we're travelling through indonesia in december and are trying to avoid flying as much as possible. if we travel overland through sumatra (starting in Medan and heading downwards) is it possible to catch a ferry to Java from there?
thanks!
Reply to this Hi Amy,
Yes, you can get a ferry from Sumatra to Java. If you are travelling by bus, the ferry price is included in your bus ticket.
How long are you going to be in Indonesia?
Just be aware that December is 'wet' season in Indonesia and travelling by road can be tricky if there has been a lot of rain. Landslides are quite common in Sumatra due to the clearing of jungle.
And landslides not only contribute to delayed travel, they sometimes result in horrendous accidents.
Personally I would be flying if you are aware if the weather has been particularly wet.
You can always check out this newspaper written English which keeps one up to date with news ini Indonesia.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/
I have copies of maps and loads of other details you might be interested in- if so send me a PM with your email contact details.
I have been to Indonesia 8 times in the past 12 yrs for a total of about 18 months and love the country madly.
Pamela.
Reply to this yeah, you can get a ferry from Sumatra to Java. I agree with pamela.
Goodluck to you,,
Reply to this thanks very much!
Pamela, do you think it's still worth going in the wet season? we hadn't thought that it would make much of a difference, but it sounds like maybe it's more trouble than expected..
Reply to this Hi Amy,
Yes, it is okay to go in the wet season, but I wanted to point out that bus travel in Sumatra
IF the weather has been particularly bad in regards to heavy rain can pose a few problems.
As with the weather anywhere no one can predict what it will be like.
I guess if you do have the chance to change it to August or September it would be most likely better to be travelling by buses.
Generally the weather is pretty good- showers and then sunshine.
The offer for the maps etc is still open.
Pamela
Reply to this Hi,
it's not really an option to go at any other time as that's the time we have off from uni. I guess we'll just have to keep an eye on the weather and be open to the option of flying (or staying still for awhile, we will be there for 2 months!) if it's too dangerous to take a bus or ferry.
do you know about any airlines which are safer than others within indonesia? I've heard a lot about Indonesian safety standards not being as strict as Australian ones, do you have any idea if Tiger flights (etc.) operated within Indonesia are safer than smaller more local airlines?
thanks so much for all your help!
=) Amy
Reply to this hi amy...
yes all right you can to java by ferry from sumatran and if you still want take the long trip i be able to take you,im often take guest from jakarta and finish in bali,there is many choise for visit
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