Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’
Home to the single largest Buddhist structure on Earth, Borobudur is a mystical region in central Java that is almost impossibly beautiful.
Its emerald green rice paddies stretch on for miles, swaying palm trees and soaring volcanic peaks. Quaint monasteries are scattered across the countryside and are almost untouched by tourism. You’ll also find some lovely small villages that have stayed true to their traditional ways of life despite the annual influx of people to the region.
It is the mesmerising temple of Borobudur itself that continues to amaze and draw visitors to the region. Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD, the 2,500 square metre complex was built by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty. While much of the early history is yet to be uncovered, it is known that massive numbers of people were commissioned to transport and carve over 2 million stone blocks to form this grand, symmetrical and detailed structure. It was eventually abandoned due to the declining numbers of the Buddhist faith and growth of East Java and wasn’t uncovered again until 1815, when the site was excavated. You can now wander up the six tiers of stone platforms, admiring the 432 Buddha images, amongst which 72 sit inside the iconic openwork stupas. It is best visited at sunrise as the rays shine majestically through two volcanic peaks towering over the eastern horizon. Keep in mind that it is the single most visited attraction in Indonesia, so it does get quite congested!
While this spectacular structure is Borobudur’s principal attraction, you’ll find there are many other experiences waiting to be had in the region itself. Head to the museum just east of the complex, where you will find thousands of original carvings, along with the tools and chemicals used to restore the site. Two other temples are located in the area, Medut and Pawon, and while they are significantly smaller, beautiful detail is found in the sculpture work up close. The nearby villages sit in a valley on fertile, luscious land, where you can experience how locals make ceramics or tofu (of which each kitchen produces masses per day), or go on treks through the mountainous, volcanic terrain. At the Javanese village of Candirejo, traditional culture is still very much prevalent here and is displayed through traditional houses, plantation resources, art, farming and local food.
ETG Sample Itineraries in Indonesia
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Indonesia
The Spirit of Indonesia
This sample itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and has been designed to introduce curious travellers to the wonders and contrasts of Indonesia.
You’ll hop across three of its islands: exploring the cultural heartland of Java, delving into the magical countryside of Bali, and ending with a dose of beachside bliss on Lombok.
Highlights
Java
Soak up the sunrise over Borobudur Temple with breakfast, before being the first in the complex
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
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Indonesia
Bali & Lombok Family Adventure
This suggested trip is designed to give families a truly immersive experience of Bali and Lombok without too many stops or long transfers.
The accommodation enhances the immersive nature of the trip without breaking the bank, and it‘s family-friendly throughout (but not in the all-inclusive, ‘Kids Club’ sense of the term).
Highlights
The Ayung River
Exhilarating white-water rafting
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
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Indonesia
Sacred Trails & Secluded Bays in Indonesia
A luxury holiday with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in wonderful hotels: from Amanjiwo in Java’s cultural heartland to Capella Ubud and RASCAL Voyages in Komodo National Park.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist
Bali
Delve into the island’s cascading countryside with its spiritual air
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
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Indonesia
Java & Sulawesi Adventure
Discover Java’s incredible scenery and history, then head to Sulawesi for a contrasting culture and some of the world’s best marine life.
Highlights
Java
Snaking through jungles and rice fields aboard the train from Yogyakarta to Malang
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their funeral rituals
Sulawesi Offshore
Swimming in the world’s top marine parks off Sulawesi’s coast
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From Java to Raja Ampat: an Indonesian Extravaganza
A transformative journey through Indonesia’s cultural and scenic spots, ending on a high in ravishing Raja Ampat.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Indonesian Borneo
Drift through the rivers of Tanjung Puting and see orangutans up close
Raja Ampat
Revel in the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of a pristine pocket of paradise
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Original Adventures in Java & Sumba
Luxury combined with wonder and adventure. Take in some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.
Highlights
Central Java
Ease into Indonesia at a relaxing retreat amid coffee plantations
Borobudur
Explore the ancient Borobudur Temple and other mysterious temple relics
Sumba Island
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime stay at dreamy Nihi Sumba
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Indonesia
Journey East across Java & Bali
Journey through Java to Bali, taking in the contrasting cultures and scenery of the exotic neighbouring islands.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Mount Bromo & Ijen
Experience the drama of these volcanoes the ETG way
Bali
Avoid the overcrowded southern beaches and spend time in the unspoiled West Bali National Park
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Java, Borneo & Beach: Orangutans, Temples & Castaway Islands
Encounter Borneo’s amazing wildlife, journey through Java’s volcanic landscapes visiting impressive temples, and finish with an idyllic stay on an exclusive tropical island.
Highlights
Kalimantan
Staying in the Borneo rainforest to see orangutans and other wildlife
Java
Exploring the countryside and the magical temples of Indonesia’s cultural heartland
The Karimunjawa Islands
Living the dream at an exclusive, tropical island hideaway
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Borneo, Java & Bali Adventure
Come face-to-face with the wondrous wildlife of Indonesian Borneo, explore the cultural heartland of Java and relax in Bali’s leafy countryside.
Highlights
Kalimantan
A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Borneo, spotting wildlife from your private houseboat
Java
Soaking up a surreal sunrise over ancient temples and volcanoes
Bali
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Classic Bali & Lombok
The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Highlights
Bali
Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud
Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes
Lombok
Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast
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Exploring Flores & Komodo
Explore exotic Flores, stalk dragons in Komodo National Park and relax in the most beautiful parts of Bali.
Highlights
Flores
Discovering the ancient rituals and traditions of the Ngada people in the highlands of Bajawa
Flores
Watching the volcanic crater lakes in Kelimutu change colour in front of your eyes
Komodo National Park
Spotting Komodo dragons on Rinca and exploring the marine wonders
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Indonesia
Java & The Lesser Sunda Islands
Discover the heartland of Java, then head east to sail around the wildly beautiful Komodo National Park, before exploring magical Bali and lovely Lombok.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Bali & Lombok
Be amazed by the distinct flora and fauna found along the ecological boundary of the Wallace Line
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
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Indonesia
Classic Java & Beach
Experience the scenery, culture and history of Java before relaxing at your chosen tropical beach paradise.
Highlights
Mount Bromo
Watch the ethereal spectacle of light and shade on this still-active volcano
Borobudur
Explore ancient temples steeped in history, from Borobudur’s intricate carvings to Prambanan’s Hindu artistry
The Karimunjawa Islands
Snorkel coral reefs, relax on powdery beaches and soak up the tranquillity of this island paradise
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Indonesia
Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali
Combine the wondrous wildlife and natural splendour of Komodo National Park with the timeless, atmospheric beauty of Bali.
Highlights
Komodo National Park
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime boat adventure, waking up each day surrounded by soul-stirring sea and sky
Komodo National Park
Dive into a vibrant marine world, swimming alongside turtles, nemo and gliding rays
Tabanan, Bali
Trek through lush rice paddies and volcanic valleys, getting a feel for Bali’s spiritual air
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Sulawesi & The Spice Islands
An extraordinary chance to explore several fascinating cultures, some incredible scenery and diverse native wildlife.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
The Spice Islands
Explore the contrasting islands of bustling Ternate and sleepy Tidore
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Sulawesi Explorer
Discover the astounding wildlife, nature and culture of the amazing island of Sulawesi on this 17-day holiday.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Cape Bira
Swimming in crystal-clear water with exceptional coral and fish
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
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Indonesia
Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok
Think thick terrain, temples and tribes. Fascinating traditions, magnificent scenery, doses of downtime: a journey of a lifetime.
Highlights
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate rituals
Lombok
Soaking up glorious sunsets from your beach retreat on Lombok
Bali
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island’s remarkable countryside
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