12 Nights/13 Days Discover Indonesia

Upon landing at Yogyakarta airport and clearing the arrival formalities you will meet your guide for the transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Borobudur area, where you will check-in your hotel for overnight.

Rest of the day at leisure
Approximate distances: from airport to hotel 1.5 hours
Meals included: None
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur - Deluxe room

Setting out before sunrise, visit the stunning temple complex at Borobudur, one of South East Asias most impressive sites and the largest single Buddhist monument in the world. Receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991, the monument consists of six square terraces topped by three circular ones. Two million stone blocks were required to build the temple and with at least 2,500 relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues, it is exquisite beyond comparison.

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 traditional Dokar (horse-drawn buggy). Alternatively, you may choose to ride your own bicycle to and from the village. This mornings excursion ends with a lesson in Indonesian Gamelan music and lunch at a local restaurant. Rest of the day at your own leisure.

Approximate duration of the visits: - Borobudur sunrise: 60 - 90 minutes - Candirejo: 2 hours

Approximate distances: - From hotel in Borobudur to Borobudur: max 10 minutes
- From hotel in Jogjakarta to Borobudur: 75 minutes
- From Borodubur to Candirejo: 15 minutes
- From Candirejo back to the hotel in Borobudur: 15 minutes
- From Candirejo back to the hotel in Jogjakarta: 75 minutes Meals included: None
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur - Deluxe room

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur - Deluxe room

Start your day at 8.00 am with a visit to a traditional Kris-Maker.

Listed by the UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Kris is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade patterning achieved through alternating laminations of iron, which can take up to one month to forge a single piece. Kris have been produced in many regions of Indonesia for centuries, but nowhere is the Kris so embedded in a mutually-connected whole of ritual prescriptions and acts, ceremonies, mythical backgrounds and epic poetry as in Central Java. Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, sanctified heirloom, as an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status or a symbol of heroism. Kris-Makers do more than forge the weapon, they carry out old rituals which could infuse the blade with mystical powers. For this reason, Kris are considered almost alive because they may be vessels of spirits, either good or evil.

Drive to Yogyakarta and visit the Kraton, the Sultans Palace of Yogyakarta, by cycle rickshaw, commonly known as Becak, The innermost group of buildings (where the sultan still resides) were built in 1755. As you pass through the Palace, be sure to note the ornate reception halls as well as the museum-like room containing the desk at which the ninth sultan planned the overthrow of the Dutch colonialists and the ornate his and hers entrances that are decorated with huge male and female dragons.

Located within the grounds of the Kraton, the Taman Sari Water Castle was designed in the mid-18th century as a royal pleasure park for the first Sultanate of Yogyakarta and his entourage/harem. It is said that the sultan would sit in the tower overlooking the now restored central bathing complex watching the goings-on below while being entertained by his wives.

Later you will visit the Ratu Boko archaeological site. This former royal palace is situated on a plateau 196 metres above sea level and is noted for its fine views of the temples at Prambanan (which are located just 3km away) and also Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia. Continue to Prambanan Temple complex, which is the largest and one of the most beautiful Hindu temple complexes in Indonesia. Built in the 10th century, today, after extensive restoration projects, the three main temples and three of the smaller temples remain. Since being abandoned in the 13th century, the temple has suffered from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and general weather conditions, yet the restoration is simply wonderful. This collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa.

Return to Yogyakarta and check-in to your historic hotel for overnight.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- Kris maker: 30 minutes
- Keraton: 45 minutes 1 hour
- Ratu Boko: 60 minutes
- Prambanan: 60 minutes

Approximate distances: - From hotel to the Kris Maker place: 45 minutes
- From Kris maker to Kraton: 60 minutes
- Kraton to Ratu Boko and Prambanan: 45 minutes
- From Prambanan to the hotel: 45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch at Ndalem Ngabean or Sekar Kedaton Indonesian buffet
Accommodation: The Phoenix Jogja - Superior Heritage

Begin today with a transfer to Jogjakarta railway station. Sancaka Morning Train from Yogyakarta to Mojokerto ETD 06:45. Here you will board a local train and travel east through the volcano-dotted terrain to Mojokerto station, an important junction on the main Yogyakarta-Surabaya railway line. Guide will accompany the guests on board. (For FIT clients, luggage will be taken on board the train. For GIT clients, luggage will be brought by luggage van.) ETA 10:57, Disembarking at Mojokerto, you will be met by our local representative and driven to Bromo area. The journey will take in the region of 3.5 - 4 hours if done directly but with yet more classic Javanese scenery to behold, there is the possibility to stop for photographic opportunities along the way. Upon arrival in Bromo, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Approximate duration of the visits: Bromo area 3.5 - 4 hours

Approximate distances: From hotel to Yogyakarta train station:
- From The Phoenix: 10 minutes
- From Royal Ambarukmo: 20 minutes

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jiwa Jawa Bromo Deluxe room

With its huge crater and almost mystical-like scenery in all directions, Mount Bromo and its surrounds are stunning beyond question. Sunrise is the most magical time to view the entire Bromo landscape but this does involve a very early morning start of 3.00am as you travel by private jeep to the rim of Mount Penanjakan in time for dawn.

From here you will have the best views not only of Mount Bromo, but also Mount Batok and Mount Semeru.
After (hopefully) witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will return to your jeep and make the steep descent back down to the bottom of the volcano and then cross the Laotian Pasir (Sand Sea) to the base of Mount Bromo itself. The climb of approximately 250 steps (*) to the rim of the crater is definitely worth the effort and you will be rewarded with yet more incredible vistas.

Later return to your hotel for breakfast

Option: (*) For an additional cost (payable locally) it is possible to ascend the rim of the crater by horseback

Before heading to Surabaya International Airport to catch your flight to Makassar, you will visit Madakaripura Waterfall located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The 200-meter waterfall is the highest waterfall in Java and the second highest in Indonesia.

Continue the drive to Surabaya Airport and board your flight to Bali. By citilink airlines /QG 646 ETD 18.20/ETA 20.10

Om Swastiastu from Bali

Upon landing at Bali airport and clearing arrival formalities, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Ubud by private air-conditioned vehicle. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours and the rest of the day is at leisure

Approximate duration of the visits: 1 hour, except for the trekking between 4 5 hours

Approximate distances:
- From hotel Jiwa Jawa Bromo to Mount Penanjakan: 1.5 hours
- From hotel Jiwa Jawa Bromo to Madakaripura Waterfall in Tengger NP: 45 minutes
- From the park to Surabaya airport: 4 4.5 hours
- From Bali Airport to hotel Komaneka Bisma: 1.5 hours

Meals included: Breakfast will be served at hotel, Lunch at local restaurant Indonesian food
Accommodation: The Alena Resort Deluxe room

The day will start after breakfast between 8.30 - 9.00am with a stop at three villages near Ubud known for their arts and crafts. Your first stop is at Mas, which is renowned for its intricate woodcarvings. Next visit the village of Celuk, a centre for Balinese silver and goldsmiths where both traditional and modern methods of crafting ornaments and jewellery can be observed. Then continue to Tohpati, where the batik fabrics for which Bali is famous are painstakingly created by hand using traditional techniques.

Visit Gunung Kawi, a fascinating Hindu temple complex northeast of Ubud, which comprises of ten rock-cut shrines (candi) carved into the cliff face. The surrounding countryside is extremely lush and the footpath leading down to the temple passes through some beautifully terraced rice fields.Then proceed to the village of Kintamani, the best spot, weather permitting, for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano, which sits alongside Lake Batur. Scanning the horizon from left to right, you will observe that Kintamani sits on the caldera rim of a huge volcano, and Mount Batur, directly in front of you, is merely a small mountain that has been created by thousands of years of volcanic activity.

Enjoy a buffet lunch served in a local restaurant overlooking the volcano while you ponder on the mighty forces of Mother Nature that created this vista.

On the return journey, stop at Goa Gajah in Bedulu near Ubud. Often referred to as the Elephant Cave, it was established in the 9th century as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks. The facade of the cave is noted for its interesting carvings and ornate relief.

The last stop today is Ubud Monkey Forest, a lush nature reserve and temple complex on the outskirts of Ubud. The forest is home to more than one hundred species of trees, a number of interesting temples and hundreds of crab-eating macaque monkeys (*). Spend a while observing their characteristics and mannerisms before heading back to your island accommodation.

Note: (*) The macaque monkeys here can be a considerable annoyance. Please heed the advice from your guide on the precautions you should take when visiting temples or forests inhabited by monkeys.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- 3 Villages: 45 minutes
- Gunung Kawi: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Kintamani: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Goa Gajah: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Approximate distances:
- From hotel Komaneka Bisma to the 3 villages: 1 hour
- From the villages to Gunung Kawi: 1 hour
- From Gunung Kawi to Kintamani: 1 hour
- From Lake Batur to Goa Gajah: 1 hour
- From Goa Gajah to Komaneka Bisma: 30 minutes

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Alena Resort Deluxe room

After breakfast at 8.00 - 9.00am, drive a short distance to the White Water Rafting venue. Grab your oars and get ready to for this exhilarating rafting adventure on the spectacular Ayung River. Enjoy a two-hour rafting journey over 11kms. (Suitable for age over 5 years) After taking a moment to refresh then continue to meet your local food specialist guide and drive to a traditional Balinese house at the outskirts of Ubud. You will be welcomed by a local Brahman and see how coconut oil is produced and used to make Pepes Clengis, a traditional steamed grated coconut dish with Balinese spices wrapped in Banana leaves.

Continuing your culinary discovery, you will stop at a small local Warung for a popular refreshment called Cendol, a jelly-like drink consisting of green pieces of Tapioka, mixed with water and coconut milk and sweetened with brown sugar.

Next, take a walk around the famous Gianyar Night Market, which any local will tell you has some of the best food in Bali. The scene is brilliant, a local food haven on its own with the sound of hundreds of cooking pots, where families gather to eat delicacies such as roast pig, sweet cakes, chicken and coconut balls, fried bananas and tempeh and tofu. Try another Balinese speciality named Bubur Injin, a fermented black sticky rice cake.

End the evening at a hidden local bamboo restaurant near Ubud to experience a traditional Megibung dining experience, in which people share several meals on a plate or Banana leaf. This is an authentic and special style of dining that was historically enjoyed during ceremonies and special occasions. The family-style served dishes consist of many rich and exotic Indonesian specialties and the ideal way to try out the local cuisine.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- Ayung river rafting: 2.5 hours
- Balinesse Street Food Experience: 3 hours

Approximate distances: - From hotel to Ayung river: 30 minutes
- From Ayung river to the traditional Balinese house: 30 minutes
- From the house to the Warung: 15 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Alena Resort Deluxe room

Approximate distances: - From hotel to Ayung river: 30 minutes
- From Ayung river to the traditional Balinese house: 30 minutes
- From the house to the Warung: 15 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Alena Resort Deluxe room

This morning after breakfast at 8.30 - 9.00am excursion begins with a stroll through central Ubud. Pass through the local market, which is always bustling with activity.

Visit the Ubud Palace the local royal family still reside in the palace but you are free to wander around the majority of the compound, discovering the ornate architecture and learning about the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building, a method not dissimilar to the ancient art of Feng Shui. This will be followed by free time to explore the numerous shops and boutiques that are plentiful in the center of town.

Next head into Central Bali and visit the small town of Mengwi. Long associated with the Balinese Royal Family, Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun. Translating as beautiful garden Taman Ayun is considered by many to be one of the islands most attractive temples and is still used today by people from all over Bali for special ceremonies and events.

The final destinations today is Tahan Lot. With its spectacular location, Tanah Lot is an integral part of Balinese mythology and one of seven sea temples that are said to form a chain around the island. The temple is only accessible at low tide but despite its offshore location in the Indian Ocean, it features a fresh water spring at its base which is said to contain holy water. As a result the temple is extremely sacred and Balinese visit from all over the island to drink the water and splash it over their bodies in order to cleanse themselves of any bad spirits. The temples inner sanctum is located on top of the rocky outcrop and only accessible to Balinese Hindus.

You will arrive in time for sunset when photographic opportunities abound; afterwards we will drive you to Seminyak for check-in and overnight.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- Taman Ayun: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Tanah Lot: 1.5 hours

Approximate distances:
- From Ubud to Mengwi: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Mengwi to Tanah Lot: 1 hour
- From Tanah Lot to Seminyak: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Breezes Superior room

Enjoy your free day at leisure
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Breezes Superior room

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the island of Flores. (Estimated departure 10.50am and arrival time 12.25pm of the flight GA 7036) Arrive at Mutiara airport of Labuhan Bajo, and transfer directly to the harbour, where you will board a boat (Local Wooden Boat) for the Komodo National Park.

Begin your navigation before stopping at one of the pristine beaches that are found in these waters for snorkelling or scuba diving. Some of these sandy beaches are made of coral remnants of red and white. The Komodo National Park with its rich marine life is certainly one of the best places in the world for scuba diving.

Afterwards proceed to Rinca Island, the home of deer, horses, buffaloes, pigs, megapode birds and Komodo's. Trek through the jungle and see the Komodo hiding in the grassy undergrowth, waiting for its prey.

Dont be mistaken the Komodo may look large and cumbersome, but they can run at up to 18km/h, swim, and when short of food, these grizzly animals will resort to eating their young! Filled with deadly toxic saliva and venom, these are not the kind of animal you want to make friends with, yet they are fascinating all the same.

Overnight on board the boat off the island of Kalong or flying foxes (flying fox island). Every evening at 18:00 Thousands of fruit bats reaching nearly two feet out in search of their food to the nearby island of Flores. Moor off the island to see the magnificent spectacle unique flying over our heads these mammals. He spends the night on the boat in one of the fully equipped private cabins or if you prefer on the deck under the stars. The meals are made in the same boat.

Approximate duration of the visits: 2 hours

Approximate distances:
- From hotel to airport Bali: 45 minutes/10 kilometers
- From Labujan Bajo to the harbor: 15 minutes/1 kilometers
- Sailing time for the boat journey to Rinca: 2.5 hours/ 36 kilometers
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On board - MV Fabarasenge private charter

Boat depart at 6.00am, breakfast will be served at 7.00am. After breakfast, start early and walk around 2km to Banunggulung to spot Komodos. Komodo Dragons, the largest lizard in the world, grow up top 3 metres in length, and weigh up to 65kg.

It is estimated that there are around 2000 Komodos on the island, as well as other wildlife such as wild boar, deer and buffalo. The island is also excellent for bird watchers, cockatoos and go song birds (megapodius reindwardti), among many others.

The terrain is flat and the flora changes constantly with the seasons, going from dry and dusty with a thin vegetation, to lush and green with the scent of wild basil in the wet season.

Sit back and watch the passing scenery, before arriving at Pantai Merah (Pink Beach), named so because the red coral on the seabed breaks off with the tidal changes and mixes with the sand, causing it to turn a pale pink colour. Jump overboard and snorkel in the clear waters, where you can see many different types of fish including parrot fish, clown fish, and many other species including turtles. There is plenty of time to swim here and to relax on the beach.

After lunch on board continue sailing to Kanawa Island where you have the opportunity to relax and take in the rich marine ecosystem and enjoy its pristine beaches and a snorkelling excursion. The fine white sand beaches are formed by remnants of corals.
The boat will moor off the island for dinner and overnight.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- Komodo National Park: 2.5 hours
- Pink Beach: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Indonesian Family Style)
Accommodation: on board - MV Fabarasenge private charter

After your last breakfast on board cruise back to Labuan Bajo and - if time permits - visit the local market and take a short tour to Batu Cermin Cave. Batu Cermin is the Indonesian name for Mirror Rock. Depending on the time of year the sun shines into a canyon between 9.00am and 10.00am and is reflected on the walls of the cave. This creates a stunning visual effect, so if you are there at the right time, you are in for a real treat.

Depending on the flight schedule, transfer directly to the airport for your return flight to Bali. (Estimated departure 12.25pm and arrival time 2.30pm of the flight GA 7037) Upon arrival in Bali, you will be met by your local guide and drive to the southern-most tip of the island to visit the famous Uluwatu Temple. One of seven sea temples that are said to form a chain around the island, it is undoubtedly one of the regions most venerable places of worship. Perched approximately 70 meters above sea level atop a steep cliff, the temple also has one of the most dramatic locations on the island and is the perfect vantage point from which to observe the huge waves as they roll in from the Indian Ocean and crash against the rock face below.

One of the highlights of this excursion is the opportunity to witness a traditional display of Kecak dance, which is regularly performed at Uluwatu. The Kecak dance features up to a hundred male performers who form a circle and sway and chant to hypnotic music. This ritual dance is based on an ancient story from the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana. King Rahwana captures Sita, the wife of Rama and the drama depicts the battle between King Rahwana and the monkey god, Hanuman.

A seductive crescent of white sand and blue sea, Jimbaran Bay has a reputation for having some of the best seafood restaurants on the island and after your visit to Uluwatu you will have the chance to dine in one of the best Beach Clubs in the bay. The delicious seafood rijstaffel (selection of dishes) and ambient beachside location provide the perfect end to a perfect day.

Approximate duration of the visits:
- Batu Cermin: 1 hour
- Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner: 3 hours

Approximate distances:
- From Harbor to Batu Cermin: 15 minutes by car / 4 kilometers
- From Bali Airport to Uluwatu Temple: 1.5 hours/21 kilometers

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Movenpick Resort Classic room

Today you will be collected from the hotel for the transfer to Denpasar airport. Upon arrival, check in for your onward flight home. Approximate distances: From Bali Airport to Jimbaran 20 minutes/8 kilometers
Meals included: Breakfast