Tag: asia

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Spiritual Legacy of Ayutthaya, Thailand

on June 1, 2018

Ayutthaya, Thailand was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. This ancient city was founded in 1350 and flourished; once being one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. The city was mostly destroyed in the 18th century but what remains is a magnificent archaeological site that includes temples, statues, Buddhist monasteries and more. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an excellent place to explore and a must-see while in Thailand.

thailand

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @Nancy using the hashtag #gate1travel. This spiritual view was taken in Ayutthaya, Thailand in Southeast Asia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Thailand trips here!

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

Gate 1 Travel is letting you in on a little secret. Today we are sharing the top 12 best performing tours thus far in 2018 because you deserve to know! These tours vary greatly in destination but they all excel in showing you must-see sites, beautiful cities, unique cultures and natural beauty all in one escorted tour! We are giving you a countdown of our top 12 tours in hopes of giving you some inspiration when it comes to planning your next unforgettable adventure. Journey with us from Ireland to Vietnam to the United States with a whole world in between and enjoy our list.

12. 9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Enchanting Ireland is right. Ireland is a beautiful country known for a warm culture, lush greenery and excellent sites to see. While on this tour of Ireland you will see some Blarney_Castleof the can’t miss spots including the city of Dublin, where you will enjoy a city tour, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and have free time to explore. Also enjoy the Killarney area where you will drive through the world-famous Ring of Kerry and see sites on your way. On this tour you will also see Blarney Castle, Waterford, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. If you have been wanting to visit Ireland, there is no better time than the present to go green.

11. 8 Day Essential Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that is so incredibly different from anywhere else that it’s popularity is no surprise. Your tour of Vietnam will most likely begin with a visit to Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon, where you will have the chance to take an optional excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a optional half day tour of the city or explore the city on your own at your leisure. You will also visit the incredible Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see caves, grottos, islands, stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls, to name a few! You will also have a full day in Hanoi to either explore the city leisurely or take some optional tours that include the Museum of Ethnology and a Cyclo Ride/Water Puppet Show. This genuine country will win you over and you will enjoy every minute of it.

10. 8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
What better way to see what the world has to offer than by visiting parts of your own country? Although our country doesn’t have a history as old as some others, we do have amazing sites, national parks, natural phenomenon and plenty of great cities with their own special elegance. On this tour you will see 3 national parks, stay in 6 different locations and have the experience of a lifetime, all in 8 days! Visit Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and home to “Old Faithful”, hot springs, thermal features, rock cliffs and more! You will also get to visit Grand Teton National Park, with its dense forests and rich wildlife and then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s time to see what the United States has to offer and explore some of our greatest treasures.

9. 15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam
This excellent tour gets you seeing two of the greatest countries of Southeast Asia and experiencing some of the greatest sites they have to offer. In just over two weeks you will Vietnam HalongBay_1109_dt_16304888experience 7 different cities and add two different countries to your list! While on tour, visit Siem Reap, home to some of the most famous sites in the world; Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy leisure time or take some optional tours to get to know this fascinating city. While on your Cambodia & Vietnam tour you will also see the city of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the ancient town of Hoi An, Hue; home to a wealth of palaces, temples, museums and libraries, Halong Bay and Hanoi. This tour covers so much of these two amazing countries that it is a truly unmissable experience.

8. 13 Day Turkish Treasures
Welcome to the true crossroads of Europe and Asia; Turkey. This country has history that dates back to B.C. and has ancient sites to see that are some of the oldest on earth! On your journey to Turkey you will tour the city of Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. Traverse the ancient city of Cappadocia with its surreal rock formations, rock-cut temples and plenty of hot air balloons in the sky, with an optional have your own hot air balloon ride! This extensive tour also includes visits to the classical city of Troy, the port city of Izmir, the resort town of Antalya and Ankara the modern capital of Turkey. Learn about the country and sites you have read about in books like The Illiad and venture to this country today.

7. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Central Europe
Central Europe has so much to offer in such a small area of the world. On this tour you will visit 5 major cities with a few stops along the way, and potentially add 5 new countries to your list. You will travel to the medieval city of Krakow, Poland, a city that was greatly affected by WWII and see the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto of the city as well as taking a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experience the former center of the Hapsburg Empire; Vienna, Austria, where you will view Schonbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and more. This tour will also bring you to more unforgettable places such as Warsaw, Czestochowa, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. If you enjoy history, culture, music and experiencing unforgettable places, this tour is perfect for you.

6. 11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia is a travel location that is increasingly popular for good reason! This seaside country has excellent cities by the water and a neighboring country of Slovenia that you will not want to miss. This tour includes stops in 7 towns and cities with optional tours to see even more. This extraordinary tour takes you to Dubrovnik, the walled and cobbled-street city that you have probably seen on Game of Thrones, as King’s Landing, and in many pictures. Also explore the lake-side city of Bled, set among the Julian Alps and one of Slovenia’s most popular resort towns. Opatija, Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, Vodice, Zagreb and Ljubjana, Slovania are all included on this fully-packed tour. Come see why so many people are visiting this country and discover many of your own reasons!

5. 11 Day Enchanting Italy
Italy is always a great idea and this tour covers places you have always wanted to visit. If Venetian canals, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s David, and Pompeii are things you have dreamed about, this tour covers it all and so much more. Visit and stay in the city of Florence, where David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square await you. Take a tour of ancient Rome, home of the Colosseum, excellent food and a tiny country called Vatican City. This tour will also take you to Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bay of Naples and more! If a friendly culture, excellent food and beautiful sites are on your travel list, you will surely cross them off with this tour of Italy.

4. 8 Day Essential Greece
This country, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world; the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi. This tour has an unbeatable DelphiAthenaprice and gets you all around Greece in just over a week! You will likely arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. Take a tour of the archaeological site of Olympia and see where the games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit the excavated site of Delphi, enjoy the coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal and take an optional day tour to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands. Discover this ancient country that is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization on this unforgettable tour.

3. 12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague
A river cruise through Europe is an excellent way to see many destinations while returning to the comfort of a ship between each. Being on a cruise means that while you are busy sleeping or enjoying the ship, you are being whisked away to a new and exciting destination. On your river cruise you will sail along the Danube river and visit Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, you will also see the Czech Republic on this specific tour. Visit the essential Danube village town of Melk, Austria where you will walk along medieval cobblestone streets leading to 16th century houses and wine taverns. You will also visit the city of Prague on this tour, where you will see the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall, Jewish Quarter and many more sites. Other stops on this tour include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen and Regensberg. It’s time to experience Europe in one of the most unique and special ways; on a European river cruise with Gate 1 Travel!

2. 10 Day Affordable Peru
Seeing Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. If you are one of these enthusiasts this tour was made for you. Visit the city of Lima, the capital of Peru and its excellent landmarks including the Palace of the Archbishop, the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. You will, of course, experience the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco, which contains some ruins of its own and will be your gateway to touring the incredible Machu Picchu. This tour also visits Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Uros Islands, Puno and more! This exceptional tour brings you to some of the most photographed and visited places in the world and is affordable as well. Get out your hiking gear because Peru awaits.

1. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco
If you have not been to Morocco yet, it is a must-visit! This up and coming country has been hugely popular this year thanks to its unique culture, vast array of things to do and excellent pricing! This tour offers many essential locations in Morocco including Fez, an OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAancient city with breathtaking views that you can decide to discover on your own or join the optional city tour. You will also visit Marrakesh where you will visit the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, the Medina and the Bahia Palace. On this Moroccan tour you will also visit Rabat, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate and Casablanca. There’s no better time than now to start seeing the world and all its beauty and culture. What better way to explore, than to enjoy our most popular tour of the year to beautiful Morocco?

MediterraneanTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

on March 29, 2018

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hugely popular travel locations with rich histories, stunning cultures, beautiful buildings and friendly people. These cities are filled with brilliant architecture and majestic scenery built in a desert landscape. The area offers everything from high-end shopping, luxury hotels, incredible restaurants and plenty of adventures to keep you busy. We caught up with Lakiya, a Gate 1 Travel employee, who recently enjoyed a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and we got the inside scoop on her trip.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it? 
I have 2 brothers that are Muslim. They speak highly about dubai_lakiya2the religion and I was intrigued to say the least. I wanted to know more about the religion and how it’s practiced in Dubai vs. how the religion is practiced here in the states. In addition to wanting to know more about the religion, I was told that they were very strict and that everything was bigger and better in Dubai; I needed to see this for myself.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi are becoming some of the most popular international travel destinations, how was that reflected in your trip?
There were several tour buses and various companies. Some places were very crowded like the Grand Mosque in dubai_lakiya6Abu Dhabi, the malls, and other tourist locations. There was a lot traffic in Dubai and it almost seemed as if the city never slept. However, the restaurants weren’t overcrowded and the bars/lounges housed a comfortable crowd.

What were of the highlights of your trip?
The highlight of my trip was the Desert Safari! Dune driving was a lot fun and the scenery was to die for! We were able to enjoy a traditional dinner at the camp site that included every aspect of their culture. We enjoyed watching the Falcon show, riding camels, getting henna tattoos, dressing in garbs and even enjoyed free hookah (Shisha).

dubai_lakiya5How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping? 
We visited the Dubai Mall. I wish we had more time to visit the Mall of the Emirates. The Dubai Mall had every store that you could imagine. The malls stayed open until midnight, which was surprising to me, I’m not use to malls staying open that late in the states. The souks were awesome too! It was fun to negotiate prices and talk the sellers down to a lower price.

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip?
Do your own research! It’s not as strict as everyone told me it was. So I wasn’t prepared to hang in lounges or let loose. All of my outfits were pretty loose fitting or conservative. I had to buy clothing to fit it when we decided to enjoy the nightlife that I didn’t think they had. Nightlife in Dubai was awesome!dubai_lakiya3

How did you prepare for this trip?
I prepared by packing loose fitting/conservative attire.

Would you go back?
Absolutely! I plan on going back in for Expo 2020!

How was your tour manager and what were they like? In what ways did they effect your trip? My tour manager was absolutely FANTASTIC! She did everything from providing history about the 7 Emirates, to providing over-garments dubai_lakiya4for the visit to the mosque, to providing converter boxes for us to charge our electronics. She made reservations for us to have lunch at restaurants on our leisure time and even told us about all of the lounges to party at on Thursday nights! She was very knowledgeable, extremely patient and I honestly don’t think that the experience would have been the same without her.

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends?
Most definitely! …………I already have! See you in 2020, Dubai!

 

 

 

 

#G1PhotoFriday

Emerald Views in Halong Bay

on March 23, 2018

Mesmerizing Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with good reason! It has thousands of unique, pilar-shaped, limestone islands topped with rain-forests and trees. Many cruises, tours and adventures are taken around this spot for scuba diving, sight-seeing, rock-climbing and more.

 

halongbay
This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by user @thebigguy2012 using the hastag #gate1travel. This mystical view was taken in Halong Bay in Vietnam in Southeast Asia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Vietnam trips here!

tokyo-fuji
Travel Tips

Top Ten Places to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

on December 18, 2017

You’ve arrived in one of our favorite places on the planet; Tokyo, Japan. Now that you are here, it’s time to enjoy the city that entertains around 13 million residents with friendly people, an amazing metro system and magnificent sites to explore. The greatest parts of Tokyo are the food, Japanese history and completely different way of life that it offers. Comparing a trip to Tokyo to a trip to Europe is simply impossible. The two are so different! The culture, religion and architecture are all something you have never experienced before. Join us on our list of places to go in the breathtaking city of Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo10. Shibuya Street Crossing
If you want to feel like a local right away and really measure the amount of people in this city, make your way across the super-busy Shibuya Street Crossing. Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! It is located right outside of the Shibuya Station and you’ll know when you’re there based on the amount of people. Here you will see people rushing to get to work, rushing to get something to eat, rushing to go shopping in one of the best locations in Tokyo, or just rushing. Go to this crossing anytime and you will see the excitement for yourself; all the traffic lights turn red for cars and people come spilling out onto the crossing from every direction. If the amount of people doesn’t amaze you or you want something more, go to Shibuya 109, a huge mall with 100+ stores located within the crossing.

9. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Located just a short walk from the Shinjuku station, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a must visit to get away from the stress of city life. Come here to enjoy walking paths, eye-pleasing scenery and, of course, beautiful and unique plants. The area consists of three different gardens; a Japanese landscape garden, a French Garden and an English landscape garden. The latter is surrounded by the beautiful flowering cherry tress that make Japan famous. To view the full flowering cherry trees, come here during late March to early April. The trees are also beautiful in the fall and to see their leaves changing color, visit during mid-November to mid-December.

8. Ginza
Welcome to the fashion mecca for locals and visitors to the city alike. The Ginza area can be accessed by metro at the Ginza, Higashi-ginza and Ginza-itchome stations. To say you will find whatever you want here is an understatement. From traditional goods such as kimonos, chopsticks and clothing, to specialty items like buttons and model trains, you will find it in Ginza. Here you will also find high-end stores such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton, as well as the Sanrio flagship store with lots of Hello Kitty souvenirs! The staple H&M and Zara are also located in the Ginza area. If you don’t feel like shopping or have worked up a hunger, forgo the expensive cafes and restaurants around and seek out the ramen and food trucks that are located throughout the area.

7. Senso-Ji Temple
You have arrived at the oldest religious site in Tokyo that dates all the way back to the year 628. This Buddhist temple is the most popular in Japan and sees around 30 million annual visitors a year. The temple can be easily accessed from the Asakusa Station and admission is free. The temple is dedicated to Asakusa Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy and happiness. Visitors travel here in the hope that the healing powers of the god will rub off on them and bring good fortune. Be aware that it can get very crowded here, so going as early as possible is recommended.

6. Roppongi
Roppongi is the neighborhood that becomes hip and un-hip every few days. Regardless, it is a great place to go to for nightlife fun, unique shops and yummy sushi and deserts, whether it’s “in” or “out” at the moment. If you are looking to party or have a few drinks, this is the perfect area to find a bar. You can also find Kakigori, or Japanese shaved ice, while in the Roppongi area. This treat is great to cool you down in the summer, or to enjoy when you’re having a sweet tooth. Be sure to visit the Roppongi Hills mega-complex and see property development at its finest. This city within a city offers everything from apartments to offices to restaurants and shops. Walk around and explore where some people call home, work and the mall, all in one!

5. Tokyo Tower/ Tokyo Skytreetokyo2
Both of these towering buildings are included because they are where you want to go to get a view from the sky of the thriving city below. Access the Tokyo Tower from the Akabanebashi or Onarimon metro stations. Tokyo Tower is the Japanese homage to the Eiffel Tower and was built in 1957 to honor the great structure in Paris. The structure is actually several feet taller than its French sister. The tower is open every day and gives you a 360 view so you can get to know the city. On a clear day, you will even be able to spot Mt. Fuji in the distance! The Tokyo Skytree is a skyscraper that will take you right into the clouds to see the city. The Skytree is the second tallest free standing tower in the world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and it truly towers over the entire city at 2,080 feet tall. At the Skytree, you will also have a 360 view from an observation deck where you are able to see the entire city.

4. Harajuku
Welcome to the birthplace of many trends and fashion statements in Japan. The Harajuku area is truly another world, with youths dressed in wild outfits with crazy colors and bright hair that are meant to imitate anime characters, popstars, Hello Kitty culture and popular styles. Not only will you see these crazy outfits walking down the street, there are also several shops to buy hip clothing, accessories and food. These shops and many cafes are located mainly on Takeshita Dori and it’s narrow side streets. When you look down this road, you will view a sea of colorful banners, shop signs and lots of people shopping. If you’re hungry, enjoy some crepes, ice cream or pastries because this area specializes in cute, sugary-sweet food! This is also a great place to buy Hello Kitty and other character souvenirs so you can embrace your inner “kawaii”. High end stores and restaurants have also started coming to this area, so if super cute is not your style, seek out these places. If you’re not in the mood for shopping or eating, pick a place to sit and people watch. You will never get more entertaining people watching than in Harajuku.

3.Tsukiji Fish Market
There is truly something for everyone at the Tokyo Tsukiji Market, even if you don’t like fish. The market is most accessible from the Tsukiji or Tsukijisjijo metro stops that surround the market. The market sees nearly 1,800 tons of seafood a day with shipments coming in the early hours of the morning. Auctions take place here, as well as selling of all kinds of seafood from tuna to uni, which is the edible part of a sea urchin. There are also loads of produce sold here, so if you’re not a fan of fish, opt to meander through this part of the market. If you get a craving from being surrounded by all the good looking fish and food, there are sushi stalls, dumpling stalls and an outer cafe to get your grub on.

2. Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine is one of the most popular icons of Japan. This Shinto shrine is surrounded by the forest and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. To get to the shrine, either use the Harajuku Station or Kito-Sando Station by metro. The shrine is a beautiful place for mediation, relaxation and enjoying the sights around you. You may even spot a traditional wedding happening here if you are lucky. If you have time, explore the Yoyogi Park forest that surrounds the shrine. The park has 100,000 trees that were donated by people around Japan to give thanks to their beloved Emperor Meiji.
tokyo3
1. Sushi, Tofu and Shabu Shabu
Most peoples favorite thing about Tokyo is the food. There are a plethora of things that are so much different from the things Americans eat, unless of course, you have a really good sushi place nearby. Either way, you must try sushi in Japan! Indulge in the cuisine that has a huge foodie following, where it was all started. While you’re trying Japanese cuisine, have some dishes with tofu as well, especially if you’ve never tried it. Tofu was actually invented in China, but it has become a huge part of Japanese culinary heritage. There are some restaurants dedicated to the soy bean curd and it is served in many traditional dishes. Tofu has a spongy texture and oftentimes takes on the delicious flavor of the sauce or food around it. Tofu is a must try, plus it’s one of the easier things to pick up with chopsticks, which you will be using at most meals. Last is a personal favorite food from Japan; Shabu Shabu. A hot pot is put in the middle of your table as well as raw meat and vegetables. You dip and stir the meat and vegetables in the hot pot until they are cooked, then you eat them with dipping sauces and served with rice. It is such a fun way of eating and the food is always delicious. This is an experience as well as a great meal and you must do it while in Tokyo.

Please Note: While the exact locations are not included in our itineraries, we pride ourselves on offering ideas for leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

 

 

Indonesia
Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Indonesia: Where Two Worlds Meet

on May 22, 2017

Natural Wonders of Java and Bali Have a Mystical Side

If there’s one thing that stands supreme amidst all of Indonesia’s sumptuous beauty, it’s the volcano. Indonesia, after all, is its volcanoes. Lush rainforest, vast seas of sand, dense woodland, and the remarkable variety of wildlife … they were all borne from lava and ash. Indonesia’s islands – abundant, luxuriant, verdant, and so very respectful of their own beauty – are lucky and beautiful children.

Tanah Lot Indonesia

On Java and Bali – the two islands you’ll visit during Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour – towering peaks form a spine near each island’s center. From these heights, green blankets of land flow to the sea, cradling tiny villages, vibrant cities, and oceanside havens along the way. It makes for a magnificent setting, and a rich lesson in how Javanese and Balinese people nurture their relationship with their Indian Ocean islands.

Calming the Spirits

To understand the Indonesians’ connection to their natural world, you need to know only one thing: many Balinese people (and many older tribes on Java) believe that objects in the natural world such as animals, plants, and mountains carry a spiritual essence. All things, therefore, possess their own power which can be used for good or for evil.

Lake Butar Indonesia

Nowhere is this spiritual notion more apparent than in the history of Indonesians’ relationships to the volcanoes. Sacrifices have long thought to appease the mountain gods that spew smoke from their crowns. Stories of human sacrifice are merely the stuff of legend, though devout locals do participate in pre-dawn hikes to craters so that they may sacrifice fruit, vegetables, rice, and livestock into the calderas.

Crops of the Gods

Volcanic soil makes for some of the most prolific farming. Certainly, Java and Bali have a huge bounty to show for their fortunate locale amidst this agricultural gold mine. Their economy in fact relies on this fertility; agriculture is the country’s second largest profit-maker after tourism. Throughout the countryside, farming terraces climb steep slopes and everywhere farmers work their land.

Indonesia Farming

But in many regions, it’s not the farmers who regulate irrigation to their terraces and paddy fields. It’s the priests. Crops here are fed by a water management system known as Subak, which is based on a Hindu philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana” that fosters a good relationship with God, with other people, and with the environment. Put simply, this system creates an intimate tie among farmers, communities, and their temples.

Though it might sound odd for a priest to regulate water distribution in a land with plenty of water, it’s helpful to remember that the infinite elements of nature – trees, fields, crops, even water itself – are spiritual beings. So who is better suited to negotiate the needs of the spirit world with the needs of the people? Subak remains a crucial part of Indonesia; because of it, the resulting cultural landscape on Bali has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Asia’s Amazon

For its natural beauty and rich wildlife, Indonesia is an unsung giant. It hails as the second most bio-diverse country on the planet, after Brazil. Dense forest covers about 60% of its land, much of it thriving with natural flora and fauna thanks to a combination of nutrient-rich earth and tropical climate. Its many islands – 17,508 of them, 11,500 of which are uninhabited by humans – further bolster a rich variety of species. As you might imagine, a healthy mix of Asian plants grow here, too, as Java and Bali were once connected to the mainland. We’re sure to spot some of them throughout our journey. However, more than a third of its 1,531 bird species and its 515 mammal species are endemic to these islands. Only Australia can claim a larger percentage than this.

Ubud Bali Indonesia

With 50,000 miles of coastline in this archipelago nation, natural diversity also takes to the waters. Varied ecosystems – beach, sand dune, mangrove, coral reef, and others – support more than 1,650 species of coral reef fish. This is one of the greatest varieties on the planet, and it earned Indonesia membership in the Coral Triangle, sometimes known as the “Amazon of the Seas.”

Paradise on earth. It’s a phrase often used to describe Java and Bali. But their magnificent beauty goes deeper than this. In Indonesia, the natural world is also the spirit world, and vice versa. And the real beauty lies in the people’s respect for them both, and in what passes between them. Our Discovery Tours small groups bring you close enough to experience it all firsthand.

You can learn more about our Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour here. To browse Gate 1’s Southeast Asia itinerary, click here.

1 2 3