Because of her location and geology, Indonesia is blessed with a charmingly distinct landscape, from the lush rice lands on Java and Bali to the lavish rain forests of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, to the savannah grasslands of the Nusatenggara islands to snow-capped peaks of West Papua. Her moderate climate, fertile soil and minerals have also made Indonesia the ideal habitat for a large number of unique and endemic flora, fauna and a diverse variety of land and sea species.
So, whether you are up for an unmatched dive, an explorative trip to one of the 50 national parks, a surf break, or a cultural tour to explore Islamic and colonic heritage, ancient temples or the delicious gastronomy, Indonesia welcomes you with her arms wide open.
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3 Main Attractions: Borobudur, Mount Bromo, Prambanan
Culture Norms: Social courtesies are often fairly formal. Using a few words of the local language will be appreciated. When drink or food is served, it should not be touched until the host invites the guest to do so. Never pass or accept anything with the left hand, as this is seen as unclean. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon, and kissing in public will attract a great deal of unwanted attention. You should take care to dress in an appropriate way – whilst a more casual attitude may be fine in Bali, Aceh is rather more conservative and you may be expected to cover up a little more.
Prices of Necessities: Bottle of water – 0.4 $, coffee – 1.9 $, average restaurant meal for 2 persons – 12.3 $
Emergency Numbers: Police: 110 Ambulance: 118 Fire brigade: 113
TopVaccinations: Malaria: Â Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for rural areas. There is no risk in Jakarta, resort areas of Bali, or the island of Java, except for the Menoreh Hills in central Java. Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all travelers. Yellow fever, required for all travelers arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise. Two doses of MMR vaccinations are recommended for travelers born after 1956 if not previously taken. Japanese encephalitis, for travelers who may spend a month or more in rural areas and for short-term travelers who may spend substantial time outdoors in rural areas, especially after dusk. Rabies vaccination maybe required depending on your trip activities. Polio booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult.
TopThis full-day excursion will be set at Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve. This is a spectacular area, which offers the possibility of seeing not just unique animals such as birds, butterflies, tropical plants, and monkeys including the spectral tarsier (claimed to be the smallest monkey in the world) but also a wealth of corals and fish. This tour begins early in the morning and is guided by a local ranger of the nature reserve. Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve is located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain in the northern sector of Bitung harbor, and comprises an area of 3,196 hectares, and takes about 1.5-2.5 hours to reach from Bitung or Manado. The area is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. It offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.
You will visit Minahasa, the hinterlands of Manado. The first stop is Tinoor and Inspiration Hill, then visit Linow Lake (a lake of changing colors) and the famous Tondano Lake. You will then visit Sawangan with its large collections of ancient sarcophagus or "Waruga." Varying in age, the oldest reportedly dates back as far as 900 AD. The Waruga, as they are called, consist of two distinct parts: the hollowed-out square or rectangular base, and a roof-like lid into which some have carved scenes depicting the life, and sometimes death, of the occupant. Surrounded by gnarled frangipani trees, this can be an eerie place, especially when you consider that the dead were not buried underground but merely placed inside the vessel in a fetal position squatting atop a china plate.
Return boat transfer will be provided from the mainland to the Bunaken island resort. Upon arrival on the island, you are welcome to take the morning dive or go snorkeling (equipment rent will be on personal account). After lunch, there will be leisure time to spend on the beautiful beach. Bunaken National Park is Marine Park with the widest variety of species in the world. The fascinating underwater life in this area has attracted North Sulawesi tourism and helped it grow as one of the most famous marine parks in the world.
An excursion to the slopes of Mt. Bawakaraeng, Malino has a cool climate with forest of pine trees making it a picturesque site for deer hunting on horseback, which was a royal sport in days gone by. The tour will include a half-hour trek to the small waterfall at the foot of the hill, known as Je'ne Ribba of Flying Water. Formerly the holiday resort of the king of Malino, which is 70km from Makassar offers a heaven from city-life. Nowadays Malino also produces some fruits and vegetables, which grew on the Mt. Bawakaraeng's slope. Some of South Sulawesi people old this mountain sacred.
Pick-up service in the morning then transfer to pier and to ride a boat cross to the island. The first destination will be the island of Barrang Lompo. This island inhabited by approximately 400 people, some of whom live as silver smiths who produce fine filigree ornaments. After the short visit, leave for the island of Samalona, a small coral island for swimming and snorkeling (rental equipment is available). Lunch box will be provided upon request. By noon, you will be back at Makassar to visit Fort Rotterdam and Paotere the port of traditional famous phinisi boat. After the visit, you will return to your hotel. Samalona is a small island in the Straits of Makassar; this small island is one nautical tourist destination visited by many local and foreign visitors. White sand and crystal-clear water make this island perfect for sunbathing. In addition, this island is very good area for diving because of their coral reefs, which are inhabited by diverse tropical fish and colorful marine biota.
Diaries