14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

INDONESIA

BATAK, DAYAK, TORAJA

CULTURAL IMMERSION

ValidityNov 2017 - Oct 2019

14 D / 13 N BATAK, DAYAK, TORAJA A CULTURAL IMMERSIONMedan – Makassar – Balikpapan

What to expect

Indonesia is home to 17,000 islands, hundreds of languages and countless customs that are as unique and varied as the land itself. This tour takes you off the beaten track and into the midst of some truly extraordinary cultures; focusing on three of the major ethnic groups in Indonesia: Batak, Dayak and Toraja. You will come face-to-face with ancient animisit funeral rites, witness marriage ceremonies steeped in tradition and discover hunter-gathering former headhunters in the jungle.

North Sumatra is the ancestral home of the Batak tribes. The word Batak is a collective term used to identify a number of ethnic groups found in this region. The term is used to include the Karo, Pakpak, Simalungun, Toba, Angkola, and Mandailing; related groups with distinct languages and customs (adat). Toba Batak are known traditionally for their weaving, wood carving and especially ornate stone tombs. The area surrounding Lake Toba is home to many fascinating villages; the setting for ancient performances of dance and theatre on the modern stage.

Sulawesi – Known as the ‘land above the clouds’, Tana Toraja Regency in the south of Sulawesi is home to beliefs and customs that belong to a different time. Fascinating practices known as Aluk Todolo (Way of the Ancestors) dictate the daily lives of people here, with a total of 7,777 rules encompassing everything from birth, marriage and death, to farming, food and family relationships. A complex system of ownership, capital and debt is centred around the region’s sacred buffalo; precious ceremonial commodities which can cost as much as a house. Death is central to life here, and celebrated with outlandish pomp and ceremony. Deceased family members live in state with their next of kin and are referred to as Makula (meaning ‘sick person’) until a funeral ceremony of suitable opulence can be arranged to send them to Puya (heaven). This can take months or even years. Torajan commuities are bound by strong bonds of belief and spiritual conviction that stretch beyond the grave. Surrounded by majestic rolling landscapes, Tana Toraja is a land of mysteries, megaliths and mysticism.

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Kalimantan – The Dayak tribes originally migrated to Kalimantan from other parts of Asia around 3,000 years ago. Present day Dayak are divided into more then 200 distinct tribes, the main ones being the Bakumpai and Dayak Bukit of South Kalimantan; the Ngajus and Baritos of Central Kalimantan; the Benuaqs, Kayan, Kenyah and the nomadic Punan of East Kalimantan, and the Ibans of West Kalimantan and Malaysian Borneo. Dayak indigenous religion is a form of animism known as "Kaharingan", which envokes the spirits of ancestors and takes inspiration from the natural world. The Dayaks live in spectacular longhouses along the banks of rivers in the jungle of Kalimantan; each building is a sacred hand-built structure of hardwood posts that can be hundreds of metres in length. At one side there is a long communal platform, whilst the other side houses individual living quarters for each family in the tribe. The Dayak are famed for their artwork, costumes, cultural practices, craftsmanship and songs. Living with them can transport you into another world.

Highlights

Discover the traditional ethnic groups who still follow the legacies of an ancient culture Enjoy stunning scenery of the landscapes along the overland journey Admire the architecture of traditional houses in authentic villages Wake up to the view of famous Toba Lake Immerse youself in the daily life of traditional Dayak tribes Visit the ancient ceremonial burial places in Londa Admire the amazing architecture of traditional Tongkonan houses

Day 01 | Arrival Medan (No Meals)

Upon arrival at Kuala Namu International Airport, meet with our licensed and professional tour guide, then proceed directly to the hotel for check in. Spend the evening free leisure.

Overnight at Grand Mercure Medan or other similarOptional: Medan city tour (depending on arrival time)

Day 02 | Medan – Silangit Airport – Parapat – Samosir Island (B/L/-)Suggested Flight (IW-1296): Departure Time 07:50 AM – Arrival Time 08:40 AM

Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Medan Airport for a flight to Silangit. Here you will visit Huta Ginjang; a hill at the northeastern corner of Lake Toba which gives some beautiful views of the caldera lake, including Samosir Island at its centre. Next, journey to Musuem of TB Silalahi, built in April 2008 on the shores of Lake Toba and dedicated to the preservation of the cultural values of the indigenous ethnic population of North Sumatra: the Bataks and the Huta Batak. This is an outdoor museum built like a traditional Batak village, consisting of three houses and three sopo (storage structures) depicting typical Bataknese houses. Continue your day reaching Balige; capital of Toba Samosir Regency on the eastern shore of Lake Toba, where you will find a large market built in the traditional Tapanuli style. The final destination of the day will be the village of Parapat, from which we will embark to Samosir Island. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Toledo Inn or other similar

Day 03 | Lake Toba Cruise – Samosir Drive (B/L/-)

Following breakfast at your hotel, take a cruise on Lake Toba, passing lovely coves with white sandy beaches and picturesque villages by private ferryboat. Visit the fascinating ancient stone courtroom

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at Ambarita Village and reach then Simanindo Village, where you can watch a traditional Tor Tor dance performed by the people of Toba. From here, it’s on by car to Lumban Sui Sui, where you will see traditional weaving techniques in action, as locals produce the distinctive Ulos fabrics that are so synonymous with the region. Continue to Pangururan; the sub-district administrative centre, where a bridge connects Samosir Island to the mainland. Sianjur Mula Mula was the first settlement of the Batak people; today it remains a beautiful village surrounded by stunning rice fields and is home to many fascinating mythical stories relating to the peoples of the region. Located on the mainland of Sumatra on the slopes of Mt. Pusuk Buhit (1,981 M), Tele is the sacred mountain of origin for all Bataknese people, offering unforgettable views of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. Lunch is provided en route at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Toledo Inn or other similar

Day 04 | Samosir Drive – Tiga Ras – Sipiso Piso – Medan (B/L/-)After breakfast at the hotel, journey south through the countryside to unveil all the hidden wonders of Samosir Island with scenic views to Tomok Village. From Simanindo, take a ferry over Lake Toba to Tiga Ras; a market town on the lakeshore. Next, we’ll stop at Tongging Hill, which is known for its Sipiso Piso Waterfall; one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia. This long and narrow waterfall, framed by green vegetation, drops dramatically down 120 metres into the gorge below. Thereafter, drive through lush country roads on the eastern edge of the highlands past the delightfully cool & picturesque town of Berastagi; a fertile panorama, set against the backdrop of the volcanic Bukit Barisan highlands. In this area, farmers grow a wide variety of produce from the fertile volcanic soil. Gundaling is a hill near Berastagi, located 1,575 metres above sea level in the Karo District of North Sumatra. It is a popular tourist destination in the region, as it offers excellent views of the nearby Sibayak and Sinabung volcanoes. Lunch will be provded en route at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Grand Mercure or other similar

Day 05 | Medan – Makassar by Flight via Jakarta (B/-/-)Suggested Flight (GA-123): Departure Time 07:35 AM – Arrival Time 10:00 AM and connecting flight (GA-618): Departure Time 11:00 AM – Arrival Time 14:30 PM

Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to KNIA airport to catch a flight to Makassar via Jakarta. Arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, also known as Ujung Pandang. Meet your assigned guide upon arrival and transfer directly to your hotel for check in and evening free lat eisure.

Overnight at Aston Makassar or other similar

Day 06 | Makassar – Rantepao (B/L/D)Breakfast is served at the hotel, then check out and begin your trip with a scenic drive to reach Toraja with a lunch stop in Parepare. In Puncak Lakawang, a coffee stop will provide you with ample opportunity to sample the distinctive local coffee while taking in the spectacular panoramic landscape. Arrive in Rantepao in early evening, then head directly to your hotel for check in. Dinner will be provided at the hotel. (Total driving time: approx. 8 hours)

Overnight at Toraja Heritage or other similar

Day 07 | Toraja Highlands (B/L/D)

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After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby to embark on an excursion to discover the spirit of the land and the culture of Toraja highlands. Drive to Lemo to observe a cliff displaying ancestral sculptures and the hanging graves. Continue to Londa to see its ancient ceremonial burial places and proceed to Kete Kesu village to admire Tongkonan traditional Torajan houses and local woodcarvings. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon, where dinner is served at the hotel.

Overnight at Toraja Heritage or other similar

Day 08 | Toraja Highlands (B/L/D)

After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Batutumonga where you can enjoy superb views over Rantepao and the surrounding valleys. Continue to Palawa Village nestled on a small hillside to admire more traditional houses and observe local daily life. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Rantepao. Proceed to a weaving center located in Sa’dan, then transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight at Toraja Heritage or other similar

Day 09 | Toraja - Makassar (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then check out. Your guide will escort you back to Makassar with a lunch stop at Parepare. Check-in at your choice of hotel in Makassar and spend the evening free at leisure.

Overnight at Aston Makassar or other similar

Day 10 | Makassar – Balikpapan by Flight – Loajanan – Mahakam River (B/L/D)Suggested Flight (GA-633): Departure Time 07:00 AM – Arrival Time 08:10 AM

Check out after an early breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Next, transfer to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport for your morning flight to Balikpapan. Upon arrival at Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan, meet with your guide and transfer direct to Loajanan, where you will board your houseboat for an exciting adventure up the Mahakam River. Lunch, dinner and overnight on the boat.

Overnight on board

Day 11 | Muara Muntai – Tanjung Isuy - Melak (B/L/D)

After breakfast onboard the houseboat, stop at Muara Muntai to observe daily life in the traditional wooden village, then continue the trip by motorized canoe over Jempang Lake, passing beautiful views along the river before reaching Tanjung Isuy. On arrival, there will be a traditional welcome ceremony performed by the Dayak Benuaq tribe in front of their Long House. Return to the house boat for a cruise up the Melak. Lunch box, dinner and overnight on boat.

Overnight on board

Day 12 | Melak – Eheng – Trek – Kersik Luway – Mahakam (B/L/D)

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Enjoy breakfast onboard the boat, then embark on a full-day excursion by jeep to visit the old communal long house at Eheng village, then you will have the opportunity for some jungle trekking to observe huge trees and the wildlife they support, before returning to Kersik Luway to see the Black Orchid forest and then head back on the boat down river. Lunch box, dinner and overnight on boat.

Overnight on board

Day 13 | Tenggarong – Loajanan – Balikpapan (B/L/D)

Have breakfast on your boat, then proceed to visit to the Museum and Royal cemetery at Tenggarong. Next, journey down river to Loajanan, from where you will proceed to Balikpapan and check in to your hotel. Lunch is served on board your boat, whilst dinner is at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Overnight at Le Grandeur Balikpapan or other similar

Day 14 | Departure Balikpapan (B/-/-)

Enjoy breakfast and some free time at your hotel, then transfer to Balikpapan Airport for onward flights.

- END OF PROGRAMME -

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HOTEL INFORMATION

STANDARD

Grand Mercure Medanhttp://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-9054-grand-mercure-maha-cipta-medan-angkasa/index.shtml

Toledo Inn Samosir N/A

Aston Makassar Makassarhttps://www.astonhotelsinternational.com/en/hotel/view/24/aston-makassar-hotel---convention-center

Toraja Heritage Rantepao http://toraja-heritage.com/

Mahakam River Boat A/C Cabin On Board N/A

Le Grandeur Balikpapan http://legrandeurhotels.com/balikpapan/

PACKAGE RATEValidity from 01 November 2017 – 31 October 2018

PACKAGE TWIN SHARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY

STANDARD USD 2,750 USD 4,585

Peak Season Supplement from 20 December 2017 – 05 January 2018PER ROOM PER NIGHT

HOTEL NAME SURCHARGE

ASTON MAKASSAR USD 110/room/night

Validity from 01 November 2018 – 31 October 2019

PACKAGE TWIN SHARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY

STANDARD USD 2,995 USD 4,985

Peak Season Supplement from 20 December 2018 – 05 January 2019PER ROOM PER NIGHT

HOTEL NAME SURCHARGE

ASTON MAKASSAR USD 125/room/night

TERMS AND CONDITION7

Inclusions:1. Tour and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary with private vehicle 2. Professional and licensed English-speaking guide (additional charge applies for other language

speaking guide)3. All entrance fess donations and parking fees as per itinerary4. Accommodation based on Twin-Sharing5. Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)6. Bottled drinking water during transfers7. Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary8. Public Liability Insurance9. 11% local government tax and 10% service charge

Exclusions:1. Gratuities/ tipping for driver and/or guide and porterage2. Lunch/Dinner not mentioned in the program3. Visa fee / arrangements if applicable4. Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone call, room service, mini bar, etc5. Personal health and travel insurance6. Any additional excursion/optional tours/activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary7. Any High Season and Peak/festive season surcharge8. Compulsory New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31st 2017 (price varies depending on hotel

policy – to be advised)9. Domestic flight:

Medan – Silangit ( Wings Air ) starts from at USD 52 per person (subject to change depending on seat availability)Medan – Makassar ( Garuda Indonesia ) starts from at USD 310 per person (subject to change depending on seat availability)Makassar – Balikpapan ( Garuda Indonesia ) starts from at USD 110 per person (subject to change depending on seat availability)

Terms & Conditions

- Minimum 2 persons per booking- Additional charges apply during high season and peak season period- Price and booking confirmation are subject to room availability

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Other Useful Information

Visa Information

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct documentation for your holiday and onward travel. Panorama Destination cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to the country because they lack the correct documentation. We encourage you to check the latest information with the nearest Indonesian embassy in your country.

The government has recently relaxed the VISA regulations for 168 countries meaning they are eligible to enter Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. The visa free facility does not allow the change into other permits or visa extension. Passport holders from all visa exempt countries can enter Indonesia through one of the 124 designated border crossings.

Local CurrencyThe local currency in Indonesia is the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR). The current exchange rate is approximately at USD 1 = IDR 13,000 – 13,500. Major credit cards are widely accepted and Traveler’s Cheques and fo-reign currency are accepted at most of the large hotels and authorized moneychangers. There are local banks as well as ATM machines in all main towns.

What do bringCasual and comfortable lightweight clothing is suitable for travelling in Indonesia. Clothing in layers is recommended if travelling to higher altitudes. Dress modestly and don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting religious buildings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and they should be removed before entering a private home. Wear a sarong and waist sashes when visiting temples (both are provided at add itional costs). Prepare some change of dry clothes for a day of water activity such as snorkling or diving.

Electricity220 V / 50hz is used in Indonesia. We recommend you to bring along a travel adapter.

WeatherIndonesia enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round with the most pleasant weather from April until October when the trade winds blow. The rainy season normally starts in November and usually lasts until March.

LanguageThe national language, Bahasa Indonesia, is taught in all schools. At home and in the markets, the local people speak their local dialect, e.g. Javanese in Central and East Java, Balinese in Bali. English is increa- singly spoken in the main tourist centers and Dutch is still understood by the older generation.

Tipping and GratuitiesIt is generally accepted to tip local restaurant staff, luggage porters, drivers and guides. It is however not mandatory. Recommended tipping for guides is between IDR 50,000 to 100,000 (USD 4 to USD 8) per day and for driver it is IDR 50,000 (USD 4) per day.

NotesThis itinerary has been carefully designed by our team to showcase unique and recommended experiences. Should you have any question in regards to this tailormade programme, please contact us at info@panorama-destination.com

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