Highlights
- Feed orangutans and explore the pristine jungle in Tanjung Puting National Park
- Visit the limestone burial caves near Londa in the highlands of Tana Toraja
- Learn traditional Balinese crafts such as forging the keris dagger and mask carving
- Lay your towel down on the pink-hued sands of Pink Beach on Padar Island
- Watch thousands of fruit bats take flight at sunset on Kalong Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Jakarta, Explore at Leisure | Jakarta |
| Day 2 | Fly to Borneo, River Cruise to Sekonyer & Camp Tanjung Harapan | Borneo |
| Day 3 | Meet Orangutans at Pondok Tanggui & Camp Leakey | Borneo |
| Day 4 | Fly to Surabaya on East Java, Explore at Leisure | Surabaya, East Java |
| Day 5 | Fly to Makassar, Snorkeling on Lae Lae Island & Kapoposang Island | Makassar |
| Day 6 | Fly to Palopo, Transfer to Tana Toraja, Sulawesi Highlands Tour | Tana Toraja |
| Day 7 | Visit Rantepao Market, Batutumonga, Bori, Marante & Nanggala | Tana Toraja |
| Day 8 | Fly to Bali via Palopo & Makassar, Transfer to Ubud, Explore at Leisure | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 9 | Experience a Sebatu Purification Ritual, Q&A Session with Bali Locals | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 10 | Day Trip to Trunyan Village | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 11 | Local Handicrafts Tour, Visit Tenganan Bali Aga Village | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 12 | Fly to Labuan Bajo, Explore at Leisure | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 13 | Island Hopping & Snorkeling in Komodo National Park, Boat to Seraya | Seraya |
| Day 14 | Snorkeling at Kambing Island & Manjerite Beach, Sunset on Kalong Island | Seraya |
| Day 15 | Boat to Labuan Bajo, Fly to Jakarta, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Explore at Leisure
Welcome to the island of Java in Indonesia! After you arrive in Jakarta, the country's capital, you'll meet your driver for your hotel transfer. Settle in, then set out to explore the busy streets, fantastic cuisine, modern skyscrapers, and colonial architecture. Begin in the historical district of Kota Tua at Fatahillah Square, once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company. While there, be sure to see the Jakarta History Museum and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum. After exploring Kota Tua, try Indonesian street food, from martabak (stuffed pancakes) to bakso (meatball soup) at Jalan Sabang.
Be sure to sample the famous kopi luwak coffee at the market. One of the world's most expensive coffees, it's made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a small, local mammal. Later, visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with beautifully designed pavilions representing each province. Wander the grounds to discover Indonesia's customs, architecture, and traditions, demonstrated in miniature replicas of temples, houses, and landmarks. The park hosts authentic dance shows and other cultural events, so catch one if possible.
Day 2: Fly to Borneo, River Cruise to Sekonyer & Camp Tanjung Harapan
Check out and catch a quick flight to Pangkalan Bun in the morning. Welcome to Borneo! You'll transfer to your boat, a klotok (a traditional wooden river boat), where you'll meet the captain and get an overview of local wildlife before your journey begins. Boat along the Sekonyer River, passing through Tanjung Puting National Park. Keep your eyes open for orangutans, monkeys, bush pigs, wild deer, and native birds. You'll stop in the rural Sekonyer Village on the banks of the river to meet the friendly Dayak people and join in traditional dance performances and handicraft workshops.
In the afternoon, continue to explore the tranquil river and watch the wildlife. Keep your eyes open and try to spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and exotic birds on the riverbank. You'll visit Camp Tanjung Harapan Rehabilitation Center, where you'll see orangutans enjoying their food at the feeding station. Trek through the surrounding rainforest trails and boardwalks with your guide, then return to the boat.
Day 3: Meet Orangutans at Pondok Tanggui & Camp Leakey
Spend the morning cruising through the peaceful, still water of the national park, keeping an eye out for freshwater crocodiles, while navigating to Pondok Tanggui, home to an orangutan rehabilitation center. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the orangutan rehabilitation program, have the chance to interact with these gentle great apes, and watch them being fed. Afterward, take a guided trek through the forest to explore the park's rich biodiversity over a few hours.
Later, enjoy lunch on board your boat, then visit Camp Leakey, the research and information center where the older orangutans are reintroduced to the rainforest. Learn about the camp's history, ongoing research, and conservation efforts to protect the endangered orangutan population, then set off on a guided jungle hike in the afternoon to maximize your chances of seeing orangutans in their natural habitat. Watch for noisy gibbons, deer, colorful birds, and wild boar. Back on the boat, you'll have dinner and see the night sky lit by thousands of fireflies.
Day 4: Fly to Surabaya on East Java, Explore at Leisure
Say farewell to Borneo and catch an early flight to Surabaya, a lively city in East Java. Check into your hotel, then head out to explore the streets. Rent a bike to tour the colorful murals the town is known for, head to the modern Galaxy Mall to see the iconic Tunjungan Plaza, or explore the Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument), a submarine turned museum that showcases Indonesia's maritime history.
When you're feeling peckish, head to the Majapahit Hotel—a grand Dutch colonial mansion dating from 1910 CE. Wander past the manicured gardens and step into the foyer to enjoy a traditional high tea in the Lobby Lounge with sandwiches, small cakes, and scones with jam and cream. Then, return to your hotel and relax for another long journey tomorrow.
Day 5: Fly to Makassar, Snorkeling on Lae Lae Island & Kapoposang Island
Enjoy a hotel breakfast, then meet your driver for a transfer to the airport for your 1.5-hour flight to the city of Makassar on the island of Sulawesi. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and join a snorkeling tour of the nearby Lae Lae and Kapoposang islands, a short boat ride from the main island. See the pristine underwater world of Indonesia through your mask as you explore the coral reefs around the islands, keeping an eye out for marine life such as tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, octopuses, and even a reef shark or two if you're lucky. Return to your hotel in Makassar at the end of the day.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Fly to Palopo, Transfer to Tana Toraja, Sulawesi Highlands Tour
Transfer to the airport this morning for a one-hour flight to Palopo. Once you arrive, you'll transfer two hours by private car to your hotel in Tana Toraja. Refresh, then join your guide for a cultural tour through the area, the home of the Toraja ethnic group, who have inhabited this highland region for centuries. Predominantly farmers, the Toraja are known for their elaborate funeral rituals, cemeteries carved into rocky cliffs, and traditional boat-shaped houses. On the drive, admire the tall limestone outcrops and rice fields dotted with distinctive tongkonan houses, known for their upward-sloping roofs.
Stop off in local villages to explore the distinctive design, intricate wood carvings, and cultural significance of the tongkonan houses and learn more about Torajan burial rituals and traditions. Known as the "Land of Heavenly Kings," Torajans save up for their loved one's funeral—an elaborate and costly affair involving animal sacrifices, water buffaloes (which the locals worship as the only animals capable of transporting the souls of the dead onward), and ritual dances. When the deceased family member is laid to rest, it's either in a cave or a hanging tomb.
You'll visit the burial cliffs of Lemo, where carved wooden tau tau (effigies of the deceased) line up on several balconies in the rock face. Next, enter the limestone burial caves of Londa with lanterns in hand, where bones of the deceased can be seen within crevices and hanging from the ceiling, along with coffins tucked into the cave roof. Your last stop for the day is the 400-year-old, UNESCO-listed Ke'te Kesu, set amid a vast expanse of rice fields. The village is one of the most complete traditional Torajan complexes in the highlands, with 12 granaries, a significant open ceremonial ground, and a burial site.
Day 7: Visit Rantepao Market, Batutumonga, Bori, Marante & Nanggala
Spend the morning exploring Rantepao, a charming mountain town that's the cultural center of the Toraja ethnic group. Wander through the traditional market, where locals sell and buy fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies. If you time it right, you can also visit the famous animal market, held every six days, where vendors sell animals ranging from chickens to special water buffalo used in funeral rituals that can cost millions of rupiahs.
Then, head out to explore more of the scenic countryside, starting in picturesque Batutumonga, one of the highest points in the region. The rocky limestone hills surrounding the village are adorned with hanging coffins, which the locals call erong. After lunch, visit Bori' Kalimbuang, a UNESCO World Heritage site often compared to Stonehenge in England. The area accommodates 102 megalithic-era menhirs (stones) of various sizes embedded in the ground in an upright position, commemorating the souls of villagers. The site remains a place of worship for ancestors and important ceremonies.
After exploring the site, you'll end the day in Marante, a village known for its limestone hill and giant barns, and Nanggala, known for its intricate craftsmanship and friendly locals who will welcome you into their tongkonan homes and share insights into their daily life and ancient customs.
Day 8: Fly to Bali via Palopo & Makassar, Transfer to Ubud, Explore at Leisure
Since you have a long journey ahead of you today, you'll have an early wake-up call for a two-hour transfer back to Palopo. There, catch a three-hour flight to Bali with a layover in Makassar. After you arrive at Denpasar International Airport, you'll be transferred 1.5 hours to the charming town of Ubud to check into your hotel. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is considered the spiritual center of Bali.
Get the lay of the land this afternoon by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk or exploring one of the many galleries in Ubud's thriving art scene. If you'd rather relax and rejuvenate after your long day, Ubud is also the ideal spot, with its plethora of wellness spas, yoga centers, and meditation retreats. Get a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river. End the day with a sunset on one of the beautiful beaches.
Day 9: Experience a Sebatu Purification Ritual, Q&A Session with Bali Locals
Today, join your guide for a 30-minute journey through the lush green landscape of Sebatu to the sacred water temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, carved into a hillside overlooking the green valley and known for its natural springs. Here, you can participate in a traditional purification ritual. Bathe in holy waters, offer prayers to the deities, and join in age-old traditions led by local priests during this spiritual experience. After you've cleansed your body, mind, and soul, washing away negative energy, explore the sacred temple's tropical gardens and intricate Balinese architecture, that add to the sense of serenity.
Afterward, return to Ubud and meet a group of locals for an in-depth discussion on Bali's culture and customs. During this Q&A session, hear the experiences and responses of the Balinese as you learn about the age-old caste system, intercaste marriages, and other valued traditions facing modern change.
Day 10: Day Trip to Trunyan Village
Dive deeper into Bali's diverse traditions and culture with a visit to the small village of Trunyan, located on the eastern shore of Lake Batur. More commonly known as "Skull Island," here you'll meet the Bali Aga people, a local Indigenous group known for their distinctive burial practices. Unlike other places in Bali, funerals here are based on an ancient custom, mepasah, where bodies are placed under a sacred tree without being buried or cremated, leaving only the skulls and bones as a memorial.
Trunyan is also known for its natural beauty, which is well-preserved thanks to its remote location. Apart from visiting the sacred tree and witnessing the community's burial rituals, you'll take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, which has a magnificent view of the ancient Mount Batur caldera. Meet the local villagers, learn about their everyday lives, and taste their version of kopi luwak coffee before returning to your hotel in Ubud.
Day 11: Local Handicrafts Tour, Visit Tenganan Bali Aga Village
Visit homes and workshops around Ubud to meet artisans skilled in making traditional Balinese handicrafts on a guided cultural tour today. Begin with a demonstration of mask carving, an ancient and revered art form, and discover the rich symbolism, folklore, and mythology surrounding each intricate mask. Then, watch a local blacksmith demonstrate the involved process of keris crafting, Bali's most iconic weapon surrounded by legend and mysticism. See the blacksmith forge the dagger, etch designs into the metal, and add decorative elements to create a work of art to be passed down through generations.
Finally, end the day exploring Tenganan Village, a small hamlet in the eastern part of Bali that's relatively untouched by modern-day life. Here, you'll experience traditional life, customs, and the cultural roots of the island's Bali Aga people. Observe local artisans as they showcase traditional crafts such as woodcarving, weaving, and silvermaking, and watch local performances or dances. Afterward, return to your hotel in Ubud for your last night in the Bali.
Day 12: Fly to Labuan Bajo, Explore at Leisure
Check out of your hotel in Ubud this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to the beautiful coastal town of Labuan Bajo. A one-hour flight from Bali, this small but bustling town on the westernmost tip of Indonesia's Flores Island is the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as the home to the most giant lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Use the rest of the day to explore Labuan Bajo and it's immediate area. Take in the views from one of the rooftop pools, wander the boulevard along the beach, catch the sunset at the nearby Bukit Cinta (also known as the Staircase to Heaven), or try fresh fish at one of the many stalls of the Night Market before settling for the evening at your hotel.
Day 13: Island Hopping & Snorkeling in Komodo National Park, Boat to Seraya
Today, you'll hop aboard your private charter boat, and your friendly guide will sail you to the various islands that make up Komodo National Park, beginning at Padar Island. Padar is famous for its picturesque hikes, providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Once you arrive, trek across the magnificent landscape to reach the island's highest point and marvel at the beaches of three different colors (black, pink, and white) that you can see below. Next, trek down to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its rosy hue from ground shell fragments from the adjacent coral reef.
Relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel in the tropical waters, then gear up for the next adventure: Komodo Island—the best place in the archipelago (and the only place on Earth) to spot the Komodo dragon. These huge lizards grow up to 9.8 feet (3 m) and average 150 pounds (70 kg). See the dragons up close and learn about their behavior and unique biology on a guided tour. Next, hop in the water to snorkel at the island's Manta Point, known for its large population of resident manta rays. Strap on your mask and fins, then swim among these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Continue to Kanawa Island, known for its crystal-clear waters, home to diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The calm waters surrounding the island are ideal for both beginning and experienced snorkelers, and the island also has diving shops that provide lessons and tours. End the day on the tiny, beautiful Taka Makassar, a spit of white sand surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Relax on the sand and spot ocean creatures like black-tip reef sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish before boarding your boat for a transfer to the small island of Seraya to stay in a peaceful beachfront villa.
Day 14: Snorkeling at Kambing Island & Manjerite Beach, Sunset on Kalong Island
Resume your guided island-hopping tour of the Flores Sea today on Kambing Island, a small island reachable only by boat. Thanks to its clear waters and vibrant reefs, it's one of the best spots in the national park for snorkeling. The calm, shallow water is ideal for beginners, although more experienced snorkelers will find plenty to explore in the lively underwater world. Gear up and dive in to get up close with the colorful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic life of this coral reef paradise.
Your next stop will be Manjarite Island, known for some of the archipelago's most diverse marine life and excellent visibility, making it popular with underwater photographers. While snorkeling in the shallow, clear water, watch for aquatic species like angel fish, baby sharks, and barracuda. End the day with a picture-perfect sunset at Kalong Island, also known as "Flying Foxes Island," due to the large population of bats that inhabit the mangrove-covered islet. Arrive at dusk to witness the memorable moment where around 300,000 of these bats take flight into the setting sun for their nightly hunt.
Day 15: Boat to Labuan Bajo, Fly to Jakarta, Depart
After breakfast at your Seraya hotel, you may have time for some last-minute exploration or a walk on the beach. When it's time, hop on a 45-minute boat back to Labuan Bajo, where your driver will pick you up and take you to the airport. Catch a short flight to Jakarta's international airport, and board your plane to destinations near or far. Selamat jalan! (Happy travels!)
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