Voyage Authentique

Borneo and Java

16 Days 15 Nights

Description

This 16-day trip to Indonesia offers a complete immersion in nature, culture, and adventure. It begins in Jakarta before exploring the Borneo jungle, where you'll encounter orangutans and discover the way of life of the Dayak people. The itinerary continues to Java with the ascent of the Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcanoes, as well as the discovery of magnificent waterfalls and forests.

The journey continues with a cultural immersion in Solo and Yogyakarta, including visits to iconic temples like Prambanan and Borobudur, as well as the discovery of local traditions such as batik and village life.

Finally, the stay ends with an authentic experience in a Javanese village, with local activities such as cycling, cooking and meeting the locals, before the transfer to the airport.

The highlights

Orangutan observation in their natural habitat at Tanjung Puting (Tanjung Harapan Camp, Pondok Tanggui, Leakey Camp)
Authentic cruise on a traditional boat klotok in the heart of the Borneo jungle
Cultural immersion in a Dayak village with the traditional "Garung Pantan" ceremony
Exploring the primary forest and discovering the local way of life of indigenous communities
Spectacular hike up Mount Bromo with sunrise over the volcanic caldera
Ascent of Kawah Ijen and discovery of the famous turquoise acid lake and blue flames
Discover impressive waterfalls: Madakaripura and Tumpak Sewu
An immersive experience in the mysterious Jawatan forest with its giant trees
Visit to the iconic temples of Java: Prambanan and Borobudur (World Heritage Site)
Discovering Javanese culture in Yogyakarta: Kraton, Malioboro, traditional batik
Bike ride and immersion in rural life in the village of Semawung
Unique local experience: cooking classes and meeting with locals and schoolchildren
A complete journey combining wilderness, adventure, culture, and authentic Indonesian culture.

AUTHENTIC TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN JAKARTA

Arrival at Soekarno Hatta Jakarta International Airport.
You will be met by our representative who will take you to your hotel.
Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 2: FLIGHT JAKARTA – PANGKALAN BUN – KUMAI – TANJUNG HARAPAN CAMP

After breakfast, transfer to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta for your flight to Pangkalan Bun. Batik Air flight ID6202, departing at 06:00 and arriving in Pangkalan Bun at 07:25.
You will be met by our representative at the airport.
Direct transfer by car (approximately 20 minutes) to Kumai, passing through several local villages.
Upon arrival in Kumai, board a boat to explore the mangroves, nipa palms, and wildlife along the Sekonyer River while lunch is prepared on board. Get ready for your first encounter with orangutans!
After a short hike through the Borneo jungle, we will reach Tanjung Harapan Camp, where you can observe these great apes in their natural habitat. We will also observe proboscis monkeys and other primates along the river.
Check-in at your accommodation.

DAY 3: PONDOK TANGGUI – LEAKY CAMP

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a beautiful immersion in nature in the heart of Bukit Lawang, at the gates of the famous Gunung Leuser National Park.

You will visit the orangutan observation site, where you can witness feeding time and observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment. These encounters often offer unforgettable moments, as the orangutans descend from the trees or swing from branch to branch in the canopy.

The morning continues with a short hike (soft trekking) in the rainforest, accompanied by a local guide. This walk will allow you to discover the incredible richness of the Sumatran jungle: lush vegetation, the songs of exotic birds, and perhaps the sighting of other species of monkeys and wild animals.

Return to the hotel in the late morning or early afternoon.
Free time to relax, enjoy the river or explore the village at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the Bukit Lawang Cottages Ecolodge

DAY 4: KUMAI – NANGA BULIK – DAYAK VILLAGE (PANYOMBAAN)

Navigation towards Kumai, then transfer by car to Nanga Bulik, the capital of the Lamandau Regency (approximately 3 hours drive).
Lunch in a local warung (small traditional restaurant), then continue the journey for about 3 hours to the Dayak village of Penyombaan.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a traditional ceremony called "Garung Pantan," a Dayak welcome. Join us in the village to discover the local way of life: learn how to prepare rice cooked in bamboo, observe traditional basket-weaving techniques, and other aspects of daily life.
Overnight stay with a local resident.
Dinner at a local's home.

DAY 5: THE JUNGLE AND DAYAKS VILLAGE

The day of a deeper exploration of the Silingan 33 primary forest. You will have the opportunity to refresh yourself under a natural waterfall located in this virgin forest.
Return to your accommodation, with a break for a swim and toilet break in the clean Sei Setongah river, where you can also swim.
Continue towards the border between West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.
Lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
In the afternoon, return to the village with a visit to the traditional longhouse of Kudangan, followed by a walk around the village to discover the local way of life and customs.
After dinner, you will be greeted by a traditional musical performance called Bagondang, played with typical instruments.

DAY 6: DAYAK VILLAGE – NANGA BULIK – PANGKALAN BUN

After breakfast, departure for Nanga Bulik, the capital of the Lamandau region.
Lunch in a local restaurant, then continue the journey back to Pangkalan Bun.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the end of your stay.

DAY 7: DOMESTIC FLIGHT IN SURABAYA – BROMO

After breakfast, transfer to Pangkalan Bun Airport for the domestic flight to Surabaya.

Pick-up by private driver at Surabaya airport.
Upon arrival in Surabaya, continue your journey by car for approximately three hours to reach the magnificent Mount Bromo region.
In the afternoon, begin your journey to the Madakaripura waterfall. The murmuring river and the cascading water from the verdant wall will offer you an unforgettable hiking experience.

Note: We advise you to wear appropriate footwear for walking in water or sandals.

Check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, hike across the sea of sand to the crater to discover the active volcano and its fumaroles. Bromo is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It's a peaceful experience without the crowds of tourists. If you're lucky, you might even catch a beautiful sunset.
Return to your hotel

DAY 8: SUNRISE OF BROMO – BANYUWANGI

Departure at 2:30 AM from your hotel. Transfer by Jeep (approximately 45 minutes) to reach Mount Penanjakan, the highest point offering magnificent views of the vast caldera and its active volcanoes. Penanjakan is also a prime location for viewing the Bromo landscape at sunrise.
After sunrise, we'll hike along small trails, little known to tourists, descending to Seruni viewpoint. It's a chance to discover beautiful landscapes without the crowds. Seruni is a viewpoint about 300 meters below Penanjakan.
You meet up with the Jeep to return to the hotel and have breakfast.
Afternoon, transfer to Banyuwangi.
Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 9: ASCENSION OF KAWAH IJEN – JAWATAN FOREST – KALIBARU (B)

Early in the morning, embark on a hike to Mount Kawah Ijen. Set off before dawn for an unforgettable ascent of this majestic volcano. At sunrise, admire the breathtaking panorama: the changing colors of the landscape, the spectacular mountains, and the vast turquoise crater lake, known as the largest acidic lake in the world. Every day, local miners carry baskets weighing between 60 and 125 kilograms of sulfur, an impressive demonstration of human endurance and strength. Depart at 2:00 AM by car to Paltuding at 1800 meters altitude for a beautiful view of the lake at sunrise. After a 1.5-hour hike, you will reach the summit of Kawah Ijen at 2386 meters altitude.

Note: Consult your guide before descending into the crater to see the blue flames, and for safety reasons, as there may be toxic gas fumes. Caution is advised for those with respiratory problems. *Kawah Ijen is closed every Friday of the first week.

Get off at Paltuding and return to your hotel.
In the afternoon, continue to Kalibaru.
Along the way, there is the possibility of stopping in the mysterious Jawatan Forest. Its giant trees with spectacular roots create an almost unreal atmosphere, worthy of a fantasy tale setting.
Check-in at your hotel in Kalibaru

DAY 10: KALIBARU – PRONOJIWO/TUMPAK SEWU

After breakfast, the day begins with an immersion in the Kalibaru Botanical Garden. A visit to the Kalibaru Botanical Garden is a true immersion in Java's tropical agricultural heritage.
As you walk along, you will discover the treasures that have shaped the history of the region:
Spices: cinnamon, cloves, pepper, nutmeg. Cocoa cultivation: you will observe cocoa pods growing directly on the trees, before learning about the transformation process that leads to chocolate. Discover the traditional process of making palm sugar, obtained from the sap of the coconut palm or areng palm, then slowly transformed into golden blocks with a delicately caramelized flavor. Vanilla, a precious and delicate crop: you will learn how this tropical orchid is pollinated by hand before producing the famous fragrant pods.
Next, we depart for the Pronojiwo wilderness, gateway to the natural wonders of Tumpaksewu. If you wish, you can explore the stunning Kapas Biru Waterfall.
Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 11: TUMPAK SEWU – SOLO

Get up early, then depart by car at 5:30 am to discover two gems nestled in the jungle of East Java. First, there's Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, one of the island's most famous waterfalls due to its breathtaking beauty. It measures approximately 120 meters high and its multi-fall design, with several streams cascading simultaneously into the valley below, makes it truly spectacular!
Continue your visit to Tumpak Sewu's neighbor, Tetes Cave. This lesser-known cave, with its unique character, attracts adventurers and nature lovers. In particular, the cave is nestled within small waterfalls, which you must traverse to reach it. This allows for a combined experience: admiring a fascinating cave while exploring the beauty of the waterfall.

For both visits, you will be doing short hikes down into the valley and crossing small streams to reach the waterfall/cave. Don't forget to bring shoes suitable for walking in water, as well as a waterproof poncho and a waterproof pouch for your smartphone.

Afternoon, transfer to Solo.
Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 12: GRAND MARKET – PRINCE MANGKUNEGARAN PALACE – PRAMBANAN

Early in the morning, after breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Solo's largest market. Located in the heart of Surakarta, the iconic Pasar Gede Solo is a living symbol of the city's rich cultural fusion. Built during the Dutch colonial era, this historic market blends Javanese and Chinese influences, both in its architecture and in the vibrant life that fills its aisles. More than just a market, Pasar Gede is a sensory journey where tradition flourishes through colors, aromas, and warm human interaction.
Visit to the palace of Prince Mangkunegara.
In the afternoon, you will continue on to Yogyakarta.
Visit to the Prambanan Temple. Built in the 9th century by the Sanjaya Dynasty, Prambanan is known as the largest and most exquisite Hindu temple in Indonesia. The temple complex comprises 340 temples, the three main ones being dedicated to the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The walls are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana, a story presented through dance and puppetry.
Note :
If you wish, at 7:00 pm you will attend the Ramayana dance and puppet show, the story of which has been immortalized in the form of narrative reliefs on the walls of temples.
Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 13: DISCOVERING THE CITY OF YOGYAKARTA – NGLANGGERAN HIKE

The morning is dedicated to exploring the city of Yogyakarta. After breakfast, you will take a Becak (a local public transport vehicle) to the traditional Ngasem market to experience local life and cuisine.
Then continue your walk to Kraton (the Sultan's Palace). Kraton is considered the center of Javanese culture. After the visit, you will see traditional performances taking place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM (Javanese dance or song/puppet shows, depending on the day you arrive).
Continue the walk on the main street of the town: Malioboro.
Visit the Batik workshop. Batik is a traditional patterned fabric typical of Yogyakarta, created using hot wax. It is considered part of Indonesia's UNESCO World Heritage. Here, you will learn how to make batik and explore all the unique processes involved.

The itinerary for temple visits and the city of Yogyakarta may be adjusted depending on physical condition and weather.

Return to your hotel.

DAY 14: THE BOROBUDUR TEMPLE – SEMAWUNG

After breakfast, transfer to Borobudur.
You will visit Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple, surrounded by Java's active volcanoes: Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoor, and Sumbing. The temple is built on a hill, composed of nine tiers of terraces—six square and three circular—crowned by a central dome known as the Stupa. This temple is decorated with 2,672 bas-reliefs and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated in a perforated stupa. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Shailendra Dynasty, this temple exemplifies Javanese Buddhist architecture. The Mandala is a concept blending indigenous Indonesian ancestor worship to achieve Nirvana.
Transfer to Semawung village, approximately a 1-hour drive. We will prepare a local lunch to welcome you, which we call Tumpeng.
After lunch, we will go for a bike ride around the village to discover the local life of the Javanese, meet the inhabitants and see traditional houses.
Check-in at your accommodation.

DAY 15: SCHOOL VISIT – COOKING CLASS

- After breakfast, school visit primary from the village. It's an opportunity to meet students and make contact with them. You can show them a few words in your language, like greetings and introductions. This will give them the value of meeting foreigners and sharing a little of their language. To show your appreciation, you can give them small gifts from your country, such as pens or notebooks, for those who are willing to speak with you face-to-face in your language.
- Return home and help prepare the food for your lunch.

Enjoy the rest of your time "the tranquility of living in the countryside, drinking tea or coffee with local cakes"

Return to your accommodation.

DAY 16: TRANSFER TO YIA

After breakfast, transfer to Minangkabau International Airport for your departure flight.

Your grand adventure through Sumatra comes to an end, enriched by encounters, spectacular volcanic landscapes, living traditions and wild nature.

Our Friendly Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Indonesia

> Encourage exchanges with the residents

Throughout this tour, you will be in regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple words in Indonesian will also be beneficial. Terima kasih (thanks), Selamat pagi (hello) or Permisi (Excuse me) is always greatly appreciated and facilitates communication. These small gestures make encounters more authentic and enriching.

> Protect yourself from the tropical sun

Indonesia has a sunny climate all year round. Remember to pack:

- - A high SPF sunscreen
  - A hat or a cap
  - Sunglasses
  - This will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities: hiking, cultural visits and marine excursions.

> Choose appropriate clothing

For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:

- - Clothing covering the shoulders
  - Trousers or skirts below the knee
  - A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site in temples).

> Recommended footwear

Some tours include walks, hikes or wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes).
Plan ahead:

- - Comfortable shoes
  - Non-slip sandals
  - Possibly water shoes

> Respect for local customs

Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple steps:

- - Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
  - Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
  - Use your right hand to give or receive