Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd (Tour operator / Travel Agency in Indonesia)
Tour-Operator based in Indonesia, specialised in volcano and trekking tour
Founding member of the "Adventure Travel Network"
Member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian travel agencies)
Tour-Operator based in Indonesia, specialised in volcano and trekking tour
Founding member of the "Adventure Travel Network"
Member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian travel agencies)
Trip informations
- Mythical Dragons and Volcanoes
- Island(s) : Sumbawa & Komodo
- Price from : 1 480 €
- Number max of persons : 15
- Number of day(s) : 12 Day(s)
You are free to choose your own departure dates.
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Before departure
Mythical Dragons and Volcanoes | REFERENCE - AZV201
This unique trip leads you in the heart of two forgotten distant islands: Sumbawa and the archipelago of Komodo.
Sumbawa introduces us to its loveliest attire: its bewitching islands where everlasting lush vegetation takes over, the stunning bay of Bima, as well as its cities, Sumbawa Besar and Bima, with atypical cultural and architectural features. As few mountain lovers have done, we reach the renowned Tambora volcano’s peak.
From our first steps on the archipelago of Komodo, we discover a new land: from islands to islets, from mangroves to remote villages, we go in search of its first inhabitants: the dragons of Komodo, giant varanuses. On this trip, we also meet with genuine local people: the Bugis and the Bajau. The first are sedentary farmers, while the later are nomad fishermen. Small areas lost at the far edge of the world, these two mythical places display sometimes lush, sometimes arid natural surrounds, various traditions, seas and volcanoes. If you are curious and ready to join despite possibly basic and uncertain conditions, you will totally enjoy this unforgettable unique adventure.
Afficher Volcans & Dragons Mythiques - 13J sur une carte plus grande
Trajet présenté à titre indicatif: le trajet de votre voyage pourra donc différer légèrement de celui-ci.
D/1 – Denpasar
Welcome services upon arrival at Denpasar airport. Transfer to your hotel.
D/2 – Bali – Sumbawa Besar
In the morning, we transfer to Sumbawa Besar, capital of the western region of Sumbawa. We linger a bit, strolling in streets in a dokar or cidomo (local barouche). We have a look at the harbour’s activities, follow the rhythm of its traditional market, and visit the latest sultan’s palace as well as the museum displaying the royal family’s treasures. If we are lucky enough, we may see traditional dances and warriors’ rites in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.
D/3 – Sumbawa Besar – Moyo Island – Calabai – Pancasila
Practically the full day, we walk across the stunning island of Moyo and swim in its attractive waters and among beautiful untouched coral. Hiking through its wonderful forests (two third of the island are part of a reserve), we enjoy its waterfalls and fishermen’s activities. Moyo also offers birders and wildlife lovers a number of species. Late afternoon, we transfer to Badas Moyo by speedboat or fishermen’s boats, and later to Calabai on the northwest part of Tambora’s peninsula. Following few administrative duties regarding our expedition to Mt. Tambora, we travel by local transport (bemo or truck) to Pancasila. We spend the night in the Kepala Desa’s house, the village chief, at the foot of the staggering volcano.
D/4 – Pancasila – Mt. Tambora
Very early in the morning, we start trekking until we reach the volcano’s third post. Camping at this base camp, 1,200 m above sea level.
Trekking = from 8 to 9 hrs
Mt. Tambora
Early in the 19th century, its 4,000 m dominated the isle of Sumbawa. A 1815 eruption reduced it down overnight to 2,851 m. The force of the explosion was far stronger than the better-known eruption of Mt. Krakatau. This explosion produced a 150 km3 of ash and pumice. Thousands of lives were claimed by the blast and almost half of the population died of starvation the following year. Two local sultanates were also obliterated: that of Sanggar and that of Pekat. So little explored by trekking specialists and nearly 200 years after its memorable eruption, its stunning beauty is now accessible to you.
D/5 – Tambora volcano
From the first light of day, we hike for more than half a day towards the volcano’s fifth post. This part of our hike is testing. Situated along the caldera’s side, it does not allow us to spend the night there (rough, cold, and violent winds as well as abundant rains towards late afternoon…). We have a short rest before heading down to the caldera’s lake. Camping.
Trekking = 7 hrs
D/6 – Tambora volcano – (Pancasila)
We climb to the peak of Mt. Tambora. From its top, we enjoy a fantastic view over its surrounds, while the sun rises in the sky. This privileged moment is the best reward we can imagine for our last two-day ascents. Our walk down to the third post is an easy one. (With some inspiration and an increased walking pace, we can directly reach Pancasila.)
Trekking = from 5 to 9 hrs
The volcanoes of Nusa Tenggara
From over 40 identified volcanoes in the region of West Nusa Tenggara, 25 are still believed to be potentially or demonstrably active. A new volcano also emerged in 1988, the Anak Ranaka, on Flores.
D/7 – Pancasila – Calabai – Satonda – Calabai
Possible end of our trek down to Pancasila. We enjoy a thorough wash in a board and lodging and a bemo drives us to Calabai. On Sundays, a famous traditional market takes place, attracting a large number of people travelling by boat, from as far as Lombok. After a stroll in the most astonishing market of Nusa Tenggara, we transfer to the bewitching islet of Satonda. We spend the afternoon swimming and walking through this piece of land, which is a partly emerged sub-marine volcano. Its crater’s lake lies within arm’s reach (less than 3 minutes walk). We discover later in the day the rites linked to this magic place. Back to Calabai. Overnight at a lodge.
Transfers = 30 minutes, Walking = possibly 5 hrs
Note: For those who prefer not to climb Mt. Tambora, we may organize a three-day travel along the magnificent littoral between Calabai to Satonda.
D/8 – Calabai – Mata Air Hodo – Dompu
We transfer to Dompu, located on the border of the Dompu territory. We drive on an inshore road between the flanks of Mt. Tambora and the bay of Saleh. We visit cashew nut plantations and swim in the crystalline waters of the island of Mata Air Hodo. We meet with the people of Dompu. Overnight at a local inn (losmen).
Note: It is worth spending the night at this plantation’s guesthouse. If we do, we depart the following day, before sunrise.
D/9 – Dompu – Donggo’s plateau - Bima
We transfer by bus to start a pleasant trek through the plateau of Donggo. We have the great opportunity to discover its picturesque landscapes as well as to meet its local people: the Dou Donggo. These mountain dwellers have kept their traditional way of life, and have only recently first been in touch with outsiders. Their rice fields, villages on piles and traditional clothes have remained the same over centuries. In the afternoon, we go in search of the renowned bay of Bima, crossing through by prahu, local boat. Then, a cidomo takes us to discover this regional capital. Overnight at a hotel.
The Dou Doggo community
The isle of Sumbawa is among the rare Western-Indonesian islands yet unaffected by Javanese and Balinese cultural influences. This community is part the original inhabitants of the island who have retreated to mountains to preserve their traditions in the face of coastal influences, even before the arrival of Islam. Clear from external influences, it is even more so unaffected by Western traditions. It has to some extent maintained its traditional religion to this day, as well as unique features of local architecture. Their worship and rituals are devoted to a Trinity consisting in the Wind, the Sky and the Water.
D/10 – Bima – Wera – Sangeang – Banta
In the morning, short city-tour: traditional market and palace of the sultan. Then, we leave for Wera, in front of the fascinating island of Sangeang, shaped over the years by its ‘quick-tempered’ volcano, one of Indonesia’s most active and dangerous volcanoes. Guaranteed exotic new surroundings! We look more closely at the huge wood-cargo building process and at the manufacturing of local ikat. Later, we embark on a local boat to cross the archipelago of Komodo. On the island of Sangeang, we meet with people and get closer to their way of life, troubled by their frightening neighbour. At sunset, a boat takes us to Banta, the turtles’ island, then to Komodo. Anchoring in a peaceful cove.
D/11 – Komodo – Padar – Rinca
Early in the morning, we are awoken by the abundant wildlife of this mangrove. After fulfilling administrative duties regarding admission to a national park, we travel to the sole village of this island: kampung komodo and discover its mixed community: Bajau and Bugis. In the morning, we swim in the wonderful waters of Pantai Merah, ‘the red beach,’ renowned for snorkelling. Short offshore transfer to Padar, an island nearby. We head for the highest point of this island to enjoy the last light of dusk over surrounding islands. At night, transfer to the bay of Rinca where we drop anchor. Overnight in the boat.
D/12 – Rinca – Misa – Labuanbajo
Since the day before, the ‘dragons’ have been watching and following us. We depart for a discovery walk throughout the island of Rinca, while the sun rises. Experienced rangers accompany us and track not only the giant varanuses but also many other wildlife species, including buffalos, stags, wild bears, monkeys… On our way to Flores, we have a break on a pristine islet where we swim and snorkel. Once more, we meet with local people, crossing through the 100 % genuine village of Bajau. Towards late afternoon, we either directly travel to Labuanbajo, or first have a barbecue on an idyllic beach before setting off on our cruise to Flores Island. Overnight at bungalows.
The Komodo dragons
The Komodo dragons – which can reach 3 m in length and weigh 150 kgs – are the largest known varanid, or monitor lizards and are only found in the Komodo islands and Rinca. So called in the past because they were thought to warn us about the presence of crocodiles, they are in fact as voracious as the latter. A Komodo’s physiology resembles that of the snake: an ability to swallow preys in chunks literally larger than its mouth, a forked tongue… Two other elements make it a terrific predator: its powerful tail, which can bring down a prey (some say even cut it) and its extremely powerful gastric system known to digest the horns and bones of their prey.
D/13 – Labuanbajo/Bima – Denpasar – Next destination
You have a free morning to discover at leisure the harbour and its market’s activities, as well as some local art shops, which display Manggarai traditional art. Domestic flight to Denpasar. Flight to your next destination.
Note: If domestic flights from Labuanbajo to Denpasar are not available, we return to Rinca from where we sail to Sape. In Sape, we transfer to Bima in one hour. We first enjoy a thorough wash in a hotel, then take our domestic flight to Denpasar.
End of our services
Inclusions:
- Services of an english (or French) speaking guide from Azimuth
- Services in the national park rangers Rinca.
- Land, air and sea transfers required for national circuit.
- Full board accomodation.
- Trekking permit, entrance fees to museums and sites.
- Mineral water and energy supplements during the days of walking.
- Tents, floors and other camping equipment.
- Sleeping bag (on request)
Exclusions:
- International flights to/from Bali
- Accomodation and board in case of airline delays at the airport.
- Airport taxes
- Fees for overweight luggage
- Equipment and personal gifts
- Departure taxes
- Optional Activities (dance ...)
- Beverages
- Visas
- Insurance and personal assistance
- Tips
- Anything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
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Travel in Indonesia
Detailed information about your trip
Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.
Your Guide
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs.
Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.
Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.)
Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.
“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!
Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.
Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.
Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.
Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty
To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.
‘Easy’
- Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness, with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
- Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul.
- Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.
‘Moderate’
- Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of hikes to reach volcanoe summits).
- If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
- Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).
‘Demanding’
- Description: These trips include practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
- If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
- Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.
‘Strenuous’
- Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
- If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
- Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’
- Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?
Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
- A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
- Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
- Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
- Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
- Footwear: Hiking boots and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
- Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet.
- First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs.
- In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards