Best of Sumatra & Java

A staggeringly beautiful land of volcanoes and tropical rainforest filled with all manner of unusual wildlife, the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java call out to explorers searching for something otherworldly.

This adventure mixes close contact with orangutans and other endemic animals with encounters at coffee plantations, curiously European-like cities and dramatic landscapes, leaving you off to explore the famous Balinese beaches. Indonesia is like another planet, right here on Earth. Beam yourself up.

Itinerary

Day 1 Medan
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Bohorok
Enjoy a city tour of Medan including a visit to Maimoon Palace. Continue to Bohorok, one of the largest national parks in the world, famous for its orangutan rehabilitation centre.

Days 3-4 Berastagi
Early visit to the orangutan centre in Bohorok to watch a feeding. Afterward, continue to Berastagi, a picturesque hill town. On Day 4, opt to hike up Sibayak volcano for sunrise and take in the stunning view of the valley. Free afternoon with options to visit the local hot springs.

Days 5-6 Lake Toba
Depart for the island of Samosir. En route, stop for an included visit to a coffee plantation. Situated in the centre of Lake Toba, Samosir has all the features of a resort area but still retains a rustic charm and relaxed atmosphere. Day 6 is a free day with options to relax or explore the area. Venture out for an excursion to see traditional batak houses and the tombs in Tomok.

Day 7 Lake Toba/Medan
Free morning, then drive back to Medan for the final night in Sumatra.

Day 8 Jakarta
Fly from Medan to Jakarta and settle into this busy city.

Day 9 Bandung
Enjoy a guided city tour of Jakarta. Visit the former Batavia area, see remnants of the colonial past and tour the Sunda Kelapa Harbour. In the afternoon, depart for Bandung. Opt to see the traditional angklung orchestra.

Days 10-11 Yogyakarta
Morning train to Yogyakarta, with beautiful scenery along the way. In the evening, opt to take in a dance performance by the Ramayana Ballet. On Day 11, drive to Candirejo, a village near Borobudur. Here, experience the reality of a local village. Take a tour by horsecart through the village and see native customs, traditions and the agricultural system. Enjoy an included local lunch in the village. Later, visit the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world, the Borobudur.

Day 12 Solo
Drive to Solo, the traditional capital of the old Javanese Kingdom. En route, visit the Prambanan temple complex, a lavish example of ancient architecture. In the afternoon, opt for a bike tour around the region.

Days 13-14 Batu
Continue the journey across the agricultural heartland of Java to Batu, a large hill resort on the lower reaches of Gunung Arjuna, surrounded by volcano peaks. On Day 14, visit Mt Bromo, then enjoy a free afternoon with options to visit nearby waterfalls or wander around the village.

Day 15 Malang/Sanur
In the morning, drive from Batu to Malang for a short flight to Sanur. Enjoy the final night with any group members departing the next morning.

Day 16 Sanur
Depart at any time.