Indonesia Encompassed

Catch your breath on the outskirts of Jakarta then head straight into Kalimantan’s rainforest wilderness. Back on Java, Borobudur’s iconic temple instils a different kind of awe, demonstrating the power and ambition of a historic civilisation, while Mount Bromo showcases the awe-inspiring power of nature. Hop over to Bali to wander with laid-back ease through Sidemen, before finishing your trip by tuning into Komodo’s unspoilt ocean paradise.

Remote waterways & dedicated conservation

Tanjung Puting National Park

A few days making your way down jungle waterways aboard a private klotok boat powerfully demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity for ‘wow factor’. Navigating the winding rivers of Kalimantan’s Tanjung Puting National Park in traditional style, immersing yourself in the rainforest’s distinctive sights and sounds, is certainly near the top of a lot of wish lists. This is no luxury cruise, and the bijou boats are very simply equipped, but you’ll have the entire vessel to yourselves, complete with a skilled crew. 

Watch the bank closely for glimpses of macaques, hornbills, crocodiles and the elusive ‘old men of the forest’, the orangutans. Visit three of the area’s inspirational conservation projects - Camp Leakey (a bastion of orangutan rehabilitation since the ‘70s) and the feeding stations at Pondok Tanguy and Tanjung Harapan Camp - where you’ll have the chance to see orangutans at even closer range. This is Indonesian rainforest wilderness at its best: unadorned, immediate and all-encompassing.

Artistic inspiration & temple serenity

Yogyakarta

Java’s second city offers a counterbalance to the somewhat overwhelming capital, Jakarta. Spiralling inwards from rugged surroundings that hold some of Indonesia’s finest temples, Yogyakarta is a richly cultured city that mixes spiritual intensity with creative flair. Explore the surrounding villages by bike, including sleepy Kaliadem, which has magnificent views of Gunung Merapi (one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes), and cycle on towards Candi Prambanan’s cluster of elegantly carved stone temples. Back in central Yogyakarta, stroll through the atmospheric halls of the Sultan’s Palace, and spend an evening with one of our local friends who’ll show you the best street food spots in the city.

Borobudur

Like many of the world’s iconic landmarks, Borobudur has a weight of expectation upon it, and it definitely delivers. Contrasted against a surrounding sea of green fields and forests, the imposing and beautifully preserved 9th-century temple seems even more breathtaking. Get an early night at one of the region’s characterful properties in preparation for heading to the temple for sunrise. There are usually fewer visitors in the early morning, and the cooler temperatures mean you can walk between the rooftop Buddha statues in comfort as the day’s first rays hit the stones. After dawn, wander off the beaten path to some less-lauded landmarks from the same era, including the partially-restored Mendut temple and elaborately-carved Pawon temple, both of which add deeper context to Borobudur.

Raw landscapes & a serene sunrise

Mount Bromo

Spend a night amid the raw wilderness of Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park, and see a very different side to Java that displays nature at its rawest. Travelling to the region by train allows you to see the rugged landscape in all its glory. Visit the rust-hued Candi Bajang Ratu temple and peaceful Candi Tikus bathing pool, before focusing your attention on the park’s famous peak: Mount Bromo.

Wake in the smallest hours to make your way up the slopes of Mount Penanjakan while it’s still dark, then watch the sunrise over Bromo’s distinctive outline. Seeing the day break over Mount Bromo is a very popular activity, and there’s no way to avoid other groups, but getting there early can allow you to pick a quieter spot. The resulting cinematic spectacle of watching the beauty of Bromo illuminated from afar is epic, and well worth the chilly early start. As dawn turns to day, head across to scale the slopes of Bromo itself and gaze down into its smoking crater.

Rural beauty and wellness vibes

Sidemen

Drop down a gear to spend a few days absorbing the best of Bali in serene Sidemen, away from the Ubud crowds. Spend time walking and cycling through the hills and between the rice terraces, watching Bali’s natural beauty rippling out around you. Several gorgeous retreats nestle in the surrounding green hills, while the villages and artisan communities have their own gentle buzz. Spend blissful hours unwinding at a spa, take a yoga class or two, find hidden escapes, and enjoy discovering the day-to-day rhythms of the real Bali.

Watch weavers demonstrate intricate textile techniques passed down through generations. Try your hand at crafting daily temple offerings, collecting coconuts from towering palms, or visiting a local blacksmith's forge. Wander to Besakih Temple, Bali’s most sacred complex, on the western slopes of Mount Agung, the island’s highest and most revered peak.

Take a gentle walk through the rice fields as your guide explains the agricultural cycle and the vital role rice plays in Balinese daily life. Depending on the season, you can even join local farmers in the fields, planting or harvesting, and help prepare a classic Balinese lunch with instruction from a local home cook.

Island bliss and underwater worlds

Komodo

The last leg of this journey is centred around enjoying dedicated R&R in Indonesia’s coastal haven. One of the richest marine ecosystems in the world, and home to the legendary Komodo Dragons, the Komodo National Park is a peppering of rocky islands floating in crystal-clear, protected waters; a little slice of paradise. Stay on one of the island’s excellent resorts, including the world-renowned Komodo Resort which sits gently on the shoreline of Sebayur Island, and enjoy diving and snorkelling in the clear waters.

If relaxation is your top priority, settle down in a cosy shoreline pods and breathe deep as you gaze towards the horizon... If a little more adventure is up your street, sail between islands on a live-aboard boat, stopping to swim and snorkel from the side looking out for turtkes and rays, and hopping ashore in search of the legendary Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. A few days in this protected marine landscape is a real privilege, and a phenomenal way to round off your tour of Indonesia’s highlights.