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.
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 on departing Bali are 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
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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Entry visas for visits of up to 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Medan 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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Vaccinations & Protection
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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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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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
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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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: Sumatra/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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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 daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
The region is tropical (humid) and days can be very hot. Casual clothes are the most practical, whilst tight fitting garments should be avoided. Please bring long skirts, trousers and shirts to cover yourself fully in order to respect local sensibilities and please bear in mind that ‘short’ shorts are generally unacceptable. Bring some warmer clothing for the time spent at higher altitudes and if you intend (conditions allowing) to climb Mount Ijen (optional). Light light rain gear and/or an umbrella is excellent in sticky, tropical conditions. A sunhat is essential.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. You may also wish to bring your own snorkel and mask for Lovina Beach.
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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
Please note:
Mount Bromo Crater Climb - We do not currently hike up to the rim of Mt Bromo crater due to advice from the UK Foreign Office following volcanic eruptions in 2010 and 2011. We will continue to monitor the situation and will reinstate the climb to the rim as soon as the circumstances change.
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Ramadan 2013 - 9 July to 8 August - Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period. Your tour leader will make adequate arrangements to find restaurants or food for lunch but a degree of flexibility will be helpful.
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Infrastructure - The tourism infrastructure is still developing in this part of the world and you will experience a number of long drives on this tour, due to the poor quality of some roads. However, the ever changing diversity of views and landscapes more than make up for this. A flexible and open-minded approach are recommended.
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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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