Three Islands: Java, Bali and Gili Trawangan

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver. Check-in at the hotel begins at 2:00pm; if your flight arrives earlier, we'll arrange for a convenient start to your journey.

From the airport, visit a local home industry where you can witness a demonstration of Wayang Kulit, the renowned Javanese leather puppet. Afterwards, enjoy lunch before checking in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind at the hotel or explore independently, immersing yourself in the local surroundings at your own pace.

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Yogyakarta’s Beringharjo Traditional Market on Jalan Malioboro, an emblem of the local economy and culture. The market showcases exotic vegetables, spices central to Indonesian cuisine, and seasonal tropical fruits, offering opportunities to taste local produce. Explore the market's second floor to learn about jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine.

Next, delve into Yogyakarta’s history and culture with a half-day city tour. Start at the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), an architectural gem from 1756 –1790 showcasing traditional Javanese sultanate design. Note that the Kraton Sultan Palace is closed on Mondays. Ride a local cyclo or becak to Taman Sari Water Palace, built over 200 years ago with bathing pools for the sultan’s harem.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading 42 kilometres west to Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This colossal Buddhist temple, built over 75 years ago with volcanic and river stone blocks, stands as the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Explore its historical significance before visiting Mendut Temple, housing impressive stone statues including Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara and Maitreya. Note that Borobudur is closed on Mondays.

Conclude the day with a visit to Pawon Temple, noted for its symmetry and historical role as a storehouse. Return to the hotel later in the afternoon, reflecting on the day’s cultural and historical discoveries in Yogyakarta. (B,L)

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After breakfast, go on a scenic drive to Kaliadem, approximately one hour from Yogyakarta, for a two-hour cycling excursion. Enjoy easy to moderate cycling through picturesque villages with stunning views of Mt Merapi, concluding at Candi Plaosan. Relax after your ride with lunch at Prambanan Resto.

Following lunch, visit Prambanan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple compound dating back to the 9th century. Admire its sharp, jagged architecture and three main inner shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Note that Prambanan Temple is closed on Mondays. Return to your hotel in Yogyakarta in the evening, where you can unwind and enjoy leisure time. (B,L)

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Wake up early at 5:30am and receive a breakfast box from the hotel for onboard consumption. Depart at 6:00am for Yogyakarta Railway Station, where you'll board the Sancaka Pagi train at 6:45am for Mojokerto in East Java. A guide will accompany you throughout the journey.

Travelling by train offers a chance to interact with locals and enjoy Java’s volcanic scenery. Upon arrival in Mojokerto, meet your local driver and proceed by road to Ngadisari, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

The day concludes with a four-hour drive to Ngadisari village near Tengger Caldera, a gateway to Mount Bromo. Check in at the hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at the lodge. (B,L,D)

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Early morning start for a Mount Bromo sunrise tour. Travel by 4WD jeep to Penanjakan viewpoint for breathtaking views of Bromo volcano and its surroundings - a prime opportunity for stunning photographs. After sunrise, descend into the volcano's caldera by jeep, often enveloped in morning mist, creating a unique, otherworldly atmosphere. Next, a short horseback ride to stairs leading to the rim of Bromo's active crater. Return by jeep and horse to the hotel in Tosari or Ngadisari for breakfast.

Check out and continue by road to Banyuwangi via Probolinggo. A full day's drive through scenic landscapes with stops for lunch and photos along the way. Arrive at the hotel in Banyuwangi in the evening, check in and enjoy dinner before an early night in preparation for the next morning's early start. (B,L,D)

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Wake up early for a Mount Ijen excursion. Have breakfast at the hotel or take a breakfast box. Travel by 4WD jeep for 90 minutes to Paltuding Base Camp (1850m). Trek three kilometres up a packed-dirt pathway to the top of Mount Ijen (2,385m) and view the large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines. See miners collecting and carrying sulphur blocks.

Return to base camp and drive to the former Dutch Plantation of Kali Klatak. Enjoy a traditional lunch and local coffee, then tour the plantation to learn about cacao, coffee, pepper and rubber production. Finish with afternoon tea at a viewpoint overlooking Bali. Return to the resort for dinner. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast, take a local ferry across the Bali Strait to Gilimanuk on Bali's western shore. Once in Bali, drive to Lovina on the north coast, known for its volcanic black sand beaches. Upon arrival, explore the beach or relax at the resort under palm trees. (B)

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Start the day leisurely, meeting the Balinese guide and driver around 10:00am. Visit Pura Beji, known for its stone carvings and as the largest 'rice temple' in Bali. Travel along mountain roads to Pura Puncak Penulisan, offering 360-degree views and a collection of statues from the 10th - 14th centuries. Continue to Kintamani for views of Lake Batur and its active volcano, Mount Batur. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Ubud, arriving late afternoon. Check in to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. (B,L)

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After breakfast, travel to the Tegalalang rice terraces. Enjoy the scenic two-hour trek through the fields and learn about Bali's subak irrigation system. Next, visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, showcasing the works and studio of famous artist Antonio Blanco. Have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Ubud River.

Then visit the Sacred Monkey Forest and explore the Pura Dalem Agung temple, learning about its Hindu significance. The guide will also explain the Holy Bathing Temple and the Cremation Temple. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring central Ubud's arts and crafts. At 7:00pm, enjoy a performance of Balinese dance in a local village. (B,L)

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After breakfast, visit the traditional Ubud Market, best seen in the morning when it's filled with fresh produce, colourful flowers and locals buying fruits, vegetables, spices and sweets. Next, head to Klungkung to see Kertagosa, the former Royal Court of Justice, featuring an elaborately decorated ceiling with a wayang-style painting depicting the battle of good versus evil. The building is uniquely set on a fish pond, giving it a 'floating' appearance.

Continue to Besakih, the 'Mother Temple' of Bali, located on Mount Agung's western slopes. It is the largest and most important temple on the island. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with views of terraced rice fields and Mount Agung. Visit Tirta Gangga, a sacred water palace with decorative ponds, fountains, lush plants and natural bathing pools. Then, drive to Taman Ujung Water Palace, an impressive structure designed by Dutch and Chinese architects in 1909. Finally, travel through scenic roads and terraced rice fields to Candidasa on Bali's lesser-visited east coast. (B,L)

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Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the nearby harbour in Padang Bai (join-in transfer). From there, take a speedboat to the Gili Islands. Upon arrival at Gili Trawangan, our representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel by cidomo (horse-drawn cart). Note: There are no cars on the Gili Islands; transportation is by cidomo or bicycles, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Relax on the beach, explore the island by bike and enjoy the sunset on the western side with views of Bali.

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Today, there are no scheduled activities. You can relax or take an excursion. Options include snorkelling, island tours, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat trips. The waters around the Gilis are amongst the clearest and bluest in Indonesia and are filled with coral, tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life. (B)

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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend some time on the beach before your midday departure. In the afternoon, take a local boat to Lombok. Upon arrival, continue by car to Lombok Airport for a late afternoon flight to Bali or Singapore and then onwards to the UK. (B)