Best of Central Java

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Borobudur
• 1 night Ambarawa
• 2 nights Yogyakarta

Day 1: Arrive Yogyakarta - Borobudur

On landing in Yogyakarta your guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in Borobudur so you can check in and get some lunch.

This afternoon, we’ve included a short visit to two temples in the vicinity of Borobudur. First up is Mendut, a pyramid-shaped temple housing three impressively carved stone statues. Next you’ll visit Pawon, a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry.

You’ll be taken back to the hotel and have the rest of the day to spend at leisure.

Day 2: Sunrise from Borobudur and surroundings     

Today you’ll have an early start in order to reach the Buddhist temple of Borobudur and see sunrise over its magnificent stupas – a truly magical sight. This is the best time of day to visit the temple as there are fewer visitors and it’s less crowded.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks. Built entirely by human labour, it took more than 75 years to be completed.

In the afternoon you’ll travel to Candirejo village to enjoy a local lunch. Afterwards, have a glimpse into local life as you take a horse cart ride (dokar) through the narrow village lanes lined with traditional houses. You’ll see village activities like making cassava crackers, locals playing the gamelan, the harvesting and drying of local crops.

Return to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Borobudur.

Day 3: Borobudur to Ambarawa  

Enjoy an early breakfast today before departing for Wonosobo in central Java to visit the Dieng Plateau.

An early start is necessary as the plateau is normally covered by fog after 11am. Set at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, this plateau is believed in local culture to be the home of the ancient gods. You’ll visit the lake and Sikidang Crater where you can see first-hand the volcanic activity of the plateau with its sulphurous fumes and bubbling waters.

From Dieng you head to Arjuna. Here you’ll visit one of the oldest Hindu temples in Java, with 8 sanctuaries dating from the 7^th and 8^th centuries set amidst a wild natural landscape.

After a late lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be driven to your hotel near Ambarawa where you’ll check into you accommodation.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Ambarawa to Yogyakarta

After breakfast you will be collected for an excursion to Gedong Songo, a complex of 9 Hindu temples.

Take a pony ride to the mountain top, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the nearby volcanoes that dot the landscape of the Java’s central highlands.

After lunch at a local restaurant, your guide will take you on a walking tour of a coffee plantation. They will explain the origin of the local coffee and the different varieties grown on the property. You will also have time to see the various roasting and grinding techniques before enjoying a tasting session that will include both local coffees and jamu, Javanese herbal drinks.

Mid-afternoon you will leave Losari for a 2 hour drive to Yogyakarta via Magelang. 

Day 5: Yogyakarta and Prambanan      

Today is a chance to explore the many cultures of the city of Yogyakarta. Starting with a visit to Sonobudoyo Museum, you’ll gain an appreciation of the history and culture of the Javanese people.

Visit the Sultans Palace (which to this day remains the residence of the Sultan), before taking a 30 minute ride by becak (similar to a cyclo) to explore a local village.

After lunch in a nearby restaurant, you’ll be able to explore the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan and learn a little more about the history and symbolism of these jagged temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity.

This evening you will get to enjoy a performance of traditional Ramayana Dance while dining at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Yogyakarta and departure        

After breakfast at your hotel, you will return to Yogyakarta airport for your onward flight.