Adventure & Wonder in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Ubud, Munduk, Gili Air & Jimbaran - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Yogyakarta

Welcome to Indonesia! When you land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Yogyakarta, the most visited city in Java. You'll have the afternoon and evening free to explore this vibrant city filled with energy, art, and creativity. You can visit the Ullen Sentalu Museum to learn about Javanese culture, tour the Affandi Museum to learn about one of Indonesia's most famous artists, see Indonesia's decorative arts at the Batik Museum, or visit the city's many art galleries to see some up-and-comers.

For a stunning architecture tour, visit the 18th-century royal complex, where you can take a tour of the Yogyakarta Palace and even catch a classical Javanese dance and music performance.

In the evening, you can venture out to try authentic Indonesian food before you rest up for the early day ahead.

Day 2: Sunrise at Borobudur, Tour of Java's Temples

You'll have an early wake-up call today for your transfer to Borobudur—one of the world's largest Buddhist temples. Once you arrive, you'll be able to watch the sunrise in this peaceful place before taking a tour of the grounds. From Borobudur, your guide will continue driving, and you'll explore some of Java's most beautiful Buddhist temples, Pawon and Mendut. After taking time to walk around and learn about these significant religious sites, you'll be able to enjoy an authentic Indonesian lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll return to Yogyakarta for your visit to the Sultan Palace (also known as the Kraton), which was built in 1756. Your next stop will be Taman Sari, a royal retreat built in the 1700s with many buildings, a palace, and intricate baths. After learning about these architectural sights, you'll have time to wander the area's narrow streets and meet batik and wayang artisans who will teach you about their crafts.

You'll have the rest of the evening free to spend as you'd like.

Day 3: Tour Kotagede & Prambanan Temples

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to explore a few historic neighborhoods and significant architectural sights near Yogyakarta. The first stop will be the Kotagede Heritage District, where you'll learn about the remains of the first capital of the independent Javanese kingdom, known as the Mataram Sultanate, which was established in the 16th century. Your guide will take you through the royal palace, the royal cemetery, the great mosque, and the surrounding defensive walls and moats. The area is also known for its silver craft, so you may want to take a break to do some shopping.

Next, you'll head to Plaosan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Buddhist temple located in a village about 45 minutes outside of Yogyakarta. The final stop on your tour will be Prambanan Temple, a 10th-century Hindu temple compound that is dedicated to Shiva. In Prambanan, you'll learn about the temples decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana. After a full day of touring temples, you'll be returned to your hotel to relax or spend more time exploring Yogyakarta.

Day 4: Transfer to Ubud

Today, you'll leave Java to explore another one of Indonesia's beautiful islands, Bali. A driver will take you to the airport outside of Yogyakarta, and you'll take a one-hour flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and then travel an additional hour by car to Ubud. During your ride to Ubud, you'll be treated to the island's lush landscapes and rice fields.

Once you arrive in Ubud and check in at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day and evening free to relax. You can explore the town's boutiques and cafés, take a yoga class, and have dinner on your own. 

Day 5: Scenic Tour of Ubud

You'll take a unique tour of Ubud and the surrounding countryside today in a sporty convertible. Your driver will take you down the twisting roads around Ubud, and you'll see terraced rice fields, historic villages, and tranquil artists' studios. Your driver will gladly stop at any point along the way, so be sure to ask to get out and explore whenever the mood strikes. You'll see the impressive terraced rice fields of Tegallalang, the village of Kintamani, and an outlook with incredible views of the volcano known as Mount Batur. In the afternoon, you'll stop to have authentic Indonesian food for lunch.

At the end of the day, your driver will return you to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax at the pool or venture out to explore more of Ubud.

Day 6: Coffee Plantation Tour

Today's journey will take you across the Balinese countryside in search of the island's best coffee. As your guide drives you 39 miles (64 km) to a coffee plantation in Munduk, you can take in the views of verdant rice fields. You'll take a tour of the Munduk Moding coffee plantation and learn about coffee bean production and brewing before you sample different varieties of beans.

After the tour ends, you'll check in at your hotel and have the rest of the night free to relax by an infinity pool or try a spa treatment.

Day 7: ATV Expedition to Waterfall

Today, you'll go on a thrilling expedition to a hidden waterfall, where you'll be driving an ATV known as a Fin Komodo. Your ride will lead you through the hills of Kayu Pandak and past a challenging area known as Devil's Rock. Farther down the dirt path, you'll see more terraced rice fields and The Green Circuit, a race track where you can compete with other drivers.

Later in the day, you'll grab a mountain bike for a 30-minute ride down some dirt trails before taking a break for a hearty lunch. The adventure will then continue into Bengkel Village, where you'll have a chance to explore. After you're done in the village, you'll jump back on the ATV to discover a hidden waterfall where you can go for a swim.

The day ends with a delicious multicourse authentic Indonesian meal.

Day 8: Transfer to Gili Air Island

Today, you'll take a 1.5-hour fast boat ride to Gili Air Island.

After you check in at your hotel, you'll be able to explore sandy beaches fringed by palm trees and snorkel in majestic coral reefs. you'll have all day to experience the delights of this island paradise, so consider asking a representative for help in booking additional activities. 

Day 9: Explore the Gili Islands

You'll explore the wonder of the Gili archipelago today, which includes Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. In the morning, you'll board a boat and begin your adventure around these three islands. During your trip, you'll stop to go snorkeling around a coral reef where you can see sea turtles and tropical fish.

After a few hours on the boat, you'll have lunch and return to Gili Air to have the rest of the day free to relax on the beach or go for a swim.

Day 10: Transfer to Jimbaran

Today, you'll say goodbye to the Gili Islands and head back to the mainland of Bali and the village of Jimbaran. You'll travel for two hours by boat and then another two hours by car to reach your final destination.

When you check in at your accommodation in the fishing village of Jimbaran, you'll have the rest of the day to spend as you'd like. We suggest taking a walk through the lively open-air Kedonganan Fish Market and watching the colorful fishing boats and the buzz of activity.

If you want to try surfing, you can head to Dreamland or Balangan Beach, both of which are known for their strong waves. 

Day 11: Depart

It's time to say goodbye to Bali! After a final breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you back to Ngurah Rai International Airport, where you can catch a flight home or on to your next destination.

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