Authentic Trip to Borneo and Java
16 Days 15 Nights
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.
ITINERARY: AUTHENTIC JOURNEY
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.
- Night at Karibia Boutique / Hermes Palace / Similar 4****
DAY 2: FLIGHT JAKARTA – PANGKALAN BUN – KUMAI – CAMP TANJUNG HARAPAN
- 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. You will also see 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 welcomed with a traditional ceremony known as "Garung Pantan," a customary Dayak greeting. You will then head to the village to discover the local way of life: learning to prepare rice cooked in bamboo, observing traditional basket-weaving techniques, and experiencing 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.
- Dans l’après-midi, retour au village avec une visite à la maison longue traditionnelle (long – house) de Kudangan, suivie d’une balade dans le village pour découvrir la mode de vie et les coutumes locales.
- 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 Madakaripura Waterfall. The murmuring river and the streams of water cascading down the lush green cliff face 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 back 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)
- Set off early in the morning for a hike up Mount Kawah Ijen. Depart before dawn for an unforgettable ascent of this majestic volcano. At daybreak, take in the breathtaking panorama: the shifting colors of the landscape, the spectacular mountains, and the vast turquoise crater lake—renowned as the largest acidic lake in the world. Every day, local miners carry baskets of sulfur weighing between 60 and 125 kilograms—an impressive display of human endurance and strength. Depart by car at 2:00 AM for Paltuding (at an altitude of 1,800 meters) to enjoy a stunning view of the lake at sunrise. After a 1.5-hour hike, you will reach the summit of Kawah Ijen at an altitude of 2,386 meters.
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
- After an early start, we set off by car at 5:30 AM to discover two gems nestled in the jungle of East Java. The first is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, one of the island's most famous waterfalls due to its breathtaking beauty. Standing approximately 120 meters tall, its multi-tiered structure—with several streams cascading simultaneously into the valley below—makes for a spectacular sight!
- 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 stands as a vibrant symbol of the city’s rich cultural fusion. Built during the Dutch colonial era, this historic market blends Javanese and Chinese influences—evident in both its architecture and the bustling activity that fills its aisles. More than just a market, Pasar Gede offers a sensory journey where tradition comes alive through colors, aromas, and warm human interactions.
- 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 €10 to €20 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 €10 to €20 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 be in regular contact with local people.
Learn a few simple words in Indonesian like "Terima kasih" (thank you),
"Selamat pagi" (hello) or "Permisi" (excuse me) is always very much 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 sea excursions. - 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 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
