Exotic Java & Bali

Tour code: JV Tour style: Classic Explore Tour comfort: Standard Tour pace: Busy

TOUR DURATION

14
DAYS

Tour Highlights - 2012 Standard Itinerary

Yogyakarta - Exploring the heartland of Javanese culture Prambanan & Borobodur - Excursions to remarkable Hindu and Buddhist temples Dieng Plateau - Spectacular volcanic scenery and more than 400 temples Tawangmanggu - Countryside walk to the Candi Sukuh temple Mt. Bromo- Catch the sunset at Mt Bromo and enjoy stunning views of surrounding volcanoes Lovina Beach - Chance to relax on the black volcanic beaches of northern Bali

Tour Essentials
Accommodation: 13 nights Standard Hotel Included Meals: 13 Breakfasts Tour starts in: Yogyakarta (day 1) Tour ends in: Ubud (day 14) Transport: Bus/Ferry. Countries: Indonesia

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 1

Exotic Java & Bali

On this trip in Indonesia we explore the exotic islands of Java and Bali. We visit the incredible Buddhist temple at Borobodur, Kraton Palace and the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave. We ascend Mount Penanjakan for views across to mount Bromo and discover the rice paddies and ravines of Ubud, in Bali. We also relax on the beautiful beaches of Lovina.

Tour Suitability
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. Tour style: Classic Explore Packed with adventure, these tours offer inspiring destinations and authentic travel experiences at a reasonable price. Using all kinds of transport and accommodation, well take you off the beaten track to discover the true heart of the people and places you visit. Comfort rating: Standard Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities. Tour Pace: Busy These busy tours, often with early starts and long days, will be full of experiences but also with some free time to relax.

Your tour itinerary

While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested.

Your Tour Leader

A Tour Leader is an integral part of any Explore tour and your tour will be led by one of our experienced tour leaders who have been handpicked and expertly trained. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are passionate travellers who are bursting with first-hand local knowledge which they love to share. Your tour Leader will also take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your journey. Their passionate approach will make this tour fun and inspiring, bringing the destination to life whether youre travelling alone or with others.

Join tour Yogyakarta

Situated almost exactly halfway along the length of Java, in an area considered to be the heartland of the Javanese, Yogakarta is home to some of the islands oldest traditions and blessed with a rich, fertile soil from the volcanic ash. It is the cultural capital of Java, with a real mixture of cultural influences, including Hindu and Buddhist temples, dating from the 8th century, Islamic Palaces from the 18th century and Dutch colonial architecture that harks back to the days when the Netherlands held much of Java in its imperialistic grip. Overnight Standard Hotel

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 2

AM visit Prambanan; PM city tour; optional evening visit to Ramayana Ballet

This morning we drive northeast out of the city, heading for the Hindu temple complex of the Prambanan Plain. This remarkable area, one of the most fertile on the island, is home to an incredible array of temples and palaces from the 8th and 9th centuries. The centrepieces of the complex are the three temples that occupy the central courtyard, towering spires dedicated to the Hindu gods of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva (which at 47 metres is the tallest of the three). We will visit the complex with a local guide, wandering amongst the temples and enjoying some of the finest samples of Hindu sculptural detail left on the island. It is believed that the site was abandoned some 300 years ago, when earthquakes reduced many of the spectacular edifices to rubble. Abandoned to the elements they lay undisturbed until the early years of the 20th century, when reconstruction of the extensive ruins was begun. On our return we take a tour of the city, believed to be one of the most engaging and best preserved on the island. We will include the Kraton Palace complex, which traditional beliefs hold to be the capital of the kingdom and the hub of the cosmos. Built by Javas first ruling sultan, Mangkubumi, the palace lies at the heart of a walled city that houses tens of thousands of people, whilst parts of the outer walls are still occupied by Javanese royalty. This quite remarkable complex houses not only the palace buildings, but also everything you would expect of a small town, including markets, mosques, schools and an assorted array of artisans and traders. We will visit the palace, home of the sultans since the mid 18th century, as well as the Sonobudoyo Museum, containing an exquisite collection of Javanese art, including masks, batiks and puppets. We will also visit the Alun Alun Lor Square, a public area that once served as a courthouse and an arena. Within the centre of the square are two sacred banyan trees, under which opposing protagonists would stand and state their case to the Sultan. Its other, rather more basic function was that of a venue for staged fights between tigers and buffalos (or in some cases tigers and condemned criminals), many of which saw the tiger (and almost certainly the criminal) come out as the loser. After our visit the rest of the day is free to explore more of the city at your own leisure. You may like to wander through the handicraft shops; Yogya is renowned for its batik, as well as its excellent silver and leatherware. There are a number of museums that are well worth seeing in the city and it is also a centre for the performing arts - the traditional Wayang (shadow-puppet shows whose origins date back to over 1000 years ago) are particularly recommended. This evening there is the opportunity to view a performance of Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic (optional). Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Drive to Wonosobo and Borobodur

This morning we head west to Borobodur, the largest and most impressive Buddhist monument in the southern hemisphere. Constructed in the 8th century this incredible monument a petrified vision of the Buddhist cosmos was lost for 900 years, when Mt Merapi erupted and covered Borobodur in a layer of volcanic ash. The structure itself is immense, a gigantic Buddhist stupa constructed from two million blocks that covers an area of 200sq metres and rises some 34.5 metres above the Kedu Plain. Older by nearly half a century than the site at Prambanan, Borobodur is believed to have been built on the top of the foundations for what was originally a temple dedicated to Shiva, abandoned by the Hindu Sanjayas when their Buddhist rivals the Saliendras swept through the Malay peninsula during the 8th century. A combination of earthquakes, subsidence and the mass migration of the Javanese to the east of the island saw the temple abandoned sometime during the 9th century, to be rediscovered again later by the British. Substantial work has been carried out to salvage the exquisite carvings and designs that adorn the structure and we can wander through the site today and marvel at the incredible detail of its narrative panels, which detail everything from Buddhist doctrines to the daily life of the Javanese. Finally we drive to the small town of Wonosobo, nestling amongst the hills of the central mountains. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

AM drive to Dieng Plateau and visit; PM free for further exploration

Leaving early this morning we drive up to the Dieng Plateau (1980m), where we visit Javas oldest temples, set amongst a spectacular vista of mountain lakes, geysers and thermal springs. Lying within a volcanic caldera, Dieng translates as Abode of the Gods and at this altitude low cloud and mists very often hug the folded landscape, instilling the area with an air of mystical serenity. Spread across this surreal landscape lie the remnants of hundreds of abandoned temples that date from the 7th century, when Hindu priests and pilgrims regularly occupied this sacred sight. Like the other temples we have seen in the area, Dieng too was abandoned during the mysterious exodus that took place some 1000 years ago. We will visit some of the prime sites around the plateau, including the Arjuna complex, which are believed to be the oldest of the temples. Dedicated to Shiva, one of Hindus great deities, the five temples that make up this central complex are all named after characters from the Mahabharata tales. We will also visit the nearby museum at Candi Gatutkaca, where we will find a collection of statuary and sculptures retrieved from some of the other temples around the site. At Candi Bima we discover the fascinating carvings of sculpted faces (kudu), blankly starring back from the walls of the temple and more often seen in the temples of southern India, but strangely unique to Java. As well as the temples the Dieng Plateau is as much renowned for its incredible natural features and our visit also includes the sulphur lakes of Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon (coloured and mirror lakes respectively), as well as the smoking fumaroles of Kawah Sikidang. At the end of the tour the rest of your time here is free to explore as you wish, before a late afternoon departure back to Wonosobo. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Drive to Tawangmanggu via Mangkunegarans Palace at Solo; village walk to Candi Sukuh

Departing the highlands this morning we turn east, travelling via Ambarawa and Salatiga and across the Prambanan Plain once more, to the city of Surakarta, more commonly known as Solo. This is Javas second royal city, situated on the banks of the Kali Solo River and nestling in the shadow of three of Javas highest volcanoes. Like its younger rival Yogya, the city is a hub of Javanese culture and tradition, but has probably seen more than its fair share of upheaval and bloodshed following its foundation in the mid 18th century. We intend to visit the palace of Puri Mangkunegaran, which has the largest pavilion in Indonesia, a cavernous structure with a vividly decorated ceiling depicting figures of the Javanese zodiac. The palace also The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 3

houses an excellent museum containing some quite unique artefacts, including goldplated dresses, unfeasibly large Buddhist rings and his and hers golden genital covers! After our visit we continue east, towards the hill town of Tawangmanggu, lying on the slopes of Gunung Lawu close to the border with eastern Java. The western slopes of Gunung Lawu, one of Javas holiest mountains, is blanketed in lush forests and dotted with numerous temples. These religious sites are the last built by the Hindus before the island converted to Islam. One of the most spectacular by far is that of Candi Sukuh, a mysterious structure that sits some 900m above the surrounding countryside. Built during the 15th century this unusual pyramid seems to bear little resemblance to the earlier structures that we have seen and indeed there is still some mystery as to who built it and why. Its remarkable carvings would seem to indicate that the temple was dedicated to a fertility cult and it is believed that part of the temples purpose was to determine the faithfulness of existing wives and the virginity of potential ones. Our return walk to the temple from the village will take us around three and a half hours including our visit. For those interested there is the possibility of taking a walk this evening to the nearby waterfall of Grojogan Sewu, a favourite haunt for local monkeys and a great place to reflect on the day. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Drive to Blitar

Today sees a full day drive through the countryside to Blitar, a small town where the founder of Indonesia, President Sukarno was born and laid to rest. On arrival we hope to visit Panataran temple, and the place where Sukarno and his family have been laid to rest. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B). Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Drive to Bromo

Today we drive to the village of Cemoro Lawang on the slopes of Mount Bromo. We aim to break our journey in Malang, established in the 18th century by the Dutch this city boasts of some wonderful colonial architecture and interesting markets. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Excursion by jeep to Mt Penanjakan and across the "Sand Sea" to Bromo crater; Drive to Kalibaru

This morning we make a very early start to take an excursion by jeep and on foot to the slopes of Mt Penanjakan for some breathtaking views of Mt Bromo just before sunrise. Later we drive across the "Sand Sea" towards the crater itself, admiring the beautiful pink glow of our surroundings as the sun slowly rises. Following volcanic activity at Bromo in 2010 and 2011, the authorities imposed an exclusion zone around the crater itself, which, at the time of writing (April 2012), has not yet been removed from the rim of the crater itself. We aim to walk to the crater base and depending on the restrictions in force at the time of your tour we may be able to climb up the crater of Bromo. Volcanoes have mystified man since the earliest of times, and with this breathtaking scene laid out before us this morning it is easy to understand why. Later in the day we will continue our journey to Kalibaru Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Ferry and bus to Lovina Beach

We leave Java behind this morning and head to the neighbouring island of Bali, crossing the Bali Strait by ferry from the coastal town of Ketapang. It is just a short ferry ride from here to Gilmanuk on Balis western tip, from where we transfer along the islands scenic coastal road to laid back Lovina Beach on the northern shore. The rest of the afternoon should afford plenty of time to explore something of our new surroundings, enjoying the long black, volcanic sand beaches and perhaps making the most of the warm, tranquil waters of the Bali Sea. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

10

Free day at Lovina Beach

Today has been left tree for you to make the most of your time here. The reefs off shore mean that the waters around Lovina are generally calm, making swimming safe and offering some spectacular options for snorkelling or diving. You could take a boat trip out to nearby Menjangan (Deer) Island, where some of the best reefs are found, or enjoy one of the early morning Dolphin trips that the resort is famous for. Leaving the resort around dawn the boats venture out into the offshore waters in search of the schools of dolphins that play in these waters. An added bonus to an early start to the day is the chance of a magnificent sunrise over the surrounding volcanic peaks. Closer to home the area boasts some relaxing hot springs and Balis only Buddhist monastery, containing a golden Buddha and a vividly colourful grotto. Of course you may just prefer to relax by the pool, wander the beaches, soaking up the lovely ambience of this typically Balinese setting, and perhaps try the local catch at one of the resorts beachside fish restaurants.

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 4

Overnight Standard Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast

11

Besakih Temple; drive to Candidasa

After breakfast we drive to nearby Kintamani where six traditional villages surround the lake at the base of Mount Batur. The lake is the largest in Bali and serves an important role as sole irrigation source for the local farming community. We continue to Besakih, the 'Mother Temple' on the slopes of Mount Agung. Besakih is home to Pura Penataran Agung, a stunning structure with 7 tiered terraces and over 50 seperate figures, thrones and shrines. In the afternoon we drive to Candidasa on Bali's southern coast. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

12

Drive to Ubud via Goa Gajah,Yeh Pulu and the Pejeng Temple

This morning we head inland to the cave complex of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). Once a sanctuary for Hindu priests, it was carved by hand from the surrounding rock and entered through a giant mouth that early visitors thought looked like an elephant. The interior of the cave houses the bathing pool and a number of carvings of Shiva and Ganesh. With a chance to visit the caves and the nearby bathing pools, we then continue by foot to the rockcut panels at Yeh Pulu, a 25 metre long series of carvings that date back to the 14th or 15th centuries, believed to depict a story of life amongst these rich landscapes. We then drive on to the temple complex at Pejeng, where we visit the three main temples. In the Moon Temple we find the unique bronze gong that is believed to be the oldest cast drum anywhere on the planet (dating from sometime during the Balinese bronze period of the 3rd century BC). At the Pura Kebo Edan (Crazy Buffalo Temple) we find the famous statue of the Giant of Pejeng, a 3 metre tall statue with a somewhat daunting looking phallus (one of the six that the giant is meant to possess). Our final temple is that of Pura Pusering Jagat (The Navel of the World Temple), housing a large urn carved with relief details taken from the Hindu myth of the Mahabharata. From here we continue to Ubud, where the rest of the afternoon is free. Nestling amongst the lush slopes of the central mountains, Ubud is a rich collection of museums and temples, galleries and craft centres that has seen local artists thrive and grow over the years, turning the town into a haven for local arts, crafts and Balinese dancing. Many of Balis artisans were farmers and merchants, earning their living from working the land and dedicating their skills to the gods and ruling elite free of charge. Painters, sculptors, masons and woodworkers would donate their time, decorating temples and palaces, without any thought of financial gain. That is until the demise of the rajahs and the arrival of colonial overseers. These interlopers became patrons of the arts, encouraging local craftsmen to produce work on demand and for profit, which they did with gusto! Balinese art reflects many of the traditions and culture of the islands, recounting religious and historical epics, elements of puppet theatre and even real life, and in Ubud you can find some of the finest examples of the work anywhere in the archipelago. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

13

AM excursion to Tirta Empul Temple and Gunung Kawi Royal Tombs; PM free

This morning we drive to Tirta Empul Temple which is a holy spring water temple and of great religious value to the locals. Located in a peaceful environment with shady gardens and clear pool the spring water of the temple were once the bathing places of eastern Balis Kings. The name of tirta empul temple derives from large spring in the center of the Temple. Tirta means Holy Water and tirta empul mean Holy Spring Water. The holy spring water at Tirta Empul temple are relived to have a magical power. The legend has it that God Indra, whose army had been poisoned by the Evil King Mayadenawa, pierced a stone here to produce magical water that would revive his men. The Tirta Empul water flowing down to the Pakerisan Rivers. After our visit we move to the royal tombs which essentially is associated with the 11th century king Anak Wungsu and his wives.Thereafter we get back to Ubud where the rest of the day is free for you to explore Ubud at your own pace. Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

14

Tour ends Ubud

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning, but clients on the group flight to London have some free time in Ubud, before the transfer to the airport later today for the flight home. Included meals: Breakfast

Please note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided. You will experience a number of long drives on this tour, however the ever changing diversity of views and landscapes more than make up for this. You will need to adopt a flexible and open minded approach, participate in the group experience and embrace the spirit of adventure.

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 5

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation Rating
An important feature of many Explore tours is the wide range of accommodation used, and since the beginning our philosophy has been to select accommodation to suit the itinerary - not the other way round. To help gauge the comfort level on your chosen tour, we have graded the accommodation standards at all night-stops using the rating guide below. Please keep in mind however that standards can vary from one trip to the next, and occasionally we may need to change a night-stop without advance warning. Standard - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.

Booking a Single Room

All of our tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travellers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation. On this particular tour we are pleased to be able to offer customers the option of pre-booking a guaranteed single room for each night of the tour. Please refer to our website for single room option prices for this tour.

Food & Drink

Included Meals: 13 Breakfasts included in the price of this tour. Please be prepared to pay for non-included meals. Please note that costs for drinks and meals can vary depending on location and the prices below are given as a rough guide for budgeting.

Budgeting for your tour

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Other Sightseeing & Activites

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.

Excursion Prices
Yogyakarta - Ramayana Ballet dance performance 10.00. Lovina Beach - Boat trip to spot dolphins. 6.00. Ubud - Visits to handicrafts villages 3.00.

Airport Taxes
Airport taxes exiting Bali are 150,000 rupiah.

Tipping
Local Staff: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approx.25 for gratuities for local staff. Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Rupiah (Rp). Recommended Currency for Exchange: USD, EUR and GBP. Where to Exchange: Banks and moneychangers. Always check rates first. Always keep receipts. ATM Availability: In major towns. Credit Card Acceptance: In major towns. Travellers Cheques: Dollars TCs are the most convenient to cash. Better to stick with the well known brands and higher denominations. Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 6

Guideline Local Costs

UK Tea/Coffee Soft Drink Bottled Water Bottle of Beer 2 Course Meal* 3 Course Meal** Bottle of Wine Breakfast *Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant. **Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
1.50 1.50 1.50 3.50

Indonesia
0.40 0.50 0.70 1.00

15.00 5.00 20.00 9.00 14.50 9.00 5.00

Joining your tour

You are able to book this tour on a land only basis or as a flight inclusive package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a land only package with Explore

For passengers making their own travel arrangements, please ensure you join the group as described on day one of the tour itinerary. If you are considering purchasing your own airline tickets, you can book these through any travel agent, directly with an airline or through an online flight consolidator. In all cases, we would be happy to arrange transfers to and from the joining point of your tour if required. Clients booked on Land Only arrangements should make their own way to the joining point. Please refer to separate Joining Instructions for time and place of rendezvous with tour leader

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a huge selection of competitive flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport to ensure you get the very best priced flight at all times. On our website we do display a UK flight inclusive package price which is usually based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure the best available fare for your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Group Travel from London

Passengers with non-group flights booked through Explore should refer to their individual confirmation invoice for flight details. Transfers to and from the airport are not included unless purchased in addition to the tour package. 16 days/15 nights Tour including Connecting Group Flights London-Yogyakarta-Denpasar-London Depart from London Heathrow Airport to arrive in Yogyakarta the following day (day 1 of Land Only itinerary). Return from Denpasar (Bali) (day 15 of Land Only itinerary) and arrive London Heathrow the following morning.

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.

Visa Requirements
Entry visas for visits of up to 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Yogyakarta by citizens of the UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. (Currently $25 USD). Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Indonesian authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Indonesia.

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 7

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. 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.

Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your governments 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/

Preparing for your tour

Climate
Lying on the equator, Indonesia stays hot all year round, with daytime temperatures in the 80s (26-28C). 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. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.

Packing for your tour

To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.

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 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 dont overload yourself.

Trek Kit Bag

For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

Clothing
Pack as for All Tours plus Hot Conditions. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and that 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 climb of Mt. Ijen and light raingear. An umbrella is excellent in sticky, tropical conditions and a sunhat is essential.

Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals

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.

Personal First Aid Kit

For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

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.

General information
Trip Summary
From Yogyakarta we journey to the important Hindu and Buddhist sites of Prambanan and Borobodur, spectacular temple complexes abandoned nearly a thousand years ago. On the mist-shrouded heights of the Dieng Plateau, the evocatively named Abode of the Gods, we discover an incredible landscape of smoking fumaroles and sulphur lakes dotted with the remnants of some of Javas oldest ancient sites. The western slopes of Gunung Lawu presents us with the erotic temple of Candi Sukuh, the last of the Hindu temples built before the advent of Islam. We have the chance to enjoy sunset at Mt Bromo crater and ascend the slopes of Mt Penanjaken to enjoy some stunning view of Mt Bromo and other volcanoes around. From the plantations of Kalibaru we cross the Bali Strait to enjoy something of the black volcanic sands of Balis Lovina Beach and some relaxing adventure amongst the clear waters and vibrant reefs of the Bali Sea. Then it is on to Balis cultural and artistic centre, the thriving town of Ubud, where we have The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 8

the opportunities to visit the famed caves of Goa Gajah, the rock cut panels of Yeh Pula and the enticing temples of Pejeng, before some free time to explore the rich diversity of the handicraft workshops and lush landscapes of rice paddies and picturesque villages: a remarkable end to an extraordinary journey.

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 cicumstances allow it. 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.

Country info
Area: 1,919,440 sq km. Population: 234,893,453. 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.

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/

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, Hickman Powell: The Last Paradise, Adrian Vickers: Travelling to Bali: Four Hundred Years of Journeys.

Why choose Explore

Weve been creating award-winning pioneering adventure holidays for over 30 years, earning the trust of thousands of delighted customers, who feel safe in our hands. Our tour leaders have expert local knowledge and our tours are designed to take you off the beaten track to see the most exotic, inspiring and dramatic places in the world. Our adventure holidays are full of exciting things to see and do, exploring in small groups travelling by bus, boat, plane, rickshaw, camel, elephant, or any number of unusual forms of transport . Often you will stay in family run hotels and village houses and enjoy authentic local cuisine. In this way, its easy to discover the true heart of the people and the place you travel to and make some new friends along the way. Each tour is uniquely different, so please feel free to browse through our tours to see what may whet your appetite.

Our commitment to the environment

We are passionate about sustainable travel and work hard to create tours where your holiday delivers real benefits to the local communities. We minimise our impact by travelling in small groups, respecting local cultures and traditional, reducing waste and offsetting 100% of the CO2 from our flights. When you travel with Explore, you are directly contributing to local economies and helping empower the people you meet. We currently support a range of charities and good causes, including: The Sunshine Orphanage (which cares for abandoned children in Luxor, Egypt), Education for All (sponsoring children through their secondary education in Morocco), The Hope Foundation (helping an Indian Village to recover from the 2004 Tsunami) and the Mufindi Orphanage, which support AIDS orphans in Tanzania. We also care passionately about the worlds wildlife. We are patrons of the Born Free Organisation, Travel Operators for Tigers (helping save the Bengal Tiger from extinction) and Friends for Conservation. We have also adopted a beautiful Sri Lankan Elephant called Serendip. We are delighted to have received a Five Star sustainable tourism status from the Association of Independent Tour Operators in recognition of our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism.

Carbon Offset
As a responsible tour operator, we have included in our tour prices the costs of offsetting CO2 emissions from all international and domestic flights forming part of the tour. Our chosen offset partner is Climate Care. If you are making independent flight arrangements to join one of our tours, may we urge you to take responsibility for your CO2 emissions by offsetting through Climate Care, or a similar offsetting scheme.

Earth Matters
This tour is led by a local leader allowing a greater insight into Indonesian culture and helping to generate local employment. This tour aims to stay in locally owned and run hotels. For further information on responsible travel go to http://www.explore.co.uk/ ResponsibleTourism/

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 9

Booking your tour

Peace of mind - book with confidence
You can book your Explore holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. Explore is a fully bonded tour operator licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and by AITO Trust Limited. The air holiday packages (Tours including flights) that we advertise are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2595. In addition, Explore is fully bonded by AITO Trust Ltd for your financial protection of all other holiday packages, i.e. tours booked without flights (those packages including train travel or tour package.

Reserving your place

To reserve your place on this tour you will need to check availability on the Explore website or through our dedicated call centre based in the UK where you can. Our tours can fill up quickly so you are advised to book as early as possible. If your chosen date is Available or Guaranteed we will be able to provisionally hold you a space for up to 48 hours. The easiest way to confirm your booking is through our website. When you are ready to book, we normally require a 10% non-refundable deposit, but for some holidays this may be more to cover such items as permit fees, internal flights or other non-refundable services. If your travel starts within 60 days of booking, full payment will be required at the time of booking

100% No Surcharge Guarantee

The price paid for our holidays is no longer subject to change. Once booked and confirmed we will guarantee the price you pay will not increase, whatever the circumstances. You will not be approached to pay fuel surcharges unlike the vast majority of other adventure tour operators. The price guarantee applies to all new bookings departing between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2013.

Tour Itinerary Versions

Itinerary details may vary depending on departure date and alternative itineraries for this tour may exist. Please refer to the dates and prices page on our website to check which itinerary operates on each departure date. Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. Please note: 2012 itinerary versions are applicable to tours departing in 2012. 2013/14 itinerary versions are applicable to tours departing from 1st January to 31st December 2013. These tour notes were last updated on 21/12/2012 19:04:07

The Adventure Travel Experts available online 24/7 10