Day 1
Jogjakarta
Arrive into Jogjakarta and transfer to your hotel for check-in. This is the most popular destination for tourists in Java and this is largely due to the close proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. After lunch, set off on your first excursion to a traditional batik factory where you’ll learn about the ancient techniques and have the opportunity to create your own batik.
Overnight: Hotel Eclipse (Standard tour); The Phoenix (Superior tour) 3 nights
(Lunch included)
Day 2
Jogjakarta
Learn more about the history and cultural traditions of this area today with a city tour, visiting some of the Javanese architecture and palaces. A local cyclo will take you through the streets of Jogjakarta for a view of the city, then you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan. Continue on to the twin temple of Plaosan and return to Jogjakarta in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Ramayana dancing whilst dining at a local restaurant.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 3
Borobudur/Candirejo
Drive to Borobudur in the morning and take a guided tour of the vast Buddhist temple – the largest in the world. This temple complex took over 75 years to complete and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to a nearby Mendut temple which is older than Borobudur and houses three carved stone statues. In the afternoon, sample local living with a horse cart ride through Candirejo village, travelling along small lanes and past traditional houses.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
Jombang
Begin today with a scenic train ride to eastern Java, admiring the volcanic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, stop for lunch at a local restaurant then embark on a four-hour drive to the village of Ngadisari on the edge of the Tengger Caldera. This is one of the gateways to the spectacular Mt Bromo.
Overnight: Bromo Cottages (Standard & Superior tours)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 5
Mt Bromo/ Surbaya
Rise early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mt Bromo, travelling by 4WD to a viewing spot with amazing views of the surrounding area. Watch the sun rise from behind the volcano in Penanjakan then continue to the volcano caldera for a 20-minute horseback ride to a set of stairs which leads you to the rim of the still-active crater. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then embark on a four-hour drive to Surbaya.
Overnight: Hotel Singgasana (Standard & Superior tours)
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 6
Surbaya
Spend the morning at leisure, exploring Surbaya, then take a flight to Makassar in the afternoon. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Santika Makassar (Standard & Superior tours)
(Breakfast included)
Day 7
Makassar/ Sengkang
Enjoy a brief orientation tour of Makassar in the morning and visit Paotere harbour and Fort Rotterdam. Stroll along Somba Opu street which is lined with local craft shops then you’ll stop for an early lunch at a very popular local Sulawesi seafood restaurant. After lunch travel on to the village of Sengkang, a former capital of the Bugis kingdom and is surrounded by stunning scenery.
Overnight: BBC Hotel (Standard & Superior tours)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 8
Sengkang/ Rantepao
Rise early this morning and enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of sunrise across Lake Tempe. Travelling by longboat you’ll visit the traditional floating villages on the lake and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and maybe some fried banana from one of the villagers. Head back to the hotel for a quick change and breakfast and then you head out on your journey to Rantepao, the capital of the Toraja region. En route you will experience a variety of landscapes, stopping off for photo opportunities or to meet the local traders selling vanilla, cinnamon and other locally produced spices. You’ll also visit the unique village of Kete Kesu which has some of the finest examples of traditional boat-shaped houses which are beautifully carved and decorated with hand painted motifs.
Overnight: Luta Resort (Standard & Superior tours) 3 nights
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 9
South Toraja /Rantepao
Today is a full day touring around the Toraja region with many varied villages and fascinating traditions.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 10
Batutumonga Village experience/ Rantepao
This morning you’ll visit Bolu Market, a unique experience and a chance to mingle with the local people from surrounding villages and see them trading livestock. Then you’ll travel into the highlands of Batutumonga for stunning views across the valleys of Toraja. After lunch in Mentirotiku, it’s time for some soft trekking. Depending on your preference you can take a 1 or 2 hour trek through the hilltop villages, where life gets even more remote and fascinating to see.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 11
Ubud
After an early breakfast you’ll drive back to Makassar for an evening flight to Bali. Upon landing, you will be met by your new local private guide, who will be waiting to escort you to Ubud.
Overnight: Hotel Rama Phala (Standard tour); Puri Sunia (Superior tour) 2 nights
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 12
Ubud and surrounding area
This morning after breakfast your guide and driver will be waiting for you to start your first day with visits on the Hindu Island of Bali. Begin today with some culture at the ARMA museum, followed by a trip to the Ubud Monkey Forest where you can admire the cheeky inhabitants, make sure you secure any valuables, these monkeys are great pickpockets. Continue into Ubud centre with a visit to the Royal Palace then head to the markets. In the afternoon, stop off at the water temple of Tirta Empul, as well as Gunung Kawi near Tampaksiring. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional Balinese dance performance in a nearby village.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 13
Ubud /Sanur
In the morning, you’ll be picked up by your driver and tour guide for a day packed with visits and activities. Transfer to the centre of the island for a sustainable tourism excursion at the Taman Sari Buwana farm. Upon arrival in the Tunjuk village, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Balinese temple offerings and will meet the older generation of the village who will show you how to weave pandanus leaves.
Afterwards, walk with the local farmers to the rice fields to learn how to plant, transplant or harvest the rice – depending on the season. After watching local people climb trees to gather young coconuts for your refreshment, you’ll head back to the home base for a snack of boiled cassava with freshly grated coconut. End the day by watching the sunset at the most famous temple in Bali – Tanah Lot Temple before being transferred to your chosen beach hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Respati (Standard tour); Mercure Sanur (Superior tour) 2 nights
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 14
Sanur
Today is for total relaxation on the beach. In the evening, witness the amazing Kecak dance overlooking Uluwatu temple. Dine under the stars for your last meal of the trip on one of Bali’s most expansive beaches, Jimbaran where the fishermen bring in their daily catch, you choose what you want to eat, and you’re served with the freshest seafood banquet you’ll ever experience, delicious!
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 15
Sanur
Enjoy one last free morning before heading to the airport for your departing flight.
(Breakfast included)
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