Secrets of Sumatra, Java & Bali

Terraced rice fields, Bali

Explore the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali on this unique tour which takes you off the beaten track to discover some of Indonesia's finest cultural, religious and architectural secrets.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Medan.

On arrival in Medan, the provincial capital of North Sumatra, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Rich in Dutch colonial heritage, Medan is a city adorned with fascinating traditional architecture ranging from the old City Hall and the central Post Office to the Tirtanadi Water Tower. This afternoon, why not join the optional tour of the city’s historical highlights, taking in sights such as the Chinese Temple, the Great Mosque and the Maimun Royal Palace?

DAY 3: Medan - Samosir.

After breakfast leave for the lush volcanic island of Samosir where en route you may see locals cultivating fields of rubber, oil palm and cacao on their plantations. Reaching the waterside town of Parapat, board a ferry and cruise across Lake Toba to one of the largest lake islands in the world, Samosir. (B)

DAY 4: Samosir - Medan - Jakarta.

Begin today with a visit to the ancient village of Simanindo and see a traditional Batak folk dance performed by local villagers. Later, return amidst lush plantations to Medan for your evening flight to the island of Java and Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta. (B)

DAY 5: Jakarta - Bandung.

This morning, journey to the beautiful Botanical Garden at Bogor. Built by Java's governor in 1817, the gardens contain more than 15,000 species of trees and plants dotted around streams and lotus ponds. Next, travel amidst tea plantations and across the stunning Puncak Pass, where you will stop for lunch, to the city of Bandung. Once called the Paris of Java, this bustling city is nestled in a river basin surrounded by scenic volcanic mountains and was once a resort city for plantation owners. (B, L)

DAY 6: Bandung.

Drive to Tangkuban Perahu, a volcanic mountain steeped in local legend and often described as resembling an upturned boat. Later, visit a fruit and vegetable market in the small town of Lembang before visiting Pak Ujo's Angklung music school in Padasuka village to hear a musical rendition performed by children with bamboo instruments. (B, L)

DAY 7: Bandung - Jogjakarta.

Begin today with a scenic railway journey through the lush Parahyangan Highlands, a glorious landscape of terraced rice fields, green valleys and rural villages set against a backdrop of picturesque volcanic mountains. Reaching Jogjakarta in the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city's outstanding historical and cultural heritage and perhaps take a stroll along Malioboro Street, famed for its handicraft and food stalls. (B)

DAY 8: Jogjakarta - Borobudur - Jogjakarta.

A highlight of your tour, today’s trip takes in one of the Buddhist world's most iconic landmarks: the Borobudur Temple. Hidden by the jungle and volcanic landscape until 1814, this huge temple was rediscovered and excavated by the then British governor and is adorned with over 500 intricately carved Buddha statues, 100 carved gargoyle spouts and over 1000 picturesque reliefs. After lunch, continue to the Mendut Temple, with its 3 metre tall Buddha statue, before visiting the village of Candirejo. Your village tour will introduce you to local arts, traditions and other elements of Javanese culture. (B, L)

DAY 9: Jogjakarta - Solo - Malang.

Drive to the old royal town of Solo for a visit to two well-established traditional Indonesian markets, the Triwindu Flea Market and the Pasar Gede. Later, journey amidst teak plantations and lush countryside to Malang, arriving in the late afternoon. (B, L)

DAY 10: Malang - Bromo.

Malang is a city popular for its cool climate and beautiful surrounding scenery, not to mention a significant history dating back to 760AD and the time of the Mataram Kingdom. After breakfast, tour the city’s colonial quarter to visit a bird market and see Singosari Temple, which dates back to the 14th century. Later, drive amidst traditional hillside villages to Bromo in the Mount Bromo volcano area. (B, L)

DAY 11: Bromo - Ketapang - Ubud.

Admire a glorious natural spectacle as you watch the sunrise over one of Indonesia's most amazing landscapes this morning. Start early (3.30am), and drive to Cemara Lawang village where you'll continue on a pony-back ride across sandy bluffs and past the steep slopes of Mount Tengger. Finally, ascend the 245 steps to the rim of the Mount Bromo volcano crater to marvel at the spectacular sunrise. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight from Surabaya to Bali, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Ubud. (B, L)

DAY 12: Ubud.

A city filled with culture, Ubud is the spiritual centre of Bali, surrounded by rice fields, small villages and ancient temples and a magnet for artists, musicians and performers. Today, discover the culinary secrets of traditional Balinese cuisine on an optional cookery experience with a local chef. Visit a traditional market to choose fresh ingredients for your meal, that you will later enjoy for lunch. Alternatively, why not join a tour around Ubud with lunch included? (B, L)

DAY 13: Ubud - Denpasar - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Sanur. (B)

DAY 14: Arrive UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 9,088 ft.

Accommodation on Tour

Medan: Santika Medan; Samosir: Toledo Inn or Silintong; Jakarta: Santika Jakarta; Bandung: Grand Preanger; Jogjakarta: Novotel; Malang: Santika Malang; Bromo: Bromo Cottages; Ubud: Komaneka Resort at Rasa Sayang.

Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required for entry into Indonesia and can be obtained on arrival in Indonesia for a cost per person of $25.

Your Holiday Map

Secrets of Sumatra, Java & Bali

Itinerary Map

Secrets of Sumatra, Java & Bali 11 nights

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Secrets of Sumatra, Java & Bali 12 nights

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  28 Jun 2012 London Heathrow

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Secrets of Sumatra, Java & Bali

Price from £2139.00

What's Included

  • Flights: UK - Medan - Jakarta; Surabaya - Denpasar - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 11 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L)
  • Travel on tour by airconditioned coach/minibus
  • Local guide will accompany the tour in each centre
  • Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
  • All local and airport taxes excluding personal departure tax of IDR 150,000 per person

All this included

  • Bogor Botanical Gardens, Puncak Pass
  • Bandung - Jogjakarta rail journey
  • Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple, Candirejo Village
  • Solo Triwindu Market, Pasar Gede
  • Malang Singosari Temple
  • Bromo Mountain sunrise

Departures from

  • London Heathrow

Departures between

28 Jun 2012 to 28 Mar 2013

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