Indonesia-Just think of this archipelago, comprising over 17,000 islands, as part of the utopian paradise on our planet. Nothing could be more unique than this diversity, from the steamy jungles of Sumatra to the sun-kissed beaches of Bali. Take this 14-day journey through some of Indonesia’s most iconic destinations for a tour unlike any other.
Indonesia Itinerary
Day 1: Jakarta Arrival – Gateway to Indonesia
Your holiday starts with the frenetic capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. Arrive and check-in to the hotel. Freshen up at leisure and head for the excursion inside the city. Begin a tour to the National Monument or MONAS; it stands to symbolize Indonesian Independence. Opposite to this is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia-the Istiqlal Mosque. Visit the Jakarta Cathedral.
Afternoon: Evening walk along the dynamic streets of Menteng. Dinner: Varieties of dinner can be chosen, from nasi goreng and satay, at local restaurants.
Day 2: Yogyakarta – The Heart of Javanese Culture
Day 2: Yogyakarta, Cultural Heart of Java. Early in the morning, take a flight to Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, starts would be given to Borobudur, the grand temple, and also the world’s largest monument associated with Buddhism. It comes under the category of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is well acclaimed for its elaborative carvings and tranquil surroundings.
Afternoon, take an excursion to Prambanan Temple Complex, another UNESCO-listed site and a host to some of the tallest Hindu temples in the world. Later tonight, a traditional Ramayana Ballet performance depicting the ancient Javanese epic stories.
Day 3: Yogyakarta – Royal Palaces and Artistic Heritage
The next stop is to Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace of Yogyakarta-a living museum that carves an opening into history and the philosophy lying behind the Javanese culture and its traditions. Continue uphill to the historic royal garden Taman Sari Water Castle, a beautiful setting with exquisitely designed pools and beautifully charming pavilions.
Afternoon: Free to visit the main shopping street in Yogyakarta – Malioboro Street – for local batik and handicraft shopping or any kind of souvenir. Taste the flavor of a traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit – ‘gudeg’.
Day 4: Mt Bromo – Sunrise Over an Active Volcano
From Day Four onwards, take an early morning flight to Surabaya, then transfer to the village of Cemoro Lawang, the gateway town to Mount Bromo. Take an early morning jeep drive to the viewpoint at Penanjakan, the viewpoint for catching sunrise over spectacular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Indeed, the rising sun creates an unforgettable view over the caldera with the smoking crater of Mount Bromo in the foreground.
Continue at first light down the Sea of Sand and up to the rim of Mount Bromo’s crater for close-up views. This afternoon is at leisure at your hotel.
Day 5: Banyuwangi – The Blue Flames of Ijen Crater
Day five finds you in Banyuwangi, which forms the base for explorations around the famous Ijen Crater. Up early this morning, hike to the rim of the crater and see the magic of flying blue flames shooting out of sulfur deposits in one of those natural spectacles seldom seen on Earth.
You get a great view of the sunrise, and behind the crater rim as a reward, is this incredible turquoise acid lake with sharp volcanic terrain. Later in the day, once you have come down from Ijen, free time can be used either by relaxing at your hotel or by exploring the nearby Banyuwangi town.
Day 6: Bali – Island of the Gods
Day 6: Cross by ferry to Bali, the emerald land fringed by some of the most beautiful beaches on earth and boasting an embarrassment of riches regarding cultural heritage. On your first night to Bali, head to Ubud, the cultural heart of this island. Pay a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest, where hundreds of mischievous monkeys are running around; besides that, it is a very good place for shopping and looking for unique souvenirs or local handicrafts at the Ubud Art Market.
Evening: Traditional Kecak Fire Dance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja. Characteristic hypnotic chants and dynamic movements will send you in a trance with this extraordinary Balinese dance.
Day 7: Bali – Temples and Terraces
Full day seven will be spent seeing some of the most iconic temples and landscapes that Bali can show. Take first a morning stroll around the Tegallalang Rice Terraces through the green fields and beautiful scenery views. The next will be Tirta Empul Temple, a holy water-interested temple where locals come to purify themselves in these holy springs.
PM: Excursion to ancient sanctuary and meditation site, Goa Gajah – better known as ‘Elephant Cave’ – which still retains much of its original, intrinsic magic right from the ancient times. Later in the afternoon, head to Uluwatu Temple perched upon a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Watch the traditional Kecak Dance at sundowner time.
Day 8: Bali Beach Bliss – Seminyak
Day eight, head to Seminyak, a resort town loved for its luxury resorts, upscale shopping, and trendy nightclubs. Of course, for Seminyak or Legian, it has been one well-spent day just lounging in the beach, basking in the sun, swimming in its clear waters, and perhaps trying various water sporting activities.
Dinner at night can be done at one of the famous restaurants along the beach in Seminyak, where there will be a display of fresh seafood and an amazing view of the ocean when the sun goes down.
Day 9: Nusa Penida – Island Adventure
Spend the whole day on an incredible tour to the monstrous island of Nusa Penida, right off the coast of Bali. Take in views of monstrous landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Stop at famous Kelingking Beach for an opportunity to hike down into the beach to take a swim or take in the fantastic view from the cliff.
From here, join the natural basins of Angel’s Billabong and turquoise-colored waters. Finally, end the day at Crystal Bay – snorkel over brilliant coral reefs or just lie back in the pristine beach.
Day 10: Gili Islands – Paradise Found
Day ten gets started with the Gili Islands-three tropical paradises just off the coast of Lombok. Spend your day in Gili Trawangan, the biggest among three famous islands, with vibrant nightclubs and good beaches. Take up the bike rental service for an island tour, or snorkel in colored subsurface life by taking a boat trip.
Please note that you are being taken to Gili Meno and Gili Air for feelings of further relaxation at the beaches amidst tranquil surroundings. Dinner on the beach during sunset at the horizon.
Day 11: Lombok – Exploration Day to Rinjani National Park
Take a short boat ride on the eleventh day to Lombok and ready yourself for an action-packed time in the famous Rinjani National Park. After a short drive through thick jungle covered by steep cliffs, visit two of the most beautiful waterfalls Lombok is proud of: the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls.
PM: Afternoon visit traditional Sasak Villages to witness the culture and way of life. Later in the afternoon visit Kuta Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok with its white sandy beach and turquoise sea.
Day 12: Komodo Island – Dragons Encounter
Fly to Labuan Bajo, Flores Island, and take a boat tour across to see the famous dragons in Komodo Island. These are giant lizards, up to 10 feet in length, representing the largest living species of lizard in the world.
Take a guided hike on rugged terrain in search of these fabulous creatures in their natural habitat. Later snorkel through the transparent waters of Pink Beach, one of only seven pink sand beaches in the world and perhaps even one of the prettiest beaches you will ever have encountered, together with its vibrant coral reefs.
Day 13: Komodo Island -Further Island Adventures
Continue the trips in Komodo National Park on the thirteenth day. Visiting Rinca Island is another island in this park, do some spotting of more Komodo dragons aside from other wildlife such as water buffalos and exotic birds.
After lunch, snorkel in Manta Point. Later, continue with a sunset cruise back to Labuan Bajo, where you relax into stunning views around the islands.
Day 14: Bali Departure – Farewell Indonesia
Flight back to Bali for an onward departure on the last day of return home. You can relax at beaches or go for last minute shopping around, as per your flight timings. You will return from Indonesia carrying memories of breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures with lifetime adventure.
