Indonesia
The island of Belitung, in the southeast of Sumatra, much pampered by Dutch settlers for its wealth of tin, has become, over the years, a model for the protection of the sea and forests. So much so that UNESCO is considering creating an international geopark there! On site, local nature protection associations are therefore active, in order to offer (booming) tourism that is increasingly responsible, so as to no longer depend solely on mining operations and oil palm plantations.
Belitung, due to...
Day 1Welcome to Belitung
Day 1Welcome to Belitung
Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, your guide takes you to the Bukit Peramun forest for a first discovery hike (3 hours of walking).
At the end of the day, you witness, from the heights, a fabulous sunset, then, at nightfall, and on the way down, you enjoy trying to spot the famous endemic tarsier of Belitung.
Barbecue in the forest before returning to the hotel.
Day 2Discovery of Lengkuas Island
Day 2Discovery of Lengkuas Island
The day is devoted to discovery of the underwater world which surrounds the very pretty Lengkuas Island, north of Belitung.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced, your guide will take you, snorkeling, to explore some of the most extraordinary underwater depths of Indonesia: multicolored corals and turtles are notably on the program.
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Day 3In the jungle of Belitung
Day 3In the jungle of Belitung
Early this morning, you follow the first long-distance hiking trail traced in Belitung. During your trekking (5 hours of walking), you will approach two superb waterfalls and discover three different ecosystems: a primary forest (very humid), a swamp forest, as well as an arid forest.
Picnic in the forest at lunchtime.
You end the day with a visit to the Nek Santen cave, full of history.
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Day 4Discovery of the traditional village of Sungai Padang
Day 4Discovery of the traditional village of Sungai Padang
The day is dedicated to visiting, by canoe and through the mangroves, the astonishing village of Sungai Padang.
You also take the opportunity to observe how the natives protect the tridacnas, these large clam-shaped shells.
Traditional lunch by the sea, and possibility of snorkeling at sea in the afternoon, in particular to approach ray sharks.
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Day 5Gunung Tajam Forest
Day 5Gunung Tajam Forest
After breakfast, you set off to explore the Gunung Tajam forest, which constitutes the largest protected jungle on the island (2-3 hours walk).
Lunch is picked up along the way and then prepared in carnivorous plants.
At nightfall, you examine the pelandok, the smallest antelope in Indonesia, which the natives also call “kencil”.
Return to the hotel around 8 p.m. and traditional meal with members of a local nature protection association.
Day 6See you soon in Indonesia
Day 6See you soon in Indonesia
Before taking the road to the airport, your guide offers you the choice of visiting Tanjung Pandang, a fishing village, or a final swim.
