Simply Java & Lombok

Arrive Yogyakarta

On arrival in Java, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

Kraton Palace, batik workshop, evening streetfood experience

Wander through the Sultan’s Palace, enjoy a 30 minute becak (bicycle trishaw) ride to the holy community of Kauman, and finish at the 200-year old Taman Sari Water Palace bathing pools. Learn about traditional batik production, including the philosophy behind the patterns, before meeting your guide for an evening’s culinary exploration of Yogyakarta, rubbing shoulders with the locals as you try a variety of regional snacks and dishes. Sample Kopi Joss ‘charcoal coffee’, stroll through Jogja’s bustling night market, and continue by andong horse cart to Bakmi Kadin: a popular food stall specialising solely in bakmi – Javanese yellow noodles. Take a becak to Alun-alun Kidul square at the back of the Sultan’s Palace to mingle with the locals before moving on to your final stop: a pendopo pavilion transformed into an innovative evening food venue.

Borobudur sunrise, Mendut & Pawon temples, Coffee plantation tour

Start out bright and (very) early, at around 3am, to witness a captivating sunrise over Borobudur, and then fully explore the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. Comprising thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple took more than 75 years to complete. Now protected by UNESCO, these stunning ruins, decorated with 500 Buddha statues and over 2,500 relief panels, remains remarkably intact. From Borobudur, continue on to the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples, aligned perfectly with Borobudur and defined by their elaborate stone carvings. Java’s coffee has legendary status and the final stop of the morning will be at an independently owned coffee plantation where you’ll learn about the coffee production process and enjoy a tasting session (of course!)

Mt Merapi cycling, Prambanan temples

Start today’s cycling tour at Kaliadem village, close to Gunung Merapi: one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes. The village offers magnificent views of this 9,610 feet high volcano, and the dozens of ravines which have been created by molten streams of lava. A leisurely, predominantly downhill, cycle takes you through local villages and rural countryside, stopping along the way for photo opportunities and to learn about the agricultural landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Prambanan temples, then continue on to the elaborate complex itself. Transfer back to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Train & scenic drive to Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park

Board the Sancaka Pagi Train at Yogyakarta Tugu Railway station for a scenic train ride to Jombang in eastern Java. Pass through the spectacular volcanic landscapes, taking the opportunity to chat with local travellers with the assistance and translation of your accompanying guide. Disembark in Jombang and drive to Trowulan, the former site of the Majapahit Kingdom capital city, to visit the temples of Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus, before travelling along a scenic mountain route to the Bromo-Tengger National Park. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to sit back and enjoy the views of this magnificent peak.

Mount Bromo Sunrise, drive to Malang, city tour

Depart before dawn for a sunrise jeep tour of Mount Bromo. Walk uphill to a viewing platform on Mount Penanjakan where, as the sun rises and the mist clears, you’re greeted with a breath-taking panorama: Mount Batok and Mount Bromo in the foreground and Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest peak, smouldering in the distance. Travel into the caldera and take a 40-minute walk across the otherworldly landscape of grey volcanic ash, commonly referred to as the ‘sea of sand’, to the base of Bromo. Walk 240 steps up to the crater rim to gaze down into the smoking interior: a reminder that you are standing on the edge of a still active volcano! Return to your hotel in time for breakfast, then head off towards Malang, stopping en route at the atmospheric 13th century Singosari Hindu temple. On reaching Malang take an afternoon becak tour of the city, past historic sites and Eng An Kong temple, finishing at the city Cathedral.

Drive to Surabaya, fly to Lombok

Morning drive to Surabaya airport in time for your onward flight to Lombok. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen beach hotel. Time to kick off your shoes and sink your toes into the sand!

Beach time

Your days will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Depart Lombok

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.