Trails of Indonesia - 15D/14N

Borobodur photo courtesy of Indonesia Tourist BoardThe complete Indonesia package. Meet the people of Lake Toba, who open their incredible cultural and spiritual world to you. The big apple of Indonesia is Jakarta, also the capital, the city offers a long history, and a bustling life. By road and rail via Cirebon to Yogyakarta, visit the city of Borobudur. The temple is the second largest Hindu temple in the world, dating back to 89th BC. The Octopus island of Sulawesi, is an island of cultural contrast. In the high lands of Toraja the people still execute their strong traditions, only found within the Torajaland. Bali is the final leg of the journey. The island offers all modern day commodities. The center of the island opens with a variety of sceneries.

Included: Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms, with bath or shower, meals as specified in the itinerary. Transportation by air-conditioned minibus/coach with English, German, French speaking guide (Spanish speaking guide available upon request subject to additional charge). All entrance fees, donations. Service charges, room tax, VAT, driver and guide expenses, and baggage handling.

Not Included: Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry etc. Other meals than those mentioned in the program. Domestic airfares and airport taxes.

Accommodations: Standard, Superior, or Deluxe Hotels as mentioned in the itinerary.

Departures: Daily through October 31.

Prambanan photo courtesy of Indonesia Tourist BoardItinerary

  • Day 01 Medan – Brastagi - Parapat (no meals) - 08:00 Pick up from the hotel and depart by minivan to Parapat, is a town on the easthern shore of Lake Toba. On the way you’ll stop in Brastagi, is a picturesque hill town in the Karo Highlands, 70km from Medan on the back road to Lake Toba. The setting is dominated by two volcanoes: Gunung Sinabung to the west and the smoking Gunung Sibayak to the north; Sibolangit, the Botanical Nature reserve and the traditional Karo Batak village of Peceren; Sipiso piso waterfall, this impressive waterfall is at the northern end of Lake Toba. Long House of Batak Simalungun Kings and Panorama of Toba Lake. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in Parapat and check in to the hotel. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the SIANTAR HOTEL / NIAGARA HOTEL.
  • Day 2 Lake Toba Tour (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 8:00 After breakfast, depart by motorboat to Samosir Island, a wedge-shaped island almost as big as Singapore – created by a subsequent upheaval between 30,000 and 75,000 years ago. On Samosir Island you will take excursion to Simanindo, the former King Sidauruk’s long house; Ambarita the stone court of justice of the former kings; the village and the traditional Batak Toba Village and the tomb of King Sidabutar at Tomok Village. In the afternoon back to Parapat for overnight. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the SIANTAR HOTEL / NIAGARA HOTEL.
  • Day 3 Parapat – Medan – Jakarta (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 After breakfast, depart by minivan to Medan via the plantation road of Pematang Siantar and Tebing Tinggi. On the way stop at cocoa, palm oil and rubber plantations. Afterward proceed to the airport for your onward flight to Jakarta. Upon arrival at Jakarta airport, meeting services and directly city tour visiting Sunda Kelapa harbor, an old port with many magnificent Makassar schooners (pinisi). These brightly painted sailing ships are one of the finest sights in Jakarta and Fatahillah Square, the center of old Batavia. Check in to the hotel. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the IBIS TAMARIN / LE GRANDEUR / THE SULTAN.
  • Day 4 Jakarta – Cirebon (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 After breakfast, depart by minivan for sightseeing transfer to Cirebon, its on the north coast, near the border with Central Java, this multi ethnic city blends Sundanese and Javanese cultures and language, with Chinese culture thrown in for good measure. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in Cirebon and following city tour visits the Kraton, is the oldest and best preserved of Cirebon’s Kratons. Built in 1527, its architectural style is a curious blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Islamic, Chinese and Dutch styles. Afterward check in to the hotel. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the PATRA JASA / SANTIKA HOTEL.
  • Day 5 Cirebon – Train to Yogyakarta (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 09:30 Transfer by minivan to the railway station to catch the train to Yogyakarta (Executive Class). The railway line passes through the rural countryside and rice fields. The train takes about 6 hours (food and snacks available on the train). Upon arrival in Yogyakarta, meet and greet with our representative and directly transfer to hotel. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the SANTIKA HOTEL / MELIA PUROSANI / HYATT REGENCY.

    • Bali Candidasa photo courtesy of Indonesia Tourist Board

  • Day 6 Yogyakarta – Borobudur Tour (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 Depart by minivan for full day sight seeing tour to discover the majestic 89th Buddha’s shrine of Borobudur Temple. Its intricate Buddhist and bas-reliefs are considered the largest, most complete collection in the world. En route visit Mendut with its charming Buddha’s statue and small Pawon temple with its typical village. Rest of the afternoon is free at own leisure. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the SANTIKA HOTEL / MELIA PUROSANI / HYATT REGENCY.
  • Day 7 City Walk – Prambanan Tour (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 After breakfast depart by minivan to visit the Sultan’s Palace, next browse to bird market and walk further on to Taman Sari, it was once a splendid pleasure park of palaces, pools and waterways for the sultan and his entourage. Continue by minivan to Kota Gede, it has been famous since the 1930s as the center of Yogya’s silver industry; and a traditional batik factory. Afterward proceed to Prambanan temple, the biggest Hindu’s temple complex in Java. It was constructed in the middle of the 9th century – around 50 years later than Borobudur. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the SANTIKA HOTEL / MELIA PUROSANI / HYATT REGENCY.
  • Day 8 Yogyakarta – Makassar (B/D) - Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, free at own leisure until at the appropriate time you will transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Makassar. Upon arrival at Hasanuddin airport in Makassar, meeting service and transfer to your hotel. Dinner will be provided at the hotel. Accommodation at the THE BANUA / PANTAI GAPURA / IMPERIAL ARYADUTA.
  • Day 9 Makassar – Rantepao (B/D) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 By minivan depart for city tour in Makassar visiting Fort Rotterdam, the old Ducth fortress; Paotere anchorege, the Buginese boat harbor. Afterward set out on long drive to Toraja highlands about 8 hours. This trip through the traditional Buginese houses and the magnificent mountain. You will have a coffee-stop at Puncak Lakawan. Late afternoon arrive in Rantepao, check in to the hotel for accommodation and dinner. *** Lunch at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the TORAJA PRINCE / MISILIANA TORAJA / HERITAGE TORAJA.
  • Day 10 Toraja High Land Tour (B/L/D) - Early breakfast at the hotel. 07:00 By minivan you will following a full day excursion to visit Lemo, is probably the most interesting burials area in Tana Toraja. The sheer rock face has a whole series of balconies for tau tau. The biggest balcony has a dozen figures, with white eyes and black pupils and outstretched arms like spectators at a sports event; Londa, is a very extensive burial cave at the base of a massive cliff face. Inside the cave is a collection of coffins, many of them rotted away, with the bones either scattered or thrown into piles; Kete Kesu, which is reputed for its woodcarving and the traditional houses. The remarkable architecture of their houses are designed in a boat shape (very similar to the buffalo horn), help to carry the spirit through to heaven reflects their concept to the hereafter. In the afternoon back to the hotel. Accommodation at the TORAJA PRINCE / MISILIANA TORAJA / HERITAGE TORAJA.

    • East Java Farms photo courtesy of Indonesia Tourist Board

  • Day 11 Rantepao (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, rest of the day free at own leisure or explore the city. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at the TORAJA PRINCE / MISILIANA TORAJA / HERITAGE TORAJA.
  • Day 12 Toraja – Makassar - Bali (B) - Early breakfast at the hotel. 07:00 Depart by minivan to Makassar. This trip will takes 8 hours. You’ll proceed to the airport for your onward flight to Denpasar, Bali. Upon arrival at Denpasar airport meeting services and transferred to the hotel. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at PURI SANTRIAN / KERATON JIMBARAN / NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT.
  • Day 13 Kintamani – Besakih Tour (B/L) - Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 Depart by minivan for a full day tour to Kintamani and Besakih. On the way visit to Batu Bulan, to see the colorful and exciting Barong dance; Mas, a village famous for its impressive woodcarvings; the holy springs of Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring; Kintamani, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Batur, with ribbons of black lava running down from its peak into the valley below. Continue to Besakih Temple at the foot of Mount Agung, through rice field terraces. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. *** Dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at PURI SANTRIAN / KERATON JIMBARAN / NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT.
  • Day 14 Bali (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure or join some optional tours such as rafting at Ayung river or sunset excursion to Tanah Lot. *** Lunch and dinner at own arrangement *** Accommodation at PURI SANTRIAN / KERATON JIMBARAN / NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT.
  • Day 15 Denpasar – Departure (B) - Breakfast at the hotel. Time for further relaxation until your transfer to airport for your departureflight.

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    Also tagged with: Asia, Indonesia, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Culinary / Wine Discoveries, Religion, Photography, Private Escorted Journey


    Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

    Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.