Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Surabaya in East Java, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
April - October
Journey to the heart of Java, discovering her ancient temples, vibrant cities, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes, before blissing out on the pristine Karimunjawa Islands.
Whether marvelling at a sunrise over Mount Bromo, exploring the architectural splendour of Borobudur, or drinking in the rich culture, Java is unforgettable.
Snorkelling the reefs of the Karimunjawa Islands is a pretty unbeatable way to finish your adventure.
Classic Java & Beach
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
Surabaya, Java
On arrival in Surabaya , you’ll be welcomed to Indonesia by your private driver and taken to your hotel. Here, you’ll have time for post-flight relaxation and to explore the city.
Delve into Surabaya’s colonial history with your guide, exploring the House of Sampoerna, the Heroes Monument, and the cultural heart of Chinatown.
Days 4 - 5
Bromo, Java
Today, your driver will take south of Surabaya through the beautiful countryside of East Java towards your hillside hotel in Bromo.
On the second day, you’ll wake early to go and view the spectacular sunrise over the crest of the Bromo volcano. Climb to the peak of Bromo with your guide, where you can take in the magnificent view of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains.
After catching your breath and relaxing at the hotel for a while, you can also head to a different viewpoint to watch the sunset over this breathtaking scenery.
Day 6
Malang, Java
Today, you’ll be driven through the dramatic volcanic peaks of East Java towards your hotel in Malang.
Your guide will take you on a tour of Malang, where you’ll see the colonial architecture, various art centres, the botanical gardens, and a range of local temples.
Days 7 - 8
Yogyakarta
Next up, you’ll travel through the beautiful countryside by car, via the small plantation villages of Pujon Batu, where you can stop and take in the scenery and explore the villages near Jombang.
You’ll then board a train west towards Yogyakarta through the scenic central mountains accompanied by a guide. On arrival, check in to your lovely, historic hotel.
Spend the second day here exploring the city. 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’ll leave the city and visit the magnificent tenth-century Hindu temple, Prambanan. While it is not as well restored as Borobudur, it is a superb piece of architecture consisting of 8 main and eight minor temples in 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.
Days 9 - 10
Borobudur
From Yogyakarta, you’ll travel further west to your hotel in the spectacular countryside around Borobudur temple. Spend an afternoon exploring your new surroundings or simply kick back in your gorgeous hotel.
On the second day, rise early to visit Borobudur. Built in the 8th century and constructed from two million individual bits of stone, the Buddhist temple comprises 6 square terraces with three circular terraces and 72 small stupas. The temple is covered by delicately sculptured reliefs representing the life of Buddha and the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation. After exploring the incredible temple, you can go back to the hotel to recoup or spend the afternoon visiting a range of smaller temples in the area.
Days 11 - 14
The Karimunjawa Islands
From Borobudur, head north to Semarang and fly to the nearby Karimunjawa Islands.
These heavenly islands are part of a marine national park with extensive coral reefs and a wide range of snorkelling and diving spots. It’s magic.
Day 15
Fly home
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.
“If you’re looking for a fabulous exploration of Indonesia, jam-packed with immersive experiences and just the right balance between relaxation and adventure… this is it.”
Lola
Regional Expert
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.
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Indonesia, Java
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Colonial elegance near Borobudur Temple. Standalone villas, sweeping views, and space to take it all in.
Highlights
Highlights
Views over Borobudur Temple,
Gorgeous villas
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Java, Malang
Tugu Malang
Fall back in time with an extensive range of antiques and artwork spread throughout the elegant rooms.
Highlights
Highlights
Great location,
Packed with character
Best for
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Indonesia, Java, Yogyakarta
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
Beautifully designed colonial hotel, dating back to 1918. Right in the heart of Yogyakarta.
Highlights
Highlights
Central location,
Sense of history
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Indonesia, Java, Bromo
Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo
A mountain lodge on the slopes of East Java. Cool air, wide skies, and the slopes of Bromo just beyond.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic location,
Close to Mount Bromo
Best for
Solo,
Couples,
Families
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Indonesia, Java, Karimunjawa Islands
Kura Kura Resort
A private island between Java and Borneo. Endless blue water and coral reefs. Pure escapism.
Highlights
Highlights
Castaway feeling,
Superb snorkelling
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Surabaya
Hotel Majapahit Surabaya
A graceful, colonial hotel set amongst manicured gardens within Indonesia’s second-largest city of Surabaya.
Highlights
Highlights
Art-Deco architecture,
Central city location
Best for
Couples,
Families
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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
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Java
Malang's Ancient & Colonial History
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Paris of East Java’ and famous for its cool mountain air and the breathtaking surrounding countryside, the ancient city of Malang is an interesting mix of traditional Javanese temples, Dutch Colonial architecture, and modern Indonesian society. Experience this firsthand with your expert local guide.
You will start the day by visiting the Singosari Temple, located about 12 kilometres north of Malang and partially restored in the 1930s. It is one of the monuments built in memory of Kertanagara, the last of the Singosari Kings, who died when his palace was seized by a usurper in 1292. In its original state, the roof would have mirrored the cosmic Mt Mahameru of Hindu mythology, four lesser pinnacles on each side surrounding a taller, central ‘peak’. The most impressive feature of the temple is the highly detailed kala heads that decorate the roof, although oddly, they become mere outlines above the lower-level entrance and wall niches, showing that the fine carving was executed from the top downwards.
You will also visit Jago (or Jajaghu) Temple, constructed in 1275 – 1300 AD and believed to be the burial place of King Wisnuwardhana’s ashes, the fourth king of the Singosari kingdom. Situated to the east of the city in the village of Jago in the Tumpang District, the journey between the two temples provides you with the opportunity to experience the contrasting architecture of the city and the dramatic volcanic peaks and lush countryside that surround it.
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Java
Sunrise over Mount Bromo
Part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and 2,329 ft above sea level, the active Mount Bromo in East Java is part of some of the most dramatic scenery in Java, no easy feat in this island of jaw-dropping scenery. Watching the sunrise over the vast volcanic peaks and craters of the national park, along with the lush green fields of the hills below, is a beautiful and incredibly peaceful sight.
Following an early rise, you will be taken, at first by jeep and then on foot, to a natural platform overlooking Mount Bromo’s caldera to view the spectacular sunrise over the crest of the volcano and the national park beyond. Starting in darkness, you will witness the unmasking of the beauty of the peaks, and often shrouded in mist, the vast expanse of green below will open up to create a dramatic contrast with the dark rock and sulphur of the caldera.
After a short drive to the flat plane of the caldera base, covered in the silver dust of sulphur, you will have the option of a pony ride past the Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Poten and to the base of the volcanic peak. After climbing up the steep sides of the peak, you will be able to take in the magnificent view of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains now firmly emblazed in the glory of the bright sun. You will then be taken back to your hotel to relax and recover from the early start.
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Java, Indonesia
Traverse Rural Java by Train
A great way to see the spectacular scenery of Java is to take one of the trains that roll past the volcanic peaks and paddy fields covering the island. The first class executive carriage on an intercity train is very comfortable, with air conditioning and reclining airline-style seats. If you are in a group, the seats can also be spun around so that four face each other. While they do not travel at the speed of the modern railway systems elsewhere in the world, the trains generally do run on time, and it’s quicker and more fun than travelling by car. If you’re on board at lunchtime, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the good food.
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Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur Temple
Borobudur, a vast 9th-century Buddhist temple set an hour north of Yogyakarta, is one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable ancient sites. Built from over two million carved stones, it rises in terraces with intricate reliefs and 72 stupas housing statues of Buddha. Lost for centuries and later restored, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to see it is at sunrise — we know a secret hilltop spot for an unforgettable view of the temple complex, framed by mist-laden jungle and volcanoes.
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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.
