ASIAN TRAILS

Operational Issues keeping Asian Trails Indonesia on standby

Dear friends and business partners Asian Trails Indonesia's operational team has reported recent events which cannot be left aside. Reports of irregularities on Sumatra and between Bali and surrounding holiday destinations have kept our teams on the ground on immediate 24/7 standby. We continue to monitor the situations at both destinations in Indonesia related to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances of a natural cause.For more information, questions and action taken, please contact our head office in Bali at res@asiantrails.co.id or call us on our dedicated emergency Hotline: +62 (0) 811 386 9377 We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding Sincerely yours Asian Trails Indonesia

Eruption of Mount Sinabung on Sumatra

Reports on the ground from our team and local authorities have seen a series of new eruptions at one of Sumatra’s active volcanoes. Having recorded numerous expulsions of dust and smoke since September 2013, Mount Sinabung’s region has been declared a no travel zone within a 7-kilometer radius from its crater. According to local experts, the chances of seeing increased activity, resulting in seeing hot clouds and possible lava flowing along its slopes, are possible yet have not been confirmed yet. Direct communication between Asian Trails Indonesia, its suppliers and the authorities on spot have confirmed that there isn’t any structural damage in the vicinity or any of its visitors or residents have sustained injury from the increased activity. Visits to the various tourism sites and accommodation providers have reported that things are running normal and no travel warning have been released with the exception of the 7-kilometer perimeter. One of the main destinations – Berastagi, the starting point for tours to Medan and Lake Toba – states that none of their operations are affected by Mount Sinabung’s increased rumbling. This popular town lies around 22 kilometers away from the crater.

Bali speedboat services interrupted to Gili Islands and Lombok

Indonesia’s Maritime authorities, in collaboration with local harbor organizations, have temporarily halted all speed boat transfers between Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Reason for this short-term suspension is the unfavorable weather conditions on 2 and 3 August. Primarily strong winds and high waves on the route are the cause for cancelling all speed boat transfer services between these tourism destinations. All customers, travelling from Bali to Lombok or to the Gili Islands (and/or vice versa) are offered to take the public ferry which operates between Padang Bay (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok). Visitors with the Gili Islands as their final destination have to continue overland to North Lombok, where they are advised to take a local boat for crossing to the Gilis. Alternatively, clients may opt to book a domestic flight between Bali and Lombok. These unfavorable weather conditions may result in increased transfer times between all destinations. New expected transfer times:

• Public ferry Bali to Lombok approximately 5-6 hours

• Overland transfer from Lembar to North Lombok: approximately 2 hours

• Public boat from Lombok to the Gili Islands: 30 minutes

Above-mentioned times are indication times Outside constantly monitoring all official channels and maintaining close contact with the respective authorities, Asian Trails Indonesia has been in touch with all customers, advising them about the situation and re-book transfer services where needed in collaboration with the public ferry operators, speed boat suppliers and local transportation companies. Clients who decided to cancel their Gili or Lombok holiday will be assisted by our staff to find alternative accommodation in Bali. The safety and security of our customers in Indonesia is paramount and we will make all endeavors to assure smooth operation on the ground while keeping you informed when needed.