INDONESIA
also draw crowds, while nearby Solo boasts a royal heritage but is less hectic. Venturing beyond Java, options include the Gili Islands (popular with scuba divers) off the coast of Lombok, Komodo (known for the huge eponymous lizards) and Sumatra (for jungle hikes and orangutans).
What’s new Centara’s fi rst Bali resort hotel is open in Seminyak, with the fi ve-star Centara Grand Nusa Dua to have a soft opening this year and the four-star Centara Wuku at Jimbaran opening next year. An upgrade to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is scheduled to be completed by May 2013. The project also includes the building of toll roads, to relieve the severe traffi c which blights the south of the island. Looking beyond Bali, Lombok’s new airport means that fl ight connections are improving. Lombok provides access to the Gili Islands, where the eco-friendly Mahamaya resort has been winning rave reviews.
From the front line DANIEL PAWLYN
Sales & Marketing Manager, Intrepid “Don’t think that
Indonesia is just another island getaway. Yes, there are idyllic beaches and colourful reefs, but there are also playful orangutans, sultry jungles, smouldering volcanoes, ancient temples and characterful villages. “Bali is by far the best-known Indonesian destination, but Java also has a huge number of natural wonders to enjoy.”
DEBBIE MORALES Reservations Consultant, Tucan “We are soon to
launch three brand new itineraries to Indonesia in our upcoming brochure. Ranging from seven to 21 days, they pack in the highlights and all three take in the beautiful beaches of Bali.
“Indonesia is diverse with delicious food and friendly locals,
plus it is affordable to pamper yourself: you get a fi ve-star experience for two-star prices. The country also has everything you could possibly need for an adventure travel holiday.”
NEIL PROTHERO Far East Product Manager, Cox & Kings “Indonesia combines
the diverse cultures of 3,000 different ethnic groups with a rich history, but few tourists venture away from the beautiful beaches. Our new Highlights of Indonesia group tour would suit adventurous clients with an interest in culture, but who still want four-star hotel comfort. “
MARK HAUGHTON Owner, Escape Worldwide “We tend to get mainly
couples for Bali holidays rather than families, largely due to the distance involved. For a lot of people it’s also too far to travel for a beach-only holiday: the last Bali trip I sold was a Hong Kong, Bali and Singapore triple-
centre holiday.
“Combining the beaches of Bali with either Ubud or Lombok – or visiting all three of them – is also a popular option. Lombok is far less developed than Bali but is every bit as fascinating and beautiful.”
Where to book it FUNWAY – 0844 557 0649
A seven-night package staying at the three-star Griya Santrian in Bali, including return fl ights with Cathay Pacifi c and return airport transfers, costs from £879pp (based on two adults sharing).
www.funway4agents.co.uk
INTREPID – 0800 781 1660 The Jakarta to Ubud tour was added for 2012 with guests enjoying empty beaches, verdant rainforests, volcano- studded valleys, culture-rich cities and ancient temples. Highlights of the tour include the palaces of Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, Seloliman Nature Reserve and Ubud. Fourteen days are from £925 (excluding fl ights).
www.intrepidtravel.com
From top: Cycling in Bali; Centara Grand Nusa Dua Resort & Villas, Bali; a frangipani fl ower, synonymous with Bali; Borobodur Temple in Java; Jimbaran Beach, Bali.
www.sellinglonghaul.com • January 2013 43
RITA JULIANA/SXC
JOSE PERDUM/SXC
SERGI MONTANA/SXC
selling tip Indonesia is Muslim but
alcohol is widely available. The drinking age is 21,
except in Bali where there is no minimum age.
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