September 22, 2017

17-Day Indonesia Cultural Journey (3 Islands)

Written By indoexcursions

Description

Sprawling across the equator for nearly 5,000 kilometres, the 17,000 islands of Indonesia form one of the most evocative countries on earth.  On this fascinating 17-Day Hosted Expedition, (limited to 8 participants) travellers visit the exotic islands of Java, Sulawesi and Bali, exploring their azure waters, slumbering volcanoes, towering temples, lush tropical forests and untouched coastal marine habitats.

The expedition is designed exclusively for discerning travellers who are seeking a seamless and luxurious journey, filled with intellectual experiences and rich in insider experiences.

We pride ourselves on demanding only the highest calibre of service delivery, and have carefully crafted tours that include only the most outstanding accommodation partners, avoid the well-beaten path taken by traditional tour operators, and showcase a side of Indonesia you’re not likely to discover on your own.

Activity Details

On Day 1, travellers make their way to JAKARTA, the Indonesian Capital, where we meet at a 5-star hotel for a Welcome Dinner and Orientation.

Wasting no time on Day 2, we fly to Central Java to visit the ancient TEMPLE OF BOROBUDUR. Looming out of a patchwork of bottle-green paddies and swaying palm tops, this colossal 9th-century relic is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a World Heritage Site.   Like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur makes the rest of Southeast Asia’s spectacular sites seem almost incidental. IndoExcursions travellers receive special passes to stay on the Borobudur grounds outside of public visiting hours, which allows us to watch the sun set over the enigmatic temple – a wonder to behold.

On Day 3, we awake early at Borobudur to watch the sun rise over the temple whilst enjoying a “picnic breakfast” on a nearby hill.  After breakfast, we drive through the Java countryside to our next destination, the CITY OF YOGYAKARTA (“JOGJA”). Ruled by a Sultan to this day, Jogja is the  cultural capital – the “soul” – of Java. After settling into our Jogja hotel, we visit several of the galleries that line the streets of the city and showcase the highest craftsmanship in Java. On Days 4 and 5, we explore the vibrant culture of Jogja, including the palace of the ruling Sultan, and PRAMBANAN, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, built in the 9th century.

Early on Day 6, we board a small plane and fly to TANA TORAJA, a tiny mountainous region in the central highlands of the Island of Sulawesi.  The indigenous people of Toraja lived in isolation for millennia. Cut off from the outside world, the Torajan people developed highly-unique customs and traditions which have been the fixation of cultural anthropologists since the early 1970s. Overland vehicles await us when we touch down in Toraja, so we can immediately begin our exploration of this pulsating tribal culture. On days 7, 8 and 9, we have 3 more days to explore the sites, villages and stunning scenery of Tana Toraja with our native Torajan guides. A true mecca for travellers!

On Day 10 we fly to the Island of BALI to spend 7 days on an island that many consider to be the very definition of tropical paradise : magnificent vistas, looming volcanoes, lush green forests and terraced rice fields tripping down hillsides. Almost everything in Bali has spiritual meaning and leaves you with a lasting impression of reverence, peace and tranquility. Our native Bali tour guides  take us on a true “insider journey” filled with unique access that we simply couldn’t arrange on our own.  We visit intricately carved temples rarely visited by tourists,  stop at villages where locals prepare us meals while excited youngsters perform ritual dances . . .  and discover the true essence of the “Island of the Gods.”

After 7 days in exotic Bali, we enjoy a farewell dinner together, and, on Day 17, we fly back to our original entry points into Indonesia.