In the Heart of Java
Yogyakarta and Immersion in an Authentic Javanese Village
5D4N
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.
ITINERAIRE: AU CŒUR DE JAVA
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN 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.
- Back home, time for a Javanese cooking workshop. Alongside the hostess, you will learn the secrets of local recipes and participate in the preparation of traditional dishes. A convivial moment where simple cooking techniques become a true cultural exchange.
- 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: WALK THROUGH THE RICE FIELDS AND BOROBUDUR
- Dans la matinée, vous partirez à la découverte de l’un des plus grands chefs-d’œuvre de l’Asie du Sud-Est : le temple de Borobudur, le plus grand temple bouddhiste au monde. Situé au cœur d’une vaste plaine fertile et entouré par les majestueux volcans de Java – Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro et Sumbing – ce monument impressionnant se dresse sur une colline comme une immense mandala de pierre. Construit au IXᵉ siècle sous le règne de la dynastie Shailendra, Borobudur est un chef-d’œuvre de l’architecture bouddhiste javanaise. Le temple est composé de neuf niveaux superposés – six terrasses carrées et trois circulaires – couronnés par un grand stupa central. Ses murs sont ornés de 2 672 bas-reliefs finement sculptés et de 504 statues de Bouddha. Sur les terrasses supérieures, 72 stupas ajourés abritent chacun une statue de Bouddha, créant une atmosphère spirituelle unique.
- Borobudur représente la vision cosmique du mandala, symbole du chemin vers l’illumination, et reflète le fascinant mélange des croyances bouddhistes et des traditions spirituelles locales de l’ancienne 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
DAY 4: YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR
- Une journée entière sera consacrée à l’exploration de Yogyakarta, l’une des villes les plus fascinantes et culturelles de Java. Pour vivre cette découverte de manière authentique, vous parcourez la ville à bord d’un becak, le célèbre cyclo pousse traditionnel qui se faufile tranquillement dans les ruelles animées de la cité.
- Votre immersion commencera par la visite du Kraton, le Palais du Sultan, véritable cœur historique et spirituel de Yogyakarta. Plus qu’une simple résidence royale, le Kraton est le gardien des traditions javanaises. En parcourant ses pavillons élégants et ses cours paisibles, vous découvrirez l’histoire de la royauté locale, la philosophie javanaise et l’art raffiné qui caractérise cette culture unique. Chaque jour, entre 10h30 et 11h30, le palais accueille des spectacles traditionnels : danses classiques, théâtre de marionnettes et musique envoûtante du gamelan, offrant un moment privilégié pour ressentir l’âme artistique de Java.
- La découverte se poursuivra avec la visite du musée de la ville, où vous plongerez davantage dans l’histoire et les traditions de la région. En soirée, des spectacles culturels sont également proposés entre 20h00 et 21h30 pour ceux qui souhaitent prolonger cette immersion dans les arts javanais.
- Après ces visites, vous partirez vous promener dans les anciens quartiers de la ville. Ces ruelles vivantes sont l’endroit idéal pour observer le quotidien des habitants. Vous aurez notamment l’occasion de visiter un atelier de batik, cet art textile traditionnel qui fait la fierté de Yogyakarta. Les artisans vous montreront les techniques délicates de teinture à la cire qui ont valu au batik d’être reconnu comme patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité.
- La journée se poursuivra par la découverte de lieux typiques de la vie locale : le marché aux oiseaux et le marché des animaux, des endroits colorés et animés où se mêlent habitants, commerçants et traditions populaires.
- This day in the heart of Yogyakarta will offer you a complete immersion in the soul of Java, between royal heritage, ancestral crafts and vibrant daily life.
- Overnight stay at the Duta Garden Boutique Yogyakarta hotel or another hotel of the same category
JOUR 5 : TRANSFERT OUT
- It's time to say goodbye. Transfer to Tugu Station in Yogyakarta for the next leg of your journey.
The highlights
- Authentic immersion in a Javanese village
- Traditional culinary experience
- Human encounters and cultural exchanges
- Discovering rural life and rice paddies
- Visit to the majestic Borobudur temple (UNESCO)
- Cultural exploration of Yogyakarta by becak
- Royal and artistic heritage of the Kraton
- Discovering the art of batik (UNESCO)
- Local atmosphere of traditional markets
- Charming accommodation and cultural immersion
OUR GUARANTEES
Local Expertise
Tailor-Made Experience
Secure Payment
Responsible Commitment
When to Leave?
The best time to travel is during the following months:
The price starts from X.XXX euros, minimum 4 people in normal season. (Appelez-nouz)
The price is per person, subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This final price may vary depending on several factors (number of participants, holiday period and hotel availability, transport size, guide specifications, and service levels).
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 FloresJourneys 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
