Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
September - February
This itinerary promises a transformative journey through the heart of Southeast Asia and Indonesia’s most remarkable destinations, ideal for travellers seeking cultural depth and wild, natural beauty.
You’ll ease into this epic advenure in Java, staying at a serene retreat and exploring sacred temples, before setting off into the wilds of the Indonesian Borneo’s jungles and Sulawesi’s lush landscapes.
End on high with a mesmerizing 10-day cruise through Raja Ampat’s unrivalled marine paradise. You’ll be replaying the magic in your head for years.
From Java to Raja Ampat: an Indonesian Extravaganza
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Central Java
On arrival in Yogyakarta, you’ll be welcomed to Indonesia by your private driver and taken to your first hotel, MesaStila. This serene wellness retreat nestled in Central Java’s volcanic landscape is a lovely place to relax and acclimatize.
Here, you’ll unwind in the cool mountain air amid coffee plantations. Practice yoga, take advantage of the lovely spa, lazy by the pool with a book or go on the coffee plantation tour.
Days 4 - 7
Borobudur, Java
Today, your driver will take you to your next hotel: a colonial-style hideaway near Borobudur. Visit Borobudur itself, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, with magical views over the temple’s stupas and Mount Merapi.
You’ll continue through the Javanese countryside, exploring local culture and art and spend a further two days in Yogyakarta, the heart of Javanese fine arts.
Visit the breathtaking Prambanan Temple and explore local art, such as batik workshops. Discover the city by night, strolling markets and enjoying traditional performances and cuisine with your guide.
Days 8 - 9
Surabaya, Java
Hop aboard the Sancaka Express train and head east to Surabaya, where you’ll check in to a heritage hotel. Delve into Surabaya’s colonial history with the help of your guide, exploring the House of Sampoerna, the Heroes Monument, and the cultural heart of Chinatown.
Days 10 -12
Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo
Next, you’ll set off from Surabaya on a short flight to Pangkalanbun (Indonesian Borneo) for a three-day river adventure on the Kalimantan Explorer, a traditional Klotok boat.
Journey through Tanjung Puting National Park to spot orangutans up close, with opportunities to tak part in feeding programs and visit the renowned Camp Leakey research centre.
Days 13 - 16
Bromo, Java
Travel back to Java to explore Mount Bromo’s incredible landscape and witness the magical sunrise or sunset over the crater. It’s an otherworldly experience that you’ll remember forever.
Continue on to Tugu Malang, a unique hotel rich in local art, and stay for a further night to explore Malang’s historic charm and flower-filled streets.
Days 17 - 20
North Sulawesi
Say goodbye to Java and travel to North Sulawesi, where you’ll spend 4 nights.
Staying in Tomahon, you’ll explore the scenic Minahasa Highlands, visit intriguing villages, vibrant markets, and scenic lakes.
Experience local Minahasan culture and take in panoramic mountain views before going to a beachside eco-resort, perfect for relaxing with access to Bunaken National Marine Park.
Dive, snorkel, or stretch out on the beach to your heart’s content, marvelling at the beautiful underwater landscapes of this world-renowned marine park.
Days 21 - 30
Raja Ampat
Fly east from Manado to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, and check in for a night on land at the Swiss-Belhotel Sorong. Relax and prepare for your epic 10-day cruise exploring the staggering islands, reefs, and marine life of Raja Ampat!
Set sail with SeaTrek Sailing Adventures on a traditional phinisi ship to discover idyllic islets surrounded by serene bays, and thriving coral gardens.
The route and exact itinerary will depend on the conditions, but a typical route around Raja Ampat with SeaTrek Sailing Adventures is as follows:
Day 1: Sail south before snorkelling and sitting down to a welcome dinner under the stars.
Day 2: Discover the Misool archipelago’s limestone islets and coral reefs.
Day 3: Swim with stingless jellyfish in a lake and explore caves with ancient paintings.
Day 4: Trek to view the Lesser Birds of Paradise, snorkel more vibrant reefs, and go on a magical sunset sail.
Day 5: Visit Batanta for a jungle hike to waterfalls, village visits, and kayaking.
Day 6: Learn about pearl farming and snorkel among pristine coral reefs.
Day 7: Continue exploring diverse coral reefs and marine life around small, linked islands. Day 8: Snorkel the Fishbowl at Yenuba, then visit Mansuar island to encounter big fish and turtles.
Day 9: Head to Wayag’s iconic peaks, which have phenomenal panoramic views, and reflect on your adventure with a farewell dinner.
Day 31
Jakarta or Bali
After your once-in-a-lifetime adventure, step back on dry land and catch a flight from Sorong to Jakarta for a final pre-flight night in Indonesia. Explore the city’s bustling energy or kick back at your hotel.
It’s also possible to fly back via Bali but flights from Sorong to Bali are less frequent than those to Jakarta.
Day 32
Fly home
Time to wave goodbye to Indonesia. Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
Simon & David
9 July 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“This trip brings together many of the wonders of Indonesia. It’s one epic journey, and I can’t recommend Raja Ampat enough.”
Lola
Indonesia Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of what we do. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and create moments that are magical and memorable.
Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
