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When the pace of the Jakarta lifestyle starts to get you down, and
you need a little holiday vacation in a more scenic, rural or adventurous
setting ... check out some of these Great Escapes. As expatriates living
in Indonesia, we have the unique advantage of being within a few hours
flight or drive from beautiful pristine beaches, towering volcanic mountains,
great scuba diving/snorkeling, verdant rain forest, wildlife refugees
and fascinating cultural experiences. Use Expedia to help you with your travel plans and to book your next hotel stay in Indonesia!
Take a long weekend, or use a portion of your annual holiday leave to
see more of this fascinating country that we expats are temporarily calling
home. Just imagine the air fares you'd be spending to get back to Indonesia
again for holidays in the future! Many savvy tourism operators, recognizing
the great pool of potential customers right here in-country, offer discounts
to resident expatriates. Don't get stuck in the big city ... get out and see what Indonesian
life is like in more laid back, traditional settings.
Many of these sponsors listed below offer special rates for KITAS holders, so mention you saw their listing on the Living in Indonesia website and see if they offer a discount!
Great Escapes in
Bali, Central Java, Lombok, Kalimantan, Papua
North Sulawesi Dive Resorts, Tours and Sailing Adventures, Airlines
  Click on the Facebook or Tiwtter icons below to follow these great travel destinations on Facebook and Twitter !
Bali
Two
expatriate New Zealanders, Aprile and Hugh Collett, who have lived and
worked in Indonesia for more than 15 years, have planned, built and now
operate Alam Sari Resort in the small Balinese village of Keliki located in the cool hills north of Ubud.
Their aim has been to create a small, quiet hotel with all the modern
facilities which allow its vacationing guests to experience aspects of
the Balinese landscape, people and culture that the larger beach-based
resort cannot do. By maintaining close links with the local villag ers,
Alam Sari offers many opportunities for our guests to experience unspoiled
Bali while enjoying the hospitality and personal service that a small
hotel can offer. Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Alam Sari and enjoy the fitness
facilities for a to ensure yours is a relaxing and refreshing vacation.
Newly opened at Alam Sari - beautiful Villa
Teratai is a three-bedroomed villa built in Balinese style and set
in lush tropical gardens high above rice terraces with superb panoramic
views from every room. Special rates for stays of 5 nights or more. Learn
more about this great holiday destination!
 Voted one of the ten most romantic hotels in Bali. The Watergarden features twelve elegant bungalows and one suite set amidst luxuriant tropical gardens and surrounded by lily ponds filled with Koi Carp. Only the murmur of flowing water, bird song and the splash of leaping fish disturb the tranquility when you sit on your very private verandah. Traditional Balinese styled bungalows with everything you need for your comfort and convenience. Located in the small village of Candi Dasa the hotel is a popular place for those wishing to avoid the chaos of Kuta and to explore the delights East Bali, all within easy reach are Ujung Water palace, Tirtagangga Water palace, Besakih Temple and Tenganan.
Our famous Restaurant is probably the best in Candidasa, renowned for its excellent cuisine, food festivals and special events, like Weddings, birthdays and Anniversaries. Our newly opened “Orchid Spa” has become as famous as our restaurant and very reasonably priced, compared to other nearby Spas. Although the staff's natural warmth and friendliness make it hard to leave the hotel. For info on nearby diving read Water World - one expat's experiences learning to dive in East Bali. To see some pictures of the Watergarden Hotel. Water World - one expat's experiences learning to dive in East Bali. Special Rates for stays of 5 nights or more Nyepi promo
 Balispirit.com - your connection to Holistic Bali - is a centralized registry of Bali's
holistic healers, resorts, spas, healthy restaurants, yoga studios, educational
classes and eco-tours, retreats and workshops. We are an earth-friendly,
socially responsible and health-mind-body conscious organization. Join
us for a Bali Yoga Holiday and find your peace of mind with Balispirit.
 The promise of our resort lies in its name. ‘Elysian' means paradise and that's exactly what our resort is… a romantic haven where you can enjoy the privacy of a luxury villa with its own private pool set in a lush, tropical Balinese garden. Close the gate, slide into the pool, chill out, relax and enjoy everything we have to offer. Your villa comes with Apple TV, an iPod and Bose Sound System, a complimentary notebook, MacBook or iPad plus Wi-Fi internet access.
When you choose to venture outside your gate, we have the renown Rush Bamboo Restaurant to tempt your taste buds and the Elysian Spa to revive body and soul. And within a few minutes walk, you can immerse yourself in the lively pleasures found in Bali’s trendiest suburb yet always knowing that there is peaceful haven to return to. The Elysian, there’s nowhere else quite like it. A complimentary shuttle service is provided for guests.
 Discover
Bali’s ultimate number one holiday destination - the fabulous Tirta
Ayu Hotel (which means lovely waters). Located within the beautiful,
secure 22-acre grounds of Bali’s most treasured Royal Water Palace
at Tirtagangga, the resort is located in the Karangasem Regency of East
Bali which is overlooked by Mount Agung. Views of the surrounding countryside
are blessed with some of the most amazing rice terraces with the warm
crystal clear ocean in the distance. The mornings are stunning and inspire
many guests to walk, and take photographs. In fact, many artists have
painted these spectacular landscapes. The visual stimulus is breathtaking;
this is the real Bali at its best and an ideal base to explore this magical
island. At Tirta Ayu guest’s can enjoy being treated like Gods and
Goddesses with first class royal treatment, be pampered and experience
total relaxation. Island healers have praised the waters of the holy spring
at Tirtagangga, for their healing and youth giving powers. It is said
that if one bathes in the waters of Tirtagangga on the full moon, one
is blessed with lasting youth and all illnesses will be healed. Is it
any wonder that Tirtagangga is known as "The Fountain of Youth"
of Bali?
 Lotus
Bungalows, located in Candidasa, is an ideal base for explorations
of eastern Bali, as well as a quieter alternative to the southern tourism
centers. Set in a peaceful lush garden, Lotus Bungalows is located at
the entrance of Candidasa and is only 1.5 hours away from the Ngurah Rai
International Airport near Denpasar. With a very high international standard
of service and comfort, Lotus Bungalow is the perfect place for honeymooners,
nature lovers and diving enthusiasts. 20 well-appointed bungalows, comfortably
decorated, have a spacious verandah overlooking the ocean and the Lombok
Straits. All rooms are equipped with the many features you'd expect to
find at a first class resort. Enjoy the pool, the excellent restaurant,
or take advantage of the PADI dive center Gangga Divers at Lotus Bungalows to explore
nearby diving spots such as Tulamben, and Nusa Penida. Visit soon and enjoy
the hospitality of the ancient village of Candidasa, home to many cultural
attractions. See our Family Holiday Getaway package for expats and the Nyepi Getaway Package
| Bali Hotels and Key Destinations Accommodation in Bali comes in great variety of forms . There is everything from the exclusive Nusa Dua Hotels to the vibrant Kuta accommodation areas full of young travellers from overseas. All in all there are hundreds of options available amongst 250 properties across a list of key destination that can be found here When booking ahead for peak periods such as School and Public holidays it is recommended to book six to 8 weeks in advance , however for the major holiday seasons of Easter and Christmas / New Year, to obtain the best rooms and villas , it is a good idea to book as far in advance as 5 to 6 months. |
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 Villa Bugis provides private villa accommodation rentals for holidays, honeymoon, and vacations. Located in Seminyak, Bali's most fashionable district, just 25 minutes drive from the Denpasar International Airport and the center of gourmet cafes, restaurants and bars, housewares and fashion stores where an international mix of celebrities and cosmopolitan jet setters flock to shop, party and indulge.
 Where life is a private celebration ...
Looking for a memorable weekend getaway? Kayumanis Private Villa & Spa offers a choice of luxurious accommodations in three exclusive locations on the exotic island of Bali. Each retreat is truly unique and pays tribute to Bali’s rich culture and artistic heritage. Kayumanis Ubud is blessed with a breathtaking river valley landscape and promises complete privacy amongst mature cinnamon trees and indigenous flora. To be near a white sandy beach, Kayumanis Nusa Dua prides itself on exposing the visual elements of traditional Balinese design with an open-style living concept. And Kayumanis Jimbaran, hidden beneath a grove of coconut trees close to the gentle waters of Jimbaran Bay, is where all your needs will be fulfilled without having to step out of the comfort of your villa estate. A dedicated 24 hour Butler service is just one of the complimentary privileges of staying at Kayumanis Private Villas and Spa. Each property also has its own award-winning spa facility for you to indulge in a collection of body and beauty rituals inspired by the timeless healing traditions of a bygone era. See our special package for expats.
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Central Java
 Enter the nostalgic 1920s world of a 22-acre Dutch colonial coffee plantation in the forested highlands of Java with a memorable stay at Mesa Stila Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation (formerly Losari). Surrounding the resort, eight volcanic mountains thrust above the luscious vegetation on the hills and the fragrant floral landscape plunges below each balcony of the 24 Javanese-style luxury villas. Five splendid bedrooms with butler service are featured in the classic Bella Vista Villa, each bedroom has a private garden, and one with a private pool. As you relax on the verandah of the Mesa Stila Club House in the 1828 original Dutch Mansion, a cup of the best organic Mesa Stila coffee in hand, you will see the old Javanese village and the coffee warehouse which has been converted into the Plantation Bar.
The Hammam Spa provides opportunities for creating a harmony between mind, body and nature. The rejuvenation treatments start with yoga beside the spring water-fed pool and end at the Hamam. The resort features two signature restaurants: the Java Red and Java Green offering International and Authentic Nusantara menus with gourmet delicacies and variety of salads from Mesa Stila's own organic garden. Nearby attractions include the spectacular Borobudur Temple, rides on a 1902 cog steam train “The Queen of the Mountains” through rice fields and mountainous landscape, Pawon and Mendut Buddhist Temples, and verdant Javanese rural scenes of country lifestyles. Special promotions for expats.
 Havana Horses is a natural horse riding school, located on the outskirts of Salatiga, centrally positioned between Yogyakarta, Semarang and Solo in Central Java, Indonesia.
Our robust and surefooted horses - of local breed and crossed with thoroughbreds - are kept, fed and trained a natural way. Our horses live outside 24/7 in herds, eat the naturally available grasses and hay, go barefoot, and we train our horses using natural horsemanship methods.
Since we opened in 2007, people from all over the world have enjoyed lessons, courses, trail rides, and horsey holidays at Havana Horses in Salatiga. Come over for a (long) weekend to take an intensive course in natural horsemanship or join an exciting trail ride!
We ride our horses without bit, spurs or any other means of force. Instead you learn how to communicate with your horse and become equal partners. Havana Horses is run by Havedz Nugroho and Anna van Rheeden. Read more about this natural horse riding school in Barefoot in Indonesia. Special Promotion for expats
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Lombok
 Escape
to Villa
Almarik and enjoy the wide array of Gili Taranwangan's beautiful
tropical beaches, landscapes, and the nearby towering volcanic mountain
- Gunung Rinjani on Lombok - and some of the most spiritual sites that
Indonesia has to offer. This small exotic tropical island, originally
home to only a handful of fishermen, lies between blue coral reefs and
clear turquoise waters. The Villas are located on the beachfront , with
a white sandy beach on the edge of a wide assemblage of beautiful blue
corals. The resort is only a few minutes walk from the island’s
central area which is alive with small cafés and restaurants. Villa
Almarik has 20 elegantly appointed cottages. Each of these is air conditioned
and has a spacious living area, a terrace, and a traditional outdoor courtyard
attached to the bathroom. Enjoy the gastronomic mix of Indonesian and
Mediterranean dishes that awaits you at the Almarik Hotel restaurant,
relax at the spa, or enjoy nearby diving. Visit Villa Almarik soon and
you'll agree you've found a truly unique vacation getaway. Learn
more about this great holiday destination! “Special Nyepi Escape Package” and “Special Family Holiday” promotion for expatriates.
 Kuta Horses Lombok provides horseback riders with horseback riding in an unspoiled spectacular landscape and naturally preserved sites: deserted beaches, bays, hills and valleys, primitive forests, rice paddies, and tobacco fields.
Crossing the villages and riding a horse is the best way to be part of the local Lombok Sasak traditional culture.
Usually in Indonesia, horses are quite small. Ours western-sized horses come from Java and Australia. They have strong endurance and personality but they are never aggressive.
Our horses were all selected for their physical qualities, but they have all been prepared for you to ride safely, just enjoy. All our saddles and equipments are comfortable leather handmade brands as: Forestier, Stübben, etc… They are in perfect condition and have been selected according to the routes.
The rides offer many different landscapes to discover: A lot of natural spots can be reached within an hour or two (depending of the riding speed). All rides have a guide (speaking French, English, Spanish). Starts generally at 4 p.m. and sometimes early morning (7 a.m.), all schedules are possible.
We can pick you up at your hotel. Accomodations packages available in luxurious private villa or Guest-house overlooking the Kuta’s bay. Private swimming pool.
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North Sulawesi Dive
Resorts
 This Gangga
Island Resort & Spa, built under shady palms and surrounded
by tropical gardens and a pure white sand beach, is located on the tip
of the small island of Gangga – easly accessible from Manado International
Airport, car and boat. The resort features 15 wooden bungalows, each with
two rooms and built in the simple local Minahasa style, with a spacious
veranda overlooking the beach and neighbouring islands. Equipped with
features expected in a first class resort - hot water, air conditioning
and ceiling fan, satellite television with international channels, and
sports facilities including a swimming pool. Restaurants and bars feature
international and Indonesian cuisine. Relax and rejuvenate in the newly
opened Pasung Spa offering rare therapies from the local Minahasa families
that have specialized in the ancient art and healing powers. On-site PADI
diving centre coordinates diving adventures to nearby Bunaken Marine Park,
with over 25 world-class dive locations. Travel to nearby villages and
view traditional lifestyles of Bajau fishermen, Tangkoko National Rainforest
or the Minahasa Highlands. For more information about Gangga
Island Resort & Spa! See the Gangga Island Resort & Spa “Special Family Holiday” promotion for expatriates
 Lembeh Hills Eco Luxury Resort is one of a growing family of luxurious eco-boutique resorts around the world.
The 23 excellently appointed and spacious villas, including two deluxe suites, are sprinkled across a
lush hillside above a secluded bay about half an hour north of the bustling port town of Bitung. Much
thought has gone into the design of this little piece of paradise, with the environmentally responsible
architecture blending perfectly and peacefully into the verdant jungle backdrop. Lembeh Hills Resort
offers a sophisticated and upper-class base for indulging in ‘muck-diving’; exploring the coarse, black
volcanic sand of the famous and enchanting Lembeh Strait and discovering a multitude of unusual
critters below the shoreline. There are also plenty of ways for non-divers to enjoy the natural
surroundings and relaxing ambience of this lovely place. A serene infinity pool with both dry and
submerged sunbeds affords a stunning view out over Lembeh Strait with Lembeh Island beyond. The
luxury spa with professional and exquisitely attentive staff offers indulgent daytime pampering and
the spectacular Sky Bar atop the restaurant provides a gorgeous setting for a post-dive chill or
pre/after dinner cocktail.
Tours and Sailing Adventures
across the Archipelago
 Beyond
diving and diving beyond .... Java
Sea Charters runs luxury live aboard trips in West Java close
to Jakarta on board the Cecelia-Ann. This well designed 18 meter motor-sailer
is well known for her fabulous trips through the Sunda Straits. We visit
famous Krakatau and Ujung Kulon national park, and scuba dive the spectacular
wrecks of two large WW II vessels, USS Houston and HMAS Perth. The unique
ecosystems in these areas are hardly explored and rarely visited by commerical
vessels, making the diving and snorkling very special. Join our regular
scheduled weekend trips and long weekends or book a customised charter.
Our journeys are great for both scuba divers and non-divers; trekking,
snorkling, fishing and bonfires in the remote areas are part of all our
trips. A perfect weekend, long weekend or mid week holiday. A different
kind of team-outing or a cozy trip with family and friends (up to 10 people)
close to Jakarta. We also cater for 1 day functions, parties or celebrations
(up to 35 people).
 Go
Beyond Your Comfort Zone ... Without Surrendering Comfort! No longer is
a journey to the hidden gems of Indonesia's Far East a journey of certain
hardship. The Seven
Seas Dive and Adventure Cruises takes you there with all the
style and comfort you would expect. Sumptuous buffets and a fine selection
of wines, air-conditioned cabins and dining room, warm showers, a stereo
and DVD will all ensure you feel at home albeit in the most exotic of
locations. Diving is the main activity, but while anchored at a secluded
bay, passengers can take a slow paddle on a kayak or jump aboard the speed
boat to explore the beach. Children can play in the waves on a boogie
board. Venture onshore to experience some of the local culture and perhaps
purchase a beautiful tapestry. Or indulge in a Spa Treatment or Massage
offered by our friendly Balinese staff. Seven Seas is all about safety,
exquisite reefs, untouched nature, and comfort. Before starting their
own family, the owners were vivid scuba-divers and sport-fishers, and
they loved traveling to witness the remote nature beauty of Indonesia.
Now they have kids, they simply continue to do just the same and take
their kids with them. Throughout the year, for special group charters
or just to step on with your individual family, Seven Seas organize family
adventure cruises in eastern Indonesia. Read more about Sailing the Seven Seas of the Indonesian Archipelago.
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Kalimantan
 Join Kalimantan Tour Destinations on a relaxing Jungle River Cruise, on board the Rahai'i Pangun, from Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan. See orangutans, hornbills, proboscis monkeys, traditional villages and livelihoods. Sit back, relax and enjoy the forested river banks and river life. Only a short hop from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta or Surabaya, you are transferred directly from the airport to the comfortable boat. Settle into your stylish cabins (there are 5 in total) with western bathrooms, and then go up on the viewing deck as the boat sets off on its journey along the meandering rivers. This is raw Borneo, where the rivers remain the main highways through this vast and mostly empty province. Our Jungle River Cruises are the first and only in Central Kalimantan, and provide a unique way to live on board and explore the Borneo Jungle and riverside villages inaccessible by road in relaxed comfort.The on board chef provides a selection of delicious local and Thai delicacies throughout the cruise. Our on board guide accompanies the boat to give you an insight into this little visited but fascinating region and the communities who live here. We are working with local communities to bring Ecotourism to this part of Central Kalimantan as a way of protecting the environment and creating alternative livelihoods. Our land tours include journeys to remote longhouses, to Tanjung Puting National Park to see this famous orangutan rehabilitation site, to Banjarmasin, overland travelling from Bali to Kali, and round Kalimantan orangutan explorations, finishing with some diving at magical Nabucco Island. Special Promotion for KITAS/KITAP holders - February and April 2013 
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Papua
 Built on an idyllic tropical island, surrounded with pristine reefs and unspoiled flora, Papua Paradise
Eco-Resort, situated in the heart of Raja Ampat brings you closer to Mother Nature at her best, with
all essential standards of service and comfort, making it an unforgettable holiday for divers,
snorkelers, beach combers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Our local architectural inspired water bungalows with essential facilities are built on stilts and made
with traditional materials. The resort features a total of 16 bungalows with spacious verandas overlooking the
turquoise house reef and the Pacific Ocean. Papua Paradise Divers diving facility operates according to best safety standards and personalized service. With this
standard, a maximum of 4 divers dive at the same time, with 1 guide to take you
through the underwater world of Raja Ampat; with over 1300 fish species and 540 coral species, it is
considered to be the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity. Raja Ampat is well know as the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world.
Many of these sponsors offer special rates for KITAS holders,
so mention you saw their listing on the Living in Indonesia website, and see if they offer a discount!
Looking for help in booking these vacations?
... read
the article on Choosing a Travel Agent! |
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