Borneo to Bali

Selamat Datang and welcome to Indonesia! Your Borneo Holidays begins in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and largest city with over 10 million people. This is where the Indonesian archipelago comes to do business and work which creates a wondrous hub of Indonesian culture, community, foods, and customs. You will be met at the airport by your driver and given all the travel tips you need from your expert travel before your transport to your Jakarta hotel. If your flight was early you can explore the streets, cafes, and restaurants or you may prefer to rest up ready for your Borneo adventure tomorrow.

Today you arrive in the port town of Kumai, Kalimantan, the very South of Borneo where you check in to your private cabin on board your klotok, a traditional boat. These romantic riverboats are a speciality of the Southern Borneo jungle and the very best way to explore the Nipah palm mangrove and view wildlife along the Sekonyer River. With tasteful cabins fitted below and a stunning covered viewing deck above, you will relax, breath in the rainforest and enjoy an onboard lunch as Borneo greenery glides by. In the late afternoon, endangered proboscis monkeys and other primates come out to play along the river. You’ll spend an unforgettable night on the boat with dinner provided.

"After breakfast on the top deck, your elegant wooden riverboat turns to travel up river for a beautiful journey over two and a half hours through untouched jungle where a side creek will take you through to Camp Leakey. This research centre for the magnificent orangutan is the best place in the world to view them in their natural rainforest habitat. Once you have taken lunch on the boat enjoy a short jungle trek to spot the large orange primates jumping from tree to tree before heading to a feeding zone where you can watch older orangutans and those needing rehabilitation who come to feast on seasonal fruit. Another beautiful night is spent on-board your klotok with meals included."

"Today your boat takes you gently downstream to Pondok Tanggui. This rehabilitation centre is for orangutans previously living in captivity. You’ll be in time for their 9 am feeding before continuing to Pesalat for a magnificent wildlife trek and demonstration about the important projects taking place for reforestation. Save part of the jungle yourself by planting a seedling by donation to help preserve the jungle of the future. In the afternoon visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Tanjung Harapan for their 3 pm feed as well as venture into a local village to see the native way of life on the border of the national park. Top off the evening with a glide down river to the Nipah palm area to see beautiful fireflies dance when the weather is right. Overnight on the boat with meals provided."

Bid farewell and take some photos of your klotok boat to preserve those fond memories as you dock this morning and head to Yogyakarta. Your Borneo holidays are far from over as you travel to Jakarta then take a connecting flight to Yogyakarta. This incredible city is renowned for Javanese fine art and culture rich in handwoven fabrics, poetry, puppet shows, ballet, and dramas. Your flight will land in the evening where your driver will meet you and transport you to your hotel through a city of bright lights and beautiful buildings.

Today you head out and explore Yogyakarta on a guided City Tour, which includes time at Kraton Palace, the official seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta. Here you will see stunning examples of Javanese architecture, interspersed with hints of Dutch, Portuguese and even Chinese influences since it’s construction in 1756. Explore the Javanese culture centre and royal museum. Cultural performances are held in the main pavilion every morning. Return to the hotel to get some rest before an early morning adventure.

Rise and shine early this morning to witness a magical sunrise over the temples of Borobudur. The early start is well worth it as the sun glimmers on the volcano-studded horizon and gently warms the exquisite bell domes and stone deities creating photogenic silhouettes against the orange sky. With the sun up you can see the temple in its full detail including the tableaus, carving stories of Buddhist reincarnation and sacrifice. In the evening be treated to a mouth-watering local dinner and show with a sunset viewing at Prambanan. Return to stay the night at your Yogyakarta hotel.

Today you check out and fly to Denpasar, Bali, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to Ubud. The spiritual heart of Bali, Ubud is nestled in the jungle mountains and holds a cultural spirit and magic you can’t help but connect with. Time in Bali is truly unique after the islands of Borneo and Java. See Balinese gates and temples as well as the offering temples dotted by roadsides and peaking over the walls of local homes. Long-tailed macaque monkeys play in the trees or cluster at offering sites as you head to your hotel.

After breakfast head to your traditional cooking class in the nearby village of Mas. Start at the local markets to buy fresh ingredients before transferring to drink in the tranquil surrounds, green with both jungle and rice fields. Cook your own lunch under the watchful guidance of your Balinese host who will explain about food, culture and offerings. Your senses will be filled with delicate scents and flavours as you cook and get to a working knowledge of the unique blending process for Bali spices and coffees. After your banquet, you have time to explore the village of Mas and get to know the local monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest where wistful ancient trees spin roots through the canopies and into the river below.

Enjoy your breakfast and that refreshing mountain air before you check out from Ubud. Today you travel to the South coast of Bali. Check in to your hotel in Jimbaran and have the afternoon free to explore the beaches, souvenir shops or delightful local warungs, a small local restaurant, in the area. You might like to take an extra trip to nearby beaches like Balangan for surfing or snorkel the reef. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner right on the sand as you watch the sun go down on Jimbaran’s famous beach. Once the light fades table lamps are lit and stars come out, making this yet another beautiful Indonesian night to remember. Overnight in Jimbaran.

Start with a slow breakfast and soak up the atmosphere during your last day in Indonesia. Treat yourself to a Balinese coffee or buy some to take home to keep the scent and flavour of Indonesia close by after you leave. Your driver will transport you to the airport for your flight. You are conveniently close to the airport so you can relax and put your feet up ahead of your international departure and a hassle-free journey to your departure gate.