6th/7th July: Off We Go! (D)
Meet at the international Airport for our much awaited flight to Indonesia. According to the curretn flight schedule we will depart Malta at 15.35hrs, transit in Dubai for 3 hrs, arrive in Jakarta the next day at 15.40hrs.
8th July: Floating Village and Tea Plantations (B, L)
On our first day in Indonesia we will escape for a unique cultural and local experience to the tranquil floating village of Cianjur. At 6am our driver will be waiting for us and the transfer is expected to take 2.5hours. So you can rest again, or enjoy observing the hustle and bustle of city before we reach a more remote part of the country. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the village is built on stilts above a serene lake and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life. Here, we will experience the traditional method of installing fishing nets along the walls of the floating houses and learn about sustainable practices used by local fishermen. We will take a leisurely walk to the floating houses and learn about the process of building and living in these unique homes. After a morning with locals, we will visit a tea plantation where lunch will be served, and then head to Bogor botanical garden. People love to spend a day here exploring the many manicured gardens. This is also a great weekend escape as locals meet here for a picnic to relax and unwind. We are expected to arrive back in Jakarta early in the evening.
9th July: Into the Borneo Jungle (B, L, D)
Over the next 3 days we will not only be exploring the Borneo Jungle, but we will be living here. We will take an early morning flight* to Pangkalan Bun, which is one of the best places to see, interact and connect with the orangutans. Upon arrival, our adventure continues!!! We will take a transfer to the harbour, where we will board the a traditional wooden boat called a Klotok, and meet our team who will be accompanying us over these 3 days.
We will cruise up the Seikonyer river until we reach the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. Here we will visit a rehabilitation centre. After a short walk in the forest we will reach the feeding station as we wait for the orangutans to come and say hello! Usually feeding time is at around 3pm. Later, in the peaceful late afternoon, we will slowly explore the quiet river to observe the proboscis monkeys and possibly fireflies in season among the palms along the riverside. A candle lit dinner will be served and we will enjoy each other’s company until our eyes are ready to rest.
10th July: Into the Borneo Jungle (B, L, D)
Breakfast will be served on the Klotok while it cruises slowly up the river, spotting wildlife in the forested riversides until we reach Camp Leakey! Then get ready for a morning trek as we take a beautiful walk along the boardwalks and into the forest to the wild orangutan feeding area, where these amazing animals can be directly observed making their way through treetops to the echoing calls of the rangers. We continue our walk through the forest to spot more orangutans in their natural habitat, until it is feeding time at 13.30hrs. Boarding the klotok again, we resume our cruise downstream, animal and bird spotting along the way. Tie up for a peaceful overnight in the midst of the forest. Dinner and overnight on board.
When we decided to include Indonesia to our group adventures, we wanted to make sure we offer you not only an authentic experience, but one which includes unique once-ina-lifetime adventures. Tanjung Puting National Park is named as the leading park to see orangutans in the wild, which explains why it attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. One of the best ways to come in touch with this amazing species is to live on a houseboat Klotok cruising deep in the forest and witnessing an abundance of endemic species. This is where we will be staying during our 3 days/2nights in Borneo!!
What is a Klotok?
A klotok is a traditional wooden river boat converted to a houseboat for those who wish to explore the National Park. It takes around 8 people depending on its size, and is specifically designed for overnight accommodation with shared sleeping, dining and toilet facilities with clean fresh water to shower. Each klotok has a bottom deck for the crew and an upper deck exclusively for us. The top deck has a dining table and a lounge area, which at night will be transformed to a sleeping quarter with mattresses protected by a mosquito net. The boat is open on the sides to allow visibility towards the forest, but in case of rain it can be completely closed. Living in a jungle in a safe environment is perhaps a dream of many, and if this resonates with you, then you have found the adventure you have been looking for 🙂
11th July: Of Temples and Villages (B, L)
We will wake up early, hop off the Klotok and transfer to the airport for our flight to Java mainland arriving at 08.40am. Upon arrival in Semarang we will transfer to Borobudur area. Our fist stop will be at one of the oldest temples in the world, Mendut temple, a 9th century Buddhist monastery where locals come together to meditate. After exploring the monastery we will move on to Pawon, the jewel of architecture of Java times. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and then we’re off on a different experience. This afternoon we will enjoy an in-depth exploration of Candirejo, a typical rural village. We will travel with a local cart, crossing small streets lined
with traditional houses. We will pass by scenes of everyday life, observing locals making cassava crackers or drying chilies. We will stop often to chat with the locals to learn more about their typical activities and their rich traditions, as ultimately our aim is to offer you a direct Experience of the Indonesian way of life. After a full day out, we will head to our hotel. Accommodation for 1 night at Amata Borobudur Hotel or similar.
12th July: From Sunrise to Sunset (B)
Today will be an unforgettable adventure as we will bring together nature’s beauty, ancient architecture and cultural enrichment. But as some say, the most beautiful things do not always come easy 🙂 We will wake up early in the morning and leave the hotel at 04.30am to experience one of the most beautiful sunrises from the enchanting Dagi Hill. Nestled 275m above sea level, this hills offers awe-inspiring views of the iconic Borobudur Temple, creating a harmony of tranquility and magnificence. We promise you, it will be worth it! Breakfast will be served here whilst enjoying breathtaking scenery at a peaceful time. We will then explore Borobudur temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and ranks with Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the greatest archeological sites of the world. We will take a walk around Borobudur, with magnificent carvings and an unusual, yet surprisingly beautiful bulk structure. This heritage site is sure to surprise even the most seasoned travellers and the mystical experience will remain in our hearts.
We will continue our trip to Yogyakarta making stops at the Sultan Palace and Taman Sari, until we reach Prambanan Temple for sunset. Many say that their favourite experience in Yogyakarta was seeing seeing the sunrise at Borobudur and admiring the sunset at Prambanan, and we will do both in this one-of-a-lifetime experience! Accommodation for 1 night at Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta or similar.
13th July: A burst of colours (B)
After an early breakfast this morning, we will be transferred to Yogyakarta Railway Station for a scenic train ride to Jombang, departing at 06.45am. Travelling by train is a wonderful opportunity to meet locals and the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival in Jombang, we will drive to Malang city to visit the most colourful rainbow village ever seen. Every single house has a different colour, and after each new corner is a mural that can change from a simple picture to a full 3D visual. The arty vibe is also on the streets which are all decorated with umbrellas, flags and signs. Just opposite we will stumble upon the blue village of Kampung, where locals eagerly wait for tourists to visit.
We will leave Malang and move on to Tumpak Sewu waterfall. It will take us a 3 hour drive to reach the waterfall but we cannot be so close and not visit this natural wonder! The waterfall is like a thousand waterfalls put together, thundering down into a jungle ravine that looks like something coming out of Jurassic Park. After exploring the fall we will proceed to Mount Bromo, continuing for another 3 hours by a picturesque mountain road to one of the entrances of Bromo-Tengger National Park. We are expected to arrive at the hotel at around 9pm. Accommodation for 1 night at Bromo Terrace or similar. NB Today will be a very long day, yet rewarding as it includes wonderful stops. To make the journey comfortable, we have planned a number of stops to stretch our legs and we will also ensure that we will allow enough time to enjoy the main highlights of the day, which explains the very early start and late arrival.
14th July: Mount Bromo Jeep Safari (B)
Another exciting morning awaits!!! But only for the daring ones 😀 Today you will travel by 4×4 jeeps to a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views of the Bromo volcano and its other-worldly surroundings. Split in small groups for a more personal experience, we will drive down the caldera (volcano) often still covered by mist in the early morning! A 20 minute ride on horseback takes us to a set of stairs which leads to the rim of the stillactive
crater. We will return by horse and then by jeep to the hotel for breakfast. After freshening up and a hearty breakfast, we will check out of our hotel to start our journey to Ketapang. The drive will take around 6 hours so we will have enough time to catch up on our sleep. On the way, we will make stops in coffee plantations and villages to enjoy the vegetation of East Java.
15th July: Ijen Crater Trek – Hello Bali! (B
After breakfast, we will set off by 4x4x jeeps to reach the base camp of Kawah Ijien a dormant volcano and the largest lake in the world. From here, we will walk for 3km to the top following a pathway with stunning natural scenery. Besides the view, we will also witness sulphur miners going down into the crater often barefooted! After enjoying the enchanting scenery we will walk back down where our car will be waiting to escort us back to the hotel.
Transport will be provided to the Ketpang ferry terminal to cross the Bali straits by local ferry (45 minutes). Upon reaching the western shores, we will continue to our heavenly beach getaway in Lovina. here, be prepared to indulge in fantastic days filled with unforgettable explorations!
Accommodation for 1 night at surina Beach Resort or similar.
16th July: Waterfalls, Lakes, Rice Paddies (B)
Today we will tick off 3 highlights; Gitgit watr, Ulan Danu Lake temple, and a pleasant trek in Jatiluwih rice paddies. Gitgit waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls in Bali and a favourite for many. You can only understand how big it is when you’re up close feeling the thundering mist. We will go on a short and easy hike on paved steps in the tropical forest. suddenly you reach a twin waterfall with water crashing down on the rocks below… a jungle haven!
Ulu Danu Temple is majestic not only because of its significance, but sitting on the waters of a scenic lake, it is one of the most iconic views of Bali. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake provides the temple with a scenic backdrop.
Next up is the most beautiful rice field of Bali and to explore it well we will go on a pleasant hike on the Jatiulwih rice terraces. The mesmerising green landscape can be easily enjoyed from marked walking paths that wind their way through the fields. Nature lovers will be in heaven here as palm trees and endless waves of green stretch out in all directions, farmers are in every corner working the land and volcanoes fill the backdrop at a distance.
Later in the afternoon we will transfer to our hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights at Best Western Ubud or similar.
17th July: Bali Haven (B, D)
We will continue discovering Bali as we explore Mount Batur, relax in a natural hot spring pool, admire Tegallalang, get lost in a local market and witness a local ceremony. This morning we will experience the awesome beauty of an active volcano. Departing the hotel at 7am, we will head to Mt Batur for a walk around the whole rim of the caldera. Walking to the top, we will witness the large troop of monkeys exit the largest crater, pass by steam fissures, and follow the rim to explore the most recent lava flows. The idea is to make the most of this, so we will make many stops and walk pleasantly. But after a morning hike, we deserve a bit of pampering, what do you think? 🙂
Heated deep within the earth, minerals from the hot spring brings healing and curative powers. We will relax in therapeutic waters in a nearby pool, whilst letting nature rejuvenate our senses.
Tegalalang has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After savouring the view from the top, we will cross a small stream and spend the next hour and a half exploring the beautifully arranged paddies that follow the
traditional Balinese irrigation system called subak. On our way to the hotel, we will stop at Ubud’s traditional market offering a very authentic experience to visitors. Any hand-crafted good you can imagine can be found here and all the products come from the villages next door. After we freshen up, we will meet again to experience a traditional Bali dance immersing ourself in the islands ancient culture. Also known as the fire dance, the dramatisation is a performance where dancers move and chant rhythmically, only using their human voice as an instrument. They start slowly and gradually raise the tempo while falling into a ritualistic trance-like state. After a mesmerising performance, we will finish off our day with a traditional dinner in a local restaurant.
18th July: Nusa Penida Island & Snorkeling Adventures (B, L)
We invite you to explore and experience the best of Nusa Penida Island! We depart from Sanur (Bali) at 08.00 am using a fast boat which only takes approximately 45 minutes to cross the sea. Arriving at Nusa Penida we will take a special traditional boat (Jukung) to start our snorkeling safari. We will sail around the island to explore different snorkelling destinations. Nusa Penida’s beautiful marine life, coral reefs and diverse fish will keep us amazed. We will also witness fabulous mountain scenery, stunning cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. And if we are lucky, we will also see Manta Rays and Dolphins swimming around us.
We will then discover the most popular secret beach on the island, Kelingking beach. We will head to the viewpoint, and the 200-meter high drop down overlooking the T-rex head and the beach is just mind blowing! Other spectacular shaped locations await as Nusa Penida is full of surprising scenery. Broken Beach is one of them. A 150-meter walk from Broken Beach is a natural infinity pool where we will dip in and enjoy the clearest water we will probably ever swim in. We will then discover the most popular secret beach on the island, Kelingking beach. We will head to the viewpoint, and the 200-meter high drop down overlooking the T-rex head and beach is just mind blowing! Other spectacular shaped locations await as Nusa Penida is Full of surprising scenery. Broken Beach is of them. a 150-meter walk from Broken Beach is a natural infinity pool where we will dip in and enjoy the clearest water we will probably ever swim in. Back to Nusa Penida harbour, we will transfer back to mailand to our beach hotel for an evening of togetherness!
19th July: Experience the Balinese Village Life (B, D)
We have discovered breathtaking landscape, explored unimaginable scenery, shared unique moments with locals and ticked-off bucket list experiences. To enrich your Indonesian adventure further, we will spend our last day in Bali embracing the culture and unique people. After breakfast, we will check-out and proceed to a nearby village. Locals will be eagerly waiting for us, ready to welcome us on their farms. Put on your farmer’s hat and grab a mattock, as we walk along with farmers to their rice fields. We will take part in the traditional rice cultivating process, planting rice, meeting families and sharing experiences with locals. It won’t be easy to bid farewell! Back on the beach, we will enjoy our last Balinese evening together with a farewell dinner before we head to the airport for our flight home.
20th July: Back Home
According to the current schedule we expected to depart Bali on the 20th of July at 00.05hrs, transit in Dubai for 3 hours, arriving in Malta on the same day at 14.05hrs.