There’s a sealed road up to the lakes from Moni, 13.5km (8.5mi) away at the base of the mountain.

Lore Lindu National Park
Transport bus: from Palu Keyword archaeological site, national park, wildlife This large and remote national park has barely been touched by tourism. It’s a wonderful area for trekking, rich in exotic plant and animal life. The butterflies there can be larger than a human hand. It’s also home to several indigenous tribes who wear colourful clothing for their traditional ceremonies.

Attractions in the park include ancient megalithic relics, mostly in the Bada, Besoa and Napu Valleys; remote peaks, some more than 2500m (8200ft); bird-watching around Kamarora; and the large lake of Danau Lindu.

The main national park office, rangers station and visitors centre are about a 1km walk from Kamarora village. Here the rangers can show you the start to several short trails, which don’t require a guide – such as the 10m (33ft) high waterfall about 2km (1.2mi) from Kamarora, and the hot water springs at Kadidia (3km/1.85mi). You can also arrange a guide for the longer treks here.

Indonesia: Money & Costs
The Asian economic meltdown has badly affected the rupiah. After a rollercoaster ride, it has now settled against the US dollar. As a result, costs are not as low in dollar terms as they were a year or two ago, but they still represent value for your dollar. Jakarta is the most expensive city with costs outside major centres being significantly lower.

Travellers cheques and cash (preferably US dollars) are the way to go in Indonesia. Credit cards are accepted by expensive hotels, restaurants and shops, but not for day-to-day expenses. In major centres, you can always find a bank that will advance cash on Visa or MasterCard. Credit card advances through ATMs are possible, but limited.

Tipping is not a normal practice in Indonesia but is often expected for special service. Someone who carries your bag or guides you around a tourist attraction will expect a tip. Jakarta taxi drivers expect you to round the fare up to the next 1000 rp. Hotel porters expect a few thousand rupiah per bag.

Many everyday purchases normally require bargaining but in the current economic turmoil you’d do well to look to your conscience before applying this too stringently. Tourism has taken a severe downturn in most parts of the archipelago and, despite price hikes, hotel rooms are liable to be discounted.

Currency
Name Rupiah
Symbol Rp Sample Price Guide
loaf of bread Rp 3800.00 litre of milk Rp 5200.00 men’s shirt Rp 96000.00 postcard to Europe Rp 7000.00 trekking guide Rp 150000.00 movie ticket Rp 15000.00 Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
Rp15000-50000 Rp50000-100000 Rp100000-200000 Rp200000+
Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
Rp3000-20000 Rp20000-50000 Rp50000-100000 Rp100000+

Indonesia: Getting there & around
Getting There
The principal gateways for entry to Indonesia are Jakarta and Bali. Jakarta is serviced by more airlines but Bali – as the tourist capital – receives almost as much traffic. Departure tax from Jakarta and Denpasar is Rp100000.00 and from other airports about Rp75000.00.