Essential Java and Bali (Luxury)

DAY 1 – DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK.

DAY 2 – UBUD

Arrive at Denpasar Airport to be met by your guide.  With VIP immigration assistance, avoid the queues and head straight through passport control.  From here you will be taken to your hotel in Ubud, in the southern foothills of Bali’s volcanic mountains.

The cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is famous for its markets, temples, great selection of restaurants and its traditional Balinese architecture, and it's an excellent place for private exploration.  The town is surrounded by steep river valleys and glistening paddy fields.

DAY 3 – UBUD

Enjoy a guided tour of Ubud town, the cultural centre of Bali. Visit the ARMA Museum's excellent art gallery and Batuan Village to meet Dewa Nyoman Batuan, a master of Balinese painting and its culture. You will then have a chance to visit Ubud's famous Monkey Forest, which as its name suggests, is a forest that is home to hundreds of monkeys - grey macaques in this case. End the day with a stroll through Ubud's market or take a nosy around the Palace.

DAY 4 – UBUD

Take a private walking tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Ubud. You will be guided through local villages and paddy fields by a local Balinese Priest who will offer a great insight into Balinese nature, religion and culture. After the walk, you will finish up at the Priests house, where you will receive a traditional Balinese lunch, followed by a Balinese blessing.

DAY 5 – Borobudur

Fly to Yogyakarta Airport to be met by your guide.  You will be transferred to your hotel in its stunning setting around Borobudur temple.

DAY 6 – BOROBUDUR

Borobudur is a Buddhist temple built sometime between AD750-850 by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty; it is situated on a forested plateau surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks, including the highly active Gunung Merapi. The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise, which is when you will go, and watch the sun rise majestically from in between the two volcanic peaks that tower over the eastern horizon. While the major attraction is the temple itself, the light that the rising sun brings to the stunning surroundings is worth the early wake-up call.

DAY 7 – YOGYAKARTA

Drive to the historic city of Yogyakarta and visit the tenth century Prambanan temple. While it has not yet been fully restored, it is undoubtedly a magnificent piece of architecture, and the sculptures and reliefs on the main Shiva temple are amongst the best examples of Hindu art to be found. The best time to visit the temple is at sunset when you can climb one of the eastern temples and watch as the sun sets in between the three largest temples to the west.                                                                                                                                                                                        

DAY 8 – YOGYAKARTA

This morning visit the Kraton; the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court. After a tour of the site, you will then visit the Taman Sari Complex, also known as Water Castle. After lunch at a local restaurant and a few hours rest at your hotel, visit the Sambisari temple and then set off on an hour-and-a-half bike tour through back roads of Jogjakarta, ending at the Suryo Cultural Center behind Prambanan temple. Renowned as one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the world, you will have exclusive access to visit the temple at sunset for breath-taking views.

DAY 9 – JIMBARAN BAY

Fly back to Bali and arrive at your luxurious and relaxing beach hotel in Jimbaran, south Bali, with its lush tropical scenery, crisp white beaches and crystal blue waters.

DAYS 10, 11, 12 AND 13 – JIMBARAN BAY

Four days at leisure to enjoy the beach and the excellent local seafood restaurants.

DAY 14 – FLIGHT HOME

Transfer to Denpasar, Bali’s airport, to catch your flight home.