Bali & Java overland

When friends asked, "Why do you want to go to Bali and Java?" my answer was, "To see their botanical gardens." Well, due to the first big storm of the rainy season (November to March), that was probably the only thing we didn't see.

Warm destination

Our group of 26 travel agents on a 14-day "Bali Overland" tour was overwhelmed by the friendly, smiling Indonesians. Never have so many waves been exchanged, especially with children dressed in their school uniforms.

The 13,000-plus islands of this largest archipelago are a mixture of mountains, volcanoes and rivers where over 160 million people work hard for a living; however, only 6,000 of the islands are inhabited.

Leaving the U.S. from Los Angeles on Garuda Indonesian Airways, we made two short stops, in Honolulu and then in Biak, before being met with a lei greeting and getting our first taste of 85-degree, humid air in Denpasar, Bali.

Arriving at Sanur Beach Hotel, we found a tropical paradise of immaculate grounds, palms, flowers, fish ponds, outdoor restaurants and beautiful pools.

At night we were lured to sleep by the sounds of crickets, frogs and the many waterfalls throughout the gardens.

The sun, whether rising or setting in Bali, created the most beautiful silhouetted scenes.

As the temperature never varies more than 15 degrees day or night and all year long, there was no need for warm clothing. Bali is noted for its beaches, and all the water sports were offered at very reasonable prices.

Food and shopping

Both Bali and Java are shoppers' delights and bargaining was a must. Batik, pottery and silver factories were visited and we left a lot of money at the myriad "mom and pop" stalls.

Other than for a couple of warnings about pickpockets, we found the streets very safe for shoppers. One thing you won't lose in Indonesia is weight -- whether luggage weight or your own.

All of our meals included in the tour were large and tasteful. Although the country is known for its spicy dishes, they always were optional. Lunch and dinner usually consisted of two or three kinds of meat along with fish, vegetables and always rice plus tropical fruit for dessert.

I missed milk and green salads, but free drinking water was provided in the hotels and we always carried our own on the bus.

Java

The beauty of Java is found in the green, patterned ricefields, the banana and tapioca plantations and the picturesque and colorful mountain villages.

Many natives spoke English and all were more than willing to have their pictures taken.

There is a number of 5-star hotels located in Jakarta.

The unbelievable traffic is a drawback and we did a bit of dodging and running as we crossed a traffic circle from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to the Hyatt (which was complete with a Burger King, Wendy's and Baskin Robbins next door).

One morning, after spending a night at Tosari mountain resort at 6,000 feet, we boarded a jeep at 3:30 and took a bumpy ride up to 9,000 feet for a view of the sunrise over a series of volcanoes.

Next, we mounted ponies for a ride through sand dunes and then climbed 250 steps to the rim of smoldering Mt. Bromo. One must climb steps to see Indonesia -- up temple steps, down to villages and up to volcanoes.

About transportation

Ours was not an easy trip, as some days we traveled overland for 10 hours. However, by flying across the islands the visitor would miss the color, flavor and warmth of the true Indonesia. Don't try to drive it yourself; you'd never make it.

Our return trip to the U.S. turned into an adventure. As we landed for refueling on the small island of Biak, the runway was lined with locals waving at us; it turned out that this was an inaugural flight for a 747 as one had never landed there before. Some 200 were given a walk-through of the plane during our one-hour layover.

Meanwhile, the mechanics, being unfamiliar with the plane, damaged the gas tank, causing a leak. Our one hour turned into 28!

During this time we rested on anything that was flat, from the desks and concrete floors to the X-ray belts.

At 3 a.m., after eight hours, rolls and coffee plus blankets and pillows were brought from the plane.

Someone decided to try and find rooms for us at 5 a.m. It was a nightmare operation as there were no phones operating on the island (the pilot couldn't even call out) and the Garuda Airline personnel had gone home.

Because of the delay, we were treated to a 3-hour tour of the island the next day (in which we saw an awful lot of brush and forests). Other than a bird farm with perhaps 25 birds, as well as caves where the Japanese stayed during World War II, the main attraction was greeting the people who hadn't seen many tourists.

I'm sure Garuda did their best to accommodate us. They gave us a box of Sees' candy upon our arrival in Los Angeles and put us up at a hotel when we arrived at midnight However, they need a lot of help in administration in Indonesia.

Trip arrangements

If you're planning a trip to this fascinating country, let a tour company arrange your trip.

Vayatour is an experienced company and did an excellent job of showing us this unique Asian land. You can contact them at 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 605, Los Angeles, CA 90010; 213/487-1433.

COPYRIGHT 1993 Martin Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group