Ultimate Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia! On arrival in Yogyakarta you’ll be met by our airport representative who will fast-track you through immigration, baggage, and customs procedures. You’ll then be introduced to a private English-speaking guide and accompanying driver, then set off together on a drive into the central Java countryside, heading for Borobudur. The transfer will take around 60-90 minutes depending on local traffic, and on arrival you have the rest of the day to relax and recuperate.

Much of today is spent at leisure, allowing you to recuperate and acclimatize after your long outbound journey.

At a convenient time – to be discussed locally with your guide – you will be picked up from the hotel and set off on a gentle cycling tour around Borobudur village. Traveling at a very easy-going pace and almost entirely on flat, traffic-free dirt roads, this will be an excellent introduction to central Javanese scenery and culture. Make a couple of stops along the way to meet some local artisans and craftspeople, as well as a family business producing tempeh and tofu. Cycle back to the hotel, passing through majestic villages and verdant rice fields along the way. You’ll be out for about 2-3 hours – shorter or longer, dependent on your interests – and then return to the hotel with more time to relax.

Constructed in the early 9th century by the Sailendra dynasty and dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, this extraordinary Borobudur temple took almost 100 years to complete. The imposing pyramid structure rises out of the surrounding green plains, mirroring the volcanoes which ring the horizon. Take a seat at the summit as the sun peeks above the horizon, rising slowly above a skyline of soaring volcanoes and tropical jungle, watching as the colors above you move from inky blue through pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. After you’ve enjoyed the sunrise your guide will take you on a short tour of the temple complex, explaining some of the key bas-reliefs and architectural features, before you return to your hotel to freshen up and enjoy breakfast.

You’ll then be transferred by road to Semarang on the north coast of Java. Arrive to check in for a mid-morning domestic flight to Pangkalan Bun, a small port city in the southern coast of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). On arrival you’ll be met by met a private guide and transferred to the port of Kumai, a road journey of approximately 30 minutes. Here you’ll boat your private klotok boat and set off into the National Park. Make a first stop at the orangutan rehabilitation center in Tanjung Harapan, arriving in time the 3pm feeding time. Back on-board you’ll continue gliding slowly upstream, along the way observing the teeming rainforest all around you: common sightings include proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, and all manner of tropical birdlife. Dinner is served on-board, after which you have the option of a night walk to spot nocturnal jungle life.

Rise early for breakfast, enjoying a fine spread on the top deck while moving slowly along the river at this liveliest time of day for wildlife viewings. Mid-morning you’ll divert from the muddy Sekonyer into a narrow side canal to arrive at Camp Leakey – established in the 1970’s by Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas for the study, protection, and rehabilitation of wild orangutans.

Take an enjoyable walk along the boardwalk trail deeper into the forest to their wild orang feeding area, where orangutans can be observed making their way through the treetops to the echoing calls of the rangers. You may also catch glimpses of gibbon, proboscis monkey, and leaf-eating monkeys in their natural habitat. Your visit to the Camp will last around 3-4 hours, also including time to visit the research center, meet the rangers, and discuss their work.

Back on-board you’ll head back down the Sekonyer River, navigating your way slowly with the dense jungle on either side. Dinner and accommodation is again on-board this evening.

After a leisurely breakfast you will be picked up and transferred by road out to the far north-west of the island, heading for the laidback village of Pemuteran. This will be a journey of approximately 3 hours, passing initially through hills and rice fields, later breaking out to a run along Bali’s rugged northern coast.

Far from the buzzing south coast, the peaceful coastal village of Pemuteran lies on the border of West Bali National Park and serves as the main gateway to Menjangan Island, considered the best destination for snorkeling and diving in all of Bali. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, it’s a sleepy town calling outdoor enthusiasts as well as those seeking relaxation in a series of comfortable hotels dotted along a quiet black sand beach.

After checking in you’ll be taken for lunch in a local restaurant, and then head into nearby West Bali (Bali Barat) National Park for a guided nature walk. The park is a scenically intriguing mix of stark mangrove trees, open savannah, lush tropical forest, and pristine coastline. Using established plank walks, you’ll be keeping a keen eye out for around 160 species of bird including the near-extinct Bali Starling, the repopulation of which this park was created for, and mammals including deer, wild cattle, boar, and a whole host of primates.

This morning is at leisure, resting up after your lengthy transfer the previous day. In the afternoon you’ll be met by your local guide and set off by 4×4 jeep to Bromo’s ‘sea of sands’ – the ashen gray carpet within the mountain’s expansive caldera.

After a thrilling jeep journey over the sands you’ll be taken on a short pony ride back to the foot of the volcano. From here there is a hike of 245 steps up to the mountain rim, which is rewarded by jaw-dropping views. The trail continues for a short distance further along the volcano rim, past the auspicious site of ‘Puncak Brahmana’, thought to embody the spirit of the mountain. You’ll then descend back down the crater, where your jeep is waiting. The 4×4 then takes you up through the savannah to Penanjakan viewpoint in time for a majestic sunset.

You’ll be picked up at 3am this morning. This exceptionally early start ensures you reach a truly epic, and little known, viewpoint in time for the incredible Bromo sunrise. Head by 4×4 towards Penanjakan viewpoint. On arrival you’ll find the crowds already beginning to grow at this most popular location…but we will divert away for an hour’s walk up to the hidden spot of Argo Wulan. The hike is on a clear, easy-going trail, with your guide supplying torches so you can make your way in the dark trouble-free.

On arrival at the peak you will be greeted by a 360 panorama of the Bromo caldera: from Mt Argopuro to the east, the Bromo mountains in the center, and the gently-erupting Mt Semeru in the distance. Your guide will prepare hot coffee and tea while you wait for nature to put on its spectacular show. Sure enough, around 5am, the sky’s color palette will begin to shift as the sun slowly appears behind the mountain peaks. Sit back…and enjoy!

After some time to freshen up back at your hotel you will check out and then be transferred by road down from Mount Bromo back down to Surabaya, a journey of around 2-2.5 hours. From Surabaya you will take a short domestic flight across to Bali Denpasar. Arrive in mid-afternoon where you’ll met by a private guide and driver, who’ll then transfer you from the south coast city up into the hill town of Ubud. This will be a drive of around 1hr15m. Once arrived at your hotel you’ll check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to recuperate after your long flight.

After an early breakfast you’ll be transferred out of central Ubud and to a tranquil village around 30 minutes into central Bali. Here you’ll meet Mr Bagus Dharma, a respected local artist who specializes in traditional Keliki painting style – usually intricate monochrome depictions of rural scenes – keeping it alive through his work and his instruction of local children. He’ll show you around his residence and studio, then lead you on a walk through the cascading rice paddies which surround, along the way explaining the heralded ‘Subak’ system of rice cultivation.

Pass through placid villages, spice plantations, and verdant forest, arriving at a second local home where you’ll enjoy a fabulous local lunch. This too will be an educational experience, touring the gardens and vegetable plots of the home, then getting hands-on to help prepare your own meal. Under the instruction of your host you’ll prepare an array of succulent Balinese dishes, then later sit down to enjoy them while looking out across blissful scenery. You’ll then be transferred back to Ubud and have the rest of the day free.

Today is kept free of any arrangements, allowing you time to relax in comfort and acclimatize to your tropical surroundings. You’ll find your hotel centrally located – ideal for taking a gentle introductory potter around the surrounding markets, dipping into Ubud’s famed galleries, boutiques, and cafes. The famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary is also just around the corner, and perfect for a gentle introduction to Bali’s alluring temples and natural scenery. Staying onsite, relax around the pool or indulge in a Balinese massage at the spa.

Early this morning you’ll be picked up and transferred privately back down to Denpasar Airport. Here you’ll board a one-hour domestic flight across to Labuan Bajo, provincial capital of Flores island, and gateway to the magical Komodo National Park. On arrival you’ll be met by a private guide and driver and transferred straight to Labuan Bajo harbor to board your Komodo island private cruise.

In a country of endlessly striking scenery, Komodo may be the most staggering. Coming across from Bali or Java you’ll notice the landscape become dramatically drier and starker, with the Komodo National Park made up of countless earthy-toned islands, contrasted by beautiful coral blues and pink-hued beaches. The best way to explore the Park is on a charter cruise, taking you from islet to islet, where you’ll come face to face with the famous Komodo dragons – as well as a host of other unforgettable adventures.

The routing of each Komodo cruise will vary, owing to sea conditions and also to steer you away from crowds wherever possible. Typically each cruise will cover a short trek through the forest at Banunggulung to encounter Komodo dragons or a further trek on Rinca island to Waewaso, again featuring Komodo dragons as well as a host of other wildlife and birdlife; the Pink Beach on Padar island. This is an especially good spot for swimming and snorkeling either before or after lunch on board; alternatively on Padar, a hike to the most famous viewpoint in the national park of the four tentacles of Padar sprawling out below; a sunset mooring at Kalong Island, where – if you are lucky – you will observe thousands of fruit bats departing their nests in perfect conical formation as they set out for their evening meal; at least one stop for snorkeling along the way, depending on your interest. Full-board meals and soft drinks are supplied on-board. You will overnight on-board the ship in a quiet mooring point.

You’ll leave Flores today, transferring back to the regional airport at Labuan Bajo for a short one hour flight back across to Bali Denpasar. You’ll then be met by a private driver and transferred along to your hotel in south Bali – a journey of just over an hour. Arrive late afternoon and have the rest of the day to relax, enjoying the nearby beach of indulging yourselves in the spa.

Today is free of plans – enjoy your excellent hotel, or take a relaxing walk along the beach or through the village!

In the late afternoon, you’ll be picked up and taken out to the Uluwatu Temple, around 45 minutes away, which has a dramatic clifftop setting at the base of the Bukit peninsula. Your guide will take you for an introductory tour around this 11th-century construction, sitting 70m above the crashing ocean waves, before finding you a prime spot to watch the sunset. As the sun falls you’ll watch on for the nightly Kecak fire dance; witness around 50 performers circle a roaring fire while re-enacting scenes from the Ramayana, accompanied by traditional instruments, masks, and dress.

Afterward, you’ll be taken for a delicious Balinese dinner in a nearby restaurant, then later returned to your hotel in Sanur.

Today is left totally free to relax at the hotel and reflect on your many adventures over the last few days. South Bali has much to offer for leisure time: aside from all the great shopping, dining, and nightlife on offer, you can also use the resort as a base from which to organize diving or snorkeling trips, or as a jumping-off point for surfing or horseback riding further up Bali’s southwest coast. Aid your relaxation with quiet time at one of Sanur’s yoga studios or coffee shops, gorge yourself at the seafood warungs of Jimbaran Bay, hire a scooter for a tour of the clifftop temples of Uluwatu, or take on a livelier experience at Seminyak’s famous beach bars.

Sadly your adventures in Indonesia have come to an end. At the appropriate time you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred by road back to Bali Denpasar International Airport, a drive of around 25 minutes. Arrive in good time to check in for your onward flight.