& Wonders of Sumatra! 

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) only just opened its doors to the world a few years ago. We’re getting in early to experience the amazing culture, temples, people, & off the path adventure there is to offer. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience filled with the most authentic travel photography you’ll ever get. 

This year we’ve taken our unique Southeast Asia group tours to a whole new level with a brand new “Part 2”: Sumatra! Whether you know of this Indonesian island’s name from it’s famous world class coffee and mystical reputation, or don’t know much about it at all, read below because you’ll want to see this place ASAP! The remote rainforests of Sumatra & Malaysia are the only places left in the world where we will encounter & photograph orangutans; And this is just the tip of the iceberg… 

Soon these countries will be filled with tourists-come with us in 2017 before it’s too late! 

Please e-mail us for the day by day itinerary (joinus@photoflytravel.com):

Myanmar (Burma)

* 6 nights/7 days of Unforgettable Myanmar *For those continuing onto Sumatra (see below), there will be 7 nights in Myanmar.

* Charming boutique hotels throughout

* Breakfast Everyday

* 1 Lunches & 4 Dinners Included

* All 3 Domestic flights Included (Yangon –> Bagan / Bagan–> Inle Lake/ Inle Lake–> Yangon)

Yangon

Explore the gateway to Myanmar. In the formal capital city we’ll visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago! This magnificent building is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds)

* Experience and photograph the 2000-year-old Sule Pagoda, one of the city’s most endearing landmarks

* Walk among the splendid colonial buildings that still dot the city including City Hall and the High Court Building

* Get lost in Bogyoke Aung San Market: Commonly known by its old British name of Scott Market. Undoubtedly offering the largest selection of handicrafts in Myanmar, the market is a great place to discover a bargain and have fun haggling with the local traders.

Bagan: “City of Four Million Pagodas”

Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia, and with over 2000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries to explore there is certainly plenty to keep us enthralled and snapping away. But there is more to this enchanting destination; rural village life, interesting markets, and artisan workshops just to name a few….

* Explore the Temples and Surroundings: Gubyauknge with its excellent stucco carvings, the impressive Htilominlo Pahto and Ananda Pahto which is one the best preserved temples in the archeological zone

* Authentic horse cart ride through off the path temples not accessible by car or bus (optional)

* Sunset from the top of a temple! (Excellent photograph opportunities and take in the enormity of the surrounding area)

* Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan & Temples (World Famous Experience)

* Nearby village visit to witness rural Burmese life (optional)

* Sunset Cruise on Irrawaddy River 

Inle Lake

Inle lake is literally dotted with hundreds of off the path villages and floating gardens. It is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Myanmar. We’ll have fantastic opportunities to explore local markets and interact with the local population. (Great cultural photography here!)

* Visit to Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung Monastery, famed for its unique oval windows

* Photograph Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest monastery on the lake with its five ancient, gold-covered Buddha images

* Explore the lakes floating gardens & witness and photograph the unique technique of leg rowing, synonymous with the Intha fisherman

* Boat trip to Sagar: Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main lake we’ll get a glimpse of authentic lake-life as we pass villages, Chinese-style fishing nets, weaving factories, monasteries, stupas, bamboo forests and floating gardens

* Arriving in Sagar we’ll witness the town flooded after construction of a new damn which left numerous stupas and pagodas partially submerged (Amazing photographs!). Once onshore explore the small village’s temples, crumbling stupas, and large monastery. We’ll walk through the center of town, observing local life and photographing smiling locals and schoolchildren from this charming village.

* Visit a family run rice-wine distillery: Three generations have been utilizing the mash from wild-mountain rice, adding yeast, and boiling it through a series of clay pots and bamboo poles to produce the wine.

Sumatra (All Inclusive)

From super volcano eruptions to devastating tsunamis, Sumatra has both been impacted and changed the shape of the planet. However the people and animals that inhabit this unique region are even more impactful! The food is incredible, and the people even more so. Join us as we connect with the locals and endangered primates through intimate exploration and our unique “giving back” adventures.

* 7 nights/8 Days discovering the hidden rainforest, endangered orangutans, & active volcanos! 

* All Meals (8 breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners)

* Charming boutique hotels throughout

* International flight from Yangon, Myanmar (RGN) –> Medan, Sumatra Included *If applicable, see below

Bukit Luwang: The Last Lands of Orangutans

These last lands of Orangutans are reduced to only two locations on this earth but they are not lost yet! This magical, small village is the gateway to these amazing creatures. Join us on this once in a life time adventure…

* Gunung Leuser National Park: Land of Orangutans, we’ll go on an epic hike to witness, photograph, and interact with these marvelous animals in the wild. *There will be a more difficult overnight option OR an easy-moderate day hike option. Both will have the chance to encounter the orangutans!

* White Water Rafting Trip: These fun,safe, and low class rapids will be a blast en route back from our jungle encounter with orangutans

Baristagi: Volcanos, Hot Springs, & Ghost Villages

This mysterious and stunningly beautiful land has the above three highlights and that’s just scratching the surface. Need we say more?…

* The Ghost Village: Deserted by the danger of volcanic eruptions, we’ll walk through and photograph this eery but fascinating site before heading to a refugee camp where the villagers are staying (an opportunity to donate supplies), and a great local market!

* Street Food Experience: Sample the generous offerings of savory street food this little town serves up

* Sunrise Hike Up Mount Sibayak (Optional): Hike up this iconic volcano before sunrise. Our efforts will be rewarded as we witness the glow from this active caldera & capturing images from the spectacular surroundings. 

* Soak in Natural Hot Springs: 7 wonderful pools, all of different temperatures. Enough said… 

Lake Toba: The Largest Volcano Lake in the World

A serene stay on the shores of a small island in the middle of the largest volcano lake in the world! The island of Samosir is the size of Singapore lying among a sunken volcanic caldera that is now known as Lake Toba. It’s an awesome last stop on this once in a lifetime adventure. 

* Adventure on boat: A private, colorful boat takes us to ancient stone chairs where chiefs decided the fate of criminals, tombs of kings, traditional dancing performances, an island of Egrets, and a great bbq onboard with swimming and sunbathing. 

* Leaving Sumatra the best way: Our adventure will end with a visit en route to the airport at the Harapanjaya Rehabilitation Center to witness the life changing work we contributed to. This amazing center is supported by non profits and allows kids with illnesses and injuries to get help they would never otherwise have. Today we will visit with the children who’s lives we ultimately saved through sponsoring the cleft surgery before the trip. **More info at bottom of page 

* As always this entire trip will be amazing for photography and one photographer will be on hand to help those who want to learn more about using their camera’s, taking better pictures, etc. (PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!)

* All Transfers & taxes Included

* All 3 Domestic flights Included (Yangon –> Bagan / Bagan–> Inle Lake/ Inle Lake–> Yangon)

* International airfare not included but we’re happy to help you find the best flights as always.

* International flight from Yangon (RGN) –> Medan (KNO) included *Applies only for those continuing to Sumatra after Myanmar

*Don’t forget to e-mail us for the day by day itinerary of these Southeast Asia group tours (joinus@photoflytravel.com)

Join Us!

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

*There is a $100.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 90 days or more prior to departure are fully refundable except for the $100 fee. Cancellations less than 90 days prior to departure date will receive no refund of full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price.

*Hotels subject to change based on availability

CST # 2101181-40