This tour takes you deep into the historical heartland of the Java, linking each of the major architectural sites – Hindu-Buddhist temples that were once the spiritual centrepiece of the island. From the world’s largest Buddhist monument, to ancient fertitilty shrines shrouded by mist and jungle on Java’s mysterious mountain slopes; several temples continue to serve as places of worship and pilgrimage right up to the present day.
The tour ends in Bali, where you will be able to rest and relax on its famous beaches!
Itinerary
Day 1.
Arrival Yogyakarta (-)
Arrive at Jogjakarta international airport, Meet & Greet with the assigned guide who will assist you during your journey in Java. Drive to the hotel, check in and enjoy a restful evening in the cradle of Javanese civilization and is one of Indonesia’s foremost cultural centers.
Overnight in Yogjakarta
Day 2.
Yogyakarta City Tour on Becak Pedicab (B,L)
Start your excursion today with a ride on a becak pedicab. Taking you along the narrow lanes though local settlements, it allows you to discover the old city of Yogyakarta from a different point of view. A visit to Yogyakarta is not complete without visiting the royal residence Keraton Sultanate Palace and Tamansari Water Castle. Once served as a magnificent pleasure park for the sultan and his entourage, it was built immediately after the construction of the royal palace, but it was damaged in the Java war and an earthquake in the latter part of the 19th century. Visit a Batik workshop to learn more about the making process of batik fabric, and to make your very own piece of Batik to bring home with you. In the afternoon, your excursion continues to Prambanan Temple where you can observe the bas-relief depicting the Ramayana story.
Note: the visit to Prambanan Temple is currently limited to courtyard and gardens area
Overnight in Yogyakarta
Day 3.
Afternoon excursion to Mount Merapi ‘s Lava flow (B, D)
In the afternoon, drive to Kaliadem. a strategic & famous spot to view Merapi Volcano from a close distance, it was where the hot lava from the crater flew down setting fire on houses, plantations and burying them under the hot sand during the last eruption. Drop off at a hotel nearby Borobudur temple in Magelang, dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Magelang
Day 4.
Borobudur Temple complex – Transfer to Solo (B,D)
Pick up at the hotel lobby and drive to Borobudur Temple Complex. Built during the 8th century by the rulers of the Syailendra dynasty, it is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Left to ruin and forgotten when the dynasty fell apart, it was discovered in 1815 buried under volcanic ash when Stamford Raffles was Governor of Java.
The temple was built without any kind of cement or mortar from two million stone blocks measures at its base approximately 120 x 120 metres. It has six square terraces topped by three circular ones, with four stairways leading up through carved gateways to the top. The architecture and stonework is considered to be without equal, decorated as it is with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The full walk around the temple (clockwise, as is customary in the case of Buddhist temples) is about 5km long. Excursion continues to Mendut Temple housing the great statue of Buddha, followed with Pawon Temple. At the end of the excursion, transfer to Yogyakarta’s sister city, Solo. Dinner is serves at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Solo
Day 5.
Solo City Tour and Sukuh Temple (B,L,-)
Drive to the city center and visit the royal Mangkunegaran Palace. Featuring European elegance combined with Javanese architectural style, it showcases a fascinating display of gold-plated dance ornaments, jewelry and wooden masks. Visit Triwindu antique market and discover valuable treasures.
Drive east to the countryside to discover the mysterious ancient sites of Sukuh temple. This temple is quite different in style from many of the other Hindu shrines in Central Java. Dating from the 15th century, the temple is situated on the slope of Mount Lawu (over 900 m above sea level) and distinctive from other Hindu temples and shrines in Java for its resemblances to the architecture of the Incas. In the afternoon the drive to Cetho Temple is scenic through the winding road on the mountainous area. Take in the scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the nature, drive back to Solo.
Overnight in Solo
Day 6.
Solo – Mojokerto – Bromo (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your rail journey to Mojokerto. Arrive in Mojokerto, private transfer on chauffeured vehicle along the east coast of Java, passing through teak forests and the lush countryside towards Bromo. Dinner is provided.
Overnight in Bromo
Day 7.
Bromo Sunrise – Surabaya airport – Bali (B,-)
Wake up early morning when it is still dark, a drive on a 4WD jeep gets you to Penanjakan Viewing Point for a breathtaking view of sunrise on a clear day. The journey continues to Mount Bromo on a pony back. Taking you to cross the sea of sand, arrive at the foot of Mount Bromo. Your effort walking up some 200 steps will be rewarded with magnificent view over the caldera from over 2,700m from the crater rim. Return to hotel for breakfast then check-out, transfer directly to Surabaya airport for your flight to Bali (end of service of your guide for Java). Meet & Greet with your assigned guide upon arrival in Bali Denpasar Airport. Private transfer to your hotel in South Bali. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight in South Bali (hotel of choice in Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Canggu / Nusa Dua / Uluwatu)
Day 8.
Free at own leisure (B,-)
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today is free at your own leisure to discover the neighbourhood at your own pace utilizing shuttle service provided by the hotel (if applicable).
Overnight in South Bali (hotel of choice in Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Canggu / Nusa Dua / Uluwatu)
Day 09.
Nusa Penida by fast boat (B, L)
Enjoy an earlier breakfast today as you will be picked up at the hotel lobby at 07:30am for a day in Nusa Penida. Drive towards Sanur and embark on a fast boat taking you to the hidden gem just off the shore on the south eastern side of the main island. Arrive on the rugged island of Penida, your excursion includes visiting the Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and the famous Kelingking Cliff. After lunch, drive to Gamat Bay on a local boat to enjoy snorkeling and swimming. Return to the port and return to the main island of Bali on a fast boat, you will be dropped of at the hotel for a restful evening.
Overnight in South Bali (hotel of choice in Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Canggu / Nusa Dua / Uluwatu)
Day 10.
Iconic Sunset Uluwatu (B,D)
Morning is at own leisure. Pick up in the afternoon and drive south to arrive at the iconic Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Perching on a staggeringly steep cliff over the roaring Indian Ocean waves, the temple is one of the nine key directional temples believed to be guarding the island against evil spirits. Take in the majestic view of this temple as you explore the temple grounds. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the open-air amphitheater and secure the best seat (no seating number) to enjoy the 60-minute colossal Kecak Fire dance performance. Afterwards, drive to Jimbaran for a sumptuous dining experience by the beach showcasing Balinese/Indonesian seafood set menu dinner. Drop off at the hotel at the end of the excursion.
Overnight in South Bali (hotel of choice in Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Canggu / Nusa Dua / Uluwatu)
Day 11.
South Bali – Free at Leisure (B)
Breakfast is served at the hotel, remainder of the day is free at own leisure. You may opt for a day of shopping in Seminyak, or checking out one of the many famous beach clubs in Bali. With an array of activities available to choose from, there is always something for everyone.
Overnight in South Bali (hotel of choice in Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Canggu / Nusa Dua / Uluwatu)
