An old man Orangutan in North Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park near Bukit Lawang – a visit here is included in our Premium North Sumatra and Java Tour
At Better Tours we firmly believe in NO HASSLES holidays. That’s why we are launching ‘LAND CRUISING’ – the new evolution in Seniors touring and travel.
Predictability, comfort, inclusive pricing, super service, fun, and all the hassle-free convenience of an expensive ocean cruise, plus some extras of our own.
But instead of a big boat, we travel by plane, executive class train and luxury coaches.
And our tours are longer, much more interesting, and sensibly paced.
And they cost less.
Instead of sitting in a deckchair with a book, or gazing at endless expanses of sea, or joining in contrived activities, our Better Tours guests view stunning scenery through picture windows, visit new and fascinating places, meet people from different cultures, and see and learn something new and interesting every day.
We include almost everything in the upfront tour price except drinks and discretionary personal spending.
And we aim to take care of all the messy details so that you don’t have to – the complicated planning, obtaining visit Visas, help with luggage, all accommodation, all tour flights, all transfers, most meals, all admissions, along with expert guides and empathetic support staff to handle any unexpected issues.
We select drivers, tour leaders and support staff for their personality and their ability to mix and encourage interaction. Guests are encouraged to bring their party pieces and best jokes. We like laughter and fun nearly as much as we like comfort.
Our tours are designed to suit Over 55s. This doesn’t mean that mature younger folk cannot join, but they need to be aware we have done with shooting rapids, scaling mountains, chasing big waves, and rocking and rolling at all-night parties. And we don’t rush.
Our tours best suit mature and curious people who want to experience different cultures and lifestyles and to learn, understand and appreciate. People who want to see great and famous attractions, but also wander off the beaten track – not too far, but far enough to add another dimension to our experience.
We usually limit our groups to 20 people plus leaders and support team, and we go to interesting places and meet smiling people who are different, intriguing, refreshing, humorous, sometimes surprising, and, above all, warm and welcoming.
Our focus is beyond tiny Bali – the stunning other 97.1% of this beautiful island nation that travelers from most of the rest of the world are yet to discover or too nervous to seek out.
Bali is great and deservedly one of the world’s famous holiday destinations. But we explore the villages, towns, cities, and beautiful fascinating places of the REAL INDONESIA.
The roads less travelled are where the good stuff is. We seek it out. And most importantly, we do it all safely, securely and in COMFORT!
Student William Damario Lukito made this beautiful compilation
Wonders of Wonderful Indonesia in this Tourist Authority video
No Covid-19 vaccination proof required and a raft of upgraded Visa conditions. Indonesia is back to being one of the easier countries to visit. Read More.
Jungles and cascading streams, rare and fascinating wildlife, traditional villages, iconic natural and man-made wonders, rumbling volcanoes up close, vibrant and colorful cities, and warm and welcoming people – plus quality accommodation and great food.
New places, new peoples and new experiences to inform and challenge – thoughtful tours for mature and thoughtful people.
We don’t just look – we learn, we understand, we appreciate, and we respect. Plus we have plenty of FUN along the way.
Authentic adventure – with safety, security and comfort. Adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it or taking silly risks.
BANDUNG was once called the ‘Paris of Java’ or, more recently, the ‘City of Flowers’. No matter what tag you choose this is a most attractive city full of interest
Lake Toba ranks with places like the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Hainan Bay and the Niagara and Victoria falls as a great natural wonder. It is big (100
Borobudur is more than just the world’s biggest Buddhist temple – it also is a special, iconic place with a fascinating story and an aura to match. It’s easy to
To just about anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife, the ORANGUTANG is one of the earth’s truly fascinating animals. Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra is one of a
In our age of budget airlines and constant hurry few international visitors are aware of Indonesia’s superbly scenic train journeys. That’s a pity because they are missing out on great
Prized by the Dutch of the colonial era for its mild highland climate, leafy, historic Malang is consistently said to be Java’s most relaxed and charming city. Which makes even
You may well have already seen images of Mount Bromo and its four neighboring volcanoes without even realizing it. These mighty smoldering peaks belching clouds of smoke through the swirling
Special places in a very special city that you should be sure to explore Yogyakarta exudes energy from a rich tradition of more than 1300 years of culture, history, empires,
At Better Tours Indonesia we try to choose beautiful lodgings with character, facilities, traditions, or histories that make them special and memorable – like the Phoenix Hotel in Yogyakarta (above). Often, they are among the best available places to stay in each location. We believe in COMFORT — adventurous travel need not mean roughing it …
The historic and beautifully appointed five-star Majapahit hotel in Surabaya was built by a member of the Sarkies family who also built the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The Majapahit played a celebrated role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. This colonial era jewel is so famous it is part of the city’s guided tours circuit.
Peace, tranquility, and beauty in this video by Harry Mateman made at Tabo Cottages Resort, our accommodation on the shores of Lake Toba. Tabo is noted for its Indonesian and international food and even has its own German bakery and coffee roastery to create wonderful brews from locally grown beans.
The Deli River Hotel is an oasis of tranquility in Medan, the busy and lively capital of North Sumatra. Medan and the Deli River Hotel with its Omlandia Restaurant are our base for exploring the North Sumatra region. We spend our first night in Indonesia here. Just click ‘watch on youtube“– Video production by Saidi Alhadi..
No worries – Be sure to check out the comprehensive advice and information in the articles and pages of our sister website
https://travellingindonesia.net/
The articles there complement and expand our content here with reliable, up-to-date and practical information you need for visiting North Sumatra and Java. But if you are new to Indonesia we recommend you consider a guided tour first to help you learn the ropes. You will avoid mistakes and feel much more confident when you travel independently in the future.
Sultan’s Palace Medan
Promotional image by Telkomsel – its SIMPATI mobile phone network is Indonesia’s most extensive with services to every province. Indonesia is well and truly wired … or perhaps that should be well and truly wireless. When visiting you will be able to easily stay in
Not a real robbery but rather a scene from a TV drama shoot – none-the-less be aware that this kind of petty theft can happen in Indonesia and other Asian countries. Most Westerners tend to assume that countries and cities with crowded living, low incomes,
Memorial at Kuta in Bali to the more than 200 people who died in the terrorist bombings of 2002. Pic Jonathan Liem – Wiki Commons Many people are nervous about visiting Indonesia because they think they will be putting their lives or health at risk.
With Covid-19 restrictions eased, Indonesia airports are becoming busier again – pic Jakarta Post e-Visas available online, and conditions upgraded for short & extended stays Indonesia is at last back to being one of the easier countries for international travelers to visit for a short holiday
Most of us fear finding ourselves in a foreign country where we are unable to speak a word of the language. This is perfectly understandable. Not so long ago it could be a horrible experience. But now the digital world has come to the rescue.
You probably wouldn’t give too much thought to health issues if planning a holiday in Bali, right? Yet if you are like most people, you might get all get all flustered and worried about health risks if visiting elsewhere in Indonesia. Which is really weird.
Many Westerners find the idea of public bargaining for goods and services uncomfortable, even a little distasteful. Unlike the societies of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, it’s just not in our DNA … the sad reality is that we have been culturally deprived.
Dealing with strange ‘foreign’ money in unfamiliar places can be daunting. Especially if you are a first-time visitor grappling with banknotes in unfamiliar colors with stratospherically high denominations. I well remember my uncertainty and confusion on a first visit to Vietnam when the dong notes
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