A journey for the more adventurous traveller, this itinerary traverses northern Sumatra, Java and Bali.
Arriving in Medan, learn about the Sultan’s reign in the city, explore the dense jungle and visit Gunung Leuser National Park to see orangutan in their natural habitat. After visiting Lake Toba and Samosir Island fly to Java and the capital Jakarta then drive to Bogor to see the stunning botanical gardens and little-visited Mountain Tilu Nature Reserve. Travelling by train to Yogyakarta, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur then fly to Bali to end with two nights in the cultural and artistic capital Ubud and three nights in beautiful Uluwatu on the southern tip of the island.
Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang – Berastagi – Samosir Island – Medan – Bogor – Bandung – Yogyakarta – Borobudur – Ubud – Uluwatu
Trip Highlights
- Explore the traditional villages of Samosir, a volcanic island set within Lake Toba
- Discover Bandung, with its Dutch colonial influences and art deco buildings
- Marvel at massive Borobudur Temple, a highly decorated nine-level monument
- Visit Gunung Leuser which is one of the last sanctuaries of the Sumatran orangutan
- End your holiday at Uluwatu, known for its white-sand beaches and clifftop views
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on the Singapore Airlines flight non-stop to Singapore.
Day 2
Arrive Tangkahan
Early this morning fly to Medan on the Indonesia island of Sumatra. On arrival you will be met by your guide and driven to Tangkahan, please note the last portion of the journey (1.5 hours) is along a dirt track so it can be bumpy. Upon arrival, register at the Gunung Leuser National Park visitor centre before taking a short walk to the lodge which is located on the other side of the river via an impressive suspension bridge. After lunch you can help bath Sumatran elephants in the Batang Serangan River and also take a walk with these majestic creatures that are native to the island. During this intimate experience you will spend time with the mahouts and learn of the welfare of the elephants. The remainder of the day is at leisure where you may wish to take a walk and see resident Thomas leaf monkeys in their natural habitat or take a refreshing dip in the clear river.
- Lunch
Tangkahan Jungle Lodge
Day 3
Tangkahan to Bukit Lawang – 100kms
After breakfast travel by 4x4 Jeep, partially off-road, to Bukit Lawang passing by plantations, dense jungle and some stunning panoramic views. Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, cross the wooden suspension bridge over the Bohorok River to the eco lodge where you will be staying. In the afternoon visit Timbang Lawang Eco Farm and see how brown sugar is made and rubber trees are tapped.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Jungle Inn
Day 4
Bukit Lawang to Berastagi – 150kms
This morning enter Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last sanctuaries of the Sumatran orangutan. Gunung Leuser is also home to the rare Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhinoceros, gibbon, serow and wild cat. With your guide, today enter the reserve and hike to the sanctuary where the orangutans are fed. After lunch at the lodge drive to Berastagi, a picturesque town in the beautiful Karo highlands that was developed in the 1920s as a Dutch hill station.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Grand Mutiara Hotel
Day 5
Berastagi to Parapat – 110kms/ Parapat to Samosir Island – by boat
After breakfast leave for Lake Toba and Samosir Island. Stop on the way to see the Sipisopiso Waterfall, the village of Pematang Purba and Rumah Bolon, a former royal palace which commands great views over the lake. After lunch reach Parapat, a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Toba, and cross to Samosir Island by local ferry. This small island is located in the middle of Lake Toba, the caldera lake of the Toba Volcano, which was formed over 75,000 years ago.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tabo Cottages
Day 6
Samosir Island
Today explore the villages of Samosir Island with your guide. Spend the morning in Ambarita which is known for its stone working and Simanindo for a performance of Batak Toba traditional dance called Tor-Tor. From here continue along the eastern shore of Samosir Island to Panguruan and take a boat ride where a picnic lunch will be served. Visit Tele and scale the observatory tower here for breathtaking views over Lake Toba. Returning to your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tabo Cottages
Day 7
Samosir Island to Parapat – by boat/ Parapat to Medan – 190kms
This morning return by ferry to Parapat then continue by road to Medan passing scenic views of rubber and palm oil plantations. Enjoy a traditional lunch en route. On arrival to Medan, check in to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Aryaduta Hotel
Day 8
Medan to Jakarta – by air / Jakarta to Bogor – 60kms
This morning take a flight to Jakarta, capital of Indonesia. A vast urban metropolis, Jakarta is a bewildering, bustling, cosmopolitan city and the political heart of the nation. On arrival transfer to Bogor.
- Breakfast
Santika Hotel Bogor
Day 9
Bogor to Bandung – 180kms
After breakfast visit Bogor’s outstanding botanical gardens which are home to 15,000 species of flora and more than 5,000 different types of orchid. Later travel by road via the Puncak Pass through rice paddies and Javanese villages to Bandung. Once known as the ‘Paris of Java’, Bandung is a dynamic, modern city yet retains many grandiose Art Deco buildings and historical houses resulting in an intriguing mix of the old and new.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Savoy Homann Bandung
Day 10
Bandung
This morning visit Kawah Ciwidey and the area near the Mountain Tilu Nature Reserve which is home to leopard, deer, gibbon, monkey and wild boar. Later head to Mount Patuha where you can see two volcanic craters 600 meters apart. On your return to Bandung stop at Saung Angklung Udjo, a workshop aimed at preserving the rich culture of Java.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Savoy Homann Bandung
Day 11
Bandung to Yogyakarta – by train
This morning wake early and transfer to Bandung railway station to board the morning express train to Yogyakarta. Your guide will accompany you on the journey. On arrival visit the UNESCO protected Hindu temples of Prambanan. This spectacular complex is over 1,000 years old and the Shiva Temple has arguably the finest sculptural art in the country. In the afternoon return to Yogyakarta.
- Breakfast
The Phoenix Hotel
Day 12
Yogyakarta to Borobudur – 45kms
Today visit the Sultan’s Palace, also known as the Kraton, which is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. From here spend time in the Sono Budoyo Museum, with its excellent collection of Javanese and Balinese art, then take a ‘becak’ ride to Taman Sari, a water palace and garden, built over two centuries ago by the first Sultan for his harem. After lunch leave Yogyakarta and drive to Borobudur for an overnight stay at Plataran, a boutique hotel overlooking the temple complex.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Plataran Borobudur & Spa
Day 13
Borobudur to Yogyakarta – 45kms / Yogyakarta to Denpasar – by air / Denpasar to Ubud – 30kms
Enjoy sunrise at Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then explore this massive Buddhist temple – the largest in the world – to discover the incredible history behind its construction. As the sun rises and casts a golden glow upon the iconic temple, enjoy the breathtaking vistas and magnificent architecture. There will also be time to visit the nearby temples of Pawon and Mendut which predate their more eminent neighbour Borobudur. Later transfer to Yogyakarta airport and take an afternoon flight to Bali and on arrival drive to the heart of Bali, Ubud.
- Breakfast
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
Day 14
Ubud
After your adventure in both Sumatra and Java, you may wish to relax and enjoy the hotel pool and facilities today or explore Ubud at leisure. Much of Ubud’s charm in the beauty of the surrounding countryside with its lush jungle, terraced rice fields, tumbling rivers and remote villages. Art lovers should visit the Museum Puri Lukisan which contains examples of 20th Century Balinese art. We can also arrange a private tour if you’d prefer, some options include Mount Batur sunset trekking, a private tour of the region’s spectacular waterfalls or a classic Ubud tour where you will visit the famed Sacred Monkey Forest, Pura Taman Saraswati, Ubud Palace and the scenic Tegalalang rice fields.
- Breakfast
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
Day 15
Ubud to Uluwatu – 55kms
After breakfast depart from the hotel for a full day’s exploration of Bali’s lakes and hills. Drive towards Bedugul, an area of the central highlands that is famous for its beauty and three lakes. After visiting a traditional market selling tropical fruits, vegetables and orchids, continue to Lake Beratan and visit Ulun Danu, a 17th century temple picturesquely located on the edge of the lake’s edge. Head to the slopes of Mount Batukaru for lunch before taking a light trek through Jatiluwih’s UNESCO-listed rice fields. En route to Uluwatu, make one last stop at the Royal Temple of Mengwi. This stunning piece of architecture was built in 1634 and served as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
La Joya Biu Biu
Day 16-17
Uluwatu
At leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel and Uluwatu. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and cliff bays. You have the option of adding an evening tour to watch an unforgettable kecak dance performance on the cliffs of Uluwatu at sunset and finishing with a seafood dinner at Jimbaran.
- Breakfast
La Joya Biu Biu
Day 18
Denpasar to the UK
Today leave Uluwatu by car and return to Denpasar Airport. Board your Singapore Airlines flight back to the UK via Singapore where you will arrive early the next morning.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Singapore’s space-age skyline combined with its rich colonial architecture and melting pot of cultures creates a fascinating city with an infectious energy. Add a two-night stay in Singapore at the start or end of your trip to discover Chinatown, the Botanic Gardens and Marina Bay Sands.
Spend more time in Java if time permits and take the overland route and ferry to Bali rather than flying. Watch the sun rise over Mount Bromo, a breathtaking image, visit an old Dutch colonial coffee and rubber plantation and observe authentic Javanese life during a cyclo tour in Malang.
Bali is a treasure trove of beautiful Hindu temples, terraced rice paddies, volcanic peaks and sweeping beaches. Extend your time here to make the most of this fascinating and culturally rich island.
For the ultimate Indonesia tour, add Komodo National Park to your itinerary. Take a multi-day cruise around this UNESCO listed archipelago to experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as coming face to face with the might Komodo Dragons, snorkelling with manta rays and observe Padar’s scenic Pink Beach.
Guide to Price
18 days from £4050 - £4500 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4050 - £4500
Travel Information
Getting There
There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia but there are a range of connecting flights available. Singapore Airlines via Singapore have excellent timings and connections but Malaysia Airlines and Emirates also have regular flights from to the UK to Indonesia.
Flying Times From UK
Depending on where you are travelling, the minimum flight time with a connection from the UK to an Indonesian airport is 14½ hours.
Time Zone
Being such a large country, Indonesia is split across three time zones, GMT +7 (Western Indonesian Time including Jakarta), GMT +8 (Central Indonesian Time which includes Bali) and GMT +9 (Eastern Indonesian Time).
Visa Requirements
British citizens must have a visa to visit Indonesia with a 30-day visa available to purchase on arrival. The visa on arrival (VOA) costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card. It is valid for single entry only. You must have a return or onward ticket. Most of the main airports issue VOAs.
Indonesia has also introduced the All Indonesia Arrival Card which combines customs and health declarations into a single form. You must complete the online All Indonesia Declaration Form up to 72 hours before you arrive In Indonesia. For more information please visit https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
Do’s & Don’ts
Do be wary of no-smoking areas. While these are relatively new, if smoking laws are violated a fine could be issued.
Make sure you carry your passport, or passport copy, with you at all times as this is a legal requirement for all visitors.
Where possible never use your left hand. Etiquette also dictates that you eat with your right hand.
Body language is important in Indonesian culture – never cross your arms when standing or sitting, as this shows aggression and do not point at someone with a single finger as this is considered rude.
A light handshake instigates most greetings whether with a new acquaintance or a life-long friend.
Money
The currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah (RP). It can be easily exchanged in Indonesia especially in the major destinations of Bali, Jakarta and Lombok. Aside from Rupiah, US Dollars are accepted in most destinations – although should really only be used when purchasing high value items. ATMs are common in major cities and most towns but in rural areas they are rare so you will need to carry local currency. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most places, especially in cities and popular tourist areas. Outside of these areas credit cards may be harder to use and cash is preferred.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not common in Indonesia. Restaurants may add on a service tax of 10% but this is not a standard rule. Taxis do not expect to be tipped but rounding up the fare is common. A guidelines for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
With Indonesia being so large there are many different styles of foods available across the country, however, Javanese cuisine is what is usually referred to when discussing Indonesian food. The main staple is rice but soups and noodles are also prominent, with hot chillies, peanuts and sugar the main seasoning ingredients. Most cuisine is Halal, with chicken, beef and fish all common – fish especially if you are close to the coast. Food here is exciting and varied and it is well worth being adventurous with your meal choices.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of hotel accommodation in Indonesia and this varies depending on the island you are visiting. In Bali and Java there are numerous excellent hotels and resorts, all with first-class facilities and amenities. Equally in places like the Gili Islands, there are now excellent beach hotels. Elsewhere on the smaller or less visited islands, standards vary and options can be limited. Eco-hotels are becoming more popular in parts of the archipelago and as well resorts that focus on health and wellbeing. When visiting Komodo National Park stays will be aboard a scheudled or private Phinisi boat.
Shopping
Indonesia is fantastic for shopping with shops, markets and bazaars selling a range of handicrafts and knick-knacks. There is wide range of clothing available – many of the UK brands can be found here – whilst paintings, silk work, local textiles, batik cloth, bamboo items and dried spices are popular gifts. In Indonesia, Sunday is generally the busiest shopping day.
Suggested Reading
The main guidebooks, Lonely Planet, Footprint and Rough Guides offer comprehensive Indonesia travel advice and a good overview on the country. If you want something that explores Indonesian history ‘A History of Modern Indonesia’, by Adrian Vickers is an excellent companion as is ‘Indonesia: Peoples and Histories’, by Jean Gelman Taylor and ‘Indonesia: Exploring the Improbable Nation’, by Elizabeth Pisani. For fiction read the brilliant ‘This Earth of Mankind’ by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and its sequels.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations for Indonesia are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Indonesia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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