Ultimate Indonesia
Our Ultimate Indonesia holiday showcases the highlights and diversity of these extraordinary islands. Cruise through Kalimantan’s Tanjung Puting National Park, spot orang-utans in the rainforest, explore ancient temples, marvel at sunrise from a volcanic summit, relax on pristine beaches and encounter infamous Komodo dragons.
At a glance
- Explore Jakarta’s bubbling blend of ancient and modern
- Look for orang-utans in the wilds of Kalimantan
- See spectacular sunrises over Borobudur and Bromo
- Live the laid-back Ubud lifestyle
- Search for dragons on Komodo’s shores
Jakarta - 1 night
Jakarta, Java’s extraordinary capital, is intense urban Indonesia at its most immediate. With its higgledy-piggledy infrastructure supporting a booming and ever-changing population of over 10 million, the city is awash with a jumbled blend of modernisation and fascinating history. Stay amidst its glossy luxury, experiencing everything from chichi fashion shows, boutique shopping and world class restaurants, to street markets serving mouth-watering local dishes long after dark. Find corners of calm in quiet cafes, and step back in time with a wander past Old Town Batavia’s impressive colonial architecture.
Day 1 - Arrive Jakarta
On arrival in Java, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Jakarta.
Welcome to Selective Asia! This level of personal service (such as private transfers, private tours etc) is what you can expect throughout your trip. A few services (eg boat cruises) will be shared, but we'll always make sure you're aware of these.
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Tanjung Puting National Park - 3 nights
Kalimantan, the Indonesian region of Borneo, is one of the few remaining places in the world where you can see orang-utans in the wild. Its famously biodiverse rainforests are constantly threatened, but what remains is nonetheless magnificent. Its ancient forests are over 130 million years old, and home to thousands of species, from the venerated orangs to unique plants and insects, spectacular birdlife, and hundreds of mammal species. Cruise through the park’s lowland trees and mangrove swamps, spotting the orang-utans and other indigenous inhabitants, such as pygmy elephant, pot-bellied proboscis monkey and perhaps even the Borneo river shark swimming alongside.
Day 2 - Fly to Kalimantan, klotok cruise through Tanjung Puting
Includes:
Having arrived in Kalimantan, you'll meet your local guide for the drive to Kumai Port, where you'll board the traditional klotok boat which you'll call home for the next three nights. Named after the noise that the boat makes as it travels, the klotoks are two-storey wooden river boats, traditionally used to transport goods and passengers up and down the winding waterways. A cruise on a converted klotok, now a houseboat, is a magical way to explore 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 park’s border. Gaze at the wildlife appearing along the banks, and enjoy an authentic home-cooked Indonesian dinner on-board before settling down to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 3 - Spot orang-utans at Camp Leaky
Includes:
Cruise upstream to Camp Leakey, renowned for its orang-utan conservation. This inspiring project has reintroduced over 200 orang-utans back into the wild since its foundation, and the camp’s rangers medically monitor the local orang population and provide supplementary food via three feeding platforms. Take a walk along a wooden pontoon and jungle path to the viewing area, where you’ll see orangs visit a feeding platform just 30 feet away. Return to the boat in the late afternoon to continue cruising as groups of proboscis monkeys - easily recognizable by their long flat nose and pot-belly - come close to the river banks to spend the night in the overhanging trees. There’s a good chance of spotting more wild orang-utans as they come down to the bank to pick up pandan fruit, one of their favourite foods.
Day 4 - Forest orang-utans, Harapan village visit
Includes:
Head off towards the second orang-utan feeding centre at Pondok Tanguy. A half-mile walk through ferns and lush vegetation brings you to the site in time for the orang’s breakfast feed. Head downstream to the Pasalat Rainforest station to learn about the conservation work of the NGOs, based here to focus on reforesting the natural habitat of orang-utans. Step back aboard your kloktok, and head on to your last orang-utan viewing at Tanjung Harapan Camp. Make the short crossing to Harapan village, one of the only settlements along the river, where you can meet local families going about their daily lives, before heading back to your boat for a final dinner on board.
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Borobudur - 2 nights
Rising majestically from the surrounding farmland and forest, the ancient monument of Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world; an unmissable and significant place of Buddhist pilgrimage, and the defining feature of the Borobudur region. Now protected by UNESCO, the stunning 9th century temples, decorated with 500 Buddha statues and over 2,500 relief panels, remain remarkably intact. Away from the temples, see the Borobudur region lit up with colour, music and dancing during the June festival, and saffron-robed monks filling the streets with flowers during Waisak in May.
Day 5 - Boat, plane & car to Borobudur
Includes:
After breakfast on board, cruise back to Kumai and head to Pangkalanbun airport for your flight to Semarang, where you'll meet your guide for the journey to Borobudur, where the rest of your day will be at leisure - perhaps catching an early night in preparation for tomorrow's sunrise over Borobudur temple itself.
Day 6 - Borobudur sunrise, temple tour
Includes:
Head out early to see a breathtaking sunrise over the temple complex at Borobudur, marvelling at the carved details as they are illuminated by the first rays of the day. Comprising thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple took more than 75 years to complete. Now protected by UNESCO, these stunning ruins, decorated with 500 Buddha statues and over 2,500 relief panels, remains remarkably intact. From Borobudur, continue on to the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples, aligned perfectly with Borobudur and defined by their elaborate stone carvings.
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Yogyakarta - 2 nights
Yogyakarta, affectionately known as Jogja, has long been a revered seat of spirituality, culture and learning in Indonesia. The surrounding region holds an impressive number of Indonesia’s finest temples and historic sites within a striking landscape. Borobudur’s impressive mandala shaped Buddhist temples have beautifully carved layers that represent the Buddhist universe, while Candi Prambanan, an equally impressive cluster of elegantly carved stone temples located further east, illustrates tales from the Hindu faith. Wander between these temple ruins, sample the city’s streetfood spices and kick back with a cup of smoking kopi joss coffee.
Day 7 - Mt. Merapi cycling, Prambanan temple tour, Drive to Yogyakarta
Includes:
Start the day’s cycling tour in Kaliadem village, with magnificent views of Gunung Merapi (one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes) and ravines created by past streams of molten lava. This leisurely, predominantly downhill cycle takes you through bucolic countryside, with Mt Merapi an ever-present backdrop, stopping for photo opportunities and guided talks. Cycle 9 miles to a local restaurant, for lunch with a view of Prambanan. As the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, Prambanan originally included over 240 temples, though some have been damaged over time. Having rested your legs, head into the temple to wander around its central shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - the Hindu holy trinity. Having explored the temple, continue your journey to Yogyakarta.
Day 8 - Sultan’s Palace, batik lesson, 'Go Local'
Includes:
Set out for the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton, which sits at the centre of Javanese cosmology and is still the traditional seat of Jogja’s royal court. The Palace is a vibrant showcase for Javanese culture, and you might see a classic dance or poetry performance while you’re there. Also visit the Taman Sari Water Palace, a 200 year old addition to the royal complex with bathing pools for the Sultan’s harem. In the afternoon, take a lesson in traditional batik production, including the Javanese philosophy behind the patterns, and create your own batik souvenir to take home. In the evening, one of our local Indonesian friends will meet you to show you around. Take a stroll to enjoy a drink in a local café or bar, immersing yourself further into the country’s culture, as you discover a side of Yogyakarta that only the locals know. Try the tempting street food, listen to live music, or join your companion in a game of badminton or petanque. If there’s anything particular you’re eager to experience, they’ll do their best to make it happen.
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Mount Bromo - 1 night
The raw landscape of Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park is full of spectacular sunrises and thought-stopping vistas. It’s home to ancient Tenggerese communities, who live in isolated mountain villages within the park, practising traditional agriculture and nomadic herding. Mount Bromo itself, named for the Hindu god Brahma, is arguably Java’s most picture-perfect volcano; its cinder cone sitting within a vast, mist-filled plain in east Java’s Tengger massif. Many religions and communities consider it a place of holy pilgrimage, and during Yadnya Kasada, a key Tenggerese celebration, offerings of flowers, fruit and rice are thrown into the caldera.
Day 9 - Train & scenic drive to Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park
Includes:
Board the Sancaka Pagi Train at Yogyakarta Tugu Railway station to for a scenic train ride to Jombang in eastern Java. Pass through the spectacular volcanic landscapes, taking the opportunity to chat with local travellers with the assistance and translation of your accompanying guide. Disembark in Jombang and drive to Trowulan, the former site of the Majapahit Kingdom capital city, to visit the temples of Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus, before travelling along a scenic mountain route to the Bromo-Tengger National Park. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to sit back and enjoy the views of this magnificent peak.
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Ubud - 4 nights
Renowned for its thriving community of artisans, who sell their work in colourful fringes along the town’s bustling streets, Ubud is full of confidence in its alternative character; a place where generations of travellers have come to tune into Bali’s beauty. Its long history as a centre for healing means there are excellent spa facilities on every luxury level, offering plenty of options for relaxing body and mind. Connect with the idiosyncratic culture, hike past verdant rice fields, and wander around ancient temples, before returning to the town centre to sample the world on a plate in the diverse restaurant scene.
Day 10 - Mount Bromo sunrise, crater hike, fly to Bali
Includes:
An early start, but we promise it’ll be worth it, as you set out at 3.30am for a sunrise jeep tour of Mount Bromo. Travel to Mount Penanjakan, which has arguably one of the best views of Bromo and its neighbouring gunungs, to watch the sun rise along with other early birds. Head into the caldera for a 40-minute walk across the otherworldly landscape of volcanic ash, known as the ‘sea of sand’, to the base of the jagged slopes. Walk up to the crater rim to gaze down into Bromo’s smoking interior, standing right on the edge of an active volcano. After this you'll be taken to the airport for a short flight to Bali, where you can head straight to Ubud and relax.
Day 11 - At leisure in and around Ubud
Includes:
Spend a day at leisure enjoying Ubud’s relaxed vibe, perhaps visiting the artisan village of Mas, taking a cooking class or wood-carving workshop class, or enjoying one of Ubud's many fantastic spas.
Day 12 - Cycling tour, evening culinary crawl
Includes:
Travelling through the outskirts of Ubud on two wheels is the perfect way to see both the beauty of the countryside and the daily lives of local people. Start in the village of Kadewatan to the north of Ubud, where you’ll meet your local cycle guide, and set off on a leisurely, predominantly downhill, cycle tour past paddy fields and temple compounds, through local villages and bamboo forest. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before your sunset culinary tour around Ubud. Begin with a cocktail and tapas overlooking the Ayung River at Sayan Valley, then head to a traditional cabin in the rice fields for an authentic Balinese feast. A stop will be made en-route at Saraswati Palace to watch a traditional dance at the beautiful candle-lit lotus pond, and end your evening tasting sweet delicacies at a favourite local restaurant.
Day 13 - Explore central Bali's rice paddies, lakes & temples
Head out to discover the lakes, temples and stunning scenery of the surrounding area. Stop at Bedugul to explore the local market, with its stalls of eye-catching tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers, before continuing on to Ulun Danu, rumoured to be the most photographed temple in Bali. Built on several small islands, the temple appears to ‘float’ on the surface of Bratan Lake, its distinctive tiered roofs mirrored in the waters below, and is one of Bali’s holiest Hindu temples. Head back towards Ubud via the UNESCO listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih, where there’ll be time for a leisurely short trek through the fields, learning about the traditional ‘subak’ style of rice farming. Take a final stop at Pura Taman Ayun, the Royal Temple of Mengwi, surrounded by a moat and boasting multi–roofed meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates, before returning to Ubud.
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Komodo Resort - 3 nights
One of Indonesia’s best diving locations, the Komodo Resort combines ideal conditions below the waves with the serene separation of Sebayur Island above. Sebayur is located within Komodo National Park, a protected marine area that includes the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar and the west coast of Flores. Its pristine coral reefs and rich marine life make it a fantastic choice for diving, and the region is home to some unique onshore wildlife too - we're talking, of course, about the famous Komodo Dragon.
Day 14 - Plane, car & shared boat to Komodo National Park
Includes:
Enjoy the morning at leisure until it’s time for your journey to the Komodo Resort, where the rest of your day will be at leisure to wander the island’s deserted shoreline before settling in for a sunset dinner on the sand.
Days 15 & 16 - Enjoy a few days R&R
Includes:
Relax for a few days of ultimate tranquility at your leisure. You could cruise to Komodo Island for snorkelling and to search for Komodo Dragons with a national park ranger, or visit Rinca, which is smaller and less visited than Komodo, but also home to Komodo Dragons, wild pigs, indigenous birds and monkeys. You could also witness the dusk migration of flying foxes from Kalong Island.
Day 17 - Depart Labuan Bajo
Includes:
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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We only provide privately guided holidays - meaning that you will not be expected to share guides or transport for the duration of your visit. You can also start on any day you choose.
Please click on the hotel category buttons below to view hotel details. These are recommended properties only - we have many alternative options for you to choose from if you would prefer. You can mix hotel categories throughout your holiday.
| Hotel class | Price per person (based on total # travelling) | |||
| 2 persons | 3-4 | 5-6 | ||
| First Class | £3,484US$4,565 | £3,129US$4,099 | £2,964US$3,882 | |
FM7 Resort Hotel Spacious and colourful, the FM7 is a quirky modern hotel, conveniently located on the outskirts of Jakarta... See more
Klotok House Boat The best way to explore the Tanjung Puting National Park and journey deep into the forested surrounds is cruising along the river aboard a klotok houseboat. Named after the noise that the boat makes as it travels – ‘klok tok tok tok’... See more
Rumah Dharma A village-style hotel about a mile and a half from the Borobudur temple complex, Rumah Dharma is good value, well presented and ideal if you’d rather stay off the beaten track... See more
Eclipse Excellent value hotel conveniently located in central Yogyakarta, the Eclipse is comfortable and very nicely presented... See more
Bromo Cottages Providing comfortable accommodation in a spectacular mountainside location overlooking Mount Bromo and Java’s Tengger Massif, the Bromo Cottages are modest but very nicely presented...
Atta Mesari Resort & Spa If you’re looking to experience the best of Ubud’s laid back atmosphere, with a little extra class, the Atta Mesari Resort and Spa delivers… See more
Komodo Resort Indonesia’s Mecca for divers, the Komodo Resort mixes charming accommodation with world class diving, and offers expert supervision for the more challenging dives around the islands of Komodo and Flores... See more |
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| Superior | £3,758US$4,923 | £3,407US$4,463 | £3,239US$4,243 | |
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FM7 Resort Hotel Spacious and colourful, the FM7 is a quirky modern hotel, conveniently located on the outskirts of Jakarta... See more
Klotok House Boat The best way to explore the Tanjung Puting National Park and journey deep into the forested surrounds is cruising along the river aboard a klotok houseboat. Named after the noise that the boat makes as it travels – ‘klok tok tok tok’... See more
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Nestling between rice terraces in sight of the Borobudur temple and the Menoreh Hills, the Plataran Heritage Borobudur is an oasis of old-world elegance... See more
Dusun Jogja Village With its excellent location in the peaceful neighbourhood of Prawirotaman, not far from the Sultan's Palace, Dusun Jogja is a convenient and cosy hotel with good... See more
Jiwa Jawa, Bromo For those seeking proximity to Mount Bromo without compromising on creature comforts, Jiwa Jawa offers lovely lodge-based accommodation with just a short drive to some of the most spectacular views... See more
Wapa di Ume A charming boutique resort with a distinct Balinese vibe, Wapa di Ume enjoys the best of both worlds when it comes to location: surrounded by the picturesque rice fields that the region is well known for, yet a five minute drive... See more
Komodo Resort Indonesia’s Mecca for divers, the Komodo Resort mixes charming accommodation with world class diving, and offers expert supervision for the more challenging dives around the islands of Komodo and Flores... See more |
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| Deluxe | £4,024US$5,271 | £3,678US$4,819 | £3,513US$4,602 | |
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FM7 Resort Hotel Spacious and colourful, the FM7 is a quirky modern hotel, conveniently located on the outskirts of Jakarta... See more
Klotok House Boat The best way to explore the Tanjung Puting National Park and journey deep into the forested surrounds is cruising along the river aboard a klotok houseboat. Named after the noise that the boat makes as it travels – ‘klok tok tok tok’... See more
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa Set on a hillside with fantastic views overlooking Borobudur and the valley beyond, the Plataran is not the closest hotel to the temple complex, but it is one of the most luxurious in the area... See more
Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta A truly stand-out heritage hotel in central Yogyakarta, the Phoenix was built in 1918 as the private residence of a wealthy merchant, and its timeless elegance is unmistakable... See more
Plataran Bromo The recently expanded Plataran Bromo resort provides chic, chalet-style accommodation with a warm family-friendly vibe... See more
Kayon Resort Standing against the richly forested hillsides of Ubud, the Kayon Resort is a sheltered, adult-only retreat... See more
Komodo Resort Indonesia’s Mecca for divers, the Komodo Resort mixes charming accommodation with world class diving, and offers expert supervision for the more challenging dives around the islands of Komodo and Flores... See more |
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Solo travellers are always welcome - please contact us for a tailored quote.
These prices are shown in GBPUSD.
Selective Asia is a UK-registered company, but our client-base spans the globe, so we bank in both GBP and USD and can therefore provide a fixed price in either currency.
We also have payment facilities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the EU, and can typically offer better-than-bank exchange rates on the date of payment in these currencies (against a booking priced in GBP).
The important stuff
Please note: During high season periods (such as July - September and Christmas) hotels often levy a surcharge, and these are not included in the above prices. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.Inclusive:
- English speaking, local guide
- All accommodation listed
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
- Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
- All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals listed
- International flight reconfirmation.
Exclusive:
- Flights to/from Asia. We are an ATOL bonded operator and can arrange flights for all our clients, regardless of whether you are departing from the UK or from almost any other worldwide destination.
- Entry visas
- International airport departure taxes
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, other than water on activity days
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
- Travel insurance
- All other services not listed in 'inclusive'
Please note
All prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are liable to change and can only be confirmed upon submitting an enquiry.
Extras
Flights
We will arrange all internal flights used within our holiday itineraries. We can also arrange discounted flights from all UK airports to Asia and we are a fully bonded ATOL operator. If you would like a quote for your international flights then please complete the required section on the enquiry form.Visa
You will require a visa for Indonesia which is obtained on arrival. Your consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.Passport
Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your return date. You will also need at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting.Insurance
You will require a comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. We offer our customers a specially discounted insurance policy, ideally suited to the needs that a trip such as this creates. Tick the insurance box in the enquiry form and we will send you a quote to suit your needs.Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention
You will undoubtedly require vaccinations for your visit to Asia. Please consult your doctor or a vaccination clinic for the most up-to-date advice. They will also be able to advise you of the most suitable anti-malarial medication if required. It is important that you do this well in advance of your departure date.Booking Procedure
Only once you are completely happy with any holiday itinerary we create for you will we ask for a payment. In order that we can secure availability for your booking we would typically require a deposit of 20%.Travelling Responsibly
We care about the places and the communities that you will travel through. It is important to us that we travel as responsibly as possible throughout Asia and that we are giving something back to the regions and the people that make these journeys so special. Full details on our approach to responsible travel can be found on a dedicated section of this website.
'The perfect holiday for anyone wanting to experience the diversity of Indonesia.'
Our tailor-made service costs you no extra
This itinerary is designed to work straight off the peg, but we'll happily tailor it until it's a perfect fit for you, to ensure we’re making the absolute best of your time and funds. All you need to do is ask...
Your own private guides & drivers
You'll typically have your own private guides & drivers throughout your trip. When you will be sharing a service (eg a boat cruise) with others, we'll always let you know.
