In this Best of Java Sulawesi and Bali tour you will cover the broad spectrum of the archipalegos diverse attractions. Begin your tour in Jogjakarta a center of art and education and the cradle of traditional Javanese culture. While here you will explore the city's exotic markets, create your own batik and encounter awe-inspiring architecture, with visits to the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan that are best admired at sunrise.

The tour continues with a scenic train ride to Kertosono, on which you will have the opportunity to meet the friendly locals and admire Indonesia's superb volcanic terrain. Ascend the magnificent Mt.Kelud, by car, walking the last stretch to the top before continuing on to the grand colonial-era buildings, historic sites and local markets of Malang. Your second volcano encounter of this Indonesia tour, involves rising early to catch the sunrise up behind the epic Mt Bromo revealing stunning views, before descending upon volcano caldera where a short horse ride will take you to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater.

The second part of this Indonesia package tour takes an intrepid turn as you fly to Sulawesi where you will meet the enigmatic Bugis people. Immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of the Toraja tribes, famed for their elaborate funeral rites. Going off-the-beaten-track in Indonesia we unveil the incredible tribal activity of Sulawesi where the tribal groups stand oblivious to the hand of time.

The final stretch of this adventure takes the tour to Ubud, the centre of Balinese art and culture. Explore this artistic haven: watch an enthralling dance-and-music performance, browse eclectic collections in the art galleries, examine the vast assortment of handicrafts at bustling markets and stroll through the centuries-old Royal Palace. To cap off this Indonesia tour visit the nearby attractions of Panglipuran and Kehen Temple.

Our 13- day Indonesia tour package is perfect for those who are curious about the regions culture and in search of an experience that goes beyond the traditional sightseeing tour.

Arrive at the Solo Airport, formerly known as Surakarta, or the Jogjakarta Airport.

Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Jogjakarta for check-in. (1 hour from Solo and 15mn from Jogjakarta Adisutjipto Airport)

Despite the official spelling of 'Yogyakarta' this town is usually pronounced and often written Jogjakarta or simply Jogja. It is the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Jogja is a center of art and education and the cradle of traditional Javanese culture

After freshening up, enjoy lunch at the hotel before setting off on an afternoon excursion. You'll be introduced to one of Indonesia's most famous crafts with a visit to a traditional batik factory. Not only will you learn about the ancient techniques and observe skilled craftsmen, but you will also have the chance to create your own batik. Start from scratch, making a design, applying wax and mixing your own dye. Your creation will be delivered to your hotel after drying.

Dinner at leisure.

Today you will have the chance to learn more about Jogjakarta's historic and cultural traditions with a city tour.

Start with a visit to the Sultan's Palace, also known as 'Kraton'. This building, built between 1756 -1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. As you walk through the various rooms and chambers, you will learn more about this aspect of Javanese heritage and culture.

You'll also visit the adjacent 'Taman Sari', water palace and garden. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan with bathing pools for his harem.

A local cyclo, becak, will then transfer you through the streets to the bird market where you'll see a slice of local Jogja life. Keeping songbirds as pets is a popular Indonesian tradition and the market is filled with birds with beautiful voices and vendors who entice shoppers to listen to their birds' songs. In addition to birds, an array of other animals are sold as pets including snakes, hamsters, rabbits and cats.

Lunch in a local restaurant in Jogjakarta

This afternoon will be spent exploring the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan, located 17 kilometers from Jogjakarta. Built in the 9^th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. UNESCO named Prambanan a Heritage Site in 1991. Your guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

Note : The May 2006 Jogjakarta earthquake caused significant damage to some parts of Prambanan. The site is open again, but some temples are cordoned off and as of mid-2009 entry into most temples is not allowed.

Following your visit to Prambanan, continue to the twin temple of Plaosan. Located just 1 kilometer from Prambanan, this temple combines Buddhist and Hindu elements and has over 100 domes and dozens of intricate carvings. You'll then proceed to Sewu, a Buddhist temple located 800 meters from Prambanan. Here, you will explore the 257 buildings that fill the grassy, rectangular complex.

Return to Jogjakarta later this afternoon. After freshening up at your hotel, you'll be treated to a performance of traditional Ramayana Dances while dining at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Jogjakarta.

This morning drive to Borobudur, 42 kilometers west of Jogjakarta. With your guide, explore this massive Buddhist Temple- the largest in the world- and discover the incredible history behind its construction. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was assembled entirely by human labor and took more than 75 years to complete. These days, the UNESCO Heritage site is still visible in its full glory- with magnificent carvings and an unusual, yet surprisingly beautiful bulk structure.

Continue with a visit to nearby Mendut temple. Older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. You'll also visit Pawon temple, a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry.

Following the temple touring, stop for lunch at a restaurant set amid the rice fields.

In the afternoon, you'll get a taste for local life with a horse cart ride through Candirejo village. Known as a dokar, the local horse cart will take you through this peaceful, charming village. You'll travel along small lanes lined with traditional houses and stop to see village activities such as making cassava crackers, playing the gamelan and harvesting and drying of vanilla and chili. Following the dokar ride, return to Jogjakarta.

Dinner is at leisure this evening in Jogjakarta.

Overnight in Jogjakarta.

Today begins with a scenic train ride to eastern Java. After breakfast, you will transfer to Jogjakarta Railway station to board the train to Kertosono. Your guide will accompany on the journey. (Note: Planned route is aboard KA90 Departing 0715, Arriving 1108; schedule subject to change without notice)

Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of central and East Java.

Upon arrival in Kertosono, your driver will be waiting to transfer you by road to Kediri (1 hour) where you will stop for lunch.

Then continue with another one-hour drive to Mt.Kelud. This active volcano's most recent eruption was in 2007 which resulted in an unusual lava mound rising from the crater lake.  You will drive close to the summit and then continue the final meters on foot. The lava dome now extends over 200 meters and length and has fully covered the lake. And despite the constant stream of steam billowing out of the dome, the air is fresh and the surroundings are beautiful.

After the visit continue to Malang, a further 2 hour drive, and check in at your hotel.

Take an orientation tour of Malang by becak, a local cyclo. The streets of Malang are filled with grand colonial-era buildings and you'll cruise past historic sites and local markets before finishing at the city Cathedral.

From here, walk across the street to Toko Oen for dinner. Housed in a charming 1920s colonial building, the restaurant has been open since 1936 and is a nostalgic place serving a mix of Dutch and Indonesian cuisines as well as delicious homemade ice cream.

Return to your hotel early this evening to rest up for the early departure tomorrow.

Overnight in Malang.

Awake early this morning (app 0130) for a sunrise tour of Mt Bromo. You'll depart at 0200 from Malang and drive via Puspa Village to the town of Tossari.

Arriving in Tossari, you'll change to a 4WD jeep for the last 30 minutes of the drive. Around 0500 you'll arrive at a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano.

Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground form to create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon.

A 20-minute ride on horseback will take you to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater.

Return by horse and jeep to Lava View Inn for breakfast with spectacular views over Bromo and its caldera. Around 0900 you'll switch vehicles in the town of Ngadisari for a four hour drive to Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city.

En route, stop at Pasuruan harbor for lunch. In this charming fishing village you'll see traditional wooden boats and the daily activities of the local fisherman. 

After lunch, drive the final one hour to Surabaya arriving mid-afternoon. Check in and take a short rest, recovering from the early morning wake up.

Later this afternoon take a walk around Kampung Arab, one of the most colorful districts of Surabaya. You'll then head to a delicious seafood restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Surabaya

Early this morning transfer to Surabaya's airport for the flight to Makassar in South Sulawesi. (via Denpasar on Garuda Indonesia GA340: 0600-0740/0925-1040). Your Exotissimo guide and private car will meet you for the drive to Rantepao (8 hours)

The island of Sulawesi was once referred to as Celebes and Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, was formerly called Ujung Pandang. The islanders interchange the names frequently.

Your journey takes you through several villages of the Bugis people who build stilted houses along magnificent mountain passes.

Midday a stop will be made for lunch at Bukit Indah Restaurant. This restaurant is located in Pare-Pare, a small port around 155 km north of Makassar.

Your drive continues through the hills reaching Rantepao in the late afternoon. Rantepao is the small capital of Toraja an area of around 450,000 inhabitants. The Toraja ethnic group is renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, traditional houses and spectacular carving and dancing. You will spend the next two days exploring the Toraja villages and learning about their unique culture.

Check in to your hotel in Rantepao. Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

Overnight in Rantepao

After breakfast this morning, you will head south of Toraja to visit two traditional villages and their surroundings. Begin with a drive to Lemo and Suaya villages which are surrounded by cliffs pierced with graves and very realistic tau tau (hanging effigies) of decesed noblility. These cliffs are also rerferred to as 'the death at the balconies' due to their perilious location. Continuing to the village of Sangala where you will see graves dug into the trunks of trees, the traditional burying method for babies.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant

This afternoon, visit Londa village where wooden coffins are suspended by ropes and poles extending from the cliffs. Continue to Ketekesu, a village which has one of the finest ensembles of Tongkonan (Toraja traditional houses). These boat-shaped houses have tall roofs made of slender bristles and create strange silhouettes in the sky. The Tongkonan facades boast many carved and painted motifs and a buffalo head wood adorns the wealthiest homes. Ketekesu village also has a rice granary of the traditional Toraja country style.

Return to the hotel late this afternoon. Evening and dinner are at your leisure.

Overnight in Rantepao.

This morning you will visit the villages north of Rantepao.

Travel first to Batutumonga for a light trek through Toraja villages. Perched on the slopes of Mt Sesean, this village offers beautiful views of rice fields dotted with large black rocks, remains of ancient volcanic eruptions.

An easy two-hour walk takes you through the villages of Bori and Palawa where you will get to meet the locals and observe traditional their traditional lifestyle and customs. These two villages have traditional stone circles, part of the local lore of the Toraja people, with each stone representing an important noble who have passed away. They also feature impressive tongkonan houses.

Lunch at local restaurant

Your excursion continues this afternoon with a visit to Marante or we find a great set of Tau Tau wood perched on a cliff and all dressed in white

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Rantepao

Note: Between July and September (dry season) many funerals take place and during this period many Toraja migrants return home for the holidays. Your program will be tailored to allow you to attend a ceremony if you wish during your stay in Toraja.

After an early breakfast, drive back to Makassar (8 hours) stopping en route for lunch in Pare Pare.

You will be transferred to the Makassar airport for your onward flight. (Suggested flight:  Denpasar, Bali on Garuda Indonesia- GA 621- 16h35 / 17h50)

Upon landing, your local Exotissimo guide and private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your selected resort in Sanur or Nusa Dua (30min drive).

Check in at your selected hotel.

Overnight in Sanur or Nusa Dua

Today is full at your leisure on the beach.

Overnight in Sanur or Nusa Dua

Depart for an excursion to Mt Batur. You'll drive along small, scenic roads offering beautiful views of the rice fields, especially near the village of Tegallangang. Along the way you'll stop in Sebatu village to visit Pura Gunung Kawi, an exotic spring temple.

Upon arrival at Kintamani, stop for lunch at a local restaurant where you will enjoy spectacular views over Lake Batur and its volcano, Mt Batur. Although Mt Batur (1412m) is not the highest volcano in Bali, it is the most active and is surrounded by an impressive caldera.

Your excursion continues to Panglipuran, a traditional countryside village well known for its tidy row of traditional Balinese entrance gates and its unique architectural traditions.

End today with a visit to the sacred Kehen Temple, built majestically on a hill on a series of 8 terraces enclosing a huge banyan tree in its first courtyard. The forest background of this temple offers a unique ambiance and mesmerizing scene.

Arrive Ubud in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel.

Located in the island's center, Ubud is the island's artistic and cultural capital.

Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

This morning begins with a drive to Klungkung to visit the former Royal Courts of Justice known as Kerta Gosa. The highlight here is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring the wayang style of painting depicting the battle of good versus evil.

Continue to Besakih, known as the 'Mother Temple' of Bali. Located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Bali highest volcano (2 567 m), Besakih is the largest and most important temple on the island.

Stop for lunch at Maha Giri restaurant, where you'll dine on fresh Balinese cuisine while surrounded by great panoramas over rice field terraces with Mt Agung in the background.

Pedal your way through beautiful landscapes this afternoon with a 1hour cycling tour around Sidemen, a peaceful rural area. The easy ride takes you past rice paddy terraces and plantations growing salak trees (snake skin fruits), coffee, cloves and cacao. An amazing experience to explore the heart of Bali and the perfect end to your tour.

At the end of the afternoon, return to Ubud.

No visit to Bali would be complete without witnessing traditional dance and this evening you will be treated to a performance in a nearby village.

Return to Ubud for dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ubud

Start today with an early morning walk through the rice fields near Ubud. The terraced fields, spectacular scenery and tranquil surroundings create a serene atmosphere typical of central Bali. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Spend this morning discovering the many charms of Ubud as you visit museums, palaces and local markets. Start with a visit to ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art) and enjoy one of the best permanent collections of Balinese and Indonesian paintings. A visit to ARMA provides a great overview of the island's rich artistic traditions.

Continue to Ubud's Royal Palace in the heart of the small town: built in the 16^th century the Palace is still home to Ubud's King and its Royal family

Finish this morning's excursion with a walk in Ubud Market where local vendors come to buy and sell food as well as handicrafts and textiles.

Lunch will be served at Indus Restaurant, one of Ubud's top tables, with breathtaking views over the Tjampuhan river valley.

This afternoon our car will drop you off at Denpasar airport for your onward flight
(or at your hotel on the beach for those wishing to extend).