Indonesia: highlights & jungle adventures

Jakarta

Tag 1: Arrival into Jakarta

Welcome to Jakarta, the sprawling and pulsating capital of Indonesia! Get ready to explore this city on the northwest coast of Java, by touring the characterful streets of its Old Town (Kota Tua), visiting the National Monument at the heart of Merdeka Square, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Pasar Baru - a shopping centre filled with clothes and culinary thrills. Check into your accommodation, and take some time to rest and relax before seeking out the city's best restaurants, bars and clubs.

Jakarta - Bogor

Tag 2: The natural charms of Bogor

Located less than two hours' drive from Jakarta, Bogor is another city that's well worth a visit on the island of Java, being home to expansive botanical gardens, a presidential palace, and lovely recreational pursuits (golfers will delight at the opportunities to tee off in serene surroundings here).

Check into your accommodation for an overnight stay, and use it as your base for trekking in Gunung Salak National Park, hiking to Curug Cigamea Waterfall, discovering hidden caves, or exploring the lush green volcanic landscapes in the shadow of Mount Pangrango. A beautifully lush landscape is your oyster for the day, so slip into your hiking boots and enjoy!

Bogor - Bandung

Tag 3: Another day amidst volcanoes & waterfalls

Today, continue exploring Gunung Salak National Park to your heart's content, visiting Curug Nangka Waterfall and exploring the traditional Sundanese hamlet of Ciptagelar - there, at the foot of the mountains, find out how the locals combine modern technology with age-old customs dating back to the village's foundation in 1368.

After a day of marvels, you'll then transfer to Bandung, a buzzing cultural centre about two hours and 45 minutes by car from Bogor. Check into your accommodation here for an overnight stay, and set out to find your bearings as you look to satiate hungry stomachs.

Bandung

Tag 4: A free day in Bandung

There's much to see and do in Bandung, a hub for Sundanese culture that's also known for its tea fields and natural pursuits. On this free day at leisure, soak up the colourful vibe and aromatic night market scene down Dago Street, pay a visit to the Art Deco-style Villa Isola, and shop for unique finds at Rumah Mode Factory Outlet.

If all that sightseeing has left you feeling weary, spend some time relaxing over a cup of kopi in one of the city's back-to-nature cafes, where modernity and style come together with stunning green surroundings.

Bandung - Yogyakarta

Tag 5: A train journey to Yogyakarta

From the hip hangouts of Bandung, it's on to the equally culture-packed city of Yogyakarta: take a train journey of approximately six hours, and arrive to check into your accommodation and relax.

Those with energy to burn shouldn't miss exploring the eateries and shops along Malioboro Road, soaking up the atmosphere on Alun-Alun Kidul Square, and visiting the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat - the Sultan's palace, at the heart of Javanese culture and royal heritage.

Yogyakarta

Tag 6: Tour the temples of Yogyakarta

A day of temple-hopping awaits! Filled with history and fascination, today's itinerary is guaranteed to please. First up, you'll pay a visit to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world that dates back to the 9th century; as one of the most iconic sights on your trip itinerary, it's definitely worth spending more time here and truly soaking up its dramatic beauty.

Continue to the nearby Mendut and Pawon Temples, before taking in the historical charm of the Prambanan temple compounds - home to more than 500 temples, and a true display of architectural and religious splendour. Finish the day's tour with a trip to the Buddhist Plaosan Temple Complex in Bugisan village, before returning to your Yogyakarta accommodation for the night.

Yogyakarta

Tag 7: Dive deep into local traditions

A day of fantastic cultural experiences and tradtions awaits in Yogyakarta! You'll get to participate in a Batik-making workshop, explore traditional Javanese villages, and spend some time amidst the bustle of Pasar Kotagede - an old market where fresh produce, fragrant spices, and traditional food and drink have been sold since 1578. Sit down to end the day's activities with a traditional Javanese dance performance - a truly immersive and unmissable experience - after which you'll have the rest of the evening free to explore and satisfy your taste buds.

Yogyakarta - Bromo

Tag 8: In the shadow of Mount Bromo

One of the most spectacular icons on your trip is Mount Bromo, and today you'll say goodbye to Yogyakarta as you make tracks for this mighty active volcano in the Tengger mountains.

You've a long albeit scenic ride ahead of you, and upon your arrival, you'll get to visit a clutch of wonderful neighbouring sites: the Whispering Sands (Pasir Berbisik), the vast meadows of Teletubbies Hill, and the Luhur Poten Temple which sits at the base of the volcano.

After a day of travelling and outdoor pursuits, settle down into cosy accommodation near Mount Bromo, for a restful night's sleep.

Bromo - Kalibaru

Tag 9: Watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo

Wake up early for a hike to witness the sunrise over Mount Bromo, and gaze down in awe into the vast and striking crater for which the volcano is famous. Then, put a refreshing spin on your day with a visit to the Madakaripura Waterfall, located within the dense Madakaripura Forest Park, before transferring to your next port of call - Kalibaru. It's located about four hours' drive from Bromo, and journeying to this city will take you into the heart of East Java.

Kalibaru - Ubud

Tag 10: Journey to Bali's cultural heart

From Kalibaru, set off today on an approximate five-hour journey (including a scenic ferry ride) to Ubud, on the island of Bali. Famously loved for its lush rainforest setting, artistic charms and cultural draws, Ubud truly is one of the island's most sought-after destinations. Once you've settled into your accommodation here, you'll likely find yourself never wanting to leave.

En-route you'll stop to visit the Kalibaru Coffee Plantation to learn about their production processes, and when in Ubud, you'll take a tour of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - a nature reserve and temple complex that's home to free-roaming long-tailed macaques.

Ubud

Tag 11: A classic day of exploring in Ubud

Fill today with some of Ubud's most iconic and classic attractions: begin by exploring the leafy grounds and ornate architecture of the Ubud Royal Palace (locally known as Puri Saren Agung), then continue on to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace - a splendid terraced hillside that showcases the typical scenery for which Ubud is famous. Discover the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave, a sanctuary that dates back to the 9th century, before finally stopping to relax and refresh your senses at the Tegenungan Waterfall. A half-hour drive will take you back into the heart of Ubud, where you'll have the rest of the day to unwind and enjoy some culinary indulgence.

Ubud - Gili Trawangan

Tag 12: Snorkelling heaven in the Gili Islands

Prepare for the spectacular landscapes of the Gili Islands archipelago! Check out of your Ubu accommodation, and transfer to Sanur to board a fast boat to Gili Trawangan. Featuring clear waters, pristine beaches and plentiful snorkelling and diving opportunities, it's a true paradise on Earth - particularly for lovers of the underwater world, who may get to spot manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles and more.

Set out to the nearby Gili Meno and explore the 48 life-sized underwater figures that make up the Nest sculpture, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Finally, take some time to relax (and perhaps enjoy a nap) on sandy shores, before heading to your accommodation on the island for an overnight stay.

Gili Trawangan

Tag 13: A last day in paradise

On your final full day in Indonesia, you've the chance to get to know more of Gili Trawangan. Rent a bicycle to explore with the wind in your hair, enjoy a seafood meal overlooking turquoise waters, take a sunset horseback ride along the beach, and experience Gili T's energetic nightlife scene. However much or little you wish to do, the island and its divine surroundings are your oyster for the day!

Gili Trawangan

Tag 14: Goodbye, Indonesia!

After a full trip packed with all the historical, natural and cultural highlights of Java, Bali and the Gili archipelago, it's now time to end your adventure. Check out of your accommodation, bid farewell to the Gili Islands, and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.