Experience the natural beauty and culture of these three diverse Indonesian islands
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Enjoy a cooking class at Bumbu Bali
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Explore Carangsari village with a cycling tour
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Explore the famous Gili Islands by speed boat
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Enjoy a hike up Mount and Lake Batur followed by stunning views
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Watch a Jathilan dance
What's included
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All internal flights
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All private ground transfers
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All accommodation with breakfast (some hotels may include further meals)
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All tours specified in the itinerary description
At a glance
Experice the rich history, breathtaking landscapes and wonderful beaches of Indonesia on this 13-day adventure that takes in Bali, Lombok and Java.
Your journey begins in stylish Seminyak, where you can indulge in the best of Bali’s cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, visit iconic sea temples and witness fiery sunsets over the Bali Sea. Here you’ll enjoy a visit to the local market and learn how to make mouthwatering Indonesian dishes in a fun and interactive cooking class.
Next you will venture to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. Enjoy exploring the lush green rice paddies and visiting local villages on a cycling tour. You’ll also head to the top of Mount Batur for an incredible dinner which you’ll enjoy as the sky turns different shades of pink and red as the sun sinks behind the horizon.
It’s then time for some beach time with three nights on Lombok. Relax on white sandy beaches, take a dip in the sparkling turquoise sea and enjoy a private speedboat trip out to the idyllic Gili Islands. Your final three nights will be spend on the island of Java, close to the magnificent temple complex of Borobudur. A sunrise tour lets you appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of this monument, while a hike up to Menoreh Hill lets you experience it and the surrounding countryside from a different angle.
Example trip itinerary
Seminyak
Transfer
VIP meet and greet at Denpasar Airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Seminyak
Accommodation in Seminyak
- 52 rooms
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Restaurant & bar
- Butler service
- Wi-Fi
The Samaya Seminyak provides everything you would expect from a luxury Balinese experience; lounge by the Indian Ocean, dine al fresco under swaying palm trees, and generally just acquaint yourself with paradise.
Their 52 villas, are coloured in neutral tones with touches of dark grey, built with natural materials, and are undeniably Indonesian in style yet contemporary in furnishing. Each villa comes with its own private swimming pool within their secluded, tree-lined stone walls and a butler service as standard.
The rest of this intimate hotel is inspired by traditional Balinese architecture yet constructed in a modern design, based upon space and light. The hotel has an open-plan design that allows natural light to flood its communal spaces, plus a landscaped pool area leading to the beach in front. At night, carefully positioned lamps give the hotel a soft-lit ambiance.
- 67 suites
- Restaurant, lounge, pool bar & ocean bar
- Spa & health centre
- Infinity pool
On Seminyak Beach, The Legian’s excellent service makes it a fabulous choice for visitors to this area of Bali. With a good balance of chilled beachside vibes and the buzz of the town surrounding this sleek resort, The Legian will appeal to a wide range of discerning guests, from couples to families.
From dining out on the beachfront terrace to sipping champagne by the pool, there are plenty of wining and dining options at The Legian. The restaurant serves an international selection of dishes, including French toast for breakfast and lobster ravioli for dinner. Everyone is catered for: if you’re on a gluten-free diet, for instance, you’ll only have to mention it at check-in and the waiting staff will remember your requirements for every meal. The service really is a highlight of staying here.
If you’re travelling to relax, you’ve got the choice of the infinity pool, the spa, and the health club, which includes a yoga studio, but Seminyak also holds plenty of options for travellers with itchy feet, with its bustling shopping scene, superb surfing, and lively nightlife.


Enjoy your time in lively Seminyak watching the burning sunsets over the Bali Sea, sampling a fusion of Indonesian and Western cuisine in stylish restaurants, or simply retreat to your private pool villa and relax.


Bumbu Bali has been a culinary institution since Heinz von Holzen first opened its doors in 1997. After studying the local cuisine for 15 years, while working as a chef in top resorts, Heinz pioneered Bumbu Bali as a cooking school.
Your day starts with a visit to the local to source the freshest ingredients. It is an early start, but worth is as you get to experience the colourful village market, which in the early hours is already is bustling with activity. Here you'll find an abundance of vegetables and spices. You'll then proceed to the famous fish market of Kedonganan, at the northern end of Jimbaran bay. The catch comes in at dawn every morning and this is where you may run into the chefs of Bali's fine dining restaurants. From here you will drive to Cape Benoa where a healthy breakfast of Balinese cakes, fruits, and black rice pudding awaits at Bumbu Bali.
Following breakfast you will spend four entertaining hours in a wide open Balinese kitchen, learning how to create authentic, tasty local dishes. The morning culminates in a celebratory lunch during which you'll taste the dishes you have helped to prepare.

Drive north, enjoying the beautiful landscape of rice terraces and peaceful villages as you go. Pura Luhur Batukau is a temple complex from the 12th century that is located on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali's second highest peak. It is one of nine 'cardinal' temples meant to protect Bali from evil spirits and is an extremely sacred site for the Hindu population. You will then visit the Jatiluwih Valley, one of the most astonishing examples of terraced agriculture in the world. In Jatiluwih, the landscape is a sculpture that has been meticulously perfected over some 500 years by many generations of farmers who collectively created an intricate infrastructure of dams, canals and aqueducts to irrigate their individual rice fields most efficiently.
Ubud
Accommodation in Ubud
- 46 rooms and villas
- Two restaurants and bar
- Yoga studio and gym
- Private dining
Set into the lush tropical hillsides of Ubud and crossed by narrow winding pathways, this small hotel is enchanting, quietly contemporary and decidedly tranquil.
Its 46 rooms and villas blend traditional Balinese design with modern architecture; all are spacious and airy with king-sized beds and luxuriously large baths. The Pool Villas come with private swimming pools, sundecks and fantastic views across the valley below.
Whilst Ubud is renowned for its laidback pace, there is more to life here than simply lounging by the infinity pool. There are complimentary yoga sessions each day at Uma, and once you’ve re-energised head out into the surrounding area and bike, hike and explore your way around the various temples, markets and cultural landmarks.
- 20 rooms
- Restaurant
- Spa and outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and fitness centre
Looking out across a green sea of rice shoots springing from the field in front with views of Gunung Agung volcano, Tanah Gajah in the heart of Ubud’s calming countryside, is a palatial boutique hotel with a ‘clubhouse’ type atmosphere and only twenty rooms.
Just three kilometres from central Ubud, choose between its roomy suites or ample pool villas scattered throughout the Tanah Gajah’s traditional gardens and terraces populated with: lily pad ponds, Hindu limestone sculptures, open-sided palapa buildings, organic kitchen gardens, an outdoor pool and spa, all connected by an immaculate network of pathways.
Also really attuned to the serenity of this part of Bali, at the hotel you can join in with daily walks, cooking or yoga classes within the hotel’s grounds or perhaps go further afield with innumerous tours to local villages, temples, markets and beaches.
- 60 villas and suites
- Four dining venues
- Two swimming pools
- Spa
Named after the Sanskrit word for temple, this elegant resort continues the tradition in style, surrounded by verdant rice fields, forested hills and the sound of the Ayung River.
60 spacious suites and one, two and three bedroomed pool villas are a contemporary showcase of Balinese architecture and craftsmanship. All enjoy views over the river or lush valley, as well as large bathrooms with a sumptuous tub.
Guests can experience Indonesian cuisine, alongside international dishes, at four distinct dining venues, or opt for a more private event within the reserve.
As well as being well located to explore the temples of Ubud, relax at the resort with yoga classes, spa treatments or a good book from the library, perhaps heading out at a leisurely pace on bicycles through the nearby villages.

With lush greenery and steep rice terraces that flank the soaring banks of the Ayung River, Ubud is one of Bali’s most scenic and relaxed destinations. It is also peppered with the island’s most important holy sites, temples and artisan workshops. Spend time exploring the local culure, taking in the epic landscape and relaxing in this beautful part of Bali.


Today you will drive to Carangsari village, a district that grows a vast range of vegetables, coffee, vanilla, corn and more. Explore the village with its charming atmosphere, visiting the home of a Balinese family where you will get ready for your cycling tour.
This cycle tour covers around 25km on flat village roads and paths through the rice paddies. The tour will end in Sangeh village, known for its monkey forest. The forest is filled with giant nutmeg trees and is home to Balinese monkeys, who are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. You'll also find the Pura Bukit Sari temple in the heart of the forest. You will then take a short drive to enjoy a tasty Indonesian lunch.


You will be met at the hotel and drive to Penelokan Village, enjoying a break for coffee and cake while enjoy stunning views of Mount and Lake Batur. You'll start the trek mis afternoon and walk for approximately 1.5 hours to get the Mount Batur rim where your chef starts to prepare the food. As you are back from the peak, enjoy the awesome sunset on the horizon and when the sky turns dark, a bottle of local wine will be opened. A three-course meal follows as you look out over Mount Batur, one of the most dramatic and accessible live volcanos on earth. Trek back on the other trek to get easy descending and back to the hotel at about 22:00.
Transfer
Boat transfer to Padang Bay harbour
Transfer
Speedboat transfer to Lombok
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Lombok
Lombok
Accommodation in Lombok
- 19 rooms
- Tranquil beach for swimming and snorkelling
- Exotic asian indoor and outdoor spa
- Wine cellar
- Large freshwater swimming pool
- Daily sunset high tea with traditional delicacies
Located on the pristine, white sand beach of Sire in the north of Lombok, Tugu Lombok is surrounded by green fields, rainforest and looks out over the azure Bali Sea. The sight of Mount Rinjani makes an impressive and imposing backdrop too.
Its traditional thatched huts are set within six hectares of mature palm plantations making up nineteen rooms, suites and villas in total. Tugu Lombok features hundreds of original artworks and beautiful antiques collected and assembled by the owner as a loving testament to the long forgotten, original culture of the isle of Lombok.
This is one the best places to stay in all of Lombok, and the room types range from the intimate, deluxe and naturally-styled rooms to the private villa with a rooftop terrace and pool. The Aloon Aloon villas prove popular with sunken copper baths and their own garden. In contrast to the traditional furniture and natural decor, all rooms provide contemporary creature comforts with flat screen TV’s, iPod docking stations, air con and WiFi.
- 50 thatched villas and pavilions
- Café, restaurant, bar and private beach dining on request.
- Watersports (kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing), tennis courts, mountain biking, and weekly yoga classes are all complimentary
- Swimming Pool looking out across Medena Bay
- Wi-Fi
Bordering the private Medana Beach in northwest Lombok, the Oberoi Lombok is a spacious, romantic and relaxing hotel with excellent service.
Fifty thatched villas and terraced pavilions are dotted around the 24 acres of landscaped gardens giving a sense of privacy and tranquillity. All villa and pavilions come with flat screen TVs and a BOSE sound-deck while an open air sunken marble bath is set in private stone walled garden. Villas, some with their own pool, offer walled terraces with sunloungers and a raised dining terrace with ocean or garden views.
Oberoi Lombok is centred on expansive infinity pools and terraces with sun loungers and shady cabanas to while away the day. Yoga classes are performed on the lawns at sunrise and add the list of wellbeing activities. The hotel also happens to have an onsite water sports centre for snorkelling and diving. Boat trips to the nearby Gilli’s can be easily arranged and are highly recommended.
- Nine suites including two poolside suites and two family suites
- Restaurant, cocktail bar, lobby lounge and beach lounge
- Infinity pool, spa and beauty salon
- Library
- Boutique
- Wi-Fi
Escape to The Lombok Lodge, an oasis of tropical elegance where luxury is delivered with Hermès bath products, personal service, a renowned fine dining Indonesian chef and Bang and Olufsen gadgets.
Alongside decadent amenities, the stylish suites are designed with a feel of tranquil modernism fused with Asian touches. Soft greys and crisp whites dress the interiors which look out to the turquoise waters of the Medana coral bay – though without a sandy beach, it is the pool that is the centrepiece here. Poolside lodge suites boast direct access to the deck and its infinity pool, as well as a private terrace where you can sink into plump armchairs and laze on your L-shaped sofa.
While the glittering pool and complimentary day trips to the Gili Island’s most secluded slice of paradise, Gili Air, are highlights, the dining is the icing on the cake. Talented chef, I Wayan Jiwa Raga, brings his experience of fine dining from across the county to create mouth-watering local and western cuisine, marking the The Lombok Lodge as a dining destination in its own right.
And when you’re not feasting, you can learn how to re-create these delicious dishes at the property’s cooking class. Plenty of activities are offered here from diving to mountain biking to trekking and sailing, however a peaceful spa ensures those craving some R+R will also be blissfully satisfied.


Spend time lazing on white sand beaches, sailing around the Gilli Islands, or trekking the foothills of Mount Rinjani. You can do as much or as little as you like, it's entirely up to you. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to pass your time here on Lombok.


Today you will head out in a private boat and explore the famous Gili Islands. These three paradise islands are located off the northwest coast of Indonesia and are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The islands are free from motorised vehicles, and the most popular way to get around is by bicycle and the traditional cidomo - a small horse cart. First, head to Gili Trawangan, which is the largest and most popular island, where you can find an uncomplicated, relaxed backpacker atmosphere of beach restaurants. The other islands are more remote and quieter, ideal if you wish to dream away the day.
Transfer
Private transfer to Lombok Airport
Flight
Flight from Lombok to Yogyakarta via Denpasar
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel near Borobudur
Java
Accommodation in Java
- Fifteen guestrooms
- Padma SPA & Yoga Club
- Patio Lounge & Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Borobudur Cultural Heritage Theatre
- Menoreh open-air deck
- 24-hour front desk
- Wi-Fi
Start your day watching the sun creep over the ornate beauty of Borobudur Temple from the deck of this peaceful hotel. Enveloped in lush forests and mountains, Plataran Borobudur is found in central Java just five minutes from the renowned ancient temple, boasting spectacular views.
This tranquil escape is designed with Indonesian style. Dark, polished wood and traditional pieces of art grace the spacious rooms which house lavish four poster beds, while villas enjoy private pools and gardens.
With a soothing mood, Plataran Borobudur encourages its guests to truly relax with its concept of detoxification which is chiefly carried out at the spa and yoga club. Dining is also well taken care of here with the Patio Lounge and Restaurant serving a range of Indonesian and international cuisine.
- 36 rooms
- Air conditioning
- Infinity pool
- Bar & restaurant
- Gym
- Tennis court
- Library
- Art gallery
- Gentle walks on Mt Merepi and more challenging treks in the Menorah Hills
- Cycle around surrounding villages
- Visit Yoyakarta and Solo to experience city life in Java
- Elephant safari on Dagi Hills
The luxurious and decadent Amanjiwo hotel is quite simply mesmerising.
Furthermore across the Kedu Plain, Amanjiwo looks out to Borobudur, the 9th century Buddhist sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site: the sole reason many come to Java.
Taking this site as inspiration, the shape of Borobudur is very much reflected in the architecture and style of Amanjiwo with its 36 suites set in two graceful crescents around a central rotunda. The suites feature high ceilings with domed roofs, outdoor sunken stone baths within a high walled garden, marble floors and a raised four poster bed. Some of the spacious sun terraces come with their own private pool offering ultimate privacy. High limestone walls give shape to the walkways that link the suites to the main building, and that winds down to the forty-metre infinity pool.
In spite of your privileged views, a private tour to Borobudur cannot be missed. Watching the shadows of the Buddha’s shift and the sky burn as the sun rises over Mount Merapi is truly a magical experience. We can arrange entry to the temple before dawn, avoiding the crowds, allowing plenty of time to reach the summit in relative peace.

Spend your days in this peaceful area of Java discovering the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, which is particularly impressive at sunrise. You'll also have the chance to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.

Wake up early at 4.30 to witness the sun rise on the world-famous Borobudur temple. Without a doubt this is the best time of the day to explore this massive Buddhist temple - the largest in the world - and discover its magic. It was the Sailendra dynasty that embraced Mahayana Buddhism in the early 9th century and the temple took almost 100 years to be completed. Borobudur is a massive pyramid that rises up from the green plains like the neighboring volcanoes. From its 150,000-square-foot base, you'll climb up six tiers to the top. The top level is dotted with 72 small, latticework stupas, each with a statue of Buddha inside, visible through the grates. Your knowledgeable tour guide will explain the history of Buddhism and the site as you enjoy the incredible views and atmosphere. You will also be able to see the majestic Merapi Mountain.
After the tour you'll take a private exit leading to Dagi Hill where you'll enjoy views of the temple while enjoying a warming cup of coffee. Head back to your hotel in time for breakfast.


A short drive will bring you to Candi Rejo village, from where you will start hiking to Menoreh Hill. It takes around an hour to walk to the top, and once there you will enjoy stunning views of the Borobudur Temple, surrounded by the four mountains of Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro. Descend back to Candi Rejo village where you'll have the chance to visit a local house and enjoy coffee and cake.


The Jathilan trance dance is the most eye-catching and dramatic dance in central Java. The dancer is attached to a flat bamboo horse and dances along with traditional music until he is entranced by wild spirits. He rolls on the ground several times, whipped by the dukun - the leader of the jatilan group. This man is the most important man in the dance; he must have the ability to control the trance dancer and at the end has to order him to stop and bring him back to conciousness. Locals usually arranged this performance when there is a ceremony to entertain their family, relatives and neighbours.
Transfer
Private transfer to Yogyakarta Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Luxury Bali, Lombok and Java Explorer
How we work
Experice the rich history, breathtaking landscapes and wonderful beaches of Indonesia on this 13-day adventure that takes in Bali, Lombok and Java. Your journey begins in stylish Seminyak, where you can indulge in the best of Bali’s cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, visit iconic sea temples and witness fiery sunsets over the Bali Sea. Here you’ll enjoy a visit to the local market and learn how to make mouthwatering Indonesian dishes in a fun and interactive cooking class. Next you will venture to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. Enjoy exploring the lush green rice paddies and visiting local villages on a cycling tour. You’ll also head to the top of Mount Batur for an incredible dinner which you’ll enjoy as the sky turns different shades of pink and red as the sun sinks behind the horizon. It’s then time for some beach time with three nights on Lombok. Relax on white sandy beaches, take a dip in the sparkling turquoise sea and enjoy a private speedboat trip out to the idyllic Gili Islands. Your final three nights will be spend on the island of Java, close to the magnificent temple complex of Borobudur. A sunrise tour lets you appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of this monument, while a hike up to Menoreh Hill lets you experience it and the surrounding countryside from a different angle. | Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Seminyak |
Flights & transfers
VIP meet and greet at Denpasar Airport |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Seminyak | |
Accommodation in Seminyak
•
The Samaya Seminyak - $$$$$
The Samaya Seminyak provides everything you would expect from a luxury Balinese experience;...
•
The Legian - $$$$$
On Seminyak Beach, The Legian’s excellent service makes it a fabulous choice for...
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Three nights in Seminyak Enjoy your time in lively Seminyak watching the burning sunsets over the Bali Sea, sampling a fusion of Indonesian and Western cuisine in stylish restaurants, or simply retreat to your private pool villa and relax. |
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Cooking class at Bumbu Bali Bumbu Bali has been a culinary institution since Heinz von Holzen first opened its doors in 1997. After studying the local cuisine for 15 years, while working as a chef in top resorts, Heinz pioneered Bumbu Bali as a cooking school. Your day starts with a visit to the local to source the freshest ingredients. It is an early start, but worth is as you get to experience the colourful village market, which in the early hours is already is bustling with activity. Here you'll find an abundance of vegetables and spices. You'll then proceed to the famous fish market of Kedonganan, at the northern end of Jimbaran bay. The catch comes in at dawn every morning and this is where you may run into the chefs of Bali's fine dining restaurants. From here you will drive to Cape Benoa where a healthy breakfast of Balinese cakes, fruits, and black rice pudding awaits at Bumbu Bali. Following breakfast you will spend four entertaining hours in a wide open Balinese kitchen, learning how to create authentic, tasty local dishes. The morning culminates in a celebratory lunch during which you'll taste the dishes you have helped to prepare. |
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Private transfer to Ubud, via Jatiluwih and Batukaru Temple Drive north, enjoying the beautiful landscape of rice terraces and peaceful villages as you go. Pura Luhur Batukau is a temple complex from the 12th century that is located on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali's second highest peak. It is one of nine 'cardinal' temples meant to protect Bali from evil spirits and is an extremely sacred site for the Hindu population. You will then visit the Jatiluwih Valley, one of the most astonishing examples of terraced agriculture in the world. In Jatiluwih, the landscape is a sculpture that has been meticulously perfected over some 500 years by many generations of farmers who collectively created an intricate infrastructure of dams, canals and aqueducts to irrigate their individual rice fields most efficiently. |
|
Days 4-7 |
Ubud |
Accommodation in Ubud
•
COMO Uma Ubud - $$$$$
Set into the lush tropical hillsides of Ubud and crossed by narrow winding pathways, this...
•
Tanah Gajah - $$$$$
Looking out across a green sea of rice shoots springing from the field in front with views of...
•
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - $$$$$
Named after the Sanskrit word for temple, this elegant resort continues the tradition in...
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|
Three nights in Ubud With lush greenery and steep rice terraces that flank the soaring banks of the Ayung River, Ubud is one of Bali’s most scenic and relaxed destinations. It is also peppered with the island’s most important holy sites, temples and artisan workshops. Spend time exploring the local culure, taking in the epic landscape and relaxing in this beautful part of Bali. |
|
Carangsari village cycling tour Today you will drive to Carangsari village, a district that grows a vast range of vegetables, coffee, vanilla, corn and more. Explore the village with its charming atmosphere, visiting the home of a Balinese family where you will get ready for your cycling tour. This cycle tour covers around 25km on flat village roads and paths through the rice paddies. The tour will end in Sangeh village, known for its monkey forest. The forest is filled with giant nutmeg trees and is home to Balinese monkeys, who are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. You'll also find the Pura Bukit Sari temple in the heart of the forest. You will then take a short drive to enjoy a tasty Indonesian lunch. |
|
Mount Batur sunset hike You will be met at the hotel and drive to Penelokan Village, enjoying a break for coffee and cake while enjoy stunning views of Mount and Lake Batur. You'll start the trek mis afternoon and walk for approximately 1.5 hours to get the Mount Batur rim where your chef starts to prepare the food. As you are back from the peak, enjoy the awesome sunset on the horizon and when the sky turns dark, a bottle of local wine will be opened. A three-course meal follows as you look out over Mount Batur, one of the most dramatic and accessible live volcanos on earth. Trek back on the other trek to get easy descending and back to the hotel at about 22:00. |
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Flights & transfers
Boat transfer to Padang Bay harbour |
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Speedboat transfer to Lombok | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Lombok | |
Days 7-10 |
Lombok |
Accommodation in Lombok
•
Tugu Lombok - $$$$$
Located on the pristine, white sand beach of Sire in the north of Lombok, Tugu Lombok is...
•
The Oberoi Lombok - $$$$$
Bordering the private Medana Beach in northwest Lombok, the Oberoi Lombok is a spacious,...
•
The Lombok Lodge - $$$$$
Escape to The Lombok Lodge, an oasis of tropical elegance where luxury is delivered with...
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Three nights in Lombok Spend time lazing on white sand beaches, sailing around the Gilli Islands, or trekking the foothills of Mount Rinjani. You can do as much or as little as you like, it's entirely up to you. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to pass your time here on Lombok. |
|
Speedboat tour around the Gili Islands Today you will head out in a private boat and explore the famous Gili Islands. These three paradise islands are located off the northwest coast of Indonesia and are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The islands are free from motorised vehicles, and the most popular way to get around is by bicycle and the traditional cidomo - a small horse cart. First, head to Gili Trawangan, which is the largest and most popular island, where you can find an uncomplicated, relaxed backpacker atmosphere of beach restaurants. The other islands are more remote and quieter, ideal if you wish to dream away the day. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Lombok Airport |
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Flight from Lombok to Yogyakarta via Denpasar | |
Private transfer to your hotel near Borobudur | |
Days 10-13 |
Java |
Accommodation in Java
•
Plataran Borobudur - $$$$$
Start your day watching the sun creep over the ornate beauty of Borobudur Temple from the deck...
•
Amanjiwo - $$$$$
Sitting within a natural amphitheatre in central rural Java, the Menoreh Hills rising gently...
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Three nights around Borobudur Spend your days in this peaceful area of Java discovering the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, which is particularly impressive at sunrise. You'll also have the chance to explore the surrounding countryside and villages. |
|
Sunrise tour of Borobudur Wake up early at 4.30 to witness the sun rise on the world-famous Borobudur temple. Without a doubt this is the best time of the day to explore this massive Buddhist temple - the largest in the world - and discover its magic. It was the Sailendra dynasty that embraced Mahayana Buddhism in the early 9th century and the temple took almost 100 years to be completed. Borobudur is a massive pyramid that rises up from the green plains like the neighboring volcanoes. From its 150,000-square-foot base, you'll climb up six tiers to the top. The top level is dotted with 72 small, latticework stupas, each with a statue of Buddha inside, visible through the grates. Your knowledgeable tour guide will explain the history of Buddhism and the site as you enjoy the incredible views and atmosphere. You will also be able to see the majestic Merapi Mountain. After the tour you'll take a private exit leading to Dagi Hill where you'll enjoy views of the temple while enjoying a warming cup of coffee. Head back to your hotel in time for breakfast. |
|
Menoreh Hill trek A short drive will bring you to Candi Rejo village, from where you will start hiking to Menoreh Hill. It takes around an hour to walk to the top, and once there you will enjoy stunning views of the Borobudur Temple, surrounded by the four mountains of Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro. Descend back to Candi Rejo village where you'll have the chance to visit a local house and enjoy coffee and cake. |
|
Jathilan dance The Jathilan trance dance is the most eye-catching and dramatic dance in central Java. The dancer is attached to a flat bamboo horse and dances along with traditional music until he is entranced by wild spirits. He rolls on the ground several times, whipped by the dukun - the leader of the jatilan group. This man is the most important man in the dance; he must have the ability to control the trance dancer and at the end has to order him to stop and bring him back to conciousness. Locals usually arranged this performance when there is a ceremony to entertain their family, relatives and neighbours. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Yogyakarta Airport |