Visit Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta and Javanese Civilization: Buddhism and Hinduism. Located in Central Java, Yogyakarta is ideally situated for visiting Borobudur and Prambanan temples, experiencing traditional cuisine, and immersing yourself in local life. From YIA Kulon Progo International Airport, you can find flights from all major cities, as well as from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan's Palace in Yogyakarta is the center of Javanese civilization, which blends with Hindu Buddhist traditions. This influence remains evident in the traditions, culture, art, and architecture of the city.
The Prambanan Temples
In Yogyakarta, you can start the tour by visiting the Prambanan Temple. The Prambanan Temple is a large Hindu temple complex located in Java. Built in the 9th century, probably during the reign of the kings of the Sanjaya dynasty of the Mataram Kingdom, it is dedicated to the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity comprising the gods Brahmā (creator), Vishnu (protector) and Shiva (destroyer). Shiva is particularly honored here, and the main temple, 47 meters high, is dedicated to this god.
The Philosophy and History of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta city is located in the northern access of Merapi Volcano and south of the South Sea. The main street of Malioboro connects from Tugu Monument to the Sultan Palace. This line represents the philosophical access from the beginning of life to the end of life which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The name of Yogyakarta comes from the words Yogya “Ayodya” and Karta “prosperity”. The founder of the city wanted to have a more prosperous Ayodya city. The first Sultan in Yogyakarta Panembahan Senopati in 1756 built the Palace near the Bering Forest which changed as the Beringharjo Market. Now this market becomes the Central Market of Yogyakarta city.
The Sultan's Palace – Symbol of Culture and Identity
The Sultan’s Palace is considered the center of the city. Here, you can see collections of traditional clothing to celebrate marriage and other very interesting ceremonies. The Sultan’s Palace, known as Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, is the royal palace of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is one of the city’s main cultural and historical sites, as well as a symbol of Javanese culture and the identity of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The palace was founded in 1755 by the first Sultan, Hamengkubuwono I, after the establishment of the Yogyakarta Sultanate as an independent region amidst the power struggles in Java. This palace is an impressive example of Javanese architecture, blending Islamic and local influences. Its design is also symbolic, with a thoughtful layout that reflects cultural and religious values. In all rooms, one can contemplate with unique kingdom cultures, the lesson of tolerance, Javanese mythology and legend. On the labyrinth alleys, one passes the village behind the palace which is very famous for the manufacture of Wayang (the traditional doll from leather) with rural atmospheres.
In front of the Sultan’s Palace there is a large square, the meeting point between the king and his people (called Alun-alun). To the west of Alun-alun you can find a large mosque (Masjid Gedhe Kauman), built in 1773, which is one of the oldest and most important religious centers in the city. This mosque is an example of traditional Javanese architecture. Behind the mosque is the Kauman district. It was founded in the 18th century, during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. The narrow streets of Kauman are lined with traditional wooden houses, with unique architectural details that reflect Islamic and Javanese influence. The district offers a peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with the hustle and bustle of the neighboring city.
Sonobudoyo Museum – Guardians of Javanese Culture
Visiting the city of Yogyakarta can inspire our curiosity about Javanese cultures, it is good to immerse ourselves in the custom of local ancestors. We can contemplate with the museum is rich in collections of the heritages of the culture of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islamism. It is called the Sonobudoyo Museum. Here, we can find traditional Javanese weapons, Batik (the fabric with the traditional pattern), masks for the properties of Javanese dance, all Javanese culture since the kingdoms. The Sonobudoyo Museum is an important museum located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of Javanese and Indonesian culture. The museum houses a vast collection of cultural, historical and artistic artifacts. This includes art objects, sculptures, textiles, traditional musical instruments, ancient weapons, masks, and plays. The exhibitions are organized to highlight the richness of Javanese culture and Indonesia. Visitors can discover elements of daily life, rituals, and local traditions, as well as objects linked to royalty and the history of the region.
Taman Sari – The Royal Water Tower
Near the palace, one can find “Taman Sari” or the water tower is an impressive example of traditional Javanese architecture. The complex includes pavilions, gardens, ponds, and buildings with unique architectural elements, mixing Islamic and Hindu influences. The site is famous for its well-kept gardens and ponds that were once used by the royal court for recreational activities and rituals. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the beauty of the landscape. The complex includes several historical buildings, including bathing halls, resting pavilions, and recreational areas. One of the most famous buildings is the “bathing room” where the sultan and his wives took baths.
The bird market is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in local culture, biodiversity, and Indonesians’ passion for birds. Visitors can often interact with vendors and bird enthusiasts, learning about the different species and their importance in Indonesian culture. The Yogyakarta Bird Market is an important part of local culture, where a passion for birds is celebrated and shared. It is a vibrant place that offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors.
Kotagede - A Journey Through Time
Within a 15-minute drive from the bird market, one can visit the Kotagede area. This is a historic district located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It was once the first capital of the Mataram Sultanate in the 17th century. Kotagede is home to several royal mausoleums, including those of the Mataram Sultans and members of the royal family. The mausoleum of Sultan Agung is one of the most famous and attracts many visitors and pilgrims. Today, Kotagede is famous for its traditional architecture, silver artisans, and pleasant sites. It is known for its historical buildings, including Javanese-style houses with carved wooden ornaments and traditional motifs. Many structures retain the period architecture, making it an ideal place for those interested in Javanese history and architecture.
Kalitalang
Kalitalang is a village located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which is often known for its picturesque landscapes and rural atmosphere. Kalitalang is surrounded by green hills, rice fields, and natural landscapes, providing a tranquil and calming environment. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers looking for picturesque landscapes.
Nglanggeran
Nglanggeran is an ancient volcano that is part of an excellent destination for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta and immerse themselves in nature. It is an ideal place for adventure lovers and those looking to explore the natural beauties of Java, while experiencing the local culture.
Nanggulan
Nanggulan is a charming village located in the Kulon Progo region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Known for its rice terraces, lush green hills, and peaceful atmosphere, Nanggulan attracts visitors seeking tranquility and typical Javanese scenery. The rice terraces are particularly photogenic, especially at sunrise and sunset, creating breathtaking scenes where the rice fields shimmer in the golden light. Book now and let Yogyakarta seduce you.
The highlights
- Immersion dans la civilisation javanaise
- Entre héritage hindou, bouddhiste et islamique
- Le Kraton et l’univers royal javanais
- Art, artisanat et traditions locales
- Yogyakarta authentique, au-delà des grands monuments
OUR GUARANTEES
Local Expertise
Tailor-Made Experience
Secure Payment
Responsible Commitment
When to Leave?
The best time to travel is during the following months:
Rates start at €1,580, based on a minimum of 4 people during the standard season.
The rate is per person and subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This rate may vary based on several factors (number of participants, travel dates and hotel availability, vehicle size, guide specifications, and service levels).
If you are interested in this itinerary and the price indicated does not correspond to your budget, we can customize the quote according to your wishes.
General Terms and Conditions
- Starting price: From 1.580 € per person, on a basis of 4 participants in the low season (and subject to availability).
- Custom made : The final price is calculated per person. We will send you a personalized quote with a fixed price.
- Factors of variation: The final price may vary depending on several factors:
✓ The exact number of participants.
✓ The travel period (high/low season, school holidays).
✓ Hotel availability and category.
✓ The type of vehicle required.
✓ The guide's specialization and the overall quality of the services.
The price includes
- Accommodation: Overnight stays in the hotels mentioned in the program, with breakfasts included.
- Private transport: A private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver throughout the stay.
- Accompaniement : A local guide (English or French speaking, depending on your choice) throughout the stay.
- Visits: Entrance tickets for the sites, monuments and all activities mentioned in the program.
- Transfers: All land and sea transport (connections between the islands).
- Equipment: The equipment needed for the planned activities (snorkeling, mountain biking, rafting, etc.).
- Assistance: An emergency number is available. 24/7.
The price does not include
- Flights: International flights and domestic (internal) flights.
- Formalities & Insurance: The tourist visa must be paid for upon your arrival in Indonesia (approximately 500,000 IDR / ~€33 per person) as well as your personal travel insurance.
- Meal : Lunches and dinners not explicitly mentioned in the program.
- Extras: Optional activities and personal expenses.
- Tips: Expect to pay approximately €10 to €20 per couple and per day (recommended for the driver and guide).
- Modifications: Any change to the program or itinerary initiated by you.
- Any service not mentioned in the "The price includes" section.
Supervision and Support
For your comfort, we offer different levels of support depending on the stage of your trip:
Private drivers (Logistics)
They handle the logistics of your stay. They know the routes perfectly and drop you off directly at the different sites.
- Language: They speak basic English (generally not French).
- Role: They are happy to share anecdotes about their island, manage the logistics, and buy your entrance tickets. However, they do not accompany you on visits and activities, where you remain completely independent.
The guides (French-speaking or English-speaking)
They work in addition to the local drivers. They accompany you during visits and activities throughout the trip, as detailed in your itinerary.
Important note: The guides are not the drivers, they are two separate people.
Local specialist guides (On site)
- At major sites(e.g., Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan's Palace): Official local guides (English or French speaking) will explain in detail the culture, history and philosophy of the places.
- East of Java (e.g., Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Madakaripura and Tumpaksewu waterfalls): It is impossible to find local French-speaking guides on site. You will therefore be accompanied by a English-speaking local guide.
Sites open for self-guided visits (without a local guide)
Some smaller sites do not have guides on site. In this case, your driver will buy your entrance tickets and you will visit independently, at your own pace.
Transport & Vehicles
Transportation is a key element to the success of your trip. On islands like Java, Sumatra or Flores, journeys are often very long. We select spacious and comfortable vehicles to ensure your travels remain pleasant.
| Vehicle type | Ideal Capacity | Recommended configuration |
Toyota Innova Reborn (2.0L – 2.5L engine) | 2 to 3 passengers (with guide on board) Maximum 4 passengers (without a guide on board) | Very comfortable vehicle. Has 6 seats in the rear, configured to leave room for luggage and suitcases. |
Toyota Hiace Minibus (2.5L – 2.8L engine) | 4 to 9 passengers (with guide on board) Ideal for 6 to 7 people + 1 guide | Large space. Features 9 seats in the rear with dedicated luggage space for all passengers. |
| Bus / Coach | 10 people or more | We provide buses for you 30 seats or 40 to 50 seats depending on the size of your group. |
*) Please provide the exact number of participants so that we can best adapt your vehicle and offer you the fairest price.
Accommodation
We select our accommodations according to several categories to best suit your expectations and budget:
Guest Houses / Homestays
Our criterion is to find simple and welcoming places.
- Services: Clean accommodation with private bathroom, garden and small terrace to enjoy nature. Some establishments have a small swimming pool ideal for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Mid-Range (Superior Category)
Establishments offering excellent value for money with more space.
- Services: Spacious, nicely decorated, clean room with a private bathroom. You will enjoy a lovely garden, a small terrace and, for some rooms, a children's pool.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Superior Range (Charm and Authenticity)
For travellers seeking artistic details and a more typical setting.
- Services: Spacious rooms with charming and tasteful décor, private bathrooms (sometimes open to the outdoors in harmony with nature). The hotels boast beautiful terraces overlooking magnificent gardens and are situated in prime locations. They generally feature lovely swimming pools suitable for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4 out of 5)
Luxury Hotels
Ideal for families seeking absolute serenity or for an unforgettable honeymoon.
- Services: Charming accommodations with exquisite artistic touches in the rooms, on the terraces, and in the bathrooms. These are often small, intimate, and welcoming establishments nestled in lush natural surroundings. They feature a magnificent swimming pool in the middle of a large garden, offering a perfect romantic setting for honeymooners.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (5 out of 5)
Hotels of International Standards (3 to 5 Stars / Resorts)
If you prefer the infrastructure of large hotel chains to local charm.
- Services: Large complexes or resorts offering a multitude of services and facilities: huge swimming pool, large landscaped garden, sometimes even a golf course.
Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requirements so that we can offer you the ideal establishment.
Food & Drinks
- Breakfasts: They are almost always included and served directly by your hotels.
- Lunches and Dinners: They are generally excluded from our packages in order to leave you free to choose where and what you want to eat, according to your desires and the type of restaurant you like.
- Water safety: Never drink tap water or water from local springs. When hiking, water should always be treated. In town, drink only bottled water with a sealed cap.
- At your disposal: For your comfort and safety, your driver will provide you with the following every day: bottled mineral water.
Tips
Tips are not never mandatoryHowever, they are a much-appreciated gesture of gratitude. In Indonesia, it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service provided.
The amount of a tip depends on your discretion and should be in line with the local economy. Tips that are too high relative to the country's standard of living can destabilize local economies.
Indicative benchmarks:
- In hotels: Expect to pay approximately 1 € for the porter who carries your luggage to your room. At check-out, you can leave approximately 1 € for the cleaning staff.
- During the tour: An amount of €8 to €12 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver (for example: €10 for the guide / €5 for the driver), corresponds to local standards.
Important reminder: A tip is a small token of appreciation for good service. It does not replace our team's salary. Everyone involved in your trip receives a fair and fixed wage from us.
General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)
Booking and Payment
Registration for one of the activities or a trip offered by the agency Java Exotic Tour implies full and complete acceptance of our general terms and conditions of sale.
- Booking confirmation: Your reservation is definitively confirmed upon receipt and acceptance of a deposit representing 30% of the total amount of the trip, subject to availability.
- Last-minute booking: If registration takes place less than 32 days before the departure date, the full price of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
- Payment methods: You can make your payments by international bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card via a secure online payment link. A booking confirmation will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
- Payment of the balance (70%):
- It can be adjusted in cash (in Euros) upon your arrival in Indonesia.
- If you prefer to pay the balance by bank transfer, we ask that you do so upon your arrival in the country or 1 week before departure if it is a mini-tour (stay of less than one week).
- Important banking clauses:
- The payment is net of fees: all bank transfer fees (sender and recipient fees) remain exclusively your responsibility.
- The name of the bank beneficiary provided is unique. To avoid failure or rejection of your transfer, you must not change this name under any circumstances.
Cancellation Terms and Fees
If, for any reason, you are forced to cancel your trip, the refund of sums paid will be made less the following cancellation fees (calculated based on the date your notification is received):
| Cancellation deadline before departure | Fees retained (% of the total amount of the file) |
Up to 31 days From 30 to 21 days From 20 to 14 days From 20 to 14 days In less than 8 days | 30 % of the total amount (equivalent to the deposit) 40 % of the total amount 50% of the total amount 75% of the total amount 100% of the total amount |
Cancellation by the agency:
- Insufficient number of participants: If the agency Java Exotic Tour If the company is forced to cancel a group departure due to a lack of participants, the decision will be made and customers will be informed as soon as possible. 20 days before departure.
- Cases of force majeure: The agency may also cancel a departure due to exceptional and unavoidable events constituting force majeure (volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, strikes, severe weather) that could compromise the safety of participants. In these situations, participants will be reimbursed for the sums paid, less any compensation and expenses already incurred and non-refundable with service providers (such as hotels).
Reminder: Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture of gratitude in Indonesia when customers are satisfied with the service. The amount should be reasonable and in line with the local economy so as not to destabilize the country's overall standard of living.
- At the hotel: Approximately 1 € for the baggage handler and about 1 € for the cleaning staff at the time of departure (check-out).
- During the tour: An amount of €8 to €12 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver, corresponds to local standards.
- Remuneration: Gratuities are an additional service and in no way replace the salaries of our staff. All individuals involved in our trips are properly compensated separately.
- Encourage interaction with the residents Throughout this tour, you will have regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple Indonesian words like "Terima kasih" (thank you), "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
- Choose appropriate clothing
For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:
- ✓ Clothing that covers the shoulders
- ✓ Trousers or skirts below the knee
- ✓ A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site at temples)
- Recommended footwear
Some tours include walks, hikes, or walks through wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes). Please plan accordingly:
- ✓ Comfortable shoes
- ✓ Non-slip sandals
- ✓ Possibly water shoes
- Respect for local customs
Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple gestures:
- ✓ Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
- ✓ Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
- ✓ Use your right hand to give or receive
