The Best of Indonesia Escorted Vacation

Upon arrival to Jogjakarta airport, you will meet your guide just after immigration for a private transfer to the Borobudur area to your selected hotel for check-in. The remainder of your day is at your leisure to rest from your travels or explore the area.

Heading out before sunrise, you will visit the stunning temple complex at Borobudur, one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive sites and the largest single Buddhist monument in the world. Ample time will be dedicated to exploring this incredible Buddhist structure before heading to Candirejo, a peaceful village surrounded by plantations and lush scenery where you can learn about harvesting and other local activities. Getting to the village is part of the fun as you traverse the attractive countryside by a traditional Dokar, a horse-drawn buggy. For a more intimate experience, you may choose to ride your own bicycle to and from the village. Your morning excursions end with a lesson in Indonesian Gamelan music and lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L)

This morning you will start your day with a visit to a traditional Kris-Maker. Listed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Kris is an asymmetrical dagger with a distinctive blade patterning achieved through alternating laminations of iron. Kris-Makers do more than forge the weapon; they carry out old rituals, which could infuse the blade with mystical powers. Later, drive to Jogjakarta to visit the Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace of Jogjakarta, by cycle rickshaw. Located within the grounds of the Kraton, the Taman Sari Water Castle was designed in the mid 18thcentury as a royal pleasure park for the Sultanate of Jogjakarta. After your visit here, take some time to visit the Ratu Boko archaeological site. Continue to Prambanan Temple complex, the largest and one of the most beautiful Hindu temple complexes in Indonesia. Return to your hotel this evening for dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Begin your day with a private transfer to Jogjakarta railway station where you will board a local train to travel east through the volcano-dotted terrain to Mojokerto station. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative for a private transfer to the Bromo area, with plenty of opportunity for photo stops of the classic Javanese scenery along the way. Upon arrival to Bromo, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and the remainder of the day at your leisure to rest or explore. (B)

With its huge crater and almost mystical scenery, Mount Bromo and its surrounds are stunning to behold. Keep this in mind as you depart your hotel hours before sunrise, traveling by jeep to the rim of Mount Penanjakan in time for the magical sunrise view of the Bromo landscape. From here, you will have the best views of not only Mount Bromo, but Mounts Batok and Semeru as well. Following nature’s stunning display, return to your jeep to make the steep descent back down the volcano to cross the Laotian Pasir to the base of Mount Bromo itself. Climb the approximately 250 steps to the rim of the crater with incredible vistas and unmatched views, which are surely worth the climb. Once you’ve worked up your appetite, return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest. Later, you will visit Madakaripura Waterfall located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, the highest waterfall in Java, before continuing to Surabaya International Airport for your flight to Bali. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local representative for a private transfer to your selected hotel in Ubud. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore. (B,L)

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll spend the morning visiting three villages near Ubud known for their spectacular artisan crafts. Your first stop, Mas, is well known for woodcarvings. Next, visit the village of Celuk, known for Balinese silver and goldsmiths. Finally, you will visit Thopati, where the batik fabrics for which Bali is famous are handcrafted using traditional techniques. Later, visit Gunung Kawi, a fascinating Hindu temple complex carved into a cliff. Proceed to the village of Kintamani, the best spot, weather permitting, for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano. Afterwards, enjoy a buffet lunch served in a local restaurant overlooking the volcano before heading out for your return journey. En route, you will stop at Goa Gajah in Bedulu, often referred to as the Elephant Cave. Your final stop of the day will be the Ubud Monkey Forest, a lush nature reserve and temple complex on the outskirts of Ubud. Spend some time observing the behaviors of the crab-eating macaque* before heading to your hotel. (B,L)*Note: The macaque monkeys can be a nuisance. Please heed the advice of your guide on the precuations you should take when visiting temples or forests inhabited by monkeys. 

Following an energizing breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the spectacular Ayung River. Grab your oars and get ready for this exhilarating rafting adventure! After taking a moment to refresh, continue to meet a local food specialist guide for a private transfer to a traditional Balinese house on the outskirts of Ubud. You will be welcomed by a local Brahman and see how conconut oil is produced and used to make pepes clengis, a traditional steamed grated coconut dish with Balinese spices and wrapped in banana leaves. Continuing your culinary discovery, you will stop at a small local Warung for a popular refreshment known as cendol, a jelly-like drink consisting of green pieces of tapioca mixed with water and coconut milk then sweetened with brown sugar. Next, take a walk around the famous Gianyar Night Market, a local food haven with the sound of hundreds of cooking pots. Sample another Balinese specialty called Bubur Injin, a fermented black sticky rice cake. End your evening at a hidden local bamboo restaurant to experience a traditional Megibung dining experience, in which people share several meals family-style on a plate or banana leaf. (B,L,D)

Today will begin with a stroll through central Ubud to visit the local market. Later, you will visit the Ubud Palace, where the local royal family still resides. You are free to wander through the majority of the coumpound, discovering the ornate architecture and learning about the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building. Following some free time to shop in town, head into Central Bali to visit the small town of Mengwi. Long associated with the Balinese Royal Family, Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun, considered by many to be one of the island’s most attractive temples. Your final visit today is Tahan Lot, an integral part of Balinese mythology and one of seven sea temples that are said to form a “chain” around the island. You will arrive in time for sunset when photographic opportunities abound. Afterwards, take your private transfer to Seminyak to check-in to your selected hotel. (B,L)

Today is yours to explore the area at leisure. (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to the island of Flores (ticket not included). Upon arrival at Mutiara airport of Labuhan Bajo, you will be transferred directly to the harbor where you will board a local wooden boat headed for the Komodo National Park. En route, you will stop at one of the pristine beaches for snorkeling or scuba diving. Afterwards, proceed to Rinca Island, home of deer, horses, buffaloes, pigs, and komodo. Trek through the jungle and see the komodo hiding in the grassy undergrowth, waiting for its prey. Head back to the boat for your overnight stay off the island of Kalong. Every evening, thousands of fruit bats take to the sky in search of food. Moor off the island to see the magnificent spectacle of flying foxes over your head. Tonight, you may choose to sleep in a fully equipped private cabin or, for the more rugged traveler, you may choose to spend the night on the deck under the stars.  (B,L,D)

After breakfast, start with an early walk to Banunggulung to spot the striking Komodo Dragon. These dragons are the largest lizards in the world, growing up to 3m in length and weighing up to 65kg. It is estimated that around 200 Komodo live on the island, along with other wildlife such as boar, deer and buffalo. The island is also ideal for bird watchers! After your trek, head to Pantai Merah, watching the scenery as it passes you by. Hop overboard and snorkel in the clear waters where you can spot many different types of fish and marine life. After plenty of time to relax on the beach and lunch on board, continue sailing to Kanawa Island where you have the opportunity to relax and take in the rich marine ecosystem. Enjoy the pristine beaches and a snorkeling excursion before returning to the boat for dinner. (B,L,D)

While enjoying your final breakfast on board, sail back to Labuan Bajo and, if time permits, visit the local market and take a short tour to Batu Cremin Cave. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your return flight to Bali (ticket not included). Upon arrival in Bali, you will be met by a local representative for a private transfer to the southern-most tip of the island to visit the famous Uluwatu Temple. One of the highlights of this excursion is the opportunity to witness a traditional display of Kecak dance, regularly performed at Uluwatu. The Kecak dance features up to 100 male performers who form a circle and sway and chant to hypnotic music. Following your visit to Uluwatu, continue to the seductive white sand crescent beach of Jimbaran Bay, known for having some of the best seafood restaurants on the island. You will have the chance to dine in one of the best beach clubs on the bay where you may enjoy a delicious seafood rijstaffel, or selection of dishes, and ambient beachside views to provide the perfect end to a perfect day. (B,D)

You will be picked up from your hotel for a private transfer to Denpasar airport for a short flight back to Bali. Upon arrival, you may check-in for your return flight home. (B)