A Romantic Indonesian Journey from Java to Bawah - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Explore the Indonesian Capital

Welcome to Indonesia! After you arrive in Jakarta, the country's capital, you'll meet your driver for your hotel transfer. After settling in, set out to explore the busy streets, fantastic cuisine, modern skyscrapers, and colonial architecture. Begin in the historic district of Kota Tua at Fatahillah Square, once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company. While there, don't miss the Jakarta History Museum and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum.

After exploring Kota Tua, try Indonesian street food, from nasi goreng (fried rice) to martabak (stuffed pancakes) and bakso (meatball soup) at Jalan Sabang. Don't forget to sample a cup of the famous kopi luwak in the market. One of the world's most expensive coffees, it's made from beans that have passed through the digestive system the the local Asian palm civet.

Later, visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with beautifully designed pavilions representing each province. Wander hand-in-hand 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 Yogyakarta, Visit Borobudur Temple & Candirejo Village

Today, you and your partner will fly for about one hour 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 and expansive terraces surrounded by 500 Buddha statues and spectacular volcano views.

Your driver will then take you to Candirejo Village, a traditional Javanese hamlet known for its classic architecture, long history, and rural scenery. Tour the village, visiting an authentic puppet-making shop and a Javanese herbal medicine center, then take a horse-drawn carriage through the charming streets or cycle around the surrounding countryside. 

Finally, you'll transfer to your accommodation in the center of Yogyakarta. 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.

Day 3: Batik Workshop & Kota Gede Walking Tour

Begin your day with a 1.5-hour workshop introducing you to the traditional craft of batik, where you'll learn to use wax-resist dyeing techniques to create intricate patterns and designs on fabric and create your own masterpiece to take home. Learn from the masters, then join your guide to explore Kota Gede, a historic neighborhood in Yogyakarta that was once the center of the powerful Mataram Kingdom. Walk through the remains of the palace, the royal cemetery, the royal mosque, and the defensive walls and moats while admiring the traditional joglo houses. Return to Yogyakarta for the evening.

Day 4: See Yogyakarta's Palaces & Temples, Transfer to Solo

Today, explore the city's top historic sites, beginning at the Kraton, or Sultan Palace, which has served as the compound of the Sultan of Yogyakarta since 1756, with gracious pavilions and courtyards entered through gates guarded by giant dragons. Then, it's on to the Taman Sari, built in the mid-18th century as a pleasure palace for the Sultan of Yogyakarta and his wives and concubines. The palace overlooks the Umbul Pasiraman pool complex, where the Sultan could observe the women bathing (whoever caught a rose thrown from the tower would be his "wife" for the day). 

Next, head to Prambanan (known locally as Roro Jonggrang), considered by many to be the most beautiful Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. Built in the ninth century, its iconic main temple (rising 140 ft /47 m) is dedicated to Shiva (the destroyer), while to either side are smaller, yet similar, temples to Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the sustainer). You'll soon understand why Prambanan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. 

Then, you'll move on to another Javanese city, Surakarta, also known as Solo, about an hour's drive east. Check in at your hotel and then go for a stroll around a local batik market—this is one of the best places in the country to buy the unique printed fabric. Visit the beautiful Royal Palace of Surakarta, then, in the evening, sample some local favorites such as sate kambing (grilled goat skewers) and nasi liwet (rice with coconut milk and spices).

Day 5: Transfer to Mount Bromo, Visit Madakaripura Waterfall

Early in the morning, meet your driver for a five-hour transfer from Yogyakarta to the foothills of Mount Bromo in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This active volcano, whose name was derived from the Javanese word for Brahma, the Hindu creation god, is one of East Java's most visited sites.

To split up the drive, you'll make a stop at the Madakaripura Waterfall, hidden within a valley in the foothills of the Tengger Mountain Range. The highest waterfall in Java, Madakaripura flows over a lush, green cliffside into a secret pool, ideal for a refreshing dip (remember to bring your swimsuit!).

Day 6: Sunrise on Mount Bromo, Garden Dinner at Jiva Devi Nursery

Today will start early, before dawn, but it will all be worth it as you set off by Jeep toward the top of Mount Penanjakan. Look out over the Sea of Sand crater, home to five volcanoes, including Mount Bromo itself. Watch the early morning mist evaporate to reveal panoramic views of the sun rising over the national park.

Once the sun has brightened the sky, climb back into your Jeep and descend for a different perspective of this lunar-like landscape. This is the base for your hike up Mount Bromo, which soars 7,641 feet (2,329 m) above sea level. The 30-minute walk is ideal for a leisurely morning hike with your sweetheart, and an al fresco breakfast will be waiting for you at the peak. As you eat the freshly prepared food, look down into Bromo's smoking caldera before continuing your journey to King Kong Hill for more spectacular views.

After all the day's early activity, it's time to return to your hotel for a rest. In the evening, head to the beautiful Jiva Devi Nursery for a romantic dinner for two. The Garden Dinner experience features a multicourse meal with various Indonesian specialties prepared from local ingredients, all served deep in the lush garden, full of gorgeous flora and fauna, and accompanied by candlelight.

Day 11: Fly to Batam, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to Indonesia. You'll be transferred to the airport in a private air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of time to catch your flight. Safe travels onward!