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Discover Java's cultural heart.

Can't get enough of Indonesia? Spend some extra time in Java getting to know Yogyakarta, its cultural soul. Combine ancient sites, including the world's largest Buddhist temple, with a traditional ballet performance, a bike ride through the countryside and a tour of the local street-food scene, culminating in a perspective of Indonesia rarely seen by most travellers.

Start
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Finish
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Destination
Indonesia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Short Breaks
Code
TIAY
Physical rating
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Yogyakarta is one of South-East Asia's standout spots, and a cycling trip takes you through its backcountry, cycling past picture-perfect rice paddies and smiling locals.

  • Be treated to a performance of Javanese Ramayana ballet with the incredible Prambanan Temple serving as a backdrop.

  • Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure on earth and truly one of South East Asia's lesser known treasures.

  • Yogyakarta is known for its food scene and specialises in various sweets, a street food walking tour allows you to taste and appreciate it's many offerings.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Dress standards in Java are more conservative than in other areas of Indonesia. Show your respect by covering your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. It's a great idea to bring or buy your own sarong.

  • There is an included cycling tour on day two, if you are unable to ride a bicycle please let your leader know and they can organise for you to ride in a motorized becak for a small cost of IDR100,000 paid locally.

Map of Yogyakarta's Secret Treasures including Indonesia
Enjoy delicious Indonesian cuisine in jakarta
The amazing Candi Borobudur in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Itinerary
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Welcome to Yogyakarta, Java's cultural capital. Begin your adventure at 3 pm by departing for the Prambanan temple complex. With over 500 temples, this World Heritage-listed site is Indonesia's biggest temple complex dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu god whose role is destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Watch the sunset blaze orange over the temples before an included dinner in an open-air restaurant facing the Prambanan Temple. Afterwards, enjoy a performance of Ramayana ballet in the open-air theatre, a visual representation of an ancient Indian epic poem in which Prince Rama attempts to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of a demon king, aided by an army of monkeys. It's kind of like Planet of the Apes, but totally different. Transfer back to the hotel once the performance has finished.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yogyakarta - Ramayana ballet performance
  • Yogyakarta - Prambanan Temple complex
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
The Ramyana Ballet takes place in an open-air theatre, however, this theatre is closed from November to April, during which time it will be performed in an indoor theatre. There could also be changes if rain is predicted before a performance.

Jump in the saddle this morning and cycle through the countryside just outside of Yogyakarta. Ride through rice paddies and learn about rice production, stopping at various small, local industries producing tempeh, tofu and bricks to gain an insight into the working lives of the locals. This will wrap up just before noon, then enjoy a free afternoon until around 4 pm, when you'll meet a local guide for a street-food walking tour. Yogyakarta is known for its food scene and specialises in various sweets, and you'll begin by walking through the city centre to Wijilan to try Yogyakarta's iconic dish: gudeg. It's made from young, unripe jackfruit and can take a full day to properly make. The tour will take in a variety of dishes and finish at approximately 8 pm, at which point you'll return to your hotel and have the rest of the evening free to do as you wish.


Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yogyakarta - Countryside bike ride
  • Yogyakarta - Street food walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you do not wish to cycle your leader can arrange a motorized becak. A small fee of IDR100,000 will be required for this service and is paid for locally

Depart the hotel early for a transfer to Borobudor, the world's largest Buddhist temple. Built in the 9th century, this incredible monument is a popular site for both pilgrims and tourists, but you'll arrive early in the morning when there are fewer people, better light and more opportunities for stunning photos. Take a tour of the temple then travel to the Tamansari Water Castle, the impressive gardens built for the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Enjoy a local lunch then return to your hotel for a free, final evening in town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yogyakarta - Borobudur Temple complex
  • Yogyakarta - Tamansari Water Castle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your short break comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Yogyakarta - Ramayana ballet performance
  • Yogyakarta - Prambanan Temple complex
  • Yogyakarta - Countryside bike ride
  • Yogyakarta - Street food walking tour
  • Yogyakarta - Borobudur Temple complex
  • Yogyakarta - Tamansari Water Castle

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. This trip starts on Day 1 at 3pm. The trip finishes on day 3 after breakfast,you are free to depart any time on day 3 as there is no included activities on this day.
2. This is a join-in trip, so if other travellers have booked on the same date you will share included activities. As this is not a group itinerary you may be travelling or accommodated on your own, without other Intrepid travellers.
3. We require passport details at time of booking to secure the Ramayana Ballet Tickets. Please ensure you advise full passport details to your sales agent when booking this trip.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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