Java, Indonesian Borneo & Bali Islands: Culture, Wildlife & Nature

Yogyakarta in Java is a unique place for the appreciation of contrasts. Finding its own harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where the old way of life and bygone times and customs are appreciated alongside its youthful charm, the city/town is considered Indonesia’s artistic and intellectual heart. There are several universities located within the city, and as a result, students are found around every corner. Yogyakarta is best known for its two historic temples: Borobudur Temple, a 9th century Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Prambanan Temple, dedicated to the divine Hindu Trimurti (trinity).

Explore the magnificent Buddhist temple complex at Borobudur and Prambanan Temple, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, on this tour. Travel about 25 miles out of Yogyakarta in the morning to Borobudur, which was built in the ninth century. It is the largest single Buddhist monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took two million blocks of stone to complete the complex, which is made up of three circular terraces on top of six square ones and contains more than 2,500 relief panels and over 500 Buddha statues. Then, head for the ninth century temple compound of Prambanan, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to the Trimurti, an idea in Hinduism wherein Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the Preserver and Shiva is the Destroyer. There are 240 temples altogether, with the three main temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The compound is characterized by tall and pointed architecture, with the central building rising 154 ft. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Come and explore one of Asia’s last remaining tropical rainforest in all its wild glory. Take in a jungle safari on wooden river boats and across bamboo bridges. But most importantly, spot wild orangutans in their natural habitat—possibly the only natural habitat left on this planet for these beautiful creatures! This impossibly lush green island is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Indonesian part of the island is largely covered by the Kalimantan region, which is home to the Tanjung Puting National Park. This Park is one of the best places to watch orangutans in the wild, and is a wonderful vacation spot for families. Typical jungle animals you’re likely to spot—other than shaggy orangutans swinging along the forest canopy—include Proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, gibbons, porcupines, Sambar deer, colourful birds and butterflies. All in all, a memorable holiday that you are unlikely to forget!

Day 1: Arrive at Pangkalan Bun Airport in Central Kalimantan, where you will meet your local guide and transfer to the nearby port of Kumai. Board a traditional riverboat, known as a 'Klotok', and get comfortable in your cabin as you journey along the Sekonyer River into Tanjung Puting National Park. This sprawling park with its jungles and swamps is famous for its orangutan conservation and is home to leopards, lizards and more than 600 species of birds. In the afternoon, head out in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Your guide will point out other species of animals and birds along the way. Day 2: Wake up early and take in the sights as you travel upstream to the Sekonyer River. Cruise along a tributary called ‘Crocodile River’ and try to spot the reptiles sunning themselves. Enjoy the scenery and tuck into a fresh lunch prepared by the crew before reaching Camp Leakey, the renowned orangutan research and rehabilitation center located in the heart of national park. Once you arrive, meet the rangers and watch the orangutans’ afternoon feeding. If you like, take a short trek into the jungles surrounding the camp before heading back to the boat. Day 3: After breakfast, sail to the orangutan feeding station at Pondok Tanggui. The jungle becomes dense as you slowly make your way north, and from the deck of the boat you will be able to view a variety of wildlife. Reach Pondok Tanggui in time for the orangutans’ morning feed. Accompanied by your guide and a park ranger, hike along small tracks deep into the jungle where the feeding area is located. Get up close to these wonderful primates before returning to your boat. Your next stop is the Pesalat Reforestation Camp, where parts of the national park that have been destroyed over the years by illegal loggers and forest fires are being restored. While here, you can choose a tree, plant it and also name it. After, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as you sail back to Kumai. During the return journey, you are likely to see proboscis monkeys high up in the trees. Day 4 : Soon after breakfast, you will reach Kumai from where you will be transferred to Pangkalan Bun airport to catch your flight to your next destination.

Mount Bromo in Java is a fabulous volcano with views! Located in Eastern Java and part of the Tengger massif, it enjoys pride of place within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Standing tall at 2,329 meters, this active volcano is not the highest of the massif, yet it is probably the most popular and attracts many visitors to the region. Your best view of Mount Bromo is from the adjacent and slightly higher mountain of Penanjakan, or from its crater rim – if you dare! Its name, Bromo, is derived from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

Discover the exhilarating sight of Mount Bromo and its stunning surroundings on this half-day tour. The best time to view the entire Bromo landscape is dawn, which necessitates an early start. The first part of your journey, to the small village of Wonotoro, is accomplished in a regular vehicle. The village is the gateway to the region and sits 2000m above sea level. From there, switch to a private jeep and head for the rim of Mount Penanjakan, hopefully arriving in time for sunrise. The rim provides the best views of Mount Bromo as well as Mount Batok and Mount Semeru. After watching night give way to day, go back down the volcano in your jeep, cross the Laotian Pasir, or Sand Sea, and alight at the foot of Mount Bromo. From here it is about 250 steps to the rim of the crater. Your effort will be rewarded with more spectacular views of this unique landscape. For an additional cost, you can choose to climb to the rim on horseback. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Start at 3 am)

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Home to the country’s royal family, the town is rich in art and at the center of Balinese craft and traditional dance. In 1936, the King of Ubud co-founded the Pitamaha Artists Cooperative, in which both Balinese and Western painting styles have mutually been flourishing. The town itself has developed dramatically over the past twenty years, with many shops and boutiques offering an ideal ground for unusual and unique retail therapy. Despite this growth, Ubud and its surrounding villages continue to be harmonious and unspoilt. Breathe in the breathtaking beauty, as you witness gently rolling, often terraced paddy fields, dotted with occasional Hindu temples. Rainforests with majestic, centuries-old trees, and dramatic gorges within the tranquil foothills, await your discovery.

Unravel the mysteries of ancient Ubud on this captivating exploration of prominent landmarks. Head to Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave, a ninth century sanctuary for Buddhist monks, known for its exquisite carvings. Travel on to the small settlement of Pejeng that sits tucked into the Petauan River Valley. Get a good look at the largest single-cast bronze kettle drum housed in the Pura Penataran Sasih temple before you wander around the Purbakala Archaeological Museum. Stop by some of the smaller temples in the vicinity including the Pura Arjuna Metapa that sits amid a verdant paddy field. As you journey on to central Ubud, savor views of the terrace fields at Tegalalang. Endless stretches of green paddy fields greet you at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at various points along the way to take in dazzling views of the landscape dotted with picturesque villages before you head back. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Seminyak is the hedonist hotspot of Bali! Located north of the airport, Seminyak boasts a marvellous beach along a stretch of coastline that has made Bali world-famous. In the last thirty years, the area has developed into an urban metropolis boasting an ultra-modern lifestyle that never sleeps, always making it interesting for inhabitants and guests alike. You can experience stunning sunsets and a fabulous surf. When beachlife gets too much, there is a feast of restaurants, nightclubs and hotels to suit all tastes.