We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
An ability to swim 25 metres unaided is essential. Your tour leader will meet you on board the schooner. The cruise section of this tour is not exclusive to Explore and your fellow passengers may come from a number of different countries. Please note that we also market this trip in our Worldwide brochure, i.e. it is not sold exclusively to families.
Because of the effects of the weather, current and tide, the itinerary described below may be subject to modification. All land and sea routes in Indonesia depend on local conditions, and the timings given are necessarily approximate.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Airport taxes are Bali/UK (or any other international airport) 150,000 Rupiah.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Indonesia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.40 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£5.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£9.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£9.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Entry visas for visits of up to 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Denpasar by citizens of the UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. (Currently $25 USD). Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Indonesian authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Indonesia.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.). Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Lying on the equator, Indonesia stays hot all year round, with daytime temperatures in the 80’s (26°-28°C). Humidity is usually high. The wet seasons are roughly: Java- October to April; Bali-November to May; starting later the further east you travel. Nights are much cooler in the mountains than on the plains. Sea breezes normally keep the coastal strips of the islands from becoming too uncomfortable.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage and cabin space is limited, so don’t overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’. The climate is tropical so it can be very hot. Life on board is informal; swimwear, shorts and T-shirts are ideal. A sarong (available locally) is useful. A limited laundry service is included as part of the on board service. When going ashore in traditional communities, long shorts or trousers are appropriate. A sun hat is essential. You may wish to bring light rainwear or an umbrella.
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Footwear
Deck shoes/sandals are ideal aboard ship. Comfortable walking boots/shoes or trainers for walking when ashore; plastic shoes or flip flops are essential for wet landings or walking on beaches which may have sea urchins etc.
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Equipment
Bring a small torch, pocket-knife, water bottle and insect repellent. Good quality sunglasses and water resistant sunscreen is essential, including some high factor for your first few days in the sun. Snorkelling equipment is available on board but you may wish to bring your own. Anyone wishing to dive will also need to bring logbooks and dive cards as well. Binoculars are useful and, just in case, bring a remedy against seasickness. Each cabin is supplied with both bath and beach towels.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
This unique adventure offers an interesting voyage through Nusa Tenggara – the eastern part of the ‘Archipelago of the Gods’, as Indonesia has been called. The 13,000 tropical islands which form this exotic land (known as the Spice Islands) are strung out in a wide arc, peopled by different races with a rich diversity of religions and traditions. Starting at the beach resort of Sanur on the lush island of Bali, we drive to Amed to board our schooner and soon become immersed in a landscape of towering cliffs and verdant jungle, visiting volcanic islands and crater lakes, island villages and coral reefs. We look for wild horses and boar, colourful birds and dolphins. And on the remote island of Komodo we come face to face with dragons! Three metres long and weighing up to 150 kilos, these fabulous creatures are a throw back to the age of the dinosaurs and are only found today on a few isolated islands in the archipelago. Our days are spent in pursuit of adventure, culture and wildlife and all from the deck of our comfortable schooner. In order to have time to swim, snorkel and explore during the day, we generally cruise overnight.
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Country info
Area: 1,919,440 sq km.
Language: Indonesian (official), numerous regional dialects, Sundanese, Javanese and some English.
Religion: Muslim (88%), Christian (8%), Hindu (2%).
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 230V 50Hz, two pronged round pin plugs.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: GeoCentre: Indonesia (1:2,000,000), Nelles: Indonesia.
Recommended Books: Lawrence & Lorne Blair: Ring of Fire, Rough Guide to Indonesia, Adrian Vickers: Travelling to Bali, John MacKinnon: Birds of Java and Bali, David Attenborough: Zoo Quest for a Dragon.
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
