Indonesia: Hammocks & Hikes - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is Planeterra and how does the tour operator support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations from programs like the "Dollar-a-day Program" directly benefit Planeterra projects and the communities visited.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  The tour group will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. They provide information, suggestions, and assistance, often with the help of local guides for specific knowledge.

• What is the Bali Tourist Levy?

  Effective February 14, 2024, a "Bali Tourist Levy" of 150,000 IDR (approximately $10 USD) is required for all foreign tourists entering Bali. It is highly recommended to pay this online in advance through the Love Bali System to facilitate entry.

• Is tipping customary on this trip?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (approximately 10%) is customary in Asia. Tipping local guides and drivers is recommended, ranging from $2-$4 USD per person per day. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $8-10 USD per person per day.

• What currency should I use, and how should I manage money?

  The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. It is recommended to carry money via debit cards for ATM withdrawals (Visa and Mastercard networks). Bringing an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund and some cash (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD) for situations where ATMs are not accessible is also advised. Credit cards are accepted at some upmarket restaurants and larger stores. Ensure any USD notes are new and in good condition.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  Conservative dress standards are recommended throughout Asia. This means covering shoulders and ensuring shorts are knee-length. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is advised for comfort and respect. Singlets/tank tops are not acceptable, and one-piece bathing suits are recommended, with topless sunbathing being unacceptable.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Your tour leader will require proof of insurance.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a Prambanan Hindu Temple Complex Excursion, visits to Kota Gede, Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, and a Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppet Show in Yogyakarta. There's also a Borobudur Temple Complex Excursion and snorkeling available in Pemuteran.

• Are international or local flights included in the trip cost?

  International flights are generally not included. However, all local flights that are part of the itinerary are included unless specifically noted otherwise.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including minibuses, local buses, local trains, walking, and ferries.

• Do solo travelers incur an extra cost for accommodation?

  No, solo travelers do not have to pay more. The group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• Is there a minimum age to join this trip?

  Yes, the minimum age requirement for this trip is 18 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Other meals are generally not included to allow for flexibility and personal choice, with the tour leader able to suggest local dining options.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation is varied, including 10 nights in hotels, 1 night in a twin-share homestay, and 2 nights in multi-share camp dorms. Some accommodation may feature shared bathroom facilities and cold water showers, consistent with authentic local experiences. The Ngadas homestay involves groups of 4-6 passengers staying with local families, and the Red Island surf camp offers dorm-style rooms with en-suite facilities for up to 6 people.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include discovering the vibrant Javanese culture firsthand, trekking in the shadow of magnificent Mt Bromo to see its smouldering crater, relaxing on pristine sandy beaches, and participating in a surf lesson.

• What kind of experience does the "Indonesia: Hammocks & Hikes" tour offer?

  This tour is designed for young travelers (18-to-Thirtysomethings) and offers a mix of laid-back vibes in places like Bandung's tea factory and hot springs, active adventures like hiking the Ancestor Trail to Mt Bromo, and vibrant city life and scenic beaches in Java and Bali, along with cultural immersion.