Round trip 28 days classical and cultural Sumatra, Java en Bali
Get acquainted with the Batak culture at Lake Toba. Via Bukittingi and the Maninjau Lake to Padang.
Along the highlights of Java, including the historic centre of Jakarta, the big Botanic Garden in Bogor, a train trip from Bandung to the famous Borobudur, the impressive Bromo volcano and the plantations on east Java around Kalibaru.
Then you cross with the ferry to Bali and enjoy the wonderful beaches of Bali.
The trip and the accommodations are perfectly suited for both young and old. Almost every hotel has a swimming pool.
On the way, plenty of attention and time for stops where you have time to take pictures, walk through the nature and meet with everyday life and the people on Sumatra and Java.
When you travel with a guide he is very attentive and tells you about the country and its customs.
Target prices 2024
€ 2.595 p.p. op basis van 4 personen in laagseizoen
Prijzen exclusief vluchten!
Included and excluded
•Accommodaties op basis van logies en ontbijt in middenklasse hotels
•Privé auto of busje met chauffeur, zijn maaltijden en overnachtingen
•Excursiepakket Sumatra
•Excursiepakket Java
•Treinreis in Executif klas Bandung - Borobudur
•Genoemde excursies onderweg van noord naar zuid Bali
Exclusief
•Intercontinentale vluchten
•Binnenlandse vlucht Padang-Jakarta
•Overige maaltijden
•Fooien en uitgaven van persoonlijke aard
•Gids
•Reis-en annuleringsverzekeringen
•Boekingskosten € 27,50 per boeking
•Bijdrage Calamiteitenfonds €2,50 per boeking
•Bijdrage SGR € 5 per persoon
•CO2 compensatie € 22 per persoon
Day 1 flight Amsterdam-Medan
Day 2 Arrival Medan, transfer to hotel
Day 3 Medan -Brastagi - Lake Toba
Day 4 Lake Toba - Samosir island tour and dinner at Marysca restaurant
Day 5 Samosir - Padang Sidempuan
Day 6 through the Minangkabau highlands to Bukittinggi
Day 7 Nature, palace and history of Bukittinggi
Day 8 Bukittinggi city tour and Lake Maninjau
Day 9 Maninjau Padang Jakarta
Flightt Padang - Jakarta (Garuda)
Day 10 Jakarta city tour and trip to Bogor
Day 11 Bogor - Bandung via Puncakpas
Day 12 Bandung-Lembang-Tangkuban Perahu-Dago and music school Pak Udjo
Day 13 Bandung Borobudur Train
Day 14 Borobudur sunrise tour and Yogya city tour
Free program Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta Kediri
Day 17 Kediri Bromo
Day 18 Sunrise at the Bromo vulcano and tour to Kalibaru village
Day 19 Kalibaru
Day 20 Van Kalibaru naar Lovina
Day 21 Lovina - vrije dag
Day 22 Lovina - vrije dag
Day 23 Transfer and excursions on the way from north Bali to south
Day 24 Sanur - free day
Day 25 and 26 Sanur - free day
Day 27 Pulang kampung, going back home
Day 27 continuation flight Denpasar-Amsterdam via Jakarta
Day 28 Arrival Amsterdam
Deli River
Small and clean hotel, just outside de bustle of Medan. Spacious and beautifully situated on the river Deli. From the swimming pool view on the river. Friendly and helpful staff. Number of rooms: 8 Facilities: swimming pool, good restaurant Deli River is managed by Tri Jaya Tour & Travel, our agent on Sumatra. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Tabo cottages - Samosir
The cozy and small-scale Tabo cottages is located directly on the Toba lake. The hotel has around 40 rooms, ranging from Superior (Basic, private bathroom with hot water), Deluxe (spacious with private veranda and fan), Batak cottages (separate cottages with the same Deluxe amenities) and Junior suites, overlooking the lake and an extra sofa bed and coffee-tea facilities. The hotel has its own bakery, restaurant and swimming pool with views over the lake. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Samosir Villa resort
Samosir Villa resort is quite recent (2012) and beautifully situated in the village TukTuk on the island Samosir. Of course it’s very nice to go for a swim in lake Tobe, but there’s also a great swimming pool. All rooms have a small balcony with view on Lake Toba, TV and a safety box. VIP rooms have also a small fridge. WiFi available. At weekends and on national holidays there can be many local tourists at the hotel. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Mega Permata - Padang Sidempuan
New (2012) hotel in Padang Sidempuan on the outskirts of town. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Hotel The Hills
You will certainly enjoy this 4 * hotel during your stay in Bukittinggi. This hotel is suitable for all types of travelers. You can relax in the massage parlour, the swimming pool or by taking a walk in the garden. Number of rooms: 101 Facilities: Swimming pool, children's pool, restaurant, shops, daily newspaper, bathrobes. massage room, 24 hour room service. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Novotel - Bukittinggi
Novotel Bukittinggi is located in the city center, at walking distance from Jam Gadang (Bukittinggi icon), Pasar Atas and Benteng Fort de Kock, and close to Jambatan Limpapeh. Novotel Bukittinggi is about 76 km from the Minang Kabau International Airport. Located in the heart of the fabulous Bukittinggi; Jam Gadang (city monument) and Pasar Asat, a famous traditional market, are close by. There you will find various souvenirs, specifically handmade by local artisans. Just inside Pasar Ateh you can enjoy the delicious dishes of Minangkabau. Around Novotel Bukittinggi, many other tourist attractions await you This hotel has not yet been visited by us meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Nuansa Maninjau
Nicely situated very dated hotel with a wonderful view over Lake Maninjau. If you don't want to stay in an old hotel you'd better spend the night in Bukittingi. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Santika Premiere Jakarta - Jakarta
Hotel Santika Premiere is located in the district of Slipi, West Jakarta. The friendly staff will do everything to make your stay in this hotel as pleasant as possible. All rooms have AC, TV, telephone, bathroom with shower, bath and hairdryer, desk, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar and safe, Number of rooms: 273 Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness room, spa, tennis court, shopping arcade, 24 hour room service and doctor service, multiple restaurants, bar and laundry service. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Mercure Batavia - Jakarta
ercure Jakarta Batavia is located in the old part of Jakarta (formerly Batavia), 500 meters from the Fatahillah Museum and Café Batavia. The nostalgic hotel has 376 modern rooms with a view over the city. The hotel offers free WiFi and features a restaurant and bars, a swimming pool and a fitness center. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
New Mirah hotel - Bogor
The Mirah hotel is a few minute drive from the shopping centre and Bogor Botanical Garden. A fine middle class hotel with friendly staff. Many restaurants and shops in the neighbourhood. All rooms have AC, bathroom with shower, telephone, TV, coffee / tea facilities, minibar and free Wifi. Number of rooms: 140 Rooms with connecting door are available for families. Facilities: 2 restaurants (Indonesian and Western cuisine), coffee bar, lounge, garden, swimming pool, children's pool, children's club, 24-hour room service, laundry, lockers, Wi-Fi and a free ride on Sunday morning with the Dokar. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Artotel de Braga - Bandung
Artotel de Braga is een redelijk luxe en modern hotel in het hartje van Bandung aan de bekende Braga winkelstraat. Onder het hotel bevindt zich het Sarinah warenhuis. Het hotel heeft een zwembad, Spa, restaurant en bar. De kamers variëren van 22 (Studio), 28 (Studio Deluxe) tot 35 (suite) m2. de Braga heeft ook familiekamers. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Vasaka Maison - Bandung
Centraal gelegen hotel aan de Jalan Asia-Afrika. Het hotel biedt Superior en Deluxe kamers, waarvan wij de Deluxe kamers aanraden. Het hotel heeft een restaurant, bar en buitenzwembad. In 2023 nog geen WiFi in de kamers. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Grand Preanger - Bandung
The Grand Preanger is a luxury 4 * hotel located on the Jalan Asia Africa, the former Post Road in Bandung. The many facilities of the hotel ensure a perfect stay in this city. All rooms have air conditioning, bathroom, telephone, TV, WiFi, minibar, coffee / tea making facilities and private safe. Number of rooms: 187 Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness room, Spa, sauna, gift shop, restaurant, 24 hour room service. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Selaras Guesthouse - Bandung
Het kleinschalige Selaras guesthouse ligt in een wijk waar nog veel huizen uit de Nederlandse periode staan. Op loopafstand zijn veel restaurantjes en winkeltjes en aan de rand van het Taman Cibeunying park vindt u vele eetstalletjes. Alle kamers beschikken over airco, eigen badkamer en in de publieke ruimtes is gratis WiFi. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
The Papandayan - Bandung
In 2011 volledig gerenoveerd stijlvol en luxe hotel vlakbij het centrum van Bandung. Vanaf het fraaie zwembad heeft u uitzicht op de Tangkuban Prahu vulkaan. Alle kamers zijn uitgerust met telefoon, tv, badkamer, haardroger, koffie-en theezetfaciliteiten, minibar, kluisje en wifi (toeslag). Aantal kamers: 172 Faciliteiten: Meerdere restaurants (zéér uitgebreid ontbijtbuffet), bar/lounge, café, zwembad, sauna, fitnessruimte, kinderactiviteiten, businesscenter, wifi, room service, laundry service, vriendelijk personeel en goede service. Pasar Malam op vrijdag-en zaterdagavond. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Savoy Homann - Bandung
Selamat datang di tempo doeloe! The beautiful Art Deco-style Savoy Homann is located in one of the colonial neighbourhoods in the centre of Bandung on the old Post Road Jalan Asia Africa. The rooms have now been modernized but the public areas have luckily kept the Art Deco style. In the beautiful domed restaurant surrounded by galleries you can still see the small inside balconies and the glass elevator. All spacious rooms have air conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom and safe. Some rooms have a balcony. Very extensive breakfast buffet. Number of rooms: 185 Facilities: Swimming pool, Garden Restaurant (Asian and Western cuisine), Batavia bar and lounge (cocktails, regular live music), Sidewalk Café (cocktails, snacks), karaoke, game room (video games), fitness room, Spa, hairdresser, shop, laundry- and room service, meeting rooms and wifi. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Amata Borobudur resort
Op slechts 4 kilometer van de Borobudur liht het typisch Javaanse Amata Borobudur resort. Het kleinschaligre resort heeft kamers in een hoofdgebouw die wij niet aanbieden, bungalows van 35 m2, iets ruimere en luxere Deluxe bingalows en riante familiebungalows. Vanuit het resort worden diverse excursies en activiteiten aangeboden: meditatiesessies, village tours, rafting en de Andong (paard & wagen) tours door typisch Javaanse dorpjes. Het resort heeft een prima restaurant. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Rumah Dharma I en II - Borobudur
Rumah Dharma bestaat uit 2 kleinschalige boutiqe resorts, elk met 8 cottages, een zwembad en een restaurantje. Beide resorts liggen op ongeveer 10 minuten rijden van de Borobudur. De kamers beschikken over airco, prive badkamer met warm stromend water en een eigen terrasje. Er is gratis WiFi. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Melia Purosani - Yogyakarta
The hotel is on a prime location, next to the Marlioboro street, the most famous shopping street of Yogyakarta. The beautiful lobby will certainly impress you and the Chinese restaurant in the hotel is considered one of the best restaurants in Yogyakarta. In the two other restaurants, one of which is next to the beautiful swimming pool, Javanese and international dishes are served. Melia Purosani also has a bar and a pub for drinks, cocktails and snacks where you can enjoy live music from Wednesday to Saturday evenings. In the Spa body and mind are cared for in a traditional Javanese way. The Javanese style rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hotel also has 2 wheelchair-friendly rooms. All rooms are equipped with AC, television, telephone, desk, bathroom, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, first aid box, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, safe and wifi. Number of rooms: 280 Facilities: Restaurants, bar, pub, swimming pool, Spa, fitness room, hairdresser, beauty salon, yoga, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, kids club, baby-sitting service, shop gallery, laundry service, room service, multilingual staff and business centre. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Puri Artha - Yogyakarta
Just outside the centre of Yogyakarta lies the very nice hotel Puri Artha. The hotel is in Balinese and Javanese style, in the rooms is used a lot of rattan, bamboo and batik. The rooms are spacious, clean and beautiful and set up in a carré shape in the garden. All rooms have a veranda with seating and are equipped with AC, bathroom with bath or shower, telephone, TV and minibar. Number of rooms: 70 Facilities: Restaurant (Asian and Western cuisine) with Gamelan music from 6 to 8PM, bar (also with live music, from 8 to 10.30PM), shops, swimming pool (not free, about 2 €, but there you have also a towel, locker, shower and fresh juice for) and Spa. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Dusun Yogya village Inn
Het kleinschalige (24 kamers) Dusun Yogya village Inn boutique hotel ligt op zo'n 15 minuten lopen van de gezellige Jalan Praworitaman. Het hotel is weids opgezet met de Deluxe kamers in een 2 verdiepingen tellend gebouw. Alle kamers beschikken over eigen badkamer/toilet, ruim zitje of balkon, airco, tv, föhn, telefoon, kluisje, gratis WiFi en waterkoker. De suite is nog wat ruimer opgezet en heeft als extra een espressomachine. Er is een ruim zwembad met een kinderbad. Het open restaurant serveert Aziatische en westerse gerechten. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Phoenix Mercure - Yogyakarta
The Phoenix is the perfect hotel to catch your breath after a tiring journey. It is in a perfect location in the heart of Yogyakarta within walking distance of the popular Jalan Malioboro. The atmospheric historic Phoenix Hotel, a colonial mansion from 1918, has now been completely renovated and extended while maintaining the original traditional style. A luxurious, refined and nostalgic decor. The pool is surrounded by beautiful galleries and balconies. The good English speaking staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful and the breakfast very worthwhile. At the restaurant is a Jamu (herbal) woman with free advice / drink for your small inconveniences such as headaches and abdominal pain. At certain hours a Gamelan orchestra plays for an Indonesian atmosphere. All comfortable rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, TV, desk, bathroom, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, safe, wifi and balcony with seating. Number of rooms: 144 Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, terrace bar, wine bar, spa, fitness room, baby sitting service (on request), laundry service, room service, gift shop, business centre. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Grand Surya - Kediri
It’s a long way from Jogyakarta to Malang and Grand Surya is a great hotel for a stopover. This luxurious 4 * hotel was built in 2005 in the centre of Kediri. Many shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity but you will not find tourist restaurants and souvenir shops. Kediri is not a tourist resort and targets the local population. There are many possibilities to relax in the Health Club, including a sauna, spa, massages and a complete fitness club. All tastefully decorated and spacious rooms have air conditioning, bathroom with bath and shower, television, minibar, coffee and tea facilities and Wifi. Number of rooms: 166 Facilities: Swimming pool, children's pool, restaurant with Indonesian, Oriental and Western menu, coffee shop, bar, Health Club (Hammam, sauna, Spa, massages, fitness), laundry service, room service, lockers, lift and business centre. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Lava View Cottages - Bromo
Lava View is a very simple hotel, but ideally located directly on the edge of the Caldera, about half an hour's drive from the viewpoint of the sunrise over the Bromo. With good weather you have a magnificent view of the Bromo and other volcanoes from the hotel. The sunset over the volcanic landscape is also very impressive. The hotel has various room types divided into superior, deluxe, family rooms and bungalows. The superior rooms are not recommended and only have twin beds. Number of rooms: 28 The simple rooms are equipped with bathroom, TV, coffee / tea making facilities and have a terrace. Facilities: Restaurant serving Asian and European dishes, breakfast buffet, Café, Wifi. There is often live music in the evening. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Jiwa Jawa Bromo (former Java Banana)
The Jiwa Jawa Bromo is a relatively new hotel in the Bromo area. It opened its doors in 2009 and is built in modern eco friendly style. From this hotel you can easily reach the Bromo by means of the 4 x 4 jeeps. Outdoor sports such as mountain biking are proposed. There is also an open-air theater at the lodge. All rooms have AC, private bathroom, telephone, TV, coffee / tea facilities and Wifi. Number of rooms: 42 Facilities: Reception, bar, restaurant, photo gallery, assistance with outings / tickets, outdoor activities. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Kalibaru Cottages - Kalibaru
Kalibaru Cottages is surrounded by plantations at some distance from the centre of Kalibaru. The simple cottages are built around the beautiful pool and the reception / lobby lounge is a pleasant place to sit down and have something to drink. All rooms have their own shower / toilet (open air), minibar, telephone and TV. In front of your room you have your own veranda with pool or garden view. To reach the restaurant you have to climb steep stairs. Number of rooms: 60 Facilities: Nice pool, children playground, small shop, restaurant and lobby bar. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Rumah Kita Guesthouse - Kalibaru
This cosy Guesthouse is located 3 km from Kalibaru and is run by a Dutchman. It consists of a 1-bedroom villa with 2 single beds and 2 guest houses, each with 2 rooms with double beds. A bed can be added in all rooms. The villa also has a large living room, kitchen and a large covered terrace for general use. From the rooms you have a view of the garden and the Gunung Raung volcano. All rooms have a large private bathroom with wash basin, toilet, large walk-in shower with natural hot water and coffee and tea making facilities. Number of rooms: 5 Facilities: private garden, swimming pool, central fridge in the villa for all guests, cook and service, laundry service, Internet and a Tour Desk / Transport service. Also possibilities for massage. From here you can make beautiful excursions and walks in the area to nature parks etc. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Margo Utomo I and II - Kalibaru
The plantation hotel Margo Utomo I is a simple guesthouse with a farm with Dutch cows and a mini plantation. When you stay at this hotel you can get a free guided tour of the plantation. Nutmeg, coffee, salak and palm oil are produced here in an eco-friendly way. You can also buy these products at the reception. The pool is a nice place to relax and you can eat inside or outside at the restaurant. All cottages are located in a beautiful garden, have a fan, private bathroom and terrace. The Superior and Deluxe rooms are located in the Margo Utomo II (Hill view) and are a bit further away. Number of rooms: 51 (I) and 30 (II) Facilities: Pool, restaurant, wifi (lobby), doctor, massage, Spa, tours-transport service and laundry service. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Rumah Senang - Kalibaru
Senang, you feel good, that's what you do while staying in Rumah Senang. The guesthouse with 4 rooms is located a few kilometers from the village of Kalibaru. At the front you have a view of the Gunung Raung (3,300 meters) and at the back on the Gunung Putri with the river Kalibaru and the jungle. You can walk here with or without a guide. Number of rooms: 4 Number of beds in separate back-packers location: 2 Facilities: Spacious sitting room for all guests. BVN DVD player with various films Private garden with beautiful views Safe in the room Coffee and tea facilities in the room Laundry and ironing service Hiking routes Cooking team with service Free WIFI Free afternoon tea Tour and Transport service Massage at home Swimming pool with separate children's pool (salt water - no problems with chlorine) Gazebo with electricity connection for the laptop and the like. Midnight swimming (evening swimming with the lights on) Bike rental Bed and breakfast Restaurant facilities meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
The Lovina
With 66 rooms, The Lovina is the top hotel in Lovina. A 4-star resort with two beautiful pools, delicious restaurant, extensive spa and almost directly on the sea. All rooms have AC, private terrace or balcony, minibar, kettle, TV, free WiFi, safe, DVD player and hairdryer. The suites also have a full kitchen, a living room and an extra bed. Best choice are the seaview suites! Free facilities include canoes, shuttle bus to the town, and snorkel sets. In addition to the studio and suites mentioned, there are also private pool villas with 1 to 4 bedrooms available, see <a href="https://www.merapi.nl/indonesie/bali/lovina/the-lovina" TARGET="_blank">this link.</a>. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Frangipani beach resort - Lovina
Het Frangipani beach resort ligt direct aan het zwarte strand en op loopafstand van de gezellige restaurants en winkeltjes van Lovina. Het resort heeft een restaurant en zwembad. Alle kamers beschikken over AC, eigen badkamer met warm stromend water, terrasje, minibar en wifi. De Deluxe kamers hebben zicht op de tuin, de VIP-kamers zijn iets groter en hebben deels zicht op zee en de suites hebben zeezicht en zijn geschikt voor families met 2 kinderen. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Puri Santrian - Sanur
Lovely spacious and quiet 4 * hotel, in the south of Sanur. Right on the beach and with all the facilities you could wish for. All rooms have AC, telephone, TV, bathroom, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, safe and balcony. Number of rooms: 182 Facilities: 2 restaurants, various bars, coffee shop, 2 swimming pools, children's pool, Spa, fitness center, 24-hour room service, laundry service, babysitting service, Cooking classes, yoga, water sports, diving lessons, billiard, tennis courts, library, wifi, bike rental, meeting room, gift shops, tour desk. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Besakih Beach resort - Sanur
Het Besakih Beach Resort is een goed middenklasse Beachfront resort in het centrum van het rustige Sanur. Het resort biedt een mix van Balinese architectuur en heeft een heerlijk zwembad en een kinderbad. De kamers zijn voorzien van AC, telefoon, tv, badkamer, haardroger, koffie-en thee faciliteiten, minibar en hebben alle een eigen balkon of terrasje. Aantal kamers: 80 De Superior bungalow zijn onze favoriet en liggen in een tuin, dichtbij zwembad, strand en restaurant. De Standard bungalows zijn verdeeld over 2-verdiepingen bungalows in een tuin bij de ingang van het hotel. De Standard (ROH) kamers in een gebouw bevinden zich ook dichtbij het zwembad, restaurant en het strand. Sommige kamers uit de laatste categorie hebben weinig uitzicht. Faciliteiten: restaurant (Indonesische en Westerse keuken), bar, zwembad, vergaderruimte, massages, room service, laundry service, kluisjes en wifi. meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Griya Santrian - Sanur
All rooms have AC, telephone, TV, bathroom, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, safe and balcony or terrace. Number of rooms: 117 Facilities: 3 restaurants (Indonesian, Balinese, Italian, Japanese, Western and Asian cuisine) and bar, 3 swimming pools, fitness, tennis, spa, sauna, yoga, offer-making and cooking workshops, bicycle excursions, every Monday and Friday fish barbeque on the beach and every Thursday meat barbeque with Jazz music, art gallery, 24 hour room service, laundry service, Kids club, surf lesson, WiFi meer info more info Informations supplémentaires
Medan
Medan
Medan is the capital of the province of North Sumatra and has more than 2.5 million inhabitants. In the Dutch East Indies period there were many plantations outside the city, especially rubber did well. The 1965 book "Rubber" by M.H. Szekely-Lulofs gives a good picture of what the world looked like at the time and how the Netherlands was firmly in control around the Deli river. Later it was mainly the Chinese who attracted trade and power. Now Medan is a modern city, where many old buildings still remind of the colonial period.For the western tourist, Medan doesn't have much to offer: the Sultan's palace is nice to visit, as is the Chinese temple. Take a look at the great mosque Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, you will be welcomed (outside the services) and shown around.
Our favorite Deli River hotel is located just outside the city, on the Deli River. The accompanying restaurant Omlandia serves delicious Indonesian, Indian and Western dishes. The pecel (kind of gado-gado with delicious sauce) is a must!
In the center there is also a wide choice of hotels, but they still lack the atmosphere. Perhaps the former hotel de Boer, now Grand Inna, will come close.
Samosir
Samosir
Lake Toba is the largest lake in Indonesia with a length of about 100 km and a width of 30 km. It originated from a volcanic eruption, roughly 75,000 years ago. The Toba Batakkers live around the lake, a people of predominantly Christian faith, mixed with a kind of animistic ancestor worship.
Samosir is the famous peninsula in the lake. An island tour of Samosir lets you see and experience the culture of the Batakkers. A boat trip on Lake Toba, along the island, is also a lot of fun and shows almost the same sights.
It is special to take a day trip to Tatea Bulan. High in the mountains there is a pilgrimage site of the Batak kings and the ancestors are honored. A very devout visit, with beautiful panoramas. Along the way you will also visit the sacred sources of AEK Sipitu Dai. During our visit, the washing place was quickly emptied in order to show something of the sacred.
What you should not miss is a dinner with a vocal group. The Batakkers are known for their polyphonic singing, accompanied by guitar and simple local musical instruments.
The culinary specialties of the Batakkers are not always in the taste of western visitors: dog is not exactly what we are waiting for and the Ikan Mas (kind of goldfish) takes you more time to get rid of bones than it is tasty. Fortunately, Saksang remains, a Batak dish that should not be missing during a wedding. There are two variants, of which we ignore the dog and go for the Saksang Babi of pork.
Of course you are going to eat at my kake-pinjum, my borrowed brother Rony. Together with Rosinthan he runs the Marysca Restaurant. All our Sumatra travelers get a free dinner here with a warm Batak welcome. Rony, his friends and family like to take you musically through the Batak culture with the vocal goup.
Our favorite hotels are Tabo cottages (Junior suite or Villa) and Samosir Villa resort (VIP room. At weekends the resort is overcrowded by local tourists).
Brastagi
Brastagi
The mountain village of Brastagi is often visited as a stopover on the long route between the jungle and Lake Toba. The village is wonderfully cool at 1,300 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the volcanoes Sibayak and Sinabung, the soil is very fertile and various vegetables, fruit and flowers are grown here.Volcano enthusiasts can climb the Sibayak volcano early in the morning and take a warm bath at the hot springs of Lau si Debuk-Debuk on the way down.
Padang Sidempuan
Padang Sidempuan
From Samosir it is a full day driving on the Trans Sumatra Highway to the west. Baramun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the town of Padang Sidempuan, which has nothing to offer tourists themselves. The large park houses a shelter for elephants and other wildlife. During a safari day you will experience the elephants in their natural habitat and you will come face to face with various strange birds, monkeys and probably one of the two (or both) Sumatran tigers.We are short about food and favorite accommodation: There is only one accommodation and that is the sanctuary itself: simple.
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi (high hill) is situated in the middle of Sumatra in the Minangkabau highland.In the past this city was known as Fort de Cock, the bell tower built by the Dutch in 1926, which you still can visit on the town square.
In the Natural Park Taman Bundo Kanduang you’ll see the typical constuction of the Minangkabau in the replica of Rumah Gadang.( Rumah Gadang means Big House)
From Bukettinggi you can go to Sianok Canyon,Lobang Jepang and Lake Maninjau.
Maninjau
Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is a 45-minute drive from the city of Bukittinggi. The surroundings of the lake are wonderful for walking.Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta, The Big Durian, you either love it or you walk away from it. It is the hometown of my mother, then called Batavia. In 1993 I was still in her birth house, a privilege that few Indos can still experience, as Jakarta has grown into a metropolis with about 17 million inhabitants. A lot of low-rise buildings have had to make way for skyscrapers that define the skyline of Jakarta.Only the old city, Kota Lama, still shows many traces from the Dutch period. Be sure to visit Fatahillah Square with the National Museum and drink a cup of coffee in the nostalgic Café Batavia. Glodok, Jakarta's China town is within walking distance of Kota Lama. The old VOC warehouses and the fish market Pasar Ikan are also worth a visit.
I find it difficult to name a favorite restaurant. What I write today will be obsolete tomorrow. I would say check the internet and selamat makan, enjoy your meal!
Bogor
Bogor
Bogor (Buitenzorg) is located 50km south of Jakarta and is best known for its Botanical Garden. It often rains, so it’s comfortably cool and assures lush vegetation. In the Botanical gardens you can walk through the park where many plant species grow and you can visit the orchid greenhouse.Unfortunately maintenance is minimal today, which means that, for example the old little Dutch cemetery, looks somewhat dilapidated.
Next to Bogor is Taman Safari Indonesia, a big safari park where, among other animals, you still can see a real Sumatran tiger.
The Cibeureum waterfalls are located on a short distance from Bogor. From Bogor you can travel to Bandung via the highway of the Puncak pass.
Via the Puncak pass you travel to Bandung through tea plantations and beautiful views of nature.
Bandung
Bandung
Bandung was often called "Paris of Java". It was not until 2020 that I found out where that name came from: the many fashion shops, Mediterranean restaurants and other luxury boutiques gave Bandung a Parisian look at the beginning of the 20th century. Bandung no longer has that look, except perhaps in the famous Bragaweg, one of the best-preserved shopping streets in the world in Art Deco style.It is a busy and modern student city, where many old buildings and houses from the colonial period have been preserved. There are architectural highlights such as the Gedung Sate, Villa Isola, the old Concordia, but also the hotels Savoy Homann and Grand Hotel Preanger take you back to the times when the planters came to enjoy their Sunday drink.
North of Bandung are the volcano Tangkuban Perahu, the mountain village of Lembang and the Dago Tea House are worth seeing. In the south you will find the Malabar tea plantation. Kawah Putih, the white crater, is also located in the south and together with Malabar is good for a full day trip. The golden crater Papandayan is more to the east and is special because of the many geysers and the golden rim at the top. The Papandayan is again good to combine in a day trip with the hot springs of Garut.
If you are on time, make sure to visit Saung Angklung Udjo in the afternoon: a dazzling performance of angklung music with dance and wayang golek performance by children from the neighborhood, accompanied and accompanied by descendants of the late Pak Udjo. He once founded a music school for the street children here, which has now grown into a beautiful stage for the children in the neighborhood. At some point you play along, despite your musical illiteracy.
Favourite restaurant
Just like in other big cities, good food is not hard to find. My favorite is Dapoer Pandan Wangi. Order the fried perch Gurame Goreng, not available in the Netherlands, with Terong Raos as a vegetable: aubergines baked in dough. You will never regret it!Cimahi
South of Bandung is the town of Cimahi. During the Japanese occupation, the current barracks served as Jappenkamp, where my grandfather and father had been interned for several years. In Cimahi is also the honorary cemetery Leuwigajah.Borobudur
Borobudur
The Borobudur is a famous temple complex built in the 9th century. It’s situated on a small hill near Yogyakarta and surrounded by other temples and volcanoes. The complex is 47 meters high and consists of nine stacked platforms. The platforms represent the Buddhist cosmos. On the top floors there are 72 small stupas, which are built around one large central stupa, which symbolizes Nirvana.The Borobudur is best visited during sunrise. The Sarasvati Borobudur hotel is a 1.1 kilometer walk. There are several hotels and resorts within 10 minutes, of which both small scale Rumah Dharma I and II are our favorites. For the traveler with a well-filled wallet, the Plataran Borobudur resort & spa is the ultimate choice (not to be confused with the big brother Plataran Heritage hotel, which is mainly geared towards wealthy local tourists).
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the cultural center of Java, the soul of the island. It is also one of the nicest and most interesting cities in Indonesia. Partly because of the walled royal palace, Kraton, which is already a town in itself. You will find countless historical works of art and paintings. The gamelan is rehearsed daily in the morning hours, some days with dance and / or singing. The current sultan still lives on the palace complex.The Water Palace, which can only be visited in the morning, is within walking distance.
For shopping you can visit the Marlioboro street with numerous stalls during the day and tasty food stalls in the evenings. Also visit the bird market Pasar Burung, one of the many batik galleries or go to the silver town of Kota Gede. In the evening you can attend a performance of the Ramayana ballet in the center.
Yogya surroundings
An hour from Yogyakarta is Borobudur, the world-famous Buddhist temple from the 8th and 9th centuries.Closer is the Hindu temple Prambanan, where the Ramayana ballet is regularly performed.
Towards the coast is the town of Imogiri. Here is the final resting place of the rulers of Mataram, the Susuhunans of Surakarta, the sultans of Yogyakarta and other high Javanese nobles. The name comes from Sanskrit and means "Snow Mountain". You can decide to visit the sultans graves on the spot.
Especially on Sunday go to the beach of Parangtritis. You will be amazed how the locals enjoy the beach and get through the day taking selfies (preferably with you)!
Favourite restaurant
Yogyakarta has a lot of delicious restaurants, from murah (cheap) to mahal sekali (very expensive). The latter category includes Gadjah Wong , but the choice is huge and I believe I've never eaten such a tasty sambal goreng tempe Nice ambiance too!If you are staying in the Prawirotaman district you should definitely visit Via Via a > for lunch pr dinner. Very nice atmosphere, not expensive and very tasty and you can find a lot of information about Yogya. They also give cooking classes.
The most authentic is to eat Nasi Gudeg at one of the lesehan (food stalls) at the Jalan Malioboro, a jackfruit stewed in coconut milk.
Kediri
Kediri
Kediri is a typical, medium-sized East Javanese city, fully focused on daily life. It therefore has few tourist attractions. Places of interest include the Dolo waterfalls, the Surowono temple, the Puh Sarang church and the Bendung Gerak, the 150 meter long dam.There is also an ikat industry, which is worth a visit and until a few years ago, tourists could also take a look at the huge Gudang Garam kretek factory, where hundreds of ladies manufacture the famous Indonesian clove cigarettes.
Favourite restaurant
I have not been able to discover culinary delights, but according to my guide, the pecel, a gado-gado-like dish with a delicious peanut sauce, must be extremely tasty. Street food is not eaten at the table in Kediri, but on bamboo mats on the sidewalk and in porches.
Bromo - Tosari
Bromo
The most famous volcano in Java, the Bromo, is located in the Tengger massif. Together with the craters of the Batok and Widodaren, the Brom crater is located in a sand sea of 80 square kilometers, which is surrounded by the caldera rim.Before sunrise, numerous jeeps with tourists drive to the Pananjakan viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the Bromo from there, watch the clouds sink into the sand sea and regularly see the Semeru volcano blowing off steam.
During the high season it is very busy, but about 500 enthusiasts can shoot photos and videos in peace and quiet.
After sunrise, the jeeps drive into the sand sea, to the foot of the Bromo crater and you walk another fifteen minutes through the sand sea (you can also rent a horse) to climb the 300 high steps to the crater rim. Your reward awaits ..
Your reward...
Kalibaru
Kalibaru
Kalibaru is most of the time your last stop on Java before you take the ferry to Bali. It’s a little village in the mountains close to the Raung Volcano near the Kawa Ijen plateau. The village is surrounded by plantations and it’s very pleasant to stay there.You can make a trip with a Dokar (a small horse drawn carriage) or visit one of the plantations.
Lovina
Lovina
Lovina is a seaside village in the North at the Bali Sea. The black beach does not immediately invite you to swim or snorkel in the sea. In any case, there is little to see underwater.Compared to the South of Bali it’s quiet here, whereas all facilities to enjoy your holiday are present. The village has a cozy center with restaurants and shops.
Lovina's must-do is an early morning trip to see the dolphins. With a bit of luck you will be with a few boats in a school of dozens of dolphins, but it can also be unexpected.
Close to Lovina, the Banjar Hotsprings and the Buddhist monastery Brahma Arama Vihara are worth a visit. Furthermore, the West Bali National Park is a short distance away. A visit to the former capital of Bali, Singgaraja, with its many old buildings is very worthwhile.
Sanur
Sanur
Sanur is located directly on the Indian Ocean.The beach of Sanur beach is protected by a reef at some 100 meters off shore, which means that the waves are much gentler than in Kuta.
Sanur is a quiet old fishing village with lots of hotels, restaurants and shops
Favourite restaurant
My own experience: Mades Restaurant, in the centre of Sanur. Delicious Balinese food and Indonesian dishes!Mades Restaurant - Sanur
Denpasar
Denpasar
Denpasar is the busy capital of Bali.Besides some museums and the market there aren’t many tourist attractions in the capital, though you can do some great shopping for cheap prices.