Ultimate Beach, Rainforest & Culture Tour in Indonesia - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Optional Activities

Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival at Jakarta, the country's capital, you'll be assisted with the immigration process before meeting your driver, who will take you to your hotel near the airport. After settling in, set out for a five-hour exploration of the city. Begin in the historical district of Kota Tua and Fatahillah Square, once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company. You'll be guided through Jakarta's Dutch colonial past as you explore the Jakarta History Museum and Wayang Museum, dedicated to an Indonesian art form featuring shadow puppetry.

After exploring Kota Tua, try street food, from nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay to martabak (stuffed pancake) and bakso (meatball soup) at Jalan Sabang. For a cultural experience, head to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with miniature replicas of traditional houses, temples, and landmarks from different Indonesian regions, and catch one of the park's traditional dance performances. Afterward, your driver will return you to your accommodation so you can prepare for tomorrow's adventures with wildlife. 

Day 2: Fly to Balikpapan, Visit an Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuary, Free Time

Day 3: Canopy Bridge Walk & Rainforest Trek in Bukit Bangkirai

Prepare for some adventure because today, you'll discover the lush rainforest from the forest canopy above! Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and peaceful sounds as you traverse the Canopy Bridge, suspended 98 feet (30 m) above the forest floor. Observe the sprawling branches of towering trees to 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, keep an eye out 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. Afterward, your driver will return you to your hotel in Balikpapan. 

Day 4: Fly to Yogyakarta, Visit Borobudur Temple & Candirejo Village

Today you'll fly for about two hours to Yogyakarta, southwest of Balikpapan. This epicenter of traditional arts and culture is your home for the next two nights. On a half-day guided tour, your first stop, Borobudur, is about an hour's drive north. This eighth and ninth-century structure is the world's largest Buddhist temple. Shaped like a mandala, the site has impressive stupas and wide terraces with volcanoes and 500 Buddha statues surrounding it. Next, check into your accommodation and relax before visiting Candi Rejo in Central Java to experience village life.

There, you can learn about the production of krupuk and tobacco. You can take a bicycle or horseback ride and meet the villagers, followed by a visit to the local school to learn about gamelan (traditional orchestral percussion) music, witness a puppet-making workshop, or participate in traditional Javanese activities like batik-making or rice planting. Finally, explore Malioboro Street for 1.5 hours, a giant bazaar ideal for buying souvenirs and small gifts. You can also explore the neighborhood of Alun Alun, a lively area for a meal, or one of the city's night markets. 

Day 5: Tour Yogyakarta's Palace & Taman Sari Water Castle, Batik Workshop

Today, you'll delve deeper into Yogyakarta's culture with a one-hour visit to Keraton Yogyakarta, the 18th-century royal palace and residence of the Sultan. Explore the blend of Javanese and European architecture, wandering through pavilions, courtyards, and gardens while learning about the history of the Yogyakarta Sultanate and watching traditional Javanese dance and music performances.

Next, spend an hour at the Taman Sari Water Castle, an 18th-century royal garden and retreat. Admire the water features, explore the partially restored ruins, and learn about their significance in Javanese culture on a guided tour. Discover the remains of bathing pools and structures once used by the Sultan and his family, gaining insight into their lives. Conclude your day with a 1.5-hour workshop for 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. 

Day 6: Visit Prambanan Temple, Fly to Bali, Transfer to Ubud, Free Time

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. Before heading to the airport, catch a traditional Javanese dance or music performance here. Next, transfer to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, via a three-hour flight and ground transportation. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and set out to explore at your own pace.

Spend your free time hiking through picturesque rice terraces and visiting traditional villages. Dive into Ubud's thriving art scene by exploring local galleries and museums, such as the famous Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), housing an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese art. Finally, unwind with yoga and meditation or rejuvenating spa treatment before returning to your hotel in Ubud.

Day 8: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Relax in Hot Springs 

Early this morning, you'll make your way to Mount Batur to start the ascent of this active volcano before sunrise. This challenging trek takes around 1.5-2 hours and will take you up to a height of more than 5,577 feet (1,700 m) above sea level. When you finally reach the top, you'll watch the sunrise from above the clouds and be rewarded with incredible views over the island. Directly below you, you can see Lake Batur, and through the clouds, you can spot Bali's other volcanoes in the distance: Abang, Agung, and Batukaru.

Enjoy a light breakfast provided by your guide amid this scenery. After sunrise, make the short trek back down, soak in the morning light, and possibly spot local wildlife. Once back at the base, meet your driver, who will take you to rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs. Reflect on your exhilarating hike as you unwind in the warm waters before returning to Ubud.

Day 9: Visit Lempuyang Temple & Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Cooking Class

Today's itinerary begins with a 1.5-hour visit to Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali's most sacred Hindu sites. Ascend the 1,700 steps, immersing yourself in the lush surroundings as you climb toward the temple complex. Explore intricately carved smaller temples and marvel at the Gate of Heaven, framing Mount Agung. Afterward, venture to Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a royal retreat showcasing Bali's cultural heritage. Spend one hour wandering through lush gardens, admiring the architecture, and participating in rituals at the small temple.

Next, indulge in a culinary adventure with a cooking and arak-making class in Ubud. Explore a local market and learn about Balinese ingredients and spices. Then, during a two-hour cooking and arak-making class, master traditional dishes like nasi goreng and satay and the art of slow-cooking bebek betutu (a spiced duck dish wrapped in banana leaves). Learn about arak-making, from harvesting to distillation, tasting various types of this culturally significant liquor. Conclude the day by savoring your creations, exchanging stories, and making memories with fellow participants.

Day 12: Drive to Bali, Depart