Essential Java

Explore Java and discover an island of contrasts from vibrant cities bursting with local life and colourful markets to vast volcanic landscapes stretching into the distance. Take in the sights and sounds of the soul of the island at Yogyakarta with visits to the walled city called the Kraton and a becak ride through narrow laneways. Marvel at the scale and intricate beauty of Borobudur rising serenely from the rice plantations and stroll through the Hindu temple of Prambanan. Board a train through rural east Java and enjoy fabulous views from your train window and rise easrly to witness a magnificent sunrise over Mount Bromo. 

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

JAKARTA

Land Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia also referred to by locals as 'the Big Durian'! Transfer to your city centre hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 2

JAKARTA TO YOGYAKARTA

Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore the city further. This afternoon return to the airport and take the short flight down to Yogyakarta, regarded as the cultural heart of the island of Java. Spend the evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 3

YOGYAKARTA

Today will be spent exploring this fascinating city. Discover the historic Sultan's Palace, also known as Kraton, which is a fine example of Javanese sultunate architecture and a living museum. Take a becak (similar to a cyclo or trishaw) ride through peaceful Kauman village, the heart of the city's Islamic faith, ending at the beautiful Taman Sari Water Palace built over 200 years ago. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 4

YOGYAKARTA AND BOROBUDUR

Depart the city this morning and drive out to Borobudur Temple, the largest in the world and a truly impressive sight. The temple took 75 years to build and is an important UNESCO heritage site. Also visit nearby Mendut and Pawon temples before spending the afternoon in Candirejo village to explore local life. Take a horse cart ride through this peaceful village and observe village activities. Return to Yogyakarta for the evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 5

YOGYAKARTA TO SOLO

Depart Yogyakarta this morning and drive to Solo. En-route you will stop for a visit to the 9th Century Hindu temples of Prambanan, which are dedicated to the Hindu trinity. This is another important UNESCO Heritage site. After lunch, continue to Solo for the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 6

SOLO

Solo is the capital of the Indonesian art of batik and houses some of the most intact Dutch colonial architecture in the country. Visit the 18th Century Mangkunegaran Palace which houses an extensive collection of 14th century jewellery, silverware and Javanese weapons. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Javanese restaurant accompanied by live gamelan music. After lunch head east and ascend to 910 metres above sea level to visit Sukuh Temple and admire the stunning views. Return to Solo for the evening at leisure. (B,L)

DAY 7

SOLO TO MT BROMO

This morning enjoy an exciting local train journey through the scenic east Javan countryside to Malang. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and enjoy the volcanic landscape passing by. Arrive into Malang train station late afternoon and transfer to Mt Bromo. (B)

DAY 8

MT BROMO TO SURABAYA

An early start today! Take a 4WD vehicle to a viewing spot with fantastic views of the Bromo volcano and its surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan. Take the jeep to the volcano caldera which is likely to be shrouded in early morning mist and enjoy a short horseback ride to the start of the stepped climb to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater. Return for breakfast and drive to Surabaya. (B)