Java, Borneo and Beach

DAY 1 - DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yogyakarta

DAY 2 BOROBUDUR (Java)

Arrive in Yogyakarta the cultural heart of Java and, by extension, Indonesia. You will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel near Borobudur, one of the finest temples in South East Asia.

DAYS 3 & 4 BOROBUDUR and YOGYAKARTA (Java)

During your stay here you'll spend a day exploring Borobudur and a further day discovering Yogyakarta itself.

Rise early to climb Borobudur, in order to reach the top in time to witness the 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 covered with delicately sculpted reliefs representing the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation.

Yogyakarta is part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia. You will visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and his royal court, and the elaborate two-storey mansion retreat known as the Water Palace. In the afternoon, leave the city and visit the magnificent 10th century Hindu temple, Prambanan. While it is not as well restored as Borobudur, it is a magnificent piece of architecture. Remain at the temple until the sun sets when, on a clear day, it appears as a silhouette against the backdrop of a sky of bright reds, pale blues and wisps of white clouds.

DAYs 5-7 LOSARI (Java)

Travel north into the ridge of volcanic mountains that bisect the north and south of the island.

With panoramic views of the 8 surrounding volcanic peaks, Mesastila is a lovely place to stay; it's a working coffee plantation that has been converted into a stylish, traditionally Javanese, wellness retreat. The comfort, style and scenery create an incredibly relaxing and peaceful environment. For those feeling a little more active, a wide range of activities and excursions can be arranged.

DAYs 8-10 Tanjung Puting National Park (Borneo)

Transfer to Semerang airport for the short flight to Pangkalan Bun in Indonesian Borneo. Spend the next 3 days exploring Tanjung Puting National Park either by klotok (houseboat) or from a land-based lodge on the riverbank. Spend your time here spotting Proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, lizards, numerous bird species and of course the famous resident orangutans. You’ll also visit Camp Leakey, the famous orangutan research and breeding centre and there will be a chance to trek through the forest to watch the orangutans at their feeding platform

 DAYS - 11-14 KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Travel from Pangkalan Bun (via Semerang) to the beautiful archipelago of Karimunjawa, around 80km north of the mainland. A collection of 27 islands, this Robinson Crusoe paradise has many similarities with The Maldives. With a small local fishing population, the islands are part of a marine national park with extensive coral reefs and a huge range of snorkelling and dive spots that you'll have almost to yourselves. You will be staying on an idyllic island that is home to a peaceful luxury resort - and nothing else.

Day 15 Fly Home

Return to Java for your flight back to the UK.