Tour Description

Discover charming island life on a tour across Flores – Indonesia's ‘Flower Island’. On this nine-day trip, you’ll hike to Mt Kelimutu at sunrise, soak in the Mengeruda Hot Springs, visit a remote village in Wae Rebo and walk through the spiderweb rice terraces. Spend two days sailing through the Komodo Islands and hike to the top for amazing views, swim at Pink Beach and see the home of the Komodo dragon up close. Exploring one of Indonesia’s less-touristed islands, this is one adventure you’ll remember for years, taking the road less travelled and experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of Flores along the way.

Priced From:

$ 2639.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Mt. Kelimutu National Park

End Location: Labuan Bajo

Countries: Indonesia,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Explore the Indonesian island of Flores and immerse yourself in the local culture and stunning natural surroundings.

Hike to the Mt Kelimutu viewpoint at sunrise and watch its dazzling red, blue and green crater lakes shift colour as the sun crests the horizon.

Walk through lush rainforests to the isolated village Wae Rebo. Spend a night in a traditional conical hut with the local community and experience their warm hospitality and traditional village life.

Sail and island hop across the Komodo National Park islands, snorkelling, swimming, island hiking and watching stunning sunsets – the perfect sailing experience.

Journey across Komodo Island in search of Komodo dragons – keep your eyes peeled for these prehistoric creatures wandering the landscape.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Salam! Welcome to the Indonesian island of Flores – translating to the island of flowers. An arrival transfer will take you from Ende Airport to your accommodation in Mt Kelimutu National Park. If you arrive early, why not take some time to explore your lush surroundings on foot? Tonight, you’ll meet your trip leader and new travel group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm.

Wake up bright and early and strap on your walking shoes. This morning, you’ll head out on a sunrise trek to Mt Kelimutu. Make your way up the mountain to the viewpoint, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views over the bright green, blue and red crater lakes below. Heading back down the mountain, stop by Murundao waterfall. Jump in your private transfer and take a picturesque drive along the coast towards Bajawa. The foot of the looming stratovolcano – Mount Inerie – is home to a number of naturally occurring hot springs. Today, you’ll visit Mengeruda Hot Springs, where the waters are warmed by the nearby volcano and are said to contain medicinal properties. After soaking your worries away, finish your day surrounded by waterfalls and overhanging trees.

Jump into your private transport this morning and travel to the town of Bena – a village known for its megalithic formations and traditional huts. Wander through the streets as your leader takes you on a guided walk through the village, admiring the intricate handiwork of the thatched hut roofs, impressive stone formations and ancestral shrines. Today, you’ll enjoy a locally made lunch in town before hopping back in your van and heading off to the town of Ruteng. Arriving in the late afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the town and don’t forget to grab some excellent insider recommendations for the best dinner spots.

After breakfast, make your way south, stopping by Cara village. Here, you’ll see the Lingko – rice fields planted in an intricate spiderweb pattern. Jumping back in your vehicle, drive along the picturesque south coast of Flores, overlooking the Sea of Saba before arriving in Dintor village. Tonight, you’ll be sleeping in a homestay in town. Why not hunt down some dinner with your group (don’t forget to ask your leader for the best recommendations!).

Today, you’ll be heading to the remote village of Wae Rebo – isolated from the rest of the island, this is an ancient tribal village in the middle of the lush rainforest valley, surrounded by mountains. Make sure you pack a small overnight pack before heading off while the rest of your luggage will be stored in Dintor. You’ll be trekking into the rainforest to reach the village and large bags can’t make the journey with you. Lace up your hiking shoes and head off to the village, where you’ll be greeted by the locals with a welcome ceremony and a dinner of traditional dishes and specialty Wae Rebo coffee. Tonight, you’ll be sleeping in a Mbaru Niang – a tall, cone-shaped house completely covered in lontar thatch (a type of thatching made of dried leaves from the native lontar tree).

Let the sounds of the jungle wake you up this morning, before joining your group for breakfast in the village. Head back on your return hike through the rainforest and meet your transport back to Dintor, where you’ll collect your luggage and can freshen up with a cold shower and grab lunch. After, travel to Labuan Bajo. You have free time this evening to explore the city at your own pace. On the west coast of Flores, Labuan Bajo sits right on the beach with expansive views across the Flores Sea and to the islands on the horizon. Grab some dinner in town before returning to your hotel for some rest and relaxation for the evening.

Your sailing adventure begins this morning! After breakfast, make your way to the harbour where you’ll board your traditional sailing boat for the night. When you arrive, enjoy a welcome drink and introduction to the boat while you set off to your first destination – Kelor Island. Famous for its serenity, unspoiled scenery and hiking, Kelor Island is the perfect spot to find gorgeous, panoramic views. Head up to the top of the island this afternoon and take in the surrounding beaches and rolling hills. Jump back on board and head to Manjarite Island, where you’ll spend your time snorkelling and swimming in the crystal waters. Later this afternoon, cruise to Kalong Island – a small mangrove inhabited by thousands of fruit bats – and watch the sunset over the horizon as the locals take flight for the evening.

This morning, make landfall on the Komodo National Park’s third-largest island – Padar Island. Hike up to the top and look out over the verdant landscape, covered in green hills that stretch right down to the shoreline, meeting the blue waters of the Savu Sea. Head back down the mountain where you can cool off at Pink Beach and join the local sea life with some snorkelling. After, sail to Komodo Island, where you’ll be trekking alongside the mighty Komodo dragons. Keep on the lookout for these ancient-looking reptiles, catching them up close and personal in their natural habitat. Make your way back to the harbour, cruising back to Labuan Bajo for a final night on the island. Why not have a dinner together to celebrate this great adventure?

After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. Bid your fellow travellers farewell and check out of your hotel. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay in Labuan Bajo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

16MAR2025

Return Date :

24MAR2025

3105NZD

available

Departure Date :

20APR2025

Return Date :

28APR2025

3105NZD

available

Departure Date :

25MAY2025

Return Date :

02JUN2025

3105NZD

available

Departure Date :

15JUN2025

Return Date :

23JUN2025

3230NZD

available

Departure Date :

06JUL2025

Return Date :

14JUL2025

3230NZD

available

Departure Date :

27JUL2025

Return Date :

04AUG2025

3230NZD

available

Departure Date :

17AUG2025

Return Date :

25AUG2025

3230NZD

available

Departure Date :

07SEP2025

Return Date :

15SEP2025

3230NZD

available

Departure Date :

28SEP2025

Return Date :

06OCT2025

3105NZD

available

Departure Date :

19OCT2025

Return Date :

27OCT2025

3105NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

19 Aug 2024

Trip title

Komodo & Flores Adventure

Trip code

TISK

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat

Physical Rating

Joining point

Kelimutu Ecolodge

Koanara, Kelimutu,

Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

Mt. Kelimutu National Park

INDONESIA

Phone: 0361 722775

Joining point description

Kelimutu Ecolodge is comprised of 21 clean, comfortable private rooms each with stunning mountain views and the constant soothing sounds of the rambling river.

Joining point instructions

The airport transfer is complementary if you arrive on day 1 of the trip. If you arrive prior to the start, Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport. Please inquire with your booking agent. Please advise your arrival flight details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have booked an airport transfer please proceed to arrival hall and our driver will wait you with your name on the signboard. If you have trouble finding your driver, please contact our local emergency number. Alternatively, taxis are available, but they’ll be expensive and difficult to negotiate as it’ll take about 1.5 hours to drive from Ende airport to Kelimutu National Park.

Finish point

Komodo Lodge

Jalan Mutiara, Kampung Ujung, Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

INDONESIA

Finish point description

Located within a walking distance to Labuan Bajo Harbour, Komodo Lodge offers cosy accommodation right in the heart of town. The property is within walking distance to many restaurants in the surrounding area. All rooms come with air conditioning and private bathroom.

Finish point instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have booked a departure transfer to the airport you will be collected 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure. If there are any problems locating your driver for your departure transfer please speak with the staff at the reception desk of Komodo Lodge Hotel.

Important information

1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ende airport to the start point hotel in Mt. Kelimutu National Park. Please make sure you provide your flight details no later than 2 weeks prior to travel. You may share the transfer with other group members depending on the time of arrival. The transfer time to your hotel will be about 1.5 hours. 2. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Due to the basic infrastructure and limited facilities on the island, it's only available for Day 3 and Day 6&8. Please speak to your booking agent if you need more information.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING: Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.

TERRORISM: Many governments advise to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali, Surabaya, Jakarta and Lombok, because of the high threat of terrorist attack. See travel advisories from your country of residence for further information. CIVIL UNREST AND POLITICAL TENSION: Political rallies, protests and demonstrations occur regularly and can turn violent with little notice. Avoid all public gatherings of this nature and follow the advice of local authorities. PETTY CRIME: A range of petty crime occurs in Indonesia, particularly in tourist areas of Bali. Theft, robbery and bag snatching are common. Be vigilant for thieves on motorbikes targeting pedestrians, in crowded and popular tourist areas. Be alert in bars and nightclubs where drink spiking with toxic substances can occur. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Indonesia. Monitor your transaction statements and tell your bank when you'll visit Indonesia so your cards won't be blocked. Only use ATMs within controlled and secure areas such as banks, shops and shopping centres. SCAMS: All types of gambling are illegal in Indonesia. Travellers have lost large sums of money in card game scams run by organised gambling gangs, particularly in Bali. TAXIS: Only use officially licensed taxi companies you can book by phone, from inside an airport or at stands at major hotels.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Explore the Indonesian island of Flores and immerse yourself in the local culture and stunning natural surroundings.

Hike to the Mt Kelimutu viewpoint at sunrise and watch its dazzling red, blue and green crater lakes shift colour as the sun crests the horizon.

Walk through lush rainforests to the isolated village Wae Rebo. Spend a night in a traditional conical hut with the local community and experience their warm hospitality and traditional village life.

Sail and island hop across the Komodo National Park islands, snorkelling, swimming, island hiking and watching stunning sunsets – the perfect sailing experience.

Journey across Komodo Island in search of Komodo dragons – keep your eyes peeled for these prehistoric creatures wandering the landscape.

Is this trip right for you

There are some long travel days on this trip. We will be driving by private transport (as there are no suitable public transport options available). Some of the roads can be quite bumpy as local infrastructure development is limited. We will make stops to break up the trip and it is a good idea to read or listen to music along the way, and to bring some medication if you are prone to carsickness. Accommodation in general in Flores is more basic than you would experience in Bali as tourism is still developing. There are some nights there hot shower is not available and the rooms will be multi-share. This is, of course, a small price to pay for the chance to venture off the well-beaten tourist path. You will need to be a confident swimmer to participate in this trip’s included snorkelling activity. Those who don't wish to snorkel can choose to spend time on the boat or beach instead. There are some included treks so good fitness and suitable footwear is required. See the itinerary for more detail.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in your home country are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by a doctor. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it's for personal use only. MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES: Several mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Indonesia, including malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. The risk of infection remains low. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses by taking measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Speak to your doctor about prevention and vaccinations before you travel. DENGUE FEVER Due a rise in cases, the regional government currently recommends that all travellers to Bali are vaccinated against dengue fever. RABIES: Rabies is a risk throughout Indonesia, especially in Bali. Avoid direct contact with dogs and other animals, including monkeys. Don't feed or pat them. This includes monkeys in popular markets, tourist destinations and sanctuaries where you may be encouraged to interact with them. If bitten or scratched, immediately use soap and water to wash the wound thoroughly. Seek urgent medical attention. Pre-exposure vaccine is available but receiving rabies vaccine prior to travel does not preclude the need for post-exposure medical evaluation and additional doses of rabies vaccine. There is a shortage of rabies vaccine in Indonesia and if you are bitten by an animal you should consider travelling to a 3rd country or your country of origin for treatment. POISONING FROM ALCOHOLIC DRINKS: There are known cases of poisoning from alcoholic drinks contaminated by harmful substances, most recently in Bali and Lombok. Drink only at reputable venues, avoid home-made alcohol and seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES: Do not consume any non-prescription drugs in Indonesia, including magic mushrooms. They are highly dangerous and illegal. Indonesia carries high penalties, including the death penalty.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. INDONESIAN FOOD: Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/ VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Climate and seasonal

FLOODS & MUDSLIDES: Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs. VOLCANOES: Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts The most recent eruptions have been: - Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice. - Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities. EARTHQUAKES: Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts The most recent earthquakes have been: - Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating. NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY: Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time. NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR : Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 11th March 2024, and 29th March 2025 RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel LOCAL DRESS: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Indonesia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for all genders. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climates. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. CIVET COFFEE/KOPI LUWAK: Civet coffee, or Kopi Luwak as it’s known in Indonesia, is made from coffee beans that have been partially digested and then excreted by small cat-like mammals called civets. High demand for this expensive drink, as well as the rising popularity of Kopi Luwak with international travellers has led to a proliferation of farms across Indonesia. Investigations by World Animal Protection reveal increasing animal cruelty to meet demands. Rather than sourcing beans from the wild, producers are capturing civets (highly active nocturnal animals) and keeping them caged in cramped, inhumane conditions on farms. Due to the numerous ethical questions surrounding this coffee's production, we strongly discourage our travellers from purchasing Kopi Luwak. If you’d like to know more, visit https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/civet-coffee-cruelty-cup

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports the Coral Triangle Center Foundation, who are on a mission to restore coastal and marine ecosystems in Indonesia through training and education. Over the last several years, coral reefs along the northern coast of Nusa Penida have suffered from widespread mortality due to irresponsible marine tourism, disease, coral bleaching, tropical storms and water pollution. Donations further expand the Coral Triangle Centre Foundation’s coral restoration project in Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area and supports their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/coral-triangle-center

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Guest House (1 night),Homestay (1 night),Overnight Boat (1 night)

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