Java - Central Java, and Yogyakarta in particular, is known as "the centre of culture and civilization in Java". Java is the beating heartland of Indonesia; a magical and storied island, steeped in culture and shrouded in mysticism. Visitors can trace Java's story 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.
This tour takes you deep into the historical heartland of Indonesia, linking each of the major heritage hotspots that tell Java's story along the way. Travelling by bicycle allows you the freedom to see the landscape at your own speed, and delve deeper into the local communities to see their way of life and learn about the traditions of the area. This tour combines exercise, adventure, cultural exploration and discovery into one exhilarating and unforgettable trip.
Day 1
Arrival Yogyakarta - City tour - Dinner with performance
(D)
Following an early morning flight, arrive at Yogyakarta airport, where you will meet & greet with your friendly and licensed tour guide. Today you will enjoy a fascinating tour of Yogyakarta, visiting numerous historic places of interest, such as the Sultan's Palace, Sonobudoyo and Taman Sari, followed by a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional Javanese Ballet Ramayana performance. After dinner, head to your hotel for check in and a Briefing to prepare for tomorrow's cycling adventure.
Overnight at Phoenix Yogyakarta or similar
Day 2
Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Parangtritis - Yogyakarta
(B/L/-)
Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at your hotel, then depart by car to the start point of today's cycling tour. On this trip you will journey by bicycle to the highlands surrounding Yogyakarta, where you will find spectacular views on the whole way, and pass through many charming traditional villages, where friendly locals go about their daily lives under a warm tropical sun. Start to paddle at Imogiri via less traffic road on to Parangtritis beach - an enchanting sloping shoreline that combines rocky hills, dunes and a white sandy beach. Besides being famous as a recreational spot, Parangtritis is also a sacred place. Many local people come here for meditation. Stop at local restaurant for lunch, then you will be driven back to your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle.
Overnight at Phoenix Yogyakarta or similar
Day 3
Yogyakarta - Prambanan - Solo
(B/L/-)
Following breakfast at your hotel, check out and transfer to your next hotel in Solo, supported by our logistics team. Today's cycling trip will depart from your hotel to Sambisari village, then journey to Prambanan Temple with some stops along the way at several picturesque photo stops and a few visits to other temples en-route. Lunch will be served at a local Restaurant. After lunch, cycle to Klaten on the way to Solo along an alternative route (instead of the busy main road), passing through idyllic rice fields. Cycling will be end back at your hotel in Solo.
Overnight at Novotel Solo or similar
Day 4
Solo - Karang Anyar - Sukuh - Tawang Mangu - Solo
(B/L/-)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then start cycling from there to explore the historic and culturally rich city of Solo city by bicycle. Today you will make stops at the centre of Wayang Puppet art and the Batik Centre. You will also have the chance to see a traditional Javanese Gamelan Orchestra. Next, continue to through the sedate and smooth back roads. After passing through Karanganyar, travel by car to Karangpandan, from where you will start a scenic hill climb by bicycle up to the mystic Sukuh Temple on the mountaintop. Here you can admire the ancient Hindu-Buddhist architecture and explore the temple complex. Then, proceed downhill with the cool air in your face, passing through villages and farmland along the road to Tawangmangu. The views are really spectacular in this region. This is where your cycling will end today. From Tawangmangu, you will be driven in an air-conditioned car back to Solo.
Overnight at Novotel Solo or similar
Day 5
Solo - Boyolali - Borobudur - Magelang
(B/L/-)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven by air-conditioned car to Boyolali and Selo village - a small district in the western edges of Solo, where you will begin today's cycling tour. The road heads uphill towards Mungkid, where some excellent views are waiting. Next, head on to the world-famous Borobudur Temple, where lunch will be provided. Take some time to explore and enjoy the majestic surroundings of the temple grounds and the monument itself, then proceed by bicycle back to the hotel, where today's cycling tour ends.
Overnight at Puri Asri Magelang or similar
Day 6
Magelang - Mendhut - Pawon - Candirejo - Yogyakarta
(B/L/-)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, from where you will start today's cycling adventure. The journey takes you through alternative back roads to visit some smaller and lesser-known temples around Borobudur, such as the Mendut and Pawon Temples. Next, proceed to Candirejo village to see the activity of local people and join the children in learning to play gamelan instruments. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Continue cycling to Yogyakarta via an alternative route, then today's cycling will end back at your hotel in Yogyakarta.
Overnight Phoenix Yogyakarta or similar
Day 7
Departure Yogyakarta
(B)
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby on designated time. Check out and transfer directly to the airport for your onward flight to next destination.
Accommodation
Elegantly set in the heart of Yogyakarta, close to Malioboro street, the majestic building of The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta, dating back to 1918, revisits in style the classical bygone era with a fusion of Asian and European decor.
Ideally located in historic part of Solo, the hotel features
spacious and cozy rooms. Indulge in one of our 2 large pools, chill out in our night bar, get traditional massage or energize yourself in our InBalance Fitness and Spa and don't forget to dine. You will feel connected with our free high speed Wi-Fi.
