Discover Indonesia: North Sumatra, East Java & Bali - 15 Days

Highlights

• Spot orangutans in North Sumatra
• Explore temples in Yogyakarta
• See the sun rise over the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen
• Enjoy cultural activities & learn to cook traditional food in Ubud
• Take an exciting white-water rafting trip down the Telaga Waja River

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in North Sumatra, Transfer to Bohorok

Welcome to Indonesia! Arrive at Kuala Namu airport and meet your local guide. If your flight lands early in the morning, enjoy a complimentary tour of Medan. Visit the Maimoon Palace, the Chinese Temple, and Maria Annai Velangkanni—a Catholic church built in the shape of an Indian temple. Then head northwest for about 4-5 hours to reach Bohorok, a town known for its orangutans.

On the way, visit a couple of oil plantations. Your guide will explain this controversial plant and how hard work has been implemented to balance the impact on the environment and economy. If it's in season, you can stop to try rambutan, native to the region, as well as visit a local cacao garden. Then, you'll arrive at Bukit Lawang village near Bohorok and check in to your simple lodge at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park.

Day 2: Guided Walk of Sumatran Rainforest to Meet the Orangutans

Today your local ranger will take you for a three-hour walk through the Sumatran rainforest, where you may have the chance to encounter several species of indigenous flora and fauna—including the famous orangutans, the endemic species of Sumatra. Take in the splendor of the Sumatran rainforest, with its steep slopes and dense vegetation, as you enjoy a guided trek at a comfortable pace.

Day 3: Return to Medan, Fly to Yogyakarta

Return to Medan via private transfer and take a short, three-hour domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Once you arrive, settle into your hotel and relax, or head out to see some of the city's sights. Yogyakarta is sometimes known as "Indonesia's Cultural Capital" and offers streets decorated with flashy graffiti and urban art, coffee shops, charming restaurants by the handful, and temples dotted across the skyline.

Day 4: Visit Borobudur Temple & Prambanan Temple Complex

Head off on a trip to Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist temple, and a visit not to be missed! According to Buddhist teachings, this famous temple dates from the eighth and ninth centuries and was built in the style of a mandala, which symbolizes the universe. The temple is surrounded by volcanoes and more than 500 Buddha statues, making it an awe-inspiring sight. 

Afterward, experience the Prambanan Temple Complex, built in the ninth century, as you admire its exquisite sculptures and ancient artwork. This UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex is locally known as Roro Jonggrang, after a popular Javanese legend. It resides not far from Borobudur, showing how Buddhism and Hinduism once peacefully coexisted. You'll find 240 temples within Prambanan, including three principal temples devoted to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The tallest temple is 155 feet (47 m) high. 

Day 5: Scenic Train Ride to Surabaya, Transfer to Mount Bromo

Early in the morning, your driver will take you to Yogyakarta's train station for a five-hour train ride through the Javanese landscape. Upon reaching Surabaya, you'll meet your transfer and enjoy a local lunch in the heart of this bustling metropolis before carrying on your journey for another three hours to your hotel, located close to the Mount Bromo caldera.

If you have the energy (and time), visit Madakaripura Waterfall, hidden within a valley in the foothills of the Tengger Mountain Range. On the way to Mount Bromo, you can take some time to marvel at this natural wonder as it pours over the lush, green cliffside. Prepare to get wet!

Day 6: Mount Bromo Sunrise Hike & Jeep Tour, Transfer to Mount Ijen

Rise before dawn for your Mount Bromo adventure. This active volcano is located in Tengger Semeru National Park, which stretches over 300 square miles (800 sq km) in the center of East Java, and is home to five different volcanoes. Besides Mount Bromo, these include Mount Batok, Mount Kursi, Mount Watangan, and Mount Widodaren. Temperatures at the top of Mount Bromo range from about 41°F-64°F (5°C-18°C.) 

Early this morning, explore Bromo's lunar-like landscape on a sunrise hike and Jeep tour. Once you reach the volcano's peak, which soars 7,641 feet (2,329 m) above sea level, you'll be treated to a stunning view of the smoking caldera below. Later, take a quick rest before beginning your journey to East Java, a drive that takes approximately seven hours. 

Day 7: Mount Ijen Sunrise Hike, Boat to Bali & Transfer to Pemuteran

You'll have an early wake-up call today for a trip to Mount Ijen, a volcano and crater lake. Trek for two hours to the crater's rim, following winding paths. You'll reach the top in time for the sunrise and breathtaking views of the turquoise lake at the center of the crater. A gas mask will be provided by your guide to protect your lungs from the sulfuric gas rising from the crater.

After soaking in the stunning surroundings, return to the volcano's base and head back to your hotel. Then transfer to a jetty in east Java, where you'll board a boat to Bali. Upon your arrival, transfer by road to your hotel in Pemuteran.

Day 8: Snorkeling Excursion Around Menjangan Island

Take a half-day boat trip around Bali Barat National Park, enjoying the scenery and snorkeling at some of Bali's most beautiful marine sites. Bali Barat National Park (also known as West Bali National Park) and the unspoiled Menjangan Island are perfect for nature lovers. This is the best area in Bali for snorkeling, offering an array of marine life and pristine beaches. Your boat trip includes a local-style picnic lunch served on board or on the beach if the tide is right.

Day 9: Transfer to Ubud, Sightseeing Around Ubud

This morning, journey from Pemuteran to Ubud via private transfer. Once there, make an optional visit to one or several of the area's sights.

Consider visiting Brahma Vihara Giri, one of two Buddhist monasteries in Bali, known for its beautiful reclining Buddha image, intricate decorative carvings, and unusual mini replicas of Borobudur. Or travel to the center of Bali to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. A third option is to visit Batukaru Temple, a sacred site for the local Hindu population and one of the island's nine "directional temples," which are said to protect Bali and its inhabitants from evil spirits. 

Day 10: Early Morning Market Shop & Cooking Class

Meet your chef early this morning to visit a local market. You'll discover a diverse range of fresh items for sale, including tropical fruits, organic vegetables, and exotic spices. You'll also get a taste of local life, as many Balinese come to the market each morning to do their daily shopping. Your chef will help you look for ingredients you'll use during a cooking class.

Walk back to your hotel for breakfast, then head to a traditional kitchen to start your Balinese cooking lesson. Prepare a selection of local recipes, learning about Indonesia's culinary techniques and flavors. At the end of the class, sit down to enjoy a lunch of your freshly-prepared dishes.

Day 11: Cultural Immersion & Traditional Lunch at Rumah Desa

Spend a morning immersed in Balinese life. A local family will welcome you to Rumah Desa, a traditional house in the countryside. The family will introduce you to various aspects of Balinese daily life through fun, engaging, and enriching activities. You'll also spend time in the village rice fields and plantations, learning about Balinese farmers' unique agricultural techniques. After this immersive morning, sit down to enjoy a traditional-style local lunch.

In the afternoon, why not say hello to the playful monkeys in Sangeh Monkey Forest? This well-known nature conservation area covers 35 acres (14 ha) and is considered sacred. You'll find hundreds of macaque monkeys in the forest, along with the 17th-century Bukit Sari Temple. 

Day 12: Cycle from Batur to Ubud

Cycle along quiet back roads through local villages, rice paddy fields, and fantastic countryside for approximately four hours. You'll stop and take photographs and interact with the friendly locals during the tour. Stop at one of the many village temples and try traditional snacks and different fruits along the way. The ride ends in Ubud, where you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 13: Transfer to Uluwatu, Telaga Waja River Raft Excursion & Uluwatu Temple

Travel from Ubud to Uluwatu by private transfer, then prepare for a morning of rafting on the Telaga Waja River. This river is less famous than the Ayung River in Ubud but offers more transparent water, stronger currents, and exciting thrills—while still accessible to children and adults. You'll be directed on an intense 9-mile (14 km) journey through the stunning landscapes for two hours, where you'll discover villages amid the tropical jungle and waterfalls. Enjoy a local lunch along the river's edge at the end of your rafting adventure.

Later, you can enjoy an optional visit to Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliffside at 230 feet (70 m) above the sea. Take time to wander around and enjoy spectacular views of waves crashing below as you learn a little bit about this place's history. Uluwatu Temple is known for its mischievous monkey residents, so keep watch of anything you are carrying that isn't attached, as well as open zippers on bags.

Day 14: Free Day in Uluwatu

Use today to explore the Bukit Peninsula on your own. You can learn to surf, visit the upscale boutiques in the Seminyak Beach resort area, enjoy a fire dance show at Uluwatu Temple, or watch the sunset from the highest regions of the peninsula.

You can also spend the day touring the area's beaches. First, discover the white-sand beaches around Pecatu, and enjoy their incredible views. Down a small flight of stairs leading through a narrow rock passage, you'll find the unique Padang-Padang Beach, known for its background of shaded hills and steep cliffs. Green Bowl Beach won't disappoint if you feel like a longer walk down 350 stairs! Or enjoy a full day at Melasti Beach, known by tourists and locals alike as one of the best beaches in Bali. 

Day 15: Depart Bali

Meet your driver this morning, and transfer from your hotel to Bali International Airport. Have a safe trip home or to your next destination!

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