Enjoy the beauty and rich culture of Indonesia’s stunning islands: Java, and Bali.  Experience the history, scenery, and skilled artisans at work.  Marvel at Borobodur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple in central Java.  Relax and revel in the magical scenery of Bali.  See the Indonesia Photo Album for inspiration.

Individual, private tours are available weekly.  For help designing a custom itinerary, please contact Silk and Stones Travel.  Below is the itinerary for the Java Highlights trip.

Experiences - unique and irresistible:

1. •Bali Day Trekking - supporting a local charity - see spectacular scenery, villages, and water projects
   

2. •Sumatra ecotourism - several days hiking to ecotourism projects
   

3. •Java “off the beaten path”:  tourism that breaks down barriers between classes, languages, with dignity
   

4. •Bali Hati Charity Spa - employment and training for spa workers in Bali
   

5. •Bali Cuisine and Culture - six days of local markets, cooking, eating, and celebrating with friends
   

Day 1 - Jakarta Arrival

Welcome to Jakarta! Your guide and private car will meet you at Soekarno- Hatta International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.  Overnight in Jakarta. 

Day 2 - Jakarta - Bogor

Today begins with a city tour of bustling Jakarta. You will visit iconic sites including the Presidential Palace and Istiqlal Mosque before enjoying a leisurely stroll through 'Kota', the once walled part of Dutch Batavia where you will stop for lunch. This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to step off the tourist trail and discover the 'real' Jakarta, accompanied by a local guide. Half of the proceeds from this tour go to support the locals in this area by providing them with food or school books.After your tour, transfer to the town of Bogor and check in to your hotel. Dinner is at leisure.  Overnight in Bogor.

Day 3 - Bogor - Bandung

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and set off for an excursion to Bogor where you will visit the outstanding Botanical Gardens and Presidential Palace, which is noted for its distinctive architecture. Continue along the mountainous Puncak Pass, home to tea plantations and typical Javanaese villages while on route to Bandung, stopping for lunch along the way. This afternoon, arrive at Bandung and check-in to your hotel. This evening, you will attend to a very special dinner with Sundanese Gamelan and dances.  Overnight in Bandung.

Day 4 - Bandung - Tangkuban Perahu - Ciater - Bandung

 

Day 5 - Bandung - Jogjakarta

Awake early for breakfast and to check out of your hotel. Transfer to Bandung's railway station and board the morning express executive train to Jogjakarta.  The journey takes you through the lush rice fields, fringed by a mountainous back drop. Lunch is served on board. Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of today is at leisure. Overnight in Jogjakarta. 

Day 6 - Jogjakarta City Tour and Borobador

Despite the official spelling of 'Yogyakarta' this town is usually pronounced and often written Jogjakarta or simply Jogja. It is the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Jogja is also a center of art and education and the cradle of traditional Javanese culture.  After breakfast, set off on a morning excursion. You'll be introduced to one of Indonesia's most famous crafts with a visit to a traditional batik factory. Not only will you learn about the ancient techniques and observe skilled craftsmen, but you will also have the chance to create your own batik. Start from scratch, making a design, applying wax and mixing your own dye. Your creation will be delivered to your hotel once dry. 

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe, and continue with a visit to the Sultan's Palace, also known as 'Kraton'. This building, built between 1756 -1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. As you walk through the various rooms and chambers, you will learn more about this aspect of Javanese heritage and culture.You will also visit the adjacent 'Taman Sari', water palace and garden. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan with bathing pools for his harem. A local cyclo, becak, will then transfer you through the streets to the bird market where you'll witness a slice of local Jogja life.  Continue with a drive to Borobudor, 42 kilometers west of Jogjakarta. With your guide, explore this massive Buddhist Temple - the largest in the world- and discover the incredible history behind its construction. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was assembled entirely by human labor and took more than 75 years to complete. These days, the UNESCO Heritage site is still visible in its full glory- with magnificent carvings and an unusual, yet surprisingly beautiful bulk structure.  Return to the city center.  This evening, you'll be treated to a performance of traditional Ramayana Dances while dining at a local restaurant.  Overnight in Jogjakarta.  Continue with a visit to nearby Mendut temple, older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. Next, you'll get a taste for local life with a horse cart ride through Candirejo village. Known as a dokar, the local horse cart will take you through this peaceful, charming village. You'll travel along small lanes lined with traditional houses, stop to see village activities such as making cassava crackers, playing the gamelan, harvesting and the drying of vanilla and chili.  Following the dokar ride, return to Jogjakarta arriving early this evening.

 

Day 7 - Jogjakarta - Borobudur - Candirejo - Jogjakarta

After breakfast, drive 17 kilometers from Jogjakarta to the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan. Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. UNESCO named Prambanan a Heritage Site in 1991. Your guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

Continue with a visit to nearby Mendut temple, older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. Next, you'll get a taste for local life with a horse cart ride through Candirejo village. Known as a dokar, the local horse cart will take you through this peaceful, charming village. You'll travel along small lanes lined with traditional houses, stop to see village activities such as making cassava crackers, playing the gamelan, harvesting and the drying of vanilla and chili.  Following the dokar ride, return to Jogjakarta arriving early this evening.  Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.  After breakfast, drive 17 kilometers from Jogjakarta to the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan. Built in the 9th century, th  Following breakfast at hotel, the morning is free before transfering to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 8 - Jogjakarta - Jakarta or Bali or Outbound International Flights

Following breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for leisure or shopping before transfering to the airport for outbound flights. 

For help designing a custom itinerary, please contact Silk and Stones Travel

For additional help planning your trip, please see Resources, Packing List, Application, and Terms and Conditions.  For additional suggestions on Myanmar shops, restaurants, activities, check the Indonesia Resources page.

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Borobodur Temple, Yogyakarta, Java