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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. 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
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| 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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One of Bali's best kept secrets, Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish seaside resort in Manggis, East Bali. Set amidst a coconut grove, the resort nestles between the sea and the majestic Mount Agung, Bali's most sacred mountain. All rooms and suites face the ocean with clear views across the straits to Nusa Penida. A contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese architecture is artfully combined with modern amenities to create a relaxed environment in harmony with its natural surroundings. Famed for its Balinese Cooking School. The 53 rooms and two corner suites of Alila Manggis are housed in traditional two-storey thatched Balinese pavillions reminiscent of the village wantilan or meeting hall. Alila Manggis is situated within the regency of Karangasem, close to the village of Candidasa, and provides the perfect base from which to explore unspoiled East Bali. For more information and images, visit out website. Check out our special promotions for expats - Resident Retreat and Seaside Romance. ![]()
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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. ![]()
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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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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.
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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.![]()
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Ijen Resort and Villas is the new and first luxury hotel in this spectacular scenic area of East Java.
Perched at the edge of the rainforest in Ijen National Pak and overlooking terraced rice fields and a row of volcanoes, each of Ijen Resort’s 30 rooms boasts superb views from their spacious bedrooms and balconies. Bungalows with standard, superior, and suite accommodations are equipped with all facilities for modern comfort. Four hectares of beautiful gardens and 360 degree panoramic vistas of volcanoes, rainforest, terraced rice fields and view of Bali Strait in the distance make Ijen Resort and Villas itself a tourist destination. Ijen Resort and Villas is located at 643 meters above sea level, in the remote village of Randu Agung, Licin Banyuwangi. The closest village is a group of a dozen houses 700 meters downhill, with another village 900 meters across the valley. The hotel offers a comfortable base for travellers to enjoy unspoiled beauty in rural East Java. Resort staff organize tours to Mount Ijen to see its eerie sulfuric crater and other inspirational natural attractions. How to get to the Ijen Resort? It's a 4-hour drive from the Ngurah Raui Denpasar Bali airport (130 km) and a 6-hour drive (or by train) from Surabaya (307 km).
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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 promotion ![]()
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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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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! ![]()
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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). ![]()
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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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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 weekend breaks
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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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