THE ISLES OF EAST TIMOR, KOMODO & IRIAN JAYA
A cultural tour of Indonesia & East Timor

Probably Asia’s most remote group of nations where time has stood still are amongst the Komodo islands of Indonesia, East Timor and Irian Jaya. East Timor is the youngest country in the world. The culture of the islands of East Timor, Komodo and Irian Jaya have had very little outside influence and as we visit their towns and village, meet the local folks and even participate in their rituals we get the feel of how contended they are with their lifestyle. This 17-day journey can ideally be combined with our Isles Of Indonesia

Day 01 Arrive, Denpasar (Bali - Indonesia)
Welcome to Indonesia! We arrive in Bali, where we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beach and the rich Balinese dances and temples
Overnight: Sanur Bali Beach Hotel, Bali (1 night) (D)

Day 02 Bali / Dili (flight) (East Timor)
Our exploration starts with our flight to Dili, the capital of East Timor - the world's newest country. An East Timor lunch sets us going as we proceed on an afternoon tour of the city to include to the famous King Christ Statue at sunset. Evening is spent enjoying a typical dinner with a vibrant East Timorian folklore performance.
Overnight: Dili 2001 Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 03 Dili
Our East Timor experience continues as we take another tour of the city covering the Integrator Statue, Military Cemetery and Santa Cruz Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant we continue with our afternoon tour to include the Portuguese Landing Statue and the Traditional House to Blessed Pope. (B, L, D)

Day 04 Dili / Denpasar (flight)
We have some free time before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Bali. This evening we enjoy a traditional Balinese dance over a typical Balinese dinner.
Overnight: Sanur Bali Beach Hotel (B, D)

Day 05 Denpasar / Labuan Bajo (Flores) (flight)
Our journey to Komodo starts with a countryside drive to the harbour where we board a typical fishing boat that has been modified to transport tourists. Crossing the harbour takes just under three hours. We anchor at a pristine beach popular for snorkeling and swimming in the crystal water. Afternoon is free to enjoy sea activities.
Overnight: On board, Komodo (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 06 Komodo Island Tour
A short walk gets us to Banugulung where we see a giant "Komodo Dragon" in action. The 3 m / 150 kg dragon was for the first time scientifically described in 1912 and given the name Varanus Komodoensis. They total about 7,000 with most living in Komodo, Padar, Rinca Island and the Western Flores. At Rinca, the next Dragon Island we visit, we walk through the Island and observe the Komodo Dragons" in their natural environment. We also have the opportunity to see other wild animals such as deer, horses, birds etc. (B, D)

Day 07 Labuan Bajo / Denpasar (Bali)
A morning transfer to the Airport and we are in Bali. Rest of the day is for you and Bali and the many attractions Bali offers.
Overnight: Sanur Bali Beach Hotel in Bali (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08 Bali – Makassar
After breakfast we are transferred for our short flight to Makassar where, upon arrival, we are cordially welcomed and taken on a tour of Makassar visiting Fort Rotterdam, now known as Benteng Makassar. It was built by the King of Gowa in the 16th century. We then visit Paotere the Pinisi (Buginese schooner) harbor. Afternoon is free.
Overnight at Imperial Aryaduta Hotel Makassar (B, D)

Day 09 Makassar – Toraja Land Toraja Heritage
We depart in the morning for Rantepao Toraja Land via Pare Pare. Our journey takes us through the picturesque landscape of South Sulawesi. Rentapo is a cool city, approximately 800 m above sea level. Evening is free to visit the local bazaar and have personal encounters with the friendly Sulawesi.
Overnight: Toraja Heritage Hotel (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10 Rantepao – Toraja Tour Toraja Heritage
Our day begins with a visit to the royal family tombs at Suaya, the cliff side stone grave with wooden effigies ''tau - tau "on the balcony at Lemo, the baby's graves in the huge tree at Kambira. This unique way of making tombs is unique in this archipelago. The Torajans do not bury their dead in earth, but in a stone hole, cave or alike. Before the corpse is placed in such a "tomb", it is laid to rest for a short period in the Tongkonan (the clan house). The belief is that the soul of the deceased would not leave, as long as the body is still at home. Afternoon, we visit Londa, the natural cave grave and Kete Kesu village famous for its hanging grave and traditional wood carving craftspeople. Lunch will be at a local restaurant with a lovely view of the rice field. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Rantepao – Toraja Tour On Board
Another interesting and culturally rich day as we see the unique 'Tongkonan' houses each with several buffalo horns decorating their front doors. Later we visit the traditional cotton weaving village of Batutumonga which is surrounded by the highland area and has a beautiful landscape. At 1355m it has a constant temperature of 17 C during the daytime. Afternoon transfer back to Makassar airport for our overnight flight to Jayapura. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Arrival Jayapura/Wamena (flight)
Early morning arrival at Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya. From here we connect with our flight to Wamena, home of the Dani tribe. Upon arrival at Wamena, we are transferred to our hotel and take it easy from the overnight flight. Late afternoon we take a tour of Wamena, a small town lost in the wilderness of the remote region. The highlight of this tour is definitely the local market where everything from organically grown veggies to live pigs are sold. One sees the Dani people in traditional attire (which only covers a very small part of the body), to fully clothed vendors and shoppers.
Overnight: Baliem Pilamo Hotel in Wamena (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13 Kurima
We depart for Sogokmo where we enjoy a easy trek through the fields. We see fields with sweet potatoes and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and surroundings. As we go further inland to Kurima, we will encounter the tribes and get to know something about their culture, lifestyle and values. The tribal people in their traditional attire and surrounding are always welcoming us with a friendly smile and are as anxious to know of us as we of them. After a picnic lunch, we trek back to Sogokmo where our vehicles pick us up for our drive to Wamena. Dinner is at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Jiwika
Our exploration continues north of Wamena in a village called Jiwika which is known for its old smoked mummy. Here we experience life at the traditional villages and a war dance and feast before taking an easy trek of Mt. Mili to see the salt pools at the peak and learn how the locals extract the salt. We may also "talk" with the local Dani people and explore their lifestyle. Evening we drive back to Wamena. (B, L, D)

Day 15 Wamena / Jayapura Swiss Bell Hotel
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Irian Jaya as we take our flight to Jayapura where, upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel in Jayapura. Balance time at leisure in Jayapura – a nice place o do some shopping.
Overnight: Swiss Bell Hotel Jayapura (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 16 Jayapura / Bali (flight)
After our overnight rest, we are transferred for our flight to Denpasar Bali. Upon arrival at this popular beach resort town, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Bali is a beautiful resort and many independent activities are offered.
Overnight: Sanur Beach Bali (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 17 Bali –departure
As all good and exciting things come to an end, we bid farewell to Indonesia, East Timor, Komodo, Toraja, and Irian Jaya as we are transferred to the Denpasar airport, for our deprture flight. (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Departs Daily (seasonal limitations November to February)
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar International Airfare & Airport taxes Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Domestic airfares (totals $ 1750) including flights to East Timor excursion All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary Insurance & Visa fees Entrance fees to performance, tourist objects, museums, monuments Tips/Gratuities English Speaking local guides   Boat ride, ferry ride, where mentioned
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 3590 US $ 695
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.