Lion Air, the Worst Airline in the World

I’m on my way from Kalimantan to I’m in business class. It’s cost me an arm and a leg to reschedule, but I reason that the enforced payment for an upgrade might at least be a nice experience; it isn’t. I only get priority check in as I harass a closed desk clerk. There’s no fast track security or lounge. And no priority boarding. It’s the usual scrimmage.

The seat is nice and wide. As to the food. It’s the same bread bun, with sweet filling, I got in economy, but this time it’s heated. And accompanied by a small, dry, muffin. The water is in a bottle, instead of a plastic cup. There’s a knife and fork and a red napkin and tablecloth, to glorify the whole affair. It’s a lot extra to pay for a wider seat and a muffin. And the flight is still very bumpy. But it’s only one hour.

This is another huge modern airport, Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi and the seventh largest city in Indonesia (or the third or the fourth or the tenth depending on which guide or section of Wikipedia you believe), but even so we don’t make use of the airport bridges and park up on the tarmac. And, wait, there’s five minutes more bang for my buck, as us business class passengers get on a special minibus to the terminal. It’s all to no avail however, as there’s no way that our luggage has beaten us. And indeed, it takes a very long time to arrive.

Sulawesi - in a Nutshell

• Sulawesi looks a bit like a flattened octopus on the map, with tentacles reaching out in several directions. Though Wikipedia likens it to a K. The tentacles (or legs) are actually peninsulas, separated by central mountains. They're such an effective block that it’s much easier to sail (or fly).
• Unusually for Indonesia, however, most of the peaks here are not volcanic.
• Sulawesi is said to be the fourth of the Greater Sunda Islands, with Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan. Though they mean Borneo.
• Fascinatingly, Sulawesi, in contrast to most of the other islands in this biogeographical region of Wallacea, is a composite island. Parts of the island were formerly attached to either the Asian or Australian continental margin and became separated from these areas, at the centre of the Asia-Australia collision zone. It might not be volcanic, but its presence here, on the edge of the tectonic plates makes it very earthquake prone.
• It’s nicely in the middle of Indonesia and as I find out later, there’s even a sign on the waterfront, in Makassar, marking the exact centre.

Makassar, Sulawesi

As it’s Eid al Adha, as in Kalimantan, there are crowds everywhere and the traffic around the airport is manic. But my city tower block hotel is quietly peaceful, as everyone is at home, gearing up for the biggest of Islamic celebrations. I’m the only one eating (a fried noodle dinner) in the restaurant. They kindly vacuum round me.

However, it is ranked population wise, Makassar is a rapidly growing city. It’s developed around its rivers and port, even nicknamed The Waterfront City. I’ve also seen it described as gritty. So, I’m a little hesitant about going out to explore.
I plan my route whilst I’m doing solitary laps in the swimming pool, on the fifteenth floor. It has great views of the city and it’s a good way to orientate. And I go to check with the concierge too. But she can’t speak English. Most of the visitors here are locals (breakfast offered a wide variety of rice and noodle dishes).

Exploring Makassar

It’s an easy and pleasant walk, down a side street, to said waterfront. Most of this area is known as Pantai Losari (Losari Beach). There’s no sand in sight. But it’s the place to be seen, promenade and enjoy the sights, lined with mobile food stalls and street markets. They’ve done their best to liven the area up. Murals, statues, numerous signs labelling buildings or views, in large capital letters. An area for sailing vessels to moor. And across the water, aforementioned Centre Point of Indonesia and the most eye-catching mosque you can imagine. Stripes of red and orange and white lacy decoration - it has 99 domes symbolizing the 99 attributes of Allah and is itself dome shaped, almost hemispherical. And, believe it or not, it’s called The 99 Dome Mosque.

It’s just as bright inside, with a blue ceiling. It’s being developed as a community centre and library, as well as a place of worship, but I’m still made to borrow a hijab and take my shoes off. And those taking respite inside are not allowed so much as a pillow.

The other main sight, in this area, is Fort Rotterdam, on the edge of the water. I have a smiling fort guide, whose English isn’t entirely distinct. But as far as I can make out the original fort here was a wooden one, constructed by the Sultan of Gowa, in 1634. Gowa was one of the chief kingdoms in Indonesia, at the time.

Sultan Hasanuddin was very put out to be defeated by the Dutch east Indies Company (VOC), in 1669, after several years of battles. (nevertheless they still named the airport after him.) The Dutch razed the old wooden fort and built a new stone fortress, with underground dungeons to imprison those who had opposed them. They were later used to store spices and now the site is a tourist attractions and civic administration centre. Well, that’s what the guy working hard on his phone, watching videos tells me.

Keeping Safe In Makassar

For the most part, the people I meet out wandering are welcoming and offer a shy greeting. There’s hassle from some rickshaw drivers, boatmen who want to ferry me to an island at sea and a guy in his car who keeps trying to talk to me and follows me a little way. But it’s all easily dealt with.

The main danger to avoid is a physical one. There are large holes in the pavement exposing deep drops into the litter strewn drainage beneath. The sun still hot, but it’s thankfully much less humid, in the city. Huzzah!

I’m not wild about being a solitary diner again and every meal so far has involved rice. I can see a KFC out of my bedroom window. So I scuttle off to the Express Counter. Ok, so KFC here is served with rice, not fries. And there is no cutlery in my room, not even spoons. Just plastic stirrers. I've decided I can use them like chopsticks. But fries, it has to be said, are a much tastier combination, with a finger lickin’ good meal.

Chinatown, Makassar

Guide Andre and driver Peter, take me through winding streets, to the Chinese market. Bustling and friendly street stalls, displaying pork, fish and vegetables. Tourists are a rarity and no-one minds having their photo taken. Chinese temples and a Chinese clans house, where the local tong meets.

The Port of Makassar

Further along, the main harbour. It’s really busy here, as all the holidaymakers queue up, for boats to the islands offshore. Daytrips with barbecues are the order of the day for some. There are 20 or so islands off the coast here, but most are claimed by the fisher folk who live there, coming to the mainland to barter their catches for staples like rice, gas and oil. They too are very active, in this area. The most compelling sight however, are the wooden pinisi ships. The name strictly applies to the unusual rigging. Like all the local boats, their hulls are shallow because of all the reefs. These are not waters which welcome large ships. Most of today’s pinisis are used for tourists: day trips or live-aboard cruises to Bali and Papua.

Seafood in Makassar

Makassar is, of course, renowned for its seafood. Delicious red snapper, rice paste fishcakes, fried shrimp and squid, comes in at £22, for three of us.

Rammang Rammang Karst

Then, out of town. Today is the Eid Day of Sacrifice, when animals are slaughtered, in remembrance of God allowing Isaac to substitute a ram sacrifice, for his son. As I’ve mentioned, cattle are the animals of choice for many. The slaughter is part of the days’ celebrations and in many cases is carried out, with a festive air, on the roadside, where the animals' throats are cut, so they bleed to death. They lie on the tarmac, pooled in crimson liquid. It’s truly gruesome.

That being said. Although Islam is the state religion and often followed carefully (even small girls wear the hijab and men always go to the Friday sermon) those of other beliefs seem to exist peacefully alongside, for the most part. Indonesia has not been without terrorist incidents.

We're driving to the small town of Rammang Rammang, (in the Maros area) and a wooden jetty, for a motorised canoe trip, up the Pute River, through the delightful tower karst landscape of cunningly shaped limestone hills, framed by Nipa palms and mangroves. We duck beneath some overhangs and emerge at a picturesque hamlet, Berua. (They advertise it as exotic and charge us to come in.) But it’s idyllic (exotic if you like), with its walkways, past caves, paddies, traditional wooden houses (rumah panggung) and fish farms.

Time to drink coconut juice and enjoy the view, before the return. Though the rain takes the edge off, a little. Surprisingly, this is either the second or third largest karst landscape in the world, depending on whether you believe local literature or Wikipedia (who are the ones bigging it up). I fly over it the next day and get much better sense of its size and the numerous pinnacles.

A Lion’s Share of Problems

I’m supposed to be flying up to Manado, in North Sulawesi today, but Lion Air has struck again. They’ve cancelled their morning routing and moved me to an afternoon departure, on Batik Air. (Oh good, more bread buns.) I didn’t find out, till my alarm woke me up, early, at six. And I spent all night tossing and turning and dreaming about missing planes. So that’s another day’s itinerary up the swanny. What’s more, the sky is clear and sunny, at the moment. Clouds and storms forecast for later.

When I finally get to the airport it’s still busy. And noisy, no one seems to bother with headphones. There’s even a model of the snazzy mosque. I chat to some Lion Air pilots who laugh at my travails. They tell me that all the bumps on the air at the moment are due to unpredictable winds. And, the flight isn’t too awful, back across the Equator, with a spectacular landing over the longest of Sulawesi’s tentacles, a coconut palm lined coast, volcanoes and a smattering of islands.

Tomohon

There’s just time to be whisked through this tranquil scene, past a redeemer statue, before sunset. This very active looking, 50 metre tall Christ Blessing, is possibly the tallest flying statue in the world. On, to Tomohon. I’m to spend the night in a bungalow, set in some stunning flower gardens, streams trickling under bamboo bridges, volcanoes forming the backdrop. Unfortunately, this watery scene attracts some of the largest mosquitos I’ve ever seen. That translates into some of the itchiest mosquito bites I’ve ever collected. Maybe 20 of them.

Nasi goreng and bed to catch up on some sleep, I think. But no. at nine o’clock the music starts. And it gets louder and louder, until midnight. Some sort of rock band. Maybe it’s related to Eid. There are ongoing parties everywhere. Though the proliferation of churches suggests that this is a strong Christian area. My earplugs are of little use. I eventually doze off to be woken by 4 a.m. Islamic prayers have begun. They finish at five to be followed by Christian singing from five to six. Apparently, the Christians in this area are not to be out done. That makes four hours sleep.

Guide Roy and driver Ian are trying to cram yesterday’s itinerary into today. And I’ve requested the Extreme Market in Tomohon as an additional first. It’s a huge fresh food market. Mainly under cover. There are the usual fruit and vegetables and spices. And a large butchery section, which sells anything you might (or might not) want to eat. Skinned dogs (it’s ok, they come from Muslim areas and they don’t care about animals), wild pigs (dismembered, but fur still attached), bats (mouths open, teeth grinning, wings stacked separately) and pythons suspended mid-air. It’s not a place for the faint hearted.

Around Manado

We spend the rest of the day admiring panoramic views of the volcanoes that Sulawesi does claim (Lokon is the tallest) and across Manado, to the sea. There are bubbling, steaming hot springs (at Lake Linow).

Then, ancient Warugu sarcophagi, at Airmadidi, in the Minahasa region. The Minahasa people originally wrapped their dead bodies in leaves from fan palms (woka), but in the ninth century they began using stone boxes with decorated tops. The bodies are placed in prostrate position, head kissing the knees and feet under the buttocks. The Dutch colonists banned the practice, fearing the spread of disease and insisting bodies should be buried below ground.

Tangkoko National Park

Finally, a winding road brings us to Tangkoko National Park and my villa. There are walks at dusk and dawn, searching for rare mammals. But this is no forest meander; it’ s a veritable route march, as the rangers are target minded and go at a pace.
Goals for the evening are black crested macaques and tarsiers. The macaques are every bit as mischievous as their long-tailed cousins, moving swiftly and not above making a grab at our bags. The large males aren’t afraid to take to the paths ahead of us.

I’ve only seen tarsiers before in a reserve at Bohol, in the Philippines. In the wild they’re usually found in pairs and indeed, we eventually find two huddled together hidden in the trunk of a tree. Jumping away swiftly, on two slender limbs, when all the attention gets too much for them. The poor little things are surrounded by lights, cameras and tripods which rotate round the tree after them. But these smallest of primates are as cute as they come, with enormous popping eyes and flapping pointed ears. Tiny yodas.

Next morning, we’re on the trail of the cuscus bear. It’s not a bear at all, but a marsupial, endemic to Sulawesi, who only hangs out (literally) in the top of the canopy. Isolated, they’ve developed their own characteristics , elongated claws and babies reared in pouches. They are named after their thick ursine like fur. And little else is known about them, apparently. After more trudging in circles (I’m beginning to feel a bit like Winnie the Pooh) they’re found. Only to be seen in any detail at all, through a camera, with a long lens. (Bottom right picture.)

Throw in an owl, a tarantula; and a kingfisher - I think I've done very well.

Bunaken Island

A quick visit to the pretty little beach. Then, I’m off to savour the sea properly at Bunaken Island. (I flew over it on the way into Manado). There are hundreds of little islands here in North Sulawesi, most of them uninhabited. A couple are pointy old (I hope) volcanoes. The rest, including Bunaken are flattish, from the air anyway.

The bad news is that Bunaken Village Resort where I’m staying has recently gone under Chinese ownership. The air conditioning has been disconnected. The fans in the room are so weak they only waft the hot air around. Rules proliferate, also given in Chinese. Shoes off in the dining area, don’t do this round the pool etc. A whole side of foolscap, in small print. We’re shouted for meals, two minutes before the official start time. No-one speaks English with any fluency. I’ve started using Google Translate as the manager, who is the only one with any English at all, is off for her birthday.

One Dutch couple, mainly fed up with the heat, have cut short their stay by two days. That only leaves three of us. Me and German couple Yogi and Gabi, who were also at Tangkoko. If any of this sounds disjointed it's because I’ve developed a hacking cough and try to explain I’d like some medical help, when the manager returns, but she’s not interested.

The dive master is Chinese and his English is even more limited. I try to question him about snorkelling too, but he’s very vague. And, almost everything he does tell me is contradicted when I actually do go snorkelling – he’s not on the boat. It’s not the safest experience I’ve ever had. The crew ( of two) tell me which way to swim and I jump in and go off on my own. They say they will keep an eye on me. Fortunately, I can see the shore and it’s not too rough.

The snorkelling however, above two different reef drop offs, is spectacular. Some lovely coral and thousands of fish, mostly tiny but colourful, parrot fish, red toothed triggerfish (with their appropriately crescent shaped tails, changing colour from indigo to iridescent turquoise, as they catch the light), sergeant majors (as always), pipe fish in assorted colours, wrasse, swimming in solitary splendour, angelfish and plenty of my favourite turtles. Both hawksbill and green turtles; they glide along gracefully beneath me or hide under coral ledges, their heads poking out.

The marine reserve police arrive, on their speed boat, to sell us our passes, grinning cheerfully and wanting to talk about football. Everyone always wants to talk about football.

As I said, only three of us in the resort, until we’re joined on the third night, by a female couple, more Germans. I'm lazing for a couple of days trying to get rid of my bug. It seems that there’s a cough virus roaming across south east Asia. The Chinese owner arrives the night before I’m due to depart and tells me this. Actually it turns out that she’s a very pleasant young woman, with a Belgian partner. They wave me off smiling.

Manado Airport, the Hard Way

The journey back to Manado Airport is more exciting than I would have wished. First, the tide is well out and the poor captain has to carry my bag, with its seven weeks worth of gear, a long way across the shallows and the reef, to the boat. We have to then navigate across the reef. And then a gale blows up. The boat is rocking in all directions. When we finally reach the long pier, at Manado, the captain has a real struggle to get the boat into land, battling both the wind and the reef. Then, we have to wade through the shallows again, to the pier, head into the wind. Now the rain is coming down in sheets. The captain deserved his tip.

The airport is very quiet. There’s no queue at all either at check in or security. That’s either a good or bad omen. back to Singapore and on to French Polynesia (for Pitcairn), via Auckland.

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)

Kuching to Jakarta

My next stop is Pangkalan Bun (isn't that a great name?) in the south of Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, for a houseboat cruise, in search of orang-utans.

It’s not the most auspicious start. I’m flying from Kuching to Jakarta (which I've visited fleetingly before), as there are no direct flights linking Malaysian Borneo with Indonesian Borneo, or any direct flights between any of the cities in Kalimantan for that matter. I’m going to be zipping backwards and forwards over the jungle and the Java Sea. Not to mention crossing the Equator .

Jakarta's Soekano-Hatta Airport is almost too technologically advanced and a customs declaration and a health form both have to be completed before getting to immigration. Needless to say no-one asks to see the health form. The visa, though purchased at a counter is swiftly also attached electronically, and, to be fair, I’m quickly through the automatic gates.

I’m not afforded the same privilege at customs though, electronic declaration notwithstanding. I’m sent for yet another scan and then a check, which involves a through search of my case. The man with the purple plastic gloves is desperate to find some barbiturates. ‘Medicine?’ he keeps asking. In the end, he sighs and gives up. I’m relieved. Drug trafficking in Indonesia carries the death penalty. As they cheerfully remind you when you get on the planes.

But that’s not the end of my travails. My airport hotel has promised to meet me at the terminal, but there’s no-one waving a signboard with my name there. Just hordes of young men touting taxis and eager to tell me that hotel shuttle buses do not stop here. A young guy at a telecoms stall eventually calls my hotel for me. My chauffeur has gone to the wrong terminal.

Jakarta

So, Jakarta, Javan capital of Indonesia, (for the moment) I’m here. But not for long. I have a much too early start for Pangkalan Bun tomorrow. (read more about my last visit, to Java, here.) Indonesian food isn’t hugely different to Malaysian. Both countries speak versions of Malay, so Nasi goreng (fried rice) with sweet soy sauce and shrimp paste (often a fried egg on top) is ubiquitous. Today, I have lumps of satay and a chicken wing on the side, for lunch. But at least the meat is warm.

The big challenge currently is working out the cost of my meals. Everything seems exceptionally cheap. My meal is about £5. But the rupiah to GBP exchange rate is currently around 22,000. So £100 is 2,200,000. You have to tout thick wads of notes around. And everyone is a millionaire.

Early to bed, as I have to get up at 3.30 a.m. for my 6 a.m. Batik Air flight to Pangkalan Bun. You can imagine how thrilled I am. My lovely hotel insists on giving me breakfast to take away. And there are two boxes, as according to them, people don’t travel alone and I have a double room.

Check in seems to go OK . My luggage weighs in at 22 kilograms on their scale, but is accepted. I’m beginning to think that Soekano-Hatta isn’t a bad airport. Modern, clean, Indonesian longhouse style, with pointy tiled roofs and wooden rafters. Plenty of enticing little shops and cafes. There’ s a very long row of them winding all the way to security. That’s where the problems begin.

My breakfasts, with their bottles of mango juice, don’t cause any alarm for the uniforms on duty. But my backpack does. They don’t like my tripod. I’ve not a clue why. Perhaps it’s construed as an offensive weapon. But I’m told to go back and check it in. The path back to the desks seems even longer. Especially as I lose my way. When I finally get there, the clerks insist on charging me for overweight now. That involves another walk to customer services.

Finally, I’m free to trudge back to security. And I’m checking the airline gate. It’s changed. And the departure has been pushed back to 8.30 from 6. Despite this, the board says it’s on time. I eat one of my breakfasts: rice and omelette. Then, I decide to go back to the original gate and see if I can find out what’s going on. It’s all in darkness, but there’s a little lady, at a desk. ‘Problem with the plane’, she says. ‘They’re replacing it.’ ETD now is 9.30. But it's still shown as on time.

Batik Air to Pangkalan Bun

It’s bucketing down now, at the airport, as I sit in a dazed stupor of fatigue. A proper tropical storm. And it’s freezing cold, as the air conditioning is still blasting away. I’m so glad I got up at 3.30. Every flight so far this trip has been bumpy and this one is no exception, when we finally take to the skies. The cabin crew literally throw bread buns and plastic tubs of water at us. It could be because the plane is jumping about even more crazily at the time. Or maybe that’s the normal method of delivery. The female staff seem much more interested in doing their make-up. I’m swearing off ever travelling again. That’s a vow I’ve broken many times before.

Kalimantan - in a Nutshell

• Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Kalimantan constitutes 73% of the island's area. The rest of Borneo consists of Brunei and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
• Kalimantan is divided into the imaginatively named provinces of Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
• The name Kalimantan is derived from the Sanskrit word Kalamanthana, which means 'burning weather island' or 'very hot island', referring to its hot and humid tropical climate
• Kalimantan is characterized by its vast tropical rainforests, but it also has mountains, and extensive lowlands, with swampy areas along the coasts.
• The Indonesians are in the process of moving Indonesia's capital from hugely sprawling Jakarta, in Java, to east Kalimantan. The future capital, Nusantara, is a planned city, which will be carved out near Balikpapan. It is not expected to be completed until 2045.

A Houseboat at Pangkalan Bun, Kalimantan

And I’m swiftly appeased by the beaming face of my new guide Chatlin, under her soft safari hat. As well as the fact that I’ve become a VIP. My houseboat is sumptuous. A boutique style double bed, mosquito nets turning it into a stylish four poster, on the upper deck, for me to lounge on, plus two settees, two bean bags and two steamer chairs, set right up front, like twin thrones. Another double bed, in my room, on the lower deck, with air con, plus bathroom, with hot shower. That’s also got its own balcony deck, facing aft. This one has a wicker chair and table set. I’m not sure I have time to test them all.

Tuti is cook, Isun is captain, Imul is assistant captain, animal spotter and also, it seems, my butler, tidying up, bed making and serving food. Shock-headed Isun is very shy. He doesn’t speak English and disappears when he sees me coming.

We’re soon chugging down the Kumai River, to the Seikonyer tributary, which we then pursue, into Tanjung Puting National Park. The muddy waters are lined with palms, which have adapted to the brackish water here. Every five minutes, we pass another houseboat. They are called klotoks here, though that seems to be a generic name applied to all the flat bottomed river craft. It's supposed to reflect the noise the engine makes, 'klok tok tok tok'. So why isn't it kloktok then? I don't think I'm up for that conversation.

And I don’t think I’m biased when I pronounce that my klotok is by far the prettiest. Mine is a super deluxe. There are also deluxe and standard. The latter involves sleeping on a mattress, on the upper deck. Not even a bed. I’m very happy where I am.

It proceeds to pour down with rain again and canvases are unfurled around our vessel. So, it seems like a good moment to try out the bed, on the upper deck. I have three days and three nights of swanning about, on a boat, with four people at my beck and call. This includes four visits to feeding sessions at orang-utan rehabilitation centres.

Bounteous Banquets on the Boat

There’s a veritable banquet laid out for my meals. Fish, prawns, vegetables, battered tempeh and the sweetest of pineapple. Breakfast brings sweet little crumpet like pancakes and the best strawberry jam I’ve ever tasted. The meals are accompanied by beautifully crafted edible decorations. Watermelon becomes Christmas trees and cucumbers, plants, with red flowers provided by small chilli peppers. I’m far from doing justice to it all. There are at least six dishes on offer at every sittingl. And, just in case I’m still hungry, there are plates of snacks in the morning and fritters in the afternoon.

Orang-utans

• Orang-utans are the only Asian great apes. They are now found solely in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, but, during the Pleistocene, they ranged throughout Southeast Asia and South China. The genus (it has to be mentioned) is Pongo. What was originally considered to be one species is now three; the Bornean orangutan is P. pygmaeus, with three subspecies. The name comes from the Malay words orang, meaning 'person', and hutan, meaning 'forest'.
• Studies have suggested that these are very intelligent animals, capable of learning to use tools and sign. Their DNA match with humans is 97%. (compared to the almost 99% match with chimpanzees and bonobos.) They build complex sleeping nests, each night.
• Orang-utans have evolved to live in trees, with proportionally long arms and short legs. At about 75 kilograms, adult males are about double the weight of females. The dominant adult males (and only those males) develop distinctive cheek pads or flanges and make long calls to attract females and intimidate rivals.
• All three orang-utan species are considered critically endangered, mostly due to human activities (poaching for bush meat and retaliation for consuming crops, deforestation, for palm oil cultivation and logging and the illegal pet trade).

Tanjung Puting and the Orang-utans

An hour later, we pull into a dock, with several other klotoks, for the path to the first Tanjung orang-utan feeding station. We’re traipsing along a jungle path, with a group of Americans, who quickly degenerate into loud coos and giggles, as we’re joined by a solitary young male, Apri, on his way to the platform. He keeps a wary distance, swinging parallel to us and venturing onto the main path, when the Americans leave a big enough gap.

But Apri stays some way from the stage (it really is just like a theatrical performance), when we eventually reach it, separated from rows of wooden benches, by ropes. It’s already occupied, by Roger, the aptly named alpha male or King of the Swingers. He’s working his way through a heap of fruit, whilst keeping a watchful eye out, to make sure no other primate intrudes.

Eventually, after he’s chewed through an enormous quantity of bananas, he deigns to allow a female and two youngsters alongside. One’s a pop eyed and grinning nine-month-old. They don’t stay long. They’re not as hungry or greedy as him; Roger continues to exert his right to monopolise the feast. Our young friend is still waiting, along with another wistful companion. They hoist themselves up, into the canopy, tutting, and hopeful that Roger will eventually leave and that they will be courageous enough to take their chance, if he does.

Camp Leakey

Day Two takes us deep into the jungle. The river narrows to a channel cut through the pandanus. Dragonflies hover, butterflies shimmer, jewel like kingfishers dart across our path and crocodiles (small false gharials) bask in today’s sun. Once, a properly wild orang-utan comes to investigate, retreating rapidly, from the river bank, when he sees us. Then, up the Black River to Camp Leakey. The jungle is denser here, closing in on us. But there’s a welcome, if soporific breeze, blowing into our faces.

Camp Leakey was the site of the first orang-utan rehabilitation centre in the park, caring for orphans and rescued pets. The apes here are now on their third generation. Again, the rangers strew sweet potatoes and bananas across the wooden platform, but in this case Bob, the resident Bornean white bearded gibbon, presides over the whole affair, a compere, looking down from his lofty perch.

Jacob, the local alpha male isn’t putting in an appearance today, so Nirvana, an adult male, sneaks in, stuffs his mouth with sweet potatoes, crams more into his hands and clambers up a tree, to eat in safety. He repeats this performance several times. A smaller male follows suit. Another, very small male, chances his luck and stays on the platform, filling his mouth as fast as he can. Two females with babies do the same, one female resolutely refusing to face the intent audience, or show her baby. Another is more intent on hoovering up as much food as she can. Her baby lets go of her fur, every so often, grabbing what he can, but immediately retreating to his mother's back.

The Funky Gibbon provides the comedy, swinging in every so often, to steal bananas and facing down his larger friends. He has competition from squirrels, who are much swifter at sneaking in to steal food. So fast they’re just a blur on the camera.

Pondok Tanggui

Day Three brings me to the third primate rehabilitation centre, at Pondok Tanggui. It’s another delightfully choreographed performance. Plenty of babies, with startled faces and hair on end. The variety of ape hairstyles is astonishing. Half way through, the alpha male, Silent (for obvious reasons), appears. He’s very laid back, positively indolent. He’s happy to let it all go on around him and the juveniles swing overhead, on the flimsiest of tall trunks.

The comic relief here is provided by a troop of long tailed macaques who seem unfazed by the giant patriarch and leap in and around him, nobbling sweet potatoes. He seems happy to tolerate them, in his turn, perhaps more wary of them than they are of him. They turn spiteful very quickly, when dealing with each other. He only swats once, at the easiest target, a tiny baby.

Roger Revisited

A final visit to see Roger and his family. He’s in a benevolent mood today, keen to fraternise with the females and happy to share his repast.

Proboscis Monkeys

• The proboscis (or long nosed) monkey is endemic to Borneo, found mostly in mangrove forests and on the coastal areas of the island. They pine and die in zoos.
• This is one of the largest monkey species native to Asia. The males weigh in at up to 23 kilograms. The females are half that size. And you can’t miss the penis, which is bright red, with a black scrotum. Both sexes have bulging stomachs that give the monkeys what resembles a pot belly. Many of the monkeys' toes are webbed.
• But the key feature is of course, the nose. Male noses are much larger. No-one is quite sure why, but it is thought that a large nose increases the volume of the mating call and so has developed, by natural selection. Perhaps that’s why Cyrano was so successful.
• The babies are dark grey to black initially, eventually developing the reddish-brown fur and long nose of the adults. Though tail and limbs remain grey. and almost white in the case of the former.

Monkeying About in Borneo

We have several endearing encounters with troops of proboscis monkeys, frolicking in the palms and taunting us from the treetops. The males’ large bulbous noses, really are extraordinarily ugly. The females are less well endowed. Though the babies are cute as ever, shimmying up the slimmest of trunks, tails waving.

One group are feeding very close to the river, where they flatten the pandanus, as they crash onto it, making their way to the water primrose, they favour. As with the larger primates, the alpha male takes the best spot and the females, some with babies, are allowed to feed in the vicinity. But not too close. It’s a privilege to see them, especially after all the fuss about the solitary male in Bako.

A third and last night on board. A gentle swell rocks the boat and I have to utilise the bolt on my sliding door. It’s been a fabulous adventure, but I won’t miss the steamy jungle (it’s 80% humidity) and the ever present insects.

Balikpapan, Kalimantan

Next up, Balikpapan, this time via Surabaya, in eastern Java. Two opportunities for Lion Air to mess me around. Lion Air is a domestic airline behemoth in Indonesia. It has countless subsidiaries. Most of them are promoted as low cost. Super Air Jet is low, low cost. And they have a reputation for unreliability, as I’ve already discovered. Though Batik Air, who I used on my delayed flight, to Kalimantan, are supposed to be their up market, full-service offering. I brace myself for a long day.

In the event, the day’s flights go smoothly. (Lion Air are waiting to smite me the following day). Balikpapan Airport doesn’t follow the usual Indonesian airport longhouse roof style design. This airport was built to service the new capital, Nusantara and it’s multi-tiered, with green tinted plate glass and porters wearing bright red shirt uniforms. It has to be said, it’s efficient.

The first glimpses of the city are modern also: tower block hotels, signage, army barracks. But they soon give way to traditional Malay style markets, restaurants, sundry street stalls. The traffic crawls along the narrow road. The many motor bikes have the advantage here zipping around with whole families aboard. A popular taxi here is the ojek, motor bike.

Today, numerous cattle are tied up alongside the road and are being ferried around, squashed into the backs of numerous trucks. It’s Eid in two days’ time and the traditional meal is halal beef. It will be freshly slaughtered for the feast.

Samboja Lodge and More Orang-Utans

I’m staying in the jungle again tonight, this time at Samboja Lodge. It’s the headquarters of the Borneo orang-utan survival foundation, the largest orang rehabilitation centre in the world.

I’m happy to see Asia’s largest primate for the fifth time on Kalimantan. These are all rescue animals, notably damaged by captivity or circus ownership. Some will never return to the wild. The youngsters, often orphans, rescued from land clearance, have more chance. They live on islands and are supported through various stages, from nursery, to university, before being chipped and released. They are tracked for two years, to ensure they are safe and well. And to track their behaviours. It’s very thorough.

The channels between the islands are not actually very deep, but orangs can’t swim and the keepers bend their knees, so that the water appears deeper than it is, if they need to clear it, or approach. Even so, one intelligent male saw through the ruse and built a bridge.

The apes here are exceptionally well treated. Their diets are scientifically designed and they’re fed a huge variety of fruit. Specific nutrients are placed in peanut butter packs or bamboo tubes. The primates love these. One large male has even been taught to clear his platform and wash his hands before it’s handed over. He waves his arms to signal for more. Unlike Oliver, he’s allowed some.

Sun Bears

• Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world, (males are roughly 70 cm to the shoulder and 65 kilograms), named after the hemispherical markings on their chests.
• They live mainly in Southeast Asia and India.
• They’ve got very long claws, which they use to feed and climb. This bear species lives in the trees more than any other of their family.
• Sun bears are very shy, very solitary and very hard to spot in the wild. Man is their main predator.
• Their chances of rehabilitation are much slimmer than orang-utans. Captivity inevitably renders them less aggressive

Sun Bears at Samboja, Kalimantan

But I’ve actually come to see the sun bears, who have been similarly rescued and are similarly treated. The sun bears look deceptively cute, standing up, on two legs, to beg for their bamboo food favourites. They have balls, swings and all manner of toys, in their large jungle compounds (the foundation has replanted huge amounts of forest). So much better than most zoos.

All this is explained by expert guide Iman, who has been here 18 years. It seems like an excellent set up, which we survey from the top of a watchtower. 77 steps. I can help prepare bear food for the afternoon if I like, but I decline. I’ve decided to relax and admire the jungle canopy, from my room balcony, instead. Possibly a snooze.

But Lion Air has other ideas. They’ve cancelled tomorrow’s direct flight, to Makassar in Sulawesi. I can’t help but wonder if this has anything to do with the impending holiday. Instead, I’m offered a flight via Jakarta. Two hours there and then back again. And Super Airjet on one leg. God forbid. Or, a slightly shorter journey, via Surabaya, on Lion. Starting at 6 a.m., which means I have to get up at 2.30 a.m. Talk about Hobson’s Choice.

The final option is Batik Air Direct. They only have business seats left and the flight goes this afternoon. Which also means giving up my relaxing jungle time and paying an additional night in Makassar. It racks up an extra 250 USD in charges, but I’m taking it. I can’t face those bumpy flights (there are a lot of clouds above tropical Indonesia) all the way back to Java, and waiting at the airport, in transit yet again.

Sulawesi next.

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)

Bali

My tour group, travelling from Medan in Sumatra catches the ferry from Jave to Bali today; the land of curly roofs. Bali is the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with 86.9% of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism. Otherwise, Bali probably needs little introduction. It's a world renowned tourist destination, beaches, coral reefs and highly developed arts: traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music.

Pemuteran

We arrive in the port of Gilimanuk, to be greeted by a decorated arch and tall gates. You're not far from a temple, anywhere in Bali. First stop, after that is Pemuteran on the north coast. Here, we have access to West Bali National Park, the island's only national park. Most of it is off limits but there are walking trails, and deer. There are also reefs off the beach and Menjangan Island, home to ancient Hindu temples.

The snorkelling is really excellent. Myriads of coral scattered with Fox's Glacier Fruit fish, gorgeous sandy beaches and iridescent blue water.

It’s been nice to escape the group. Though I’ve just remembered that I’m supposed to be having a fish barbeque with them on the beach.....

Lovina, Bali

Now I’m on Lovina Beach, (middle of the north coast) and am a little worried, because I don’t remember much of it from when I was here 10 years ago, after travelling from Flores. I’m not sure if it’s changed out of all recognition, or if it’s just that I spent quite a lot of time trying out the bars on my last visit. But I don’t even really recognise them. The black volcanic sand beach, though, is still the same.

Besakih, The Biggest Temple in Bali

Besakih, the biggest and holiest temple in Bali, lies 1000 metres up the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali's largest volcano. It is actually an extensive complex of 23 separate temples. The largest and most important is Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope, with the entrance is marked by a traditional Balinese candi bentar (split gateway). Besakih, as a religiuos site, probably dates from prehistoric times. It was certainly used as a Hindu place of worship from 1284 when the first Javanese conquerors settled in Bali. Each of the houses has its own intricate shrine, so the whole countryside is littered with curlicues and carvings. Shimmering green lakes and skirted statues galore.

Royal Palace of Klungkung

The Klungkung kingdom was considered to be the highest and most important of the nine kingdoms of Bali from the late seventeenth century to 1908. It was also the last. The Klungkung Royal Palace was destroyed by the Dutch, but enough of the carved arches, painted roofs and floating pavilion remains to appreciate the amazing craftsmanship. The most fascinating part is the Kerta Gosa pavilion , the Hall of Justice. in the north-eastern corner of the palace compound. Unresolved cases were referred here, to three Brahmana priests. Those in the dock were treated to views of the ceiling which depicted different punishments in the afterlife, the results of karma.

Candidasa, Bali Fishing Village

The route that passes all these beautiful temples with thatched wedding-cake towers. has taken us from Lovina in the north to the fishing village of Candidasa on the south coast, climbing over volcanoes on the way. It's a touristy area, with a lot of hotels, but there's a pretty, water lily covered lagoon in the centre. It's real name is Segkidu Village, but it's known as Candidasa for tourists. I'm struggling to understand why this appeals.

Tenganan Pegringsingan

No muezzin, a beautiful balmy sea breeze and a ten o’clock start, gorgeous. Tenganan - an immaculately manicured Bali village. According to legend, the people of Tenganan Pegringsingan were selected by Indra, the Hindu god of storms and warfare to live out his divine plan, to be a microcosm of the world. I suppose, like the Amish in America, they wanted to keep their world pure and clean. They were an entirely secluded society until the 1970s. Today, their tranquil village is on the tourist circuit. We endure sales pitches for weaving, as soon as the guide thinks he can get away with it.

Terta Empul Water Temple

Terta Empul Hindu Balinese Water Temple, I do remember from before. There are tanks with scores of fountains and the locals come to bathe for ritual purification and generally have fun. The temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is divided into three sections: Jaba Pura (front yard), Jaba Tengah (central yard) and Jeroan (inner yard). Jaba Tengah contains two pools with 30 showering spouts.

Gunung Kawi

Then, Gunung Kawi, another temple, this time with hot springs and some royal tombs at the bottom of some even more amazing rice terraces. Gunung Kawi is an eleventh-century temple and funerary complex in Tampaksiring. It is spread across either side of the Pakerisan river, which originates from the spring at Terta Empul.

There are 10 rock-cut candi (shrines), carved into seven metre high niches on the sheer cliff face. These funeral monuments are thought to be dedicated to King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens. On the east side there are five temples that are dedicated, (according to one theory), to King Udayana, his queen, Mahendradatta, and their sons. The temples on the west side are dedicated, (according to the same theory), to the king's minor queens or concubines. It's simply stunning.

Pura Penataran Sasih

There are several celebrations going on at Pura Penataran Sasih, a Hindu temple in Pejeng village. It was founded, according to a modern chronogram displayed at the entrance, in 1266 AD, and served as the state temple of the Pejeng Kingdom. There's a very tall, stone Seat of Ganesh (elephant) in the middle of the main courtyard and a revered colossal bronze drum, the celebrated Moon of Pejeng, Several legends attach to this

The temples are full of men and women weaving and conjuring up baskets full of offerings, like pig’s heads and coconuts. The temple grounds at Pura Pendataran resemble giant school fetes with harvest festival going on at the same time. There’s also of course National Day looming and the flags are still multiplying. They are now appearing on all the cars too. We only get this in England when we are playing in the World Cup.

Being a Tourist in Bali

The people are incredibly friendly and seem very gentle but there is another side to them too. There are rows of cockerels in baskets all along the waysides. They are being sold ready for the regular bloody bouts of cock fighting. And the tourist routes at the temples are all cunningly contrived, so you have to weave your way through endless stalls when you exit. It’s quite hard to get out unscathed and without being assaulted by women waving sarongs. I am very tempted to treat them as if they are toreadors. But local names are easy to remember. There are only four Christian names, one for the eldest, one for the second born and so on. If a family has more than four children they start again with the first name.

The food in Bali is more varied and many places have a good stab at western style food. Chicken Gordon Blue is noteworthy on several menus. I’ve also noticed lots of western style advertising hoardings. Most of them seem to be promoting cigarettes. Apache seems popular. The guide says the people like the Red Indians.

Ubud, Bali

My last day in Bali is to be spent in and around Ubud, the gorgeously spiritual heart of Bali..This I also remember. It’s just like Glastonbury - health food shops, reflexology and palm readings. Cafes, juice bars, designer everything and yoga. Serendipitously, I'm staying in the same delightful lodging, as on my last visit. Artini 2 sits right in the middle of the paddy fields. We visit a school where ceremony fever seems to have taken over and the teachers have given up. Some boys are conducting an interesting experiment with matches in one corner of a classroom.

There’s even more ceremony fever right in Ubud town. There’s to be a big cremation soon and the locals are building all kinds of artefacts at the palace in readiness. A huge bull will hold the casket. A very tall totem pole affair has been rigged, so that the body canbe launched. It appears that it will travel down a long garlanded roller coaster, until it enters the bull. We can’t work out how the body is going to get up the totem pole to begin with, but it’s wide enough to fit a hoist inside. It’s all fascinating.

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave has more intricate carvings. Wikipedia contradicts itself on its age, so it may or may not date from the eleventh century. It's characterised by menacing faces that are carved into the stone facades. They're to ward off evil spirits. The main figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave although there is another theory, that it is named after the stone statue of the Hindu God Ganesh found inside the temple. There's also a bathing pool here.

Yeh Pulu

Then Yeh Pulu. It is located in a ravine and you have to descend a forest trail to get to the paddy field, freshwater springs, more tombs and an impressive 25-metre-long array of carvings etched into a rock face. They're presided over by delightful couple, the guardians.

Close by, another festive temple, with a school attached. Ceremony fever seems to have taken over and the teachers have given up. Some boys are conducting an interesting experiment with matches in one corner of a classroom.

Denpasar Airport, Bali

I say my farewells to the odd ball group and head to the airport. The mad lady has disappeared. Ian is desperate to get home for some decent food (he signed off the tour as soon as it hit Ubud, saying he couldn’t stand any more temples) and Jim is staying on to ‘get some action’.

Denpasar is the capital of Bali. The road to Denpasar Airport takes me through Kuta, the Aussie version of Benidorm. Indonesia has continued to offer more that is curious and unusual than almost anywhere else I have travelled.

Malaysia next.

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)

Java

Yet another early start to catch a plane to Java, (I will get some sleep one day). Well, two planes, from Sumatra via Jakarta to Yogyakarta, half way down Java. I am a bit apprehensive, as the Indonesian national carrier, Garuda, has been banned from Heathrow for years. However, the flights are fine. Though I was complaining about the lack of even a drink on board, until I remembered that it was Ramadan. I'm on a group trip travelling through Indonesia from Medan, in Sumatra to Bali.

Java is the world's most populous island, home to approximately 56% of the Indonesian population. And it's probably the most important of Indonesia's many islands. The capital city, Jakarta, is on Java's north-western coast. Many of the best known events in Indonesian history took place here. It was the centre of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, the Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Four of Indonesia's eight UNESCO world heritage sites are located in Java.

The world wide web seems to think that Java is now more famous a computer programming language than as an island, in Indonesia. Java also famously, gave its name to coffee. The Dutch brought the beans to the East Indies to begin cultivation.

Prambanan Temple

Pramabanan temple, close to Yogyakarta, is one of those UNESCO sites and we have time to visit the big ninth century Hindu temple complex here (still being reconstructed). This is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia, after Angkor Wat. It's reminiscent of Angkor too, with its soaring pointy towers. The central building is 47 metres high and that nestles inside a large complex of individual temples -240 altogether. Wow is the right word.

It also has a restaurant that serves food other than fried noodles. And the hotel for the next two nights is lovely. Real food and a swimming pool. We are in Java now.

Yogyakarta, Java

Despite my lovely hotel, I have had yet another dodgy attempt at sleep. This time something was banging in the bathroom all night. The relentless pace has not let up. We have been whisked off to a batik shop/demonstration and another silversmith’s (ouch!).  Naturally we are encouraged to go to the shops where our tour leaders get the most commission and they are always described as being ‘really, really fantastic’.

In the spirit of south east Asian nicknames Yogyakarta is usually known as Jogj. There's another sultan’s palace to view here (though the Dutch allowed the sultan of Yogyakarta to stay around and he still lives there.) The palace complex, or kraton, was built in the mid eighteenth century, designed to reflect the Javanese cosmos and the country's ancient beliefs. It links god with humans and nature, facing Java's Mount Merapi and the Indian Ocean. It was sacked by Stanford Raffles leading a British and Irish force in 1812. This palace was built by Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII ( 1921 to 1939), and was rebuilt again after earthquakes in 1876 and 2006. It's now a museum of Javan artefacts, including cars and a set of old gamelan instruments.

Borodupur Temple

Back west, to another UNESCO centre, the largest Buddhist temple in the world at Borodupur. It is presided over by Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia.

Borodpur Temple dates from the ninth century and consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with an astonishing 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated bell shaped stupa. The temple fell into decline in the fourteenth century, when the Javanese turned to Islam, but it's still a key Buddhist Pilgrimage site .There's a lot of scrambling to be done, following the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana.

Today, Mount Merapi (also meaning Mountain of Fire) just smokes quietly and eludes our efforts to take a decent photo, by hiding in cloud most of the time. It has erupted regularly since 1548. Located just17 miles north of the city of Yogyakarta, which has a population of 2.4 million, it's a threat that folk here live with daily. Thousands more inhabit the actual flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1,700 metres above sea level. There was a big eruption in 2010 and the bulldozers are still out, clearing the lava from the main street of the small town and the riverbed.

Mount Merapi, Java

Mendut Buddhist Temple

Two miles east of Borodpur, is another, even earlier, Buddhist temple, Mendut. Mendut was built towards the beginning of the ninth century. Basically one massive plinth, with a 26 metre temple tower on top. It forms an interrelated cluster with Borodpur and a third temple called Pawon. Mendut also incorporates a Buddhist monastery. During full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe the annual Vesak ritual by walking from Mendut through Pawon to Borobudur. They chant Buddhist prayers and perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the temples.

On the Road in Java

A lovely meal at a great restaurant next to the hotel. Proud of myself for sticking to Indonesian and not being tempted to have steak. The cheesecake is a different story.

Absolutely not allowed to sleep. Knocking in bathroom cured, but up at six yet again for another long day on the road. The traffic is solid. I have discovered what the extra man on the bus is for. He waves his arm out of the window, palm upwards to indicate that the bus is going to overtake in a particularly dangerous spot, despite the fact that there is no room between the vehicles in front to pull in. After the driver has forced his way in, the gesture turns into a thumbs up.

The bus isn’t exactly speedy. The wheels are out of alignment and every time we do get up enough speed to overtake it begins to judder alarmingly and we have to fall back again behind the endless line of trucks. However, we still have the pastoral scenes to entertain us.

Going Solo in Java

Completing the top part of our circular route now, back east, to Surakarta. This city is also known as Solo. There are two more royal residences. The eighteenth-century Keraton Kasunanan in Solo, todaya museum of heirlooms,. Mangkunegaran Palace is one kilometre north. Prince Sambernyawa – who took the official title of Mangkunegara I commissioned his palace after winning an ongoing argument with Suraakarta, Yogyakarta and the Dutch East India Company. They eventually relented and gave him his own realm to rule.

Mangkunegaran Palace consists of separate buildings erected for specific purposes. There's the Pendopo Ageng (Great Audience Hall) and the Dalem Ageng, once reserved for the Mangkunegaran court’s newlyweds. Today it houses a collection of weapons, medals, and artistic artifacts owned by the royal court. Surrounding the chambers are beautifully manicured gardens decorated with elaborately painted pavilions.

Most of the sightseeing in these involves oohing and aahing over the assortment of gifts that the sultan has received. Quaintly, some of these are gold and silver chastity belts for both sexes. The male contraption looks especially lethal, with various spikes protruding.

We have lunch at another Padang. This is a bit like tapas - lots of small dishes but they put them all out on the table and you pay for what you eat. Not a noodle in sight.

Java has even more traffic and much more urbanisation than Sumatra. The roofs are also different again, much squatter and far less elaborate. Perhaps they are fertile enough already down here. We are stopped by the police for an imaginary traffic infringement. The guide tells us that Indonesia is not nearly as corrupt as it used to be.

Sukharno's Old Palace

That's not the end of the palaces. We are staying in one of President Sukharno’s old residences tonight. (There were six of them). It's all Dutch colonial, carved teak and garuda birds. Nevertheless, there is a cockroach waiting to greet me in my outside bathroom with mandi. I scoop it up and flush it down the toilet. I don’t want to tread on that in the dark. They are impossible to kill by squashing. Now I’m wondering if it’s safe to sit on the loo.

Candi Penataran Temple in Blitar, and Malang

Yet another early start, yet another long day in the bus. Although it is a new (well different) bus, the malingerer having been retired. It is becoming increasingly clear that the itinerary is a creative fiction. Twenty minutes at another Hindu temple complex. the Candi Penataran temple in Blitar. It's dedicated to Shiva.

Then, an hour in the town of Malang. The bird market contains a whole assortment of wild life, some of it definitely not of the avian variety, crammed into rows of wooden cages toppling into a narrow road. There are puppies and, more surprisingly, mongooses. ‘Visiting the Dutch colonial buildings’ turns out to be an ice cream in an old café. and there's an old Dutch Colonail bridge to be admired. Otherwise we motor on relentlessly. I was going to say speed but that is definitely not the right word. Not even a lunch break is permitted and I have to beg for a toilet stop.

Endless rice terraces, with all stages of the growing cycle in evidence. Harvesting, threshing, tilling, harrowing, and ploughing (with hefty buffalo). The countryside is becoming increasingly bedecked with bunting and banners, mainly in scarlet and white. The guide explains that there are a several celebrations going on in August. It is Independence Day on August 17^th and it is also Ramadan of course.

Many shops and restaurants remain closed during the day because of the latter. Although there seems to be a lot of cooking taking place, so that the people have nice things to eat when sunset comes and they break their fast. Most of the goodies seem to be very sweet, involving lashings of palm sugar and coconut. It’s a bit like celebrating the end of Lent with an Easter party every day for a month. Then there is Eidh, which is a very big party to celebrate the end of all the small parties. Some of the rules also seem to be open to various interpretation. If you travel a long way you can eat during the day, but are expected to extend your fast by another day.

Ijen

Sadly, iconic Mount Bromo is off limits. It's erupting and we aren't allowed anywhere near it. The Earth is busy at the moment. So, even further east to Ijen, right at the eastern tip of Java. Ijen is a volcano complex - a group of composite volcanoes known for a blue fire, acidic crater lake, and very labour-intensive sulphur mining. The larger Ijen caldera Ijen, is about 12 miles wide and the highest point is the Gunung Merapi stratovolcano (yet another Mountain of Fire).

A much too early start for the group to brave the volcanic slopes of Mount Ijen - superb views across a cobalt lake, accompanied by steam from countless fumaroles and the stench of the sulphur, which is collected and bagged up here. It's also made into numerous souvenirs.

Kalibaru

Kalibaru is a tranquil spot, a plantation town, clinging to the cool foothills, of these lofty ranges. It's encircled by coffee, rubber and cocoa. In Kalibaru town there are umpteen shops selling metal spires for mosques. Guide Eddy tries one out as a hat.

My diet today has been disgraceful. I have had coca cola, ice cream, dates, chocolate (well you have to support the local plantations) and sweets.

Now we catch the ferry to Bali.

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)

Medan, Sumatra

I'm travelling through western Indonesia, Sumatra to Bali, on this leg of my trip. I've joined my group in Medan, Sumatra, flying in from Shanghai. The tour leader is an Indonesian called Eddy. Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia! He’s not very steady and certainly is never ready and he’s not really a leader either. There are four staff on the bus. Eddy, a driver, a backup driver, who holds the microphone cable for Eddy and a boy to keep the bus clean (though I haven’t seen him do anything yet). He stands up the whole way.

Who wants to be a millionaire?  Move to Indonesia - Eddy lent me some cash as the ATM wouldn’t work and I now owe him a million rupiah.

Medan began life as a fishing village in the marshes and evolved into a trading port and commercial hub. one of Indonesia's largest cities and the northern gateway. Several buildings in the Old Town testify to the Dutch colonial period. These include the old City Hall, the Medan Post Office, Inna Dharma Deli Hotel. The two main sights are the Maimoon Palace (1887–1891), where the Sultan of Deli still lives (though he no longer holds any official power) and The Great Mosque of Medan (1906). The mosque is small and pretty. The sultan's palace is more interesting, but not much larger with only one room that is open. to visitors. there are also a sprinkling of Tao, Buddhist and Hindu temples and a cathedral, built by the Dutch.

Orang Utans of Sumatra

Then we set off, in very slow moving traffic, west, to see the orang-utans. At this point one of the party announces that she has left her luggage in her hotel room, as she thought we were staying in the same place again tonight.  So we have to go back and fetch it, amidst ever increasing traffic. Well, at least the bar is set pretty high for any acts of doziness that I might commit in future.

 Bukit Lawang is the most famous spot in Sumatra, for going in search of these beautiful, very endangered red apes, It's really the only place where a sighting is guaranteed. Even this isn't easily accessible. There's a long march on the banks of the Bohorok River, past a village. Tourists in linked rubber tubes bob over the mini rapids, screaming. Half of Sumatra wans tips for helping us across wobbly bridges and up (steepish) steps when we didn’t need help.

As with the centre in Borneo, this place started as a rehabilitation centre with the aim of returning the apes to the wild. But this led to a host of problems with semi wild animals, some becoming quite aggressive. Now, guides are not supposed to interact or feed the primates. Naturally, these edicts are ignored, in order that the tourists get good photos. I still get a thrill out of seeing them, swinging around their platform, even if I do feel guilty. It's an (almost) unique experience. One the return journey, a bar on the riverside that serves up a whole variety of different cocktails. That is also fulfilling.

On the Road in Sumatra

Now, south. The journey continues to takes forever, partly because the Sumatra traffic is so awful and partly because the road is so awful. Miles of palm oil plantations and the accompanying mills. One article in a conservation centre says that the production and burning of this bio-oil actually consumes three times as much carbon dioxide as diesel. This is because the natural forests that harboured some of the world's highest biodiversity have been largely replaced by two trees: oil palms and acacia.

But, this is more the Asia that I know. Still hot, but not absolutely roasting. Endless little booths, contents spilling out onto dirty pavements that have open sewer manholes all down the middle; roads jam-packed with a fascinating melange of strange vehicles, people and animals. Palm clad volcanoes, paddy fields and masses of exotic fruit, both growing and being sold from the stalls. Eddy has made us eat rambutans and mangosteens today. Both delicious, but lethal to clothing.

Berastagi

Then, on to Berastagi or Brastagi, depending on which sign you believe. It’s a thousand metres up, in the Barisan Mountains and a little chilly for Indonesia. There are two active volcanoes; Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. Mount Sibayak has hot springs baths, so we stop for to swim in those. In the town centre, a colourful fruit and vegetable market, with some gorgeous flower stalls. Berastagi is famous for its passion fruit. The transport of choice here is the cidema, horse cart

We scramble into Karo Batak long-houses with thatched trapezoid roofs, veering awkwardly into the sky and then join a village celebration. As one does. Swaying dancers, elaborate costumes and wonderfully contrived hats. A dressed-to-the-nines couple sitting on thrones and piles of presents. The groom, self consciously bored, checks his phone throughout and takes selfies. Afterwards, when we are discussing the nuptials, one of the group suddenly says, “O was that a wedding?” We are obviously a bunch of intellectuals. We are spared the wedding feast. Two local delicacies are fried fruit bat and the partially digested grass from the stomach of a cow,

Back at our hotel, I find that my expensive six week supply of shampoo has leaked all over my doomed sponge bag. I wash my hair with what I can scoop out. This wash is going to have to last a long time.

Dinner is a delicious medley of Indonesian fare in a little local café. Most of the group opt out and go to the Chinese down the road, on the grounds that the food is too spicy.

Rumah Bolon

Today, we're heading for Lake Toba. First, the 120-metre waterfall of Sipiso-Piso. It was formed by a small underground river on the Karo plateau. Water cascades from a cave in the side of the Lake Toba caldera down to lake level, forming Indonesia's highest waterfall.

Then, skirting the lake to a special Rumah Bolon (traditional house in Sumatra), the former residence and palace of Batak King Simalungung, built in 1515. This complex has 20 households; one household for each of his wives. The main dwelling has a long room for all the wives and their children and a small boxy room for the king. He gets the guard to summon the lucky wife and the guard then takes up position in a horizontal cubicle underneath. If the sultan has taken some potion, the guard might get to summon another wife later on. Today's museum has a buffalo horn to represent each king and list of rulers, with their dates.

Samosir Island

Next the small port of Parapat and a one-hour boat transfer to Tomok on Samosir. an island in the centre of gigantic crater lake, Toba. The lake, formed more than 75,000 years ago, after the eruption of a super-volcano. is about 100 miles long, making it the largest volcanic lake in the world. The island is about the size of Singapore.

A suckling pig banquet tonight. Not so long ago in these parts it could have been long pig.

A Boat Trip on Lake Toba

A boat trip round the pretty island and a swim in the lake. We are accompanied by four musicians, who don’t let up for the whole day, except to try and plug their CD. I am up the back of the boat, where I can’t hear too much of what sounds like cats’ wailing. More Batak houses at Huta Siallagan. A house with a hidden entrance staircase signifies a house for females. A horn above the main door indicates the king’s house. Main doors usually have a low ceiling so that people have to bow when entering.

This time, the houses also have a meeting place, with stone chairs to try offenders and a stone block to decapitate those who are judged to have  transgressed severely. There’s a prison under the king house where prisoners are kept while waiting for judgement day. The criminals were believed to possess black magic, so the execution day had to be chosen carefully. Torture took care of the black magic After the guilty were executed (the head was thrown into the sea), the heart and liver were eaten. The last reported punishment of this type was in 1819.

The Karo peoples who inhabit these areas are mostly Christian, so the children are in school on Friday. They play safe by incorporating various animalistic deities into the ornate church steeples, as well as the boat like houses. There are plenty of grave sites, ancient and modern. King Sidabutar’s ornate carved tomb is the best example. The Simanindo Museum (in another traditional king's house) follows. There's an assortment of Batak artefacts: swords. agricultural implements, sculptures, fabrics. A ‘cultural Batak show’ is laid on for us, with Manortor traditional dancing round a buffalo - I try and behave myself in case they reintroduce the old laws.

A climb up to a viewpoint, through paddy fields, with a panoramic vista of the lake and the surrounding Sumatran countryside. Marilyn, a scatty, retired New Yorker has spent the whole trip losing things or wandering around looking bemused. She bought an Indonesian sunhat today (which she lost three times). Whenever you try and take a picture there she is in the background. It'll be like playing 'Where’s Wally?' when I get back.

Lunch is getting depressingly familiar. The anglicized Indonesian sateh is elusive. You can choose either fried noodles, or noodle soup or fried rice. I abstained from all three today. The inevitable stomach upset is threatening. And the excitement generated by the extensive drinks menu at our first stop has dwindled. Not a cocktail in sight, although avocado juice with chocolate is going down well with the group. They are less keen on Pocari Sweat, an electrolyte drink that seems popular amongst the locals. However, everything is incredibly cheap in Sumatra and the money is going a very long way. I’ve been here nearly a week and I’ve only spent about £70. (And that’s eating in ‘upmarket’ restaurants.) It makes my Shanghai banquet appear to be the height of extravagance.

Sumatra - The Long Road to Bukit Tinggi Part 1

Woken much too early by a huge row in the next room. Two women in the group don’t seem to be getting on terribly well. Some very unladylike words are exchanged. Then a very long day on the road, with just brief stops. Well, they were intended to be brief, but we are competing with a Belgian tour bus that seems to get to every place just before us. The road is so bad (partly because of landslides and partly because of disrepair) that we even have to walk at times. It’s almost impossible to overtake and the journey is excruciatingly slow.

Fortunately, there is plenty to look at when I am not dozing. The mountains and paddy fields are becoming increasingly beautiful. It is Sunday today, so the Christians are out walking out in their church finery. The Muslims are gathered in their hundreds in the rivers, washing in preparation for Ramadan tomorrow. The houses along the way vary in both decoration and opulence. There are numerous tin shacks, but even the majority of these have incongruous great satellite dishes. The buses are colourful and the vehicle of choice for families and taxis, appears to be a motor bike with some sort of sidecar attached. These also vary in decoration and opulence, but many are elaborately painted. The poorer families make do without a sidecar. We count mother, father and four children on one bike.

We are clearly moving into a more strongly Moslem area. I have been provided with a prayer mat in my hotel room.

Sumatra - The Long Road to Bukit Tinggi Part 2

Woken up at 5.30 a.m. by Eddy - an unasked for early morning call. A scheduled even longer journey day that is extended by another four hours because of a lorry accident. It’s quite good fun watching all the traffic trying to squeeze through the small gap left between the two injured lorries. One has a broken axle and the other is overturned, hanging half over a ravine. It seems easier just to push it over, but no. The police blow whistles to absolutely no avail. The passengers and drivers mill around, many just squat on the road and the little coffee shops do a roaring trade.

Eddy eventually commandeers a local bus to take us the rest of the way, with the luggage to follow in our own bus - when it can. This seems a good idea, except that three of our party have misunderstood his instruction to walk up the hill and wait for the bus. They are eventually found three kilometres up the road and still walking.

The local bus is amusing. The owners instruct me to sit in the front with them and they giggle all the time as we hurtle along. The driver is texting with one hand and trying to put on a pornographic DVD for the delectation of the rest of the group in the back. I manage to persuade him that this is not appropriate.  We eventually receive the news that our bus has made it through the gap and we have to disembark and wait another 20 minutes for it to catch up, as Eddy won’t fork out any more for the extra bus than he has to.

We arrive in Bukit Tinggi (wonderful name) at ten o’clock, shattered. It was too dark to see the Equator signs properly, as we crossed over, and the Islamic Heroes’ Museum was certainly closed. We did manage to get to the Islamic boarding school earlier, but that was also empty, because of Ramadan. Hundreds of teeny beach huts for the students’ accommodation-most of them pretty decrepit and empty inside, other than the insects and the remnants of their last lunch.

Despite all this time travelling, we are still not even half way down Sumatra.

Around Bukit Tinggi

Yet another early awakening. This time it’s the muezzin at 4.30 signalling the Ramadan prayers. As they also woke me at 10.30 last night when I was trying to get an early night I am extremely sleep deprived now and grumpy. My room is next to the mosque and we are here for three nights.

I have also discovered why they have covers over the drains in the bathrooms. If you don’t put them back the cockroaches creep out during the night. The hotels all have western style toilets with flush cisterns. However, most of the other toilets are squat style, with mandi tanks adjacent. You just dip in the plastic ladle and wash it all down after you. Even the western toilets in the towns of Sumatra have mandis, which makes for a pretty wet seat. The locals tend to squat, even on the western toilets. You can tell by the footprints.

Back on the bus, for a tour of the Minangkabau homelands. Eddy is hot on his schedule. The seats on the bus are incredibly small. The spacing makes Ryanair look generous. Fortunately, I quite often get one to myself.

Even more stunning rice terraces, the local king’s palace (still being rebuilt after it got struck by lightning) and a monkey on a chain that had been trained to climb up palms and throw down the ripe coconuts. He looked very unhappy and we feel very sorry for some of the animals here. We have seen birds in tiny cages, a beautiful owl with its wings clipped severely so it cannot fly at all and fruit bats, also in cages, as they are fried and eaten as a cure for asthma.

A guided walk through the rainforest that seems more like a route march down a steep slippery track, and through rice farms, to a lake that we can’t see because it is too hazy. Another admirer in the fields tells me that he thinks I am nice. Because I look like an Indian in a Bollywood movie.

We stop in a little craft village and I spend more than I have laid out on food this week buying the lovely filigree work.

What else have I seen ? There are lots of cats in Sumatra. Some of them are in reasonable condition but many have been born with short, fat tails. And the architecture has changed. The roofs are more ornate. Many are multi gabled, like Thai temples, with concave sides, and are very pretty. They are supposed to represent buffalo horns, symbolising fertility. So great attention is often paid to the roof of even the meanest shops and houses. Though many of the mosques have tin roofs.   I have even observed a minaret shop or two. Much is closed because of Ramadan and most of the locals are not eating, drinking, smoking or having sex between dawn and dusk.

Bukit Tinggi Town

Then an exploration of Bukit Tinggi proper. It sits on the edge of a pretty canyon, which we view from the Panorama Park, along with the monkeys. Then we venture into town. East meets west meets Spanish colonial. A square, complete with clock tower, horses and carts, KFC, giant tiger statues and a Muslim market. This area is shown on the map as ‘Up market’. Further south is ‘Down market’.

Mount Marapi

The highlight of the day is the eruption of Mount Marapi (Moauntain of Fire), one of two volcanoes which sit either side of the town. It pours out ash for several hours, darkening the sky and covering the streets and cars with a grey flaky layer. I’m getting quite blasé about volcanic eruptions, after last year in Costa Rica and now this.

Now I'm flying - to Yogyakarta in Java.

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)

Indonesia - Facts and Factoids

• The Republic of Indonesia is vast - the largest archipelago in the world, comprising either 13,466 or 18,307 islands, depending on which survey you believe.  It straddles the Equator, spreading over 5,120 miles. That would take you from London to well past the Middle East. The coastline is 33,998 miles long (the second longest after Canada).
• Indonesia has a total population of more than 260 million people from more than 200 ethnic groups.That's the fourth largest in the world.
• Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world.
• Ethnically Indonesia is highly diverse, with more than 300 local languages. The people range from rural hunter-gatherers to a modern urban elite.
• Some of the administrative division's of Indonesia, sub provinces are referred to as regencies. They are equivalent to cities.

• Indonesia is part of the Pacific Rim "Ring of Fire"- there are 139 volcanoes - that's the third most in the world.
• The Komodo dragon, found on five of the islands, is the world's largest lizard. As well as being huge, it has a venomous bite.
• According to the 2004 Global Corruption Report, former Indonesian president, Suhart,o was the most corrupt leader of all time, embezzling between 15 billion and 35 billion USD.

Who Colonised Indonesia?

• Sophisticated kingdoms existed before the arrival of the Dutch, who colonised the archipelago, bringing the whole of Indonesia under one government, as the Dutch East Indies.
• The Dutch East Indies was occupied by Japan in 1942 
• Independence was won in 1949.

Is Indonesia a Poor Country?

Indonesia has become one of the world's major emerging economies, but 10% of the population still lives below the poverty line.

Is Indonesia Safe to Visit?

Indonesia faces demands for independence in several provinces and increasing attacks by Islamist armed groups, so travellers need to stay alert. There are also frequent, sometimes unexpected, volcanic eruptions to watch out for.

Where To Visit in Indonesia?

Nearly all the islands are diverse and rewarding. There are amazing temples and other historical sites, incredible scenery (Indonesia is known, romantically, as the Emerald of the Equator, because of its lush rainforests), beautiful beaches and diving/snorkelling. There is hand to mouth existence village life and then the urban sprawls. You may not want to spend long in Jakarta. And don't forget the orang utans - and the Komodo dragons.

• Sumatra to Bali Part 1 - Sumatra
• Sumatra to Bali Part 2 - Java
• Sumatra to Bali Part 3 - Bali East of Java - Overland from Flores to Bali
• Kalimantan - for wonderful wildlife
• Sulawesi

Overland from Flores to Bali.

• This is a very basic journey, coming from Manila via Singapore, flying into Bali and then straight on to Flores.
• There’s a Twenty Something Female Australian, Sylvia, a sixty something, Slightly Frail Male Australian, John, and a thirty something Very Capable Female Australian Leader, Joanna.

Travelling in Flores

• We're to the east of the huge archipelago that is Indonesia, in East Nusa Tenggara. Flores is the largest of the easterly Lesser Sunda Islands, if you don't count Timor. The accommodation is wonderfully cheap, but basic – the shower is local mandi style - a large plastic barrel of water and a ladle.

• We use local transport and are crammed onto local buses along with goats on the roof and live chickens and sacks of flour inside, as well as some very dubious odours. The buses, especially the smaller ones are referred to as bemos.
• Bananas are our staple food, while we travel.
• Once, TSFA and I are offered a lift with a guy who is working at the British consul - it’s a very nice car and we are exceedingly reluctant to return to the jolting buses after this taste of luxury.

Exploring Flores

Flores was named by the Portuguese, in 1544, "Cabo de Flores". In Indonesia and Malay the island is called "Pulau Bunga" (Flower Island). although it seems there are no more flowers growing here than in other parts of Indonesia, It is however, a spectacularly beautiful island and has enough interesting sights to warrant a much longer stay. It's ribbonlike, long (220 miles) and incredibly narrow, (only 7 miles, at one point and up to 40 miles ) so we are zigzagging back and forth, sampling its delights.

Maumere, Our Flores Starting Point

Maumere, on the north east coast of Flores to start, a fair sized city with a lovely beach and great sunsets. Snorkelling and a massage already. I would be in heaven, except someone has stolen my sandals, which I foolishly left on the veranda of my bungalow. VCFA rounds up possible suspects and threatens an identity parade.  They are returned. Close to Maumere is Sikka,, centre of the legendary Ikat weaving industry. Loom demonstrations are enthusiastically given.

Mount Kelimatu, the Jewel of Flores

Through winding roads to Moni, in the centre of Flores, TSFA has already thrown up twice, bravely waiting for a gap in the trees and a scenic stop, by the lush mountains and rice terraces. To Kelimatu village at the base of Mount Kelimatu. To say they are basic is an understatement. But I have heart shaped embroidery on my pillowcase and there is plenty of atmosphere. There's the chill of the mountain air, the scent of woodsmoke and the babble of voices. A wander through unkempt rice terraces and lunch for 50 cents each. In the evening, the whole village performs a harvest dance, for just the four of us, following up with an Ikat sales pitch.

We are here for the volcanic lakes, of astonishing jewel like colours, sapphire and emerald. It's mandatory to get up early to see them, driving up Mount Kelamuta's hairpin beds in the dark - now John's vomiting - and it's bracingly cold up there at that time of the morning.

Back down to a flood and a vibrant tented market, spread below the mountainsides. The vendors punctuate their sales pitch with betel nut spitting through their stained gapped teeth.

Ende

A bus to Ende, next, on the south coast - more spectacular volcanic scenery, complete with iconic cones. And piles of filthy rubbish. There are very few tourists and we are definitely the centre of attention. 'Hey Mister'. Here, we reach the beach on the southern coast and some very bad Chinese food. The local coffee “Kopi End”'. is coffee beans and ginger roasted together. The sunsets are astonishing, capturing the fishing boats beautifully in silhouette.

Riung

Today's bus, weaving back up to Riung, on the north coast, has a goat and a small boy ion top and bags of rice and live chickens inside. The luggage rack is crammed full with engine spare parts. People hang off the back - there's not much room inside.

Riung is a fisherman's stilt village, surrounded by, banks of spiky red ginger. Clouds of fruit bats (flying foxes). roost in the mangroves, recreating scenes for Hitchcock's The Birds, whenever they are disturbed.

Happily, Riung faces The 17 Islands Riung Marine Park . Despite the name, there are actually 24 virtually uninhabited islands, with white beaches and some excellent snorkelling. Delicate spirals of coral, flamboyant fish, fin flapping deadly lion fish among them. I’m pursued through the clear water, by three errant tuna.

Bajawa

Today, the bus windows are open and branches ping in as we proceed. I'm trying to duck. One nearly takes out the driver. I'm covered in a fine spray of leaves. A woman is sleeping on my shoulder surrounded by fumes of clove and tobacco. Locals whispering:' White people on the bus!' Outside, clouds of orange daisies and royal blue morning glory. The hangers-on (literally) leap off the bus as we arrive, south again, at Bajawa.

Bajawa is a small village clinging to the mountain slopes and circled by more classic volcano cones., clouds sitting on top emulating smoke. Here. the attraction is the hot springs. Cascades of piping hot water, take the form of aquamarine rivulets winding through a deep gulley, via rapids, into inviting turquoise pools. The current just whisks you along. It’s a hugely enjoyable natural water park.

We’re invited to watch boxing. It’s part of a wedding ceremony - we’ve already viewed the parade winding down the main street, parasols bobbing and drums banging.

Next day, a bema trip to a traditional village. Thatched houses on stilts in a stunning sub volcano setting There are stone dolmen plinths for sacrifices. And all manner of crafts on display. Ikat weaving, of course, grinding and winnowing corn

Ruteng

Back on the bus, west to Ruteng. Today's cargo is coconuts and baskets of tiny bird’s eye chillies on the bus today. oozing oil escapes, sliding down the bus and over our bags. It's a tortuous journey. We are jammed in. Three men are squashed in the stair well. The air is heavy with unwashed bodies and clove tobacco. I feel nauseous for 5 hours. trying to focus on Mount Inerie, as its cone zooms in and out of view. A lodging with hot water, at the town of Ruteng! I shower, climb into bed and sleep till the next morning.

Just time to visit the vibrant market before our bus arrives.

Labuan Bajo

Back on the bus in Flores for the last time, to the port of Labuan Bajo, on the west coast, the gateway to Komodo National Park. The eight o'clock doesn't turn up. It's broken down. The 9 a.m. turns up at 9.30 and leaves at10.30. The brakes are failing, we have a flat tyre and there are numerous pot holes filled with rocks.

But more beautiful scenery. tiered rice fields and green hills thickly clothed in abundant vegetation, children run out to stare every time we stop. And we stop a lot. The sun is setting, as we arrive, creating yellow dapples on the water. There's no electricity. I meet Nick here, at our 'hotel' playing cards on the veranda (see Myanmar). Further excellent snorkelling across the straits, towards some islets with attendant jelly fish - I still have the scar.

Whip Fighting - a Flores Ritual

Then we're off to see the whip-fighting,. The Caci whip-fighting ritual is unique to Flores Island. It dates from harvest celebrations and to settle conflicts. Now it's used at national celebrations, births, weddings and deaths. One person attacks, the other defends. The leather and rattan whip, represents the phallus, The bamboo and buffalo hide shield, symbolizes the female womb. The masks represent water buffalo, to give strength. The fight is introduced with music and gongs and is relentlessly aggressive, though good natured when combat is resolved.

Rinca and Komodo

There are three small islands in the park, Rinca, Komodo and Padar. By boat, from Flores, to Rinca and Komodo, where the snorkelling is whatever the next grade up is from excellent. Our SFMA is not a good sailor and has to be mollycoddled by the VCFAL. Our crew of six are on better form. They feed us gado-gado and coconut curry and we all sing till our tongues are in ribbons.

The Komodo National Park is the home to the Komodo Dragon, the world's largest living lizard and the stuff of legends. Sailors even reported them as fire breathing. I'm worrying that I might not see one of these creatures, but they are marauding around on both islands. queuing up by the jetty on Rinca. They are indeed huge.

We walk on both islands, along walkways, and atop ridges. The palm trees here are like tall sticks with pom poms on top. I am persuaded to pose for pictures, brandishing a forked prodding stick behind one. Next week, I read an article in the paper about an attack by a zoo based Komodo dragon on Sharon Stone’s husband; he has lost some of his toes and is thought to have come off lightly. Tourists are not allowed to stay on Rinca, so we're sleeping aboard. There are no lights on the boat - they use torches.

Boat to Lombok

We bypass Sumbawa on our vessel – we’re told it’s not very interesting and the roads are bad. SFMA may not be a good sailor, but he has got very good at whining. VCFAL is admirably patient. but we do stop at Mojo Island. More wonderful snorkelling. The crew find some arak and their behaviour deteriorates markedly. We have an impromptu disco on deck. It doesn't help when we finally arrive at Lombok and the dinghy leaks. Jo almost ends up in the water

Lombok

Tetebatu

We eventually land at Labuhan Lombok, the island's easterly harbour. We're still in the Lesser Sunda Islands, but this is now West Nusa Tengarra. Lombok is roughly circular, with a tiny tail. Inland to Tetebatu, a hill retreat in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani. The mountain is a giant that stands guard over the whole island .

Close by is Masbagik Village, known for its pottery products, with demonstrations. And weaving, of course. And we stroll through the gorgeous, tranquil rice terraces. Transport around here is by cidema - horse cart

Kuta

Kuta is Lombok's burgeoning answer to Kuta in Bali. Now I'm encountering tourists again, of the beautiful people type. And the beaches here ae lovely. Most notably Tanjung Aan, stunning white sand, palm trees and limestone pinnacles. The waves tumble into the entrance of a circular bay. The other upside is, we have a hotel with hot water – and a swimming pool. Another cidema ride, more artisans to barter with. I've acquired 11 lengths of beautiful striped cloth so far and a mother of pearl inlaid triangular chest, with three drawers

And Lombok offers more cultural delights. Here we have a stick fighting contest to attend. The regalia is less splendid then whip fighting, but it’s more brutal. Presean (stick fighting) again involves two fighters with rattan sticks and leather shields and a referee with a loud whistle. This martial art is accompanied by traditional music and a commentator. It gets extremely ferocious. I'm told that it's part of traditional rain ceremony;. the more they bleed, the more it will rain.

There's also a wedding procession wending its way through the village to enjoy. Colourful noisy and enthusiastic, but definitely more comfortable viewing.

Damian, yet another Australian, who I meet at Danny's Lombok Lounge, persuades me to take to the pillion of his motor bike and I get a bumpy view of the rural island. Damian (I should have been more wary as soon as I heard the name) can’t decide if he wants to come with us to Bali or not, so I say my farewells.

Bali

Another boat, a ferry this time to Bali and the tranquil rice terraces and extravagantly, gorgeous temples. We start at Lovina and an Indonesian banquet on the beach. The highlight is spiritual Ubud, with its cafes, health food and furniture shops. This is our last stop, where our hotel is a resplendent carved idyll surrounded by paddy fields. Damien is waiting to welcome us. But he’s not sure if he wants to stay in touch when I leave or not. (See Australia for more on this story!).

More on Bali here

(Or read more about Indonesia here.)