Highlights
- See an active volcano from the terraces of the beautiful Borobudur Temple on Java
- Indulge in a relaxing foot soak and massage at a spa day in Yogyakarta
- Trek through Sulawesi's Tangkoko Nature Reserve to see endemic black macaques
- Snorkel in the vibrant Bunaken National Marine Park from a glass-bottomed boat
- Overnight in a traditional wooden seaside cottage on Bunaken Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Jakarta, Explore at Leisure | Jakarta |
| Day 2 | Fly to Balikpapan on Borneo, Visit Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary | Balikpapan |
| Day 3 | Canopy Bridge Walk & Rainforest Trek in Bukit Bangkirai | Balikpapan |
| Day 4 | Fly to Java, Visit Borobudur Temple, Transfer to Yogyakarta | Yogyakarta |
| Day 5 | Sunrise Breakfast at Langit Borobudur, Visit Enam Langit Spa | Yogyakarta |
| Day 6 | Tour Prambanan Temple, Fly to Sulawesi, Transfer to Makassar | Makassar |
| Day 7 | Fly to Manado, Transfer to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Tarsier Trek | Tangkoko Nature Reserve |
| Day 8 | Sunrise Trek, Transfer to Manado via Minahasa & Tondano Lake | Manado |
| Day 9 | Boat to Bunaken National Marine Park, Snorkeling Tour | Bunaken |
| Day 10 | Fly to Makassar via Manado, Explore at Leisure | Makassar |
| Day 11 | Fly to Gorontalo, Transfer to Nantu Forest | Nantu |
| Day 12 | Babirusa Observation in Nantu Forest | Nantu |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Gorontalo, Explore at Leisure | Gorontalo |
| Day 14 | Fly to Makassar, Snorkeling on Lae Lae Island | Makassar |
| Day 15 | 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, 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 the Jalan Sabang market, where you can also sample the famous kopi luwak coffee. 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 Balikpapan on Borneo, Visit Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary
Get ready for a full day of travel and discovering wildlife on Borneo Island. From Jakarta, you'll fly 2.5 hours northeast to Balikpapan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then head off on a guided tour to the Samboja Lestari Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary. Here, observe orangutans and sun bears in their natural habitat, witnessing their playful antics and foraging behaviors. Learn about conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these endangered species and participate in educational activities to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
The afternoon is yours to explore the coastal city of Balikpapan at your leisure. Visit the Balikpapan Museum for local archaeological finds, historical documents, traditional costumes, and artworks. Then, head to Kamala Beach or Manggar Segarasari Beach to soak up the sun, swim in the pristine waters, snorkel or paddleboard. Stop at one of the city's beachside cafés or visit Pasar Baru Square for local street food. Finish your day with a stroll along Jalan Sudirman, one of the main thoroughfares, soaking in the city lights reflected in Balikpapan Bay before tucking into your hotel in Balikpapan.
Day 3: Canopy Bridge Walk & Rainforest Trek in Bukit Bangkirai
Prepare to experience the lush rainforest today from a new perspective—above in the forest canopy! Join your guide to traverse the Canopy Bridge, suspended 98 feet (30 m) above the forest floor, and enjoy up-close views of the surrounding greenery while soaking in the peaceful sounds of the birds and animals that inhabit the treetops. Observe the sprawling branches of towering trees as you walk and spot the intricate network of vines and epiphytes in the Bukit Bangkirai rainforest, an important conservation area.
After your Canopy Bridge walk, venture deeper into the rainforest on various trekking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Follow your knowledgeable guide as you discover the forest's diverse flora and fauna. Watch for butterflies and rare birds, such as hornbills and kingfishers, and spot curious primates like macaques and gibbons along the way. Learn about the importance of preserving this delicate ecosystem and have your camera ready to capture photos of the incredible scenery and wildlife. After your full-day tour, your driver will return you to your hotel in Balikpapan.
Day 4: Fly to Java, Visit Borobudur Temple, Transfer to Yogyakarta
Today, you'll fly for about two hours to Yogyakarta, Java's epicenter of traditional arts and culture, and your home for the next two nights. Once you land, join a tour for an hour's drive north to the world's largest Buddhist temple, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur. This eighth-century structure is shaped like a mandala, with impressive stupas (dome-shaped monuments) and expansive terraces surrounded by 500 Buddha statues. Explore the temple and take in the spectacular views of Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Your driver will then take you to your accommodation in the center of Yogyakarta. Refresh, then immerse yourself in the lively arts scene by wandering the mural-filled streets or exploring the Affandi Museum and the Jogja Gallery for a crash course on local Indonesian artistry. Try your hand at the local handicrafts, a traditional puppet-making workshop, or in a batik class, one of Java's quintessential art traditions. Explore the giant bazaar at Malioboro Street for shopping and people-watching, then end the day in Alun Alun for dinner at one of the city's night markets.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Sunrise Breakfast at Langit Borobudur, Visit Enam Langit Spa
Day 6: Tour Prambanan Temple, Fly to Sulawesi, Transfer to Makassar
Check out of your hotel and begin your day with a two-hour guided visit to the ninth-century Prambanan Temple, a Hindu architectural masterpiece adorned with carvings depicting stories and myths surrounding Shiva and other Hindu deities. Marvel at the central temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which rises to an impressive height of 154 feet (47 m), making it the tallest in Java, and listen as your guide shares the legend of Roro Jonggrang, a princess who was turned into one of the stone temples. Before heading to the airport, catch a traditional Javanese dance or music performance here.
Next, catch a flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar (also known as Ujung Pandang), the largest city on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. After you check into your hotel, head out to explore the historic port city, starting at the Museum Balla Lompoa or La Galigo Museum in Fort Rotterdam. Architecture lovers won't want to miss passing by the dramatic Great Mosque of Makassar, with its ornate tiered minaret.
Day 7: Fly to Manado, Transfer to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Tarsier Trek
Wake up early this morning for a two-hour flight from Makassar to Manado, where you'll meet your driver and travel one hour north to Tangkoko Nature Reserve—a must-visit destination for nature lovers visiting Sulawesi. When you reach the park, which covers approximately 21,500 acres (8,700 ha), grab some water and snacks, lace up your hiking boots, and join a local guide for a three-hour wildlife tour of this protected area known for its rich biodiversity. Explore the reserve's lush forests on your hike, keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife, including several rare and endemic species.
Your tour takes place in the afternoon, so you'll have a better chance of seeing the world's smallest primate, the tarsier—small nocturnal primates known for their huge eyes and long tails. Look up in the tree branches to spot these incredible animals in their natural habitat as they leave their nests for their nocturnal activities. Other animals you might be lucky enough to see are the cuscus (a type of bear), the endangered Sulawesi black crested macaque, and black tarantulas. In the late afternoon, you'll transfer to your accommodation within the park.
Day 8: Sunrise Trek, Transfer to Manado via Minahasa & Tondano Lake
Rise before sunrise for a guided hike to explore more of Tangkoko Park, keeping an eye out for endemic species like the charismatic black macaques, also known as the yaki, famous for the distinctive tuft of hair on their heads. You might also see the little tarsier in the tree branches returning to their nests after a night of monkey business. Enjoy a late breakfast at your lodgings before leaving the park behind and transferring with your driver to Manado on the west side of North Sulawesi.
On the way, stop in the Minahasa Highlands to see the incredible landscapes and visit the Tombs of the Minahasa People, also known as Waruga. These 10th-century tombs, carved from stone to resemble miniature houses, showcase the skills of the Minahasa people, an ethnic group Indigenous to this region.
After visiting the tombs, continue your transfer, stopping for lunch on the picturesque Tondano Lake to enjoy the serenity of the lake and its surrounding hills. Sample local dishes like tinutuan (spicy fish soup), ikan bakar (grilled fish), or babi rica (spicy pork). After lunch, you'll finish your trip in Manado. Check in, explore the city, and sample the local favorite cakalang fufu (smoked tuna).
Day 9: Boat to Bunaken National Marine Park, Snorkeling Tour
After breakfast at your hotel in Manado, board a chartered wooden boat bound for the spectacular Bunaken National Marine Park. On your arrival, hop on a glass-bottomed catamaran for a sailing tour, marveling at the underwater world below. When the boat anchors, don a mask and fins and dive into this remarkable marine ecosystem. Snorkel through a brightly colored world of intact corals, colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles, spotting all the diverse species that make Bunaken such a special place.
At the end of the day, you'll sail to Bunaken Island, a small paradise in the middle of the national park. Check into your traditional wooden cottage near the sea and spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Enjoy the beach, snorkel directly outside your lodgings, spoil yourself with a massage, or indulge in the island's beauty and serenity.
Day 10: Fly to Makassar via Manado, Explore at Leisure
Indulge in one final visit to the island's idyllic beach before checking out and making the 45-minute boat crossing back to Manado. Disembark, then catch a 1.5-hour flight back to Makassar. Your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city, where you can spend the rest of the day as you wish. Enjoy the afternoon breezes on Losari Beach or along the waterfront boardwalk. Head out to Paotere Harbor to see the traditional pinisi ships and sample snacks at the wharfside street food stalls, which sell local favorites like delicious pisang epe (a banana and chocolate dessert).
Day 11: Fly to Gorontalo, Transfer to Nantu Forest
Catch a 1.5-hour flight this morning from Makassar to Gorontalo, a city and province on Sulawesi's Minahasa peninsula. When you land, your driver will be waiting to transfer you northwest to the Nantu Forest, which is about four hours away. This protected rainforest, which encompasses over 120,000 acres (50,000 ha), is home to several species found only here, including the babirusa, also known as the deer pig. Once you arrive, check into your rustic accommodation within the park, then take a short guided hike to spot these elusive creatures known for their curved tusks, which require regular grinding.
Day 12: Babirusa Observation in Nantu Forest
Spend today hiking through parts of the Nantu Forest with an expert wildlife guide. Observe the famous babirusa in their natural habitat, learn about their habits and behaviors from your guide, and watch for other endemic species, from tiny flowerpeckers to anoas (small Sulawesi water buffalo). The fauna of Nantu reflects Sulawesi's position between Asia and Australia, with both mammals and marsupials found throughout.
Your guide will also give you a history of Nantu and the conservation efforts to protect the forest and its inhabitants, including around 30,000 people who rely on the Nantu River watershed. After your day exploring this incredible, remote rainforest, head back to your accommodation for your final night in the jungle.
Day 13: Transfer to Gorontalo, Explore at Leisure
Take an early morning trek through the Nantu rainforest to spot more wildlife before meeting your driver for a four-hour trip back to Gorontalo. At the end of your journey, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city and northern shoreline of Tomini Bay. Soak up the sun at Olele Beach and Botutonuo Beach, see the old Portuguese forts at Otonaha overlooking the sea-connected Lake Limboto, or take a boat to one of the many nearby islets. Gorontalo is also a great place to spot whale sharks, best seen by joining one of the local, eco-friendly tours.
Day 14: Fly to Makassar, Snorkeling on Lae Lae Island
In the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to the city of Makassar. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and join a full-day snorkeling tour of the nearby Lae Lae Island, 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 Makassar in the evening.
Day 15: Fly to Jakarta, Depart
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