Indonesia Highlights

This morning, your professional tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to visit the National Museum of Indonesia, which is next to the city’s landmark - National Monument. It houses a rich collection of Indonesia’s historical artifacts from the prehistoric times to the colonial era, such as fossilized skulls of Homo erectus, antique daggers, swords and furniture. Then, explore the Batavia Old Town. Also known as Kota Tua Jakarta, it is the predecessor of the old city of Jakarta. It was the capital of Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era, with one of the best preserved Dutch colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Next, we’ll go to Taman Fatahillah, the most attractive part in Batavia. Enjoy the nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere. Here you'll pay a visit to Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, and Wayang Museum. These buildings have retained the style of Dutch architecture. Wayang Museum has a collection of more than 1,000 puppets from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China and even the United States, as well as some statues and paintings about the local puppetry. Fine Art and Ceramic Museum exhibits about 500 fine works of art from different times, including intricate wood carvings and batik paintings, surrealistic and abstract paintings. After that, you’ll be led to the old Sunda Kelapa Harbor, which has been famous in Southeast Asia since the 12th century. It is crucial to the formation and development of Jakarta and it can be said that the port came before Jakarta. Trades still flourish here, with people busy loading and unloading the ships from dawn to dusk and street venders selling local food and handicrafts along the roadside. Admire a sunset at the bustling dock, and take some pictures of the silhouettes of the boats and sea. After finishing the visit, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta (5 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Yogyakarta, which is one of the most historic and cultural towns in Indonesia. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver and then be taken to visit Borobudur Temple, the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in the world, featuring a massive base with 5 concentric square terraces, 3 circular platforms on it, thus is called the “Step Pyramid of Indonesia”. It is decorated with more than 500 Buddha statues and 2,000 reliefs. On each side of Borobudur, there are hundreds of Buddha statues peacefully overlooking the worshippers, shocking and overwhelming. Ascending the monument, you’ll go through the 3 realms of Buddhist cosmology: the Realm of Desires, the Realm of Forms, and the Formless Realm. The reliefs of every realm are based on its subject, telling the stories of all beings and Buddhism. After that, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Borobudur for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel (5 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

In the early morning, your guide will pick you up to appreciate the magnificent Borobudur sunrise from Punthuk Setumpu Hill. This 400-meter (1,312 ft.) peak offers a stunning panoramic view of Borobudur Temple and Mount Merapi with lush trees and mountains in the distance shrouded in mist. As the dawn is breaking and the golden morning sun shines the monument, Borobudur Temple could be solemn and serene. Overlook the valley and enjoy the perfect fusion of history and nature. We’ll then go back to the hotel for breakfast and drive northwards for 2.5 hours to Dieng Plateau. At an average elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 ft.) above sea level, it is a lofty volcanic plain highlighted by several composite volcanoes with over 20 craters, a multi-colored sulfur lake, terraced potato and tobacco fields, and some of Java’s oldest Hindu temples. Put on masks to visit Sikidang Crater. With active natural sulfuric gas vents, Sikidang features boiling mud pools, haze of smoke, and sharp odor of sulfur gases all time.

Next, we’ll head to the most visited temples called Arjuna Temple Complex in the central area of Dieng. There were over 400 temples in the region but only 8 of them were kept. Arjuna Temple Complex is one of them with 5 small temples constructed during the 7th and 8th centuries, being some of the oldest Hindu temples and stone buildings in Java. Most of these temples are dedicated to Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Intricate reliefs from the Hindu epic adorned the walls and the ladder-shaped peaked roofs of the buildings. After that, the guide and driver will escort you to the hotel in Yogyakarta by 3 hours’ drive and help you check in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Meliá Purosani Yogyakarta (5 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

Today, your private guide will first lead you to visit the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta. Also called the Keraton Yogyakarta Palace, it still serves as a residence of the Sultan as well as a site of ceremonial and cultural events. Constructed in 1755, the palace has witnessed the history of Indonesia from the colonial period to the independence movement, and has become a significant landmark in Yogyakarta. Appreciate the antique traditional Javanese architecture in the palace, and learn about the Javanese culture in Museum of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX. Then, let’s proceed to Taman Sari Palace, which is the “back garden” of the Sultanate. It was built in 1758, with exquisite water gardens, pavilions and a sophisticated water system. Unfortunately, the palace was badly damaged due to wars and earthquakes, and now only the bathing area - Umbul Binangun which is located on the south of Lake Segaran is well preserved.

Afterwards, make our way to Prambanan Temple, which is the biggest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. Built around 850 AD, this temple complex used to be sizable with 240 temples, but many of them were destroyed by an earthquake caused by the eruption of Mount Merapi in 1006. Neglected by the world for more than 700 years, it was only gradually rebuilt in the last century. However, a large number of the original building stones were stolen, and only 21 temples have been restored up to now. The towering and typical Hindu architecture makes Prambanan look majestic and sublime. After the sightseeing, we will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Meliá Purosani Yogyakarta (5 stars) - Deluxe Room or similar

This morning, we’ll take an adventure into the Jomblang and Grubug Caves. Accompanied by a professional cave guide, you’ll first visit Jomblang Cave, the largest cave in Indonesia surrounded by lush ancient forests. Descend from its 60-meter-deep (about 200 ft.) vertical sinkhole to the bottom, explore the damp and cool cave, and then traverse a 300-meter-long (328 yd.) underground corridor in the sound of the running subterranean river to reach Grubug Cave. This cave has a greater depth of over 100 meters (328 ft.) and its cave-mouth diameter is around 90 meters (295 ft.). The heavenly rays of light penetrating into the cave is a picturesque natural spectacle.

► Tips: It could be very dark and slippery inside the caves, so please follow your guide and mind your step. It’s better to take dry clothes for change because it’s easy to get wet.

When the cave tour is over, you’ll be sent to the airport to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Bali. Upon arrival, your driver in Bali will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Ubud.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Puri Sebali Resort, Bali (4 stars) - Deluxe Suite Room or similar

► Free-time Morning Activities Recommended for Early-risers:
No nature lover would want to miss Campuhan Ridge Walk, a 3.2-kilometer (about 2 miles) paved walk with rice fields, wooded valleys, palm trees and beautiful Balinese houses along the way. You could spend one hour to enjoy some peaceful time in the soft morning sunlight through the walk. Or you could take a free morning yoga class in the hotel, and feel the peace of mind in the breeze and fresh air.

Later, your guide will pick you up and take you to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. There are around 700 long-tailed macaques and you could take photos with them. Local people believe the monkeys here are the subordinates of Hanuman - the Monkey God in Hindu mythology, so they built temples and statues to enshrine the monkeys in the forest. You are advised to take off your hat, glasses, and other things that fall off easily before entering in case some naughty monkeys take them away.

Next, we’ll tour around Gunung Kawi Temple, a 9th-century temple complex featuring 10 shrines carved into a sheer cliff. Walking down the steps, you could admire the ancient carvings in the caves and the holy spring for visitors to clean themselves and dispel bad luck. After that, let’s head for Mount Batur in Kintamani, the second largest volcano in Bali which is about 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) high, and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the emerald Batur Lake, the smoke-shrouded volcano, and the nearby villages. Then, go sightseeing in the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, which is one of the most photographed agricultural icons in Ubud. Backed by Mount Kintamani, the terraces are surrounded by green trees and rustic huts, like a harmonious pastoral landscape painting. Later, we’ll return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Puri Sebali Resort, Bali (4 stars) - Deluxe Suite Room or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Flores Island, where the Komodo tours start! Komodo National Park is composed of 3 major islands – Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island, as well as some small islands. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Labuan Bajo for the private boat to Rinca Island. En route, experience snorkeling in the blue waters near Kelor Island to explore the dreamy underwater world, admire the colorful corals, and even encounter a small shark. After arriving on Rinca Island, you’ll be taken to see the Komodo dragons, the largest lizard in the world which can grow to 3 meters (10 ft.) in length and 150 kilograms (330 lb.) in weight. They look fearsome and fierce with scaly skin, feeding on wild boar, deer, monkeys, etc. This giant creature has been listed as endangered. If you want, your guide will help you take a photo with them under the premise of ensuring your safety.

After that, you’ll be escorted to sail to Padar Island and you could take a leisure walk on its sandy beaches while spotting a gorgeous landscape of its 4 surrounding bays. Overlook the romantic pink beach, which is created by a kind of red coral from the sea. The red coral reefs are eroded by waves and currents and are brought to the beach. The tiny particles mix with the sand on the beach, which forms a surreal picture with the glassy clear sea. At sundown today, we’ll go to Kalong Island to see giant fruit bats, also called the “flying foxes”. When the sky is dyed orange-blue and reflected in the calm sea by sunset, thousands of bats will go out from the mangrove forests to hunt for food. Feel the beauty of life and nature through the artistic silhouettes of these little creatures.

► Depending on local weather and sea wave conditions, there may be an adjustment of the itinerary today and tomorrow.

★ Unique Experience: Stay Overnight on a Traditional Indonesian Boat

You’ll spend a night on the sea and be embraced by the serene islands and sea water. Phinisi is a type of well-equipped traditional Indonesian wooden boat which offers snorkeling equipment and meals as well as coffee, tea and fruits. Enjoy the sea breeze on the deck at night, or admire the beautiful scenery in your sea view cabin. Wake up in the morning light of the sea sunrise, sunbathe on a beanbag and sip a cup of coffee. Enjoy a leisurely and peaceful time on board. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Monalisa or Latansa Boat (AC Cabin Local Boat)

After breakfast, we will sail to Komodo Island and see the Komodo dragons. Home to the world’s last remaining 3,400 Komodo dragons, Komodo National Park was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1986. Komodo dragons’ frequency of consumption can be very low. They may not need to eat anything for several weeks after a big meal. You may see them drowsily sunbathing on a rock or sleeping in the woods. But they can move very fast, so it’s better to walk up behind them and remember to avoid direct contact. Next, we’ll go to the Pink Beach for relaxing. Pick up some shells or red coral, or just take a leisurely walk along the beach. You can then go snorkeling at Kanawa Island. With few destruction and interference, Kanawa is known for its unspoiled lush corals and a lot of excellent snorkeling spots. Dance with schools of fish, watch different starfish and waving corals at the bottom of the ocean, and look for manta rays. Be aware of sea urchins during your snorkeling because their spines may be poisonous. After that, we will sail back to Labuan Bajo for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bintang Flores Hotel, Labuan Bajo (4 star) - Deluxe Room or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will meet you and take you to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Bali. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Nusa Dua.

► Recommendation for Dinner (at your own expense)
With its vibrant decorations and hospitable service, Bumbu Bali Restaurant & Cooking School offers a great variety of authentic Balinese food including nasi campur mixed rice, chicken skewers and beef rendang for you to fully indulge into the Southeast Asian atmosphere.
Average Cost per Person: USD 12
Address: Jalan Pratama, Tanjung Benoa 80363

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sadara Resort, Bali (4 stars) - Sadara Premier Room or similar

Today will be a free day for you. You could chill out at the hotel, enjoy the sunbath, or go surfing on the beach. Explore Bali Collection to hunt for souvenirs, clothing and jewelry to take back home. It is also a foodie’s paradise with a great selection of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Stroll through the manicured gardens around and feel the tranquil ambience. In the evening, drink some beer or cocktail at a bar or beach club, and get into the spirit of the nightlife in Bali.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sadara Resort, Bali (4 stars) - Sadara Premier Room or similar

Enjoy your last morning on Bali. At the appointed time, your driver will send you to the airport for your departure flight. Thanks for booking the Komodo tour package with us. Wish you all the best!

► If you want to explore other islands or cities in Indonesia, for example, step into the primordial villages on Nusa Penida Island, or climb up Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, please contact us to tailor a private itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast