Luxury Cultural Tour of Java: Temples, Traditions & Nature - 14 Days

Highlights

• Take a dip in your own private plunge pool at the 5-star Plataran Borobudur Resort
• Peal through Java's scenic countryside with a cycling tour of Klipoh Village
• Explore the largest Buddhist temple on Earth on a private tour of Borobudur
• Meet artisans, craftspeople, and local farmers with immersive workshops and tours
• Hike past electric blue flames as you ascend the Ijen volcano

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yogyakarta, Signature Java Nadi Massage

Welcome to Indonesia! Your flight lands on the volcano-dotted island of Java, which sits between Sumatra and Bali. Upon arrival, your driver will collect you from the airport and transport you to the city of Yogyakarta, known for its art scene and rich culture. You'll be staying at the Plataran Borobudur Resort, a 5-star retreat set against the backdrop of the magnificent temple of Borobudur and the picturesque Menoreh Hills. Rooms here offer luxury linens, bathrooms with rain showers and upscale toiletries, and private plunge pools. 

Take a moment to regroup, then pamper yourself with a Java Nadi massage at the hotel's on-site spa. This specialized treatment combines rhythmic palm pressure, stretching techniques, and the application of warm herbal compresses to alleviate muscle tension and promote holistic wellness. Tonight, dine at one of Plataran Borobudur's restaurants, enjoying upscale Indonesian cuisine in elegant surroundings. 

Day 2: Sunrise Breakfast, Jamu Making Workshop, Poolside Afternoon Tea 

Start your first full day on Java with a private breakfast at Langit Borobudur, a lovely restaurant on the resort grounds. Offering a front-row view of the sunrise, you'll witness the landscapes slowly coming to life as the first rays illuminate Borobudur, all while partaking in delicious fresh fruits, baked goods, and other local specialties. 

Afterward, learn the secrets of Indonesian wellness with a jamu-making workshop. This ancient herbal medicine is made from roots, seeds, fruit, honey, spices, and herbs. Led by expert healers, learn the intricate process of selecting and combining natural ingredients to create personalized blends. Your instructors will explain the benefits of each ingredient and how these remedies are rooted in Indonesia's cultural heritage.

End the day back at the resort, where you'll experience sunset tea by the pool. Savor an assortment of delectable traditional Indonesian snacks and international treats paired with an array of premium teas and locally sourced coffee. Take in views of the temple and countryside as the sun drops below the horizon, relaxing amid the greenery of the poolside setting. 

Day 3: Cycling Excursion to Klipoh Village, Visit Borobudur Temple

See more of Java's countryside this morning with a cycling tour of Yogyakarta's Klipoh Village. Meet your guides in the morning and head out, making your way along scenic roadways that pass lush rice fields, traditional villages, and ancient temples. At the village, you'll meet local residents, learn about their daily routines, and gain a better understanding of Indonesia's history and cultural heritage. 

Later, continue your immersion into Indonesian culture with a private tour of Borobudur, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and art. This ninth-century temple is considered one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with thousands of intricate relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. Explore the various levels of the temple while listening to the stories and myths behind the statues and panels. Borobudur is also a popular destination for cultural performances, so if you're lucky, you might see some Javanese dance and music. 

Day 4: Discover the Art of Batik, Pottery Village Tour

Start the day with a hands-on batik workshop. This centuries-old art form involves applying wax patterns to fabric before dyeing, creating beautiful, intricate designs. You'll meet a local batik expert and get introduced to their techniques and tools, how the fabrics are sourced, and the process of making the natural dyes. With your instructor's help, you'll create your own piece of art, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring home as a memento of your time in Java. 

This afternoon, explore a different side of Indonesian art with a visit to Yogyakarta's Pottery Village. Together with your guide, you'll have the chance to witness age-old craftsmanship firsthand. Enter the village to the rhythmic sounds of the potter's wheel and earthy scents of clay, meeting the skilled artisans who have perfected their craft over generations. Interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and gain insight into the significance of pottery in their culture. 

Day 5: Tour Keraton Yogyakarta, Tamansari & Prambanan, Transfer to Solo

After breakfast, take a privately guided city tour of the region's most historic sites. Start at Keraton Yogyakarta, an 18th-century royal palace that serves as the official residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Walk through the pavilions and courtyards, learn about the palace's architecture and history, and experience the rich heritage of the Yogyakarta Sultanate through a traditional Javanese dance and music performance.

Continue to Tamansari Water Castle, built in the mid-18th century as a garden for the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Take in the blend of Javanese and European architectural styles, observe the partially restored buildings and pavilions, and walk through underground tunnels built as hideouts. Your final stop is Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's largest Hindu temple complexes. The sprawling site includes a central temple dedicated to Shiva and several smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu deities. 

From here, you're off to Solo, otherwise known as Surakarta, Java's royal capital. Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel for the scenic, two-hour drive, dropping you off at your accommodations at the luxurious Alila Solo. This urban sanctuary features classically decorated rooms with expansive city views. You'll have options for private terraces and pools, and their on-site restaurant offers farm-to-table dining with Javanese and Western accents. Enjoy a rooftop dinner and relax after the long day, resting up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 6: Keris Dagger Workshop, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Lunch at Pracima 

Today's tour starts with a journey into the world of ancient craftsmanship, where the artistry of the keris dagger comes to life. This distinct knife with a waved blade is considered to have magical powers of protection, and the craft of making the weapons is considered part of the country's traditional legacy. Visit the Museum Keris Brojobuwono, where you'll see artifacts and exhibits and visit the craftspeople who create them, witnessing the artists' skilled hands breathe life into these legendary daggers. 

Then, visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a replica of the mosque in Abu Dhabi of the same name. Completed in 2023, the mosque was a gift from the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and showcases a fusion of modern and traditional. Walk the sacred halls, taking in the opulent chandeliers, elaborate domes, and ornate calligraphy. Hear more about the construction process, take time for introspection, and see what has been created as a symbol of a harmonious coexistence of cultures.

End with a late lunch at Pracima Tuin, a Solo restaurant that features contemporary cuisine with local flair. Surrounded by a serene garden setting, you'll dine on an array of authentic Javanese specialties and international dishes, each meticulously prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sample savory rendang (a meat-based dish similar to curry) or gudeg (jackfruit stew), as well as fresh produce, delicious desserts, and the utmost in impeccable service.

Day 7: Culinary Tour Around Solo, Transfer to Surabaya

Discover more of Solo's vibrant culinary scene today with a privately guided food tour. Led by your knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit bustling street markets, authentic warungs (small cafés), and renowned food stalls, where you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as the iconic nasi liwet (coconut rice), sate kambing (grilled mutton), and serabi (pancake) for dessert. Along the way, you'll learn about the cultural significance of each dish and its ingredients, meet the local vendors, and come away with a deep appreciation of the flavors and history of Javanese cuisine. 

This afternoon, check out of your hotel and transfer to Surabaya, East Java's capital city. The drive takes approximately four hours, with a few stops along the way to stretch your legs and grab a bite. Arrive and check in at your accommodations at Hotel Majapahit Surabaya, a 5-star boutique hotel situated in a centuries-old building. Here, you'll enjoy tastefully appointed furnishings, options for suites with separate sitting rooms, and views of the beautiful grounds and gardens.

Get settled in your room, then spend some time exploring the city on your own. Take a stroll amid the red-hued Dutch colonial buildings, local markets, and bustling street food stalls, or visit sites such as the House of Sampoerna, a tobacco museum and headquarters of the Sampoerna tobacco company. You can also head to the lively Arab Quarter, where you'll find traditional food vendors and plenty of shopping. Relax at your hotel this evening and take advantage of their upscale dining options or other amenities. 

Day 8: Transfer to Mount Bromo via Tumpak Sewu

Depart Surabaya this morning and take a private transfer to Mount Bromo, an active volcano located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Along the way, you'll make a stop at the impressive Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, or Coban Sewu.  Nicknamed the "Waterfall of a Thousand Waterfalls," this multi-cascade natural wonder sits amid the jungle canopy, with an upper viewpoint and trail that takes you down to the canyon below. Get some Instagram-worthy shots, then continue to your accommodations at Mount Bromo. 

You'll be staying at Plataran Bromo, an upscale resort nestled in the mountain highlands, sitting at what is considered the gateway of the park. Rooms and suites here offer tasteful, elegant decor that blends with the natural elements, luxury linens, and private balconies offering endless views of the plantations and hills. After check-in, your afternoon is free, with options to see some of the countryside or decompress with a visit to the hotel's on-site spa. 

Day 9: Witness the Tirto Aji Ceremony, Sunset Views of Mount Bromo 

Today you'll have the chance to witness the sacred ritual of Indonesia's Tirto Aji ceremony, which pays homage to the cultural heritage and spiritual significance of Mount Bromo. Held in reverence of the ancient deities believed to reside within the volcanic landscape, this elaborate ceremony includes rhythmic chants, handcrafted offerings, and villagers dressed in their most vibrant traditional attire. Watch as they seek blessings and protection, surrounded by the ethereal morning mist and volcano above, and gain insight into the deep connection between community and mountain.

Tonight, experience a sunset viewing of Mount Bromo. One of five different volcanoes in Tengger Semeru National Park, the mountain sits at a height of more than 7,600 feet (2,329 m), and while it's not the tallest in the region, it's definitely one of the most active volcanoes and one of the most imposing. You'll have the opportunity to see the sun drop below the horizon, illuminating the lunar-like landscapes and the mountain's imposing peaks as the sounds of nature fill the air.

Day 10: Farmers for a Day Program: Cultural Immersion Into Local Life

Experience the rhythms of Javanese rural life today by participating in Plataran Bromo's Farmer for a Day program, which introduces you to the traditional agricultural practices that define the island's cultural heritage. Your day starts at sunrise when you meet your guide and head to a local farm, where you'll help with the daily rituals of planting, tending rice terraces, and nurturing an array of tropical crops.

Guided by the wisdom of seasoned farmers, you'll hand-pick fresh produce as your hosts share the significance of each cultivation process within the local ecosystem, and appreciate the local hospitality as you exchange stories and get a glimpse into the bond between the Javanese community and the bountiful natural resources of Bromo.

Day 11: Transfer to Ijen via Madakaripura Waterfall

Your next destination is Ijen, a volcano complex located between the East Java regencies of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. Your driver will collect you in the morning for the lengthy yet picturesque drive, making a stop at Madakaripura Waterfall. The falls, which cascade from an imposing 650 feet (200 m) are located in a gorgeous, cylindrical canyon, with greenery all around and stunning blue pools. Take time to stretch your legs here, or even take a quick dip if you'd like.

Arrive in Ijen and check into your luxury tent room at Kunang Kunang Resort in the town of Banyuwangi. This wilderness retreat takes "glamping" to the next level, with gorgeous gardens, terraces, an outdoor pool, and rooms that feature luxe linens, upscale toiletries, and balconies with river views. After check-in, the rest of your day is yours. You can spend time enjoying the resort's amenities, go for a hike, or head into Banyuwangi for some sightseeing. 

Day 12: Visit Baluran National Park, Barbecue on the Ijen River

Take a day trip into Baluran National Park, one of the oldest and most significant national parks in Indonesia. Nicknamed "Little Africa," this untouched paradise features vast savannas, evergreen forests, and a wealth of flora and fauna. Your private guide will meet you in the morning and you'll set out, touring different areas of the park as you keep an eye out for wildlife such as the endangered Javan leopard, barking deer, monkeys, and several species of birds. 

After your park visit, spend the afternoon on the Ijen River, taking in the tranquil sounds of the rushing water and dining on a delicious barbecue meal. Your chefs will prepare a spread of freshly grilled delicacies, including locally sourced seafood, premium meats, and various vegetarian delights, all expertly grilled and seasoned to perfection. Return to your tent in the evening, fully satiated and ready for a good night's sleep. 

Day 13: Day Trip to Ijen Volcano: Hiking & Blue Flames Phenomenon

Make the most of your final day in Indonesia with a visit to the Ijen volcano, the centerpiece of the incredible beauty that makes up East Java and part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Alongside your expert guides, you'll hike to the volcano's crater lake, a .62-mile (1 km) stretch of turquoise water that sits adjacent to the volcano. The lake is the site of a sulfur mining operation, and you're likely to see workers carrying sulfur-filled baskets from the crater floor to the surface.

The region is also home to the blue flame phenomenon, in which the sulfuric gas emerges from cracks in the crater, creating electric blue flames that can reach up to 16 feet high (5 m)—the largest in the world. You'll have the option of taking an evening hike to the rim of the crater and down to the banks, where you'll experience the visual delight of this natural wonder. 

Day 14: Transfer to Jakarta, Depart

Your luxurious exploration of Java comes to a close today. At the appointed time, you'll transfer to the airport for your journey home. Safe travels!

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