Grand Java Temples and Golden Hour

📍 Ahmad Yani International Airport - Semarang City (8 km): 20 mins Semarang city center - Kotalama (4 km): 10 mins

Sugeng rawuh, welcome to Semarang!

Situated along Java’s northern coastline, this city has served as a vital maritime hub since the era of Dutch colonial rule. With a population of approximately 1.5 million residents, Semarang currently stands as Indonesia's seventh largest urban centre.

Upon a midday arrival in Semarang, check-in the hotel and get freshened up.

In the evening, set out for a night stroll through Kota Lama, Semarang's historic old city. Renowned for its well-preserved European architecture, this area is steeped in history and affectionately nicknamed ‘Little Netherland’. 

Conclude the walk with a culinary dinner experience amidst the district's unique atmosphere.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Semarang.
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Semarang - Ambarawa (40 km): 1 hr 20 mins Ambarawa - Wonosobo (73,5 km): 2 hrs 20 mins

In the morning, following breakfast, set out on a journey to the ancient Hindu temple complex of Gedong Songo in Ambarawa. Situated 1,200 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mt Ungaran, these nine small 8th-century monuments are among the most stunning and oldest historical sites in Java.

Take a gentle hike to the summit, where historic ruins are set against breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanoes scattered across the Central Java highlands. 

Continue with a scenic drive across Central Java towards Wonosobo, a refreshing escape into nature and culture best known as the gateway to the misty, volcanic Dieng Plateau. Along the way, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Arrive in Wonosobo in the late afternoon, checking-in and freshening up before setting out to enjoy an evening of local cuisine. The guide will lead a short walk to a local restaurant to enjoy regional specialties.

After dinner, walk back to the hotel and rest for the night in preparation for an early morning journey the next day.

Overnight in Wonosobo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Wonosobo – Dieng (26 km): 1 hr Dieng – Tambi tea plantation (16 km): 30 mns Tambi Tea Plantation – Wonosobo (15 km): 30 mns Wonosobo - Borobudur (60 km): 1 hr 45 mins

Begin the journey with a 03:30 departure from the hotel, heading toward the 2,000-metre-high Dieng Plateau. This volcanic region is famous for its dramatic scenery, clouds often gather below the plateau’s edges like waves of mist. 

Once arriving at Sembungan Village, set off on a hike to the summit of Mt Sikunir. The trek takes roughly 40 minutes, depending on fitness levels, and rewards climbers with a breathtaking sunrise as the morning light illuminates the volcanic landscape through the clouds.

Continue to the Kawah Sikidang Crater to witness active volcanic phenomena. Afterward, visit Java's oldest Hindu temples, a 7th- and 8th-century complex of eight shrines nestled among rugged terrain and steaming sulfur vents.

Then, travel to the base of Mt Sindoro to explore the Tambi Tea Plantation. Founded in 1885, this expansive 830-hectare estate is managed by over a thousand workers, who can harvest up to 7 kg of tea leaves in just 20 minutes.  A one-hour guided tour introduces the detailed process of tea cultivation.

Conclude the morning by unwinding with a cup of fresh tea on the plantation terrace. 

Upon returning to the hotel, take some time to refresh and check out before enjoying lunch at the hotel restaurant. 

Continue to the Borobudur area and check-in at the hotel upon arrival, with the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Notes:
- Sikunir-Dieng: Temperatures during the day range between 15-20oC and can go as low as 0oC in July and August. Warm clothes are strongly recommended to visit the plateau.
 

Overnight in Borobudur 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Borobudur – Yogyakarta (42 km): 1hr 30 mins

Depart from the hotel in the Borobudur area around 04:30 and arrive at the temple before dawn. This is the most tranquil and awe-inspiring time to witness the temple as the first light of day gradually illuminates the massive structure.

Spend time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the thousands of intricate Buddhist carvings and learning about its extraordinary history, all before the main crowds arrive. 

Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast and coffee at a local restaurant, soaking in the beautiful morning views of the temple.

On the drive back to the hotel, stop at the older yet equally significant temples of Pawon and Mendut. Admire the balanced symmetry of Pawon and discover the three ancient stone statues within Mendut. Learn about the history of these monuments, which predate Borobudur.

Following the visit to these three impressive Javanese temples, return to the hotel around 09:00, allowing time to rest or continue with afternoon sightseeing before checking out and departing.

Notes:
Mendut and Pawon Temple is closed every Monday.
The normal check-out time is at 12:00.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast