their island, manage the logistics, and buy your entrance tickets. However, they do not accompany you on visits and activities, where you remain completely independent.
The guides (French-speaking or English-speaking)
They work in addition to the local drivers. They accompany you during visits and activities throughout the trip, as detailed in your itinerary.
Important note: The guides are not the drivers, they are two separate people.
Local specialist guides (On site)
- At major sites(e.g., Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan's Palace): Official local guides (English or French speaking) will explain in detail the culture, history and philosophy of the places.
- East of Java (e.g., Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Madakaripura and Tumpaksewu waterfalls): It is impossible to find local French-speaking guides on site. You will therefore be accompanied by a English-speaking local guide.
Sites open for self-guided visits (without a local guide)
Some smaller sites do not have guides on site. In this case, your driver will buy your entrance tickets and you will visit independently, at your own pace.
Transport & Vehicles
Transportation is a key element to the success of your trip. On islands like Java, Sumatra or Flores, journeys are often very long. We select spacious and comfortable vehicles to ensure your travels remain pleasant.
| Vehicle type | Ideal Capacity | Recommended configuration |
|
Toyota Innova Reborn (2.0L – 2.5L engine) |
2 to 3 passengers (with guide on board) Maximum 4 passengers (without a guide on board) |
Very comfortable vehicle. Has 6 seats in the rear, configured to leave room for luggage and suitcases. |
|
Toyota Hiace Minibus (2.5L – 2.8L engine) |
4 to 9 passengers (with guide on board) Ideal for 6 to 7 people + 1 guide |
Large space. Features 9 seats in the rear with dedicated luggage space for all passengers. |
| Bus / Coach | 10 people or more | We provide buses for you 30 seats or 40 to 50 seats depending on the size of your group. |
*) Please provide the exact number of participants so that we can best adapt your vehicle and offer you the fairest price.
Accommodation
We select our accommodations according to several categories to best suit your expectations and budget:
Guest Houses / Homestays
Our criterion is to find simple and welcoming places.
- Services: Clean accommodation with private bathroom, garden and small terrace to enjoy nature. Some establishments have a small swimming pool ideal for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Mid-Range (Superior Category)
Establishments offering excellent value for money with more space.
- Services: Spacious, nicely decorated, clean room with a private bathroom. You will enjoy a lovely garden, a small terrace and, for some rooms, a children's pool.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Superior Range (Charm and Authenticity)
For travellers seeking artistic details and a more typical setting.
- Services: Spacious rooms with charming and tasteful décor, private bathrooms (sometimes open to the outdoors in harmony with nature). The hotels boast beautiful terraces overlooking magnificent gardens and are situated in prime locations. They generally feature lovely swimming pools suitable for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4 out of 5)
Luxury Hotels
Ideal for families seeking absolute serenity or for an unforgettable honeymoon.
- Services: Charming accommodations with exquisite artistic touches in the rooms, on the terraces, and in the bathrooms. These are often small, intimate, and welcoming establishments nestled in lush natural surroundings. They feature a magnificent swimming pool in the middle of a large garden, offering a perfect romantic setting for honeymooners.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (5 out of 5)
Hotels of International Standards (3 to 5 Stars / Resorts)
If you prefer the infrastructure of large hotel chains to local charm.
- Services: Large complexes or resorts offering a multitude of services and facilities: huge swimming pool, large landscaped garden, sometimes even a golf course.
Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requirements so that we can offer you the ideal establishment.
Food & Drinks
- Breakfasts: They are almost always included and served directly by your hotels.
- Lunches and Dinners: They are generally excluded from our packages in order to leave you free to choose where and what you want to eat, according to your desires and the type of restaurant you like.
- Water safety: Never drink tap water or water from local springs. When hiking, water should always be treated. In town, drink only bottled water with a sealed cap.
- At your disposal: For your comfort and safety, your driver will provide you with the following every day: bottled mineral water.
Tips
Tips are not never mandatoryHowever, they are a much-appreciated gesture of gratitude. In Indonesia, it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service provided.
The amount of a tip depends on your discretion and should be in line with the local economy. Tips that are too high relative to the country's standard of living can destabilize local economies.
Indicative benchmarks:
- In hotels: Expect to pay approximately 1 € for the porter who carries your luggage to your room. At check-out, you can leave approximately 1 € for the cleaning staff.
- During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver (for example: €10 for the guide / €5 for the driver), corresponds to local standards.
Important reminder: A tip is a small token of appreciation for good service. It does not replace our team's salary. Everyone involved in your trip receives a fair and fixed wage from us.
General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)
Booking and Payment
Registration for one of the activities or a trip offered by the agency Java Exotic Tour implies full and complete acceptance of our general terms and conditions of sale.
- Booking confirmation: Your reservation is definitively confirmed upon receipt and acceptance of a deposit representing 30% of the total amount of the trip, subject to availability.
- Last-minute booking: If registration takes place less than 32 days before the departure date, the full price of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
- Payment methods: You can make your payments by international bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card via a secure online payment link. A booking confirmation will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
- Payment of the balance (70%):
- It can be adjusted in cash (in Euros) upon your arrival in Indonesia.
- If you prefer to pay the balance by bank transfer, we ask that you do so upon your arrival in the country or 1 week before departure if it is a mini-tour (stay of less than one week).
- Important banking clauses:
- The payment is net of fees: all bank transfer fees (sender and recipient fees) remain exclusively your responsibility.
- The name of the bank beneficiary provided is unique. To avoid failure or rejection of your transfer, you must not change this name under any circumstances.
Cancellation Terms and Fees
If, for any reason, you are forced to cancel your trip, the refund of sums paid will be made less the following cancellation fees (calculated based on the date your notification is received):
| Cancellation deadline before departure | Fees retained (% of the total amount of the file) |
|
Up to 31 days From 30 to 21 days From 20 to 14 days From 20 to 14 days In less than 8 days |
30 % of the total amount (equivalent to the deposit) 40 % of the total amount 50% of the total amount 75% of the total amount 100% of the total amount |
Cancellation by the agency:
- Insufficient number of participants: If the agency Java Exotic Tour If the company is forced to cancel a group departure due to a lack of participants, the decision will be made and customers will be informed as soon as possible. 20 days before departure.
- Cases of force majeure: The agency may also cancel a departure due to exceptional and unavoidable events constituting force majeure (volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, strikes, severe weather) that could compromise the safety of participants. In these situations, participants will be reimbursed for the sums paid, less any compensation and expenses already incurred and non-refundable with service providers (such as hotels).
Reminder: Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture of gratitude in Indonesia when customers are satisfied with the service. The amount should be reasonable and in line with the local economy so as not to destabilize the country's overall standard of living.
- At the hotel: Approximately 1 € for the baggage handler and about 1 € for the cleaning staff at the time of departure (check-out).
- During the tour: An amount of €8 to €12 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver, corresponds to local standards.
- Remuneration: Gratuities are an additional service and in no way replace the salaries of our staff. All individuals involved in our trips are properly compensated separately.
- Encourage interaction with the residents Throughout this tour, you will have regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple Indonesian words like "Terima kasih" (thank you), "Selamat pagi" (hello), or "Permisi" (excuse me) is always greatly appreciated and facilitates communication. These small gestures make encounters more authentic and enriching.
- Protect yourself from the tropical sun
Indonesia has a sunny climate all year round. Remember to pack:
- ✓ A high SPF sunscreen
- ✓ A hat or a cap
- ✓ Sunglasses
- Choose appropriate clothing
For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:
- ✓ Clothing that covers the shoulders
- ✓ Trousers or skirts below the knee
- ✓ A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site at temples)
- Recommended footwear
Some tours include walks, hikes, or walks through wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes). Please plan accordingly:
- ✓ Comfortable shoes
- ✓ Non-slip sandals
- ✓ Possibly water shoes
- Respect for local customs
Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple gestures:
- ✓ Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
- ✓ Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
- ✓ Use your right hand to give or receive
