Venturing Java by Train

📍 Jakarta Airport – Hotel (31.4 km): 45 minutes

Selamat Datang, Welcome to Jakarta! 

On arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, you will be met by the local representative & transferred directly to your selected hotel in Jakarta.

Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia, with a population of over 10 million people. This megapolitan is a bustling, vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and is known for its diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and rich culinary scene.

Proceed to the hotel for check-in; the remainder of the day is free at leisure. 

Notes:
- check-in time is 14:00 pm
- Depending on availability and earlier check-in may be possible

Overnight in Jakarta                                                                      
 

Inclusions:

📍 Hotel - Kota Tua - Fatahillah Square (10 km): 36 mins ; Fatahillah Square - Cafe Batavia ( 0 km): 1 mins (on foot) ; Cafe Batavia - Bundaran HI (9 km): 35 mins ; Bundaran HI - Block M - SCBD (by MRT) ; M Block - Hotel 8 km): 25 mins

Breakfast at the hotel.

Have a full glance at Jakarta by exploring both old and new towns. From Old Batavia to the modern financial district. 

Start with a walking tour of Old Batavia formerly the site of Jayakarta, a city that evolved around the northern spice trading harbor of Sunda Kelapa. Visit the last remaining Dutch drawbridge in Jakarta, known as ‘Chicken Market Bridge’ then walk along the historical Kali Besar Barat to pass Toko Merah, or Red Shop, the former home of Dutch Governor General van Imhoff and one of the most impressive red tiled facade buildings remaining around the Fatahillah Square.

Lunch will be served at Café Batavia, a historic restaurant established around 1805. This old-fashioned building beautifully preserves its century-old atmosphere, and tables by the window offer a lovely view of Fatahillah Square.

Following lunch, it is time to explore modern Jakarta and to have the opportunity to step off the tourist trail and discover the ‘real’ Jakarta. Exploring Jakarta with MRT from Hotel Indonesia roundabout Station to Blok M station and exploring M Bloc space, a public space, creative hub, live house, and shop.

In the afternoon, return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Jakarta
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hotel - Gambir Railway Station (22 km): 22 mins ; Gambir - Yogyakarta: 6 hours 11 mins by train ; Yogyakarta Railway Station – Hotel (10 km): 25 mins

The morning after breakfast, we will provide a transfer to Gambir’s railway station for your departure to Yogyakarta.

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta railway station, meet with your local guide and continue driving by car to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

Proceed to the hotel check-in and the remainder of the day is at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy a Royal Javanese Rijsttafel for dinner. Located at the Kedaton Ambarrukmo Heritage Sites, which was built in 1857 and used to be a Royal Residence of King Hamengku Buwono VII. The Royal dinner ceremony offering an exceptional experience of serving special dishes begins with the ‘Jodhang’ ceremony, a procession of the Royal Butler, carrying a ‘Jodhang’ (wooden box to carry the meals & offerings) containing the delicacy of Sultan’s favorite dishes. 

Notes:
- The planned route is aboard the Argo Dwipangga line from Gambir to Yogyakarta, departing at 08:50 and arriving at Yogyakarta at 15:01. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. 
- Full name and Passport details are required to book train tickets and must be provided at the time of reservation.
- It is advisable to bring warm clothes as the air conditioner on the train can be quite chilly. 
- No guide will accompany you on the train transfer. 

Overnight in Yogyakarta 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hotel – Keraton Yogyakarta (7.3 km): 30 mins ; Keraton Yogyakarta - Taman Sari (1.1 km): 5 mins ; Taman Sari - Abhayagiri (21.7 km): 1 hr ; Abhayagiri - Prambanan (3.4 km): 13 mins ; Prambanan - Hotel (15.6 km): 49 mins

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a full-day exploration of Yogyakarta, a town considered to be the cradle of Javanese culture and an important center of art and education.

First, visit the Sultan's Palace, also known as Kraton. Built between 1756 and 1790, it is one of the best examples of traditional Javanese architecture. The palace serves as a museum showcasing Javanese relics and remains the residence of the Sultan to this day. Depending on the day of visit, there may be cultural performances such as Golek Menak puppet performances or Macapat, a form of classical Javanese poetry performance.

Next, continue on foot to Taman Sari Water Palace, an addition to the royal complex built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan to provide bathing pools for women.

After that, proceed to the Prambanan area and have lunch at Abhayagiri Restaurant. 

Then, explore the ancient Hindu temples at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan, located 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta. Built-in the 9th century, this collection of temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity of gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Notes: 
- that the Sultan Palace, Borobudur, and Prambanan temple, as well as the museums in Jogjakarta, are closed on Mondays.

Overnight in Yogyakarta.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Yogyakarta Hotel – Kotagede (23 km) : 45 mins ; Kotagede - Borobudur (48.6 km) : 1 hour 44 mins

Today we’ll take you to explore Historic Kotagede, cradle of the Mataram Kingdom with a leisurely "blusukan style" walk through its beautiful landscapes. Then followed by a close-up and personal meeting with the local artisans.

First off to Kotagede, commences with morning trails to the historic Legi Market, step back in time, historically recognized as the founding site and former capital of the Islamic Mataram Empire founded in 1549. Observing its vibrant local activity, next visit Yogyakarta's inaugural mosque dating back to 1587, to delve into the narrative behind its distinctive mixed architectural style. Continue your walk through the twin gates, where the cool facades of old houses appear to offer a welcoming embrace.

Conclude the stroll with a visit to a passionate silversmith, an artisan with nearly three decades of experience. Participate in a 1–2-hour workshop, where you will select from existing designs, and craft your own  piece of jewelry —be it a ring, earrings, or a pendant—under his expert guidance. Engage in every step of the process, from cutting and forging to carving, soldering, and polishing. Ultimately wearing your personalized creation upon completion.

Indulge in a memorable lunch at a unique venue, a heritage merchant's house. This traditional residence once belonged to a kalang, a community of wealthy merchants in the Kotagede area. The house is a beautiful blend of European and traditional architectural styles.

Afterward, continue to the Borobudur area and check in to the hotel.

Overnight in Borobudur.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Borobudur – Selogriyo (32 km): 1 hr 15 mins

Before the sun rises, we’ll start our journey to witness the beauty of a majestic sunrise at the world-renowned Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world from Dagi Hill. 
Wake up at dawn, join us on an unforgettable journey to one of the most breathtaking spiritual destinations as the sun awakens the ancient temple. Then enjoy a cultural morning with a picnic breakfast, traditional stories, gamelan music, and local crafts. Afterwards, our exploration of the temple will reveal its rich history and intricate architectural features.

No visit is complete without experiencing Borobudur Temple, this magnificent temple is the world's biggest Buddhist monument you must visit at least once in your lifetime.  The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues, surrounded by green area. The architecture and stonework of this temple have no equal. It was built without using any cement or mortar. The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue. It is no wonder that Borobudur is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Return to the hotel for freshening up.

This afternoon, drive to a small village on the slopes of Mt. Sumbing for a two-hour hike through beautifully terraced rice fields and plantations to the Selogriyo Temple. The structure of the temple itself is rather modest, but the walk there is beautiful and resembles some of the finest landscapes in Java.

Overnight in Borobudur
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Borobudur - Semarang Railway Station (105km): 2 Hrs 45 mins ; Semarang Railway Station - Surabaya Railway Station: 3 hrs 15 mins by train ; Surabaya Railway Station – Hotel in Surabaya (2,5km): 10 mins

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 9:00 am, check out of the hotel and embark on a transfer to the Semarang Railway Station. Along the way, take a quick walking tour of Kota Lama, a colonial district developed in the 17th century by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) with many buildings remaining from colonial times. Discover the 260-year-old Gereja Blenduk with its charming surroundings and antique shops.

After exploring Kota Lama, proceed to the Semarang Railway Station for a scenic train ride to Surabaya. The train departs at 1:18 pm, and you will be accompanied by a guide on this journey.

Traveling by train in Java is a great opportunity to meet local people and to see the volcanic landscapes of central and East Java.

Upon arrival at the Surabaya railway station, meet with your local driver and continue driving by car to your hotel in Surabaya.

Check in at the hotel and remember that the rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Note:
- The planned route is aboard Argo Bromo Anggrek from Semarang to Surabaya departing at 13:18 and arriving at 16:30. The schedule is subject to change without notice. 
- Full name and passport details are required to book a train ticket. It must be provided at the time of reservation.
- It is advisable to bring a small bag containing toiletries, a change of clothes, and a jacket (the air conditioner in the train can be quite chilly). 

Overnight in Surabaya.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Surabaya – Bromo (95.1 km): 2 hrs 15 mins ; Bromo – Hotel (7.8 km): 20 mins

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning, before your transfer to the Bromo area, take some time to explore the historical sites of Majapahit hotels and the surrounding area. 

Then, proceed to the Bromo area and check in at the Plataran Bromo Resort. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

In the evening, have dinner at the hotel and spend the rest of the night at leisure. 

Overnight in Bromo

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hotel - Penanjakan (13 km): 35 mins ; Penanjakan - Mt. Bromo (8,6 km): 25 mins

The wake-up call will be at 3 am today.  Pick up time at 03.30 AM

Depart by jeep to catch the sunrise. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground creates an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon. Head to a secluded viewpoint, from where one of the most iconic and most featured photos promoting Java and Indonesia has been taken. In the early hours right after sunrise, the light is perfect to take pictures of Bromo-Tengger National park from a bird’s eye perspective. The view opens up deeply into East Java, with Mount Batok, Mount Bromo, and the majestic Mount Semeru in the background.

Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. Enjoy breakfast in a picnic setting before heading up to Bromo's crater.

The jeep will take you to within 2 kilometers of the crater. From there, it's a 45-minute walk across the sea of sand to the crater's edge, followed by a short, 15-minute climb upstairs to the rim of the active Bromo crater. Here, you'll be rewarded with an otherworldly landscape.

After your hike, the jeep will be waiting to transport you back to the hotel.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 60-minute massage.

Overnight in Bromo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast in the morning, transfer to Surabaya Airport in time for an onward flight. Alternatively, you have the option to extend your trip and visit Bali.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast