Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

Experience Overview

‘Here be dragons’ goes the old cartographers’ adage. In Indonesia, there are. Join the best local guides to see them for yourself (including on the lesser-visited island of Rinca) on this wildlife-rich adventure through Sumatra, Komodo and Bali. There are plenty more highlights too: spot orangutans in the jungles around Bukit Lawang, snorkel at a gathering spot for manta rays and turtles, and dive deep into the culture of historic Jakarta and arty Ubud. With our tour leader's insider expertise, every wild wonder comes vividly to life.
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for further information or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us. Journeys: On most travel days, the average journey time is four to 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 Jakarta. Suitability: The wildlife tracking is fairly accessible for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the optional longer jungle trek in Bukit Lawang 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. Accommodation: When we visit Komodo National Park, we spend two nights on a 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. Flexibility: On the boat, there could be a change in itinerary/route according to weather conditions to ensure overall group safety and enjoyment. Tourism in Indonesia: Service may not be as fast or reliable as you are used to 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. Komodo dragons: 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 highly experienced people 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.
Eating Drinking
Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple and cheap, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes flavoured with cloves, chilies, 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, so 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.
Transportation
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).
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 Medan Airport. The group will all meet with the tour leader for the transfer Airport: Medan Airport (KNO) Getting to the start hotel We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. It is also possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times. Please note: If you are not able to join the group arrival transfer or be at the Medan pre-tour hotel by 7am, you need to pay for an additional transfer locally to catch up with the group. As this is over four hours, the transfer is expensive. Catching your return flight There’s one group transfer to Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Weather Information
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.
Spending Money
While it is possible to obtain Indonesian rupiahs before arriving, 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 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 as noted in the itinerary. 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 Jakarta and 22,000 rupiahs in Labuan Bajo (in total about 160,000 rupiahs/US$11). There are several optional activities, which your tour leader can arrange for you. They are subject to schedules and availability; your tour 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: from 305,000 rupiahs (US$20) per person Ubud (for free day or post tour) — Full-day temple tour: from 1,368,500 rupiahs (US$70), less for individual temples per person, based on two people — Downhill biking tour Kintamani-Ubud: from 782,000 rupiahs (US$40) per person, based on two people — White-water rafting: from 1,144,250 rupiahs (US$40) per person Post tour — Half-day Uluwatu temple tour: from 684,250 rupiahs (US$35) per person, based on two people — Bali village tour: from 1,368,500 rupiahs (US$70) per person, based on two people — Castaway cruise Luxury catamaran cruise with snorkelling and gourmet buffet lunch: 1,725,000 rupiahs (US$100) per person, based on two people
Tipping
With the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary in Indonesia. To make things easier, the tour leader will organise a tipping kitty to tip local guides, hotel porters and drivers. The tour 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. If you feel your tour 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 fairly for their work.

Highlights