Indonesia In Depth

Handcrafted Travel
Daily Departure

Overview

Day 1 - 3: Yogyakarta - Borobudur
  • Arrive in Yogyakarta. Explore the city of Yogyakarta. Discover the famous Borobudur temple.
Day 4 - 5: Surabaya - Supakura
  • Ride the train to Surabaya. Transfer to Supakura.
  • Explore the scenery around Bromo Volcano. Hike up to the top for the incredible views.
Day 6 - 10: Bali - Ubud - Sanur
  • Fly to Bali then drive to Ubud. Cycle around Ubud and visit Elephant Safari Park.
  • Sightsee the central and southern parts of Bali. Relax on the idyllic beach in Sanur.
Day 11 - 16: Labuan Bajo - Komodo Island - Jimbaran - Departure
  • Take the flight to Labuan Bajo. Visit Padar Island, Komodo Island.
  • Head to Jimbaran. Board the departure flight from Bali’s airport.

Customizable itinerary

If you wish to travel and discover Indonesia in-depth, this tour is the one that you should never miss! The 16-day adventure starts from Yogyakarta – the cultural centre of the country, with visits to the World Heritage Site Borobudur and other famous landmarks of the city. You will then travel to Sukapura and trek up the sacred Mount Bromo for a gorgeous sunrise the next day. In Bali, there is a variety of exciting activities to try out – visit the sacred temples and scenic rice terraces, the Elephant Nature Park and experience white-water rafting. Enjoy a beach-break in Sanur before heading to Labuan Bajo. Here you will have the chance to see the famous Komodo dragons and go snorkeling to admire the wonderful marine life. Jimbaran – a well-known coastal town will be the last destination, where you will have not only pristine beaches but also fresh and delicious seafood – a perfect closure for this unforgettable trip!

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, our guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel – check-in and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.

Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th centuries and the new powerful Mataram kingdom. It is one of the foremost cultural centers in Indonesia. There is an abundance of activities to do in Yogyakarta, from strolling through the living museum of The Kraton, hanging out at the famous Alun Alun, to watching silversmiths produce amazing jewelry at Kotagede and trying a splurge shopping up at Malioboro road.

Let’s explore the iconic sights and sounds of Yogyakarta. The city calls itself the vanguard of Javanese culture. The venerable Sultan’s palace is the centerpiece of the city and is treated with respect by the people of Yogya. Surrounded by white-clad houses and quiet lanes, you’ll see that there is hardly any traffic in this part of town, where the becaks rule!

After a visit to Bringharjo traditional market, we will walk to The Fort Vredeburg museum, built in 1760 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono 1. Continue passing by some colonial buildings and visit Sonobudoyo Museum. We will end the morning’s trip at Taman Sari (as it is called by the locals), which is the former pleasure dome of the Sultans, featuring well-restored subterranean passageways, secret chambers and frivolous ponds.

For lunch, you will indulge in a selection of Javanese delicacies. A visit to the splendid temple complex of Prambanan, a short drive east of the city centre, is the main afternoon program. Comprising more than 200 large and smaller buildings, this place is a permanent reminder of Java’s Hindu past.

Note: All museums are closed on Monday.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Today you will have ample time to discover the mystery and history of the world-famous Borobudur temple, one of the biggest and most impressive Buddhist monuments ever erected by mankind. The prominent construction enjoys the splendid background of Menoreh mountain range. Originally there were seven statues here; those that remain are the great three-meter Buddha, who, unusually, sits on a throne with his legs in front of him rather than in the lotus position, flanked by the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani.

Next, we will explore the village of Candirejo. This local community, set in an authentic Javanese village, is the expert in preserving traditional farming methods. A tour along its lanes by ‘delman’, a traditional Javanese horse-drawn carriage, will provide an insight into the daily life of the Javanese farmer.

Afterward, we will return to Yogyakarta. The evening will be at your leisure.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Today you will experience one of the highlights of your trip with an authentic train journey through Central Java. Enjoy the most beautiful rice paddies, stunning valleys and picturesque villages pass the eye as your train heads further into Central Java.

In the afternoon, you will reach Surabaya, where a car will take you to Sukapura, which nestles against the mighty slope of Gunung Bromo. En route there will be plenty of stops for you to marvel at the sights on dormant volcanoes, picturesque Javanese villages, old sultanate towns and the street sights with thousands of vehicles and people, moving goods to seemingly all directions at the same time!

Arriving in the late afternoon and rest of the evening free, preparing for a nightly excursion you will never forget.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

In the early morning, we will start our trip to sacred Mount Bromo. After a short jeep ride, we will reach Penanjakan point to enjoy the glorious sunrise. Later, we will drive to the huge caldera and take you across a wide-open terrain on horseback to reach the inner sanctum. Follow the trail up to the top of the active Bromo volcano and marvel at the incredible view from here.

Return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterward, transfer back to Surabaya, the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Transfer to Surabaya Airport to catch your flight to Bali in the morning.

Upon arrival, we will take you straight to the heart of Bali. For many centuries, the rulers of the powerful kingdom of Ubud were patrons of the arts. In the early 20th century, European painters successfully fused tradition with western concepts, laying the groundwork for an art direction that flourish up to this day and age!

The rest of the day you will be free to do some exploration in the area.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Today you will have the best of culture and nature in a day. First, you will attend a playful introduction to the Balinese philosophy. The gracious Barong dance in Batubulan, performed by professional actors and dancers. Proceed to the rightfully famous woodcarving center of Mas. Young artisans with amazing skills emblaze tropical woods with life.

Then we will drive further to the east and enjoy the breathtaking view over the volcano and the Lake Batur, while having lunch in Penelokan, Kintamani. This is the largest lake in Bali and can be found in the smaller, secondary caldera of the Batur volcano, right at the foot of Mount Abang.

We will make the final stop at Tegalalang rice terraces for you to enjoy its stunning view before heading back to your hotel in Ubud.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Today’s itinerary will be packed with exciting adventures. Start the trip with the incredible view of Mount Batur Volcano, cycle your way through some of the island’s most beautiful scenery, the trail will then lead you to the Elephant Safari Park. Here your own elephant will be waiting to take you on a 35-minute safari walk through the Taro forest. Feel free to interact with these gentle giants.

Later, we will have time to experience white-water rafting on the Ayung River. Here you will travel through the exotic landscape down 27 sets of class II-III rapids for approximately 1.5 hrs.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

We will explore the central part of Bali in the morning, start from the beautiful area of terraced rice paddies nestling in the shadow of Mount Batukaru. This is the second-highest peak of Bali and also one of the holiest. In 2007 this area was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Later, you will visit Tanah Lot, one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Bali. The temple was built to commemorate the spread of Hinduism from Java to Bali centuries ago. Sitting on an eroded rocky outcrop between the sea and the beach, it is an admirable sight, especially during sunset.

Afterward, return to your hotel in Sanur, and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)


You can spend the day enjoying the resort’s facilities or doing some self-exploration in the area.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)


You will have a free morning until it’s time to meet your guide for transfer service to Denpasar airport to fly to Flores.

On arrival at Komodo Airport Labuan Bajo, our representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Labuan Bajo was once a small fishing town that today has flourished to become the gateway to the exotic destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Early morning,  we will get on board for Padar Island to see the beautiful panoramic when the sun is rising. Padar island is popular for its magnificent landscape with its clear sky, white sand beaches, and nearby attractions from the top of the hills.

Back to the boat for breakfast, then we will continue to cruise to Komodo Island. Upon arrival, we will walk for about 1.5 miles to Banugulung to see the activities of the giant Komodo Dragons. The dragons can grow up to 3m long and 150 kg in weight. The total number of these lizards is estimated at 3.500 – 5.000 inhabited in Komodo, Padar and Rinca Island.

We will then go back to the boat and head to Pink Beach to take an opportunity to swim or snorkel on the beautiful beaches Pantai Merah (Pink Beach), which is also one of the best spots for observing underwater life and corals in Indonesia. Afterward, you will return to Labuan Bajo.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Enjoy morning breakfast and day at your leisure at the resort or self-exploration around the beautiful surrounding.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Enjoy another free day at the resort or you can opt for some self-exploration of the beautiful surrounding.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Enjoy the day at your leisure before you are picked up for your departure transfer back to the airport.

Upon arrival in Bali, you will stay at your hotel in Jimbaran. This charming fishing village has changed into a pleasant and peaceful little resort in recent years with one of the best beaches in Bali.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out and your private driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Useful Information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements.

What’s Included?

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  • Train ticket from Yogyakarta to Surabaya – Executive Class
  • Domestic flight Surabaya SUB to DPS Bali on economy class by Garuda Indonesia
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Day excursions to Komodo Island on open-deck boat
  • Jeep during Mt. Bromo Sunrise Trip
  • Combination Cycling and Rafting Trip

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  • Private Vehicles and Drivers
  • Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes

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What’s Not Included?

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  • Your International Flights to and from Bali and domestic flights Bali – Labuan Bajo
  • Indonesia entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
  • Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Any bank fees or charges at your end

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  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Other services not mentioned in the program

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Request this tour

Free service. No credit card required

Reviews on Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

Excellent
4.9/5
5 97.66%
4 2.13%
3 0.21%
2 0%
1 0%

Vietnam Luxury Vacation Review: Sightseeing, Culture, 12-Day Travel

Asia Pioneer Travel was professional, provided prompt communication before and during our trip, and offered an itinerary custom to our wish list and timeline.

They helped us focus on highlights of areas which we would have spent considerable time researching and organizing without their help. Their attention to detail in information shared ahead of time, as well as step by step planning of transportation, meals, lodging, and sightseeing options offered a stress-free vacation- optimizing our time and energy on experiencing everything beautiful Vietnam has to offer!
The landscape, scenery, and customs of Vietnam are stunning and diverse. Each area we visited offered its own unique beauty. Absolutely amazing!!!
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Rachel Faust - USA
Mar 8, 2023
From: 5

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing, Rice Fields, Boat Rides, 18-Day Trip

We started searching for our tour for Vietnam / Cambodia back in October 2022 to start the tour in the first week of January 2023. We selected this travel agency, and contact name provided to us was Elly. She was extraordinary with her communication with us. Excellent English speaking language capability & excellent in communication on Whats app and email communication. We went back & forth few times to arrange the tour we wanted. She was very accommodating in arranging our schedule. We requested automobile tour for both countries, just for two of us.

We requested SUV FOR OUR COMFORT AND  WE GOT IT!
We requested to get the high end hotel in each city and she gave us choices and not only that but send videos of each hotel for each City and then waited for us to decide which hotel we select. All the Hotels turned out to be one of the best we would expect to be. M/s Elly, personally came to visit with us on the evening of our first day tour. Very respectful and asked if she could do anything for us.I had requested before in our communication, if she would arrange for power converter for us, since my camera chargers are all in 110. So brought two power converters for us! Something, not everyone will do this kind of service. So all the kiddos to her!

as to the drivers in each city were very courteous, very professional and very careful in how and where they have to do driving.

our Guides in each city were so friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in where ever we visited. How ever wish two guides in Hue An and Ho Chi Minh City spoke English more clearly.

We only wish we had one extra day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, , however, there is so much to see in the world! Perhaps next time will visit Vietnam.

As to Cambodia, same thing to express about site seeing and our Guide and drivers. Guides and drivers really made our travel thro’ the countries where we do not speak that language, made it so comfortable and enjoyable.

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Sudhir D - USA
Mar 3, 2023

Outstanding!

Hi Lam…hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. My wife Barb  & I (Paul) have just arrived home after completing a great tour of Vietnam which was organised through your company Asia Pioneer Travel.

We want to tell you personally how impressed were were with the level of service that we received…it was amazing and the best that we have experienced anywhere. After we made initial contact with you, you handed us over to Chloe to arrange the trip which she did in very quick time and the amount of detail that she went to was fantastic. From the moment that we walked out of Hanoi airport on arrival to see our guide waiting, we knew that we were in for a great trip. The drivers & guides were fantastic and Chloe was in contact by email constantly making sure that everything was going to plan & that we were happy. At one stage we need to vary the itinerary by extending accommodation & changing air tickets and Chloe did that without any fuss or bother.

We also met some wonderful Vietnamese people along the way and Ive got to say that they are our kind of people, very generous & friendly.

Enough of my ramblings, thanks for a great visit to Vietnam, and a special thank you to Chloe for looking after us in such a terrific manner…she is a very special caring lady.

Kind regards & I hope that we have the opportunity to use Asia Pioneer Travel again….Paul & Barb Little from Newcastle Australia

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Paul & Barb Little - Australia
Mar 2, 2023

Superbly organised and very flexible

We travelled to Vietnam for two weeks, booking the whole trip through Lizzie at Asia Pioneer, including hotels, excursions, trips, guides and internal flights. Lizzie was so helpful and flexible, accommodating changes to our schedule until the last minute, especially as we missed our connecting flight in Dubai and arrived a day later than planned (our fault). Nothing was too much trouble, including getting my wallet back to me after I left it in the car taking us to the airport.

We started in Hanoi in the North and worked our way south to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), taking in Ha Long with its amazing sea stacks and sleeping on a boat, then to Sa Pa on the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, with its wonderful countryside and rice terraces. Afterwards, we went to Hoi An for three days of relaxation. Hoi An probably my favourite place and three days are enough to cover it. Then onto Hue, the original capital, my least favourite place and then finally on to HMC, which was a real contrast to the North.

The 3-star hotels that Lizzie picked were very good and comfortable, and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would definitely use Asia Pioneer again for future Asia trips.

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Alex Miller - United Kingdom
Mar 1, 2023