World's Natural Wonders, Private Tour

This 15-day tour of a lifetime will take you through the incredible natural wonders of Indonesia, from dramatic cliffs to pristine ocean waters. See Indonesia’s big cities and hop aboard a boat to make your way through small, uninhabited islands. Search for the ancient Komodo dragon in the wild, see majestic underwater reefs and marine life as you snorkel, and discover Indonesia’s finest ancient temples. This is truly an Indonesian adventure to never forget.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 

Yogyakarta: This city ranks as one of the best-preserved and most attractive in Java, with its ‘Kraton’ (the Sultan's Palace), the centre of Yogya's traditional life.

Prambanan: The breathtaking temples at Prambanan date back to the ninth century.

Bromo: At its heart is a vast, ancient volcanic crater with sheer walls over 300m high, famous for its magnificent sunrise views and the panorama over the caldera with Semeru volcano in the background.

Kalibaru: This inland town is a haven for plantations, including coffee, rubber and cacao.

Ubud: Known as the arts and crafts centre of the island, tradition is particularly important here and temple festivals happen almost daily.

Komodo Island: Now a nature reserve, the island is home to a number of rare bird species, deer and wild pigs, which are prey to the famous Komodo dragons.

Labuan Bajo: Blessed with beautiful and idyllic natural scenery - including beaches and offshore islands - Labuan Bajo is a slice of paradise on earth.

Day 1: ARRIVE YOGYAKARTA – CITY TOUR – PRAMBANAN (50km – 4 hrs)

Upon arrival in Yogyakarta early in the morning, meet with our local rep and transfer directly to the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton. This building, constructed during the 18th century, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. Learn more about Javanese heritage and culture as you walk through the various rooms and chambers. At the exit, a pedicab, known locally as a becak, awaits for your short transfer to Taman Sari, the Water Palace. This palace was built by the first Sultan of Yogyakarta, especially dedicated for his harem as a bathing pool. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the art and handicrafts of Yogyakarta. Visit a traditional Batik fabric workshop and then the village of Kotagede. Located around 10 kilometres from the city centre, this 16th -century village is known for producing some of the best silver products in the country. After, transfer to the outskirts of Yogyakarta to explore the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan, located 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta. Built in the ninth century, this collection of sharp, jagged temple features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Yogyakarta. Lunch included.

Day 2: YOGYAKARTA – BOROBUDUR – CYCLING TO MENDUT PAWON – YOGYAKARTA (105km – 4 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, depart to Magelang to visit Borobudor, 42 kilometres west of Yogyakarta. With your guide, explore this massive Buddhist temple - the world’s largest - and discover the incredible history behind its construction. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was assembled entirely by human labour and took more than 75 years to complete. Nowadays, the UNESCO Heritage site is still visible in its full glory, with magnificent carvings and an unusual, yet surprisingly beautiful structure. At the temple’s exit, your bicycle awaits to start peddling through the rural countryside that leads you to a peaceful and charming village. See local houses and discover the daily village activities. Savour a delicious coconut served as a refreshment in the middle of the plantation. 

Continue with a visit to the nearby temple of Mendut by car. Older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. Also visit Pawon temple, a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry. Enjoy a late lunch served at a local restaurant facing a rice field. After lunch, return to Yogya. In the late afternoon, make a short visit to Alun Alun Kidul (city square). This place has attracted many visitors to try out a game known as Masangin. The rules of the game are very simple – blindfolded, walk straight about 20 metres from the Sasono Hinggil, passing between the two banyan trees planted in the centre of the square. The local belief is that if you able to pass through, you are one who has a pure heart and clean mind who deserves good fortune. 

In the evening, we host you for a tasty dinner at Dalem Joyokusumo. This dalem, or royal family house, was inhabited by Raden Wedono Condrokusumo, a cousin of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, the king of Yogyakarta. They will offer you a royal family ‘secret’, or special menu that usually served only for the royal family. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Yogyakarta . Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3: YOGYAKARTA – TRAIN TO MOJOKERTO – TROWULAN – BROMO (387km – 9hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, in the morning, transfer to the Yogyakarta train station, board the morning Sancaka executive class train to Mojokerto, enjoying the scenic train ride to East Java arriving at noon - schedule is subject to change without notice). Upon arrival in Mojokerto, your driver awaits for your transfer to Tosari village (approx. four hours). Before reaching Tosari, make a stop in Trowulan, the former capital of the Majapahit Empire centuries ago. Majapahit (1293-1500 AD) was a Hindu empire of 98 tributaries, stretching from Sumatra to New Guinea. Your next stop is at the Pasuruan harbour for lunch. In this charming fishing village, see traditional wooden boats and the daily activities of the local fisherman.  After lunch, continue to Tosari, located on the outskirts of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The climate here is cool all year round as the village is perched at an altitude of about 1,700 metres above sea level. Check in at your hotel and have dinner. 

Overnight in Bromo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: BROMO MORNING SUNRISE – KALIBARU (260km – 10 hrs)

Awake early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. We depart the hotel by 4X4 Jeep very early in the morning to reach the first stopping point at Penanjakan, approximately 40 minutes from the hotel. A nice spot will be set up for you with a private tent on the hill near Penanjakan for you to enjoy a hot cup of hot coffee or tea, and from this vantage point, admire the stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surrounds. Watch the incredible scene of the sun rising up from behind the volcano. After, continue by Jeep down to the volcano’s caldera, which is usually still covered by mist early in the morning. Walk to the rim of still active Bromo crater. Next, return to the hotel for breakfast. Departing early ion the morning, check out from the hotel to continue your trip, reaching Kalibaru (6 hours’ drive from Bromo to Kalibaru), located on a quiet hillside with views of Mrawan Mountain and beautiful Gumitir Valley, surrounded by a unique natural setting and plantations. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant on the way. After lunch, transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Kalibaru . Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5: KALIBARU – IJEN (70km – 5 hrs)

In the morning after breakfast, visit a Kalibaru plantation where you may see the cultivation of Indonesian crops, such as coffee, cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, vanilla and pepper, as well as many tropical fruits. Enjoy the sensation of the gentle morning breeze while in the middle of a plantation, smelling the fresh scent of the morning dew. Here you will see the process of making coconut sugar, taken from palm flower to packet. Lunch at the hotel. Continue your journey to the eastern tip of Java Dwipa - Java’s old name - to reach Ketapang. Check in to your hotel with the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Ijen. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 6: IJEN – UBUD (175km – 5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a morning transfer to Baluran National Park, packed with a rich wildlife covering 25,000 hectares of savannah, including 40 kilometres of attractive coastline full of mangroves, beaches and coral reefs. Relatively small in size, the park has many ecosystems with a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as Javanese wild ox, deer, feral water buffalo and more than 100 bird species.  

After, return to your hotel to rest before lunch at a local restaurant, then head to Bali via Pemuteran. Drop off at your hotel in Bali, located in the heart of the island, Ubud.

Overnight  in Ubud. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 7: UBUD – GUNUNG KAWI – TIRTA EMPUL – KINTAMANI – LAVA TOUR – UBUD (90km – 5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart from your hotel to visit the Gunung Kawi temple, located at Tampak Siring village, situated on the River Pakerisan. This archaeological complex carved out of the living rock dates back to the 11th century. The temple offers beautiful views, follow the footpath down (approx. 315 stone steps) to reach the temple passing through spectacular rice terraces. Continuing to Tirta Empul temple, famous for its holy water, where Balinese worshipers have been drawn to for more than 1,000 years. Here you will find natural spring water bathing pool with ancient Balinese designs. 

Ascend to Kintamani to enjoy spectacular views over Lake Batur and its volcano, Mount Batur. Although Mount Batur is not the highest volcano in Bali, it is the most active and is surrounded by an impressive caldera. Buffet lunch is served as you enjoy this beautiful panorama. After, take an exclusive up-close adventure of the volcano. Descending to the black lava at the slope of the active volcano. Hop aboard a classic 4x4 Land Cruiser to start the adventure. A unique trail takes you across the lava eruptions of 1834 and 1964 in the Batur caldera, before returning to the vehicle, visit a cave inside a lava flow. Return to your hotel in Ubud.

Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 8: UBUD – JATILUIH – BEDUGUL – ALAS KEDATON – TANAH LOT – UBUD (140km – 5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a morning drive to western Bali, exploring the Tabanan regency, known for its outstanding natural beauty. Beating the crowds, arrive at Jatiluwih, a spacious rice terrace area in Bali. Due to the unique Subak irrigation system, UNESCO has appointed this area as World Heritage Site in 2012. Here you may join a short walk through the rice field and breathe in the cool, fresh morning air. Then head to Bedugul, with a stop at Candikuning, a colourful local market providing fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and exotic flowers. After, enjoy a set menu lunch at a local private retreat villa by the lake. Next, return to your private air-conditioned vehicle for a visit to Alas Kedaton, a small forest inhabited by hundreds of monkeys. Locals believe that these monkeys are the guardians of the well-preserved small temple inside the forest. Continue on to Bali’s most famous sight, the sea temple of Tanah Lot. Located on a barren volcanic rock in the ocean, the temple is sometimes pounded by huge waves, creating a magical setting. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight  in Ubud. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 9: UBUD – DENPASAR – LABUAN BAJO (75min by flight, not included) /BOAT TRIP: KELOR – MENJERITE – KALONG – PADAR (605km – 6 hrs)

Savour an early breakfast at the hotel before your morning flight to Labuan Bajo, a city at the tip of Flores Island (flight not included, recommended Batik Air, ID 6331 11:45 – 12:55). On arrival at Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo you will be welcomed by our guide and staff. After soft briefing direct transfer to the harbor to get on board the Semi/Superior Phinisi boat then depart to Kelor Island. Lunch will be served on the boat. On arrival at Kelor Island enjoy trekking to the top of the island for a stunning view. Return to the boat and continue to Menjerite for snorkeling and swimming. Then proceed to Kalong Island to see the thousands of bats flying out from their nets. Then, enjoy the sunset from the boat and in the late afternoon sail to Padar Island. Dinner and overnight are on boat.

Overnight on board boat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: BOAT TRIP: PADAR – KOMODO – PINK BEACH – TAKA MAKASSAR – MANTA POINT – GILI LAWA

Early morning at 05:00 am enjoy trekking to the top of Padar Island for amazing views and photo hunting and also enjoy the sunrise from the top of Padar Island. Then return to the boat for breakfast and depart to Loh Liang, Komodo Island. On arrival direct trekking to see the activities of Komodo Dragon and other animals such as wild pig, deer etc. Proceed to Pink Beach for snorkeling and swimming. Lunch will be served on boat while the boat cruises to Taka Makassar for snorkeling. Then move to Manta Point for snorkeling and swimming with Manta (if you are lucky). In the afternoon sailing to Gili Lawa island. 

Overnight on board boat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: BOAT TRIP: GILI LAWA – TURTLE POINT – KANAWA – LABUAN BAJO

Morning snorkeling and swimming at Siyaba to see the turtles. Then, after breakfast cruising to Kanawa Island. On arrival you have a chance to walk on the wooden jetty and around the beach to enjoy the views. You may spot some fish from the wooden jetty. Lunch will be served on boat. After lunch return to Labuan Bajo and check in at your hotel. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Labuan Bajo. Breakfast lunch and dinner included

Day 12: LABUAN BAJO – MIRROR CAVE/ DENPASAR – BENOA (80min by flight, not included)

After breakfast at the hotel check out, and enjoy a city tour visiting Mirror Stone Cave and the local market. Then continue to the center for some free time for buying souvenirs followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, drive to the Labuan Bajo airport to catch a flight back to Denpasar, Bali (flight not included, recommended Batik Air ID 6334 17:35 – 18:55). Check in to your hotel in Benoa with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Benoa. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 13: BENOA

Begin the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure - perhaps enjoy the hotel facilities, relax by the pool reading a good book or enjoy a nice stroll at the beach.  

Overnight  in Benoa. Breakfast included. 

Day 14: BENOA – ULUWATU – BENOA (50km – 2hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by the morning free at leisure. In the afternoon, head to one of Bali’s most impressive temples, Uluwatu, an exquisite monument perched above the sea and situated on a headland at the westernmost tip of the peninsula.

Overnight in Benoa. Breakfast included.

Day 15: BENOA – DENPASAR AIRPORT (15km – 30 min)

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and then transfer to Denpasar airport for your flight back home. 

Breakfast included.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Indonesia. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.