Borobudur, Java
Discovering Java, Bali & Sumatra
Medan • Tangkahan • Bukit Lawang • Jakarta • Bandung • Yogyakarta • Surabaya • Bromo • Ijen • Bali Barat • Ubud
Discover Indonesia across three remarkable islands, beginning in Sumatra, where dense tropical rainforest, winding rivers and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Gunung Leuser National Park set the scene for an adventure into one of Southeast Asia’s great wildernesses.
From Tangkahan, explore the rainforest on foot and by river before continuing to Bukit Lawang, renowned for opportunities to encounter orangutans in their natural forest habitat. The journey then moves to Java, beginning in Jakarta before travelling overland to the cooler highlands of Bandung and onward by scenic train to the cultural heart of Yogyakarta.
Explore Yogyakarta’s royal heritage, discover the ancient Buddhist monument of Borobudur, visit rural Candirejo and experience the magnificent Hindu temples of Prambanan, complemented by a traditional Ramayana performance. From here, continue east by rail and road to Surabaya, the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo, and the dramatic crater of Mount Ijen.
Cross by ferry from Java into Bali, where the remote forests and coastal landscapes of Bali Barat National Park offer time for nature, beaches and marine experiences before the journey concludes in Ubud, surrounded by rice fields, temples, traditional arts and the cultural character for which Bali is celebrated.
Highlights
Pristine rainforests of Tangkahan.
In search of orangutans.
River tubing in Sumatra.
Scenic train across Java to Yogyakarta.
Sunrise at Borobudur.
Prambanan Temple Ramayana performance.
Bali Barat with the cultural heart of Ubud.
DAY 1 | MEDAN
Arrival in Sumatra
Arrive in Medan, the principal gateway to North Sumatra. Meet your local representative and transfer into the city.
The remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey or take a gentle introduction to Medan’s busy streets and multicultural character.
DAY 2 | MEDAN – TANGKAHAN
Into the Rainforest of Gunung Leuser
After breakfast, leave Medan behind and travel by 4×4 towards Tangkahan, deep within the rainforest region of Gunung Leuser National Park.
As the urban landscape gives way to rural settlements, plantations and increasingly dense vegetation, the journey becomes an introduction to the wild landscapes of northern Sumatra.
Arrive in Tangkahan and begin your immersion in the rainforest with a private guided nature trek, following forest trails beneath towering tropical vegetation and watching for birds, monkeys, butterflies and other wildlife.
Tangkahan’s remote setting provides an immediate sense of being far from the usual tourist trail.
DAY 3 | TANGKAHAN
Rainforest Trails & River Adventure
Spend the day exploring the remarkable natural surroundings of Tangkahan.
Set out with your guide into Gunung Leuser National Park, combining a rainforest trek with a gentle river-tubing experience. Follow jungle trails through thick vegetation before taking to the river and experiencing the forest from a completely different perspective.
The afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing time to appreciate the surrounding wilderness or undertake another nature walk with a local guide.
The day offers an intimate introduction to the sights and sounds of Sumatra’s rainforest.
DAY 4 | TANGKAHAN – BUKIT LAWANG
Along the Forest Route to Orangutan Country
After breakfast, travel overland from Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang, another gateway to the forests of Gunung Leuser National Park.
On arrival, venture into the surrounding rainforest with your guide in search of orangutans and other wildlife. The forest around Bukit Lawang provides a natural setting for observing these remarkable primates and the diverse ecosystem in which they live.
Later, return to the riverside settlement and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this forest community.
DAY 5 | BUKIT LAWANG
Tracking Orangutans in the Rainforest
Today is devoted entirely to the rainforest around Bukit Lawang.
Accompanied by an experienced local guide, trek through forest trails searching for wild orangutans and other rainforest inhabitants. Keep watch in the canopy for primates and tropical birds while your guide explains the forest ecology and the wildlife that depends upon it.
The experience is as much about immersing yourself in the rainforest as it is about wildlife encounters, with dense vegetation, ancient trees and the sounds of the jungle forming the backdrop throughout the day.
DAY 6 | BUKIT LAWANG – MEDAN – JAKARTA
From Sumatra to Java
After breakfast, drive back towards Medan for your flight to Jakarta, Indonesia’s sprawling capital.
On arrival in Jakarta, meet your guide and transfer into the city.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, providing an opportunity to relax or begin discovering the contrasting character of Indonesia’s largest urban centre.
DAY 7 | JAKARTA – BANDUNG
From the Capital to the West Java Highlands
Depart Jakarta and travel overland towards Bandung, situated amid the cooler highlands of West Java.
This transition from the capital to the mountainous interior reveals another side of Java, with changing landscapes and rural scenery along the route.
Later, experience aspects of traditional Javanese culture through a traditional dance performance and visit a local arts centre to learn about the region’s craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
Bandung provides a fascinating cultural bridge between western Java and the historic heart of the island.
DAY 8 | BANDUNG – YOGYAKARTA
Scenic Train Journey Across Java
Transfer to the railway station for a scenic train journey across Java to Yogyakarta.
The railway journey offers a relaxed way to appreciate the changing landscape of the island, passing through rural settlements, agricultural countryside and lush green scenery.
Arrive in Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural centre, and begin your introduction to this historic city.
DAY 9 | YOGYAKARTA
The Royal Heritage of Java
Today explore Yogyakarta and discover the city’s distinctive blend of Javanese tradition, royal history and contemporary artistic life.
Visit the Kraton, or Sultan’s Palace, the traditional centre of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Explore its courtyards and architectural details while learning about the customs and traditions associated with Javanese royalty.
Continue through the city, taking in its historic quarters and cultural character before enjoying time at leisure to explore independently.
DAY 10 | YOGYAKARTA
Borobudur, Candirejo & Prambanan
Rise early and travel towards Borobudur, arriving in time to experience the ancient Buddhist monument in the soft light of morning.
Explore its monumental terraces, intricately carved reliefs and extraordinary arrangement of stupas before continuing to Candirejo village, where the surrounding rural landscape offers an insight into traditional Javanese life.
Later in the afternoon, visit the magnificent Prambanan temple complex, one of Java’s great Hindu monuments.
As evening approaches, experience a traditional Ramayana ballet performance, bringing the legendary story to life through Javanese dance, music and theatre.
DAY 11 | YOGYAKARTA – SURABAYA
Eastward by Rail
Today board the train for a scenic journey from Yogyakarta to Surabaya, continuing east across Java.
The changing landscape outside the carriage provides a fascinating glimpse of rural Java, from cultivated fields and villages to increasingly volcanic terrain.
Arrive in Surabaya, East Java’s principal city, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 12 | SURABAYA – MOUNT BROMO
From East Java’s Markets to the Volcanoes
Begin the morning exploring the atmosphere of Surabaya, including its traditional spice-market quarter.
Later, leave the city and travel towards the cooler volcanic highlands of Mount Bromo.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the route climbs into East Java’s volcanic country, with mountain slopes, farming communities and changing vegetation accompanying the journey.
Arrive in the Bromo region and prepare for an early start the following morning.
DAY 13 | MOUNT BROMO – IJEN PLATEAU
Sunrise over Mount Bromo
Rise well before dawn for one of the defining experiences of the journey — sunrise over Mount Bromo.
Travel to a suitable viewpoint and watch as the first light gradually illuminates the volcanic landscape, revealing Bromo, the surrounding caldera and the distant mountain peaks.
After sunrise, continue through East Java towards the Ijen Plateau, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and rural landscapes along the way.
Arrive in the Ijen region later in the day.
DAY 14 | IJEN NATIONAL PARK
Ijen Crater & The Sulphur Miners
Set out early for the ascent of Mount Ijen.
Trek towards the crater, where the landscape transforms into a dramatic volcanic world dominated by the striking turquoise crater lake and rugged sulphur-bearing slopes.
Along the route, observe the traditional sulphur-mining activity associated with the mountain and gain an insight into the demanding working environment of the local miners.
Later, descend from the mountain and explore the surrounding countryside, including the villages, plantations and rural landscapes of the Ijen region.
DAY 15 | IJEN – KETAPANG – BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK
Across the Bali Strait
Travel towards Ketapang Harbour and board the ferry for the short crossing to Bali.
As Java gradually disappears behind you and Bali comes into view, the landscape changes once again.
On arrival, continue towards Bali Barat National Park, a protected region of forest, mangroves, coastal landscapes and rich wildlife.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the tranquillity of this relatively remote corner of western Bali.
DAY 16 | BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK
Wilderness, Forest & Coastal Landscapes
Spend the day discovering the natural environment of Bali Barat National Park.
Explore the park’s varied landscapes, from tropical forest and mangroves to quiet coastal areas and secluded beaches.
The day can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching or simply appreciating western Bali’s more tranquil character.
DAY 17 | BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK
The Marine World of North-West Bali
Today turn towards the sea and discover the marine environments along Bali’s north-western coast.
Enjoy an opportunity for snorkelling or diving, exploring the clear tropical waters around the coast and nearby Menjangan Island, renowned for its underwater scenery.
The combination of coral-rich waters, protected coastal landscapes and forested surroundings makes this a markedly different experience from the volcanic and cultural landscapes encountered earlier on the journey.
DAY 18 | BALI BARAT – LAKE BRATAN – UBUD
Through Bali’s Highland Landscapes
Depart Bali Barat and travel eastwards towards Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.
En route, stop at Lake Bratan, set amid the cooler mountain landscapes of central Bali. The journey continues through increasingly lush highland scenery and traditional Balinese countryside.
Arrive in Ubud, where rice fields, temples, villages, galleries and traditional arts create a completely different atmosphere from the coastal wilderness of western Bali.
DAY 19 | UBUD
Arts, Crafts & Traditional Bali
Spend the day exploring Ubud and its surroundings with your guide.
Discover the artistic traditions for which Ubud is celebrated, with opportunities to visit local craft centres, traditional villages and areas of countryside around the town. The surrounding landscape of verdant rice fields, waterways and forested valleys provides a beautiful setting in which to experience Bali beyond its better-known beaches and resorts.
Varkala Beach
DAY 20 | UBUD
Ubud & The Balinese Way of Life
Enjoy a further day discovering Ubud at a leisurely pace.
Explore the town’s galleries, craft traditions and lively streets, or venture into the surrounding countryside to experience the landscapes and communities that give this region its distinctive character.
The day may also be used for additional cultural experiences or simply to absorb the atmosphere of Bali’s artistic and spiritual heartland.
DAY 21 | UBUD – DEPARTURE
Farewell to Indonesia
After breakfast, the morning is free until your scheduled departure.
Later, transfer to the airport for your onward international flight, bringing this journey across Sumatra, Java and Bali to a close.
Depart with memories of deep rainforest, encounters with orangutans, ancient temples, volcanic landscapes, traditional Javanese culture, protected coastlines and the artistic spirit of Bali.