Arrive at Achmad Yani International Airport in Semarang and, after meeting the local guide and driver, receive a private transfer to the city centre of Semarang. Located on the north coast of the island of Java, Semarang is the capital of Central Java. An Important port on the Java Sea since the Dutch colonial era, Semarang, with its 1.5 million inhabitants is now the 7th most populous city in Indonesia.
Visit Lawang Sewu, the city’s main landmark and a masterpiece of Dutch colonial architecture. The building was built between 1904 and 1907 as the former headquarters of the national railway of the Dutch East Indies. Its name in Javanese means ‘Thousands Doors’. Lunch in a local restaurant in Semarang. In the afternoon proceed to the hotel near Ambarawa in Central Java’s highlands. Upon arrival at the hotel, freshen up and relax, and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel near Ambarawa (Losari or Salatiga).
Morning at leisure until before departing for a brief tour in the resort’s coffee plantation, and then check out time. After being picked up by the guide and driver, head to a small village on the slopes of Mt. Sumbing for the start of a soft trekking experience. Enjoy lunch en route. Walk through rice fields and plantations and see local villagers at work taking care of their crops or processing charcoal.
Then visit Selogriyo Temple. Although it’s a rather modest temple, the walk there (about 2 hours) is beautiful and easy to do for everybody.
The next stop is a visit to OHD Museum in Magelang for a look at the area’s contemporary art and one of the best private collections in the country. (OHD Museum closes on Tuesday)
Afterwards, continue to the Borobudur area and check in to the hotel.
Wake up early in the morning to reach Borobudur before sunrise, leaving the hotel around 04:30. This is the most mystical time to see the temple where you can see Borobudur sunrise while you enjoy your breakfast from Dagi Hill. Then we will explore surrounding (we not allow to climb up the temple) this massive temple- the largest Buddhist temple 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 labour 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. After an unforgettable walk around Borobudur temple and drive for a visit to nearby Pawon and Mendut temples which are older than Borobudur. Mendut is a pyramid-shaped temple which houses three impressively carved stone statues, and Pawon temple is a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry. Afterwards, drive for traditional Javanese food cooking class where we will take you to experience exclusive cooking class. Our chef will teach you how to cook traditional Javanese food with prepare healthy and fresh traditional dishes. Learn how to tune the food by the herbs and spices from the Indonesian archipelago. Your host will supervise the right amounts while you’re peeling, chopping, seasoning and cooking the different ingredients together. Enjoy a delicious and healthy self-cooked lunch with Indonesia taste.Then, travel to the village of Candirejo for a taste of the local life. Start with a horse cart ride, known as a dokar, through this peaceful and architecturally charming village.
Travel along small lanes lined with traditional houses and stop to see village activities such as making cassava crackers, learn about the rotating seasonal plantations and the harvesting and drying of chili Also, learn how to climb the coconut tree and take a refreshing drink from a young coconut.
Then, have the opportunity to play the gamelan, a traditional Indonesian musical instrument, using an interesting teaching method devised by the villagers accompanied with tea, coffee and a local snack.
Return to the hotel in Borobudur late afternoon.
After breakfast and check out this morning, start travelling to Kaliurang, in the cool highlands near Mt. Merapi (2,925 m).
The village offers magnificent views of the active volcano and dozens of ravines which have been created by molten streams of lava.
Visit Ullen Sentalu, a privately owned heritage museum offering an intriguing insight into the world of the Sultans of Solo, Yogyakarta and the Mataram Kingdom. Please note that Ullen Sentalu Museum is closed on Mondays.
Afterwards, proceed to Kalidem Village for the start of a cycling adventure.
Located near Gunung Merapi, about one hour’s drive from the city, the village offers magnificent views of the active volcano and the dozens of ravines which have been created by molten streams of lava.
From this stunning village, and with Gunung Merapi as the backdrop, set off by bike on a 15 km ride, mostly downhill. Passing through the various villages and countryside, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or chat to locals. The guide will also explain the various local agricultural landscapes, such as tobacco, rice and snakeskin fruit plantations and explain the processes of growing and harvesting these native crops.
After 15 km, take lunch in a local restaurant while enjoying magnificent views of Prambanan Temple.
After lunch, be driven to the huge Prambanan complex, a set of temples built in the middle of the 9th century, about 50 years after the construction of Borobudur. Very little is known about the early history of the complex, but it is thought to have been constructed to commemorate the return of a Hindu dynasty in Java. The temples lay in ruins for hundreds of years, and it was only in the 1930s that restoration began. Most of the temples within the complex have now been restored.
Follow the guide’s lead around the temple grounds while he or she explains the history, construction processes and religious significance of these buildings. After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Yogyakarta for overnight.
Start with a visit to The Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton, it’s central to Javanese cosmology as being at the centre of the Mount Merapi and Parangtritis Beach Lines. This building, constructed between 1756 and 1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. Remaining today as the residence of the Sultan, this living museum features a showcase of Javanese culture and relics. Depending on the day of visit, there may also be a cultural performance ranging from Golek Menak Puppet‘s to classical Javanese Poetry performance known as Macapat that takes place at the temple.
Continue with a 30-minute ride by becak (similar to a cyclo or trishaw) and explore the neighboring Kauman Village built in the vicinity of the Kraton. This village is the central keeper of Islamic religion as authorized by the Sultanate. The small gangs (laneways) of this village are designed to ensure minimal disturbance of noise and traffic so as to not interrupt the Santri, or Islamic students, from their study. It is also said that by ensuring the laneways are only passable on foot – every man in the village is equal.
End the becak ride at the Taman Sari Water Palace. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan with bathing pools for his harem.
Then, visiting a home batik factory, attend a short 30 minutes demonstration of Batik course and lunch in nearby local restaurant in Yogyakarta.
Drive to Kotagede a charming suburb of Yogyakarta famous for its traditional Javanese atmosphere and known for its silversmith workshops.
On arrival In Kotagede, depart on a leisurely bicycle tour around the area and visit a master baker’s house for a taste of Kembang Waru – a delicious type of cookie only produced in Kotagede.
Continue to the traditional market and explore this bustling Pasar, once the main market in the area. Resume the tour, arriving at the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta dating back from 1575. There, borrow a traditional Javanese costume before entering, a sign of respect to the former kings, and then explore the historical compound of the Mataram Kingdom and its Royal Cemetery.
End the visit of Kotagede with a walking tour amongst narrow laneways and discover the unique Kalang-style architecture indigenous to Kotagede – a combination of Javanese and Colonial styles. Return to hotel for overnight.
NOTE : Traditional Ramayana dances & dinner with optional expenses
Today after breakfast, start the day with a visit of Solo.
Also known as Surakarta, the city of Solo was founded in 1745 by a local king. The site for the new Mataram Kingdom’s capital was reportedly chosen through voices heard by the king. Solo is the capital of batik in Java and remains home to some of the most intact Dutch colonial architecture in Indonesia. Visit Keraton Mangkunegaran – a classical repository of classical Javanese art. Built as a palace for a ‘junior’ line of the royal family in the 18th century, the splendid building has an extensive collection of 14th century jewelry, majestic silverworks, traditional Javanese weapons and classical dancing body ornaments. End the morning with a visit to a well-known batik museum and learn about this famous Javanese art developed through the ages. Also, see craftsmen and women at work making new creations. Lunch will be served here as well.
Early in the afternoon, depart for a half-day excursion to Sukuh and Cetho, two of the latest Hindu temples built in Java before the island’s courts were converted to Islam in the 16th century. Located on the western slopes of Mount Lawu (3,265 m), this area, at the border between Central and East Java, offers spectacular landscapes with terraces covered by beautiful tea plantations.
Explore Sukuh, located at 910 meters in elevation, and take a look at its unique pyramidal shape-similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America and its stone carvings of Hindu phallic symbols.
Continue the drive, passing through beautiful tea plantations to Cetho, another Hindu temple located even higher on the mountain and rarely visited. Its carvings are similar to Sukuh Temple, but the multi-tiered temple differs in architectural layout. Overnight in Solo.
After an early breakfast this morning, be transferred to Solo Railway Station for a scenic train ride to Jombang, in East Java. The guide will be along during the journey.
Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java. Upon arrival in Jombang, meet with the local driver.
Continue to the nearby Trowulan, the site of the former capital of the Majapahit Kingdom who ruled the island of Java for centuries. Visit the archaeological museum and the temples of Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus. From Trowulan, take lunch in a local restaurant before proceeding to Mount Bromo, passing by the coastal town of Pasuruan on the northeast coast of Java before continuing by a picturesque mountain road to one of the entrances of Bromo-Tengger National Park Check in at a hotel in Tosari or Ngadisari, on the edge of Tengger Caldera.
Check-in late in the afternoon and freshen up before dinner at hotel’s restaurant.
Awake early this morning for an unforgettable Mount Bromo sunrise tour. Travel by 4WD jeep to a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views of the Bromo volcano and its other-worldly surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan.
Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground form to create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon.
A 20 minute ride on horseback heads to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater for even more spectacular views. Return by horse and jeep to the hotel for breakfast.
Check out and leave Tosari or Ngadisari for a drive to Ketapang, Banyuwangi about 6 hours drive with stop on the to see vegetation of East Java. Check in at your hotel in Ketapang, Banyuwangi.
Awake early again this morning for an excursion to Mt. Ijen. Breakfast is served at the hotel before setting off by 4×4 Jeep. Reach Paltuding, the base camp of Kawah Ijen located at 1,850 m. The trek to the top is 3 kilometres and follows a wide, packed dirt pathway for about 1 hour 30 minutes. At the top of Mt Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines. During the walk, it is highly likely to encounter local miners carrying loads of up to 70 kg, often barefooted, down the mountainside. Return to the hotel late in the morning.
In the afternoon, transport will be provided to the Ketapang ferry terminal near Banyuwangi. Check-in before crossing the Bali straits to the island of Bali by local ferry (45 minute journey). Upon reaching Gilimanuk on Bali’s western shores, continue by road to Lovina beach for overnight.
Depart after breakfast to the north with stops en route in Pura Beji then we continue visit Sekumpul Waterfall and last Julah Village before we drive to Amed Beach for hotel check in.
Early breakfast. Depart to Gate of heaven Temple to see the sunrise and mount Agung then we continue to visit Tirta Gangga, Karang Asem and last visit Tengana Village ; one of the oldest Balinese village in Bali, then check in at your hotel in Candidasa.
Leave hotel and first stop will be Ubud Palace, Monkey forest, Tegallalang for rice paddies then we continue to Kintamani for lake and mount Batur, here we will stop for lunch (optional). Then we continue to visit Penglipuran ; one of traditional village in Bali. Last we will stop at Tirta Empul holy spring temple before we drive back to hotel for overnight.
See the unique Balinese culture and experience some thing different on the island through cooking Experience. In this program you will learn more about Balinese spices and have greet opportunity to Cook authentic Balinese cuisine and taste delicious meals and will be guided by Balinese chef.
In this traditional Balinese cooking Class you will learn How to:
- Visit traditional markets to see the daily activity in selecting local fruits, vegetables and spices that used for cooking.
- Learn about the complex irrigation system, called “Subak” that is used in the paddy fields.
- You will be welcomed into a traditional Bali Compound with a beautiful setting overlooking a deep ravine complete with spice plant organic.
- You will meet the family who’s warmth will make you feel very welcome.
- Make Bali offering for the Gods, Kuwangen and canang sari which area beautiful array of color and nature.
- Make Traditional Bali Coffee, beans grown on the premises and roasted over an open fire to the crushing + straining then enjoy the best cup of coffee we believe you will ever have.
- Make coconut oil, which is the best for Balinese cooking.
- Make traditional Balinese spice paste used as a Base for many dishes –very fragrant and a sensation for your taste buds.
- You will learn so much for in a short time.
- The kitchen is run by Local Balinese Chef Ketut Budi who has studied at Hotel and Tourism Education Bali and who has worked at several hotels. He overlooks many hands that will later cater to all your needs.
- No experience necessary.
After lunch , we will drive for 3 – Hour Silver Jewelry Making Class ; Silver jewelry making is an age-old Balinese craft that’s vital to the island’s rural economy. On this private tour from Ubud, try out the art coached by a silversmith at a traditional village workshop. Tour the village to understand the craft’s importance; and learn to shape, cut, and finish your design before keeping it as a memento. Pre booking will secure your place for a time that fits your schedule. Learn Balinese silver jewelry making on a private workshop tour from Ubud. Pre book to ensure your place for a class time that suits you Create a design with tutelage from a silversmith and keep it as a souvenir.
Free days on the beach.
Breakfast at hotel. Check out time at hotel at 12.00 noon.
Transfer to Airport for your flight home.
