Wednesday, June 3, 2009

MAGNIFICIENT OVERLAND TOUR (13 DAYS)





Tour Overview
Indonesia is as varied as it is unique, from the Hindu-Buddhist monuments of Borobudur to the famous Komodo Dragons, countless deserted beaches and natural wonders grace an archipelago filled with mystique and beauty.

Bali is the jewel in the crown of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. It is an island where the mystical and magic define everyday life in a paradise framed by sweeping beaches and natural wonders. The rich and intriguing culture is at once enthralling and hypnotic, with the island’s beauty exceeded only by the friendliness of its charming people. Sun drenched beaches and exotic temples, thrilling adventures and world-class spas are all within proximity to boutique hotels, resorts and private villas, made famous by their Balinese designs.

From the primal jungles of Sumatra to the lavish luxury of Nusa Dua, Indonesia is unique in its diversity. For those of us who are searching for the true exotic, who challenge themselves with experiences that are rare and magical yet appreciate service, quality and an unique insight into a destination, Indonesia presents an opportunity to fulfill the ultimate travel experience.


MAGNIFICIENT OVERLAND TOUR

Day 01: Jakarta, Indonesia

Arrive Jakarta airport. Upon clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.
Overnight, Jakarta

Day 02: Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun, Kalimantan (formerly Borneo) - Camp Leakey

After breakfast transfer to airport for your flight to Pangkalan Bun. Upon arrival you are met by our local staff and transferred to the Kumai boat dock for cruise to Tanjung Harapan. Your boat, a traditional Klotok wooden riverboat, measuring 6 by 2 meters, with roof that forms the upper deck where you can view the rain forest as it glides by.
The boat crew includes boatman, cook and expert guide.

Lunch is served en route to Camp Leakey (3 hours from Kumai), a rehabilitation center for orphaned orangutans. Here the playful and friendly baby orangutans are taught to fend for themselves in the jungle. In the peaceful afternoon you have a chance to observe monkeys along the riverside. Overnight options include: overnight on the boat (15-minutes downriver from Camp Leakey) or at the Rimba Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner only if boat option selected)
Overnight, Camp Leakey

Day 03 & 04: Tanjung Puting National Park - Camp Leakey, Kalimantan

Enjoy two full days exploring with your guide in Tanjung Putting National Park. Trek deep in to the jungle on the different trails with lunch provided.
Located in the Tanjung Puting Reserve, Camp Leakey was established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas. It was named after the legendary anthropologist, Louis Leakey, who was both mentor and an inspiration to Dr. Galdikas, as well as Drs. Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey. Originally consisting of just two huts, Camp Leakey is now an assemblage of permanent wooden structures designed to provide a base for scientists, staff, students, and PHPA guards. Over the years, Camp Leakey has supported the research efforts of dozens of scientists and graduate students from Indonesia and North America.

Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner only if boat option selected)
Overnight, Camp Leakey

Day 05: Camp Leakey - Semarang – Yogyakarta

After breakfast, transfer to the Pangkalan Bun airport for your flight to Semarang.

Arrive Semarang airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Optional Semarang city tour (additional fees.)

Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Yogyakarta

Day 06: Yogyakarta

Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour of Borobudur and Prambanan including lunch.
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple and one of the best-preserved ancient monuments. The architectural style found at Borobudur has no equal throughout the world.

The Prambanan temple is regarded as the most elegant of Hindu shrines and the largest Hindu structure in Java. The Prambanan temple complex, originally comprised of over 54 smaller surrounding temples, with three main temples in the center, is located near Loro Jonggrang and was started in the 8th century under the Mataram Hindu kingdom. Today only the three main temples, and three of the smaller temples, are standing. The reconstruction process is slow and extremely difficult. The temples have severely deteriorated since they were abandoned in the 13th century, when the Javanese Hindu kings began migrating from Central to East Java fleeing the Muslim conquerors.

Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Yogyakarta

Day 07: Yogyakarta - Denpasar - Ubud, Bali

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Bali. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Ubud. Remainder of day at leisure.

Breakfast
Overnight, Ubud

Day 08: Ubud

Today is at leisure. Enjoy some of the facilities of the resort or just relax in the spa.
Breakfast
Overnight, Ubud

Day 09: Nusa Dua


Full day tour of Kintamani-Penglipuran region with lunch.
This morning drive to Kehen Temple and the ancient village Penglipuran. Continue on to Kintamani for lunch on the beautiful slopes of Mt Batur with stunning views of the volcano and the lake in the distance. Visit Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a spring water temple built in 16th century surrounded by lush trees and tropical plants. Continue on to Tegalalang with its magnificent rice terraces, and Ubud the artist colony, famous for its painters’ studios, art schools and an art museum. Visit an art gallery and watch painters at work. Continue to the village of Mas, where skilled carvers turn slabs of teak and ebony into pieces of art. Take time to browse in the large gift shop where you can purchase the finished products. Next visit Tohpati, home of handmade fabric known as Batik. Watch people making fabric using traditional tools and visit the gift shop where you can purchase materials and finished products. Your tour ends at Nusa Dua. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Nusa Dua

Day 10: Nusa Dua

Today is left unscheduled. Enjoy the full day at leisure.

Breakfast
Overnight, Nusa Dua

Day 11: Nusa Dua

Full day “Treasures of the North” tour.
This morning depart for the beautiful rice terraces of Pacung. Continue on to Lake Bratan. Veiled by mist and home to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a temple built entirely on small islands and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the water goddess. Driving towards Munduk, there are stunning views of the twin lakes of Bali before arriving in Banjar to experience the hot springs for which this village is famous. Its properties are healing and soothing, and the sulfur content gently nourishes the skin.
After a fresh water shower, enjoy lunch at a local seaside restaurant in Lovina, an area famous for its early morning sightings of playful Dolphins. The beach is beautiful, with colorful outriggers lining the peaceful sands. After lunch visit the former Dutch capital of Bali, the port city of Singaraja, meaning ‘Lion King.’ Once a bustling center of commerce and government, it is now a sleepy town with tree lined boulevards and old colonial residences. Lastly, arriving at Munduk, you will visit a local waterfall that will refresh you before returning to your hotel from a memorable and highly enjoyable day!

Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Nusa Dua

Day 12: Nusa Dua

Enjoy the morning at leisure. This afternoon, depart the hotel and head to Bali’s southern tip.

After a noon pick up from your hotel, your tour starts with a visit to Jenggala, a fine ceramic manufacturer, located in Jimbaran.
Next stop at “Garuda Wisnu Kencana”, a fascinating cultural park, where a massive statue of the mythical Garuda bird and the God Wisnu is being created. When completed, this statue will dwarf the Statue of Liberty.
Finally venture on to southernmost part of Bali, home of the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu, undoubtedly the regions most illustrious temple perched on 100 foot limestone cliffs. Watch the huge waves roll in from the Indian Ocean and crash against the cliffs – and keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys. One of today’s highlights is to see the Uluwatu Kecak dance performed in this unique setting.
Afterwards, head to Jimbaran Bay, where you enjoy Bali’s most stunning sunset and a sumptuous fresh lobster-seafood dinner (non-seafood alternative available.) Situated on the beach in Jimbaran Bay, the Balinese style or BBQ seafood is a must for a trip to Bali.

Breakfast,DinnerOvernight, Nusa Dua

Day 13: Nusa Dua - Ubud - Depart

Transfer to the airport for your onward departing flight.

Breakfast