PART OF JAVA
Day 1 | ARRIVAL IN YOGYAKARTA
Upon arrival at Yogyakarta Airport, after completing customs formalities and baggage claim, you'll be greeted by a transfer arranged by the hotel that will take you comfortably to your destination. Here, you can relax, recharge your batteries after the journey, and enjoy a peaceful evening. You can also dine directly at the hotel, for a comfortable start to your stay.
Day 2 | THE TREASURES OF YOGYAKARTA
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We depart for Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java. The day begins with a City Tour of Yogyakarta: a visit to the Sultan Palace, the center of Javanese culture and home of the beloved Sultan of Yogyakarta, and the Water Castle, considered the most important and emblematic historical building of the ancient kingdom of Yogyakarta, also known as the Yogyakarta Kingdom's Secret Castle. Next, a visit to the Sambisari Temple, famous for being discovered underground and completely brought to the surface piece by piece, masterfully reconstructed. The day concludes with a visit to the Prambanan Temple, the tallest Hindu temple in the world, often compared by experts to the ruins of Angkor Wat. After the tours, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the island's traditional crafts, such as batik, leather puppetry, and silver or woodworking, depending on your interests and the time available. Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Free time at leisure.
Day 3 | MERAPI VOLCANO AND THE MAGICAL BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. The day begins with a Lava Tour in the village of Kaliadem at the foot of Merapi Volcano. This exciting excursion explores the areas surrounding Merapi Volcano, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, and visits the areas devastated by the 2010 eruption, aboard a 4x4 jeep. During this tour, you'll cross landscapes covered in solidified lava, visit homes and villages destroyed by the eruption, and visit open-air museums displaying artifacts preserved by volcanic ash. The tour then heads towards Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, to reach the famous Borobudur Temple. An evocative Buddhist temple with a distinctive mandala- like layout and a structure decorated with sculptures and friezes that narrate Buddhist history and culture. Climbing to the top of the temple is currently no longer possible, but it is still possible to reach the Rhombus Holed Stupa wearing protective footwear, in a group, and accompanied by a local, English-speaking guide. At the end of the visit, we move on to the temples of Pawon and Mendut, two small but important Buddhist temples that are part of a sacred complex along with the famous Borobudur temple. Pawon Temple, built in the 9th century and located about 2 kilometers from Borobudur, is thought to have been a place of transit for the souls of the deceased. Mendut Temple, dating back to the 9th century, is located about 3 kilometers from Borobudur and is known for its large seated Buddha statue within the main chamber, flanked by other deities. Both temples are symbolically connected to Borobudur, suggesting a spiritual journey that culminates at the great stupa. Arrive in Magelang and check into your hotel. Free time.
Day 4 | DIENG PLATEAU AND TEA PLANTATIONS
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Dieng Plateau. Upon arrival at the Dieng Plateau, we visit the Arjuna Temple, a complex of great historical importance, evidence of the country's first Hindu constructions, located in an absolutely picturesque geographical setting. The tour continues with a visit to the Sikidang Crater, another popular attraction as it is the largest crater in the entire area, characterized by intense volcanic activity that continues to attract researchers from around the world. Finally, we visit Color Lake, a body of green water nestled in a lush landscape whose color changes depending on the volcanic activity occurring beneath its surface. After the visit, we return to Magelang through an area famous for its tea plantations, a vital component of the local economy; there is the option to visit one. Arrival at the hotel in the evening and free time to relax.
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Day 5 | THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGE OF CANDIREJO
Breakfast at the hotel and check out . The day begins with a visit to the village of Candirejo, where you can interact with the rural population, learn about their customs and activities, and relive and appreciate life in Java before the arrival of modernity. Arrive in Yogyakarta in afternoon and settle into your room. Free time to relax.
Day 6 | CETHO AND SUKUH TEMPLES AND JUMONG WATERFALL
Breakfast at the hotel and early check-out. Begin your journey east. Along the way, you can visit the Cetho and Sukuh Temples. The Cetho and Sukuh Temples are located on the western slope of Mount Lawu in Central Java and date back to the late Majapahit periode (15th century). Cetho Temple, located approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, has a mystical atmosphere, with stepped terraces and intricate decorations reflecting Hindu religious and spiritual elements. It is still used as a place of worship by local Javanese Hindus and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations. Sukuh Temple, known for its unique architecture, resembling a step pyramid, is famous for its erotic sculptures symbolizing fertility and regeneration. The temple also features bas-reliefs illustrating mythological and spiritual stories. The day ends with a visit to the Jumog waterfall, Located right on the slopes of Mount Lawu, not far from the two temples. Jumog Waterfall is a natural oasis surrounded by greenery, an ideal place to relax, with cool water cascading through lush tropical forests, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere. Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon and settle into your room at the hotel in Madiun. Free time and the option to dine at the hotel.
Day 7 | TROWULAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND MADAKARIPURA WATERFALLS
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. The journey continues east towards Cemoro Lawang. Along the way, a stop will be made to visit the Trowulan archaeological site, the only site from the classical Hindu-Buddhist era in Indonesia that can still be visited. Trowulan is located in East Java, Indonesia, and is considered the ancient capital of the glorious Majapahit kingdom, one of the largest empires in Southeast Asia, which flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries. The site houses ruins, temples, and ancient structures that testify to the empire's grandeur. Next, the scenic Madakaripura waterfalls are reached by a simple hike and a short motorbike taxi ride. After admiring the beautiful waterfalls and crossing them (optional but recommended), the tour continues to the town of Cemoro Lawang, the starting point for excursions to Mount Bromo. Arrival at the hotel in the late afternoon and check-in to the hotel rooms. Free time and the option to dine at the hotel.
MADAKARIPURA WATERFALLS NOTE The excursion to the waterfalls involves a short motorcycle ride as a passenger to the start of the very easy trekking trail. You'll need to cross the river on foot, so appropriate clothing and footwear are required. It's also recommended to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet during the hike.
Day 8 | SUNRISE ON MOUNT BROMO
We'll wake up very early in the morning and depart by 4x4 jeep towards Penanjakan (3:00 AM) to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Bromo and its caldera. Once the sun is high, we'll re-board the jeep to cross the sea of sand and reach the slopes of Mount Bromo. From there, it's possible to hike up to the crater rim. The steepest part of the climb is made easier by steps. For the lazy, there's the option of horseback riding to the base of the steps. Around 10:00 AM, we'll return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. We'll continue towards Baniuwangi, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in and
enjoy free time.
BROMO DAWN NOTE The temperature at night while you wait for sunrise can be quite cold for Indonesia, dropping to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Appropriate clothing is recommended.
Day 9 | IJEN VOLCANO AND FERRY TO BALI
An early morning wake-up call and departure for Paltuding Post, reached by crossing a pine forest dominated by the three imposing peaks of Ijen, Merapi, and Raung. From there, a roughly 1.5-hour trek takes you to the summit of Ijen Volcano, where you can see the crater, the infamous sulfur mines, and the sulfur lake. At the end of the hike, we return to the hotel for breakfast, passing through villages and their coffee plantations.
After checking out, we head to Ketapang Port, from where we take a ferry across the Java Strait to Gilimanuk Port at the northern tip of Bali. During the crossing, you'll be accompanied by one of our representatives who will handle the ferry ticketing, check you in, and, once you arrive in Bali, arrange for your transfer to your next destination. Once you land on the Island of the Gods, a private transfer will take you to your next destination hotel for some well-deserved rest after two busy days exploring the volcanoes.
End of Programe
DISCOVER JAVA AMONG TEMPLES, NATURE, AND AUTHENTIC CULTURE
9D8N Yogyakarta – Dieng Platue – Mt.Bromo – Ijen Crater
