After enjoying breakfast at the hotel you will begin your journey by exploring and uncovering the mysteries of ancient temples. You will be taken on a picturesque drive through the city for roughly one hour, until you arrive at the mighty Borobudur Temple. This colossal Buddhist masterpiece was believed to be constructed by hand from countless river and volcanic stones. The temple depicts hundreds of Buddhas peacefully overseeing the surrounding rice fields and distant mountains. Discover the nearby Mendut Temple, an ancient pyramid-shaped monument preserving three astonishing stone statues. Cross the Progo River to explore the Pawon Temple, a historic demonstration of architectural mastery.
A mouth-watering lunch will be served at a charming local restaurant, then relax as you a taken back to your luxury accommodation. Spend the afternoon and evening in leisure by the pool and restaurant bar, or take yourself out to explore the surrounding city.
Wake to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel before heading out to uncover the beauty of the Sultan’s Palace of Yogyakarta, an exquisite example of traditional Javanese architecture which remains as Sultan’s residence today. Venture over to the astonishingly beautiful Taman Sari Water Castle, a picturesque site with manicured gardens and glistening pools.
From here you will have the opportunity to witness one of Indonesia’s most beautiful temples, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site – the Prambanan Temple. Explore this historically significant site with your guide passing knowledge on the fascinating history, legends and symbolism behind the structures.
Complete your daily tour by exploring the traditional village of Bugisan and the inspiring Plaosan Temple complex. The village is brimming with culturally significant experiences, including an intimate and refreshing tea in a welcoming local house, and a traditional Jamu makers house which will demonstrate the process of bottling colour herbal medicines. Interact with the charming ladies of the village as you learn the art of Gamelan, a traditional Indonesian instrument. Later, return to your stylish abode.
Rise early this morning and be transported to the local train station, where you will board the Sancaka morning train which will take you to Jombang. You will travel in the executive class, air conditioned compartments for approximately four hours and witness the beautiful landscapes as your journey carries you along.
Upon your arrival in Jombang you will be driven to Trowulan – historic site of the former capital of the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled over Java for centuries. Explore the beautifully preserved archaeological museum of Trowulan before returning to the waiting car, which will deliver you to Mount Bromo, taking you along the picturesque mountain roads that lead to the Bromo Tengger National Park. Amidst the lush tropical greenery you will arrival at the Plataran Bromo resort, a peaceful mountain sanctuary. Spend your afternoon as you please, exploring the resort, overlooking the unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes, and getting some well-deserved rest.
Wake in the darkness of the early morning to be driven from the hotel to the viewpoint of Mount Penanjakan. Sit in peaceful silence to watch as the sun breaks over the horizon to reveal the most spectacular views of Java, capture the scenery of Mount Bromo and the smoking of Mount Semeru in the distance. As the sun rises into the morning sky observe the beauty of the Hindu temple Pura Luhur Potein and the accompanying landscape. The immense power of Mount Bromo becomes apparent as you ride on horseback to the edge of the active volcanic crater, the ride will take approximately 20 minutes and will lead you to the stairs of Bromo Crater. Look out to see primordial volcanic lands stretching between mountains, disturbed only by the beautiful site of local horsemen kicking up the dust of their trails.
Indulge in a filling breakfast box, then continue your morning adventure to the Bromo Savannah – a splendid view of lush rolling hills – and Whispering Sands – a seemingly endless sea of sand.
Return to the lavish hotel in the late morning to relax as you please. In the afternoon there is an optional walking tour (surcharges apply) through the village to meet the locals.
This morning, wake to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and being driven to Surabaya to catch your domestic flight to Lombok. The flight is approximately one hour.
Upon arrival in Lombok, you will be welcomed by your new travel guide who will assist in transferring you to the lavish five-star Sudamala Resort. After checking in the rest of the day is yours – choose to take a relaxing dip in the opulent pool, or head down to the beach and explore the turquoise waters of the island.
Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel, then choose how you wish to spend your day. You can wander through the tropical paradise that makes up the five-star accommodation, book yourself for a massage or yoga session on the deck and completely unwind.
Or you are welcome to choose the optional North Lombok tour with lunch, where you will be guided along the coastal roads until you arrive at Sasak Village. Located on the Northern slope of Mount Rinjani the village is home to local farmers. Mingle with the locals before walking down the stairs to witness the crashing water of Sendanggila Waterfall, and continue upstream if you choose, to visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall.
The optional tour will continue to take you to Sembalun Village, where you will find the best vantage point to capture the panoramic pinnacle of Rinijani Volcano. Find yourself being guided through the beautifully preserved tropical forest of Rinjani National Park, passing and stopping by several other local villages dotted along the roads. Within the National Park, if you are lucky, you will get the chance to observe black long-tailed monkeys, as well as other wildlife, including deer’s and pigs. Before returning to the luxury accommodation, you will pass by Lemor, which is a recreational area with a natural spring pool.
Optional Activity:
- North Lombok tour (from AU$90 per person).
Once again, you will wake to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before deciding how you would like to spend you day. You have the option to relax at the resort, make the most of the exquisite facilities, or complete your own exploration around the surrounding region.
You may prefer to spend your day booking the optional Three Gilis Natural Aquarium tour with lunch and a private boat charter. The tour will take you on an island-hopping adventure along the white sands and palm-fringed beaches. From the harbour, you will board a local boat and relax for the 30-minute ride to the three small Gili islands.
The first stop is Gili Trawangan, the largest and most popular of the three islands. Here you can choose to snorkel along the crystal-clear beaches or explore the island by foot, bicycle, or a traditional horse-drawn cart. Continue cruising to the second and smallest island, Gili Meno, home to a sea of tropical fish and lush coral reefs, where you are encouraged to swim and snorkel to enjoy the island’s unique ocean. Finish the tour at Gili Air island and spend your afternoon lounging beneath the sunshine of the sandy beaches. Return to the luxury hotel to rest for the evening.
Optional Activity:
- Three Gilis Natural Aquarium tour (from AU$133 per person).
As the final full day of the tour, you have the luxury of choosing how to spend your final day of leisure. From the luxury resort pool and lush tropical gardens to a state-of-the-art gymnasium, you will be spoilt for choice for ways to while away the hours.
Join your fellow travellers for a final group dinner at the hotel to celebrate the adventures you have shared over the last nine days. Toast to your farewell with a complimentary glass of wine or beer.
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast and relax at the hotel until you are transported to Lombok International Airport (LOP). Your Indonesian adventure comes to an end on arrival at Lombok International Airport (LOP).