January 17, 2008 - Santa Monica, CA.  The Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative (OUREI) has partnered with Go to Indo, a San Francisco based travel agency, to provide an exciting 2-week ecotour adventure to North Sumatra hosted by OUREI Chairman, Dr. Gary Shapiro. The ground tour begins August 16 in Medan, Sumatra and ends August 29 in Cecurug, Java.

Participants can expect to experience natural treasures and fascinating cultures found only in Sumatra. Some of the cultures are ancient with the diversity of ethnic groups in the region quite stunning. The days will be long and filled with a variety of memorable destinations. Along the way, the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of some of the most interesting locales will be sampled and savored. 

Dr. Shapiro had long been looking for a US-based travel agency who specialized in Indonesian ecotourism and whose standards were consistent with those of the Indonesia Ecotourism Network (Indecon). He met with Ary Suhandy, Executive Director of Indecon last year to discuss possible ecotour collaboration. After the management of Go to Indo recently contacted Dr. Shapiro to discuss hosting a tour, he learned that Go to Indo worked closely with Indecon and subscribed to their principles. OUREI agreed to work with Go to Indo and together developed an itinerary that gives a limited number of participants an opportunity to experience the highlights of the region.

The August ecotour group will travel to Medan, Samosir (on Lake Toba), Berastagi, Bohorok, Tangkahan, and Cecurug. Each location will have at least one special highlight which will be discussed by the tour host or other knowledgeable guides before the group visits the point of interest. Interactions with local people will be scheduled as well as appropriate encounters with endangered wildlife such as orangutans and elephants all the while being respectful of modern ecotour practices. The participant will receive frequent briefings that will help elucidate the geological, ecological, cultural, historical and political landscape providing a rich context to the experience and a better appreciation. There will be free time as well to explore individually, and the group will conclude the tour at a relaxing, traditional spa on Java before returning to their home country. An optional post-tour extension to Bali will be available.

The tour is recommended for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of North Sumatra for the first time or return visitors wishing to learn and see more of this fabulous island.

For the complete itinerary and more information, download the online brochure here, or contact Go to Indo or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for a printed brochure.

UPDATE: NEW PRICING INFORMATION!!! SAVE $500 OFF THE LISTED TOUR PRICE FOR APRIL SIGN-UPS

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