In the Heart of Java
Yogyakarta and Immersion in an Authentic Javanese Village
5D4N
Description
An immersive stay in the heart of Javanese life. Dive into the authentic daily life of the Javanese countryside by staying in the charming village of Semawung. Here, time seems to slow down and life remains simple and genuine. You will discover the warmth of the locals, their welcoming smiles, and their natural hospitality, making this experience a truly joyful and enriching encounter.
This village, which has not yet been affected by mass tourism, retains all its authenticity, while being located close to Yogyakarta International Airport.
Your journey will continue with the discovery of the magnificent and majestic temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, true jewels of world heritage. You will also visit the Sultan's Palace, the historical and cultural heart of the city, before exploring the vibrant and artistic atmosphere of Yogyakarta.
The highlights
- Immersion authentique dans un village javanais
- Expérience culinaire traditionnelle
- Rencontres humaines et échanges culturels
- Découverte de la vie rurale et des rizières
- Visite du majestueux temple de Borobudur (UNESCO)
- Exploration culturelle de Yogyakarta en becak
- Patrimoine royal et artistique du Kraton
- Découverte de l’art du batik (UNESCO)
- Ambiance locale des marchés traditionnels
- Hébergement de charme et immersion culturelle
JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF JAVA
JOUR 1: ARRIVÉE A YOGYAKARTA
Arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. Then departure for the village of Semawung, located approximately 30 minutes away by road.
This first step will allow you to discover the local life of the Javanese and observe the traditional houses of the village. To welcome you, we will prepare a special local lunch together called Tumpeng, a symbolic dish of Javanese culture served during celebrations.
After this convivial moment, we will set off for a walk in the countryside to discover the daily life of the inhabitants: the rice paddies, the activities of the village and the peaceful atmosphere of the Javanese countryside.
Night at Joglo Semawung, the guesthouse with Javanese architecture
DAY 2: VILLAGE TOUR AND COOKING RACE
After breakfast, the day begins with a warm encounter with the village children during a visit to a nursery or primary school. Smiles, curiosity, and spontaneous exchanges make this moment particularly touching and offer a glimpse into the daily school life of young Javanese people.
De retour à la maison, place à un atelier de cuisine javanaise. Aux côtés de la maîtresse de maison, vous apprendrez les secrets des recettes locales et participerez à la préparation des plats traditionnels. Un moment convivial où les gestes simples de la cuisine deviennent un véritable partage culturel.
In the afternoon, we will set off on foot towards the rice paddies surrounding the village. Accompanied by the locals, you will discover the daily work of the farmers and the different crops that nourish the region: rice, cassava, peanuts, beans, and chili peppers. Depending on the season, you may even be able to participate in some agricultural activities.
In the heart of these green and peaceful landscapes, this immersion will offer you an authentic look at Javanese rural life, rhythmic with nature, the land and traditions.
Night at Joglo Semawung, the guesthouse with Javanese architecture
DAY 3: BOROBUDUR
In the morning, you will set off to discover one of Southeast Asia's greatest masterpieces: Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Located in the heart of a vast, fertile plain and surrounded by Java's majestic volcanoes – Merapi, Merbabu, Sindro, and Sumbing – this impressive monument rises on a hill like a giant stone mandala. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Shailendra dynasty, Borobudur is a masterpiece of Javanese Buddhist architecture. The temple comprises nine superimposed levels – six square terraces and three circular ones – crowned by a large central stupa. Its walls are adorned with 2,672 intricately carved bas-reliefs and 504 Buddha statues. On the upper terraces, 72 openwork stupas each house a Buddha statue, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere.
Borobudur represents the cosmic vision of the mandala, a symbol of the path to enlightenment, and reflects the fascinating blend of Buddhist beliefs and local spiritual traditions of ancient Java.
In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Yogyakarta. You can relax and take some time by the pool.
Overnight stay at the Duta Garden Boutique Yogyakarta hotel or another hotel of the same category
JOUR 4: VISITE DE YOGYAKARTA & PRAMBANAN (B)
Une matinée pour la découverte de la ville de Yogyakarta. Nous allons prendre un Becak (les cyclopousses) pour aller au centre ville. Commencé par la visite de Marché de la ville sur la rue principale de Malioboro pour connaitre la vie locale et tous les produits locals : des légumes, des fruits et des gateux.
Continuez de faire la visite du Palais du Sultan ce que nous appelons le Kraton. Le Kraton est la résidence principale du Sultan de Yogyakarta et sa famille. Kraton est considéré comme le centre de la culture javanaise. Tous les jours, Vous pouvez assiter à des repetitions de danse traditionnel ou de la musique ou de la Marionette. Après, vous continuerez à visiter le marché aux oiseaux, le petit atelier de Batik. Batik est une tissue traditionnelle de Yogyakarta. Il est considéré comme la Patrimoine mondiale de l’Humanité de l’Indonésie.
Après midi, Vous allez continuer de visiter le temple de Prambanan. Construit au 9me siècle par le Dynastie Sanjaya, Prambanan est connu comme le plus grand temple Hindou et le plus raffiné de temple de l’Indonésie. Ce temple s’est composé par 340 temples dont les trois temples principaux sont consacrés à la Trinité : Brahma, Wisnu, et Shiva. Sur les murs, scuplté les bas-relief de Ramayana, l’histoire qui se presenté dans le spectacle de Danse et de la Marionette.
JOUR 5: TRANSFER OUT
It's time to say goodbye. Transfer to Tugu Station in Yogyakarta for the next leg of your journey.
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
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