Java-Centre Essential
Active volcanoes to thousand-year-old temples, Central Java reveals the cultural soul of Indonesia
Duration
11 days
From
€875/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior, groupe, Family
The spirit of travel
Cradle of local Hindu-Buddhist culture, you will be amazed by the diversity offered by Central Java region.
Departing from Yogyakarta, the royal city, you will explore the essentials while first admiring the famous sites of Prambanan and Borobudur. Then, in Surakarta (affectionately nicknamed "Solo"), you will study in particular the art of batik. And you will end your tour with the wild beaches to the south, before reaching the provincial capital, Semarang, in the north of the island.
This tour is actually a clever blend of culture and nature, which will let you appreciate an authentic region of Java, preserved from mass tourism.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and free day in Yogyakarta
Welcome at Yogyakarta airport by your guide and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Urban getaway
The morning is dedicated to visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, and particularly the surroundings of the Sultan's Palace built in 1756, where life is pleasant. Your city tour takes you to Taman Sari, known during the Dutch colonial empire as the "Water Palace", then to puppet and batik workshops.
After a short ride in a becak (small local rickshaw), you can take the opportunity to stroll along the famous Malioboro avenue, often compared to the "Champs-Élysées", to soak up the atmosphere and do some shopping.
The rest of the afternoon is free.
Visit to Prambanan Temple
The day is dedicated to cultural discovery of the surroundings of Yogyakarta, notably with the visit of Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple in Indonésie, and its region known as the "thousand temples". You begin your day with a visit to Plaosan temple, neighboring Prambanan which you also visit.
In the afternoon you explore the surrounding hills that overlook the city of Yogyakarta. You then make a stop at the temples of Candi Ijo and Ratu-Boko, from where the sunset is splendid.
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Slopes of Mount Merapi
Early in the morning, head to the slopes of Merapi to explore the village of Kina Rejo, located on the south-southeast slopes of the volcano, and witness its devastating effects. This village, destroyed during the 2010 eruption, was known for its famous "guardian of the keys," Mbah Marijan, that is to say the representative of the Sultan with the God Brama who "lives" in the mouth of the crater.
You then embark on a walk to observe the old lava flows and discover a landscape where nature has since reclaimed its rights.
Afternoon transfer to Surakarta (Solo).
Night at the hotel.
On the slopes of Mount Lawu
Early in the morning, discovery of the slopes of another volcano: Mount Lawu. This is an opportunity to explore two ancient Hindu temples perched on the slopes of the volcano: Ceto and Sukuh. They are the rare vestiges of the architectural style of the ancient Majapahit kingdom. These pyramids, which some compare to those of South America, were places where ancestor worship was venerated and where fertility rites were practiced. These rites are strongly illustrated at the Temple of Sukuh which presents original iconography, such as phallic figures and large turtle-shaped tables, which would reveal the existence of initiatory, even orgiastic rituals.
Then we begin a walk towards the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of Lawu volcano. This walk is an opportunity to discover certain plant species present in this region but also to admire superb panoramas of the pine forest and surrounding high-altitude plantations. We will end our walk with a crossing of Tawangmangu park. Our first steps in the park lead us to a superb waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys.
4 hours of hiking – Elevation gain: 400m / Elevation loss: 300m.
Return to Solo, and night in the same hotel
Fossils and Mud Volcanoes
You start the day by discovering the archaeological site of Sangiran, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where "Java Man" (Pithecanthropus Erectus, now classified as Homo Erectus) was discovered in 1934. You visit the site museum to learn more about one of the key sites for understanding human evolution.
Further on, as you continue your journey towards Purwodadi, you will be impressed by the mud volcanoes known as Bledug Kuwu. A local guide will help you approach these amazing natural phenomena safely.
Return to Solo, and overnight in the same hotel.
Solo: Batik and Royal Traditions
Cultural visit to the city of Surakarta, also nicknamed Solo. Twin sister of Yogyakarta, Solo has nothing to envy from the latter. You visit the two royal palaces of the city: the Keraton Hadiningat and the Mangkunegaran palace, which is a true museum of Javanese art.
The city of Surakarta is also renowned for the quality of its batik textiles, which you will find in many shops in the city. Visit to the Danar Hadi museum, where you learn more about the secrets of manufacturing and the history of this art form that is very widespread in Indonésie.
Heading to the beaches of South Java
Mid-morning you head towards the beaches and wild cliffs of Java's south-east coast. You then enjoy peaceful time on small tranquil coves away from mass tourism.
Then you head towards the famous Parangtritis beach, also nicknamed "Paris" (Indonesians love acronyms), where you witness a superb sunset.
Night in a hotel overlooking the beach.
Walk to Borobudur
Early this morning we head to the Menoreh hills, located approximately 25 km west of Yogyakarta and overlooking the Borobudur plain.
We then begin an original trek through superb landscapes, along a few ridges as well, which offer us an extraordinary panorama of lush rice fields below and volcanoes rising on the horizon (Mt Sumbing, Mt Merapi and Mt Merbabu)…
Then, in the middle of the valley emerges the imposing sanctuary of Borobudur, which we visit at the end of our trek.
After visiting it, you head to the foothills of Mt Sumbing, in order to explore the temple of Selogryo, discovered late by locals (1835) in the midst of lush nature. The panorama of terraced rice fields that unfolds before us is proof that Bali is not the only island to offer such idyllic landscapes.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Wonosobo, a small highland town surrounded by beautiful tea plantations, where you will spend the night.
On the way to the Dieng Plateau
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Possible visa(s) & airport taxes
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- Single room supplement (€250)
- Everything not listed in "Included"
Included
- The services of an experienced English-speaking Azimuth guide
- The land transfers necessary for the proper running of the circuit
- Accommodation mentioned or similar categories according to availability
- Meals as indicated in the day-by-day description
- Site and museum entrance fees, and trekking permits
- Mineral water and an energy supplement (fruits, biscuits, etc.) during days of activities and hiking
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Java
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
