Transfer to Jakarta Airport in time for your short flight to Pangkalanbun, Kalimantan.

Kalimantan, the Indonesian region of Borneo, is one of the best places to see orang-utans in South-East Asia. Its famously biodiverse rainforests - threatened by industry, but still magnificent - are ancient, over 130 million years old, and home to thousands of species, from the venerated orangs and the tribespeople who share the forests with them, to unique plants and insects, spectacular birdlife, and hundreds of endemic mammals.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer by road to Kumai Port where you will board a Klotok boat, your home for the next three nights. Named after the noise that the boat makes as it travels – ‘klok tok tok tok’ – the Klotok is a two-storey wooden river boat, traditionally used to transport goods and passengers up and down the river. Converted now into a houseboat, the Klotok is a magical way to journey deep into the Tanjung Puting National Park.

The journey begins on the wide Kumai River before joining the much smaller Sekonyer River that marks the border of the Tanjung Puting National Park. Cruise leisurely through the Parks’ lowland forest and mangrove swamps, spotting its indigenous inhabitants such as the famous orang-utan, pygmy elephant, pot-bellied proboscis monkey and the Borneo river shark, along with hundreds of less famous but no less fascinating species.

Enjoy an authentic home-cooked Indonesian dinner on-board before settling down to the sounds of the jungle as you fall asleep.

After breakfast on board start cruising upstream towards Camp Leakey.

Known throughout the world for its orang-utan research, Camp Leakey has gradually reintroduced over 200 orang-utans back into the wild since it was founded in 1971, helping the overall population in the region to reach a healthy sustainable figure of between 5000 and 6000 individuals. Today, the camp’s rangers medically monitor the local orang population and the camp provides supplementary food via three feeding platforms.

After lunch on-board, disembark at Camp Leakey for a 30 minute walk along a wooden pontoon and jungle path until you reach the viewing area, just 10 metres away from the feeding platform, in time for feeding at 2pm. Most of the orang-utans in the park are born in the wild and the ones that visit the feeding sites are generally mothers with young offspring and animals that have been recently released. As the rangers arrive at the wooden platforms with bananas and other fruits, the orang-utans will slowly start to appear through the jungle; swinging from branch to branch with amazing agility and grace.

Return to the boat in the late afternoon and continue cruising through the National Park. At this time of the day many proboscis monkeys - easily recognizable by their long flat nose and pot-belly - are coming close to the river banks to spend the night in large groups hanging in the trees. There is also a good chance of spotting wild orang-utans as they come down to the riverbank to pick up the fruit of the pandan trees, one of their favourite foods.

Breakfast is served as you cruise upstream towards Pondok Tanguy: the second orang-utan feeding centre. A 700 metre walk through ferns and lush vegetation will bring you to the feeding site in time for orang-utan feeding at 9am.

Return to the boat and cruise downstream to the Pasalat Rainforest station. Learn from the NGOs based here about their conservation efforts focusing on reforestation in order to preserve the natural habitat of orang-utans.

Back to your Klotok and onto your final orang-utan viewing at Tanjung Harapan Camp: the least visited of the three orang-utan feeding platforms in the National Park. Feeding time here is at 3pm.

Make the short crossing to Harapan village, one of the only settlements along the river. There will be an opportunity to take a walk through the village where Malayan families go about their daily lives, before heading back to your Klotok for dinner and your final night onboard.

After breakfast on board, cruise back to Kumai where you disembark your houseboat and transfer by road to Pangkalanbun airport in time for your onward flight to Semarang.

Upon arrival in Semarang you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Borobudur region (a journey of approximately 3.5 hours).

On arrival, check in to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Rising majestically from the surrounding farmland and jungle, the ancient monument of Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, as significant and impressive as Cambodia’s Angkor temples. It’s an unmissable stop when visiting Java and an important place of pilgrimage for Asian Buddhists.

Early morning departure (approx 4am) to witness a magical sunrise over Borobudur. As you drive to the temple complex, pass by busy local farmers making the most of the cooler early hours and market sellers laying out their stalls. Following sun rise there will be the opportunity to explore Borobudur: the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was constructed during the 9th century AD entirely with human labour, taking more than 75 years to complete. Now protected by UNESCO, the stunning temple, decorated with 500 Buddha statues and over 2,500 relief panels, remains remarkably intact.

After plenty of time to explore the temple complex return to your hotel for breakfast. The remainder of the morning is at leisure before your transfer to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

En route make a stop at the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples. These 9th century Buddhist temples are aligned on a straight line with Borobudur, and are defined by their elaborate stone carvings. Your guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

After exploring, continue onto Yogyakarta. Known locally as Jogja, Yogyakarta has long been the seat of spirituality, culture and learning in Indonesia; the lushly beautiful region holds an impressive number of Indonesia’s finest temples and historic sites.

One of our Indonesian friends will meet you ** in your hotel lobby at xx pm; take a stroll or join your companion for a coffee or something stronger (!) in a local café or bar. Your programme for the evening has no fixed structure; the aim is to give you time to immerse yourself further into the country’s culture and enjoy the company of a local friend. Your companion will take the lead with some suggestions on how to spend the evening together and be ready to show you a side of Yogyakarta that only locals know. It’s also a great opportunity to get some insider tips and insight into life in the city.

Your evening may involve enjoying some street food and live music or witness a local ceremony. Your companion might know of a little known backstreet eatery, or invite you to join them in a game of badminton or petanque. There may also be a chance to join them as they attend their local temple or even to share a drink and some food with their family or friends. If there’s anything in particular you are interested in experiencing, just let them know and they will do their best to make it happen.

Your companion will join you for any street food, snacks or dinner you have. They will spend about 2 - 3 hours with you, and will be happy to make some suggestions for where you can go next or will direct you back to your hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the start point of your cycling tour – the village of Kaliadem, close to Gunung Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The village offers magnificent views of this 2,930 metre high volcano and the dozens of ravines which have been created by molten streams of lava.

After being helped to set up your bike, a leisurely, predominantly downhill cycle will take you through local villages and rural countryside, with Mt Merapi an ever-present backdrop.

Stops will be made along the way for photo opportunities and for your guide to explain about the agricultural landscape and the native crops being grown, such as tobacco, rice and snakeskin fruit.

After cycling for 15km, arrive at a local restaurant, where you will be rewarded with lunch accompanied by views of Prambanan.

After eating and having rested your legs, continue on to visit Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Built in the 9th century AD, the temples were awarded UNESCO heritage status in 1991, and centre on three central shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - the Hindu holy trinity. Originally this complex housed over 240 temples, however some have been damaged over time. Your guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

Transfer back to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Morning departure for the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton, which sits at the centre of Javanese cosmology and remains the traditional seat of Jogja’s sultan and royal court.

Constructed between 1756 and 1790, the complex is a fine example of traditional Javanese formal architecture, and functions as a living museum along with its official role. The Palace features a showcase of Javanese culture, and you may have the opportunity to observe a cultural performance, such as classic dance or poetry.

Next, enjoy a 30 minute becak (bicycle trishaw) ride as far as the nearby village of Kauman, home to the holy Islamic community as authorised by the Sultan. The narrow lanes that traverse this village were designed to ensure minimal disturbance from noise and traffic, so as to not disturb the Santri or Islamic students from their study. It is also said that by ensuring that the lanes are only passable on foot, every man is made equal.

End your becak ride at the Taman Sari Water Palace. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan, with bathing pools provided for his harem.

After a break for lunch your afternoon will be spent learning about, and trying your hand at the traditional art of batik. Indonesian women have been producing this distinctive dyed cloth for centuries and the island of Java, especially around Yogyakarta and Solo, is well known for the quality of its batik. Over the course of the afternoon you will learn about the Javanese philosophy behind some of the patterns, the cultural importance of batik and the need to preserve this ancient tradition. You will also get a hands-on lesson in how to make your own batik and, subsequently, a memorable souvenir to take home. After the batik workshop transfer back to your hotel.

Early morning transfer to Yogyakarta Tugu Railway station to board the Sancaka Pagi Train for a scenic train ride to Jombang in eastern Java.

Pass through the spectacular volcanic landscapes of central and east Java, and meet local travellers with the assistance and translation of your guide, who will accompany you on the trip.

Upon arrival in Jombang, transfer by road to the ancient town of Malang. Known for its traditional culture and handicrafts, refreshing climate, excellent shopping and Dutch Colonial architecture, Malang has been thriving for a good 15 centuries. Its high elevation affords a cooler climate than elsewhere in Java, making it a popular spot amongst modern Javanese for weekends away, and very attractive to the 17th century Dutch when they were looking for Colonial headquarters. Although the city is now quintessentially Javan, its Dutch heritage can be seen in grand old houses and facades throughout the city.

Check in to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of Malang by becak – a traditional cycle rickshaw. The streets of Malang are filled with grand colonial-era buildings and you’ll cruise past historic sites, local markets and the Chinese temple Eng An Kong before finishing at the city Cathedral.

Return to your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

In the late morning depart Malang for Mount Bromo. Stop en route at the charming Singosari Hindu temple, which dates back to the 13th century, before proceeding along a scenic mountain route to the Bromo-Tengger National Park.

Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park is the place to come for spectacular sunrises and truly thought-stopping vistas. The park is inhabited by the Tenggerese people, descendents of the rulers of what was once the largest empire in South-East Asia. Speaking archaic Javanese and practising ancestor-worship, alongside Hinduism in many cases, the 600,000 strong population lived in near isolation in mountain villages within the Park, practising traditional agriculture and nomadic herding.

Bromo itself, named for the Hindu god Brahma, is not Java’s highest volcano but is one of its most picture-perfect, its cinder cone sitting within a vast mist-filled plain in east Java’s Tengger massif, puffs of smoke suspended above and a range of further spectacular volcanoes fading into the distance.

Check in to your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Very early departure (3.30am) for a sunrise jeep tour of Mount Bromo. Early mornings can be decidedly chilly, so be sure to wrap up warm. Travel by 4WD to Mount Penanjakan (2,770m), where a short uphill walk will take you to a viewing point that offers arguably one of the best views of Mount Bromo and its neighbouring gunungs. Whilst it’s not the most popular spot from which to watch the sun rise, you should be prepared to share this experience with other early risers! As the sun rises and the mist begins to clear you’re greeted with a breath-taking panorama: Mount Batok (2,470 m) and Mount Bromo (2,329m) in the foreground and Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest peak (3,676m) smouldering in the distance.

Once the sun has risen, travel by jeep into the caldera below and take a 40-minute walk across the other-worldly landscape of grey volcanic ash, commonly referred to as the ‘sea of sand’ to the base of Bromo. Just over 240 steps will take you up to the crater rim from where you can gaze down into the smoking interior: a reminder that you are standing on the edge of a still active volcano!

Head back down the steps where your jeep will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in time for breakfast.

Having freshened up, transfer to Surabaya Airport in time for the short flight to Denpasar, Bali. Upon arrival and having met your guide transfer to Ubud.

Ubud, a Hindu pilgrimage destination since the 8th century, grew to become an important centre of herbal healing, and got its name from the Balinese word for medicine. The town is still known for its spa and relaxation culture, with excellent massage and health facilities available on every level, from a simple relaxing massage to several days in a dedicated retreat.

Ubud is also renowned for its thriving artisan community, many of whom demonstrate traditional skills and sell arts and crafts along the town’s streets and in its colourful markets. Around the town, lush green rice paddies and breathtaking jungle-clad valleys are within easy reach, perfect for cycling or walking.

Having checked in at your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Your day is free at leisure.

After breakfast transfer to the start point of your cycling tour – the village of Kadewatan to the north of Ubud - and meet your local cycle guide.

Travelling through the outskirts of Ubud on two wheels is the perfect way to see both the beauty of the countryside and the day to day lives of the local people, and your guide will be able to offer an insight into Balinese culture and lifestyle.

After being helped to set up your bike, a leisurely, predominantly downhill cycle will take you past paddy fields and temple compounds, through local villages and bamboo forest.

After around three hours of cycling arrive at a local restaurant and enjoy a buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Taksu Spa. Bali has long been synonymous with massage and relaxation, and the spa options in Ubud are seemingly infinite. This is your chance to experience first-hand what all the fuss is about!

Amidst serene surroundings in the heart of Ubud, Taksu Spa offers an impressive choice of spa treatments alongside yoga classes and more dedicated healing programmes. Your ‘Balinese Touch’ package includes a 60-minute traditional Balinese massage, combined with either a 60-minute facial or 30-minute body scrub (whichever you prefer).

Following your treatment, feeling suitably relaxed, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Your morning is at leisure until your transfer to Denpasar airport for your flight to Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred to Sebayur Island by car and boat (shared transfer, operated by your resort).

Upon checking in to the Komodo Resort the remainder of your day is at leisure. Enjoy dinner this evening in the resort.

Sebayur Island is located within Komodo National Park, a protected marine park that also comprises of the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar and the west coast of Flores island. Its pristine coral reefs and rich marine life make it a good choice for diving. The region is additionally home to some unique onshore wildlife - we're talking about the famous Komodo Dragon of course!

Your day is at leisure. Our personal recommendations during your stay are…

Komodo Island.
Head off by boat to Komodo Island in search of the famous Komodo Dragon. These mighty lizards can grow up to three metres long, weigh up to 150kg and may seem lethargic but can actually run at 13 mph! In the safe hands of a National Park ranger, trek through the prehistoric landscape with your eyes peeled for the dragons. Following a packed lunch back on board your boat, continue to Pink Beach – so named because red coral fragments have mixed with the white sand to produce a soft pink hue. After plenty of snorkelling and relaxation time, return to your resort.

Rinca Island.
Also part of the Komodo National Park, Rinca Island is smaller and less visited than Komodo, and is also home to Komodo Dragons. The dragon population here is larger than Komodo Island and the terrain is quite different, so there’s a good chance of a dragon encounter, as well as spotting wild pigs, buffalo, indigenous birds and monkeys. It’s quite a different experience to Komodo Island, so if you have the time we would recommend visiting both.

Flying Foxes.
Witnessing the evening migration of flying foxes from Kalong Island is another memorable experience. The largest species of bat, they feed exclusively on fruit and at dusk every evening they can be seen in their hundreds, leaving their nests on Kalong Island in search of food.

Your day is at leisure.

Morning transfer to the mainland (shared transfer, operated by your resort) and on to Labuan Bajo Airport in time for your onward flight.