Java and Sumatra have equatorial climates meaning rainfall and temperatures are more even throughout the year than in mainland Southeast Asia. The driest months are generally between May and September which corresponds to the high season. Rain, when it does occur, tends to be short and sharp so easily avoided. We would avoid Ramadan when much is closed (dates vary from year to year) as well as Bali's Nyepi festival but we'd say pretty much any other time of year is fine.

Small, fully escorted groups, taking meals communally, family-style offer an ideal experience for single travellers. We aim to create the impression of travelling with a group of friends rather than a standard tour group. You won't find any compulsory single supplements although if you prefer not to share, single-room supplements are available.

You can opt for a 'with flights' or 'land only' tour so we're happy to include return flights from any UK airport to Indonesia if required. Our usual airlines would be Malaysia or Singpapore both eof which require a connecting flight to reach Medan or Yogyakarta.

The generally recommended vaccinations for Indonesia include cover against hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio although none are compulsory.

A useful resource for travel health info is the Travel Health Pro site.

According to the WHO, some 75% of Indonesian districts are now malaria-free with the highest risk areas principally Kalimantan and Papua, (Irian Jaya). Consequently, most of Bali, Java and Lombok are now categorised as zero to low risk.

You'll need to pay a 10% deposit to confirm your booking with the balance due no less than 60 days prior to departure. Most major credit cards are accepted without any surcharge.

As with all our tours, the emphasis is on small, boutique-style hotels and resorts wherever possible. All accommodation falls into a 3-4* category with ensuite bathrooms and air-con (except on cool Mt Bromo). The majority of establishments have swimming pools.

Meals are split between inclusive and 'free'. The idea of the former is for your guide to provide a tour of authentic local cuisine - at the same time as you discover the historical and natural highlights - while the latter allows you time to do your own thing and, if necessary, take a break from rice and noodles.

You can find more details on Indonesian food our Indonesian food post.

Absolutely, tofu and tempeh are essential ingredients in Indonesian cuisine which includes an extensive range of vegetable dishes. Rice noodles are widely available in addition to egg noodles while dairy products are largely absent from local cooking.

Despite some rather archaic official laws, Indonesia is a decidedly liberal Muslim nation and the majority of the population is very tolerant and easygoing. Nonetheless, rural areas are still often highly conservative and public displays of affection of any orientation are best avoided.