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Java and Sulawesi Adventure

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Experience Travel Group

Java and Sulawesi Adventure

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Explore otherworldly scenery, peculiar customs, remarkable ancient history and some of the world's most incredible marine life as you travel through the islands of Java and Sulawesi.

Highlights include:

  • Snaking through East Java’s jungles and rice-fields aboard the train from Yogyakarta to Malang
  • Trekking through Sulawesi’s remote villages to learn about their funeral rituals. It might sound morbid, but life for the Toraja revolves around death, and a visit here is truly fascinating
  • Swimming in the world's top marine parks off Sulawesi's coast

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

DAY 1 - DEPART THE UK

 Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yogyakarta.

DAYS 2 – 4 BOROBUDUR (JAVA)

On arrival, you’ll be met by your guide for the road transfer west to your hotel near the stunning Borobudur temple. You will have plenty of time to relax after your journey, taking in the beautiful green surroundings of paddy fields and volcanoes before exploring this unique and memorable region. Rise before the sun to climb to the top of Borobudur for the majestic sunrise over Mount Merapi and the forested plateau to the east. Built-in the 8th century and constructed from two million individual bits of stone, the Buddhist temple is made of 6 square and three circular terraces with 72 small stupas on top.

DAY 5 – YOGYAKARTA (JAVA)

After breakfast, you will head into Yogyakarta, part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia. Visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court, and the elaborate two-storey mansion retreat known as the Water Palace. In the afternoon you will leave the city and visit the magnificent tenth-century Hindu temple, Prambanan. While not as well restored as Borobudur, it is a splendid piece of architecture consisting of eight primary and eight lesser temples around a central courtyard, surrounded by 244 small temples in the outer compound. Stay at the temple until the sun sets when on a clear day the temple will appear as a silhouette against the backdrop of a sky of bright reds, pale blues and wisps of white clouds.

DAY 6 – MALANG (JAVA)

Leave Yogyakarta to take a train east through the stunning central mountains towards Jombang, East Java. On arrival, your driver will meet you for the onward journey through beautiful countryside to Malang, via small plantation villages, where you will have a chance to stop and take in the scenery and explore the villages.

DAY 7 - MALANG (JAVA)

Your guide will take you on a tour of Malang to see the colonial architecture, various art centres, the botanical gardens and a range of local temples. Malang is refreshingly crisp and surrounded by glorious countryside.

DAYS 8 - BROMO (JAVA)

Drive through the dramatic volcanic peaks of East Java towards your hillside hotel in Bromo.

DAY 9 - BROMO (JAVA)

After time to relax at the hotel, take a stunning walk around the mountain as the sun sets. By this point, you'll have reached a vantage point to see the sun go down over the magnificent Mount Bromo, away from the crowds of tourists.

DAY 10 MAKASSAR (SULAWESI)

Today you’ll travel overland to Surabaya where you’ll catch a short afternoon flight across to Makassar in southern Sulawesi.

DAY 11 MAKASSAR TO TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Today you’ll begin the drive to Tana Toraja; it's a long but scenic journey to reach this fascinating part of the world, with stops along the way. There are now 50-minute flights between Makassar and Tana Toraja, but they are few and far between, so speak to your Indonesia expert for details.

The scenic drive follows the coast to Pare-Pare where you will stop for lunch. From there, head inland up into the stunning mountains before arriving, late afternoon, at your hotel. Accommodation is in traditionally-styled Tongkonan houses and facilities include a swimming pool.

DAY 12 TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Explore the eerie yet beautiful traditional ancestral hanging graves, effigies and cave tombs of Lemo and Londa. On their death, Toraja people are entombed in caves or hanging graves in the cliffs around these sites, which are guarded over by tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) carved in their image. Learn about the intricate Christian and ‘animalism' hybrid religion that has developed uniquely in this region of Sulawesi. You will also visit Kete Kesu, a beautiful Toraja village, where you will be able to see the incredible Tongkonan houses and rice barns, which are designed to look like boats.

DAY 13 TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Today will begin with a walk around the markets to see the local farmers selling their wares - among them coffee, cloves and nutmeg. Every 6th-day cattle are brought to market, and though traditional money is accepted in Toraja, on this day you can see that the real local currency in Toraja is cattle!

You will then head up to Batutumonga for stunning views across the countryside surrounding Rantepao, one of Tana Toraja's main towns.

DAY 14 MAKASSAR (SULAWESI)

 After breakfast you’ll begin the journey back to Makassar, stopping for breaks along the way. As before, a short flight may be an option, so speak to your travel expert for details.

DAY 15 - 17  WAKATOBI, BUNAKEN OR GANGGA ISLAND

 The conditions of the waters around Sulawesi nurture some of the best marine life in the world (the island featured in the 2017 Blue Planet II series). Think turtles, dolphins and exceptionally vibrant coral. There are several options for the beach part of your holiday, and it is best to discuss the pros and cons with your consultant.

You can fly north to Manado where a car and boat ride will take you to Gangga Island or Bunaken. Alternatively, you could fly to southeast Sulawesi and head to Wakatobi.

DAY 18 HOME OR STAY

Depart Manado for your flight back to the UK.

If you have extra time to spare we would recommend extending your beach stay or incorporating a further 3-4 days in Sulawesi (pre-beach) to spot wildlife on the northern mainland in Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Dusun Jogja Village Inn

Dusun Jogja Village Inn, Yogyakarta

An unexpectedly tranquil and green boutique hotel perfectly situated to explore cultural Yogyakarta.

Jiwa Java

Jiwa Java , Bromo

Modern hotel in the stunning mountains of East Java, providing an excellent base for climbing Mount Bromo.

Toraja Heritage Hotel

Toraja Heritage Hotel , Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Simple, but comfortable accommodation in traditional Torajan style

Tugu Malang

Tugu Malang, Malang

Fall back in time with an extensive range of antiques and artwork spread throughout the elegant rooms.

Villa Sumbing Indah

Villa Sumbing Indah, Borobudur

Explore the majestic temple at Borobudur from this tranquil and scenic boutique hotel

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur

Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur, Borobudur

Magical and magnificent Buddhist temple, surely a rival for eighth wonder of the world.

Historical Yogyakarta tour

Historical Yogyakarta tour, Yogyakarta

Explore the palaces of the only remaining sultan in Indonesia, starting with the official residence of the Kraton before the Water Palace Retreat.

Lemo, Londa and Kete Kesu

Lemo, Londa and Kete Kesu, Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Explore the fascinating remote villages of Lemo, Londa and Kete Kesu with Experience Travel Group.

Makassar City Tour

Makassar City Tour, Makassar, South Sulawesi

As the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, Makassar is a cultural hub and gateway into the region.

Shopping at a Toraja Market

Shopping at a Toraja Market, Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Toraja local market is filled with herbs, spices, local produce and all kinds of people.

Sunrise over Mount Bromo

Sunrise over Mount Bromo, Bromo

Watch the dramatic sunrise, before a pony ride and a climb of the spectacular Mount Bromo.

Traverse rural Java by Rail

Traverse rural Java by Rail, Central Java

Spectacular train journey through the landscape of Java with its views of lush green fields and dramatic volcanic peaks.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Java and Sulawesi Adventure'

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Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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