Java – also spelled Jawa – is the heartland of Indonesia. Lying southeast of Malaysia and Sumatera, 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 (formerly Batavia) 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.
Day 1
Arrival Jakarta
Rijsttafel dinner
Meet your assigned guide upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport then and direct transfer to a hotel, beautifully restored historic landmark building; a former Dutch Telecommunications office dating back to 1923. Check-in then an 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 grew in Indonesia with menu consisting of different flavors mainly from the island of Java.
Overnight at Hermitage Hotel Jakarta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Day 2
Jakarta – Bogor – Bandung
(B/L)
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. Lunch is served at a local restaurant located inside the garden. The tour continues with driving towards the capital city of West Java province BANDUNG via the highway with final destination in LEMBANG. Check in at a resort and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Recommended restaurant for dinner in the area : Kampung Daun (at own personal expense)
Overnight at Adarapura Resort & Spa Lembang
Day 3
Bandung Highlands & City Tour
(B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel then check out. 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. Accompanied by the local guide, proceed to walk through the tropical rainforest approximately 900 meters towards KAWAH DOMAS, a smaller crater of Tangkuban Perahu volcano.
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 : excursion to BRAGA STREET or shopping excursion with dinner served at a local restaurant (additional charge applies)
Overnight at Prama Grand Preanger Bandung
Day 4
Bandung – Yogyakarta by train
(B/L)
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 you to the train station. Embark on a scenic 8-hour train ride in a fully air-conditioned compartment, with light lunch served onboard. Arrive in Yogyakarta - dubbed as the heart of Javanese culture, transfer directly to PRAMBANAN TEMPLE built in the 9th century AD. After visiting the largest Hindu Temple compound in Indonesia, drive to a hotel located in the city center. Check-in and the evening is at leisure.
Overnight at The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta, MGallery by Sofitel
Day 5
Yogyakarta City Tour – Magelang
(B/L)
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.
Overnight at Amata Resort Borobudur
Day 6
Borobudur Sunrise & Candirejo Village – Transfer to Solo
(B/L)
Wake up before the break of dawn and you will be 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 to follow, 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 insight of local customs and traditions, art and handicrafts, 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 to SURAKARTA or also known as the city of SOLO - the epicenter of Javanese culture in modern day. Arrive approximately 3 hours later, transfer for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer directly to a heritage hotel located in the city center. Check in and afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo Mgallery by Sofitel
Day 7
Solo – Karanganyar – Solo
(B/L)
Breakfast then check out from the hotel. Pick up at the hotel lobby at 08:00hrs for a journey to discover the unique and controversial temples in Karanganyar regency. An hour scenic drive passing through tea plantation in Kemuning gets you to CANDI SUKUH, a 15th-century Hindu temple 910 metres above sea level at Berjo Village. Surrounded by pine forest, it was a place for sacred rituals which have gained popularity for their similarity to those at the Inca’s pyramid in Peru.
Another unique temple to visit is CANDI CETHO located in Gumeng village. Situated at the elevation of 1,496 metres above sea level, the 15th century Hindu temple complex once served as a sacred place to achieve freedom from guilt or curses. Both of these unique temples are considered to be controversial due to their different shapes compared to the usual Hindu temples, the three dimensional reliefs as well as the unusual stone or relic arrangements. The common misconception about the two temples is that they are considered as temples of erotica, however the reliefs actually tell a story, connected to a deeper meaning with higher philosophies about family values.
Drive afterwards to a nearby local restaurant overlooking the tea plantations and enjoy delicious Javanese cuisine while sipping your hot tea. Take in the scenery and relax before driving back towards the city with one last stop of the day to discover the beauty and the long history of batik at a privately owned house of batik HOUSE OF DANAR HADI. Admire the very finest batik prints and learn more about batik in Indonesia as part of the nation’s cultural heritage and national identity; the importance of batik; the intricate making process; distinctive motifs, patterns and unique influences from each region. Return to hotel and afternoon at your own leisure.
Overnight at The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo Mgallery by Sofitel
Day 8
Solo – Mojokerto by train – Bromo (Tosari)
(B/L)
Check out early morning with breakfast packed in box. Transfer to the train station for morning train Sancaka to MOJOKERTO. The 3-hour scenic train ride unfolds scenic rice fields and lush greenery as you sit back on a reclining seat in a fully air-conditioned compartment. Your chauffeured vehicle will be waiting as you arrive in Mojokerto. Proceed to drive towards TOSARI-BROMO. Arrive in TOSARI approximately 3 hours later, check in at a hotel in Tosari and afternoon at your own leisure.
Overnight at Bromo Cottage Tosari
Day 9
Bromo Sunrise – Surabaya
(B/L)
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 lunarlike 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 on 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) through the 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 are transported into yet another different world of savannah.
Return to the resort for breakfast and check out afterwards to continue on with your journey using a chauffeured vehicle towards the capital of East Java province. Arrive at the port city SURABAYA, drive to HOUSE OF SAMPOERNA. Founded in 1932, it is the major production facility of Indonesia’s cigarette brand Dji Sam Soe situated in ‘old’ Surabaya and housed in a Dutch colonial-style building compound which was an orphanage when it was first fuilt in 1862. Discover the story of the founding family and the development of Sampoerna's business, and observe a real hand-rolled production facility with more than 400 women hand-rolling cigarettes at a speed of more than 325 cigarettes per hour.
After lunch, transfer directly to a historic hotel in Surabaya and get to know more about the ‘city of heroes’ as you drive pass the symbol of the city MONUMENT OF SURABAYA and the iconic MONUMENT OF HEROES with its 41-metre tall obelisk, commemorating the Battle of Surabaya on 10th November 1945. Check-in and the remainder of the afternoon is free at your own leisure.
Overnight at Majapahit Hotel Surabaya
Day 10
Departure Surabaya
(B)
Breakfast at the hotel and the rest of the morning is free at leisure until the designated time for your pick up. You will be transferred directly to Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport for your onward flight to next destination.