Our Indonesia Island Explorer itinerary suggestion incorporates a huge array of experiences and many of the highlights Indonesia has to offer. Begin by exploring the majestic temples of central Java before trekking the jungles of Borneo in search of the wild Orangutan. Witness sunrise over the stunning volcanic landscapes of east Java and walk among the lush rice terraces of Bali. Finally, relax and enjoy the white sand beaches of north Lombok.

Tour Highlights

Java – Borneo (Kalimantan) – Bali – Lombok

• Visit Borobodur and Prambanan temples in the Yogyakarta area, central Java

• Stay on a house boat in Borneo and see jungle wildlife including the Orangutan and Proboscis monkey

• Explore the the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo

• Walk among Bali's stunning rice terraces and learn about Hindu culture.

• Enjoy one of Lombok's best beaches and views of the impressive Rinjani volcano.

Suggested Itinerary – We will customise this for you!

Day 1 – Yogyakarta Arrival – Magelang

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport you will warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver. You will then be transferred approximately 2 1/2 hours to your resort. Along the way stop at the impressive Prambanan Hindu temple which is close to Yogyakarta city.

Prambanan Temple

Overnight in Magelang

Hotel: Mesastila (Plantation Villa)

Meals:  Lunch

Day 2 – Magelang

It is an early start this morning in order to experience sunrise atop of one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments. Enjoy a private guided tour of this impressive holy monument before the arrival of the daily stream of visitors. Later on, stroll through Borobudur’s six terraces and examine its magnificent bas-reliefs and statues, which were buried under layers of volcanic ash for over ten centuries. Later on rest at Borobudur’s base where you will enjoy a traditional local breakfast. Afterwards, a horse and cart will pick you up and take you for a relaxing two-hour ride through the surrounding countryside and charming traditional villages.  See artisans engaged in traditional pottery and woodwork. Finally, on your way back to your resort, visit Chandi Pawon and Mendut – two smaller, but very interesting, Buddhist temples.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Magelang

Hotel: Mesastila (Plantation Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Magelang

During your stay at MesaStila, you will notice that volcanoes constitute important Javanese landmarks. MesaStila is surrounded by eight mountains, including Mt. Andong (1,726m) and Central Java’s most active volcano; Merapi (2,911m). On a clear day at MesaStila, you can see smoke blowing from its peak. The adventure traveller can climb near the volcano’s top and witness the old lava and ash flows. Drive to the volcano’s foothills and trek for four hours to Merapi’s peak, accompanied by professional and authorized guides. Although a tough and demanding walk, it is manageable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Alternatively for those looking for a less active day, enjoy a half day at the Dieng Plateau. A mysterious plateau with a dozen scattered ninth century Hindu Temples. Take a drive to this isolated region with temples of great archaeological importance located within Dieng’s beautiful scenery. Steep mountainsides and terraced vegetable gardens enclose these marshy calderas of a collapsed volcano. Walk along the coloured lakes and cover yourself with the mud of its steamy crater.

Overnight in Magelang

Hotel: Mesastila (Plantation Villa)

Meals:  Lunch

Day 4 – Magelang – Semarang – Kalimantan

This morning transfer 1, 1/2 hours to Semarang airport. Depending on your flight time their may be a time for a brief tour of Semarang. You will then take a domestic flight from Semarang to Pangkalan Bun in Kalimantan, Borneo.

Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun Airport you will be welcomed and transferred to the port of Kumai in order to board your houseboat. Your houseboat is a renovated traditional Klotok, or wooden river boat, measuring about 18m by 3m, with a comfortable upper deck so that you can view the rain forest as it glides by. The boats have three air conditioned ensuite cabins below deck. Your cabin is fully equipped with sheets, towels and toiletries. Delicious Asian fusion meals are eaten around the dining table on deck. The boat crew includes the boatman, a cook, assistant cook, and English speaking guide.

En route to the Tanjung Puting National Park, stop at Tanjung Harapan, a rehabilitation centre for orangutans. After a short walk in the forest to the feeding platforms, witness feeding time at 15.00. Later, in the afternoon,  explore the quiet river and observe the proboscis monkeys and possibly fireflies among the nipa palms along the riverside. Dinner and overnight on the boat.

Houseboat: Kumai (Three Cabins)

Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 – Kalimantan

After breakfast, the klotok cruises up river for about two hours, spotting wildlife in the forested riversides. En route, stop at Pesalat, the reforestation site, where you can plant a tree, for a small donation. Boarding the klotok again enjoy lunch whilst proceeding towards Camp Leakey where older orangutans are reintroduced into the rain forest. Enjoy an easy forest walk in order to see the original research station and learn its history. Witness Orangutan feeding time at 14.00pm. Overnight on board.

Houseboat: Kumai (Three Cabins)

Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 – Kalimantan – Surabaya

The boat cruises downstream this morning. Stop at Pondok Tangguy, the rehabilitation centre for previously-captive orangutans. Feeding time is at 09.00am. Re board the houseboat and continue slowly downstream spotting wildlife as lunch is served.

After lunch arrive in Kumai and transfer to Pangkalan Bun airport. You will then take a domestic flight direct to Surabaya.

At Surabaya airport, you are met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: Majapahit Surabaya (Classic Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Surabaya – Mount Bromo

Firstly this morning, enjoy a city tour of Surabaya. Later, explore this fascinating port city’s history of Javanese, Chinese and Arabian influences.  See the well preserved Dutch colonial buildings and wander through the busy and vibrant markets.

Later, transfer  3 1/2 hours to Mount Bromo

Hotel: Plataran Bromo (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 8 – Mount Bromo

Discover the caldera and its natural wonders at a leisurely pace and immerse yourself in the storied surroundings of Mount Bromo. The adventure begins with ethereal views of sunrise from Penanjakan Peak. Descend the verdant slopes of Bromo with the rising sun and venture into the savannah; an idyllic setting for some al fresco dining. Enjoy breakfast on a picnic blanket laid out on the grass, taking in nature’s epic beauty and digging into a basket of delicious food prepared just for you. Finish the journey by visiting Bromo Caldera and Poten Temple.

Sunrise over Mount Bromo

This afternoon’s cooking experience above the clouds is designed to excite your senses. Delve into a cooking class with a local chef in order to discover the harmony of natural food produced by farmers from the local community. Taste the many wonderful flavours of Indonesian cuisine. If your trip coincides with the harvest season, you can pick  your own vegetables. Alternatively you can choose your ingredients from a traditional market in a nearby village. Once you have the expertise and the ingredients, get ready to cook up a storm overlooking dramatic views of the rolling hillsides of Bromo.

Hotel: Plataran Bromo (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 9 – Mount Bromo – Surabaya – Ubud

Transfer 3 1/2 hours to Surabaya airport

Domestic flight approximately one hour to Denpasar, Bali. Upon arrival you are met by your local guide and driver. Transfer approximately 1 1/2 hours to Ubud. Upon arrival check into your resort

Hotel: Mathis Retreat (Garden Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Ubud

After breakfast transfer by car to a small village located near the Ayung River. Here you will meet your professional guide and select your bike for the two-hour ride. The ride is not strenuous and the stops are rather frequent, perfect for talking photos of the stunning landscapes and witnessing daily life of the Balinese. Later, arrive at the village where a lunch awaits you, shared with a Balinese family or in a local restaurant. You will be back at the hotel around 2PM

Ubud rice field

Afternoon at leisure

Hotel: Mathis Retreat (Garden Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Ubud

This morning visit of the village of Penglipuran, also known as bamboo village. Enjoy a 30-minute walk around the village and the bamboo forest. Later, continue on to the Temple of Kehen and then stop on the gorgeous white sand beach of Pasir Putih. Finally, after relaxing on the beach and a swim, visit Peras, in the traditional pottery village of Tenganan.

Afternoon at leisure.

Hotel: Mathis Retreat (Garden Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Ubud – Lombok

This morning transfer 1 1/2 hours to Padangbai. You will then take the scheduled fast boat service approximately 1 1/2 hours to Lombok. Lastly, upon arrival at the port you will be met and transferred 20 minutes to Tugu Lombok, located on stunning Sire beach.

Hotel: Tugu Lombok (Kampong Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Days 13 & 14 – Lombok

Free time. Snorkelling excursions can easily be arranged through the hotel if required.

Hotel: Tugu Lombok (Kampong Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 – Lombok Departure

Transfer two hours to Lombok airport in order to meet your international flight departure.

Meals: Breakfast