World Natural Wonders Expedition

Arriving early in Yogyakarta, we meet you and transfer straight to the Sultan’s Palace — the Kraton — a standout of 18th–century Javanese sultanate architecture. As we walk through its pavilions, rooms and chambers, you gain insight into Javanese heritage and court culture. At the exit, we hop into a becak — a local pedicab — for a short ride to Taman Sari, the Water Palace, built by the first Sultan of Yogyakarta as bathing pools for his harem. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon focuses on Yogyakarta’s arts and handicrafts — we visit a traditional batik workshop before continuing to Kotagede, about 10 kilometres from the city centre, a 16th–century village renowned for fine silverwork. Later, we drive to the outskirts of the city to explore the ninth–century Hindu temples of Prambanan, 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta, whose three principal shrines are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. We then return to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in Yogyakarta — lunch included.

After breakfast we drive 42 kilometres west of Yogyakarta to Magelang to visit Borobudur. With our guide, we explore the world’s largest Buddhist temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – built over more than 75 years from volcanic and river stone and renowned for its magnificent carvings and distinctive structure. At the exit, we switch to bicycles and gently pedal through the surrounding countryside to a peaceful village, seeing local homes and daily activities, and pausing for fresh coconut served in a plantation.

We continue by car to Mendut Temple – older than Borobudur and home to three impressively carved stone statues – then visit nearby Pawon, a small, beautifully symmetrical shrine. A late lunch is served at a local restaurant facing the rice fields before we return to Yogyakarta. In the late afternoon we stop at Alun Alun Kidul city square; if you wish, try Masangin – blindfolded, walk about 20 metres from Sasono Hinggil and attempt to pass between the two central banyan trees, a popular local challenge linked to good fortune. In the evening we host dinner at Dalem Joyokusumo, a royal family residence once inhabited by Raden Wedono Condrokusumo, cousin of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII – sample a special menu usually reserved for the royal household. We then return to the hotel. Overnight in Yogyakarta. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, we transfer to Yogyakarta station to board the morning Sancaka executive class train to Mojokerto. Settle in for a scenic journey into East Java, arriving around midday – train schedules are subject to change without notice. On arrival, our driver meets us for the drive of around four hours to Tosari. En route, we stop at Trowulan – once the capital of the Majapahit Empire (1293–1500), a powerful Hindu kingdom spanning much of the archipelago – then continue to Pasuruan harbour for lunch, where traditional wooden boats and everyday fishing activities set the scene. After lunch, we continue to Tosari on the edge of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The village sits at about 1,700 metres above sea level and enjoys a cool climate all year round. On arrival, we check in to our hotel and have dinner. Overnight in Bromo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Wake before dawn for our Mount Bromo sunrise tour. We set off by 4x4 from the hotel very early, reaching Penanjakan in about 40 minutes. A private tent is prepared near the viewpoint – settle in with a hot coffee or tea and take in the views of Bromo and its surrounds as the sun rises behind the volcano. We then continue by jeep down into the caldera, often veiled in morning mist, and walk to the rim of the still active Bromo crater. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then check out and depart for Kalibaru – a drive of around six hours. Lunch is served at a local restaurant en route. On arrival in Kalibaru, set on a quiet hillside with views of Mrawan Mountain and the Gumitir Valley and surrounded by plantations, we transfer to the hotel and check in. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight in Kalibaru. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, we visit a Kalibaru plantation to see how local crops are grown – coffee, cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, vanilla and pepper – alongside a variety of tropical fruits. We also observe the making of coconut sugar, following the process from palm flower to packet, while taking in the cool morning air among the trees. Lunch is served at the hotel. In the afternoon, we continue east to Ketapang at the tip of Java – historically known as Java Dwipa – and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Ijen. Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a morning transfer to Baluran National Park, a 25,000-hectare savannah with around 40 kilometres of coastline edged by mangroves, beaches and coral reefs. Despite its compact size, the park encompasses several ecosystems and supports varied wildlife, including Javanese wild ox, deer, feral water buffalo and more than 100 bird species. After our visit, we return to the hotel to rest before lunch at a local restaurant, then head to Bali via Pemuteran and drop you at your hotel in Ubud, in the heart of the island. Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast, we leave Ubud for Tampak Siring to explore Gunung Kawi, an archaeological complex carved into the rock beside the Pakerisan River and dating from the 11th century. We follow a footpath down around 315 stone steps through terraced rice fields to reach the shrines, then continue to Tirta Empul, renowned for its holy spring and bathing pools with ancient Balinese designs. We then drive up to Kintamani for sweeping views over Lake Batur and Mount Batur – Bali’s most active volcano – and enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking the caldera. In the afternoon we head closer to the volcano, descending onto the black lava slopes in a classic 4x4 Land Cruiser. A unique trail crosses the 1834 and 1964 lava fields, and we visit a cave formed within a lava flow before we return to your hotel in Ubud. Overnight in Ubud – breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive west into Tabanan Regency, known for its natural beauty. Arriving early at Jatiluwih’s sweeping rice terraces – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 for its Subak irrigation system – you may join a short walk through the fields and take in the cool morning air. We then continue to Bedugul, stopping at Candikuning, a colourful local market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and exotic flowers. A set menu lunch is served at a private retreat villa by the lake.

In the afternoon, we travel by private air–conditioned vehicle to Alas Kedaton, a small forest home to hundreds of monkeys and a well‑preserved temple that locals believe they guard. We finish at Tanah Lot – Bali’s famed sea temple perched on a volcanic rock just offshore – often backed by dramatic waves, before returning to your hotel.Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast and lunch included.

After an early breakfast, you take a flight to Labuan Bajo (flight not included – recommended Batik Air ID 6331, 11:45–12:55). On arrival at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, we meet you for a brief welcome and transfer to the harbour to board a Semi/Superior Phinisi boat. Lunch is served on board as we cruise to Kelor Island. On arrival, we hike to the top of the island for panoramic views, then return to the boat and continue to Menjerite for snorkelling and swimming. We proceed to Kalong Island to watch thousands of bats take flight and enjoy sunset from the boat, before sailing on to Padar Island. Dinner and overnight are on board.

We start early at 05:00, trekking to the top of Padar Island for sunrise and panoramic views – perfect for photos. We return to the boat for breakfast, then cruise to Loh Liang on Komodo Island for a trek to see Komodo dragons and other wildlife, including wild pigs and deer. We continue to Pink Beach for snorkelling and swimming. Lunch is served on board as we sail to Taka Makassar for more snorkelling, then on to Manta Point for a chance to snorkel with manta rays if we are lucky. In the afternoon we sail to Gili Lawa. Overnight on board – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

We start the day with a morning snorkel and swim at Siyaba to see turtles. After breakfast on board, we cruise to Kanawa Island. On arrival, we walk along the wooden jetty and the beach to enjoy the views – you may spot fish from the jetty. Lunch is served on board before we sail back to Labuan Bajo and check in to your hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant. Overnight in Labuan Bajo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, we check out and set off on a Labuan Bajo city tour, visiting Mirror Stone Cave and the local market. We then continue to the town centre, where you have free time to buy souvenirs, before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we transfer to Labuan Bajo Airport for your flight to Denpasar, Bali – flight not included; recommended Batik Air ID 6334, 17:35 – 18:55. On arrival, we transfer to your hotel in Benoa and, once you’ve checked in, you have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Benoa. Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast at the hotel, there are no scheduled activities today – a full day at leisure in Benoa. You can make the most of the hotel facilities, relax by the pool with a book, or take a gentle stroll along the beach. Overnight in Benoa. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, you have the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, we travel to Uluwatu – one of Bali’s most impressive temples – perched above the sea on a headland at the westernmost tip of the peninsula. We return to Benoa for the night. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, our guide meets you at the hotel – we then transfer you to Denpasar Airport for your flight home. Breakfast included.