Rhinos, Temples and Volcanoes
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

From the diverse wildlife of Sumatra, to the ancient history and temples of Java, to the stunning volcanic beaches of Bali, this Experience Travel Group trip offers the perfect balance of relaxation, nature and culture.

Highlights include:

• Explore the amazing flora and fauna of Sumatra’s Way Kambas National Park, including the endangered Sumatran Elephants and Rhinoceroses.
• Explore the magical temples of Borobudur and Prambanan and the city of Yogyakarta, the cultural heartland of Java.
• Climb Mount Bromo and watch the sun rise over its dramatic Volcanic peak.
• Relax in the peaceful beach resort of Candi Dasa on Bali’s East coast.

DAY 1 - DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK

DAY 2—JAKARTA

Arrive in Jakarta Airport in North-West Java to be transferred to your modern hotel in the heart of Jakarta.

DAY 3 –WAY KAMBAS NATIONAL PARK

Fly across to the Island of Sumatra, where you will be transferred to Satwa Elephant Eco Lodge, on the edge of Way Kambas National Park, where you will begin a four day Wildlife Safari Package. The Way Kambas National park is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered and only found in this part of the world, and offers exciting opportunities for visitors to experience some of Indonesia’s most diverse wildlife up close and personal.  In the evening you are free to join the local bird club on a spotlight walk where you may see owls, nightjars and frogmouths.

DAY 4 – WAY KAMBAS NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast you will visit the Sumatran Rhinoceros Sanctuary to learn about the efforts to promote the breeding and protection of the Sumatran Rhinoceros that is dangerously close to extinction. After returning to the lodge you will have dinner before you have the chance to join a spotlight walk through the local village to see slow Loris, an adorable small arboreal mammal with huge eyes designed for night vision.

DAY 5 – WAY KAMBAS NATIONAL PARK

Today you will trek into tiger territory with your expert guides. The Sumatran tiger is a highly endangered animal but one that is relatively safe in the park. The tigers are very active in Kalibiru Atas and if you are very lucky you may get the chance to see them hunt sambar deer while the deer graze on grass. On your return from the tiger trek you will take a boat trip down river in attempt to see various animals and birds that are attracted by the water - look for crocodiles, forest snakes, monitor lizards, colourful squirrels, binturong, colugo, macaques, langurs. If you are very lucky you may see a clouded leopard swimming the river. The eco lodge naturalist will be on hand to assist you in identifying the animals and birds.

DAY 6 – BOROBUDUR

On your final morning you will have the opportunity to rise at 6.00 and enjoy a bird walk at dawn with Hari the eco lodge's bird expert. He will identify many colourful birds on a one hour walk along the road on the outskirts of the park. Return to the eco lodge for breakfast and after which you will be taken to the airport. From here you will fly to Yogyakarta, where you will be transferred to your new hotel at the stunning setting of Borobudur Temple.

DAY 7 – BOROBUDUR

Today you will rise before the sun rises and be taken by your guide to climb Borobudur in order to reach the top in time to witness the majestic sun rise 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 terraces with three circular terraces and 72 small stupas on top. The temple is covered by delicately sculptured reliefs representing the life of Buddha and the Buddhist belief in kharma and reincarnation. After the temple you will have the choice of going back the hotel to recoup or to spend the afternoon visiting a range of smaller temples in the area.

DAY 8 – YOGYAKARTA

On route from Borobudur to Yogyakarta your guide will take you via Ellen Sentalu, the museum of Javanese culture and art. Home to a huge selection of art and historical artifacts from Yogyakarta and in particular the royal family, the museum, located on the slopes of Mount Merapi, provides an insight in to Yogyakarta culture and the history of its kings. After lunch in the excellent restaurant that is connected to the museum you will be transferred on to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

DAY 9 – YOGYAKARTA

After breakfast you will head into Yogyakarta, part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia. You will visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court, and the elaborate two story 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 it is not as well restored as Borobudur, it is a magnificent piece of architecture consisting of 8 main and 8 minor temples on a central courtyard, surrounded by 244 small temples in the outer compound. You will 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 10 – MALANG

Leave Yogyakarta to take a train east through the stunning central mountains towards Jombang, East Java. You will be accompanied by your tour guide, while your driver can take your luggage to Jombang the previous evening. He will meet you at the train station and take you through beautiful countryside to Malang, via the small plantation villages of Pujon Batu, where you will have a chance to stop and take in the scenery and explore the villages. Stay in a hotel in the heart of the city.

DAY 11 – BROMO

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

DAY 12 – BROMO

Following an early rise you will be taken to view the spectacular sunrise over the crest of the Bromo volcano. After a short pony ride you will climb to the peak of Bromo, where you can take in the magnificent view of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains. After time to relax back at the hotel, you will go for a stunning walk around the mountain as the sun sets over this breath-taking scenery.

DAY 13 – CANDI DASA

Today you will be transferred from your Bromo hotel to Surabaya Airport in the morning and fly to Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. From here you will be taken to you peaceful beach hotel in Candi Dasa, where you can spend time relaxing by this small bay’s exotic white sand beaches and picturesque lily lake.

DAYS 14 and 15 – CANDI DASA

Two days at leisure to enjoy the beach and the good range of local restaurants.

DAY 16 – FLY HOME

Transfer by vehicle to Denpasar airport for your flight home. Alternatively we can tailor your tour so that you continue on to one of the neighbouring islands.