Indonesia is home to no less than 167 active volcanoes, far more than any other country. Some of the more accessible for visitors are in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park and the Ijen Crater in East Java Mount Rinjani in Lombok and Mount Batur in Bali.
Hardly surprisingly in the world’s largest archipelago, beaches are significant attractions. Aside from the obvious like Bali, there are wonderful beaches in off-the-beaten-track locations in Makuku, Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi. In a nation of more than 18,000 islands, the options are almost endless.
Indonesia has some of the largest remaining tracts of tropical forest anywhere in the world, and these support an incredibly diverse wildlife from Orangutans and other primates to critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros and Tigers, and an extraordinarily wide range of bird species. Forest areas recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Ujong Kulon National Park in West Java and three huge parks in Sumatra, which together comprise the Tropical Rain Forest Heritage of Sumatra.
Further east, Komodo Island is the home of the remarkable Komodo Dragon and a very diverse marine life. Close to the very eastern limit of Indonesia, the remote Lorentz National Park in Papua has a permanent glacier and is the single largest national park anywhere in southeast Asia.
Climate and when to go
Upon arrival you will immediately notice the sudden rush of warm, wet air. Indonesia is a warm place. It has no spring, summer, fall, or winter, just two seasons: rainy and dry, both of which are relative (it still rains during the dry season, it just rains less).
While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March. In the highlands temperatures will naturally be cooler and there are even snow-covered peaks in Papua, whose mountains can soar above 5000m. Bring a jacket along if you are planning to visit Mount Bromo on Java or Tana Toraja in Sulawesi.
TOUR DETAILS
- 14 nights
- £POA
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Jakarta city tour
- Green Canyon jungle visit and local industries tour
- Sunrise climb of Mt Bromo
- Taman Ayy temple
- Cycling tour around Yogyakarta
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Jakarta x 2 nights
- Pangandaran x 2 nights
- Yogyakarta x 3 nights
- Seloliman x 2 nights
- Kalibaru x 1 night
- Pemuteran x 2 nights
- Ubud x 1 night
day one
Depart UK for Jakarta via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur
Depart UK for Jakarta.day TWO
Jakarta
Arrive Jakarta and check in to hotel.day THREE
Jakarta
Guided walking tour of Jakarta visiting the city’s highlights including Sunda Kelapa port, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. Wander about Fatahillah Square then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque.day FOUR
Jakarta to Pangandaran
Today is spent travelling to Pangandaran. The Penanjung Nature Reserve on the adjoining peninsula boasts some impressive flora and fauna.day FiVE
Pangandaran
Set off on a private tour of the local surrounds, villages, cottage industries and the impressive green canyon. Your day begins with a stop at a local market to check out the produce and home industries. Then you’ll continue to the Green Canyon. Hop aboard a boat and travel upriver through superb jungle scenery, before stopping for a swim up into the canyon itself.day SIX
Pangandaran to Yogyakarta
Head inland by private vehicle before catching a train to Yogyakarta. This town is one of South East Asia’s real gems: from batik workshops to the nearby Hindi and Buddhist temples, this city offers a great array of cultural opportunities to explore.day SEVEN
Yogyakarta
Rise early to catch the morning lights and avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This magnificent World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park. It’s truly one of the region’s treasures. Afterwards enjoy an afternoon of free time. You may wish to visit one of the city’s other heritage temples.day EIGHT
Yogyakarta
Pedal out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding the city. As well as palms and lush green grasslands, you will see the odd burst of yellow and pink flowers by the side of the road, making for great photo opportunities.day NINE
Yogyakarta and Seloliman Nature Reserve
The peaceful Seloliman Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan volcano. Meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature – be sure to sit under the stars and take in the ambience of the mountainous surroundings.day TEN
Seloliman Nature Reserve and Mt Bromo
Join reserve staff on a guided walk around the reserve, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. Finish up with a traditional Jamu demonstration and a tasting of Javanese medicine. The still-active Mt Bromo is the most well known volcano of the Tengger massif.day ELEVEN
Mt Bromo and Kalibaru
An early start today will be well worth it! You’ll climb to a nearby hill for fantastic views over Mt Bromo. The ascent is not difficult but it can be very cold so we recommend taking extra warm layers. If the weather is clear, the sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience.day TWELVE
Kalibaru and Pemuteran
Head out early to tour nearby coffee, cocoa and rubber plantations. Travel by private vehicle to the far eastern end of Java, Gilimanuk. Next you’ll board a ferry across the Java Strait, before journeying along the west coast of Bali.day THIRTEEN
Pemuteran
Enjoy a relaxing day in this gorgeous beachside spot and explore at your own pace. You may wish to start the day with a relaxing yoga class and then explore your surroundings.day FOURTEEN
Pemuteran to Ubud
Make the short journey to Ubud. En route, stop in at Taman Ayun temple, taking in the impressive Balinese architecture while you stroll around the tranquil gardens. Ubud is Bali’s main arts and cultural centre.day FIFTEEN
Depart Ubud
Your tour ends today. Depart Ubud for the airport and your return flight to the UK.Itinerary
Flight information
Fly to Jakarta via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur