Immerse yourself in the beauty and architecture of Java and Bali, taking in intricate history and sculptural design including Prambanan and Borobudur temples. Take with you spellbinding memories of the magnificent Mount Bromo sunrise, experience the artisans of Ubud and unwind on the beaches of South Bali. A fitting tour for those seeking outstanding historical and religious frames of reference in relation to South East Asia but who also want to savour a relaxing few days on the paradise island of Bali.


ITINERARY
2 nights Yogyakarta
1 night Mount Bromo
3 nights Ubud
4 nights Bali beach

DAY 1
Fly Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur to Java, arriving the following day in Yogyakarta, where you will check in to the Yogyakarta Plaza or the Phoenix Hotel (standard and Superior options respectively), for the next two nights. In the afternoon visit Prambanan, a 9th Century Hindu complex in Central Java containing over 200 temples and currently the largest in Indonesia. Characterized by its tall and painted architecture these masterpieces are abundant in sculptural detail.

DAY 3
After breakfast begin your full day city tour of Yogyakarta, first stopping at the striking Borobudur temples, one of Southeast Asia’s most sacred sites and awash with detail. This temple complex was built around 800 AD and is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. You will visit the 18th Century Sultan’s Palace, also known as the Kraton, where you can stroll around ornate courtyards and walkways. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the tour with visits to a Batik factory and Kotagede silver factory. Your evening is at leisure.

DAY 4
Early breakfast at the hotel before catching the morning train to Surabaya, traveling in Executive Class (trrain departs around 07.15). Arrive in the afternoon and transfer by car to Mount Bromo with fantastic photo opportunities enroute. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before reaching the hotel for check-in for overnight at either the Bromo Cottage or the Java Banana (standard and Superior options respectively). Due to its location, accommodation is simple but comfortable and worth the journey for your incredible tour to Penanjakan early the next morning.

DAY 5
A very early morning start (4 am) for Penanjakan, leaving the hotel by jeep and arriving in time for a spellbinding sunrise over the stunning panorama, no doubt one of the most memorable images of your trip. As the sky gets brighter, the magnificent beauty of the peaks becomes even clearer. Continue on horse-back across a nature reserve known as the Sand Sea to reach the foot of the active volcano Mount Bromo, the most well-known peak in East Java. Drive back to your hotel in time for breakfast and a short rest and refreshment. You will then be driven to Surabaya airport for your onward flight to Bali where you will be transferred to Ubud staying there for three nights either at the Champlung Sari Hotel or The Alilia Hotel (standard and Superior options respectively). Afternoon and evening at leisure.

DAY 6
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, teeming with literati and art lovers, and packed with colourful and inspiring sights. After breakfast at the hotel your day is at leisure to discover this attractive town with many options to get off the beaten track.

DAY 7
After breakfast drive to Kintamani and take in the views over Danau Batur, Bali’s largest crater lake created by an eruption of Mount Batur around 30,000 years ago. Drive onwards to the Besakih Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. Lunch is at a local restaurant before driving back to Ubud to visit the Palace and central art market, stopping enroute at a handicraft workshop in Mas village.

DAY 8
Breakfast at your hotel before embarking upon a drive to South Bali. Enroute visit Pura Taman Ayun in the town of Mengwi. This 17th Century royal temple is famous for its beautiful wooden pagoda-like shrines and is surrounded by a wide moat. Continue onwards to Ulun Danu temple on Lake Beratan, and Candi Kuning, with a stop at a local flower fruit market, renowned for delicious treats, wild orchids and roses. Visit the mountain resort of Bedugul and the famous Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Arrive in Sanur for four nights at either the Mercure Sanur or the Grand Hyatt Bali Hotel (standard and Superior options respectively), with other hotels and durations also available.

DAY 12
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for your Malaysia Airlines flight via Kuala Lumpur to Heathrow, arriving next day.


Meal Plan
Prices include breakfast on days 3-8 and lunch on days 3,4 and 8.

Accommodation
Accommodation is a selection of three or four star hotels. Accommodation in Java is more simple and basic due to location, in particular Mount Bromo. On occasion it may be necessary to use alternative accommodation due to local availability, weather and road conditions.

Tour includes
Private transfers are included in our prices for your convenience.

Group size
The Peaks & Temples of Java & Bali tour is on a private basis

NB
The tour visits a number of stunning sites with many steps so not all elements of the tour may be suitable for those with walking difficulties. Not recommended for children under 6. Ramadan season Aug31-Sept01 2011 and Aug10-22 2011 is a very busy time and not recommended for travel.