Day 01: Arrival in Yogyakarta
Welcome to Yogyakarta, Indonesia’s cultural capital. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your driver who will take you to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is free to do as you please.

Relax at the hotel, explore the neighborhood, or head out into the city and go exploring. Go for a wander down streets covered in artistic murals, stop off at quaint coffee shops, try Javanese delicacies at local restaurants and visit historic temples, before finding a great spot for a drink and watch your first Indonesian sunset.

Day 02: Borobudur, Pawon, & Mendut Temple Tour
Wake up early today to hit the road and make the most of your time in Java. After breakfast, make your way to Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, this 9th-century temple was abandoned from the 14th century to the early 19th century when it was rediscovered by European explorers. Now, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Indonesia, known for its huge central dome and 72 bell-shaped stupas.

Next, continue onto Candi Pawon, a tiny 9th-century Javanese-style temple with ornate and intricate carvings. Located directly between Borobudur and Mendut, there is a lot of speculation about the alignment of these three Buddhist temples and the original purpose of this small temple, whose name literally translates as ‘kitchen’ in the Javanese language.

After, make your way to Mendut Temple, your final temple of the day. Older than both Borobudur and Pawon, this temple is home to several large stone Buddhist statues and the walls are adorned with statues and bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist stories and teachings.

When you’re done exploring, return to Jodja for an evening walk through Malioboro Market.

Day 03: Sewu, Plasoan, & Prambanan Temple
Today, you’ll continue your whistle-stop cultural exploration of Java with a trip out to visit the ancient Buddhist temples of Sewu and Plasoan in Bugisan Village.

After Java converted to Islam in the 1500s, these 8th-century Buddhist temples spent centuries buried under volcanic ash and debris from nearby Mount Merapi. Although they were never fully forgotten, with tales of their existence becoming ingrained in local myths and folklore, the ruins were believed to be haunted and were left alone until the18th century, when they were rediscovered by Dutch explorers.

Since then, they’ve been damaged by several earthquakes, with the ruined walls and volcanic ash adding to the atmosphere around these ancient temples, which are some of the oldest in the area.

Continue your cultural tour of the temples around Yogyakarta with a visit to Prambanan Temple in the late afternoon to catch the golden-hour light. Built in the 9th-century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities—Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

After watching the sunset over the temple, head back to Yogyakarta for your last night in Java.

Day 04: Fly from Java to Makassar in Sulawesi
It’s time to say goodbye to Java and make your way to Sulawesi, where you will be spending the next 10 days. In the morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport where you will catch your flight over to Makassar in the south of Sulawesi.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet your local driver who will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Makassar. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or head out to explore the capital of South Sulawesi, an important stop in the historic spice trade. Highlights include the 17th-century Dutch Fort Rotterdam and Losari Beach, where locals go to set up food stalls every night.

Travel Time: 2 hours
Travel Distance: 685 miles (1100 km)

Day 05: Makassar to Tana Toraja via Pare-Pare
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and meet your driver to begin the long journey from Makassar down to Tana Toraja. Settle in and enjoy the views from the window as you travel through the Bugis Region with its colorful stilted-houses and make your way to central Sulawesi.

Before continuing on your journey through the countryside and up into the mountains. As the landscape changes, keep your eyes peeled for your first tongkonans—traditional wooden houses with boat-shaped roofs.

Once you arrive in Rantepao, check into your hotel and relax for a while, stroll through the local market, or start exploring the nearby Toraja villages and learning about their fascinating ancestral traditions.

Travel Time: 8 hr
Travel Distance: 200 miles (322 km)

Day 06: Tana Toraja Village Tour: Lemo, Kambira, Londa, Sada, Suaya
This morning, meet your guide and head out on a countryside and cultural tour through Tana Toraja. As you drive through the region, admire the tall limestone outcrops and rice fields dotted with the intricately-decorated houses with their upward-sloping roofs, before stopping off in local villages to learn more about their rituals and traditions.

Steeped in history, this area is known as the ‘Land of Heavenly Kings’ and is famous for its fascinating—and rather gruesome—burial rites. After a person dies, the body is kept at home and treated as a member of the family while they save up to pay for the funeral—an elaborate and costly affair involving animal sacrifices, buffalo fights, and ritual dances.

The deceased family member is then finally buried, usually either in a cave or a hanging tomb. Depending on when you visit, you might be fortunate enough to be able to experience a funeral ceremony.

Each of the Toraja villages has its specific traditions that you will learn about on your tour. In Lemo, you can admire the Tau-Tau—wooden effigies of the dead—from their cliff-side resting places, in Kambira, visit the tree-cemetery for babies, and in Londa, you will discover the caves and hanging tombs.

Continue on to Sada to explore the old stone megaliths, and then to Nangalla and Ke’te Kesu to admire the traditional village architecture, before ending your tour with a visit to Suaya and Tansitolo to see the tombs of the royal family and discover the silk weaving workshops. You can also explore local markets in the villages, like the animal markets of Marante and Rantepao.

Day 07: Tana Toraja: Tinombayo, Palawa, Sa’dan, & Bori
Spend another day exploring the villages of Tana Toraja in order to gain a deeper insight into the unique culture of the Torajan people. Start off with a visit out to the highland village of Tinombayo, with its impressive views of the rice terraces. From there, head to Palawa, one of the oldest villages in the region.

Afternoon take a trip out to Sa’dan, a village renowned for its weavers, and Bori Parinding to see the ceremonial grounds and ancient burial sites before returning to Rantepao where you’re free for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 08: Tana Toraja: Marante & Siguntu
Continue on your cultural exploration around Tana Toraja with a trip through the highlands out to Marante, one of the region’s biggest villages surrounded by rocky limestone cliffs that contain hanging stone graves called ‘erong’. Learn about the burial rituals and funeral ceremonies from your local guide as you walk through the village.

From there, make your way to Siguntu, the oldest tongkonan complex after Kete Kesu. Up in the hills, this village is as famous for its stunning natural scenery as it is for its historical culture. Go for a walk through the surrounding ricefields and through the village to admire the historic houses.

This afternoon, return to Rantepao and spend another evening at leisure.

Day 09: Tana Toraja to Sengkang via Kete Kesu
In the morning, check out from the hotel and make your way to Kete Kesu, a quaint traditional village in the mountains that is over 400 years old. Surrounded by rice fields, the village has several historic houses and granaries along with a burial place, ceremonial grounds, and water-buffalo pastures. The perfect place to end your time in Tana Toraja this living museum is one of the most impressive villages in the region.

From there, settle in for a 5-hr drive as you leave Toraja country and make your way to Sengkang and the majestic Lake Tempe. Watch the changing scenery pass you by as you get closer to the lake, where you’ll arrive in time to hop in a motorized canoe and visit the floating village for sunset.

Life here is very different from that in Tana Toraja, revolving instead around the water, with the levels of the lake varying dramatically between the dry and the rainy season. Most of the villagers here are fishermen who move their floating homes around the lake in search of deeper waters and better fishing spots.

Travel Time: 5 hours
Travel Distance: 137 miles (220 km)

Day 10: Sengkang to Bira via Kajang Village
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the lake before continuing on your journey across Sulawesi to reach the sandy beaches of Bira. Take the scenic route through the South Celebes countryside, stopping en-route to visit a traditional Kajang village, home to a minority tribe that lives on the fringe of society.

Still very much attached to its ancestral traditions, you must wear black clothes to enter the village—a sacred color to the tribe as it represents their philosophy of life, reflecting the journey from the darkness of the mother’s womb to the grave in which they are buried.

After taking a guided tour of Kajang village, continue your journey onto Bira, with a couple of quick stops to learn about the process of making palm sugar and to visit a rubber plantation. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and then enjoy a free evening to relax or go exploring.

Travel Time: 6 hr
Travel Distance: 137 miles (220 km)

Day 11: Liukang Loe Island Day Trip
After breakfast, head down to the harbor and jump on a local boat out to Liukang Loe Island just off the west coast of Tanjung Bira Beach. The journey out to the island only takes around 20 minutes, and you can stop on the way for a quick swim.

When you arrive, take a stroll around the main village on streets that are made of coral, and learn about the people who call the island home and their ancestral traditions. After lunch, head to the beach and go snorkeling in the coral reef just offshore. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot a sea turtle or two.

In the afternoon, head back to Bira in time for a sunset drink and dinner on the beach.

Day 12: Free Day in Bira
Your last day on Sulawesi is free for you to spend however you like. If you want to stay closer to home, you could spend the day relaxing on the beach with a book, lazing around in a hammock with a cocktail or two, or head out for a spot of sightseeing around the nearby beaches.

Day 13: Bira to Makassar Airport, Departure from Sulawesi
It’s the final day of your trip, which means it’s time to say goodbye. After one last breakfast at the hotel, make your way back to Makassar, where you will be dropped at the airport ready to catch your onward flight.

The journey should take around six hours, so depending on the time of your departure, you may have time to stop off and see the local salt marshes and the Tana Beru shipyard where you can observe the construction of traditional wooden boats known as Phinisis. Along the way, get a last glimpse of the colorful houses typical of the Bugis region and the rice fields, which also double up as fish farms in the offseason.

You will arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check-in and relax before beginning your onward journey.

Travel Time: 6 hr
Travel Distance: 137 miles (220 km)

Day 01: Ubud – Kawah Ijen
Welcome to the island of Java! Travel by ferry from Ubud, Bali to reach Banyuwangi region in eastern Java, where you’ll spend the night at the foot of the volcanic Mt. Kawah Ijen. Settle into your hotel in time for dinner, and try to get an early night ahead of your sunrise ascent of the volcano tomorrow.

Day 02: Kawah Ijen – Bromo Volcano
Rise before dawn for your climb to the top of Kawah Ijen’s crater, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sunrise washing over the valley and sea below. Kawah Ijen is famous for its blue flames, caused by burning sulfur found inside the crater, and its incredibly acidic, but beautifully green crater lake.

After taking in the views, start your descent of the mountain and head back to your hotel for breakfast. Then make your way to Mt. Bromo, another active volcano, where you will spend the night.

Transfer time: 5.5 hours

Day 03: Bromo Volcano – Yogyakarta via Jombang
Wake up early for a Jeep ride to the top of Mt. Penanjakan, where you’ll watch an unforgettable sunrise over the Bromo and Semuru volcanoes. Bromo’s setting in a “sea of sand” makes for a surreal and dramatic backdrop that draws crowds of foreign and local visitors alike. Despite its popularity, the experience and the views are well worth the visit.

After a late breakfast, drive to Jombang, where you’ll board a train to the city of Yogyakarta. The long journey is an excellent opportunity to see the Indonesian countryside as you pass through Javan villages. You’ll be greeted at the Yogyakarta train station by your driver, who will take you to your hotel for the night.

Transfer time: 5 hours driving, 5 hours on the train

Day 04: Yogyakarta
Today you’ll do some sightseeing in Yogyakarta, a city known for its traditional cultural landmarks and artsy, urban vibe. Start with a tour of the sultan’s royal palace, the Kraton, and a visit to the nearby Taman Sari Water Castle, a historic royal garden oasis for the sultan and his family. Stop by the bird market, where you’ll see a host of live birds and other animals for sale, and then learn how traditional wayang theater puppets are made.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll go to the temples of Prambanan to enjoy a magnificent sunset. This 9th-century Hindu temple complex is the largest of its kind in Indonesia and one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. In the evening, sample some of Yogyakarta’s traditional dishes at the street food stalls of Malioboro Road, the city’s main drag.

Day 05: Yogyakarta – Borobudur via Candran and Giriloyo
The centuries-old practice of dying fabric with intricate patterns, known as batik
Leave the city for the countryside today, starting with a visit to the nearby agricultural village of Candran, where you’ll see rice paddies and meet local farmers. Then head to the village of Giriloyo, where you’ll learn how to make traditional batik fabric and get a chance to practice your technique.

After your day of cultural immersion, make your way to your hotel near the Buddhist archaeological site of Borobudur, about an hour outside of Yogyakarta.

Day 06: Borobudur, Candirejo, and Selogriyo; Depart Yogyakarta
The view of Mt. Sumbing from Borobudur
Get ready for another early morning today! Wake up before dawn to avoid the crowds and catch the sunrise over the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur. This vast 9th-century complex features over 500 statues of Buddha, and is an excellent example of Javanese architecture.

Afternoon, tour the small village of Candirejo by horse-drawn carriage, stopping at traditional houses and a craft factory. Then drive to Mt. Sumbing for a 1.25-mile (2 km) walk through the rice fields to reach a small but beautiful 8th-century Hindu temple called Selogriyo. Enjoy this last glimpse of country life before the hour-and-a-half drive back to Yogyakarta.

Say farewell to Java and final departure transfer to the airport your next destination.

Day 01: Arrival – Tanah Lot
Welcome to Bali, also known as the “Island of Gods”, partly because of the many Hindu temples found on this island. Your driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Tanah Lot where you will begin your holiday.

You will have the day to relax and settle in. If you’re up for it, you can swim in the warm Balinese water or visit the Tanah Lot Temple.

Day 02: Tanah Lot – Ubud
After breakfast and checking out, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the famous sea temple, Tanah Lot. Perched on a rock by the sea, it is one of the seven sea temples found around the Balinese coast.

You’ll then continue to Ubud, and on the drive, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful scenes of local life
Ubud offers a large array of activities and lots of tourist attractions surrounding the town, making it easy to spend a few days here. Your driver will be accompanying you for the day, so feel free to take the day at your own pace.

Suggested activities include:

• A walk in the Sacred Monkey Forest.
• A visit to the Gunung Kawi temple.
• Exploring the famous Tegallalang rice fields including going on a swing over the rice terrace.
• Visit some of Ubud’s famous museums including the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Neka Museum, where you’ll discover some masterpieces and learn about the local history.Go shopping at the bustling market.

The climate in Ubud is very temperate but it can cool down a little at night. The city’s cultural and artistic richness makes it a key place to enjoy numerous activities such as dance, music, and local cuisine.

Day 03: Sekumpul Waterfall – Ulun Danu
The breathtaking view of Sekumpul Waterfall
Today, set off to the north of Bali, where you’ll take a guided trek to visit the Sekumpul Waterfalls, which are considered as the island’s most beautiful waterfalls. The hike has a medium level of difficulty and includes going through the beautiful Balinese jungles with local flora and fauna. At the waterfall, you can plunge into the picturesque waters while enjoying the views.

On the way back to Ubud, you’ll visit the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple which is located on the shores of Beratan Lake. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake provides the temple with a scenic backdrop. This water temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, and is used for offering ceremonies. “Ulun Danu” translates to the “head of the lake”.

If you’re not too tired, you can also stop to visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you admire these rice fields, you’ll notice they form a natural amphitheater, giving a beautiful overview of the Balinese subak irrigation system.

You’ll then return to your hotel in Ubud.

Day 04: Pura Lempuyang – Tirta Gangga
In the morning, after checking out from your hotel, you’ll start traveling to the east coast of Bali. Here, you’ll visit the temples of the beautiful Pura Lempuyang complex, famous for its “Gateway to Heaven”. Spread over various levels, you can expect a one to two-hour walk in order to visit all the sites. The view along the way is beautiful and many local Balinese people come here to pray. Those who are athletic may choose to climb the different levels to the summit. Although, you should be aware of the monkeys, who sometimes try to steal from tourists.

You’ll then continue to Tirta Gangga, a royal bathing complex that consists of tropical gardens, wading pools, fish ponds, and fountains. You can enjoy a peaceful moment in this cool retreat in the eastern highlands before checking into your hotel in the peaceful countryside of Sidemen.

Day 05: Departure
From your hotel and transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight.

Day 01: Arrive in Bali
Welcome to Indonesia! You’ll meet your transfer at the airport to head to Sanur, where you’ll spend the evening.

Day 02: Explore Ubud
Take a morning walk for roughly 2.5 hours through the rice paddies around Ubud, stopping at the workshops of local craftspeople.

After you’ve refreshed yourself with lunch, climb up the 300 steps of the Gunung Kawi Mausoleum, the ancient tomb of the last king of the Udayana dynasty. Return to Ubud to walk around town with your guide, exploring the Royal Palace and central market. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to venture out on your own before you meet your guide for dinner, which you can choose to follow up with a dance show.

Day 03: Cycling Tour & Travel to Kintamani
Drive up to the start of your two-hour cycling tour in the morning. You’ll cover flat ground and a few downhill stretches as you spin past rice fields and Balinese villages. Stop for lunch, then hop back in the van to drive north to the Batur area to the small town of Kintamani.

Once you’ve arrived and dropped off your belongings, you’ll embark on a downhill trek from Kintamani down into the caldera of its neighboring volcano. Reach the bottom and spend some time on the ancient black lava fields before you return to Kintamani for the evening.

Day 04: Mount Batur Climb, Rafting & Travel to Amed
Wake up before the sun to make the climb up to the top of Mount Batur. A two-hour guided hike will take you up the mountain surrounded by picturesque views, then head down back to your guesthouse to see recently formed craters nearby.

Take a late morning nap to refresh your energy before you head south to the Telaga Waja river, famous for its whitewater rafting. Raft downstream for two hours through the rainforest, stopping close to some of the waterfalls on the way. Hop back on the road and dry off on the way to Amed, a smaller fishing village.

Day 05: Tulamben Snorkeling
Spend your day floating in the waters of Tulamben. Depending on the sea conditions, you may visit the wreck of the USS Liberty from World War 2, a Japanese submarine wreck, or Jemeluk Bay. An intro to scuba diving class is also available.

Day 06: Amed to Candidasa
Sneak in a morning snorkeling session before you continue south. Stop at the white sand beach on the way, a contrast to the black sand on many of Bali’s other beaches. Then continue to Candidasa, where you’ll have the evening free to settle in and maybe get in some additional snorkeling.

Day 07: Candidasa to Nusa Penida
Transfer via minibus to Padangbai, where you’ll board a boat out to Nusa Penida island. Once you arrive, a bemo bus will take you around to check out the island. Stop at Kelingking Beach and its landmark whale-shaped limestone rock for a picnic lunch and panoramic views. Then continue to Crystal Bay to snorkel off the beach, before you head to your lodging in Nusa Penida for dinner and a free evening.

Day 08: Manta Point & Atuh Beach
Start off with a boat ride out to Manta Point, where you may be able to swim with manta rays, and snorkel over the coral gardens of Garnat Bay. Return to the land and transfer to the other side of the island for a trek to secluded Atuh Beach and its surrounding cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Linger on the beach or return to your lodgings; the rest of the day is up to you.

Day 09: Nusa Penida to Sanur
Get in one last snorkeling session on the island’s northern reefs. Then catch a boat back to Sanur on Bali and a transfer to your hotel for a free evening.

Day 10: Depart Sanur
Catch a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 01: Arrive Canggu
You will be picked up from Denpasar airport and transfer to hotel in Canggu.
Overnight at hotel.

Day: Canggu
Keep calm and go to the beach!

That’s the motto for day two as we head first to the stunning viewpoint that is Uluwatu Temple. Then we drive up the coastline to Kuta Beach and get the chance to learn to surf with lessons led by our laidback local surf instructors. After we hit the waves, we drive back to Canggu, where you will have time to relax at the beach for more fun in the sun, time to try a traditional Balinese massage or even do some shopping. Tonight, we get ready to enjoy the nightlife in Canggu!

Day 03: Ubud
In and around Ubud
Now that you’ve gotten to know your group, it’s time to get accustomed with the culture of Bali. Today, we visit the magnificent Tanah Lot temple, which is set on a rock formation in the sea, before heading to the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud, made popular by the movie ‘Eat Pray Love’. Once we arrive, we will stop off to visit the “little locals” at the Monkey Forest. Then, it’s time to explore the local markets as we take an evening to just chill out after a busy few days.

Day 04: Ubud
Today, we set off for some coffee at the local plantation where you can see how the world’s most expensive coffee is made (you will be very surprised!). We’ll then have lunch overlooking an active volcano and spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around the famous rice terraces of Ubud.

Day 05: Ubud
This morning, we head to a local primary school for the unique opportunity to spend time in class with the local kids. Afterwards, we’ll cool off with a dip in a stunning natural waterfall and then it’s time to relax by the pool, before enjoying dinner with the group.

Day 06: Gili Trawangan
In and around Gili Trawangan
Let’s explore the islands! We board a boat to the picturesque island of Gili Trawangan and settle into our beachside accommodation, before getting on the only mode of transport available on the island (push bike!) to cycle around, see the sights and marvel at an amazing sunset! Then in the evening, it’s time to party, island style!

Day 07: Gili Trawangan
On our second day in Gili T, we spend the day island hopping – heading to some of the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia. Today is all about the water as we get the chance to swim with the amazing and spellbinding sea turtles!
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Gili Trawangan
Final departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.