Indonesia: wildlife, volcanoes & culture

Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, proceed through immigration and customs formalities. After collecting your luggage at the baggage claim area, make your way to the arrival hall, where our representative will be waiting for you. He will hold a sign with your name(s) on it for easy identification.

From the airport, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Medan.

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel.

Your morning begins with a visit to Maimun Palace, the former royal palace of the Sultanate of Deli, built in 1888. You will then continue to Mesjid Raya Al-Mashun, one of Medan’s most important landmarks, before visiting Vihara Gunung Timur, a historic Chinese temple.

After the city sightseeing, leave Medan behind and travel by road towards Bukit Lawang, a small village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey takes approximately four hours and offers a glimpse into the changing landscapes and everyday life of North Sumatra.

Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, you will be transferred to your lodge and have time to settle in and relax.

After breakfast, venture into the rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park on a six-hour guided jungle trek.

Follow forest trails beneath the canopy, learning about the ecosystem and keeping an eye out for orangutans and other wildlife along the way. You may encounter orangutans, gibbons, Thomas leaf monkeys, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, flying squirrels, Sumatran peacocks and hornbills, all living freely in their natural habitat.

While sightings cannot be guaranteed, every trek offers an intimate introduction to one of Sumatra’s most remarkable wilderness areas. You can easily ask your guide to adjust the duration of your trek, which can be shortened or lengthened according to your preferences.

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your driver. Set out on a journey to the hill town Berastagi, the homeland of Batak Karo, one of the six Batak tribes that inhabit the Karo Highlands. It lies between two active volcanoes, Mount Gunung Sibayak (2,181m) and Gunung Sinabung (2,460m).

On arrival in Berastagi, visit a local fruit market where you can find various local fruits like passion fruit, snake fruit, avocado and more. The next visit is to Lumbini Park to see a Buddhist temple, a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. After your temple tour, the rest of the day will be yours to relax in your lovely hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide and set out for Mount Sibayak (2,172 m). The hike to the summit is relatively easy, taking around one hour from the trailhead. From the volcanic landscape, continue your journey towards Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

Along the way, stop at Dokan, a traditional Batak Karo village. Built using traditional techniques without nails, the communal houses there have remarkable structural resilience. Visit Sipiso Piso Waterfall, one of Indonesia's highest waterfalls, plunging 120m into the valley below. From the viewpoint, you will also get your first glimpse of the vast Lake Toba.

Continue to Parapat, gateway to Lake Toba. Board a public boat for the 45-minute crossing to Tuktuk village on Samosir Island, then continue to your hotel near the jetty. The remainder of the day is free to relax at your pace.

After breakfast, set out on a private traditional wooden boat to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Toba.

Stop at Sigapiton, a beautiful valley on the eastern shore, for a short countryside walk and a glimpse of local Batak life. Continue to Binangalom (Situmurun Waterfall), where you can swim in the lake beneath the cascading waterfall.

In the afternoon, explore Samosir Island by road and discover its rich Batak heritage. Visit Ambarita, known for its historic stone chairs and the former meeting place of the Siallagan kings, before continuing to Simanindo and Tomok, home to traditional Batak houses, cultural heritage, and the ancient tomb of King Sidabutar.

Return to your hotel in Tuktuk in the late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel back to the mainland by public boat from Samosir Island to Parapat.

From Parapat, continue by private vehicle to Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan, with the journey taking approximately 4-5 hours in total, depending on road and ferry conditions.

Upon arrival at the airport, check in for your afternoon flight to Jakarta. The remainder of the journey continues independently by air to Indonesia's capital. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by a local representative to your hotel near Jakarta Airport. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to relax and recover from your journey.

Selamat datang! Welcome to Jakarta, Indonesia!

Meet your guide and start your city tour at the National Museum, home to extensive prehistoric, archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Indonesia and Southeast Asia. At Merdeka Square, view the National Monument which houses the original tattered red-and-white flag flown on August 17th, 1945, the day of independence. Continue to Kota Tua Jakarta, the Old Town tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the modern capital. Enjoy lunch at a local antique café, and savor your first cup of real Java coffee!

After spending the remainder of the day at leisure, in the evening you'll take a foodie tour around Jalan Sabang, a hawker center offering famous local foods: sate, nasi goreng, nasi padang, and more.

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel. Your driver will take you on to Jakarta Gambir train station, to board a train bound for Yogyakarta.

You'll journey for about six hours, during which the train leisurely passes villages and you'll get to witness Java's grandeur and sublime beauty as it glides past your window.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a city tour of Yogyakarta. First, your driver will take you to Beringharjo Market. There is plenty of interesting food, clothing, jewelry and kitchen accessories that you can explore. If you want, bargain with the vendors for the best price, taste exotic fruits, or buy a nice tie-dye scarf.

From Beringharjo Market, continue to Yogyakarta Palace or “Keraton”, a key piece of local history and tradition, and the cultural epicenter of Javanese civilization.

Continue to Taman Sari Water Castle, followed by Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.

In the evening, you will take a foodie walking tour down Mangkubumi street and Malioboro street, before returning to your hotel.

Early this morning, your driver will take you to Borobudur Temple for a memorable sunrise experience, included as part of your complimentary added perks. As the first light appears over the surrounding volcanic landscape, soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this magnificent 8th-century Buddhist temple. Please be aware, this early-morning visit is subject to the temple's operating regulations and weather conditions.

Continue towards Kulon Progo, south of Yogyakarta. The drive to the village of Sentolo takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Upon arrival, choose your traditional bicycle and set off through the surrounding villages and rice fields. Discover everyday Javanese life, visit local homes and small-scale producers, and learn about tempeh production, traditional weaving, and more before enjoying a traditional lunch.

This morning, after breakfast and check-out, meet your representative and transfer to Yogyakarta train station. Board the 6.45am train for Jombang, enjoying the picturesque landscapes of Java along the approximately three-hour journey.

Upon arrival at Jombang Station, meet your driver and continue by private vehicle towards Bromo. The drive takes approximately three hours, passing through the scenic countryside and mountain landscapes of East Java.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and take the rest of the day to relax and recharge before your early-morning Bromo adventure.

Start your day in the early hours with a 4WD Jeep journey to Mount Bromo. Witness the sunrise over the dramatic volcanic landscape, with views across the caldera, Mount Semeru, and surrounding mountains. Continue into the Sea of Sand and towards the Bromo crater, to experience the otherworldly landscape.

Next, visit the Pura Luhur Poten Hindu temple, to learn about its importance to the Tenggerese community. Please note, access to the temple is subject to local religious activities.

Step beyond the usual sightseeing trail and spend time with members of the Tenggerese community. Through a more personal encounter, you'll learn about their daily life, farming, and close connection with the volcanic landscape. Your host will share the story of the Tengger people, their beliefs, and the significance of the annual Yadnya Kasada (Kasodo) ceremony.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya. The drive takes approximately three to four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Upon arrival at the airport, check in for your flight to Labuan Bajo, gateway to the spectacular islands and waters of Komodo National Park.

After your flight, meet a local representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure in Flores and Komodo.

After breakfast, depart Labuan Bajo by fast boat for a full-day private exploration of Komodo National Park by speed boat. Note that the day's route may vary depending on weather conditions.

Stop on Padar Island, where a short but rewarding hike leads to one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, overlooking its distinctive bays and rugged landscape. Continue to Pink Beach. Relax on the shore and, if conditions permit, enjoy some swimming or snorkeling.

Then, head to Komodo Island: accompanied by a national park ranger, set out on a guided walk in search of the legendary Komodo dragons, to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Continue by boat to Manta Point, where you may have the opportunity to snorkel and look for manta rays, before heading to Siaba Island, known for its Turtle Point and the possibility of encountering sea turtles in the surrounding waters.

Spend a relaxed final day in Labuan Bajo, with the morning and afternoon free to rest, enjoy your hotel, or explore at your own pace.

As a special perk of your journey, this evening you will enjoy a sunset farewell dinner at Alma Restaurant Komodo, a hillside restaurant overlooking Labuan Bajo and the surrounding sea. Arrive in time to watch the sun set over the bay, before settling in for a relaxed dinner, raising a glass and reflecting on your journey through Java, Flores and Komodo.

This special evening is our local experts' way of helping you say goodbye to Indonesia in style, before your journey comes to an end.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the airport, where you will head to your next destination, whether it be home or another part of your trip. While the tour may be over, we hope you will never forget your magical experience in Indonesia!