Unveiling Java, Lombok & Bali's Ultimate Treasures - 11 Days

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 historical 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 satay to martabak (stuffed pancakes) and bakso (meatball soup) at Jalan Sabang. Don't forget to sample the famous kopi luwak coffee in the market. 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 through to discover Indonesia's customs, architecture, and traditions, demonstrated in miniature replicas of temples, houses, and landmarks. The park also hosts authentic dance shows and other cultural events, so catch one if possible.

It's time to explore new shores as you transfer to Serangan Harbor to catch your morning ferry for Gili Trawangan. The largest of the three Gili Islands located off the coast of Lombok Island, "Gili T" has a reputation as a party spot and has its fair share of sandy beaches and yoga studios, along with crystal-clear water beloved by snorkelers and divers. Upon arrival, a horse and cart will take you to your hotel (there are no cars or motorized vehicles on the island).

After you settle in, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. An essential activity in Gili Trawangan is visiting Sunset Point on the southwest part of the island to watch the sunset from the many lively beach bars or overwater swings. If you want to immerse yourself in the island's rich history and culture, stop at the Gili Trawangan Cultural Center, which showcases traditional art and music and offers classes in Balinese cooking and crafting.

Starting at Gili Trawangan, you'll snorkel to Wreck Point to spot its famous sunken ship. Look for sea turtles in the water off Turtle Point on the serene Gili Meno. On Gili Air, several popular snorkeling spots include the Gili Air Wall, Haan's Reef, and Nemo City. In addition to sea turtles, keep an eye out for sharks, moray eels, colorful coral, and tropical fish. You'll head back to Gili Trawangan in time for dinner.

Say goodbye to the Gili Islands and ferry to the famous island of Bali today. There, you'll settle into the charming town of Ubud. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is considered the spiritual center of Bali. Get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk or by taking a restorative yoga class with a view of the jungle. 

Next, shop for handmade Balinese crafts and souvenirs at the world-renowned Ubud Art Market, a lively open-air hub next to Ubud Palace. Snap up some gifts, such as traditional textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings, for yourself or a loved one. You can also shop in the conventional, everyday section of the market for items like fruits, vegetables, and household goods.

After exploring the market, visit the neighboring palace, with its well-preserved Balinese architecture and lovely gardens, for a traditional legong dance performance, a nightly occurrence. Legong, which likely originated in the 19th century, requires such intense training that most girls begin at the age of five. The complicated hand movements and intricate footwork tell a mesmerizing story, often of mythical origins, accompanied by a soundtrack of traditional gamelan music.

Today, meet your guide for a journey through the lush green landscape of Sebatu to the sacred water temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, caved into a hillside overlooking the valley. Here, you can participate in a traditional purification ritual. Cleanse in holy waters, offer prayers to the deities, and join in age-old traditions led by local priests during this spiritual experience. The serene area has lush tropical gardens and intricate Balinese architecture, adding a sense of sacredness to the occasion.

In the afternoon, you'll join a cooking class in Ubud to learn how to make several typical Balinese dishes. Follow your guide at the local market for fresh ingredients, then head to a coconut plantation to tap the trees for their sap, which is used in making arak, a distinct Balinese liquor. Then, your chef will demonstrate various techniques to create authentic Balinese dishes, such as lawar (finely minced spiced meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck in banana leaves). At the end of the lesson, sample different types of arak.

Today, you will visit the spectacular setting of Uluwatu, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This 11th-century temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. The temple is also home to a large population of monkeys, which is considered sacred and believed to protect the temple from evil spirits.

Explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and traditions of Balinese Hinduism. While there, you'll also witness a kecak dance performance held on the temple grounds. This Balinese dance and music form originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali, and is performed by male dancers who use their bodies and voices to create a mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound.

Next, make a memorable sunset visit to the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot. Located on a rocky outcrop along the southwestern coast of Bali, Tanah Lot becomes even more enchanting during sunset. Then, spend your final night in Bali at the famous Rock Bar in the town of Jimbaran. The bar, designed in a modern and minimalist style, is accessible by a steep cliffside tram or stairs. The views are more than worth the trip! Watch the stars appear over the ocean as you enjoy live music, delicious small plates, and creative cocktails.