Explore the diverse cultures, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Sumatra and Java on this pioneering journey across two of Indonesia's largest islands. After some time in Sumatra's capital Medan, the adventures start in Bukit Lawang, set in the Gunung Leuser National Park, where there is a good chance to see orangutans in the wild. Continue to Samosir, an island the size of Singapore set on Southeast Asia's largest lake (Toba), home to the fascinating Batak people and their intricately designed houses with distinctive boat shaped roofs.
A direct flight then connects you to Jakarta, from where you travel to the colonial town of Bogor which is famed for its botanical gardens. Head overland across the scenic Puncak Pass to the thriving city of Bandung in eastern Java, a good place to experience modern Indonesia and explore the surrounding countryside. From here take the spectacular train journey across fertile plains flanked by towering volcanoes, towards the cultural heartland of central Java. Hop off near Wonosobo to explore the mysterious Hindu temple complex on the Dieng Plateau, before a 2 night stay overlooking the majestic Buddhist monument of Borobudur. The trip finishes in the fascinating city of Yogyakarta, or it can be extended with a stay at one of Indonesia's many world class beaches.
From £3,650 per person based on a double room for departures in June.
Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Medan airport you will be welcomed to Indonesia by your private English speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.
Guided tour of Medan: Your tour of Medan starts at the Royal Palace of Sultan Deli, known as Maimoon Palace, which was built in 1888. Continue to the grand mosque "Mesjid Raya", which is the most spectacular in town. You can then browse for antiques at Kesawan Street in the Dutch colonial district where European architectural styles can be seen in buildings such as the post office and Medan City Hall.
Road journey from Medan to Bukit Lawang: After breakfast this morning set off for the village of Bukit Lawang on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park, a journey of around 3 hours.
Orangutan rainforest hike: After breakfast this morning set off on a jungle hike to explore the Leuser National Park. The terrain is rough and steep in places so expect to get on all fours at certain points, but the effort will be rewarded by great views of the rainforest canopy. It is common to see orangutans swinging through the canopy above the trail. Return to your lodge early this afternoon.
Road journey from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi: After breakfast this morning set off by road for Berastagi, a journey of around 4-5 hours with stops at the Sembahe River and Sibolangit en route.
Guided tour in the Berastagi area: After breakfast this morning set off on a tour of the farming area around Berastagi, and watch the locals going about their daily lives. Continue to Lau Debuk Debuk; a hot sulphur spring where you can enjoy a communal bath in the natural hot springs. These waters, which stay at an even temperature of 43°C, can be enjoyed by anyone, at any time, and are acclaimed for their medicinal value which is known to help smooth skin, ease stomach problems & high blood pressure. The next visit is to a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda which is officially titled Shwedagon Zedi Daw, and also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. The pagoda is 46.8 metres high and is constructed mostly of components that came from Myanmar. Afterwards drive to Lingga Village to get a glimpse into the way of life of the Karo Batak Tribe and their typical adat houses. These houses have an open floor plan in which eight related families, each with their own hearth, live together under a single upswept or rectangular roof of ijuk thatch. A few houses are reputed to be hundreds of years old but are becoming dilapidated as it is now more difficult to build new adat house due to the increased cost of timber and manpower. Later drive to the western edge of town to Gundaling Hill (1496 m) which rises some above the surrounding plateau and has a park at the top which provides good views of the surrouding volcanoes. The skyline is dominated immediately to the north by smoking Mount Sibayak (2094 m) and further to the west the higher Mount. Sinabung (2451 m). Finish the tour at the famous local fruit market where you can find a rich assortment of fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables & other goods.
Road journey from Berastagi to Lake Toba: This afternoon depart on the scenic drive to Parapat, a resort town on the shores of Lake Toba. En route there will be the chance to stop at Dokan, a Batak Karo village with a number of traditional houses where eight families live together in the same house. Also along the way are the Sipiso Piso Waterfalls and the longhouse of King Simalungun.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tabo Cottages (Batak Villa).
Full day exploring Lake Toba & Samosir Island: Today spend a full day exploring Lake Toba and around Samosir Island by boat. Samosir is a wedge-shaped island almost as big as Singapore that was created by a tectonic upheaval around 50,000 years ago. On the island visit Ambarita where the remnant megalithic culture of Batak Toba lies in front of the traditional wooden houses. Continue to Simanindo, to see the former Batak King Sidauruk’s longhouse and the stone Court of Justice. There will also be the chance to see a folkdance performance by the villagers as well as a visit to the local school. After lunch in a local restaurant (payable locally) visit Tomok Village to see the tombs of the Batak Kings.
Day at leisure: Today is at leisure to relax at your hotel, or explore more of the local area independently.
Journey to Silangit Airport: After breakfast this morning travel back to Parapat on the mainland by ferry, then drive south to Silangit Airport. Today's road journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Road journey from Jakarta to Bogor: On arrival at Jakarta airport you will be welcomed to Indonesia by your guide and driven to the hill station of Bogor, a journey of around 2 hours.
Full day tour in the Bogor area: After breakfast this morning start the tour with visiting Bogor Botanical Garden, located at the heart of Bogor it is world class botanical gardens, covering an area of around 85 hectares, more than 15,000 plants species grow in this garden, including 400 kinds of palms and more then 5,00 kind of orchid varieties from various regions in Indonesia. In the afternoon you will have a guide and driver at your disposal to explore Bogor's colonial heritage.
Road journey from Bogor to Bandung: After breakfast this morning depart on the scenic drive to Bandung, a journey of around 3-4 hours, depending on local traffic. The drive takes you over the Puncak Pass, where there are spectacular views of the tea plantations and surrounding countryside.
Guided tour of the Bandung area: After breakfast at your hotel set off on an excursion around Bandung starting at the Lembang fruit market to see a variety of exotic produce. Continue to the volcanic crater lake of Kawah Putih where there are opportunities for a gentle walk in the rainforest. Continue a little further south through tea plantations planted into the hills for a visit to a tea factory and learn about the different stages in tea production. The final stop on today's tour is the village of Padasuka village to experience a performance of Angklung music, a traditional form using bamboo instruments.
Private transfer: This morning transfer to the railway station for the scenic train journey to Kutoarjo in Central Java.
Road journey from Kutoarjo to Wonosobo: Upon arrival at Kutuarjo station you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Wonosobo.
Morning tour of the Dieng Plateau: After breakfast this morning drive a short distance to the Dieng Plateau for a visit to the oldest Hindu temple complex. At an altitude of 2,093 meters above sea level the Dieng Plateau is the highest flat land in Java. The temples, mostly built between the 8th and 9th centuries, covered this highland plain and mysteries remain as to why they were abandoned.
Road journey from Dieng Plateau to Borobudur: After your visit to the temple complex continue your journey towards Borobudur, a journey of around 3 hours. En route there will be a visit to the spectacular lake of Telaga Warna, which has a striking turquoise colour from the bubbling sulphur deposits around its shores. Time-permitting there will also be the chance to see Sikidang Crater, a volcanic crater with steaming vents and frantically bubbling mud ponds.
Morning sunrise tour of Borobudur: This morning you have the option of an early start for a tour of Borobudur at sunrise (this early start is optional!). Indonesia's largest and most impressive Buddhist monument, Borobudur is a vast structure with 9 levels and an awe inspiring setting in the midst of a fertile valley ringed by volcanoes. The temple was built as a pilgrimage site to teach followers how to practice the Buddhist way of life. Each level of the monument has intricately carved sculptures and symbology from the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. The top level of the temple is a particularly spiritual place dotted with stupas housing Buddhist sculptures, with magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon at leisure: Return to your hotel in the late morning for some time to relax for the rest of the day, or arrange an optional excursion for this afternoon such as mountain biking.
Road journey from Borobudur to Yogyakarta: This morning continue your journey to Yogyakarta, a journey of approximately 2 hours.
Morning Yogyakarta city tour: After checking into your hotel you will be taken on a tour to explore the cultural highlights of Yogyakarta. Start with a visit to the "Sultan's Palace" or Kraton. The influence of the Mataram Empire dominated the region from the mid-18th Century, and Yogyakarta has since thrived under a powerful Sultanate that first resisted colonial forces and then negotiated a special autonomous status within the Republic of Indonesia. Parts of the Sultan's Palace, are open to visitors, including a number of open air buildings used for ceremonial purposes and museums with memorabilia showing the life and work of previous Sultans. The Water Castle and gardens of the Palace can also be visited, which is where the Sultans enjoyed their time with their many wives and concubines in a series of elaborate bathing pools. Continue with a tour of a traditional batik workshop to see the process involved in this traditional art form, and Kota Gede the original home of Yogya‘s silver industry where craftsmen have practiced for hundreds of years.
Guided tour of Prambanan: Your last visit is Prambanan temple, the temple of the "Slender Virgin" which is also known as the complex of Lorojongrang, and generally considered to be Java's most elegant temple - noted for the graceful proportions of its 47m high central Siva temple. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prambanan is the largest Hindi temple in Java. The Sanjaya Dynasty built the 47m high Hindu temple in the 9th century and surrounded it with several smaller temples. After the visit you will return to your hotel.