17 Days | 16 June – 02 July, 2024
$AUD7621. per person, ex Denpasar.
Our Group and their Colourful Bus.
Julie Ryder, well respected indigo dyer, textile artist and weaver, invites you to discover the textile villages of “unknown” Sumba and Flores with their strong cultural practices, world class ikat and cotton weaving, incorporating indigenous imagery woven on back strap looms.
Both islands are different in climate, topography, culturally, and textile treasures, showing clear individuality. We have the possibility to see the famous Komodo dragons.
Sumba and Flores are two small islands, hidden away between Bali and Timor, and revered by a few for its exquisite natural fibre and dyed blankets, amongst other delightful textiles and cultural attractions. Both islands offer diverse and stunning scenery and are well off the tourist trail and thus presents a much more ‘original’ feel to that found in Bali and the main islands of Indonesia. Our program has been arranged with local people and we visit the main centres as well as villages. We see markets, participate in workshops, and see some of the finest products around.
Travel is via Denpasar, in Bali where we transit on the way in. On the home journey it is possible to make direct connections to Australia. Of course, you can spend more time in Bali or other parts of Indonesia.
Accommodation is in comfortable small hotels with private bathrooms. Most meals are included and these will explore the local cuisine, which is good. Transport is by mid-size coach, and we have our local guide and driver.
Christine Pearson, who is known by many of our textile guests, is your Tour Concierge and will impart her knowledge and lead discussions, along with making sure the program runs smoothly.
Dates and Cost
17 days| 16 June – 02 July, 2024 | $AU7621 per person twin share.
Joining in Denpasar, concluding in Denpasar. Minimum 09 people, maximum 12 people.
Highlights
- Visit traditional tribal villages.
- Weaving and natural dyeing demonstrations and mini-workshops.
- Expert discussions on techniques and cultural significance.
- Fascinating local architecture.
- Join dancers in their performances.
- See stunning ancestral tombs in Sumba, and Komodo dragons.
- Swim and snorkel at pristine beaches and unspoilt tropical reef.
- See Gunung Kelimutu volcano, coloured crater lakes, and the amazing ‘spider web’ rice fields.
- Enjoy comfortable hotels and guest houses.
- Wander about local villages and markets.
- Indulge in fabulous fresh meals.
The following is a condensed description of our program.
Itinerary Summary
DAY 01: Sunday, 16 June, 2024 – Arrival Denpasar
Arrival into Denpasar. Transfer to our hotel for the night.
This is a transit stop so no touring arranged
DAY 02 and 03: 17 -18 June – Denpasar – Tambolaka – Waikabubak
Fly from Denpasar. Over these two days we become acquainted with Sumban culture with village visits, see antique fabrics and items, see fantastic scenery of rice fields and the Indian ocean, with plenty of photo stops and a picnic lunch on the beach.
DAY 04 and 05: 19 – 20 June – Waikabubak – Waingapu
Drive from west to east Sumba and the regional capital of Waingapu. Our highlight is meeting with Sumba’s foremost ‘custodian’ of Sumbanese ikat who will explain and demonstrate the entire process of ikat; including how to distinguish the natural and chemical colour, the motives, the stories behind the patterns and regional differences.
Time permitting, we can visit markets and nearby villages.
DAY 06 and 07: 21 – 22 June – Waingapu – Pau – Kalala
Sumba School Girls
Travel from Waingapu along the coast to the town of Pau, well known for the Lau Pahikung ikats and onto Kalala beach ‘Resort’. We visit Rende village (Royal family House) with its unique ikat weaving and megalithic tombs. We spend some hours to learn about the ikat designs of Kaliuda with their unique horse and bird designs unlike any other textiles on Sumba. Also, learn about indigo dyeing at the village of Kanatang and Mau Dolung Village, where we are shown their unique natural dye process.
DAY 08: 23 June, – Waingapu – Maumere
Today we depart Sumba and fly to Flores. On arrival, we proceed to Maumere.
DAY 09 and 10: 24 – 25 June – Maumere and Moni
First, we visit the main weekly market day in Maumere. We spend time at the market to look at the wide variety of local textiles and produce. Later, we have time for a swim off the black sand beach and enjoy sunset drinks under the palm trees overlooking the picturesque bay.
We visit the village of Watublapi, a weaving cooperative specialising in Flores ikat weaving and natural dyeing. We will be treated to traditional dancing at the village, a demonstration of dyeing and weaving techniques, and a delicious local lunch. Overnight in Moni.
DAY 11-13: 26 – 28 June – Moni – Ende – Bajawa
After breakfast we explore the local volcano and vibrant surrounding farms and forests. Inspect the spectacular and different coloured lakes before spending the afternoon with a group of weavers at a textile cooperative. Here, they specialise in beautiful ikat textiles, dyed with indigo and Morinda citrifolia. We visit Ende’s bustling textile market and weavers specialise in the striking black and gold supplementary weft textiles specific to the region.
DAY 14: 29 June – Bajawa – Ruteng
Gentlemen of Sumba
Today we visit the market in Ruteng to see a variety of Manggarai textiles; supplementary weft textiles, very different to the ikat cloths of central Flores.
DAY 15 and 16: 30 – 01 July – Ruteng – Labuan Bajo – Komodo’s
On the way to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), we visit the lingko, the spider web-shaped rice fields. By chartered boat go to Rinca Island to see the renowned Komodo Dragons (depending on Government permission). Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling around the beautiful islands. Tonight, over dinner we shall have a ‘Show & Tell’ and discuss our textile finds.
DAY 17: 02 July 2024 – Flores to Bali
This morning we will return to Denpasar by flight. Our journey ends on arrival into Denpasar.
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation based on twin sharing
- All meals in Sumba and Flores. Breakfast only in Bali. Drinking water.
- Travel by private, comfortable air-con vehicle.
- Comprehensive touring program including sightseeing to iconic attractions.
- Visits to many textile workshops, galleries, weaving centres, markets and villages.
- Services of Julie Ryder as Guest Lecturer, and Christine Pearson, as Concierge.
- Services of well-qualified English speaking local guides.
- Entrance fees to museums, galleries, and attractions included and mentioned in the itinerary. Additional visits and visit to other attractions are at traveller’s expense.
- Boat trip to Rincon Island. National Park ranger guide. Snorkel gear.
- Comprehensive information kits.
INTERNAL DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
There are four flights within Indonesia, utilising a choice of airlines. Fares adjust frequently, and are in US dollars, making it very difficult to provide a firm price at this stage. An estimate for the four flights is AUD723, but subject to confirmation at time of booking.
Items not included:
International and internal Indonesian airfares, airport and government taxes, visa fees; travel insurance; health costs; personal expenditure, tips; communication expenses and shopping. Any expenses due to flight delay or flight cancellation. Price adjustments due to exchange rate fluctuations, airline
Pricing: AUD and USD
All services from our Indonesian partners are expressed in USD. We then convert these costs into AUD at the time of invoicing. Consequently, the AUD amount may vary from any advertised price due to changes in exchange rate between the initial promotion of the program and the date of invoice.
You have the choice of paying in USD via WISE.com. Contact us for details.
Accommodation
Includes personally selected guesthouses and hotels. Our selection criteria include central location, charm, cleanliness, cultural integrity, uniqueness, and standard of service. All rooms have private western-style bathrooms and comfortable beds. Some have pools while others have pleasant gardens. Where choice is limited we select the most appropriate hotels for our guests.
Single occupancy rooms are available throughout the program at a single room fee of AUD912.
Meals
Dining on our programs are an enjoyable experience as we explore regional delicacies and patronise some of the best restaurants and local cafes. We include all meals, so we can introduce you to as wide a choice as possible.
Road Travel
Roads are generally very good with light traffic. Roads can be windy, so motion sickness prone individuals should bring their required medication.
International Air Travel
There are several airline choices to Denpasar, our transit point, offering a variety of fares and flight times. There are slightly cheaper but more complicated options. You can arrange extra nights in Bali and upgrade to Business Class. Call us to discuss options.
Our Style
Intentionally Different Travel’s trips excel when it comes to personal attention and relevant information. This includes information on where to dine, where to purchase textiles and other products, explanations on ethnic minorities and their textile practice along with answers to the myriad of other questions our guests pose.
Apart from good and relevant information, and excellent hands-on workshops, we include attractive accommodation, good sightseeing opportunities, plenty of ‘getting-to-meet-the-locals’ encounters and of course, great dining opportunities showcasing local fare. We don’t hold your hand all the way so there are ‘free time’ periods to allow you to rest, explore on your own, or simply visit a café for an iced coffee.
Past guests have found our ‘style’ very much to their liking and we trust you will also.
Should you join this program?
Firstly, if you enjoy textiles you should join. However, as there is much more included in the program, others with an interest in Asian crafts, history and culture would also enjoy this tour. There is opportunity for short to medium walks throughout, so a reasonable level of fitness is an advantage. While this is not an ‘outdoor/adventure’ trip, a ‘sense of adventure’ is required. As this is a Study Tour with comprehensive notes and information provided, some guests may receive a tax concession. Check with your financial advisor.
Additional Travel
If you would like to travel on to other regions of Indonesia, please let us know, so we can develop an individual travel program for you. We have designed exciting itineraries for our clients throughout the region for many years.
Reservations
Email to: robert@intenttravel.com.au or send an inquiry.
To secure your place, please email your intention to join Julie in Sumba and Flores. You will then receive a reservation form to complete. Your option is held for seven days secured by receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person. Deposit is refunded if minimum numbers are not reached.
‘The Paperwork’
Your deposit will be acknowledged. We keep you informed as to the status of bookings and advise you when minimum numbers are reached. Then, we send you a confirmation kit and invoice. Final payment is due 60-days prior departure When our group is complete and after final payment, travel documents will be sent out. Then it is only a short time before your wonderful textile experience begins!
Your expert tour host
Julie Ryder is a well recognised textile artist with a great knowledge of the indigo dyeing process, which she incorporates into her work. Julie has studied and worked in Indonesia where she gained an extensive appreciation of the traditional weaving and dyeing processes in various parts of Indonesia. Sumba and Flores are possibly best known for intricate ikat, incorporating indigo in conjunction with other dyes, which Julie will explain to you.
Christine Pearson, is a co-founder of Intentionally Different, and accompanies many of our programs serving the role of concierge, allowing our guests unlimited access to our trip Presenter.
Christine has over 40 years of designing and escorting a variety of tours – cycling in China, arts and crafts in Vietnam, Lao, Bhutan, India, Tibet, the ‘Stans’, Myanmar, as well as Timor, Sumba and Flores, and is an accomplished and internationally recognised tour escort. She is also known as a ceramicist, and knowledgeable in textiles. She managed to juggle her time between planning travel, escorting tours, and in recent years, completing a Bachelor in Visual Arts at ANU.
You will be in capable and informed hands.