Indonesia Family Gateway

Today you arrive in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel located near the airport.

Day at leisure.

Around 10pm you will be transferred to the airport, to catch your flight to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat.

Note : Your room will be booked till your departure transfer to the airport.

This morning you will take a scheduled flight from Jakarta to Sorong (only one flight per day).

You will be met at Sorong airport by the yacht’s crew and transferred to the harbour, a 20-minute drive. Once you have settled onboard, the yacht will depart Sorong and begin the cruise to the islands of Raja Ampat while you enjoy lunch on deck. If time allows, go snorkelling or try a check dive before you watch the sun go down with a cocktail. Dinner will be served under the stars. **Please see the fact sheets of the yacht under the Documents tab. ** 

This morning, you’ll awake to the sound of tropical birds calling from the jungle. Mioskon Bay is a spectacular spot where you can snorkel in the mangroves, or kayak mirror still waters along the verdant coastline. Famed for its fish-life and coral slopes, the Kri peninsula offers some of the most exquisite underwater vistas in Raja Ampat. Nearby, the island of Mansuar is home to a village where you can head ashore for a glimpse of local culture.

Rise at dawn for the best chance of spotting a rare Red Bird of Paradise. Your cruise director can accompany you on this jungle hike of around 45-minutes to reach the bird-watching platform, where you can keep your eyes and ears open for signs of this elusive bird. After breakfast, take in the statuesque mushroom islands of Kabui Bay, marking the entrance to a narrow channel of water through which strong currents run with each tide, forming a saltwater river with plentiful coral and fish-life.

A cluster of rocky limestone domes makes up the Penemu Islands. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay and a walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a look out with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Nearby lie some of the most celebrated snorkelling and diving sites in the area, where turtles float over intricate coral gardens and Manta rays meet large schools of game fish in nutrient-rich currents.

The Wayag Islands are an interminable green maze that comprise the most visually stunning scene in Raja Ampat. Wayag offers a spectacular backdrop for water sports and beach time. Climb the island peak behind the anchorage for a panoramic view of turquoise waterways through the rock formations or play castaway among the deserted beaches as the sun melts into another Raja Ampat sunset and the chef cooks up a feast.

Here, two islands are connected by a shallow reef, which makes for a wonderful spot for beach combing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The west coast of Wofoh is also home to one of the most beautiful coral walls in the area, plunging into clear blue water depths with a mixture of soft corals, hard corals and barrel sponges. Schooling surgeonfish and barracuda can be spotted here as well as the elusive unicorn fish.

Dampier’s tidal surges carry planktonic feasts that attract Manta rays near Arborek Island. Spend time diving or snorkelling over the sandy bottom and wait for the mantas to pass, swooping past with curious eyes in an elegant underwater ballet. After lunch onboard, head ashore to Arborek village. Communities in Raja Ampat primarily make their living from sustainable fishing and pearling, with around 18 villages in the region, all of which are very small and hospitable.

This morning, the yacht will return to Sorong port. After a final decadent breakfast on deck, your crew will assist you in disembarking the yacht and transfer you back to the airport to catch your scheduled flight to East Java.

Upon arrival in Yogyakarta airport, you will be greeted by your guide, before being transferred to your hotel in Borobudur, approximately a two hours’ drive.

An enchanting hideaway set against the backdrop of lush teak forests and the picturesque Menoreh Hills, Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa transports you to a place of peace and tranquility in the shadow of the magnificent Borobudur Temple. Your traditional Javanese villa is a spacious haven of comfort that comes complete with a private pool and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.  

Enjoy the morning at leisure. 

This afternoon, sit back and relax on a Classic Volkswagen Safari Car as you ride through the surrounding area of Borobudur and local villages. Discover more about life in the countryside and experience the traditional process of creating batik at batik home industry, before witnessing the local honey harvest in action.

Evening, transfer to a restaurant surrounded by the verdant Menoreh Hills for dinner. Mata Langit by Plataran encapsulates the charm and character of the region. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views from the restaurant’s elevated vantage point where the horizon rolls in and out of a rippling spine of six mountains.

Wake up early in the morning and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Heading to Borobudur temple to witness the magical sunrise. Feel the mystical atmosphere when the first rays of the day breach the horizon between the stupas and the morning mist. An archaeologist will follow and guide you trough the temple explaining the architecture of the temple and how it is connected with Buddhism values. This visit is very strong in spiritual experience and history. Transfer back to your resort for breakfast.

Afternoon, take a 45-minute drive north of Borobudur to visit a rural Javanese village. Resting on Gianti hill, Citran village is surrounded by natural rain forests and stunning agricultural scenery. Trek through the verdant jungle, past rice terraces and small streams to the foot of Sumbing Mountain. The walk takes you across varied landscapes with majestic views of mountains and valleys, lush fields backed by coconut trees, village gardens and working plantations of cassava, sweet potato and long beans. 

After breakfast, drive to the south and reach Yogyakarta city, known as the heart of Javanese culture. It is the only monarchy region in Indonesia.

Visit the elegant Kraton Royal Center. Its myriad museums, temples, crafts workshops and markets display the finest court architecture in Java. Then proceed by rickshaw to Taman Sari, the ruins of Water Palace built by 1st Sultan. Meet with the “Abdi Dalem”, the Sultan of Yogyakarta's palace servants. This is a unique way to learn about Yogyakarta"s unique history through their eyes.

Continue to Kali Opak, a local restaurant where you can enjoy a shadow puppet show before a tasty local lunch. Later, visit Prambanan Temple, a magnificent piece of architecture. The sculptures and reliefs on the main Shiva temple are amongst the best examples of Hindu art to be found. 

Today, you will transfer to Yogyakarta International airport for your scheduled flight to Bali.

Upon arrival in Denpasar airport, you will be greeted by your driver and then directly transfer to your resort in Ubud, about one and a half hours’ drive.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Around 4pm, visit the home of a Hindu Shiva community leader. You are invited into the backyard where your hosts maintain an organic garden filled with various types of vegetables, spices and other food crops. Pick some of the ingredients here in preparation for your meal. Head into the kitchen and help the family prepare a healthy Balinese meal that is rich with nutritional herbs. Learn a bit about the Hindu Shiva beliefs as your host shares his spiritual knowledge and advice over dinner.

Explore the traditional villages near Batur Volcano by bike - this easy 25-kilometer (15-mile) ride takes approximately two and a half hours.

Your day starts with  traditional Balinese cakes with tea or coffee at a local home along with gorgeous views of the volcano mountain. Hop on a bike and start cycling through orange plantations, where you can stop to help the farmers in the fields and perhaps taste some fresh fruit from the trees. Pedal past rice fields, a tropical rainforest valley and a river on the way to Sebatu village, home to many local artists including wood carvers, sculptors, musicians and dancers. Pass by Gunung Kawi Temple which is a large compound set within a beautiful landscape with holy water springs altars. Continue to Pejeng Aji village, home to the best Garuda Wisnu wood carvers. Then cycle to Bentuyung village, which was featured in the book Eat Pray and Love. Transfer back to hotel.

In the evening, a welcome dinner is arranged for you at Locavore. Standing out with a contemporary eco-friendly concept, Locavore is Indonesia’s only entry in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. 

This morning, drive to a Holy Water Temple for a special Balinese blessing ceremony*.  Your guide will be with you to explain this first hand experience.  After the purification ritual, enjoy a Balinese vegetarian lunch served at the temple's pavilion. 

( * Please note that you will need a change of clothes or bathing suits when participating in the blessing ceremony. Ceremonial sarongs are provided).

Afternoon at leisure. For the one interested, your guide will take you to explore Ubud’s artistic traditions from wood carving to mask-making and painting. 

Today, you will experience rafting on Bali’s most popular river of Ayung. Ride and paddle on an inflatable raft, navigating through a rushing river an enjoy the challenging rapids along the lush forested stream. The white water rafting at Ayung offers a 10 kilometers route that will need approx 1,5 – 2 hours to meander through. Rafting in Ubud will give you the chance to appreciate nature from a different angle. End in the one of boutique resorts near the river and have a lunch.

Transfer back to hotel, and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day at leisure. 

For the one interested, your guide will take you to explore Ubud’s artistic traditions from wood carving to mask-making and painting. 

Optional: Head out into the countryside of Ubud to experience traditional lifestyles in remote rural communities. Walk through rice fields, wander along village roads and meet some of the craftsmen who share their skills and welcome you to their homes. Learn about Bali's complex Subak irrigation system and Hindu culture along the way.

Experience a memorable Balinese evening at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah with dinner and live entertainment. Watch the interesting Kecak traditional dance performed by a local dance troupe, followed by a Royal Balinese dinner after the show.

Today you will be transferred to the southwest coast of the island for some beach time (approx. 1.5 hours drive).

Situated  in the heart of Seminyak, Des Indes Villas are two peaceful sanctuaries just minutes from Petitenget Beach and some of Bali’s best beach clubs, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs. Together they offer 9-bedrooms, plus three swimming pools and multiple indoor and outdoor living and dining areas for socialising and enjoying quiet moments. ** Please see the fact sheets on each villa under the Documents tab.  ** 

Many attractions are within easy walking distance to the estate, but if transport is required, your villa manager will happily call one of the island’s safe and reasonably priced taxis, or organize the hire of a car and driver.

Today you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home.