A Tale of Two Islands
Three of Indonesia’s most enticing aspects are its ancient temples, diverse traditions and pristine beaches. It’s a breeze to experience all three, without overdoing the internal travel, by combining a leisurely tour of Java with a good stretch on Lombok for a dose of dedicated beach bliss, maximising your time in each distinctive destination.
Feel the archipelago’s volcanic might in Losari, and get hands-on artisan experience in Yogyakarta before exploring the city’s historic sites. Let yourself unwind on Lombok - one of Indonesia’s quieter gems - cycling along back roads, exploring local markets, and listening to the soothing sound of the waves lapping against a serene shoreline… Make this route your own with extra time in the places that pique your interest, and discover the local details that faster-paced trips might miss.
If your priorities include taking things slowly, minimising excess journeys, and making time to see the detail in each place you pause, then this route could be the one.
Start as you means to go on with an immediate detour into Losari, a lesser-known part of Java, to marvel at the island’s volcanic peaks, then head south-east to watch a Borobudur sunrise, where dawn turns to day over one of Indonesia’s most stunning temples. Make your way to Yogyakarta to immerse yourself in its history and fantastic food, and hop over to Lombok and the Gili islands to discover some of the archipelago’s quieter traditions. Make time to digest your experiences and maximise relaxation time on your chosen stretch of pristine sand.
Timeless peaks & lush plantations
Losari
Losari is nothing short of breathtaking: lush forested hills surrounded by a ring of eight volcanic peaks that rise above the treeline. By spending your first couple of nights in this out-of-the-way region, you’ll gain a wider perspective on what makes the island tick.
Along the way, take time to wander the ancient pathways of Mt Ungaran, stopping at the ruined temples of Gedong Songo and enjoying panoramic views towards Mt Merbabu from the summit, before heading back on the road towards the MesaStila resort. Right in the middle of Losari’s stunning landscape, the characterful luxury of MesaStila makes it a favourite with the Selective Asia team. Whether you’re staying overnight on this 200-year-old coffee estate, or visiting from another nearby resort, you can spend a day learning the secrets behind the legendary ‘cup of Java’, before tasting the finished product amid the phenomenal surroundings where it was created.
A temple dawn…
Borobudur
Borobudur - Indonesia’s famous 9th-century Buddhist temple - is a wonderful place to dive straight into your Indonesia journey. An eye-wateringly early morning might not sound like the most relaxing way to begin, but it’s absolutely worth the 3 am start to stand amid the Buddha statues and stupas and watch the sunrise. It’s a popular activity, so you won’t be alone up there, but it’s a big temple and your guide will help you find a good spot.
As the dawn breaks, flooding the temple and surroundings with golden light, the site comes into its own. Wander between its spires soaking up the sunbeams and learning the temple’s history. Cycle away from the temple to explore the surrounding countryside, pausing at small villages famed for their pottery and wandering through a local market or two.
Artisans & regal splendour
Yogyakarta
Spend a few days in Yogyakarta absorbing the culture and history of Java’s second city. Gaze into the bathing pools of the Taman Sari Water Palace, and wander through the Sultan’s Palace. Sample kopi joss charcoal coffee, and get hands-on experience of traditional batik production. Bike out to the Borobudur-aligned Mendut and Pawon temples, have lunch with a Prambanan temple view, and look up at the slopes of Gunung Merapi (one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes).
For the foodies, there are tours of an independently-owned coffee plantation, a local cookery class and evenings spent sampling delicious regional dishes at Yogyakarta’s night markets and street stalls. Let your guide show you the highlights, and linger longest at whichever of them catch your eye.
Undiluted beach bliss...
Lombok
Indonesia has some truly world-class beaches, and there’s no denying that a few days on a picture-perfect stretch of sand is a wonderful way to round off any Indonesia trip. Bali may be the first place people think of for beach bliss, but we think Lombok is a perfect option for uncrowded beach chill. It’s easy to get to, there are usually fewer people sharing the sands, and it gives you a chance to sidestep the tourist trail for a slice of Indonesia beach life that’s a little less processed.
Split your stay between two beaches, or hunker down for a leisurely few days in one of our Destination Specialists’ favourites, wandering along the coast, relaxing in shady spots, and enjoying plenty of fresh fish and fragrantly spiced local specialties. Take a trip to the Gilis for a spot of serious island dreaming, with pristine waters to snorkel in.
The journey continues…
If you’re not quite ready to call time on your Indonesian unwinding, you could extend your trip with a few days in Bali. Avoid central Ubud’s busiest crowds by staying in the surrounding hills, and take time to get to know Sidemen, a centre of wellness and spirituality.
A note on cost…
The guide price of £2,190US$2,890 is a per person price (not including international flights) staying 2 nights in Losari, 2 nights in Borobudur, 2 nights in Yogyakarta, and 5 nights on Lombok; all in our favourite mid-range hotels.
