Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’
Sumba is known as the “Santal” island due to the abundance of sandal trees that have been a typical feature of East Sumba’s dry, forested land for centuries.
In the southeast around Mount Wanggameti, the weather is more humid. The area is also home to rare birds such as the Kakatoa Cempaka that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visit Wanggameti National Park to get a privileged view over the Sumba Strait; start from Praingkarena and see the landscape unfolding from expanses of coffee and cashew nut plantations to thick forest trails. Admire spectacular 70-metre high Lapitu waterfalls, relax on the staircase of natural pools, discover the sacred lake and swim in the heart of this luscious tropical forest where giant climbing plants create the walls of a magical realm and colourful parrots and cockatoos fly freely.
The capital city Waingapu is worth a visit for its ancient harbour, where you can sample the catch of the day in a picturesque environment. Head northwest to discover the lunar landscape of Sumba’s dry savannah and explore the city’s surroundings to learn about Sumba’s traditional animist culture.
A trip to the traditional villages in East Sumba will bring you back in time and simultaneously make you feel as though nothing has ever changed. Observe old local shamans reading divine answers in animal organs and visit Melolo, home to the oldest funerary monuments in Indonesia. Get an insight into this megalithic culture at Rende, a peculiar traditional village with impressive houses and large funerary sculpted monuments. Discover Kawango’s colourful traditional textiles and stop to taste gula lempeng, caramelised palm sugar candies, to gain some energy after climbing up to the villages.
ETG Sample Itineraries in Indonesia
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The Spirit of Indonesia
This sample itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and has been designed to introduce curious travellers to the wonders and contrasts of Indonesia.
You’ll hop across three of its islands: exploring the cultural heartland of Java, delving into the magical countryside of Bali, and ending with a dose of beachside bliss on Lombok.
Highlights
Java
Soak up the sunrise over Borobudur Temple with breakfast, before being the first in the complex
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
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Bali & Lombok Family Adventure
This suggested trip is designed to give families a truly immersive experience of Bali and Lombok without too many stops or long transfers.
The accommodation enhances the immersive nature of the trip without breaking the bank, and it‘s family-friendly throughout (but not in the all-inclusive, ‘Kids Club’ sense of the term).
Highlights
The Ayung River
Exhilarating white-water rafting
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
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Sacred Trails & Secluded Bays in Indonesia
A luxury holiday with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in wonderful hotels: from Amanjiwo in Java’s cultural heartland to Capella Ubud and RASCAL Voyages in Komodo National Park.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist
Bali
Delve into the island’s cascading countryside with its spiritual air
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
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Indonesia
Java & Sulawesi Adventure
Discover Java’s incredible scenery and history, then head to Sulawesi for a contrasting culture and some of the world’s best marine life.
Highlights
Java
Snaking through jungles and rice fields aboard the train from Yogyakarta to Malang
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their funeral rituals
Sulawesi Offshore
Swimming in the world’s top marine parks off Sulawesi’s coast
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From Java to Raja Ampat: an Indonesian Extravaganza
A transformative journey through Indonesia’s cultural and scenic spots, ending on a high in ravishing Raja Ampat.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Indonesian Borneo
Drift through the rivers of Tanjung Puting and see orangutans up close
Raja Ampat
Revel in the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of a pristine pocket of paradise
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Original Adventures in Java & Sumba
Luxury combined with wonder and adventure. Take in some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.
Highlights
Central Java
Ease into Indonesia at a relaxing retreat amid coffee plantations
Borobudur
Explore the ancient Borobudur Temple and other mysterious temple relics
Sumba Island
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime stay at dreamy Nihi Sumba
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Journey East across Java & Bali
Journey through Java to Bali, taking in the contrasting cultures and scenery of the exotic neighbouring islands.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Mount Bromo & Ijen
Experience the drama of these volcanoes the ETG way
Bali
Avoid the overcrowded southern beaches and spend time in the unspoiled West Bali National Park
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Java, Borneo & Beach: Orangutans, Temples & Castaway Islands
Encounter Borneo’s amazing wildlife, journey through Java’s volcanic landscapes visiting impressive temples, and finish with an idyllic stay on an exclusive tropical island.
Highlights
Kalimantan
Staying in the Borneo rainforest to see orangutans and other wildlife
Java
Exploring the countryside and the magical temples of Indonesia’s cultural heartland
The Karimunjawa Islands
Living the dream at an exclusive, tropical island hideaway
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Borneo, Java & Bali Adventure
Come face-to-face with the wondrous wildlife of Indonesian Borneo, explore the cultural heartland of Java and relax in Bali’s leafy countryside.
Highlights
Kalimantan
A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Borneo, spotting wildlife from your private houseboat
Java
Soaking up a surreal sunrise over ancient temples and volcanoes
Bali
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Classic Bali & Lombok
The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Highlights
Bali
Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud
Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes
Lombok
Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast
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Exploring Flores & Komodo
Explore exotic Flores, stalk dragons in Komodo National Park and relax in the most beautiful parts of Bali.
Highlights
Flores
Discovering the ancient rituals and traditions of the Ngada people in the highlands of Bajawa
Flores
Watching the volcanic crater lakes in Kelimutu change colour in front of your eyes
Komodo National Park
Spotting Komodo dragons on Rinca and exploring the marine wonders
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Java & The Lesser Sunda Islands
Discover the heartland of Java, then head east to sail around the wildly beautiful Komodo National Park, before exploring magical Bali and lovely Lombok.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Bali & Lombok
Be amazed by the distinct flora and fauna found along the ecological boundary of the Wallace Line
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
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Indonesia
Classic Java & Beach
Experience the scenery, culture and history of Java before relaxing at your chosen tropical beach paradise.
Highlights
Mount Bromo
Watch the ethereal spectacle of light and shade on this still-active volcano
Borobudur
Explore ancient temples steeped in history, from Borobudur’s intricate carvings to Prambanan’s Hindu artistry
The Karimunjawa Islands
Snorkel coral reefs, relax on powdery beaches and soak up the tranquillity of this island paradise
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Indonesia
Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali
Combine the wondrous wildlife and natural splendour of Komodo National Park with the timeless, atmospheric beauty of Bali.
Highlights
Komodo National Park
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime boat adventure, waking up each day surrounded by soul-stirring sea and sky
Komodo National Park
Dive into a vibrant marine world, swimming alongside turtles, nemo and gliding rays
Tabanan, Bali
Trek through lush rice paddies and volcanic valleys, getting a feel for Bali’s spiritual air
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Sulawesi & The Spice Islands
An extraordinary chance to explore several fascinating cultures, some incredible scenery and diverse native wildlife.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
The Spice Islands
Explore the contrasting islands of bustling Ternate and sleepy Tidore
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Sulawesi Explorer
Discover the astounding wildlife, nature and culture of the amazing island of Sulawesi on this 17-day holiday.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Cape Bira
Swimming in crystal-clear water with exceptional coral and fish
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
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Indonesia
Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok
Think thick terrain, temples and tribes. Fascinating traditions, magnificent scenery, doses of downtime: a journey of a lifetime.
Highlights
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate rituals
Lombok
Soaking up glorious sunsets from your beach retreat on Lombok
Bali
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island’s remarkable countryside
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