Indonesia In Depth (IPB13)

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, our guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel – check-in and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.

Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th centuries and the new powerful Mataram kingdom. It is one of the foremost cultural centers in Indonesia. There is an abundance of activities to do in Yogyakarta, from strolling through the living museum of The Kraton, hanging out at the famous Alun Alun, to watching silversmiths produce amazing jewelry at Kotagede and trying a splurge shopping up at Malioboro road.

Let’s explore the iconic sights and sounds of Yogyakarta. The city calls itself the vanguard of Javanese culture. The venerable Sultan’s palace is the centerpiece of the city and is treated with respect by the people of Yogya. Surrounded by white-clad houses and quiet lanes, you’ll see that there is hardly any traffic in this part of town, where the becaks rule!

After a visit to Bringharjo traditional market, we will walk to The Fort Vredeburg museum, built in 1760 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono 1. Continue passing by some colonial buildings and visit Sonobudoyo Museum. We will end the morning’s trip at Taman Sari (as it is called by the locals), which is the former pleasure dome of the Sultans, featuring well-restored subterranean passageways, secret chambers and frivolous ponds.

For lunch, you will indulge in a selection of Javanese delicacies. A visit to the splendid temple complex of Prambanan, a short drive east of the city centre, is the main afternoon program. Comprising more than 200 large and smaller buildings, this place is a permanent reminder of Java’s Hindu past.

Note: All museums are closed on Monday.

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Today you will have ample time to discover the mystery and history of the world-famous Borobudur temple, one of the biggest and most impressive Buddhist monuments ever erected by mankind. The prominent construction enjoys the splendid background of Menoreh mountain range. Originally there were seven statues here; those that remain are the great three-meter Buddha, who, unusually, sits on a throne with his legs in front of him rather than in the lotus position, flanked by the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani.

Next, we will explore the village of Candirejo. This local community, set in an authentic Javanese village, is the expert in preserving traditional farming methods. A tour along its lanes by ‘delman’, a traditional Javanese horse-drawn carriage, will provide an insight into the daily life of the Javanese farmer.

Afterward, we will return to Yogyakarta. The evening will be at your leisure.

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Today you will experience one of the highlights of your trip with an authentic train journey through Central Java. Enjoy the most beautiful rice paddies, stunning valleys and picturesque villages pass the eye as your train heads further into Central Java.

In the afternoon, you will reach Surabaya, where a car will take you to Sukapura, which nestles against the mighty slope of Gunung Bromo. En route there will be plenty of stops for you to marvel at the sights on dormant volcanoes, picturesque Javanese villages, old sultanate towns and the street sights with thousands of vehicles and people, moving goods to seemingly all directions at the same time!

Arriving in the late afternoon and rest of the evening free, preparing for a nightly excursion you will never forget.

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In the early morning, we will start our trip to sacred Mount Bromo. After a short jeep ride, we will reach Penanjakan point to enjoy the glorious sunrise. Later, we will drive to the huge caldera and take you across a wide-open terrain on horseback to reach the inner sanctum. Follow the trail up to the top of the active Bromo volcano and marvel at the incredible view from here.

Return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterward, transfer back to Surabaya, the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

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Transfer to Surabaya Airport to catch your flight to Bali in the morning.

Upon arrival, we will take you straight to the heart of Bali. For many centuries, the rulers of the powerful kingdom of Ubud were patrons of the arts. In the early 20th century, European painters successfully fused tradition with western concepts, laying the groundwork for an art direction that flourish up to this day and age!

The rest of the day you will be free to do some exploration in the area.

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Today you will have the best of culture and nature in a day. First, you will attend a playful introduction to the Balinese philosophy. The gracious Barong dance in Batubulan, performed by professional actors and dancers. Proceed to the rightfully famous woodcarving center of Mas. Young artisans with amazing skills emblaze tropical woods with life.

Then we will drive further to the east and enjoy the breathtaking view over the volcano and the Lake Batur, while having lunch in Penelokan, Kintamani. This is the largest lake in Bali and can be found in the smaller, secondary caldera of the Batur volcano, right at the foot of Mount Abang.

We will make the final stop at Tegalalang rice terraces for you to enjoy its stunning view before heading back to your hotel in Ubud.

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Today’s itinerary will be packed with exciting adventures. Start the trip with the incredible view of Mount Batur Volcano, cycle your way through some of the island’s most beautiful scenery, the trail will then lead you to the Elephant Safari Park. Here your own elephant will be waiting to take you on a 35-minute safari walk through the Taro forest. Feel free to interact with these gentle giants.

Later, we will have time to experience white-water rafting on the Ayung River. Here you will travel through the exotic landscape down 27 sets of class II-III rapids for approximately 1.5 hrs.

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We will explore the central part of Bali in the morning, start from the beautiful area of terraced rice paddies nestling in the shadow of Mount Batukaru. This is the second-highest peak of Bali and also one of the holiest. In 2007 this area was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Later, you will visit Tanah Lot, one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Bali. The temple was built to commemorate the spread of Hinduism from Java to Bali centuries ago. Sitting on an eroded rocky outcrop between the sea and the beach, it is an admirable sight, especially during sunset.

Afterward, return to your hotel in Sanur, and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.

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You can spend the day enjoying the resort’s facilities or doing some self-exploration in the area.

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You will have a free morning until it’s time to meet your guide for transfer service to Denpasar airport to fly to Flores.

On arrival at Komodo Airport Labuan Bajo, our representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Labuan Bajo was once a small fishing town that today has flourished to become the gateway to the exotic destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

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Early morning,  we will get on board for Padar Island to see the beautiful panoramic when the sun is rising. Padar island is popular for its magnificent landscape with its clear sky, white sand beaches, and nearby attractions from the top of the hills.

Back to the boat for breakfast, then we will continue to cruise to Komodo Island. Upon arrival, we will walk for about 1.5 miles to Banugulung to see the activities of the giant Komodo Dragons. The dragons can grow up to 3m long and 150 kg in weight. The total number of these lizards is estimated at 3.500 – 5.000 inhabited in Komodo, Padar and Rinca Island.

We will then go back to the boat and head to Pink Beach to take an opportunity to swim or snorkel on the beautiful beaches Pantai Merah (Pink Beach), which is also one of the best spots for observing underwater life and corals in Indonesia. Afterward, you will return to Labuan Bajo.

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Enjoy morning breakfast and day at your leisure at the resort or self-exploration around the beautiful surrounding.

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Enjoy another free day at the resort or you can opt for some self-exploration of the beautiful surrounding.

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Enjoy the day at your leisure before you are picked up for your departure transfer back to the airport.

Upon arrival in Bali, you will stay at your hotel in Jimbaran. This charming fishing village has changed into a pleasant and peaceful little resort in recent years with one of the best beaches in Bali.

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After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out and your private driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your departure flight.

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