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Operated by G Adventures

Best of Java & Sumatra

From

CAD 2,841

Duration

21 days

Countries

Indonesia

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Embark on a three week adventure through Sumatra and Java, where wildlife, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes collide. Trek through the lush jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park in search of elusive Sumatran orangutans, wander through villages steeped in tradition, and marvel at intricate local architecture. Then, dive into Java’s rich culture and cuisine with your CEO, witnessing the sunrise over the otherworldly slopes of Mount Bromo and exploring the ancient grandeur of Borobudur. Walk on the wild side as you traverse the volcanic terrain of the Dieng Plateau before kicking back with plenty of time to soak in Indonesia’s laid-back charm. Three weeks of epic exploration that will leave you both exhilarated and refreshed.

At a glance

Duration

21 days

Route

Medan → Surabaya

Countries

Indonesia

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Stunning aerial view of Ijen Crater's turquoise lake surrounded by lush volcanic scenery.

Your journey through

Indonesia

Day 1Welcome to Sumatra! Arrive at anytime

Welcome to Sumatra! Arrive at anytime.

Day 2No better way to start your Sumatra adventure…Medan

Medan

No better way to start your Sumatra adventure then a day tour of the biggest city on the island, Medan. Visit the important landmarks, starting at the biggest mosque on the entire island, Al-Mashun Great Mosque. From there, walk to the grand 30-room Maimun Palace. Drive to Vihara Gunung Timur Temple and admire the classic Chinese architecture. Then continue walking through Pajak Ikan Lama historic market before heading to lunch. Together we'll eat like the locals at a Padang restaurant. After lunch and a day of exploring, drive to Bukit Lawang and check into your hotel.

Day 3Today

Today, head off to trek through Gunung Leuser National Park. Sumatra is one of only two islands in the entire world where you can find orangutans in the wild. Enjoy a moderate hike through the largest national park in Indonesia in search of these and other amazing animals. After working up a sweat, cool off while tubing down the river back to the starting point. This evening, join a local cooking class to make traditional cuisine from the Batak Ethnic group.

Day 4Drive from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi and enjoy…

Drive from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi and enjoy the scenic ride with stops at Gundaling Hill and a local fruit market. After checking into the hotel, drive to Sibayak Hot Spring for some much deserved time to relax in the volcanic hot spring.

Day 5After breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Dokan Village to visit the Batak ethnic group. The Batak people are from North Sumatra, especially around Lake Toba and have been here for hundreds of year. Take a tour of the beautiful and unique village. Then continue to the breathtaking Sipiso Piso Waterfall on the way to Parapat Harbor. Load into the ferry and cross Toba Lake to arrive to the large volcanic island in the middle of the lake, Samosir Island, for the night. Settle into your hotel, then join your group for dinner together.

Day 6Explore the cultural side of Samosir Island…Medan

Medan

Explore the cultural side of Samosir Island with visits to two of the more prominent Batak villages, Tomok and Ambarita. Visit the Tombs of Tomok and learn about the legend of the king. Explore the breathtaking architecture and unique way of life during a tour and dance performance in Amberita Village. In the afternoon, we'll take a ferry back to Parapat Harbor and then drive back to Medan for the evening.

Day 7Depart Medan and fly southbound to Jakarta

Medan

Depart Medan and fly southbound to Jakarta. Get settled in and explore the city with your CEO.

Day 8Explore the capital city of Indonesia's 17

Explore the capital city of Indonesia's 17,000+ islands. Today in this bustling metropolis, we'll visit Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in all of Southeast Asia, the neo-Gothic Jakarta Cathedral, and the cobble stoned colonial Kota Tua Old Town. Explore Sunda Kelapa Harbor and the historic pinisi ships. After a full day of adventure, head out for dinner along Sabang street at a local warung (local Indonesian restaurant).

Day 9Travel southeast towards Bandung

Travel southeast towards Bandung, another major city in West Java. After arriving, sit down for a traditional Sundanese lunch, eaten family-style. Explore this historic city & Indonesia's natural heritage with time to visit the Geological Museum of Bandung. We'll drive to Gedung Sate for a photo stop on our way to visit Jalan Asia Afrika for some free time to explore.

Day 10Today is a free day to explore Bandung…

Today is a free day to explore Bandung however you'd like. Choose to explore the vibrant city or stay active with a visit to Tangkuban Prahu volcano or Kawah Putih crater for some easy hiking. Combo that with a visit to a local tea plantation for lunch and a tea tasting.

Day 11Depart Bandung this morning and drive to Semarang…

Depart Bandung this morning and drive to Semarang to arrive in the early afternoon. Explore the sights of the city like Greja Blenduk and Lawang Sewu for the charming Dutch architecture. Visit Sam Poo Kong Temple, a historic Chinese temple, and Kota Lama, the historic downtown of Semarang. Save room after lunch as you will try the local favorite, Lumpia, a delicious Javanese spring roll.

Day 12Leave the city behind and head…

Leave the city behind and head into the central Java mountains today. The first stop today will be to Gedong Songo Temple, on the slopes of Mount Ungaran. This beautiful Hindu temple is perched on the mountain in solitude surrounded by nothing but forests. After some time to explore and take photos, we'll visit the Ambarawa Train Museum, where 21 historic locomotives still reside in Java today. Make your way to Wonosobo in the Dieng Plateau region and enjoy a free evening.

Day 13Visit the breathtaking Dieng Plateau and enjoy…

Visit the breathtaking Dieng Plateau and enjoy the day to explore with your CEO as your guide! We'll see the sights like the colorful Telaga Warna Lake, misty Arjuna Temple and sulphurous Si Kidang Crater. After an adventurous day in nature, spend the evening in Wonosobo town square, where the locals gather to see what the evening food vendors are selling.

Day 14On the way to Yogyakarta

On the way to Yogyakarta, make a pit stop at the spectacular Selogriyo Temple, a gorgeous Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility in central Java. Enjoy the uphill scenic walk through the complex. Then head to Yogyakarta.

Day 15There's so much to discover in Yogyakarta today!

There's so much to discover in Yogyakarta today! Explore some Javanese temples, bike to rice paddies on the outskirts of the city, or go for a foodie tour and try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit).

Day 16Visit Candirejo Village on the way to Magelang today

Visit Candirejo Village on the way to Magelang today. Accompanied by a local guide, learn more about this village and why its known as a symbol of Javanese culture. Here you will gain more insight into daily activities, the multiple-crop farming system, and their traditions. After a delicious local lunch, drive to Magelang for the night.

Day 17We'll rise before the sun today in order…

We'll rise before the sun today in order to catch a beautiful sunrise atop Setumbu Hill. This easy hike will bring you above the early morning fog for a gorgeous view of the jungly temple topped mountains. After descending, return to the village for an easy biking tour to see its beautiful sites like Borobudur Temple and the traditional market. This evening, drive to Solo.

Day 18Spend the day getting to know the history…

Spend the day getting to know the history and traditions of Central Java in Solo, known as the center of Javanese culture. With visits to Mangkunegaran Palace, Triwindhu Market and Laweyan Village, you'll have the chance to see how traditional heritage is still alive today.

Day 19After breakfast

After breakfast, continue east to Ngadas Village. On the way, make stops to explore Alun Alun Malang City Square and colorful Jodipan Village. Arrive to Ngadas in the late afternoon. This picturesque village in the foothills of Mt Bromo is known for its Javanese traditions and beautiful nature.

Day 20An early morning jeep ride is the best…

An early morning jeep ride is the best way to see the Bromo Crater this morning. Followed by a 45 minute hike to reach Penanjakan Hill view point just in time for sunrise! Admire the oranges and pinks before continuing the hike through the Sea of Sands to the top of Bromo Crater. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at Teletubbies Hill. Return to Ngadas Village for a walking tour (and maybe a coffee?) to see the temples, the tomb of mbah Sedek and the holy forest. Enjoy a local lunch and dinner at the homestay with free time to explore how you wish in between.

Day 21Fill up on breakfastSurabaya