Highlights of Yogyakarta

📍 Yogyakarta Airport – Yogyakarta city centre (44 km): 1 hour 15 minutes Yogyakarta – Prambanan (22 km): 40 minutes

Arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport.

Meet with the guide and driver after arriving at International Airport in Yogyakarta and transfer to the hotel. 

After checking into the hotel, enjoy a lunch of local specialties and spend a bit of time to relax and freshen up.

In the mid-afternoon, leave Yogyakarta by private car and head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan. This collection of ancient Hindu temples, built in the 9th century, are among the world’s most spectacular cultural heritage sites in the world. While following the guide’s lead, learn about the temple’s fascinating history and the symbolism of its decorations.

Afterwards, head to a nearby local restaurant and enjoy an early dinner followed by a traditional performance of the Ramayana Ballet in an open-air theatre surrounded by the illuminated temples of Prambanan.

Return to your hotel  in Yogyakarta.

Overnight in Yogyakarta

Notes: 

- Legal check-in time at 14:00.

- Ramayana dances at Prambanan are seasonal (between May and October) and only performed on certain days of the week (Tue,Thu,Sat). When there’s no show at Prambanan, it will be replaced by the similar one performed at the Pura Wisata theater in Yogyakarta (Mon,Wed and Fri, Sat). 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Yogyakarta – Candirejo – Borobudur (42 km): 1 hour 30 minutes

After breakfast in the morning, head out to explore the charming city of Yogyakarta -the cultural centre of Java.

Start with a visit to The Sultan’s Palace. This building was constructed between 1756 and 1790 and remains a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. Remaining today as the residence of the Sultan, this living museum features a showcase of Javanese cultural relics and, depending on the day, will be a cultural performances ranging from Golek Menak Puppet‘s to classical Javanese Poetry performance known as Macapat.

Afterwards, head on a 30-minute ride by becak (similar to a cyclo or trishaw) to explore the neighboring Kauman Village, built in the vicinity of the Kraton. This village is the central keepers of the Islamic religion as authorized by the Sultanate. The small gangs (laneways) of this village are so designed to ensure minimal disturbance of noise and traffic so as to not interrupt the Santri or Islamic students from their study. It was also said that by ensuring the laneways were only passable on foot - every man was equal. 

End the becak ride at the Taman Sari Water Palace. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan, in addition to its beautiful collection of pools and strange fusion of Dutch and classic Indonesian architectural styles, it also has a very interesting story to tell.

After visiting a batik factory for a look at how these beautiful works of art are created, watch a short demonstration on how Javanese leather shadow puppets (Wayang Kulit) are made.

Lunch in nearby local restaurant in Yogyakarta.

In the afternoon, proceed to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur. Get a taste of local life there with a horse cart ride through Candirejo Village. While travelling along small lanes lined with traditional houses, stop to partake in some village activities such as the making of cassava crackers, playing the gamelan and harvesting and drying local crops.

Continue with a visit to Mendut and Pawon Temples, near Borobudur. Older than Borobudur, these pyramid-shaped temples house three impressively carved stone statues.

Check in at your selected hotel.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight near Borobudur.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Borobudur – Yogyakarta International Airport (60 km): 1 hours 30 minutes

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.

Spend the rest of the morning at leisure before heading to Yogyakarta Airport on the onward flight, or continue with the next travel package. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast