Macaques, Herbalists and Sail Boats: Khiri Travel’s New Indonesian Journeys

"Our aim is to the show the hidden, quiet or often over-looked authentic experiences of this amazing country," says Herman Hoven, Khiri Travel Country Manager for Indonesia.

Flores: From family names to Catholic religion, Flores has its own character. Flores is also the jumping off point to explore the Komodo archipelago. "Cruising on the deep blue waters of the sea of Flores on a wooden ship evokes the times of maritime discovery," says Gonzalo Gil Lavedra, Khiri Travel, Branch Manager for Bali."Pair it with the excitement of seeing the Komodo dragons at close range, and meeting welcoming people. It makes for an incredible mix, just a short flight from Bali." (From US$55pp)

Surabaya: In the old quarter of Surabaya city visitors can discover the European quarter with its famous buildings designed by Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. Up to three hundred years of Dutch colonial history can be seen. The highlight is Kampung Arab with its maze-like streets where the scent of clove and coffee permeates the air. "The old town of Surabaya is a gem. It's just that no one has noticed it yet," says Lavedra. (From US$45pp)

Sulawesi: One of the most diverse destinations in Indonesia includes the coastal rain forest of Tangkoko, where the elusive and tiny tarsier monkey with huge timid eyes lives. Walk the park at dawn looking for the tarsier. Surrounded by rich flora and fauna, visitors will likely also meet black crested macaques and the Sulawesi dwarf cuscus. "Adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten path and anyone who loves wildlife, shouldn't miss Tangkoko," says Lavedra. (From US$50pppd)

Lombok: Khiri has introduced a sailing exploration of southwest Lombok. The trip includes a scenic ride along the coast of Sekotong and a fresh fish BBQ lunch on a deserted beach.In the afternoon there is snorkelling in the abundant marine life off Gili Layar. "Forget the famous and somewhat over-developed 3 Gilis islands off the north coast of Lombok – or rather, imagine them like they were 30 years ago. That's what you'll experience when you head to South West Lombok to explore these picture perfect islands," says Hoven. (From US$75pp)

Bali: This is a hike to discover the underprivileged villages of northeast Bali where rain is scarce and agriculture harder. Part of the earnings of the hike go to support the building of special water basins that help the villagers be self sufficient and to do a little agriculture. Weaving and hammock making as well as cultivating cashew nuts are all part of the efforts to give the people of this area a chance for growth. This is a side of Bali rarely seen. (From US$85pp)

For further information about Khiri's innovative tours in Indonesia visit Khiri Travel at ITB Berlin 9-11 March(Stand 203, Hall 26B), or contact Herman Hoven, Khiri Travel Indonesia, Country Manager. Email:[email protected]. Tel +62 370 647 390.

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