HomeToursAsia Tours 〉Indonesia

Premium Java and Bali


From the fervent pace of Jakarta to the back alleys of Ubud, the islands of Bali and Java are Indonesia’s most celebrated duo – a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, rolling hills and dynamic cities. Be charmed by Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, witness traditional dance performances and explore ornate temples. Get to the heart of life on this famous archipelago by visiting rice paddies and remote villages and learning about the region’s traditional arts and crafts. And that’s not all – you’ll also join royalty at a palace in Ubud for a special dinner and traditional dance performance. This very special tour is an adventure like no other!

11 days, from

$3,258

per person

GROUP SIZE

12 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

 
2
Trip code: TIPI
Style: Premium
Theme: Explorer

Details

Countries Visited:  Indonesia
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)
Transportation: Private Vehicle , Train , Boat
Included Meals:

  • 10 breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 5 dinners

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 12

  • Board a private yacht and take in Bali’s breathtaking southern coastline around Nusa Dua and the Bukit Peninsula as you watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner.

  • Discover Bali’s culture and traditions during exclusive activities like a Ramayana ballet and Balinese Legong dance performance, a storytelling lunch, and a purification blessing.

  • Immerse yourself in the stories of the royal family and learn about Bali’s cultural traditions royal family life as you dine on a meal fit for a king at a royal palace in Ubud.

  • Learn about local village life with village visits that include strolling through rice fields, learning about jewellery and crafts, and whipping up local specialities at an authentic cooking class.

  • Spend three nights at your tranquil Feature Stay, Arkamara Dijiwa in Ubud, surrounded by tropical foliage and the sound of birds. Located on the edge of town, this serene oasis offers a perfect place to relax in the pool after long days exploring the sites and culture of Bali.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Jakarta

Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is great for first-time visitors. For city monuments, don't miss Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning, or the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. After tonight’s welcome meeting, join your group for an authentic Indonesian dinner at a very special restaurant housed in a Dutch mansion.

Day 2: Jakarta

Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour with your expert local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. Wander about Fatahillah Square, and visit a Chinese mansion (Chandra Naya) and gain an insight into the beautiful Peranakan architecture. Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant that has been serving some of the city’s best and most authentic food for more than a century. Learn the story behind the restaurant and its cuisine during an exclusive storytelling session with the owner. After lunch, explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia.

Day 3: Yogyakarta

Catch a late morning flight to Yogyakarta and drop your bags at the hotel then travel to Prambanan, an ancient 10th century Hindu temple located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. This magnificent World Heritage-listed site is the largest Hindu complex in Java. Set in a tranquil park, it is the perfect spot to stroll along the river and take in the sunset. Have your camera ready as you’re sure to get some incredible shots. This evening, join your group for a performance of the epic Ramayana ballet and dine on delicious regional dishes at a memorable group dinner.

Day 4: Yogyakarta

Learn more about village life on a 2 hour walking tour around a local village during an exclusive agro tourism visit. Learn about the tumpangsari farming system and try your hand at playing traditional gamelan music. After you’ve enjoyed a traditional snack and brown sugar tea, sit down for lunch with your group in a pendopo (gazebo). After your village adventure, travel to Candi Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure on earth. As you approach, you'll see the enigmatic temple rise before you, emerging from the tropical foliage. Join your leader and follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. It's truly one of South East Asia's treasures. Afterwards, return to the city and enjoy an evening exploring Yogyakarta your way.

Day 5: Yogyakarta

Immerse yourself in local history as you browse historic and cultural exhibits and stroll the grounds of The Palace of Yogyakarta. This royal palace has a distinctive traditional design and is now a cultural centre that provides a unique insight into the local life and customs of the region. After you have explored the palace, it’s on to the Taman Sari water castle which was built in the mid 1700s for the entertainment of the sultan and his followers. With hidden rooms and an Escher-esque staircase, this fascinating place will captivate you with its history and stories. Head to the neighbourhood of Kota Gede to learn more about Javanese culture and the region’s crafts, famous silver art and delicious food. Try the cuisine for yourself at tonight’s exclusive dinner at Gadjah Wong which sits alongside the Gadjah Wong River. What was once a garbage dump is now a place of serene beauty, as you’ll discover when the owner of the restaurant shares her story with you.

Day 6: Ubud

After breakfast, fly from Yogyakarta to Bali. On the way to Ubud, visit Uluwatu temple which is perched high on a sea cliff. Watch monkeys play in the temple grounds as your leader tells you about the history of the temple. Next, drive to Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud, your Feature Stay for the next three nights. Ubud is Bali's main arts and cultural centre – a thriving centre of markets, shops and warungs and close to rice terraces and lush jungles. With nature and wellbeing at its core, Ubud is a highland haven of Bali. It's a wonderful place to experience the magic that has made Bali such a popular destination, especially when you’re staying in serene and secluded hotel surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies. Tonight you may like to attend an (optional) fire dance performance at the temple or browse the lively Gianyar night market.

Day 7: Ubud

t’s a very early start today – you’ll have to wake at 4 am to head out to Mt Batur before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the early wake up call. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. Enjoy a delicious breakfast spread with your group while basking in the memorable mountain views. Your adventure continues with a trip to the village of Undisan where you’ll tour rice fields with an expert local guide. Learn how the Balinese use herbal plants to treat different health conditions and browse homemade jewellery and craft. Then roll up your sleeves for a Balinese cooking class where you’ll learn how to make local specialties and enjoy a tasty lunch. After a day filled with adventure, tonight is yours to settle back, relax and enjoy your beautiful hotel to the fullest.

Day 8: Ubud

After a relaxing morning spent enjoying the pool, join Balinese royalty for dinner at one of the exquisite royal palaces of Ubud. Of course, you’ll have to look your best so we’ll provide an appropriate traditional outfit for you to wear to this special event. Immerse yourself in the stories told by a member of the royal family as they explain royal cultural traditions and provide an insight into royal family life. But that’s not all! You’ll also watch an intricate and culturally significant Legong dance, a special performance that’s one of the most famous in the royal court.

Day 9: Canggu

Spend a leisurely last morning at your Feature Stay hotel. Today you will travel to Canggu, with its black sand beaches and verdant rice fields. After checking into your hotel, you’ll share a precious experience with a local healer during a blessing and purification ritual. Cleanse your mind, body and soul during this special ceremony which encapsulates the spirituality of Bali. Tonight, you may like to head out to one of Canggu’s lively bars or restaurants with your group.

Day 10: Canggu

Today is yours to enjoy Canggu your way. Perhaps drop into a local warung (restaurant) for lunch, sign up for a surf lesson, take a trip to Tanah Lot temple, or shop until you drop at one of the area’s three markets. This afternoon, you’ll celebrate the penultimate night of your trip in style. Board a private yacht and take in Bali’s breath-taking southern coastline around Nusa Dua and the Bukit Peninsula as you set sail for one final adventure. Raise a glass of something chilled to toast your fabulous trip and enjoy a barbeque dinner onboard the yacht with your group as you watch the sunset. Tonight is sure to be an evening to remember.

Day 11: Canggu

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Canggu, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).