DAILY TOURS

A: TEMPLE TOURS

P.1. BOROBUDUR & PRAMBANAN TEMPLES

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

In the cool of the morning, drive through scenic back roads to the 1,100 year old Buddhist Temple, Borobudur. Feel its history and magic through the ancient carved stone reliefs. From Borobudur continue the pilgrim’s path with visits to the Pawon and Mendut Temples. Your next stop is the village of Turi where you walk through the unique salak fruit (snake skin) plantation, tasting the fruit’s sweet/sour flavor in season. Continuing your drive through the sparkling green countryside, you reach the stately Hindu Prambanan Temple Complex.

P.2 BOROBUDUR Sunrise & Merapi

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Enjoy the sunrise from the stone terraces of the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur. From there you’ll stop at the two smaller temples of Pawon and Mendut along the old pilgrim’s route. Following scenic back roads, your next destination takes you to the slopes of the fire volcano, Merapi. You can do some small hikes or make a jeep tour on your own expenses.

P.3 BOROBUDUR THRILL

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Your morning begins with a sensational drive to the Menoreh peak following the scenic back roads through the intensely green countryside. Here you have time to enjoy the magnificent views of the Sindoro/Sumbing and Merapi/

Merbabu volcanoes. Hiking for about 1 ½ hours, you’ll pass through an impressive steeply terraced landscape with a bird’s eye view of the Borobudur Temple below you. Re-board the coach and head towards the stunning Buddhist Temple of Borobudur built in the 8th/9th century.

P 4. SUNRISE AT BOROBUDUR – HIKE TO THE “FORGOTTEN” TEMPLE

approx.10 hrs.,min. 2 adults

As early as 3.30 am drive from Jogjakarta to Borobudur Temple. Go for a 20 minutes walk up to a strategically well situated hill, watch (with a little luck) a fascinating sunrise, backgrounded by the smoldering active Merapi volcano. Afterwards visit the stunning Buddhist Temple Borobudur from the 9th century. After a strengthening meal, drive further towards Sumbing volcano. Passing lush green amazingly terraced rice fields in different stadiums of ripeness you will find the small, but very nice jewel of temple architecture on top of a hill surrounded by coffee- and cocoa and mahogany trees, Selogriyo temple. On your way downhill watch the charcoal makers doing their hard work.

Optional: On your trip back to Jogjakarta you will have the opportunity to rest in a beautifully set restaurant or go swimming in the hotel owned swimming pool with great views to the Sumbing volcano.(own expenses)

P.5 PRAMBANAN & RATU BOKO SUNSET & RAMAYANA BALLET

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Leaving from the city in the afternoon, you will discover the magnificent Hindu temple Prambanan. Continue to the nearby Ratu Boko Palace to witness the sunset overlooking the Prambanan plain. At 7.30 pm attend the night’s spectacular dance performance, the Ramayana ballet. Many traditional Javanese dancers bring alive the story of Rama, Sita and the monkey god, Hanuman.

DAILY TOURS

B: CITY – TEMPLE TOURS

P.6 ROYAL CITY TOUR & HANDICRAFT & PRAMBANAN

approx. 10 hrs., min.2 adults

Return to another era during your Royal City Tour. The Sultan’s Kraton or Palace is the cradle of Javanese art and culture, grand in its elegant, classic court architecture, full of ancient artifacts rich in meaning. Nearby, Taman Sari, or the Water Palace comes alive as your guide describes this unique area used by the Sultans in days gone by for their recreation and strategic defense. Stops to the bustling Bird Market, Traditional Batik Home Industries and the Silversmiths of  Kotagede complete the city tour. You then drive to the magnificent Hindu Temple Complex of Prambanan.

P.7 PRAMBANAN, CITY TOUR & BOROBUDUR

approx: 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Enjoy Java’s most awe inspiring Hindu shrine, the 9th century Prambanan Temple in the early morning. From there you drive back to Jogja to step back into an era of days gone by. The colorful palace guards, elegant court architecture, ancient artifacts and melodious sounds of the gamelan playing bring the Sultan’s Palace or Kraton to life.
You’ll have the opportunity to take a rest before you drive to Borobudur, the magnificent 8th/9th century Buddhist Temple, truly one of the wonders of the world.

P.8 CITY OF SOLO – SUKUH – CETO TEMPLES

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Driving eastwards about 66 km, you arrive at Jogja’s sister city of Solo. Our first stop of the day is the Mangkunegaran Palace with its fascinating jewelry, wooden mask collection, antiques and ancient sacred artifacts. From there continue to the Sukuh village, passing through lush tropical countryside to discover the mystery of the 14th century Sukuh Temple. Next, enjoy a scenic mountainous route with lots of green-shimmering tea plantations to Ceto, another 14th century Hindu Temple.

P.9 CETO - SUKUH TEMPLES – TAWANGMANGU

approx.: 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

Drive to the slopes of Mount Lawu (3.265 m) to discover the 14th century Temple Complex of Ceto dedicated to Bima, often mysteriously covered in misty clouds. Continuing via narrow, windy roads, you arrive at the Sukuh Temple with its unique architecture. A 2 ½ hour walk through scenic farmlands to Tawangmangu completes your day. Re-board the coach and return to Jogja.

DAILY TOURS

C: NATURE – BEACH TOURS

P.10 DIENG PLATEAU TOUR

approx. 10 hrs., min 2 adults

In the cool of the early morning, you leave the city behind as you head for the spectacular mountain climb through tobacco and tea plantations with magnificent views of Java’s volcanoes in the distance. Coming up over the mountain road, you drop down into the other world of the Dieng Plateau (2.100 m), home of the 7th century Hindu Temples standing watch on the plain. You’ll see the bubbling sulfur pools nearby and have a chance to walk around the mysterious, beautiful Lake Pengilon and Lake Warna with its deep turquoise water.

P.11 THE SLEEPING BEAUTY – NGLANGGERAN ROCK – KALISUCI RIVER – SUNSET AT A HINDU TEMPLE

approx. 10 hrs., min. 2 adults

In the early morning hours you drive up into the “mountains of the South”. After a relatively easy climb you’ll reach the top of the 70 million year old volcano Nglanggeran. Enjoy the stunning views down to the plain.
After the descent drive further into the southern range of Gunung Kidul area to a 300 m long cave with a river running through it. Are you interested in cave tubing? You’ll be pulled through the river of the cave on big inner tubes. After that first taste, for sure you’ll also be interested in river tubing on a nearby river. For five delightful kilometers you’ll pass the banks of the Oyo river taking in the sights of nature along the way. (only in rainy season and good weather condition) Relax after a refreshing shower and drive to a Hindu temple from you will enjoy the sunset overlooking vast plains.

P.12 THE ROYAL GRAVEYARDS OF IMOGIRI – LEATHER INTRODUCTION COURSE - BEACH OF PARANGTRITIS

approx : 10 hours., min. 2 adults

Drive through fertile rice fields till you reach the Royal graveyard of Imogiri situated on a hill overlooking the lush green plains. Open only on Sundays and Mondays from 10 am to 1 pm and on Fridays from 1 to 4 pm. The inner courts can only be entered wearing traditional Javanese batik cloths, which can be rented at the entrance. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, a rich mix of Javanese Mysticism and Islam.
Afterwards, explore your creative side. Discover how to make a small leather souvenir like a bookmark or wayang puppet. If you like you can also paint your work. The Indian Ocean awaits you in a hotel overlooking the steep cliffs of Parangtritis beach. With a little luck experience a wonderful sunset.

P.13 DOWN TO THE LIGHT AT JOMBLANG CAVE - SUNSET AT THE INDIAN OCEAN

approx. 10 hours, min. 2 adults

Start driving in the early morning hours to the fascinating Jomblang Cave in the Southern Limestone mountains. Accompanied by your experienced guide and equipped with special equipment you go down a sheer 60-meter drop on a rope. Welcomed by a virgin and very special area surrounded by dense vegetation you move through the cave for about 200 m till the Grubung cave. Here the magic starts. A gap dotted with vegetation lets the sun appear to light up a hole. An underground river brings the mysterious mist for a wonderful prism. What an experience!

The Southern limestone mountains are famous for some special foods, for example red rice with hot vegetables. Just try these tasty dishes. Then drive to a white sandy beach on the Indian Ocean where, with a little luck, you’ll experience a fantastic sunset.

DAILY TOURS

D: CYCLING TOURS

P.14 A. JAVANESE VILLAGE LIFE – BIKING AND ART OF BATIK – BEACH OF PARANGTRITIS

approx. 10 hours, min. 2 adults

Simple life in a Javanese village awaits you. First walk around a traditional market. Then bike through the village, meet the villagers and get an insider’s view into their lives and work. Visit a small museum about farmer’s equipment. Afterwards, learn one of Java’s most traditional arts, batik. Design and batik your own piece to take home. Later in the afternoon with a little luck, you’ll experience a wonderful sunset at the Indian Ocean with an afternoon cup of coffee and more.

P. 14 B. CYCLING IN THE VICINITY OF BOROBODUR

approx. 8 hours, min. 2 adults

Cycle for about 2 hours in Candirejo village. Watch farmers on their fields, pass plantations, visit a 150 year old village house and finally taste traditional Javanese snacks.

P 14 C. PRAMBANAN & CYCLING IN PRAMBANAN AREA

approx. 8 hours, min. 2 adults

Visit first the Buddhist Plaosan temple. Continue your bike trip to watch different craftsmen at work, like brickmakers, have a look into the tofu/ tempe home scale production, play a bamboo instrument and visit a school.

P 14 D. IMOGIRI AND PARANGTRITIS BY E-BIKE

approx. 6 hours, min. 2 adults

Take an E-bike through small traditional villages, along rivers to the Royal cemeteries of Imogiri. Your guide will explain all tropical plants and peculiarities of nature as well as the customs of the Javanese. Regain energy in a small eating stall before returning. E-bike rides make your bike trips through rural Java a special experience.

DAILY TOURS

E. TREKKING

P.15 TREKKING ON THE SLOPES OF MERAPI VOLCANO

approx. 8 hours, min.2 adults

Experience the depths of the Kaliurang rain forest during your five-hour walk through valleys, gorges and rivers, en route to the slopes of Mount Merapi (2.950 m), one of the most active volcanoes in the world, to watch the sunrise. You’ll see a rich variety of tropical plants, fruits, birds, giant spiders, unique vegetation and the beautiful green landscape in the cool mountain air.

P.17  CRAFTS & HILLSIDE COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR  (2 D/1 N)

Day 1: Jogjakarta – Ambarawa
Drive through lush green countryside north of Jogjakarta and visit the home industry of tahu making. (soybean curd). Then visit the railway museum of Ambarawa with old locomotives from Germany and England. On a wetland area go for a late afternoon boat trip with Merapi and Merbabu volcanoes arising in the background. Overnight in a simple, but nice bungalow situated amidst a coffee plantation.

Day 2: Ambarawa – Jogjakarta
In the morning watch the rubber making process and coffee production and if you walk up a small hill, you have an expansive view overlooking the wetlands area.

Visit the so-called nine Hindu-temples Gedung Songgo scattered over a mountain range. Walk around or take a horse ride and watch bubbling sulphur pools. In the cool of the mountains many different kinds of fruits and vegetables are growing. Have a look at a market. Drive back to Jogja. (B)

Services included: Transport in AC vehicle, English speaking guide, entrance and parking fees.
Price: on request
Note: This program can be lengthened, shortened or adapted to your personal needs.

P.18 BEACH AND VILLAGE LIFE (2 D/1 N)

Day 1: Jogjakarta – Sepanjang Beach
Drive via the Royal Cemetery in Imogiri. Visit the cemetery, admire the artistic batik handmade material in a small Batik museum, watch the kris craftsmen during their artistic work.  Have lunch in an organic food restaurant. Then drive to a beach along the roaring Indian Ocean. Overnight in a beautifully set villa near the beach.

Day 2: White sandy Beaches – Sri Gethuk Waterfall - Jogjakarta
Spend the day exploring the fascinating white sandy beaches, walk to villages or along the coastal line or just relax at the veranda of the villa or at the beach. On your way back to Jogja explore the Sri Gethuk waterfall. (B)

Services: Transport in the AC vehicle, English-speaking guide, entrance- and parking fees, accommodation incl. breakfast
Price: on request
Note: This program can be lengthened, shortened or adapted to your personal needs.

P 19:   3 DAYS DISCOVERY TOUR OF CENTRAL JAVA

Day 1: Jogjakarta - Borobudur - The "forgotten" temple
Before sunrise, head towards Borobudur. You walk about 20 minutes up a hill to see the sun rise with the Borobudur below you and the volcanoes Merapi and Merbabu standing in the background. Often the plain is submerged in mystical fog. Nearby is the so-called Chicken Church, today a rehabilitation and praying center for all religions. At Borobudur, your guide will explain everything about Buddhism and the importance of the temple. The ride then takes you to the slopes of the Sumbing Volcano. Here you walk for about 30 minutes along fascinating rice terraces, meet the farmers and wood collectors. At the end of this path is a small temple jewel. Elegant in its simplicity. Beautifully fitted into the natural environment. Continue to a nice hotel with pool, where you will spend the night. (B)

Day 2: Kopeng – Trappist monastery - Salatiga - Ambarawa
After breakfast, drive to the slopes of Merbabu Volcano. On the way you stop at a tofu processing center. In a female Trappist monastery you can talk to a nun about her mission. Have a look in the small church and buy some self made goodies. Continue through the town of Salatiga, which is known for its Dutch architecture. On a lake you end your day with a boat trip. Overnight in a small customary hotel in the middle of a coffee plantation. If time permits, you can watch the sunset from a nearby hill. (B)

Day 3: Gedong Songo Temple - Vegetable Market - Railway Museum
After visiting the rubber and coffee factory, drive to Gedong Songo Temple, the Nine temples scattered on various hills. In Bandungan you have the opportunity to look at the different types of vegetables from the region and possibly also to taste. Ambarawa is known for its railway museum. Here are still many locomotives from England and Germany. Return to Jogja. (B)

Services: Transport in the AC vehicle, English-speaking guide, entrance and parking fees, accommodation incl. Breakfast.
Price on request
Note: Depending on your interests, this program may be extended, shortened or modified.

P 20: 4 - days RECREATION TOUR

Day 1: Jogjakarta - Semarang
On the way to the port city of Semarang on the North coast of Java stop in a colonial coffee plantation. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a cup of coffee from the own plantation. Optional: You can visit the Railway Museum in Ambarawa with German and English locomotives.
In Semarang visit the Chinese temple Sampoo Pong as well as Dutch colonial buildings like the Lawang Sewu, the "Thousand Doors", the former headquarters of the Indonesian railway during the Dutch colonial era. From the observation tower of the great mosque with interesting architecture you have a wide view of the city from the mountains to the sea. Overnight in a beautifully situated hotel.

Day 2: Flight Semarang - Karimunjawa Islands
On this day you will fly to Karimunjawa. Upon your arrival check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own disposal for your own activities. (F/M/A)

Day 3: Exploration by boat
Today, you will explore the beautiful underwater world by boat, some of which are still very well-preserved reefs. Snorkelling equipment is provided. (F/M/A)

Day 4: Relax or explore

Another day is available for your private activities. (F/M/A)

Day 5: Karimunjawa - Semarang
Transfer to the airport. Flight back to Semarang. Get ready for your next destination. (F)
 

Services: Transport in the AC vehicle, English-speaking guide, entrance and parking fees, accommodation incl. Breakfast, boat trip on Karimunjawa.
Price: on request
Note: Depending on your interests, this program may be extended, shortened or modified.