Heritage of Java
Java is the heartland of Indonesia. Lying southeast of Malaysia and Sumatra, south of Kalimantan and west of Bali; it is the fifth largest island in Indonesia, yet the most densely populated; especially in the nation’s capital, Jakarta on the northernmost tip of the island. Home to over 140 million people, the island of 127,569 sq. km is Indonesia’s most complex and culturally compelling island flanked by limestone ridges and lowlands with a longitudinal mountain chain surmounted by 121 volcanoes.
Java is the historical epicentre of Indonesia; a magical and storied island, steeped in culture and shrouded in mysticism. A powerhouse on the modern stage, Java traces its influence back through the centuries in its artistry, traditions and architecture. This is a land of fire, stone and spices; home to volcanoes, palaces and Hindu-Buddhist relics that have witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, sultanates and empires.
Heritage of Java takes you deep into the historical heartland of Indonesia, linking each of the major heritage hotspots that tell Java’s story. You will stay in hotels that have been specifically chosen for their historical significance, their architectural design and their proximity to areas of interest. This tour puts you in the centre of the action; a tactile and evocative journey back through the ages in the footsteps of sultans, pirates and pilgrims; into the heart of Java.
Pricing
Private tour starting at $1,999* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Jakarta to Surabaya
Your package includes
- 7-night accommodation
- 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner
- Private transportation in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle
- One-way train ticket from Bandung to Yogyakarta including lunch onboard
- Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional and licensed English-speaking
- All entrance fees, donations and parking fees as per itinerary
- Public Liability Insurance
Not included
- International or domestic airfare and airport taxes
- Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides, drivers
- Optional excursions
- Beverages
- Visa for Indonesia if required
Special Note
Due to the heavy weekend traffic congestion, we do not recommend starting this program on Thursday and/or Friday.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Jakarta
Meals
Dinner
Description
Meet your assigned guide upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, then direct transfer to your hotel; a beautifully restored historic landmark building and a former Dutch Telecommunications office dating back to 1923. Check-in then spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, transfer for your special Rijsttafel dining experience using a chauffeured vehicle. Inspired by the traditional social feast held by the Dutch plantation lords when hosting honorable guests, your elaborate dinner displays the richness of spices that grow in Indonesia, with a menu consisting of different flavors mainly from the island of Java.
Accommodation: Mercure Jakarta Batavia Hotel, 4* (or similar, 1 night)
Day 2
Jakarta – Bogor – Bandung
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel then check out. Pick-up at your hotel lobby at 08:30 AM for a short tour of Old Jakarta (Batavia). Drive towards Old Town Of Batavia with a photo stop at the iconic National Monument. Visit Fatahillah Square and Sunda Kelapa Harbour for insights about Old Batavia. The journey continues to Bogor city with a visit to Kebun Raya Bogor (Bogor Botanical Garden). Founded in 1817 by the Dutch colonial government, this botanic garden covers an area of 87 hectares. Traditional lunch is served at the restaurant located inside the garden (food only). The tour continues with driving towards the capital city of West Java province Bandung via the highway with final destination in Bandung City. Check in at a resort and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Papandayan Hotel, 5* (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 3
Bandung
Breakfast, Lunch
Your excursion today takes you to Tangkuban Perahu and Ciater Hotspring. Arrive at the active volcanic mountain of Tangkuban Perahu, hike to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs and boiling mud.
The excursion continues as you drive towards the city center for a photo stop at the iconic Gedung Sate, a neoclassic-style government office built in 1920s. Lunch is served en route at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, observe an angklung performance by an orchestra of children at Saung Angklung UDJO and learn how to play this traditional bamboo musical instrument. Check-in at a hotel in the city center and spend the evening at leisure.
Optional Excursions: Excursion to Braga Street or shopping excursion with dinner served at a local restaurant (additional charge applies).
Day 4
Bandung – Kutoarjo (by train) – Magelang
Breakfast, Lunch
An early breakfast today then check out to continue your journey to the countryside in the centre of Java. Pick- up at the hotel lobby and transfer to the train station. Embark on a scenic 6-hour train ride in a fully air- conditioned compartment, with light lunch served onboard. Arrive in Kutoarjo train station, transfer directly to your nice hotel in Magelang Regency. Check-in and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur, 5* (or similar, 1 night)
Day 5
Magelang – Borobudur – Candirejo Village – Yogyakarta
Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up in the morning and you will be visit traditional market and transferred to the biggest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur. Situated in Magelang regency and nestled between the Progo and Elo Rivers, this sacred 8th-century monument is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A short, leisurely walk from the entrance and the steep narrow stone stairway will get you to the top deck of the monument. Surrounding the mother stupa, the top deck is the best spot to catch the sunrise, promising a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings, serene ambience and near-mythical experience on a clear day.
A short drive will get you to a local village of Candirejo. Using transportation dominantly used by the locals, a delman or andong horse carriage – the village tour is part of Natural Resources Management for Local Community Empowerment project and it will provide you with insight into local customs and traditions, art and handicrafts and an agricultural system of intercropping. Experience the daily life of the villagers; see Javanese traditional houses; and learn how to play a traditional musical instrument. In the afternoon, drive Yogyakarta city centre. Check in at the hotel and then the afternoon is free at leisure, giving you the opportunity to stroll along the iconic Malioboro Street (own arrangement).
Accommodation: The Phoenix Hotel, 5* (or similar, 1 night)
Day 6
Yogyakarta – Magelang
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the restaurant then embark on an excursion to unfold the history and culture of the city. Visit the 18th-century Keraton Sultanate’s palace and the former royal garden of the Sultanate Tamansari Water Castle. Proceed to visit a Batik Workshop to see the manual making process of this famous fabric and to try your skill in making your own piece of batik. Authentic Javanese cuisine for lunch will be served at one of the best restaurants in the city. In the afternoon, visit Kotagede which is the center of silversmith then it is a one hour drive to Magelang regency. Check-in and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Accommodation: Plataran Heritage Borobudur, 5* (or similar, 1 night)
Day 7
Yogyakarta – Prambanan – Tosari Bromo
Breakfast, Lunch
After early breakfast, drive to Prambanan Temple, built in the 9th century AD. After visiting the largest Hindu Temple compound in Indonesia. Then continue drive to Bromo via toll trans Java with a lunch stop at a local restaurant. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at a hotel in Tosari.
Accommodation: Jiwa Jawa, 4* (or similar, 1 night)
Day 8
Bromo sunrise- Surabaya
Breakfast
Rising from the ancient Tengger caldera, the volcanic trio of Mount Bromo (2,392m), Mount Kursi (2,581m) and Mount Batok (2,440m) emerge from a vast crater that stretches 10km across. The smouldering cone of Bromo stands in a sea of ashen, volcanic sand, surrounded by the towering cliffs of the crater’s edge – giving it a luna-like landscape with epic proportions and breathtaking views. Situated in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park to the southeast of Surabaya, it is the only conservation area in Indonesia that has a sand sea with total area of 5,250 hectares at an altitude of about 1,200m which also contains the highest mountain in Java, Mount Semeru (3,676m) in the south, along with four lakes and 50 rivers.
Wake up when it is still dark for a journey to catch the majestic view of sunrise. Mount Bromo provides the backdrop for one of the most stunning sunrise views on earth. Depart from your resort at 04:00hrs in a 4Wheel- Drive vehicle (jeep) and make your way to Penanjakan Viewpoint to witness the awe-inducing Tengger Caldera before your eyes as the night turns into day. Your 4WD vehicle will then take you closer to Mount Bromo. Arrive at the parking area, then from here you can ride a pony to the foot of Mount Bromo. The hike up to the rim of the crater (253-stone steps) is worth the view from the top. Afterwards, your 4WD vehicle drives over Pasir Berbisik, a landscape of volcanic sand that is reminiscent of an arid dessert, then a couple of hundred metres away feel as if you have been transported into yet another different world of savannah.
Return to the resort for breakfast and check out afterwards to continue on with your journey towards Surabaya in a chauffeured vehicle. You will be transferred directly to Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport for the onward flight to your next destination.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Heritage of Java” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.