Best of Sumatra & Java - Indonesia
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 encounters with endemic animals with visit to 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.
Day 1 Medan
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Medan/Bohorok
Enjoy a city tour of Medan, including a visit to the massive Maimoon Palace. Continue to Bohorok, one of the largest national parks in the world, famous for its orangutan rehabilitation centre.
Day 3 Bohorok/Berastagi
Trek through the diverse jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park for a chance to spot wild orangutans, among many other primates. Afterward, continue to Berastagi and enjoy the cooler weather of this picturesque alpine town, with a landscape dominated by two active volcanoes.
Day 4 Berastagi
Hike up Gunung Sibayak Volcano for sunrise and take in the stunning view of the valley. Spend the free afternoon getting to know charming Berastagi. Opt to visit a rejuvenating hot spring, explore the surrounding Karo Highlands and villages, and indulge in local delicacies.
Day 5 Berastagi/Samosir Island
Depart for the island of Samosir, situated in the centre of one of Southeast Asia's deepest lakes - Lake Toba. En route, stop for a visit at a coffee plantation and learn about the beloved Sumatra blend.
Day 6 Samosir Island
Enjoy a free day relaxing or exploring the paradise of Samosir Island, which was formed, along with the lake, by a super volcano eruption almost a hundred-thousand years ago. Venture out to explore the tomb of King Sidabutar in Tomok village and wander past traditional batak houses and rice fields, shop till you drop in the colourful market, or swim in the pristine water to your hearts content.
Day 7 Samosir Island/Medan
Soak up your last morning on this peaceful island before driving back to busy Medan. For your final night in Sumatra, opt for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 8 Medan/Jakarta
Fly from Medan to Jakarta and settle into this modern metropolis on the coast of Java.
Day 9 Jakarta/Bandung
Enjoy a guided city tour of Jakarta visiting the former Batavia area, remnants of the colonial past, and stroll through the Sunda Kelapa Harbour. In the afternoon, depart for Bandung surrounded by volcanic peaks and tea plantations. Opt to see the angklung orchestra - resonating traditional melodies created by children shaking bamboo instruments.
Day 10 Bandung/Yogyakarta
Board a morning train and take in the beautiful scenery on the ride to Yogyakarta, steeped in ancient ruins and culture. On arrival, opt to go on a cycling tour or take in a Ramayana dance performance.
Day 11 Yogyakarta
Venture to the Prambanan Hindu temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the remains of some 244 temples, with some towering out of the rubble. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 12 Yogyakarta
Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring the pyramid-like complex, admiring the intricate carvings, and come away with a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture here. Later, enjoy free time to continue exploring Yogyakarta.
Day 13 Yogyakarta/Ngadas
Continue the journey across the agricultural heartland of Java to Ngadas, a village in the scenic Mt Bromo region. Experience the local culture with a G Adventures-supported community homestay.
Day 14 Ngadas/Malang
Start early today (approximately 2:30am) for a pre-dawn trek across the “sea of sand” to Mt Bromo. Watch the sunrise over the crater’s rim, popular with both tourists and the local Buddhist Tenggerese, who can be seen giving offerings to receive blessings from the Supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa. Head back to Ngadas for lunch before exploring more of the village on an included walk. Later, travel to Malang for the night.
Day 15 Malang/Sanur
Drive from Malang to Surabaya airport for a short flight to Sanur, a serene seaside town on the island of Bali. Spend the afternoon on the beach, and cheers to a beautiful sunset.
Day 16 Sanur
Depart at any time.
Reference : GAH
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