Today your journey begins: you fly overnight to Yogyakarta.

Welcome to Java! On arrival in Yogyakarta your tour guide meets you, and together with your fellow travellers you head to the hotel. Settle in at your leisure and enjoy the tropical climate. 3 nights in Yogyakarta. (Distance: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel is located in Yogyakarta’s Prawirotaman arts and culture district and combines modern facilities with Dutch colonial architecture. Its 94 rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV and minibar.

By cycle rickshaw you explore Yogyakarta right in the middle of the city’s bustle. Via Alun-Alun Kidul you reach the Taman Sari water castle, where the royal family once spent their leisure time, and continue to the Sultan’s Palace, the Kraton. At the Sonobudoyo Museum you learn about Javanese culture and history through artworks and sculptures. You then stroll along busy Malioboro Road, where you can have a light lunch. In a batik workshop you try out one of Indonesia’s classic crafts yourself – don’t worry, the basics are quickly learned. To finish, you visit Prambanan (UNESCO World Heritage), also called Rara Jonggrang, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex from the 9th century and one of the most beautiful temples in South-East Asia. (B/L)

Today focuses on religious sites. The Buddhist temple of Borobudur, from the 8th and 9th centuries, is built on three levels: a pyramid-shaped base with five square terraces, three circular platforms and a monumental stupa on top. Fine reliefs cover an area of around 2,500 m², and on the circular platforms stand 72 latticed stupas containing Buddha statues. The complex was restored in the 1970s and 1980s. Please note that the temple cannot be climbed for conservation reasons. In the village of Candirejo you enjoy a traditional lunch in a relaxed atmosphere before returning to the hotel for a break. In the evening you explore Yogyakarta’s street food on a culinary tour and try delicacies such as satay, local pancakes or fried dumplings. (B)

After breakfast you are taken to Tugu station and travel by train to Mojokerto in around 4.5 hours – time to chat with your fellow travellers or watch the scenery go by. From Mojokerto you continue by minibus to Malang, where you can settle in at your leisure. 1 night in Malang. (B) (Distance: approx. 350 km; travel time: approx. 7 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Hotel Tugu Malang is in the heart of the old town, overlooking the park with its lotus pond and the Tugu monument to Indonesia’s struggle for independence. It is considered one of the finest hotels in Java and is full of art and antiques.

In the morning you explore Malang with its Dutch colonial buildings, colourful markets and Alun-Alun square with its lotus pond. The colourful Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan quarter was created through a social project and warmly welcomes visitors. You then take a jeep along partly bumpy roads into Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. At the Pelangi waterfall you take a hike of about half an hour, then cross a savannah-like plain, where you enjoy a picnic on blankets with local treats such as jajan pasar made from rice flour, sticky rice and palm sugar. Through the Sea of Sand, whose colours shift from green to deep black, you reach the village of Cemoro Lawang and end the day with dinner together at the hotel. 1 night at Bromo. (B/P/D) (Distance: approx. 115 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The simple Lava View Lodge lies right at Bromo, surrounded by one of Indonesia’s most impressive volcanic landscapes; from the terrace you look out over the mountain and the volcanic plain. The restaurant serves Indonesian dishes; the rooms are simply furnished.

In the middle of the night you drive to a viewpoint in the Pasir Berbisik Sea of Sand and watch the first rays of sunshine bathe the volcanic landscape in warm orange-red light. You then climb a strenuous path and steep steps to the crater rim of Bromo – with views of the moon-like crater landscape and the surrounding volcanic cones. The hike depends on volcanic activity and religious ceremonies and may be cancelled at short notice; you then enjoy the sunrise from a viewpoint. Breakfast follows at the hotel. On winding roads past small villages you reach the vibrant city of Surabaya in the afternoon. On a city walk you see the Submarine Monument, which honours the Indonesian navy, the Ampel Mosque, an important religious centre, and the Arab Quarter with its markets, alleys and blend of Arab and Javanese influences. 1 night in Surabaya. (B) (Distance: approx. 125 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The elegant Hotel Majapahit is located in the centre of Surabaya, just a few minutes from many sights, with a large garden, pool, spa and fitness centre. The large, elegantly furnished rooms are well equipped; Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

In the morning you fly from Java to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province – with untouched beaches, turquoise water and living traditions. A highlight of the area is the Batu Cermin mirror stone cave: shiny limestone formations catch the light and create a mirror-like sparkle; bats often live at the entrance. You then check into your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at sunset for a cool aperitif overlooking the lagoon, before dinner is served. 3 nights in Labuan Bajo. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 40 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Puri Sari Beach Hotel lies around 2 km from the centre of Labuan Bajo, just a few metres from Pede Beach, with a pool in a tropical garden and a restaurant right on the beach – ideal for the sunset. The warmly furnished rooms have a balcony or terrace.

Today you explore Komodo National Park (UNESCO World Natural Heritage), founded in 1980 and often called the “Galápagos of Indonesia”, on your own speedboat – home of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. The order may vary depending on regulations and weather. On Komodo Island you walk through the landscape with your tour guide and a park ranger and learn about the flora and fauna. At Pink Beach with its rosy sand and at the Taka Makassar sandbank you snorkel in the colourful underwater world. At Manta Point, with a bit of luck, you can swim with manta rays. In between there is a picnic with a lunch box and a cool drink (also possible on the second day), and to finish you snorkel among the corals of Kanawa Island. In the early evening you return to Labuan Bajo and enjoy a classic fish barbecue together at the night market. (B/P/D)

Today again you head out on your own speedboat to the jewels of the park (order depending on regulations and weather). On Padar Island you climb a steep staircase – all the way or halfway – and look out over bays with white, almost black and pale pink beaches. On Rinca, the park’s second-largest island, you hike for about one to one and a half hours with your tour guide and a park ranger and watch Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. On Manjarite, one of the few inhabited islands, you can relax on the beach or snorkel; after lunch from the lunch box, Kelor Island with its white sand and green hills invites you to a final beach and snorkelling stop. In the evening you meet for dinner together in Labuan Bajo. (B/D)

In the morning you fly to Bali in about an hour. Your new driver takes you past rice fields, temples and craft villages to the green oasis of Ubud – you will quickly notice that Bali has a character all its own. The evening is yours. 3 nights in Ubud. (B) (Distance: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Kajane Yangloni is quietly located among rice fields and tropical nature, just a few minutes from the centre of Ubud. The spacious Balinese-style villas have private pools and terraces. There is a restaurant with Balinese and international cuisine, a spa, an outdoor pool, a garden and yoga classes.

Today is all about encounters. In the village of Kenderan you take a walk of about two hours through terraced rice fields. You then visit the village temple – every village in Bali has its own – and learn about the importance of Hinduism in Bali. At a hidden waterfall in the jungle you enjoy the sound of the water (swimming is not possible here). For lunch you are the guest of a family in a traditional home and chat with your hosts about daily life and cuisine. The afternoon is yours. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

You can spend today as you wish. Alternatively you can take an excursion into the highlands (optional, bookable locally): to the Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO World Heritage), where you learn about the traditional subak irrigation system on foot – “Jatiluwih” means “truly beautiful” – and to Ulun Danu temple on Lake Bratan, followed by a boat trip on the lake. (B)

On the way to the coast you hike to the Tibumana waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool. The Goa Rang Reng waterfall lies mysteriously in the jungle and is reached via steep steps; you can relax in its grotto. Finally the Kanto Lampo waterfall awaits, whose clear water flows over terraced rocks. For lunch you are the guest of a family in a nearby village. You then drive to Benoa near Nusa Dua; the rest of the day is yours. 3 nights in Benoa. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 50 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Novotel Bali Benoa lies right on the beach at Tanjung Benoa near Nusa Dua, surrounded by extensive gardens – ideal for relaxing beach days.

Today you can relax completely or explore the area on your own – walk on the beach, swim in the sea, try water sports or stroll through small streets with local shops and beach restaurants. Your tour guide will be happy to give you tips. (B)

Today again you decide between relaxing and last explorations – the day is long enough for both. Look back on the past two weeks and enjoy the last sunset on the beach. (B)

Today it’s time to say goodbye: you are taken to the airport in good time and fly home with lots of memories. (B) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 30 mins)

Today you land back home.