Luxury Discovery of Java's Hidden Cultures: Jakarta & Magelang - 7 Days

Highlights

• See panoramic views of Jakarta from the catwalk pool at Alila SCBD hotel
• Tour a working coffee plantation and learn the ins and outs of coffee cultivation
• Get back to nature with a picnic along the peaceful shores of the Progo River
• Try your hand at learning the art of traditional Jawa script in a guided workshop

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Fine Dining at Hutan Kota 

Welcome to Indonesia! Your flight lands in Jakarta, the country's lively capital, which sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and head to your accommodations at Alila SCBD, a 5-star urban retreat centered around Jakarta's financial district. All rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible city views, luxury linens, and carefully curated art pieces. The on-site spa is a great place to refresh, or you can spend some time at their catwalk pool for sun, fun, and more views of the city.

Get checked in and regroup, then this evening, take a culinary journey into Indonesia's fascinating gastronomy scene with dinner at Hutan Kota by Plataran, a top-tier restaurant that celebrates the country's cultural and culinary heritage. Sample traditional dishes with a modern twist, personalized service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Your driver will transport you to the restaurant and after you've fully sated your palates, return you to your hotel for a good night's rest.

Day 2: Guided City Tour, Chef's Table at August Jakarta

Discover more of vibrant Jakarta on a privately guided city tour. Meet your guide in the morning and start with a visit to the National Monument, a 433-foot (132 m) obelisk in the center of Merdeka Square, built to commemorate Indonesia's struggle for independence. Visit the on-site museum for more information on Indonesia's history, or ride the elevator to the platform at the base of the flame for incredible city views. 

Continue to the Istiqlal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, and then head to the old town of Kota Tua, where colonial-era architecture and traditional markets offer a glimpse into Jakarta's past. Along the way, you'll have time to stop for snacks at local food stalls and check out the city's dynamic arts and shopping scene.

Later tonight, enjoy a memorable chef's table dining experience at August Jakarta, an exclusive restaurant focused on contemporary Indonesian cuisine. You'll be seated away from the bustling main area in a private space that offers a firsthand view of the kitchen team at work. Engage with the chefs, learn about the inspiration behind each dish, and savor the intricate flavors and textures that reflect the diverse tapestry of Indonesia in a gastronomic exploration that elevates dining to an art form.

Day 3: Fly to Yogyakarta, Transfer to Magelang, MesaStila Spa Day

You're off to Magelang, a regency located approximately 24 miles (40 km) northwest of the city of Yogyakarta and most known for its proximity to the magnificent temple of Borobudur. Your driver will collect you from your hotel and transport you to the airport for the one-hour flight.

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the MesaStila Resort and Spa, a gorgeous property located on a working coffee plantation. Each room has been reconstructed and decorated from an authentic Javanese antique wooden house, with options that include mountain or plantation views and amenities such as sunken tubs, custom bath supplies, and luxury bedding. 

After check-in, spend your afternoon indulging in some self-care at MesaStila's spa. This tranquil escape, nestled within the lush landscapes of Java's countryside, draws inspiration from the coffee plantations with treatments that combine traditional Javanese healing practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Try a signature coffee scrub, traditional herbal massage, or aromatic flower baths, all conducted by skilled therapists that will ensure a blissful and soothing experience. 

Day 4: Coffee Plantation Tour, Rural Javanese Dinner Experience

Learn more about Indonesia's coffee-growing history with a privately guided plantation tour. Located directly inside Mesastila, you'll discover the enchanting world of coffee cultivation, processing, and brewing. Witness the entire coffee production process, from nurturing coffee plants to roasting and grinding beans, while knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the different varieties of coffee and the nuances of their flavors and aromas. Finish with a sampling of delicious fresh brew.

Your afternoon is free to explore more of the resort's amenities or spend time in town; then, this evening, you'll get a glimpse into rural Javanese life with an immersive dining experience. Visit a local village and meet the residents, savoring a dinner of authentic Javanese cuisine, all prepared with fresh ingredients that showcase the region's rich culinary heritage. Learn about Indonesia's history as you watch cultural performances, listen to traditional music, and connect with the community. 

Day 5: Picnicking at Progo River, Discover Borobudur & Prambanan Temples

Start your day with a picnic on Magelang's Progo River, a picturesque area with excellent views of the countryside and rich green landscapes. You'll be provided a picnic meal packed full of local delicacies and refreshments, which you can enjoy while relaxing along the shore. Unwind to the soothing sounds of the water and quiet breezes as you connect with nature and bask in the peaceful atmosphere.

Afterward, visit Borobudur, Magelang's most popular historic site. This ninth-century temple is considered one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is adorned with thousands of intricate relief panels, as well as more than 500 Buddha statues. Meet your private guide and explore the various levels of the temple while listening to the stories and myths behind the statues and panels. You may even get to see a cultural performance of traditional Javanese dance and music, as the temple often hosts these events.

End the day at Prambanan, a Hindu temple complex located in nearby Yogyakarta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of Southeast Asia's largest and most beautiful Hindu temples, the complex includes a main temple dedicated to Shiva and several smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu deities. See the intricate carvings, a testament to the skill and artistry of the Javanese people of the time, and view the towering spires, which reach endlessly into the sky. Return to your hotel afterward, where the rest of your evening is free. 

Day 6: Experience Tolak Balak, Learn Jawa Script, Barbecue Dinner

Tolak Balak is a spiritual rite with deep-rooted significance in Javanese and Balinese cultures, representing a sacred practice that combines elements of mysticism, ritual, and traditional beliefs. Experience this meaningful ceremony on a personal level as you watch practitioners seeking spiritual protection bring their offerings while conducting intricate ceremonies and prayers. Come away with a deeper understanding of the enduring spiritual traditions that continue to shape the collective beliefs of the Javanese and Balinese communities. 

Continue today's cultural exploration with a Jawa script-writing class. Led by experienced instructors, the class allows participants to learn about the intricate strokes and symbols that constitute the Aksara Jawa script, gaining insight into its historical significance and contemporary applications. Hone your skills through hands-on practice and personalized guidance, learning more about the creation and interpretation of this traditional form of expression. 

Punctuate your final day in Indonesia with a delicious barbecue dinner helmed by your own private chefs. Set against the backdrop of the stunning landscapes of Magelang, you'll dine on a meal curated to suit your individual preferences and tastes, with freshly grilled delicacies, locally sourced ingredients, and traditional flavors. Sample different meats and grilled vegetables while sipping refreshing cocktails or other beverages. Watch the sunset as you wrap up your glorious meal, enjoying an intimate, luxurious atmosphere. 

Day 7: Transfer to Yogyakarta, Depart

Your adventure in Indonesia ends today. After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to Yogyakarta to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!