DAY 1: Depart for Indonesia
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DAY 2: Arrive in Jakarta
- Arrive in Jakarta, Indonesias sprawling and energetic capital city transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone in this vast cultural melting pot that reflects the many faces of modern Indonesia
- Overnight: Jakarta
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DAY 3: Old and New Jakarta
- Meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at this mornings orientation meeting on the extraordinary journey that lies ahead in Indonesia. Your taste of Jakartas ancient roots begins at the National Museum, home to an extensive collection of 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 area of the city tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the modern capital. This quaint part of the city has an old world charm and a distinguished history, named Batavia by the Dutch settlers. Enjoy lunch at a local antique cafe its time to savor your first cup of real Java coffee The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps linger in the Old City and visit the Jakarta History Museum, the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum or the Wayang Museum which showcases the traditional art of shadow puppetry before tonights dinner at the hotel
- Overnight: Jakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 4: Discover Kota Gede, Gamelan Ensemble
- Depart early in the morning for the flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, (called Yogya by the locals). Upon arrival, visit to Kota Gede, which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. Today, Kota Gede is a historic suburb of Yogyakarta and the center of Yogyas silver industry. Explore the town with its maze of narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses and hundreds of silver shops. Stop at the Besar Mosque complex, the oldest mosque in Kota Gede. Afterward, participate in a workshop and learn about the Indonesian Gamelan ensemble. Gamelan is the traditional ensemble music of Java and Bali in Indonesia, created by integrating sounds of gong, kenong and other musical instruments. Try your hand at learning how to play these traditional instruments. Later, shop for magnificent handmade batik Conclude the tour with lunch at a local cafe. Afternoon is at leisure before dinner tonight
- Overnight: Yogyakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 5: Candirejo Village, Borobudur Temple, Pawon Temple & Mendut Monastery
- This morning, depart for Candirejo Village, a typical Javanese village, set amid lush greenery and tropical rainforests. Take a ride in a dokar, traditional horse-drawn cart and explore this peaceful village, making stops along the way to see the peoples way of life. Observe different activities such as the harvesting of vanilla and chili, making cassava crackers and making handicrafts from bamboo. Next, visit a local house where the local community performs traditional gamelan music. Savor a Javanese meal before driving to the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 8th century artistic and architectural marvel takes the shape of a sacred mandala when seen from above admire some of its over 2,600 bas relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. After, tour the Pawon Temple built with volcanic stones, a blend of Javanese, Hindu and Indian art, and the exquisite Mendut Temple and Monastery. All of the temples you see today were built in one straight line, in order for the devout to ease their pilgrimage during the full moon. Tonight at dinner, recall your interesting day
- Overnight: Yogyakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 6: Temples of Plaosan, Yogyakarta Prambanan Temple
- Start your day with the spectacular 9th century Prambanan Temple complex, a lavish example of ancient architecture designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is decorated with reliefs illustrating the Ramayana Hindu epic, dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Prambanan Temple consists of three main temple buildings - the biggest reaching a colossal height of 47m. Surrounding the main temples are more than 220 Pewara, or small temples, some of which have been restored to their former glory. Prambanan was built in the 8th century during Sailendras powerful Hindu dynasty. Lunch at the local restaurant before a pony-drawn carriage takes you to the twin Temples of Plaosan with their remarkable detailed decorations combining both Hindu and Buddhist religious symbols and carvings. Two giant statues welcome you in the front of each main temple many windows. Tonight, meet for dinner together
- Overnight: Yogyakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 7: Surakarta, Mangkunegara Palace, Danar Hadi Batik Museum, Batik Making
- Depart this morning for Surakarta, the traditional capital of the old Javanese Kingdom, a city steeped in history, and proud of its heritage and culture. Upon arrival, visit Danar Hadi, one of the worlds finest batik museums, housed in a stunning whitewashed colonial building, with an impressive collection of antique and royal textiles from Java, China and beyond. After enjoying a typical Javanese lunch, then drive to the ornate Mangkunegaran Palace, set within lush gardens and sparkling fountains, which was founded by a dissident prince who, in the 18th century, was awarded a portion of the Sunans (Kings) fiefdom to ensure he remained loyal. Then drive to Lawean Village where you will practice making Batik, cloth made using a wax-resist dyeing technique. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
- Overnight: Surakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 8: Sukuh and Ceto Temples, Parang Ljo Waterfalls, Kemuning Tea Plantation
- Today, visit the isolated 15th-century Sukuh Temple, (Candi Sukuh) on the slopes of Mount Lawu, one of Javas most enigmatic and striking temples, constructed of rough-hewn stone in the shape of an ancient pyramid, accented by dramatic reliefs and statues. Several explicit carvings have dubbed Sukuh the "erotic" temple it is thought that a fertility cult once dwelled here. At the nearby Javanese-Hindu Ceto Temple, a series of terraces climb the side of the hill and ascend to an altar. Afterward, travel to the beautiful Parang Ljo Waterfalls, surrounded by colorful flowers and ferns. Here, people bathe under the falls or indulge in reflexology massages from one of the many stalls. Traveling on through the steep and winding mountain roads with breathtaking views, arrive at the Kemuning Tea Plantation, where green hills of tea trees spread as far as the eye can see. View the art of picking tea leaves and savor some of the excellent varieties of teas at the Ndoro Donker Tea House in an old plantation building with Dutch colonial architecture. After lunch, return to Surakarta to explore on your own
- Overnight: Surakarta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 9: Denpasar, Ubud, Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- An early morning flight takes you to Denpasar, capital of the exotic island province of Bali, known for its pristine beaches, aura of spirituality and long tradition of the arts. Arrive in Ubud, the islands cultural center that has inspired painters, sculptors and writers from around the world. View terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples and bubbling rivers on your picturesque drive to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a sacred area inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed macaques who have a symbolic place among Balinese Hindu culture. Balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, head to Peliatan Royal Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Ubud. This elaborately designed building, home to the last king of Ubud, was constructed in 1769. Spend time exploring the palace and the exotic surroundings. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with one of the royal descendants that lives in the palace. Enjoy an elaborate Balinese royal dinner, followed by a spectacular performance featuring Balinese dances set to gamelan music
- Overnight: Ubud
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 10: Bali Butterfly Park, Jatiluwih Rice Fields, Ulun Danu Temple
- Begin the day with a visit to Taman Kupu - Kupu Bali (Bali Butterfly Park), one of the largest butterfly parks in Asia. The park is a butterfly and insect conservation facility which exhibits a wide variety of species throughout its one hectare grounds. Interact with the colorful creatures and observe how they undergo metamorphosis. Then, to the astonishing Jatiluwih rice fields, named a UNESCO Cultural Landscape. This spectacular site of terraced, green paddies is stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where it meets the sea. The rice fields that make up this area use a cultivation method preserved for centuries and passed down from generation to generation. Its indeed an amazing sight to behold Walk through the fields with a local farmer and learn more about life in this magical green paradise. Later, head into the mountains to the 17th century Ulun Danu Temple Complex, founded by the King of Mengwi and dedicated to the gods of the lakes. This evening, an exclusive invitation to join a Balinese family for home hospitality and dinner along with an interesting conversation about life in Bali
- Overnight: Ubud
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 11: Traditional Balinese Village, Cooking Class
- This morning, journey to Penarungan Village, that is located in a remote part of central Bali. Here, get an insight into rural life and learn about the local culture. Engage in a series of activities that include walking through the village rice fields, making traditional coffee and coconut oil, planting rice and enjoying Balinese music and dance. In the afternoon, its time to refine your culinary skills at a cooking class that introduce you to the fine techniques of Balinese cuisine, demonstrated by a local chef. Afterward for lunch, feast on your own creations. This evening, dinner is at the hotel
- Bring an extra change of clothes, if you wish to participate in the rice planting activity
- Overnight: Ubud
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 12: Balinese Ancient Temples
- Embark on a historical tour through Balinese ancient temples and monuments, tracing the creation of the unique Balinese Hindu religion "Hindu Dharma". Journey through quaint Balinese villages toward the stunning 10th century Paiguman temple, surrounded by a dense rainforest. Attend a short lecture at the private house of Bapak Enong Ismail, curator of the Sukarno Museum and the leading expert on the recently World Heritage listed Pakerisan river area. His simple house sits amongst the rice field on a ridge overlooking the sacred river of Pakerisan. He would be happy to share his work documenting Balinese culture since 1979 and explain the efforts made to preserve the temples and monuments for future generations. In the afternoon, make your way to the Holy Water Temple, known for its holy spring waters where you have the option to shower at the natural spring water. Afterward, enjoy a superb Balinese lunch and admire the surrounding beautiful scenery. Tonight, attend a special Balinese-style dinner
- Overnight: Sanur
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 13: Barong Dance Performance, Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, Seaside Sanur
- Start the day at a rollicking performance of Barong, a well known Balinese traditional dance that acts out stories and myths of the conflicts of good and evil. Then travel to Taman Ayun, view the striking royal temple dating back to the Mengwi Empire, set amidst a peaceful pond and gardens. Astonishing views await you at Tanah Lot, a temple perched atop a seaside rock shaped by hundreds of years of ocean tides. Meander the lanes of the Tanah Lot, where artisans sell Balis famous handicrafts. The rest of the day leisure time to enjoy the new surrounding and gorgeous beaches
- Overnight: Sanur
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 14: Kuta Market, Leisure Time in Sanur
- Discover Kuta Market, a colorful beachside bazaar-like compound this morning. Shopping in Kuta has evolved in recent years, starting off from humble beginnings with a few art studios and local stalls being the main attractions to famous international brands. Balance of the day is at leisure to relax at the pool, indulge in spa treatments or, just treasure your last day in this paradise by the sea. Celebrate your final evening in Indonesia with dinner. Reflect on a memorable journey highlighted by tonights magnificent Balinese sunset
- Overnight: Sanur
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 15: Depart Indonesia
- Transfer to the airport in Denpasar for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
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