Best of Indonesia

22 Days | Prepare to be dazzled by incredible Indonesia

4.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
GBP £2,735

Far from ‘just another island getaway’, Indonesia is in many ways a whole world of its own, a sprawling constellation of distinct islands offering a staggering breadth of experiences. This immersive combo trip begins way out in Indonesia’s wild west – on the island of Sumatra – and travels east through Java and into Bali, giving a superb overview of the country’s diversity. Move effortlessly from Christian Batak to Hinduism to Buddhism, remote jungle to untouched beach to volcano-studded valley, culture-rich urban village to streetside warung to ancient temple complex. For lovers of South East Asian adventure, this is a journey not to be missed.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Indonesia including Indonesia
Start
Medan, Indonesia
Finish
Ubud, Indonesia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Indonesia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TISSC
This trip generates 86 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Gunung Leuser National Park is your best chance in all of Indonesia to see orangutans in the wild. This diverse ecosystem also harbours some 300 bird species and the endangered Sumatran tiger
  • The excellent Bukit Lawang Eco Lodge provides a unique jungle experience, and by staying there you support the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme
  • Climb the Sibayak Volcano, enjoy a picnic at its spectacular summit, then head to local hot springs for some well-earned rest and relaxation after the descent
  • Explore Lake Toba and the villages on Samosir Island. Check out Indonesia’s highest waterfall and a take a cultural tour that includes a traditional Batak dance performance
  • Yogyakarta is one of South-East Asia's standout spots, and a cycling trip takes you through its backcountry, a world of flower-studded fields and smiling locals
  • Take a guided walk through the jungle and rice paddies of Seloliman Nature Reserve, then sit back, relax and soak up the ambience under the stars
  • Climbing Mt Bromo in the early hours of the morning is an adventure to remember. If the conditions are right, you'll be rewarded with a dazzling sunset over mist-laden volcanoes
  • Get behind the scenes of some of Java's fascinating local industries – from coffee, cocoa and palm sugar to traditional Javanese medicine
  • There's plenty of time to chill out at beautiful Pemuteran by the beach

Is this trip right for you?
  • Sumatra is less developed than other islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Due to limited tourism infrastructure, expect there to be bumpy and windy roads, some longer drives and more basic hotels. On the plus side, there are less tourists.
  • This itinerary spend one night camping in Gunung Lesuer National Park. Keep in mind this is jungle camping with twin share tents and no facilities. Which is of course all part of the adventure.
  • Gunung Leuser National Park is located in Aceh province, which is governed by Sharia Law. There are strict Sharia laws to comply to. Your leader will explain more, but conservative dress is required for these days, (and is recommended for the rest of this trip).
  • This trip involves a fair amount of hiking and cycling. A moderate level of fitness will help you to get the most out of this trip.
  • Java is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and this trip covers a lot of ground. Travel times can be long and delays are common. Where suitable, you'll travel by train instead of drive, which will make the journey more comfortable. 
  • It's important not to make your bags too heavy, as you will be expected to carry them onto and off trains, and walk them short distances. Porters are available in most stations at an extra charge.
  • Accommodation at Seloliman Nature Reserve, and near Mt Bromo is in basic guesthouses. Set on the edge of a tropical forest the Seloliman Reserve embraces philosophies of environmental education, and we are sure you will get a good nights sleep. The next night close to the base Mt Bromo our guesthouse is selected for it's location. Our stay is short, as we awake very early the next day for our sunrise hike.
  • 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 your own sarong.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Indonesia including Indonesia

Inclusions

Meals

21 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Ferry, Private Minibus, Private Bus, Taxi, Train, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Camping (1 night), Guesthouse (7 nights)

Activities
  • Gunung Leuser NP - Jungle Wildlife Trek
  • Gunung Leuser NP - Trekking Lunch
  • Gunung Leuser NP - Campsite Dinner
  • Mt Sibayak - Picnic lunch
  • Mt Sibayak - Volcano climb
  • Berastagi - Hot springs
  • Lake Toba - Sipiso-Piso Waterfall
  • Dokan Village - Batak longhouse visit
  • Lake Toba - Samosir Island day tour
  • Lake Toba - Stone Chairs
  • Lake Toba - Simanindo Museum
  • Lake Toba - Batak Dance Performance
  • Jakarta - City tour
  • Pangandaran - Green Canyon
  • Pangandaran - Village & cottage industries tour
  • Borobudur - Temple Tour
  • Yogyakarta - Countryside cycling tour
  • Seloliman Nature Reserve - Environmental Education Centre Visit
  • Seloliman Nature Reserve - Environmental Education Centre Lunch
  • Seloliman Nature Reserve - Environmental Education Centre Dinner
  • Seloliman Nature Reserve - Guided Walk & Herbal Drink Tasting
  • Mt Bromo - Sunrise climb
  • Kalibaru - Coffee and Cocoa Plantation Tour
  • Mengwi - Taman Ayun Temple
Optional activities
  • Medan - Maimun Palace - IDR10000
  • Medan Grand Mosque - IDR5000
  • Bukit Lawang - Countryside tour - IDR200000
  • Pangandaran - Guided trek in coastal reserve - IDR200000
  • Yogyakarta - Prambanan temple complex - IDR525000
  • Yogyakarta - City Walking Tour - IDR300000
  • Yogyakarta - Silver jewellery making course - IDR300000
  • Yogyakarta - Ramayana Ballet - IDR450000
  • Yogyakarta - Prambanan visit, Ramayana Ballet and Dinner - IDR1000000
  • Yogyakarta - Cooking course - IDR300000
  • Yogyakarta - Yoga Class - IDR150000
  • Pemuteran - Yoga lesson (min 2 travellers, price per person from) - IDR220000
  • Pemuteran - Snorkelling (min 2 travellers, price per person from) - IDR960000
  • Pemuteran - Cooking class (min 2 travellers, price per person from) - IDR375000
  • Ubud - Cooking class - IDR350000
  • Ubud - Whitewater rafting - IDR750000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2,6,7,16,18,19,20 (Guesthouse) and Day 3 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. In order to book the train tickets on this trip we require your full passport details at time of booking, or at the latest 45 days prior to travel. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket or alternative transport costs.
3. As this is a combination trip, your group composition as well as your leader may change in Jakarta.
4. Please not the internal flight from Sumatra to Jakarta is unaccompanied.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Michele · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 31 Oct 2024

Pamela · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 08 Jul 2024

Victoria · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 03 Jul 2024
Best of Indonesia
From
GBP £2,735