Indonesia: Absolute Java - 15 Days

Welcome to Java! Arrive at any time.

Explore the capital city of Indonesia's 17,000+ islands. Today in this bustling metropolis, we'll visit Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in all of Southeast Asia, the neo-Gothic Jakarta Cathedral, and the cobble stoned colonial Kota Tua Old Town. Explore Sunda Kelapa Harbor and the historic pinisi ships. After a full day of adventure, head out for dinner along Sabang street at a local warung (local Indonesian restaurant).

Travel southeast towards Bandung, another major city in West Java. After arriving, sit down for a traditional Sundanese lunch, eaten family-style. Explore this historic city & Indonesia's natural heritage with time to visit the Geological Museum of Bandung. We'll drive to Gedung Sate for a photo stop on our way to visit Jalan Asia Afrika for some free time to explore.

Today is a free day to explore Bandung however you'd like. Choose to explore the vibrant city or stay active with a visit to Tangkuban Prahu volcano or Kawah Putih crater for some easy hiking. Combo that with a visit to a local tea plantation for lunch and a tea tasting.

Depart Bandung this morning and drive to Semarang to arrive in the early afternoon. Explore the sights of the city like Greja Blenduk and Lawang Sewu for the charming Dutch architecture. Visit Sam Poo Kong Temple, a historic Chinese temple, and Kota Lama, the historic downtown of Semarang. Save room after lunch as you will try the local favorite, Lumpia, a delicious Javanese spring roll.

Leave the city behind and head into the central Java mountains today. The first stop today will be to Gedong Songo Temple, on the slopes of Mount Ungaran. This beautiful Hindu temple is perched on the mountain in solitude surrounded by nothing but forests. After some time to explore and take photos, we'll visit the Ambarawa Train Museum, where 21 historic locomotives still reside in Java today. Make your way to Wonosobo in the Dieng Plateau region and enjoy a free evening.

Visit the breathtaking Dieng Plateau and enjoy the day to explore with your CEO as your guide! We'll see the sights like the colorful Telaga Warna Lake, misty Arjuna Temple and sulphurous Si Kidang Crater. After an adventurous day in nature, spend the evening in Wonosobo town square, where the locals gather to see what the evening food vendors are selling.

On the way to Yogyakarta, make a pit stop at the spectacular Selogriyo Temple, a gorgeous Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility in central Java. Enjoy the uphill scenic walk through the complex. Then head to Yogyakarta.

There's so much to discover in Yogyakarta today! Explore some Javanese temples, bike to rice paddies on the outskirts of the city, or go for a foodie tour and try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit).

Visit Candirejo Village on the way to Magelang today. Accompanied by a local guide, learn more about this village and why its known as a symbol of Javanese culture. Here you will gain more insight into daily activities, the multiple-crop farming system, and their traditions. After a delicious local lunch, drive to Magelang for the night.

We'll rise before the sun today in order to catch a beautiful sunrise atop Setumbu Hill. This easy hike will bring you above the early morning fog for a gorgeous view of the jungly temple topped mountains. After descending, return to the village for an easy biking tour to see its beautiful sites like Borobudur Temple and the traditional market. This evening, drive to Solo.

Spend the day getting to know the history and traditions of Central Java in Solo, known as the center of Javanese culture. With visits to Mangkunegaran Palace, Triwindhu Market and Laweyan Village, you'll have the chance to see how traditional heritage is still alive today.

After breakfast, continue east to Ngadas Village. On the way, make stops to explore Alun Alun Malang City Square and colorful Jodipan Village. Arrive to Ngadas in the late afternoon. This picturesque village in the foothills of Mt Bromo is known for its Javanese traditions and beautiful nature.

An early morning jeep ride is the best way to see the Bromo Crater this morning. Followed by a 45 minute hike to reach Penanjakan Hill view point just in time for sunrise! Admire the oranges and pinks before continuing the hike through the Sea of Sands to the top of Bromo Crater. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at Teletubbies Hill. Return to Ngadas Village for a walking tour (and maybe a coffee?) to see the temples, the tomb of mbah Sedek and the holy forest. Enjoy a local lunch and dinner at the homestay with free time to explore how you wish in between.

Fill up on breakfast, then load into the bus to drive to Surabaya. Your tours ends on arrival at the Surabaya Airport.