In Search of Orangutans: Sumatra, Java & Bali

Day 1 - Welcome to Sumatra!

Welcome to Medan- the capital of North Sumatra!

Upon arrival at Kualanamu Airport, your driver/guide will be waiting in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to the Bukit Lawang region.

Bukit Lawang is a small village on the banks of the Bahorok River in North Sumatra, known for Indonesia’s largest sanctuary of Sumatran orangutans. It is also the main crossing point to the Gunung Leuser National Park from the east side of the river.

Day 2 - Jungle trek in Bukit Lawang

Today you will embark on your first adventure tour, exploring the trekking trails in Gunung Leuser National Park. You’ll navigate the lush landscape of the Sumatran rainforest, experiencing a challenging but rewarding jungle adventure. Wild and semi-wild orangutans may cross your path.

In addition to the orangutans, you might encounter other wildlife on your trek, including gibbons, Thomas-leaf monkeys, flying squirrels, monitor lizards, great argus pheasants, and various unique insects.

Day 3 - Bukit Lawang - Berastagi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Berastagi, passing through coconut oil and rubber plantations along the way. At an altitude of 1,300 meters, Berastagi has a pleasantly cool climate and is famous for its vegetables and fruits, particularly the Marquisa passion fruit. This is the perfect place to try some of these exotic delicacies.

Day 4 - Climbing Sibayak Volcano - Lake Toba

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Samosir, Toba.

En route, you will climb Mount Sibayak, a 2,172-meter-high stratovolcano overlooking Berastagi. The walk starts on a road through lush green forest, where you might hear black siamangs and gibbons in the morning. The trail then narrows and becomes rocky, surrounded by mountain vegetation. At the crater, you’ll see sulfur billowing from vents—a truly awe-inspiring sight!

After the tour, you will be directly transferred to Samosir. It is a large volcanic island in Lake Toba, located in the north of Sumatra. Samosir is the heart of the Toba Batak culture, and a visit to Lake Toba is not complete without staying on Samosir with its many traditional villages along the shoreline.

Day 5 - Toba Lake

At leisure.

Optional tour: Boat trip to Sigapiton Village

Embark on an exciting boat ride to explore the hidden gems of Samosir Island in Lake Toba. Your first stop is the charming village of Sigapiton, where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the friendly locals and learn about their unique way of living. Next, head to the breathtaking Binangalom waterfall, enjoy a delicious lunch served on the boat as you soak in the stunning scenery. Afterward, visit the historic village of Tomok to discover the ancient tomb of the legendary King Sidabutar, the first settler of Samosir. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Day 6 - Samosir/ Lake Toba

Day 7 - Samosir/ Lake Toba – Yogyakarta

After breakfast you will be transferred to Silangit Airport, Medan to catch your onward flight for Yogyakarta (YIA) Airport.

Upon arrival in Yogyakarta International Airport your driver will transfer you directly to the hotel.

Day 8 - Yogyakarta

Visit Borobudur with a guide, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and the largest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere, predates Angkor Wat by 300 years. Rediscovered in 1815, it offers fascinating stone relief panels depicting Buddhist doctrine and Javanese life 1,000 years ago. Perched on a hilltop, it overlooks lush green fields and distant mountains.

When you arrive in Candirejo Village, you will be welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. You will enjoy:

• Riding through rural lanes and plantations
• Observing locals harvesting and drying chili (seasonal), making cassava crackers, and crafting items from bamboo and pandanus
• Visiting a local house to watch traditional Gamelan music performances and even joining in
• Enjoying a delicious Javanese meal at a community-funded Pavilion House (Pendopo Rumah)

Day 9 - Yogyakarta

At leisure.

Optional Bike Trip with visit at Prambanan Temple:

Cycling through villages and rice fields, your guide will show you several different cottage industries that can be found here. Tofu, tempe, krupuk, cassava, and even bricks, are all processed here in small-scale, family-owned businesses. 

Embark on a captivating journey to Prambanan Temple, a mesmerizing Hindu marvel just an hour from downtown Yogyakarta. As the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Prambanan showcases ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion with intricate reliefs narrating the Ramayana. Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, its three main temples, including a 47-meter-high structure, stand alongside over 220 smaller restored temples, each with unique historical significance.

Day 10 - City Tour - Yogyakarta

Exploring Yogyakarta by becak (pedicab) is a unique way to soak up the lively atmosphere of this diverse city. Start with a visit to the walled Kraton palace complex in the old quarter, once the palace of Yogyakarta’s sultans. You will also visit Taman Sari water palace, a former leisure haven for the sultans. Then, you will head to a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) and batik factory to see how these arts and crafts are made.

Day 11 - Yogyakarta – Bromo

We will take a train from Yogyakarta – Mojokerto. This is a great way to see a lot of the countryside and to get in touch with the local people.

Upon arrival at the Mojokerto Station, your driver/guide will be waiting in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it and then will take you to the Bromo Region.

Day 12 - Bromo

After an early morning wake-up, you begin your journey by jeep to sacred Mount Bromo, an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif in East Java. After a steep drive, you will stop at Penanjakan viewpoint to witness a glorious sunrise. As the first rays of dawn appear, you will realize the splendor of the scene before you – a spectacular panorama featuring the highest mountain tops of Java. Next, you will head to the vast Bromo caldera and cross a wide, open terrain to reach its center.  After your adventure, you will be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.

Day 13 - Bromo – Ijen

Day 14 - Ijen

Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the surroundings and taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day 15 - Ijen – Pemuteran

Embark on an unforgettable trek up the slopes of the majestic Ijen Crater. Experience the captivating natural beauty, refreshing mountain breezes, and shaded pathways as you ascend. Upon reaching the crater’s crest at 2883 meters, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the mesmerizing sulfur lake. This journey offers not just a physical challenge but a visual feast that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the chance to witness this unparalleled spectacle!

Then, you will be transferred to West Bali by Ferry. Pemuteran is the ideal spot to relax, escape the crowds, with great snorkeling and diving spots.

Day 16 - Pemuteran

Snorkeling Menjangan

The starting point of this snorkeling adventure is in the Pemuteran province in the north of Bali, where you take a boat to Menjangan Island. Snorkeling in this part of Bali is unique – a truly magical experience that cannot be easily described. Many of the snorkeling sites off Menjangan Island, located within Menjangan Marine National Park have an abundance of colorful marine life which can be easily explored and appreciated in only a few meters of water. A picnic lunch is included and snorkeling equipment is provided. After snorkeling, you will return to Pemuteran by boat and then the driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 17 - Pemuteran – Ubud

Today, you’ll be transferred to Ubud, Bali’s artistic and cultural hub, surrounded by inspiring rural landscapes. It’s a great place for shopping in small shops and galleries for unique mementos. Explore Balinese art at local museums and enjoy cultural events like ceremonies and dances. Ubud boasts many excellent restaurants offering both Balinese and European cuisine.

En route, visit Munduk Waterfall, a remote village with cool mountain air. Continue to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a significant water temple on Beratan Lake. Then, you will head to Jatiluwih village known for its stunning rice terraces, managed by the traditional subak irrigation system, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.

Day 18 - Ubud

At leisure.

Optional Morning Cooking Class at Dewa Jero

Enjoy an exclusive cultural experience as the honored guests of Dewa and Jero, along with their extended family, in the village of Keliki. An artist village is nestled in the terraced foothills just north of Ubud, Bali. Dewa as a tour guide, is passionate about sharing the rich culture of Bali, focusing on how local beliefs promote a harmonious lifestyle in both body and spirit.

Day 19 - Ubud – Sanur

Meet your driver/guide at the lobby. Today you will be transferred to Sanur. It is a charming coastal town located on the southeastern coast of Bali. The town boasts a long stretch of golden sandy beach with shallow waters. Sanur is also famous for its sunrise views over the ocean, and the beachfront pathway is perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides.

Your guide will take you via Tirta Empul, an important temple complex with a holy mountain spring in central Bali. Locals come to purify themselves in the holy water, believed to have curative powers.

Next, you will visit Gunung Kawi Temple, one of Bali’s oldest temples and an archaeological site with ancient shrine reliefs carved into a rock cliff.

Then, you will admire the stunning rice terraces near Tegalalang village, a famous tourist attraction known for its verdant scenery.

Day 20 - Sanur

Spend your day at leisure, discovering the charms of Sanur.

Day 21 - Departure from Bali

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your onward flight back home. Your driver will be waiting for you at the hotel.

“Selamat Jalan” Have a good journey!