Exploring the Cradle of Javanese Civilization
Yogyakarta Extension
Overview
Yogyakarta is situated almost exactly halfway along the length of Java, in an area considered by the Javanese to be the heartland of the country. It's home to some of the island's most spectacular scenery and oldest traditions. On this extension, you'll be immersed in the cultural capital of Java, with many influences from Hindu and Buddhist traditions to Dutch colonial designs. Enjoy a sunrise visit to the world's largest Buddhist monument, take a music lesson or batik dyeing class, and you even have the option for a Jeep excursion. This extension can be taken either before or after your main trip.
Arrive: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Depart: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Highlights
- Enjoy a full immersion in the cultural capital of Java
- Visit Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Yogyakatra Airport, a 1.5-hour transfer brings you to your hotel in Yogyakarta, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. The hotel is ideally situated right downtown so you can get out and explore or choose to relax in your room. Lunch and dinner are on your own. Overnight at The Phoenix Yogyakarta...B
Set out before sunrise for a visit to the Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist monument with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues. "Rediscovered" in 1815, Borobudur has been excavated and returned to its (almost) original glory. The stone relief panels offer a clear glimpse into Buddhist belief and Javanese life 1,000 years ago. It is a magnificent experience to see the sun slowly rise and brighten the whole area. Please note that Borobudur Temple is closed on Mondays.
After returning to the hotel for breakfast, you have the option to head out on a Jeep excursion to discover the northern region of Yogyakarta. You'll explore the foot of Mount Merapi in an area called Kaliadem, enjoying the winding roads near past lava flows along the way. You will also see the local houses, many of which were destroyed and rebuilt after the massive volcano eruption of 2010. The Jeep tour will take about 1.5 hours, led by an experienced driver. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B
Kota Gede, once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire, is a small city brimming with impressive architecture. During a walking tour, you'll visit Kota Gede's market and a mosque believed to be built by Sultan Agung with the help of Buddhists and Hindus who lived in the area. You can see both Hindu and Buddhist details in the architecture. Afterward, learn about traditional Indonesian Gamelan music, created by integrating sounds of gong, kenong, and other musical instruments. You can even try your hand at learning how to play these traditional instruments. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B
Buckle up for a tour of Yogyakarta by car. Your first stop will be the Keraton Palace complex in the city's old quarter, which was once the palace of the sultans. You'll also visit the Taman Sari Water Palace, a former royal garden with tranquil pools. Batik is a centuries-old Javanese craft that produces beautiful colored designs on textiles by dyeing them, and you'll have a firsthand experience learning how these textiles are made. Each region has its own unique patterns linked to its cultural heritage. In the late afternoon, you'll visit Prambanan Temple. Decorated with reliefs illustrating the Ramayana Hindu epic of the three great deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, this 8th century temple consists of three main buildings and is surrounded by more than 200 small temples. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B
Please note: Both Keraton Palace and Prambanan Temple are closed on Mondays.
Please note: Both Keraton Palace and Prambanan Temple are closed on Mondays.
After breakfast, transfer to the Yogyakatra Airport for departure.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.