Tailor Made travel in South East Asia, itineraries and special interest topics .  Tailormade, personally bespoke (custom made) itineraries with Arc Journeys to Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Sumba, Borneo, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Thailand, Yunnan & Indochina

 

TRAVEL IN SOUTH EAST ASIA with Arc Journeys

 

PAGE INDEX

SOUTH EAST ASIA GENERALLY
Introduction to the Itineraries

SUMATRA

JAVA

BALI

SULAWESI

SUMBA

BORNEO

MALAYSIA , SINGAPORE & S. THAILAND

SEE ALSO: Dossiers on each destination listed  in the MAIN INDEX

 

  What Arc Journeys Offer

Tailormade Holidays at standard tour rates

in Asia, South East Asia, Australasia, Africa, South America, Arctic, Indochina & UK

Arc Journeys design tailor made tours to suit your requirements which need cost no more than a standard tour with equivalent accommodation.. You tell us what you would most like to do or see and we prepare itineraries for you to consider- it's as simple as that!  

Arc Journeys is small enough but experienced enough to provide truly personally arranged tours to suit your interests, style of travel and budget. Your enquiry is handled by a single person, who prepares quotes and itineraries in accordance with your requests, free of  charge and without obligation.  David Halford ran his first architecture tour in 1992 and started Arc Journeys (David Halford Travel) in 1992. Angela Molinaro has worked in travel and led tours since 1990. We have experience of travel in over 60 countries and have first hand knowledge of most of the destinations we offer. We are both qualified professional people who aim to provide an efficient but personal service. On tailor made tours we use experienced local staff who bring an extra dimension of knowledge about their area. We also try to arrange trips that have minimum impact and maximum benefit by using local businesses and guides who understand their natural and cultural environment. Unlike many companies that offer tailor made ("custom made", "customized", "bespoke") travel we take the time to prepare itineraries that are unique to you. 

For details and itineraries of other destinations please go to the relevant Dossier web page as listed in the MAIN INDEX.

We can arrange all this and more: ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS, HUG AN ORPHAN ORANGUTAN, DOG SLEDDING IN THE ARCTIC, CRUISE IN THE GALAPAGOS, SNORKEL CORAL REEFS, CLIMB VOLCANOES, WHALE-WATCHING, GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS, JUNGLE RIVER CRUISES, EXCLUSIVE HOTELS OR LOCAL HUTS, TREK THE HIMALAYAS OR THE ANDES, CAMEL, HORSE, ELEPHANT OR WALKING SAFARIS, APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE, ARTS, CRAFTS, TEXTILES, MUSIC, FESTIVALS, DANCE AND CUISINE.

References: Most of our business comes from personal recommendation by our many satisfied clients since Arc Journeys David Halford Travel) was established in 1992. We can provide testimonials from many clients with email addresses that you can contact. You can also look Arc Journeys up in Guidebooks such as Footprint Guides & The Rough Guides or on web Guides such as www.britannica.com InfoHub.com, wild-dog.com, bluedome.co.uk, aolhometown.com etc.

Encyclopedia Britannica Internet Travel Guide Award winners- see www.britannica.com

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Arc Archipelago Journeys

SOME TYPICAL ITINERARIES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

We give here a selection of general interest itineraries through the Indonesian Archipelago. You don't have to be interested in any particular subject to appreciate the wonderful diversity of this region. You can benefit from many of the elements of the Special Tours without studying anything in particular. The itineraries are planned so that every tour provides opportunities for plenty of relaxation or activity; swimming in lakes or the sea, appreciating arts and crafts, jungle or volcano walks, seeing wildlife and getting to know unusual cultures. You choose how active you want to be, all walking is optional, which means you do not have to be especially fit, just open to new experiences. The friendliness and hospitality of the people we meet leaves a lasting impression on all our guests and of course you will have the benefit of all our local contacts. The local style small hotels or homestays we usually use are staffed by people who treat us as personal guests, often inviting us to take part in their family or village festivals. We can arrange any kind of accommodation from simple guesthouses to some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, although if you require five star hotels throughout, your itinerary would be restricted to only the well known destinations. These tours are designed to be taken at a sensible pace, avoiding long road journeys so that you have more time to relax and experience the places you visit properly.

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NORTH SUMATRA

North Sumatra offers the chance to experience some of the worlds oldest surviving rainforests and the unusual culture of the Bataks. You can relax away from it all, swim in lakes and rivers, visit the Orangutan Centre or trek across country and up volcanos if you are feeling energetic.

Arts and Crafts

The Toba Batak people love to sing and as well as creating their own form of popular music they have adapted their traditional singing to suit their fairly recent conversion to Christianity from cannibalism. You can see the scared Ulos being woven on backstrap looms, traditional dance, woodcarving and the distinctive architecture of their houses, churches and tombs.

Activities

Swimming in Lake Toba or "tubing" down the Bohorok river in an inner tube. Walking, from gentle strolls, to an optional three day jungle trek, two day hill trek or one day volcano hike.

Outline Itinerary

Fly into Medan, Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary, walks in the rainforest, swimming or tubing in the river or relax in the gardens around your bungalow and sample the local foods. Brastagi and the villages of the Karo Highlands famous for their fruits, interesting architecture and customs and for the intrepid the chance of a night in a Batak Longhouse, elephant riding, volcano trekking, or maybe a little golf on our hotel course! Samosir Island, Lake Toba, the largest lake in S.E. Asia; Batak singing, music, dance, ikat weaving, traditional buildings and culture, trekking, cycling, boating and of course swimming from our lake front hotel. Return to Medan.

WEST SUMATRA

This is the land of the Minangkabau, descendents of the ancient Srivijaya empire who have retained their matrilineal society despite conversion to Islam. Their refined culture is expressed in their many arts which they proudly maintain. The region they occupy is very picturesque and rises from the coral islands of the coast, through the valleys with their lakes and rice terraces dotted with traditional horned roofed houses, the spice groves of the lower slopes, the jungle of the upper slopes to the peaks of smoking volcanos.

Arts and Crafts

In the Minangkabau villages you will find songket brocade woven with gold thread, woodcarving and exquisite filigree silverwork. We can also see their vigorous but elegant dance (including one performed on broken china) and agricultural crafts such as blacksmithing, coffee milling and sugar production.

Activities

Have a go at rice harvesting, pick spices, wager on a comical Buffalo contest where the only ones in danger are the crowd, walk through the canyon to craft villages, trek in the jungle, climb a volcano for dawn, or just relax and swim in Lake Maninjau.

Outline Itinerary

Fly into Padang, a short and beautiful drive to Bukittinggi in the hills. Minangkabau villages; distinctive horned roofed houses and palaces, dance, weaving, silverwork, woodcarving, village industries, duck races and buffalo contests. Lake Maninjau; an outstandingly beautiful crater lake surrounded by jungle covered cliffs. Swimming, boating, walking, cycling or tennis on the hotel courts. Pariaman on the coast seldom sees a foreign visitor and is our departure point for snorkelling off uninhabited coral islands. Return to Padang.

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JAVA

Java has been the power base of the region for centuries and the monuments of ancient Hindu and Buddhist empires, the effects of 400 years of Dutch rule and a similar period of Islamic society are most evident here. It is best to avoid Jakarta and the teeming north in favour of the royal cities of the south and the mountains of the centre.

You can commence in Yogya which is understandably popular for its arts and crafts then move on to Solo which is its mirror image, also built around its palaces and batik trade but a sleepy town with few tourists. The white walled alleys between the main boulevards are reminiscent of the Mediterranean and you can take an optional bicycle tour out to the fields and craft villages. You can stay at the cool mountain resort of Bandungan where cabbages and roses grow between the hot volcanic streams. Many seldom visited ancient temples occupy stunning positions high on the slopes of volcanos so a visit to these is a good way to see the panorama of volcanoes.

Activities

The many options include: Visits to Borobudur, the worlds largest Buddhist monument, Prambanan and a selection of the lesser known temples. Cycling around Solo, walking in the mountains, fields and spice groves. Volcanic activity permitting we can also visit the bubbling sulphur pools of Dieng. It is possible to combine this tour with Batik or Cooking courses in Yogya (see the relevant Special Tours).

Arts and Crafts

Yogya and Solo rival each other as the cultural centres of Java and are famous for their artistic achievements stimulated by their Sultan's Palaces e.g. Ramayana Ballet, Gamelan music, Shadow Puppets, Batik textiles, silver and leatherwork.

Outline Itinerary

Fly into Yogyakarta for the royal dance and music performances and the craft workshops. Borobudur the great Buddhist monument and Prambanan its Hindu equivalent. Dieng Plateau where ancient temples are sited inside the caldera of an exploded volcano amongst the bubbling sulphur and mud pools. Bandungan for an early morning stroll up to another temple site which gives us spectacular panoramas of the volcanic peaks. Sangiran the archaeological site where "Java Man" was discovered. Solo, a quieter counterpart of Yogya built around two palaces. Excursions to Tawangmangu and other sites in the hills.

We can arrange many other itineraries in Sumatra and Java including the following National Parks: Meru Betiri, Mt. Bromo-Semeru, Ujung Kulon, Krakatau, Pangandaran, Way Kambas, Kerinci Seblat

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SULAWESI

Although Sulawesi (the Celebes) has been the heart of the spice trade and colonial ambitions for centuries, the central areas, cut off by jungles and mountains, remained untouched by the outside world until very recently. The Toraja people who occupy the highlands have been able to retain their ancient ancestor worshipping culture despite raids from their piratical neighbours the Bugis (The original "Bogeymen"). Even those who have nominally become Christian still maintain the lavish ancestor rites that are major public events. Traditional arts are still practised and the beautiful landscape is dotted with picturesque high roofed clan houses which are still being built in the original way. They also build rock cut tombs high on cliff faces decorated with wooden effigies in niches.

Activities

Walk in the hills, tour the traditional villages, attend an ancestor ceremony, or for the adventurous we can arrange white water rafting and trekking.

Outline Itinerary

Fly into Ujung Pandang; sailing schooners, offshore islands, orchid gardens and Bantimurung butterfly reserve. Senkang; silk weaving, freshwater birds and floating villages on the lake (we stay with the Princess made famous by Gavin Young's book "In Search of Conrad"). Tanah Toraja highland villages; extraordinary architecture, cliff burial sites and ancestor ceremonies. Return to Ujung Pandang. We have itineraries to other areas of Sulawesi such as Poso & Palu in the Centre and Manado (famous for its excellent diving) in the north.

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SUMBA

Although Sumba is a substantial island 300 km long it receives very few visitors except during the annual horseback fighting festivals. Fortunately there are enough good hotels and one well made road which makes it possible to reach the main areas of interest in reasonable comfort. The dry and barren east is reminiscent of Africa and is sparsely populated with villages which still make the famous Hinggi ikat textiles using natural materials. The west is much greener with grasslands where Sumbanese horses are reared. The original megalithic animist society still thrives here. Most of the indigenous people live in their original villages which consist of communal houses with high pointed thatched roofs set in a circle on the top of rock outcrops around ritual sites and the megalithic tombs of their ancestors.

Outline Itinerary

Fly into Waingapu, visit the villages of east Sumba famous for their ikat textiles. Drive 175 km across the hills to Waikabubak, see the traditional villages of West Sumba and, with luck, an animist ceremony. Fly out of Tamboloka on the north coast. For those who don't mind simple accommodation we can arrange to spend some time on remote west coast where there are endless white sand beaches and many traditional villages.

 

We also arrange tours in the other islands of the archipelago such as Flores, Lombok, The Moluccas, Irian Jaya, Kalimantan, Borneo, New Guinea, as well as Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Yunnan, Cambodia, Vietnam etc.....

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MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE & SOUTHERN THAILAND

Although the Peninsula is divided politically into Southern Thailand, East Malaysia and Singapore, geographically it covers the whole area south of the narrow neck of land between the China Sea and the Indian Ocean called the Isthmus of Kra where Burma and Thailand meet. We have itineraries to cover the whole of this area as well as Malaysian Borneo.

The east coast of the Peninsula is the only part of the Archipelago that is significantly affected by the monsoons of Indo-China, so which route is appropriate depends on the time of year. We also take advantage of the rail network from Singapore to Bangkok to provide tours based on rail journeys. The proximity of Sumatra and Borneo means that combining a tour with these is convenient and provides an excellent contrast. Altogether this means that our itineraries can be very varied so we only provide a description of some of the destinations here. Please ask for details.

SINGAPORE occupies the tip of the peninsula and although it is an island it is connected by a causeway which allows us to start rail journeys here. Since the time of Raffles it has been the trading centre of the entire region. It is a highly developed modern city state totally unlike the rest of the archipelago. It is dedicated to commerce in all its forms and is a shoppers paradise.

MALACCA is Malaysia's most historic city because for centuries before the British moved all trade to Singapore it was they key port controlling all trade between the East and the West. it has a cosmopolitan character with Chinese, Portuguese, Arab, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay influences. Because its power was removed in the nineteenth century, the buildings and unique mixed culture of its former glorious days have remained untouched.

KUALA LUMPUR is one of the few Asian cities that has managed to combine impressive modern development with its British colonial charm and original Malay, Chinese and Indian culture. It has some excellent bird parks, orchid gardens, museums and street life.

TAMAN NEGARA (National Park) covers a large area of ancient rainforest in the centre of the Peninsula. Wildlife, forest people, river safaris, trekking, swimming and a general jungle experience.

KOTA BAHRU is a town on the north east coast where the original Malay culture, arts and crafts are still strongest. We reach it either by the jungle train through the central valleys or via the villages of the east coast. In the dry season we extend the itinerary to the white sand beaches of the Perhentian Islands.

PENANG is an island just off the north west coast and was the stepping off point for much of the Chinese and British settlement of Malaya. It retains may of these influences making it a fascinating places to visit.

SOUTHERN THAILAND is well known for its tropical paradise beaches. We go to some of the less frequented beaches but there is also much to see besides the sea. We go to out of the way lakes teeming with waterbirds among the lilies, jungle National Parks and exotic Buddhist temples.

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BORNEO

SARAWAK was until about forty years ago the private domain of the self styled "White Rajas". Kuching, their capital still remains a unique and interesting city with the palace and public buildings which they erected to create the trappings of a city in the middle of the jungle. Nearby is Semmengoh Orangutan Sanctuary and Bako National Park accessible only by boat. It has varied habitats from the deserted white sand beaches, through the mangroves which are home to Proboscis Monkeys, giant lizards, mud skippers and luminous fungi and up to the dry plateau. Upriver in the interior there are Dayak villages where you can stay in the Longhouses. Niah National Park has a giant cave which was inhabited by prehistoric man and the archaeological dig where their remains were discovered can be seen. Swift's nest for bird nest soup have been collected from these caves for many centuries and traded with China. The collectors work from precarious bamboo poles hundreds of feet up on the roof of the cave. Mulu National Park is deep in the interior and has varied habitats from jungle to high peaks. This gives it an amazing range of flora and it also has impressive geological formations such as the limestone Pinnacles and the worlds biggest cave system. some of the beautiful stalactite formations are accessible and illuminated or the adventurous can explore further with a guide. The evening exodus of clouds of millions of bats is a spectacle to remember.

SABAH was formerly British North Borneo. Its main feature is Mt. Kinabalu, at 4101m the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Its range of habitats from alpine rock faces through every stage down to the rainforest have given it an amazing diversity of species including half the worlds families of flowering plants such as thousands of types of orchid and pitcher plant. For the moderately fit the two day walk to the top takes you through all these zones or alternatively you can explore the lower jungle with a Park guide including a birds eye view from the tree canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs. The only railway in Borneo is a picturesque mountain line to Tenom where thousands of swifts roost in the main street. Nearby there is an Orchid Centre and a Rafflesia Reserve (the world's biggest flower). Off the coast you can snorkel from the coral islands of the T.A.R. Marine Park. From Sandakan you can visit Sepilok Orangutan Station, Turtle Island Reserve where Giant Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and Kinabatangan River, home of Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills and hundreds of other bird species.

KALIMANTAN BORNEO WITH MEMBERS OF THE INDONESIAN ORANGUTAN FOUNDATION (See Indonesia page for other destinations in Kalimantan)

The Indonesian Orangutan Foundation is run by Indonesians who have been involved in the rehabilitation of orangutans back into the wild after they have been rescued from captivity. They work with schools and local people to spread awareness of the value of conservation generally and caring for orangutans in particular. To spread awareness amongst visitors to Indonesia of the work for endangered orangutans and subsidise their voluntary work, their members run some very special tours to the remote Rehabilitation Station and jungle in Central Kalimantan. The naturalists of I.O.F. are known personally by the orangutans and those still being retrained and living around the camp will come to greet them, and you. The rehabilitated adults are encouraged to stay in the jungle and fend for themselves but orangutans seem to like human company and the ones still in the retraining process are called for supplementary feeding and observation every day when they interact with the Park Rangers who care for them. The young orphans who cannot yet care for themselves have to be taught how to climb and eat leaves. They are particularly friendly at this stage and quite happy to be held. Because Tanjung Puting Reserve is so remote it receives very few visitors so a visit here in the company of experts from the Indonesian Orangutan Foundation is a very personal experience.

Part of the work involves observation of behaviour in the wild so you will have the opportunity to get out into the jungle. A remarkable and touching phenomenon in this Reserve is that wild mothers will come to the Camp (where the young rehabilitants roam free) to live with them for a while until they adopt an orphan by mutual agreement. Members of the I.O.F are both Indonesian and English so all the people who conduct the tours speak both languages. Of course they also know all about the rainforest and the other animals that inhabit it such as proboscis monkeys (we also visit the Proboscis Monkey Research Project), gibbons, gharvials and hundreds of birds such as hornbills, herons and kites.

We will arrange tailor made tours at any time to suit you which can also be combined with any of our other tours. These normally run for between 4 and 10 days which include staying on the Sekonyer river in a private African Queen style river boat with you own boatman, cook and naturalist guide, visiting the two Orangutan Stations and the Proboscis Monkey Research Station. Natural tannins darken the pure river water and provide beautiful reflections. You can either spend the nights on the boat surrounded only by the magical jungle sounds or in the comfortable lodge or a combination of the two. You can also include time upriver staying in Dayak houses where they will welcome you with Hornbill dances and show you their way of life. Kayaking river trips can also be arranged.

 

These and any of the other Archipelago Journeys are available as Tailor Made itineraries.

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THE FOLLOWING DOSSIERS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST*

*Special departures with Arc Leaders * Special Interest Tours Worldwide *Scheduled Departure Tours Worldwide

* Sumatra *Java *Bali *Sulawesi * Borneo * Malay Peninsula & Singapore *Pre-departure Information for SE Asia *Special Tours in Indonesia *India * Sri Lanka * Nepal *Bhutan & Sikkim *Ghana * Ethiopia * Tanzania & East Africa * Namibia & Southern Africa * Thailand & Yunnan *Laos,*Cambodia, * Vietnam, *New Guinea * Australia *Peru *Ecuador & The Galapagos *Venezuela *Central & South America Generally *Belize *Canada/Alaska/Arctic * Booking Form & Conditions *Future Arc Newsletters

Alternatively just tell us what you are interested in and we will let you know what we can offer. Our speciality is tailoring tours to our clients specific requirements.

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The Spirit of Bali

To the Balinese this is the Island of the Gods (Pulau Dewata) and it is a testament to the strength and flexibility of the Balinese culture that it has survived the repeated invasions of other cultures. Even the Islamic influx that overwhelmed most of the other islands was resisted here and the successive pressures of Dutch colonial missionaries, European artists, hippies, surfers and other tourists have all been absorbed. Bali has everything - well almost everything - and it is up to us to choose what we want from it. Ninety percent of tourists choose the beach resorts, with discos and hotels, which occupy a tiny, isolated part of the island. That leaves the rest to the Balinese and travellers who are looking for something more than sun, sea and surf.

Those who are prepared to get away from the beaches cannot avoid being charmed by the Balinese and enthralled by the beauty of the island. Their living culture which is based on the balance of opposites (eg. good and evil) is able to adapt continuously and it is striking how much it is integrated into all aspects of their daily life. Even taxi drivers often have offerings of flowers and rice on the dashboard and may stop along the way at shrines of particular significance to them. Life seems to be dedicated to the fusion of god- given and man-made beauty, which has made Bali the paradise that so many people have described.

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Landscapes

The landscapes of Bali are as diverse and beautiful as the other aspects of the island. The land was created by two volcanoes which blew themselves out millions of years ago leaving vast calderas, now occupied by lakes, at over 1,000m above sea level. The life-giving rivers flow North-South from the highlands and the roads follow these valleys or the coast. Most villages are concentrated in the fertile lower valleys, leaving a surprisingly high proportion of the island to form National Parks. The landscape changes rapidly from the barren ash of recently erupted volcanic peaks, through primary forest wreathed in mist, cool highland spice groves, elaborate rice terraces on the lower slopes and down to the coconut plantations (and even vineyards!) of the dry coastal strip. The Southern peninsula is a world of its own. Cut off from rural Bali by the city of Denpasar it has a completely different limestone geography, which has created the white sand beaches with good surfing and explains why all the beach resorts are concentrated here.The black volcanic sand of the North coast has saved it from major tourist development. Some of the landscapes formed by intricate terracing are absolutely stunning. An ancient and complex network of irrigation channels and tunnels controls not only fertility but also social relations through the powerful irrigation societies.

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Arts and Crafts

The Balinese quest for beauty means that they have developed highly refined crafts of all kinds. Every doorway, step, building, corner and shrine receives a daily offering decorated with plaited, folded and clipped leaves, flowers and fruit. This effort to please the gods extends to more permanent crafts such as textiles, carving, ceramics and silverwork. Each village has its speciality; one will produce moulded dragon tiles for the corners of roofs, another stone demons to ward off evil spirits, another bamboo furniture, another ornately carved doors and windows, and so on.

Architecture

Arc Journeys was originally set up by an architect to run architectural tours in the Indonesian archipelago so we can offer an insight into the architecture and culture of this region, unmatched by any other company.

Building is almost an obsession in Bali; even ordinary things such as road signs often have a carved base and a decorated tiled roof. Every village, every dwelling compound and every temple has an elaborate Balinese "split gateway. The excellent craftsmanship has changed so little over hundreds of years that it is difficult to distinguish ancient from modern buildings. Brickwork and stonework so fine that no mortar is needed is carved in-situ with complete certainty of a perfect result. Wooden posts, roof timbers, doors and windows are also carved and the roof is often adorned with moulded clay ridge tiles. The fine black fibres of the sugar palm are reserved for thatching religious buildings such as the multi-layered Meru or pagoda.

Temples

There are tens of thousands of temples, from small shrines for the rice goddess in the fields, to the great regional Pura complexes where every clan maintains its own representative shrine. Every village has at least three temples. The all important irrigation societies (Subak) and individual clans also maintain their own Pura temples. Temples, villages and house compounds are all laid out to relate to the four points of the Hindu cosmos, which in Bali conveniently relate to the points of the compass, because the holy life-giving mountains are almost due north of the main areas of population. The Balinese attitude to religion is a living, growing belief that encompasses everyday life. You will often come across offerings of cups of coffee or bottles of lemonade and temple carvings can incorporate bicycles or cars.

Painting

Producing fine arts and crafts is a form of offering in itself and, as in mediaeval Europe, arts which were originally developed for a religious and noble hierarchy have been extended for a wider audience. Paintings were produced almost entirely under royal patronage until the decline of royal power after the Dutch took control of the island. Then in the 1920's foreign artists such as the German, Spies, the Dutchman, Bonnet and the Mexican, Covarrubias, arrived. Under their influence the traditional style developed into an international school of painting which is now collected and exhibited throughout the world. The area around Ubud is now a centre for artists from all over Indonesia and abroad. Painting incorporates every medium including batik and the fine arts extend to wood and stone carving which have also developed from their traditional roots.

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Textiles

Textiles have great ritual and social significance and, due to the waning of noble patronage, the permitted use of special fabrics previously reserved for the aristocracy has been widened by decree, in order to maintain a thriving industry. Ikat and Double Ikat Some of the world's finest woven textiles are produced on traditional backstrap looms in small villages in the hills. Ikat is a technique of pre-dying threads in bands so that a pattern can be created by adjusting each thread in relation to the next while weaving. It requires great skill, patience and planning to produce a successful pattern. In Double lkat both the weft and the warp are dyed, so commensurately increasing the complexity of the weaving work. This "Geringsing", produced by the Bali Aga (original Balinese) of Tenganan is an important ritual cloth endowed with great powers which protect the wearer during important stages of life. The double Ikat techniques is practised only in this single village in the whole of Indonesia. Other fine textiles are also produced in Bali including Songket, a brocade using a supplementary weft of gold thread, Prada, where gold leaf is applied after weaving and Batik wax resist dyeing.

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Music, Dance, Drama

Inseparable from social and religious custom, these are living, changing traditions in which everyone participates. There is no separation between "classical" and "popular" and new forms created at the Academies of Arts in Denpasar are as authentic as the ancient forms. There is a division into three general levels of religious significance. The Wali group may only be performed in the most sacred inner court of temples so they can only be seen if you are invited by someone who belongs to the temple and you dress and behave appropriately just as you would if invited to a western church service. The Bebali are performed in the middle court where the spiritual and profane meet. They are usually dramas to entertain the devotees and the gods during ceremonies. The third group is the largest and most diverse and can be performed anywhere including the outer court of temples and the village "bale" which is an open sided meeting hall.

Legong and Topeng Barong

Because almost everyone is involved in the production of music and dance the sheer number and variety of performances and styles is astounding. Two of the extremes of dance drama are represented by Legong and Topeng Barong. Legong is an exquisitely elegant dance performed by three young girls dressed in sumptuous gold Songket fabrics and gold headdresses. The story of a good king, a wicked king and a beautiful princess is told entirely by facial expression and stylised movements, mainly of the finger tips and eyes. The nearest western equivalent of Topeng and similar Barong dances would be a cross between the original mediaeval style of Shakespearean performance and a silent movie like Laurel and Hardy. Like Shakespeare the underlying tales of court intrigue, evil spirits witches and maidens with their serious moral messages are enlivened by slapstick clowning. They are frequently performed at village festivals and can incorporate contemporary characters in order to portray modern events.

The Gamelan

All dances, dramas and other ceremonies are accompanied by music. Almost all men, from boyhood onwards have some involvement in a "Gamelan" which is the name given to the group of musicians as well as the group of instruments. The music reflects the Balinese philosophy of social cooperation and harmony so although you could compare the fusion of individual contrapuntal rhythms to modern jazz there is no expression of individual prowess and no solos. Every village has at least one Gamelan and since the music is not written but learnt by constant practice, there is a good chance that you will hear one of the frequent rehearsals. Although numerous festivals require the services of the Gamelan, like village groups in the West they are keen to find other outlets (especially is they can earn a little) so they will often also perform in hotels and restaurants. The Academy of Music and Dance in Denpasar provides a centre for both Indonesian and International interest in Balinese performing arts but these remain essentially "grass roots" traditions.

We can arrange special itineraries based around any of these arts and crafts (see for the "Suggested Itineraries & Special Tours in Southeast Asia"  listed in the MAIN INDEX).

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Walking

The friendly people and varied landscapes make Bali a great place for walking. It takes a little while to overcome our Western reluctance to walk on other people's property, but once you realise that every strip between rice terraces acts as a public highway, the walking possibilities become obvious. Until recently walking was the main means of getting around, beasts of burden are uncommon and people carry goods on their heads, so there are paths everywhere. The only limitations are natural obstacles such as high mountains and deep ravines, which themselves add interest for the trekker. The compact nature of Bali means you can experience a cross section of landscapes in a comparatively short time. We can arrange day walks with local guides or longer treks for small groups on request.

Agung, Abang and Batur

A typical walk might start at sea level amongst coconut plantations, climb up through rice terraces and wooded hills dotted with temples and villages to the base of Mount Agung, the "Mother of Bali" and the highest peak at 3142. Mount Agung is usually climbed in the dark to reach the summit for sunrise and the spectacular view, before the clouds roll in. It is a tough hike and you need to be well prepared. Whether or not you decide to attempt the peak you can continue across the highlands and spice groves via Mount Abang (a much easier climb at 2153m.) and down into the caldera occupied by Lake Batur, at about 1,000m. Here you can soak in the hot springs that mingle with the cool waters of the lake before continuing over the active volcano of Mount Batur itself (1712m) and on across the recent lava flows and out of the other side of the caldera. This walk can be extended or taken in sections.

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Snorkelling and Diving

Our itineraries can include places on the North coast where you can snorkel straight off the beach over reefs teeming with colourful fish. Dolphins can be seen almost every day if you go out in a small fishing boat early in the morning. There are also some of the most easily accessible dive sites in the world listings along the north  and east coasts of Bali. There are sites right off the beach suitable for beginners and underwater caves around small islands which challenged advanced divers.

Cycling and Rafting

A one day white water rafting trip down the Ayung river can be arranged on request. Bicycles can be hired in Ubud and, if you avoid the three main roads on the island, you can cycle endlessly through the hills on the network of tiny back roads and tracks. We offer fully equipped cycling tours of Bali with an experienced leader and back up vehicles for small groups.

Cuisine

The festival foods of Bali are unique using the local spices, coconut, fish, chicken, pork and tropical fruits. For those interested in Cuisine we can offer courses and special itineraries based around the cultivation, preparation, marketing and cooking of Indonesian and Balinese cuisines.

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ITINERARIES

We do not have standard itineraries in Bali because we vary them to suit each client or group and any festivals which may be taking place but we usually head for the hills around Mount Agung and the North coast where we can appreciate the landscape and the real Balinese lifestyle. Like most things Balinese, the accommodation is almost invariably beautiful, the individual bungalows in flower filled gardens have en-suite facilities and private verandas. The following list covers most of the places we usually stay but no single tour is likely to include all of them.

Ubud in the Central foothills

This village in the foothills first became known in the 1920's and 30's when foreign artists settled here and created the Ubud Style of painting. They chose this spot be- cause it was in the centre of an area where for centuries the villages had specialised in producing arts and crafts for the temples and palaces of the local kingdoms. Since then craft production for the markets of Indonesia and the world has increased steadily as has the number of visitors. However, because it is not near the sea there has been no mass tourism and Ubud manages to balance a vigorous spiritual life of daily offerings and regular ceremonies with excellent facilities such as small hotels and restaurants. Though the village has expanded with the increasing number of artists studios and craft workshops it still consists principally of a couple of streets. If you choose the right place you can walk out of the back door of your bungalow into the rice terraces and walk for miles through the countryside. There are two good public galleries in Ubud which trace the history of traditional and contemporary Balinese art. You can also visit private studios and chat to the artists, there is no pressure to buy. We use Ubud as a joining point as it is only about 90 minutes from Denpasar International Airport so a fixed price taxi is reasonably cheap. There is a very wide choice of accommodation in an around Ubud.

Our favourite village in North East Bali

The main reason for the existence of this village is the spring over which a local Raja built a Water Palace with large ornamental pools in walled gardens These are now open to the public and a swim in the cool, fresh, spring water is very pleasant, especially after a walk in the hills. The presence of the water palace means that there are a few local homestays which give us a convenient place to stay in a corner of Bali that is otherwise off the beaten track. The beauty of the rice terraces in this area is unsurpassed and the panorama from some of the bungalows stretches from the towering peak of Mount Agung right across the sea to the island of Lombok. We have many friends in this village (we had a wedding ceremony there) and are often privileged to go out walking or visiting local festivals with them.

The North East Coast

A pot- holed back road leads to a completely different scene of dry hills and small coves with black volcanic sand beaches. The coral reef here is so close to shore that you can almost walk out to it. This allows you to go snorkelling at your leisure without having to arrange a boat. There is now a full range of accommodation dotted along this stretch of remote coast.

Our favourite village in the mountains of Bali

This is a remote village in the hills on the slopes of Mt Batukau (Bali second highest mountain). The villagers have formed a co-operative to run a small homestay which attempts to reconcile tourism with maintaining Balinese arts and traditions. A few beautiful cottages based on the design of a rice barn nestle in a cinnamon grove amongst flower filled gardens and lilly pools with panoramic views across the north coast to the volcanoes of Java. The red leaves of the cinnamon trees tint the view and amongst the groves you will also come across cloves, coffee, chilli peppers, cocoa, vanilla and many fruits that grow best in the hills such as Selak (with a skin like a snake) Rambutan (which means "hairy Fruit" because of its red spiky husk) and Mangosteen (a small purple fruit with flesh like a lychee). The aroma of cloves and coffee drying and the scent of the mountain flowers grown for temple offerings waft through the fresh mountain air. Our friends from the village will arrange for you to visit any festivals which may be taking place or the waterfalls, lakes, forests and Bali Aga villages in the area.

Batur

Mount Batur and Lake Batur sit within the steep sided caldera formed by a volcano that exploded millions of years ago. Together they form a striking scene, in complete contrast to the lush rice terraces of the hills. A viewpoint on the rim of the caldera is the destination for day trips from the beach resorts but you can easily avoid this and stay at the hot springs next to the lake down in the crater. This is also a convenient starting point for the dawn hike up the volcano. The peak of Mount Batur is at 1717m but the lake is already at about 1,000m., so it is not too much of a climb. The sun rises across the sea behind the island of Lombok silhouetting the peaks of Abang and Agung in the foreground. Batur rises from the centre of the caldera in the shape of a lemon squeezer. The early morning mists rising up the outer slopes of the caldera pour in over the brim and down to the lake, like a giant witches cauldron. After the sun has risen the guides demonstrate that the heat even at the rim of the volcano is enough to cook eggs and bananas for breakfast. You can then continue around the precipitous rim and on across the lava flows, all day if you wish, or return through the woods to the village. Boats can be hired on the lake and it is possible to cross to the other side where there is a village still inhabited by the descendants of the pre-Hindu people of Bali. They maintain their own rites including laying out their dead in the graveyard within open bamboo cages above ground. The austere landscape is reflected in their character so they do not offer the warm welcome you would receive from their lowland cousins. Immediately outside the caldera the landscape changes again to dense spice groves which clothe the high- lands. Some of the largest temples with the most spectacular sites are found here including Batur temple itself.

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ACCOMMODATION IN BALI

We can arrange a very wide choice of accommodation from some of the world's most luxurious hotels to simple homestays, as well our own selection of beautiful small hideaways. The Balinese ability to add a touch of beauty to everything extends to the humble homestays as well as those international hotels which have allowed the Balinese influence to pervade them, so that even these are much nicer than most of their counterparts elsewhere.

1. International Resort and Luxury Hotels

We can book any of the international hotels. These are naturally all concentrated on the resort beaches of the south coast in Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua (also Sengiggi on Lombok). They generally have between 400 and 750 rooms and all the usual facilities such as air conditioning, swimming pools and restaurants, most have pleasant gardens and beach fronts (albeit shared with up to 1500 other guests). A good example is The Bali Oberoi which is one of the most beautiful of the beach hotels and only has 75 cottages and villas, some with private plunge pool. It is on the beach beyond the main tourist area

For true exclusivity at a price to match there is the Aman Resorts including Amandari perched on the ravine of the Ayung River near Ubud but well away from the main tourist areas. Each of the 29 bungalow suites has personal staff, the pool is fantastically sited and there are excellent views.

2. Excellent small secluded hotels

These are places that only people that know their way around Bali can find. They all take just a few guests in well appointed cottages with en-suite facilities set in beautiful flower gardens. They all also involve a bit of travelling up bumpy tracks but this is well worth it for the peace and beauty of the locations. We provide transport in a suitable range rover type vehicle with a driver so that there is little discomfort involved. We can therefore only arrange them as part of an itinerary which includes both transport and accommodation. Simply ask us to prepare a proposal and quotation which includes your chosen accommodation. As a guide, in 1995 a week including transport by private chauffeur driven vehicle and accommodation plus breakfast in these exclusive hotels usually worked out at less than £450 per person for two people travelling together. If you would like a guide or any other services such as white water rafting, birdwatching etc. these can be arranged for the appropriate supplements.

2a. In the Northwest Mountains - Rice Barn Palace

From these cottages in the central hills there are panoramic views both across the spice groves and forest cloaking the mountains and over the coastal plain below to the volcanoes in East Java beyond. It is a great place to acclimatise and recover from the journey because the altitude gives it a pleasantly warm climate which is less of a shock to the new arrival than the heat of the coast. You can just sit on the balcony of your private two storey cottage taking in the view with a glass of chilled wine or beer (or coffee grown on the doorstep) - or a wide range of activities can be arranged if you wish. Courses on various arts and crafts subjects such as music and cooking can be arranged but the main attraction is being able to experience the ordinary life of the countryside. The hotel is run in partnership with the local community so the staff can give you an introduction to any local festivals or ceremonies that may be taking place. Other possible activities include walking in the forest, taking a dug-out canoe across the lake or going down to the coast for a snorkelling trip. There are just twelve cottages based on the design of a traditional rice barn amongst the cinnamon trees and surrounded by flower gardens and lily ponds. There is a good restaurant serving western and Indonesian food (or room service if preferred) and a traditional Bale (open sided hall) for private dance and music performances. A vehicle with driver can be provided on request.

2b. In east/central Bali - Tabola Inn.

Ten bungalows with ornately carved brick and stone facades and broad verandas in the style of a traditional Balinese Palace set in the middle of the fields to catch views of Mount Agung in one direction and the sea in the other. Very quiet gardens with lotus pools, a swimming pool and open air restaurant serving lavish set meals. Convenient for tours amongst the rice terraces and local weaving villages or snorkelling trips off the east coast.

2c. On the Northeast coast - Hidden Paradise

On the remote dry north coast. The spacious private air-conditioned bungalows are set in gardens where there is a swimming pool surrounded by scented Frangipani trees which drop their blossoms into the water. The black sand beach seldom has more than a few people on it and the coral is only a few metres out from the shore so snorkelling is easy. Equipment can be hired and boat trips to deeper coral or in search of dolphins can also be arranged. The beach side open air restaurant serves a wide range of western and Indonesian dishes and has a cocktail bar.

2d In east Bali - Chilli Inn  

A brand new place with only four beautifully furnished cottages out in the middle of the fields. The full classic volcanic cone of the holy Mount Agung fills the view in one direction while across the sea in the other direction you can see its counterpart rising out of the island of Lombok. Very nice breakfasts in the open pavilion but no main meals. There is an excellent restaurant a few kilometers away serving a full range of international dishes as well as several Indonesian restaurants. It is possible to walk across the fields to the Water Palace for a swim in the fresh spring water.

2e On the south west coast - Wista Cottages

Spacious, well appointed bungalows overlooking the sea. Swimming pool, sauna, restaurant. Quiet location with miles of white sand beach good for sun bathing, long walks and watching the sun set, but strong currents make sea swimming inadvisable (use the pool instead).

2f. In south west Bali - Anyar Palace  

A Royal Palace still occupied by the Raja who keeps his entourage together by letting some of the palace pavilions and organising Tektekan Dances which are the speciality of the region. He is an artist so the rooms are artistically decorated. Meals can be provided and you might be able to see a dance performance and the preparations that take place beforehand.

2g. Sayan Inn In the same valley as Amandari, near Ubud.

Quiet small hotel with stunning view of ravine, classic Balinese rice terraces and coconut groves from you terrace. Breakfast served on your terrace, small restaurant next door. A few rooms ranging from small and simple to spacious and air-conditioned.

3 Accommodation in Ubud

In order to avoid the main tourist areas of the coast we normally use Ubud as our base because it is close enough to the airport and provides all the tourist facilities anyone could need including money changers and excellent restaurants. There is a full range of accommodation in this area from basic homestays to the Amandari which is probably the most exclusive hotel in the region. Just tell us what sort of standard you are looking for and we will propose something suitable.

4 Other accommodation

We can of course arrange accommodation elsewhere in Bali (or many other parts of the world as described in our brochure), such as on the north west coast for snorkelling or diving or on lake Batur for trekking up the active volcano.

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MAIN INDEX

SOUTHEAST ASIA & INDOCHINA
SE Asia in brief
Borneo
Bali
Sulawesi
Sumatra
Java
Malaysia & Singapore
Thailand & Yunnan
Laos & Cambodia
Vietnam

INDIA & THE HIMALAYAS
India
Nepal
Bhutan, Sikkim & Ladakh
Tibet
 

 

SOUTH AMERICA
Peru
Bolivia
Ecuador
South America Generally - email us for info

THE ARCTIC
Canada, Alaska, Newfoundland, Greenland & The Arctic

AFRICA
Southern Africa

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, S. Africa

Madagascar
Ethiopia
Tanzania & East Africa
 

 

AUSTRALASIA
Australia, NZ, New Guinea

UK/EUROPE
UK & Europe

WORLDWIDE
Index of Special Interest Topics
Whalewatching
Diving destinations
Illustrated brochure (email us for a copy)
Contact Details
 

 

 

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Arc Journeys Destinations

This is a brief description of the regions we cover, go to the MAIN INDEX for links to Dossiers on each destination.

South East Asia

Visit ancient temples and traditional villages, relax in exclusive hideaways, witness colourful festivals, learn about textiles, local cooking or music and dance, cruise jungle rivers, meet orangutans or trek the jungles and volcanoes .... We are acknowledged experts on this region; this is what the Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook says about us: "Arc Journeys have excellent cultural and natural tours run by people who understand and care for the country, its people and environment."

Australasia

Meet the koalas & 'roos, visit the wineries, stroll deserted beaches, dive The Reef, climb The Rock, experience the open spaces and untouched wilderness. Escape the crowds. Accommodated self-drive, treks, 4WD tours, gourmet cycle tours...indulge in the Aussie way.

India and The Himalayas

Walk through small villages among 8000m peaks, receive blessings from a Buddhist Lama, stay in magnificent palaces, search for rhino and tiger. Himalayan treks, rail journeys, camel & horse safaris, palace hotels, houseboats or homestays...

Africa

Meet the curious lemurs, look out for the Big 5, climb Kilimanjaro, visit villages where time has stood still. Luxury lodges or camping expeditions, Self-drive or escorted 4WD safaris, horseback safaris, rail journeys, treks, fly- in tours ......

South America

Discover the mysteries of the Incas, explore colonial towns and Indian markets, hear the music and festivals, trek the Andes, take great train journeys, cruise the Amazon and the Galapagos, meet blue footed boobies and giant turtles. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.

The Arctic

Dog sledding, polar bears, birds & whalewatching, cruise Alaska, Greenland or rivers, touch an iceberg, see the Northern Lights or midnight sun, experience the wilderness of the Arctic. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Email

David Halford Travel 102 Stanley Rd Cambridge CB5 8LB UK

UK Tel 0171 681 3175     Fax +44 171 6813175

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Home page http://www.travelarc.com  Alternative website http://members.aol.com/ArcJourney/index.htm

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