Sights and sounds of Indonesia

Whitewater and white knuckles

This Bali experience will simply take your breath away. Meeting strict safety and service standards, the Ayung River rafting trip will challenge you every step of the way. The thrilling adventure begins in the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung and from the moment you drop into the first set of rapids with your experienced guide your heart will be racing and adrenalin pumping.

In a continual spray of white clear water, you will rush past steep banks while rafting straight through cascading waterfalls of cold natural spring water. The guides will give you instruction and work with you to safely navigate the raft through torrents, twists, tight turns and rapids. And when its over there are modern showers and changing facilities complete with fresh towels.

fr £57pp

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On your bike for the best of Bali

Take to two wheels and discover the glorious Balinese countryside by mountain bike. Using branded bikes and equipment, your adventure begins with a vehicle transfer to the start point of your desired route and will include the services of an English speaking guide throughout. The group size is no larger than 20 and there are two exciting options to choose from.

Either ride to Kintamani Volcano, the best spot for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano which sits alongside Lake Batur passing scenic countryside and small villages and stopping at the artisan’s colony at Ubud for lunch or take the trip to Jatiluwih Rice Paddy which offers superb vistas in all directions and are a marvel to behold. This adventure ends with a sumptuous lunch overlooking the stunning scenery.

fr £67pp

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SEE THE SHADOW PUPPETS

Begin your tour of the capital with a visit to Glodok, the largest Chinatown district in the country. Small streets are lined with numerous shops and vendors selling all manner of goods and much of the architecture is still traditional in style. Next visit Sunda Kelapa, the old harbour of Jakarta and one of its most recognisable sights where you see the traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ships known locally as Pinisi.

Continue to two of Jakarta’s most interesting museums. The Fatahillah Museum was originally built by the Dutch in 1710 as the Jakarta City Hall and today the building displays many antiques, fine ceramics, ancient maps and paintings from the colonial era. Then stop at the Puppet Museum to see an excellent collection of Javanese leather puppets used in Wayang Kulit, the ancient Indonesian art of shadow play.

fr £93pp

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SIGHTS AND SHOPPING

Start with a sightseeing tour of Jakarta, the capital and largest city in Indonesia, stopping at the National Museum with its excellent display of history, archaeology, ethnological and religion related to Indonesia’s colourful past. It is easy to become entranced and even lost in the many rooms here. Close to the museum you will see the huge Indonesian National Monument.

Then visit the National Archives Building before finishing the day with a unique shopping experience in the biggest shopping mall in south-east Asia. The Orchid Garden Mall. has more than 500 speciality shops, many fancy restaurants, 10 exhibition areas and even an indoor ice rink, so there is something for everyone in this seven-storey shoppers’ paradise.

fr £94pp

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LITTLE WONDERS

For those who want to get a taste of Indonesia’s enormous cultural, geographical and ethnic diversity, a visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah will give you just that. Covering an area of just over one square kilometre, this “miniature Indonesia” features exhibits for each of the nation's 33 provinces with displays of life-sized traditional houses, regional handicrafts and local clothing.

With everything Indonesian including the unique houses of Toraja land, the opportunity to learn about the former cannibal tribes of Papua and even a mini-scale Borobudur, Taman Indonesia Park gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Indonesians across the country. This visit gives you a great insight into the country and its peoples.

fr £95pp

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Visit the heart of the island

This excursion begins with a drive into Central Bali to the small town of Mengwi. Long associated with the Balinese Royal Family, Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun. Translating as ‘beautiful garden’ Taman Ayun is considered by many to be one of the island’s most attractive temples and is still used today by people from all over the island for special ceremonies and events.

Then drive further north to Bedugul Regency, known for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes and stop first at the market at Candi Kuning. The iconic Ulun Danu Temple is the next destination and this important Hindu Shivaite water temple is located on a small jut of land on the calm waters of Lake Beratan. After lunch return south stopping to view the rice terraces at Jatiluwih where endless paddies offer superb vistas.

fr £99pp

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See the best of the East

The first stop is at Kerta Gosa, the former Courts of Justice in Klungkung which date back to the 18th century. Then continue along the east coast to the fishing village of Kusamba. Here the beaches are made up from black lava sand which sparkles in the midday sun and along the beach the colourful fishing boats are standing at the ready for their daily trips.

Visit the eerie bat caves of Goa Lawah where the walls are covered with thousands of bats. The caves are considered to be holy and are protected with a shrine and temple at the entrance. Then stop at Tenganan and see villagers weaving the famous gringsing sarongs, which are said to have special powers for the wearer. After lunch in Candidasa stop at the royal bathing pools of Tirtaganggad.

fr £101pp

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See the best of the North

On this comprehensive tour you leave the lowlands and relatively flat rice fields of Tabanan and drive into the steeper mountain region of Bedugul. The vegetation changes as you continue to the alpine countryside and stop at Pacung amid beautiful rice terraces and also visit the colourful fruit market of Candi Kuning and watch the locals haggling over the produce.

On reaching the mountain resort of Bedugul and Lake Beratan, you visit the delightful Ulun Danu Temple dedicated to the Goddess of the waters before travelling north along the winding roads to the sacred hot springs of Banjar for a refreshing soak. Pass clove and coffee plantations and Lovina's black lava sand beaches and after lunch the return journey will make a final stop at the beautiful Gitgit waterfall.

fr £102pp

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Take the roads less travelled

Using customised Land Rovers this excursion goes off-road and into the superb countryside surrounding Gunung Batukaru, Bali's second-highest mountain. The goal is the bamboo forest restaurant, which is set deep in this mountainous region of the island and where you have lunch. There is so much to see and take in en route as this is the heartland of Bali where rice paddies, traditional villages and friendly Balinese await.

Highlights include the seemingly endless UNESCO-recognised rice terraces at Jatiluwih and the dramatically located 11th century Hindu temple of Batukaru. This is an adventurous but not strenuous trip and your 4X4 Land Rover is equipped with air-conditioning and comfortably seats a maximum of just six people plus the guide and expert driver. Photo opportunities abound as you explore little-visited temples and small villages.

fr £103pp

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See the top two temples

Drive north to the island’s central highlands region renowned for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes and your first visit is to the iconic Ulun Danu Temple. This important Hindu Shivaite water temple is located on a small jut of land on the calm waters of Lake Beratan. Then continue to the village of Asah Gobleg for fine views of more lakes before heading to Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, home to lots of macaque monkeys.

Later head south to Bali's most famous temple complex at Tanah Lot. With its spectacular location, Tanah Lot is an integral part of Balinese mythology and one of seven sea temples that are said to form a ‘chain’ around the island. The temple is only accessible at low tide but despite its off-shore location in the Indian Ocean, it features a fresh water spring at its base which is said to contain holy water. You arrive in time for sunset.

fr £107pp

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Monkey magic in the forest

This special day starts with a fascinating performance of Barong Dance then you continue your exploration of the Balinese arts with a stop at three villages near Ubud known for their crafts. Visit Gunung Kawi, a Hindu temple complex north-east of Ubud which comprises 10 rock-cut shrines carved into the cliff face. The countryside is lush and the footpath leading to the temple passes through terraced rice fields.

Travel on to the village of Kintamani for the best views of Mount Batur, an active volcano which sits alongside Lake Batur and enjoy a buffet lunch in a restaurant overlooking the volcano. On the return journey, stop at Goa Gajah in Bedulu, often called the Elephant Cave, and the final stop is Ubud Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex home to hundreds of crab-eating macaque monkeys.

fr £124pp

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VISIT THE LAKE DISTRICT

This excursion begins with a drive north to the Bedugul Regency district, part of the island’s central highlands, renowned for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes. First stop is at the iconic Ulun Danu Temple, an important Hindu Shivaite water temple on a small jut of land within the calm waters of Lake Beratan. If the water level is high it gives the illusion that this 17th century temple is ‘floating’ on the lake.

After your visit, head towards Lake Tamblingan and begin a gentle trek down through the tropical rainforest. Admire the flora and fauna and take in the clean, mountain air as you hike through a region that has remained at one with nature for many centuries. Reaching the shore of the lake, continue your journey by boat, as you are rowed across in a traditional dug-out canoe to meet your driver and return to your hotel.

fr £148pp

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Learn to cook the Bali way

Enjoy a cookery class that offers an insightful introduction to the unique culinary heritage of Bali and the exotic ingredients it uses. The class starts with an early morning visit to the local vegetable and fish markets in order to select the freshest ingredients for your menu. The market will be bustling with activity as local residents usually complete their daily shopping by 8am.

Arrive at the class venue with full shopping baskets and enjoy a traditional Balinese breakfast of fruit and cakes made from rice and palm sugar. It’s then time to enter the kitchen to begin your masterclass, in which you will be guided through the techniques and flavours required to produce a range of mouth-watering dishes. Then sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast you have prepared.

fr £151pp

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GARDENS AND GREAT VIEWS

Around 50 miles south of Jakarta, Bogor is a temperate city known for its Botanical Gardens. They were established in 1811 by Sir Stamford Raffles as the private garden of the Governor-General’s summer residence, and the extensive grounds are home to more than 15,000 species of trees and plants and are also a haven for local birdlife.

Spend time enjoying the estate, from which you can also see the opulent 18th century Presidential Palace. Built as a retreat for the Dutch Governors and later used by the British, the palace has a distinctive architectural style. Then continue to nearby Punak, an attractive spot known for its tea plantations and magnificent mountain vistas. After some time taking in the fresh air and mountain scenery, return to your hotel.

fr £154pp

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MAGIC OF THE MOUNTAINS

Bandung, capital of the province of West Java, has a relatively cool climate. Because of this, Dutch colonial planters made it their retreat from the hot plains and in its heyday the city was known as the “Paris of Java”. Today, it is known as the clothing capital of Indonesia. Visit nearby Cihampelas city, dubbed the Blue Jeans Centre, where you can shop until you drop at the numerous factory outlets.

Next stop is Lembang fruit market, a lively place where you can sample some of the huge variety of tropical fruit grown in this region. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with great views of the surrounding area then continue to Mount Tangkuban Prahu, a dormant volcano whose summit resembles an upturned boat. Finally drive to nearby Ciater, a small town at the base of the mountain known for its revitalising hot springs.

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