In Reply to: Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Sumbawa etc posted by Mooball on Tuesday, 9. November 2004 at 17:22 Bali Time:
I agree with the others that it would be a little tiring-- but maybe doable-- I'm guessing that you have already looked over teh Lonely Planet Guide to get a basic idea of what is out there but I think I'd try this:
1. Medan-- not much of interest-- but a good starting place-- locate (and shop around a little) for a car and driver. Book for a 6-8 day period going to Lake Toba and continuing to West Sumatera and Bukittinggi-- I would gues about $50.00 US pd for vehicle (email me if you want the one I used a couple of years ago).
2. Taxi to Padang and fly to your destination choice in Java-- I always spend time in Yogya-- but flights via Jakarta available almost everywhere.
3. Sulewesi--I'm assuming when you say 'cruise around' you are not talking ship-- Fly into Makassar (Ujung Pandang) and after a day in the city again use a car and driver/guide to visit the Toraja area--3-5 days and it is a truly great area-- if more time and you are a dive enthusiast then Manado is also cool.
You're now at about 3 weeks and it might be time for 3-4 days in Bali to decompress-- Also from Bali it is reasonably simple to book flights to Lombok and also to Flores--usually easy booking right at the domestic airport.
Sorry if this is a bit long-- but you do have an interesting itinerary in mind--