- ✓ Immerse in ancient history at world famous ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
- ✓ Spot orangutans from your authentically Indonesian Klotok boat
- ✓ Spend two nights surrounded by jungle
- ✓ Enjoy R&R on Bali’s white sand beaches
Wander between giant Buddha statues at sunrise, watch the day break over mist-swirled volcanoes and spot orangutans in the untouched jungle on this mystical adventure through Java, Kalimantan, and Bali. Beginning in Yogyakarta – Java’s lively, cultural heart – you’ll soak up the spirit of beautiful Borobudur and watch tendrils of smoke curl from the crater of Mount Bromo at sunset. Then, you’ll travel to unexplored Kalimantan, where you’ll venture into the rainforest on your liveaboard traditional klotok boat in search of orangutans. You’ll finish off your adventure on one of the Balinese blissful beaches.
Day 1 - Arrive in Yogykarta
On arrival in Yogyakarta you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Yogyakarta is Java’s cultural heart, known for its ancient temples, lively streets, traditional arts and laid back atmosphere. The rest of your day is free to relax and explore.
Day 2 - Sunrise over Borobudur Temple
This morning, you’ll be up before the sun to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Borobudur, drenched in spiritual atmosphere. It’s the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, and at sunrise it’s swirling with strands of morning mist. Borobudur is very popular of course, so we can’t promise that you’ll have it all to yourself, but visitor numbers are limited by the government. At the top of the temple, there are 72 small open stupas, most with a meditating Buddha in the centre. To make a wish, reach through the latticed stonework and touch the lucky Buddha in the centre of the stupa. Men should touch the hand, women should touch the heel.
Please note that to manage overcrowding, the number of visitors permitted to climb Borobudur every hour is limited, and is not possible at all on Mondays. We will do our best to secure a climb slot for you but it is not guaranteed.
Day 3 - Travel to Sukuh via Prambanan & Solo
Today you’ll leave Yogyakarta, travelling inland towards the east. Your first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan. Built in the 10th century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. Afterwards, you’ll travel to Solo. The driver will drop you off at the ‘Kraton’ in the centre of town where you can roam through the various rooms of this royal palace. Then continue to Sukuh, a town nestled high between mountain peaks, known mostly for its erotic temple. We guarantee that the carvings here will raise an eyebrow or two. It’s a peaceful place that will give you a taste of local life beyond the usual tourist track. You’ll spend the night in a charming cottage.
Day 4 - Countryside walk & onto Malang
Prepare for a long travel day of approximately 9 hours. But first, stretch your legs on a walk through an untouched part of Java. The route starts at the temple and continues over a hilly landscape towards Tawangmangu. On the way you will pass plantations where all kinds of vegetables are grown. The locals are very friendly and will wave and smile. When you arrive in Tawangmangu you will continue your journey to Malang by car, arriving in the early evening. You will spend the night in a simple but atmospheric hotel.
Day 5 - Jeep safari to Bromo volcano for sunset
This morning, explore Malang at a leisurely pace with your driver. In the afternoon you’ll visit the iconic Bromo volcano. We approach the volcano from the south side, while most tourists come via the north. After a few hours in the car you transfer to a jeep that takes you over an other-worldly volcanic landscape to the foot of the volcano. Then you’ll climb to the crater rim and gaze deep into the crater. Back in the jeep, drive to a viewpoint to view the volcanoes from a distance at sunset. You will not be experiencing the sunset alone – it’s a popular spot – but it’s less busy than sunrise. While the sun goes down, enjoy a meal brought by the guide. When the sun has set, you will be taken to your simple overnight accommodation at the foot of the volcano.
Day 6 - Fly from Surabaya to Palangkaraya, Kalimantan
This morning your driver will take you to Surabaya airport, in time for your flight to Kalimantan. The drive will take around 4 hours and a direct flight to Palangkaraya is just over an hour. After you land in Palangkaraya, you’ll be transferred to one of the modern hotels for the night. Your Kalimantan adventure begins tomorrow…
Day 7 - Board your klotok & float along the jungle river
This morning, you'll be whisked to the port to board a traditional wooden houseboat called a “klotok”, your home for the next 2 nights. With only a handful of cabins, a viewing deck and an outside dining area, your floating hotel is cosy and comfortable. Once settled in, you’ll start drifting away the civilisation, passing by the floating villages and stilted houses until there is nothing but the jungle.
Later this afternoon you’ll make your first stop in a picturesque location by the lake. Here, you can hop on a small canoe and glide around the mirror-like surface, spotting proboscis monkeys, hornbills and other inhabitants of the forest. Back on the boat, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the river and the jungle while enjoying your freshly-made dinner whipped up by the local chef on board.
Day 8 - Visit Bapallas Island and the Dayak
This morning after breakfast you will reach Bapallas, one of the islands used by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation for the final stage of the rehabilitation programme. Here, orangutans are introduced back into their natural habitat with minimal human interaction, getting ready for their life in the rainforest. There are no feeding platforms or set visit times here, and you won’t be allowed to set foot on the island, but you can watch them swinging between the trees from a small boat. The rules are strict, but the experience is truly unforgettable!
After a hearty lunch back on your klotok, you will explore Kanarakan village, home to indigenous Dayak people, native inhabitants of Borneo. The tribe will welcome you with a traditional ceremony and spiced coffee, followed by an invitation in to their humble homes to share their history and traditions. After you are shown around the village by the head of the community, it’s time to return to the boat for your final night aboard.
Day 9 - Return to Palangkaraya & fly to Bali
Today after breakfast your Kalimantan adventure comes to an end as the klotok reaches Palangkaraya port. Your driver will be waiting for you on the shore, ready to take you back to the airport in time for your onward flight to Denpasar, Bali.
Your private car and driver will be waiting for your arrival in Denpasar and will transfer you to Sanur, a beautiful coastal town only an hour’s drive from the airport. Stretch out by the pool, take a leisurely walk along the beach and grab a cocktail at sunset.
Day 10 - Beach time!
After breakfast you’ll be whisked off to a peaceful spa for 2 hours of total self-indulgence. Stepping through the door, you’ll be greeted by gentle scents and soft music. Immediately, you’ll feel the tension leave your body….so put your feet up, juice in hand and take a massage to loosen up your muscles after an active adventure. You’ll feel fully pampered, ready for the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 12 - Depart Bali
Take one last dip in the pool before it’s time to head home. You’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK. Two nights on the beach not quite enough? Just ask your Travel Specialist to add a few extra nights in Sanur.
Accommodation
