Highlights of Central Java

📍 Semarang Airport – Lawang Sewu – a local restaurant (6 km): 10 mins ; Semarang city center – Salatiga (40 km): 1 hr 30 mins

Arrive at Achmad Yani International Airport in Semarang, meet with the guide and driver and transfer to the hotel in Salatiga.

Recommended flight (Airfares are not included and quoted separately. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice): from Jakarta to Semarang by Garuda Indonesia GA232, departing at 07:45 and arriving at 08:45 daily.

Located on the north coast of the island of Java, Semarang is the capital of Central Java. An Important port on the Java Sea since the Dutch colonial era, Semarang, with its 1.5 million inhabitants, is now the 7th most populous city in the country.

Visit Lawang Sewu, the city’s most famous landmark and a masterpiece of Dutch colonial architecture. The building was built between 1904 and 1907 as the former headquarters of the national railway of the Dutch East Indies. Its name in Javanese means ‘Thousands Doors’. 

Enjoy lunch at a local establishment in Semarang, and then after dining, proceed with the journey toward Salatiga.

Once arrived, complete the hotel check-in process. Dinner will be at your own leisure.

Overnight in Salatiga
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Salatiga – Kampong Kopi Banaran Bawen (14 km): 25 mins; Kampong Kopi Banaran Bawen - Gedong Songo (17 km): 40 mins; Gedong Songo – Gemawang/ Losari (18 km): 35 mins; Gemawang/ Losari – Wonosobo (65 km): 2 hrs

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Banaran Coffee Plantation at Tuntang for a short tour with a buggy car around the plantation. The guide will explain everything there is to know about the high-quality organic Robusta coffee grown on the property while touring through the fields. 

The journey continues to Bandungan, which serves as the entrance to the Gedong Songo Temples Complex, perched 1,200 meters high on the slopes of Mount Ungaran. Dating back to the 8th century, this collection of small Hindu temples is among Java's most ancient sites. Take a leisurely walk toward the summit to enjoy breathtaking vistas and explore these historic monuments at your own pace. 

Head towards Wonosobo, stopping at a local restaurant along the way to enjoy a set menu lunch.

In the middle of the afternoon, embark on a three-hour journey to Wonosobo. Situated 790 meters above sea level, this small town serves as the entrance to the volcanic Dieng Plateau, often referred to as the "Abode of the Gods."

Spend the evening dining at your leisure before an overnight stay in Wonosobo.

Overnight in Wonosobo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Wonosobo – Dieng (26 km): 1 hr ; Dieng – Tambi tea plantation (16 km): 30 mins ; Tambi Tea Plantation – Wonosobo (15 km): 30 mins ; Wonosobo – Borobudur (54 km): 2 hrs

Depart from Wonosobo at 04:00 after an early breakfast to reach the 2,000m-high volcanic Dieng Plateau. Upon arriving at Sembungan Village, embark on a 40-minute hike to the summit of Mt Sikunir to witness a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding volcanoes.

Spend the morning exploring Java's ancient heritage and volcanic landscape. Visit the Kawah Sikidang crater to observe its geothermal activity and tour eight Hindu shrines dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. These historic structures are uniquely situated on the crater floor, surrounded by rugged terrain and sulfurous mists.

Before the late morning mist descends around 11:00, visit the historic Tambi Tea Plantation at the base of Mt Sindoro. Established in 1885, this 830-hectare estate employs over 1,000 workers. Take a guided hour-long tour to learn about traditional tea cultivation and processing before sampling freshly brewed tea on the terrace.

Following a late lunch in Wonosobo, travel approximately 2.5 hours toward Borobudur. The scenic route passes through Mungkid and along the southern slopes of Mt Sumbing, an active volcano reaching 3,371m. Conclude the day by checking into your hotel in Borobudur, with the evening free for dinner at your leisure.

Notes:
- Temperatures during the day ranged between 15-20oC and can go as low as 0oC in July and August. Warm clothes are strongly recommended to visit the plateau 
- Starting 10 pax drive from Wonosobo to Borobudur via Magelang (85km – 3 hrs 15 mins)

Overnight in Borobudur

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Borobudur Temple – Mendut Temple – Pawon Temple (5 km): 15 mins ; Borobudur – Yogyakarta (42 km): 1 hr 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. Even the most experienced travelers will be impressed by Borobudur's scale and detail.

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

Following hotel check-out around 12:00, travel to Candirejo Village for a peaceful walking tour that offers an authentic glimpse into local daily life.

Begin the afternoon with a traditional Javanese lunch before participating in an interactive gamelan workshop held at a classic limasan residence. The journey continues to the Tiban Mosque, an architecturally significant site founded circa 1875 that overlooks the serene Progo River. To conclude the visit, join a creative paper puppet coloring session; your finished artwork serves as a personalized memento of the village experience.

Head next to the nearby Mendut Temple, a pyramid-shaped structure predating Borobudur that features three remarkable stone carvings. Follow this with a stop at Pawon Temple, a modest but elegant monument celebrated for its perfect symmetry.

Afterward, travel to Yogyakarta to check into your hotel.
 
Despite the official spelling of ‘Yogyakarta’ this town is usually pronounced as and often written ‘Jogjakarta’ or simply ‘Jogja’. It is the most popular tourist destination in Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Jogja is also a center of art and education, though, and is also considered to be the cradle of traditional Javanese culture. Additionally, locals of Jogja are renowned for their friendly nature. 

Dinner this evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Yogyakarta

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Yogyakarta city center – Prambanan Temple (18 km): 40 mins

Today, have a chance to learn more about Yogyakarta’s historic and cultural traditions with a full-day city tour.

Start with a visit to the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton. Built between 1756 – 1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. While walking through various rooms and chambers, learn more about Javanese heritage and culture.

Also, visit the adjacent Taman Sari, water palace and garden. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan, with bathing pools for his harem. 

Continue this morning’s tour with a visit to Sonobudoyo Museum by becak. Focusing on Javanese culture, the museum features exhibits of artifacts such as hand-crafted weapons, wooden wayang puppets, masks and old Javanese gamelan instruments.

Lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Prambanan Temple.

Following lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan, located 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta. Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. UNESCO named Prambanan a Heritage Site in 1991. The guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples while walking around.

Return to Yogyakarta for a chance to relax and freshen up. 

In the evening, be treated to a performance of traditional Ramayana Dance while dining at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Yogyakarta
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta International Airport (43 km): 1 hr 15 mins

Transfer to Yogyakarta Airport in the morning in time for the onward flight, or choose an optional extension in East Java.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast