Travel Information - Sumatra
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
ARRIVAL IN YOUR DESTINATION CITY
Upon arrival in your destination city, please collect your checked luggage and proceed through to the (Immigration and customs fro International Arrivals) f arrivals exit of the terminal. Once outside, you will see many someone waiting for arriving passengers. There will be either a hotel staff or Orangutan Odysseys guide there to greet you with a sign reading (YOUR NAME). In the case that you cannot locate your transfer, please refer to the contact details provided to you in your final information email from us and try to make contact with them. If for any reason you cannot find the hotel staff please look for the airport taxi service (Bluebird) and give them the hotel details. The costs should be approx. 100,000 to 200,000 rupiah ($10-15) and we shall arrange to refund this you.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS WITHIN INDONESIA
Orangutan Odysseys use only commercial airlines. In Indonesia our preferred airline is Garuda Indonesia, however domestic flight bookings are subject to flight schedules, availability and destinations.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your return travel date is required by all visitors. You will need to obtain a VOA Visa On Arrival once you arrive in Indonesian Immigration. It is approx AUD$50 and is paid for in cash. We always suggest that your check visa requirements for your country before travel as the VOA does not apply to all countries.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is mandatory to take part in this trip and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is required for all trekkers. If you are an Australian resident, this can be obtained from our website by clicking on the Insurance menu tab. We strongly recommend that you also take out trip cancellation, baggage loss and accident insurance.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, Orangutan Odysseys will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the country.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
On top of the list below, we recommend you bring a fresh set of clothes to leave in your hotel (only if your itinerary has you returning to the same hotel) when you return to Bali or Jakarta. This way, you will have a very fresh set of clothes to change into when you return from your expedition. Please note that the boating experiences are a very laid back. Pack all your gear into a duffel bag or back pack. Your baggage will always be left with the expedition crew when you go exploring.
- 1-2 pairs of light weight long pants (required IF jungle trekking) 2-3 pair light weight shorts
- 1-2 long sleeve cotton shirt
- 3-4 t-shirts
- Underwear
- 1 light weight polar fleece
- Light hiking boots or firm runners (for jungle trekking)
- Pair of thongs/sandals to wear around the villages (or boat if applicable)
- Socks
- Longs socks to keep leeches out (required IF jungle trekking)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Tropical strength insect repellant
- Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
- Rain poncho (something light weight)
- Cotton towel
- A water bottle to carry with you
- A personal first aid kit. The following list is suggested items to include: Band-Aids, blister
dressings, topical cream for bites and grazes, antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle cream and insect repellent. Another first aid kit will be carried the guide. Please note: If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems; please bring your required items for this.
Optional items:
- Gaiters
- Inflatable pillow (for expeditions where accommodation is in tents)
- Snacks such as barley sugar, Mentos, chocolate, muesli bars etc.
- Bathers
- Sunglasses
- Notebook and pen
- Camera and spare batteries, lens cleaner, tripod
Camping gear: For camping components of a trip, we provide use of tents and an inflatable mattress, pillow and blanket. Optional for your to bring a sarong or a silk sleeping bag.
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you with additional information at any time.
HEALTH AND FIRST AID
No vaccinations are required for entry into Indonesia. However, you should consider cholera, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date. Please plan ahead and consult your doctor regarding personal health requirements as well as vaccinations and anti-malarial medication recommended for the area you are travelling to. All guests are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit however an Orangutan Odysseys first aid kit will be available on all tours.
MONEY
The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp). Money can be changed at the airport and some hotels. ATM's are also available in some areas while on tour. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted whereas American Express is limited in its acceptance. For spending money while on expedition it is best to have money in local currency (Rp)
TIPPING
Tipping while not compulsory is encouraged to show your appreciation to our guides, drivers and assistants during your travel.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Please note Indonesia is comprised mostly of people and locations of the Muslim religion (Bali is the main exception). As such you should be prepared for:
ELECTRICITY
Indonesia uses 220 Volt for its electricity. The electrical outlet has two round holes, similar to those in continental Europe. The voltage may be unstable in some places.
1. The "Call to Prayer" at about 4am each morning from the many Mosques that are scattered around the towns where you might stay.
2. Alcohol. Please note that purchasing of alcohol can be very difficult to impossible along with expensive once in Indonesia. Should you require any alcohol other than beer we suggest that this be purchased ahead of your arrival (duty free). Only 1 litre per person is allowed through customs in Indonesia. Please also make sure when travelling domestically in Indonesia that the bottle remains unopened until your final destination and is carried in your stowed luggage only. Beer can generally be purchased at most locations.
3. Females are requested to dress modestly when walking through towns and villages (other than Bali). A head scarf is not required but covering of shoulders and knee length shorts of skirts are suggested.
BEING RESPONSIBLE:
THE ENVIRONMENT
Many of the places you will visit are pristine. We should try to have as little impact on these natural environments as possible. As such we recommend the following:
- We discourage the use of soaps when washing both body and clothes. We recommend the use of biodegradable soap to wash hands to help protect the eco-system.
- All rubbish taken into the Park is taken out of the Park. If you have rubbish, can you please leave it in rubbish bins provided or give it to your guide to be carried out. Please do not dispose of batteries in country. They are extremely harmful to the environment.
- At campsites, use toilet facilities as directed by your guide.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the local people.
Orangutan Odysseys has prepared these important travel procedures with the very valuable and expert advice of Leif Cocks from TOP, so that we can issue our visitors to Indonesian Eco-tourism Sites with information about their responsibilities during their expeditions. We request that guests read these carefully and understand the appropriate behavior that is needed during your time in Indonesia. Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines will ensure the well-being of the animals, their environment and for yourselves to help maintain a stable and long term viable tourism facility for all.
As you trek through the forests or visit the care centers (if applicable to your itinerary), it is important to remember that you are entering the habitat of one of the rarest great ape species on Earth. The population of Sumatran and Bornean orangutans can generate from two different origins:
- Ex-captive individuals who have been rehabilitated and released in the forest. These released rehabilitant orangutans often do not fear humans and even expect to interact with them.
- Wild individuals, some of whom have become habituated to human presence while others remain naïve and not used to people’s presence in their forest habitat.
Inappropriate behavior by visitors may affect the behavior and health of orangutans from both populations negatively, which places them at increased risk of becoming stressed, or the transfer of diseases. By following these simple guidelines, visitors are able to see the orangutans at all locations in a way that is safe for both themselves and the orangutans whilst at the same time, experiencing a more natural, unique experience in the forest.
WHAT DO OUR ORANGUTAN EXPEDITIONS INCLUDE?
DONATIONS TO HELP SAVE THE ORANGUTAN AND HABITAT
Your trip fee will include a donation amount which will go fully and directly to helping saving the Orangutans and their rainforest habitat.
SERVICES OF AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDE
All our trek guides have been carefully selected for their ability and temperament. Each guide has training and proven abilities in eco-friendly methods, safety and careful trek operations as well as an understanding of the importance of keeping the health and happiness of the trekkers and crew a priority. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, come back safely and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you their country's specialties and perhaps their home and family too.
ACCOMMODATION
Whilst many of our expeditions use tents, boats, hotels and guest houses. Those used are always clean and comfortable. Orangutan Odysseys encourages the use of eco-friendly places where possible.
ALL MEALS WHILE ON EXPEDITION
Meals included are as per itinerary. We usually also serve up afternoon tea, tea and coffee as well as purified water in bottles and by dispensers.
TRANSPORT
We provide all domestic airfares, airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles as well as all forms of transportation during your expedition as per the
itinerary.
CONSERVATION FEES, NATIONAL PARK AND TREK PERMITS
All trekking permits, National Park and Conservation Fees are included.
FINAL CHECKLIST:
Please make sure you have the following items before you travel to the airport for your flight to Indonesia:
- Luggage with personal clothing/equipment, etc
- Day pack/back pack as hand luggage
- Valid passport
- Photocopy of the main page of your passport
- Return Air tickets with confirmed seat and other travel documents
- Medical/travel insurance papers/certificates
- Credit cards and cash for expenses while in Indonesia
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
If you have any questions or want more information please feel free to contact the office on +61 (0)417 973 355 or email OO team at oo@orangutanodysseys.com. We are here to support you with all the information you require to help you prepare for your travels to Indonesia. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will receive further information specific to your tour including Australian and Indonesian contact details.