Secret Yogyakarta
In the secret alleyways of Yogya, between ancient temples and living traditions.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,375/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe, Family, senior
The spirit of travel
Welcome to Yogyakarta, this special province, which has distinguished itself in the past and has established itself as the true cultural capital of Java. The economic dynamism and legendary hospitality of its population make it a privileged destination for tourism in the archipelago.
Yogyakarta is not just a historical city, it is also a modern city shaped by the student youth who attend the many local universities and leading institutions; it is therefore an innovative city where the traveler will have the opportunity to explore the thousand and one secrets it contains.
This discovery circuit of this traditional region is therefore in the image of this city/province so charming. It takes you on little-traveled paths and are a clever blend of cultural and natural exploration, where all your senses will be exalted!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Yogyakarta
Airport (or train station) pick-up in Yogyakarta (or Jogjakarta) and transfer to your hotel. Free time.
Yogyakarta, a Royal and Historic City
In the early morning, you head towards the Sultan's Palace, which is a true museum on the history of the ancient Mataram kingdom. You then walk, through pleasant little streets, towards the Taman Sari, the former place of rest and meditation of the first Sultans.
In the early afternoon, you visit the famous Prambanan Hindu Temple, a complex of 240 Shivaite temples, built in the 9th century under the Sanjaya dynasty of the first Mataram kingdom.
And, as sunset approaches, you head towards Candi Ijo, a temple complex that includes a main sanctuary and 3 secondary temples. Ideally located on the heights of Yogyakarta, the panorama is breathtaking.
And that's not all, you end the day at the Abhyagiri restaurant, which overlooks the entire Prambanan plain. If you're lucky, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Merapi in the distance.
Yogyakarta, a modern and dynamic city
After breakfast, you head towards the Gunung Kidul hills and first visit a unique organic permaculture farm, where its owner will be delighted to explain his approach based on Islamic principles of harmony between Man and nature.
You then continue your journey to the stunning beaches of southern Yogyakarta, where you have free time to relax and enjoy the pleasures of swimming.
Returning to Yogyakarta in the afternoon, you make a final stop at the chocolate museum, where you will learn more about the history of chocolate and its manufacturing process.
Borobudur, World Heritage Site
Early in the morning, you are transferred to the Kulon Progo district, where you will be invited to discover authentic Javanese countryside and local communities through a pleasant and easy ride... on old Dutch bicycles!
After lunch taken on site, you head towards the famous Borobudur sanctuary, built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Sailendra dynasty. You end the day at the superb panoramic restaurant Enam Langit, recently opened, which offers breathtaking views over the entire region.
Return to Yogyakarta in the evening.
Merapi, a volcano source of life and destruction
Driving
Mid-morning, you head toward the slopes of the Merapi volcano, where you first visit the superb Ullen Sentalu museum, which passionately preserves Javanese culture and houses some of Yogyakarta's finest artworks.
Later, at Kalikuning, you share a "fun" moment discovering the entire area devastated by the 2010 eruption by 4x4.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon and free time.
Dieng, Between Past and Present
Early morning transfer to the Dieng Plateau. Intensely populated and cultivated, the plateau is an archaeological site featuring the presence of eight Hindu temples in ruins.
The day is dedicated to discovering the different tourist attractions (Telaga Warna lake, temples, the smoking crater of Sikidang volcano, etc.).
Ambarawa, in the Heart of Java
After breakfast, transfer to the Ambarawa region, in the heart of Java, where you first visit the temples of Gedong Songo, a Hindu complex located on the slopes of the Ungaran volcano, at 1,293 meters altitude.
After a pleasant lunch by the Rawapening Lake, you take a beautiful canoe ride through this swampy lake.
Stories of the Past
In the morning, visit the Ambarawa Railway Museum, which houses an important collection of steam locomotives. You will travel even further back in time by exploring Fort Willem, a nineteenth-century Dutch fortress, which notably served as an internment camp during the Japanese occupation of Java between 1942 and 1945.
Transfer to Jepara in the afternoon.
In the morning, visit the Ambarawa Railway Museum, which houses an impressive collection of steam locomotives.
You will travel even further back in time by exploring Fort Willem, a 19th-century Dutch fortress, which notably served as an internment camp during the Japanese occupation of Java between 1942 and 1945.
Transfer to Jepara in the afternoon.
On the way to paradise
Early in the morning, transfer to the port and boarding on a "speed-ferry" that takes you to the paradise represented by the Karimunjawa archipelago (2 hours of travel).
The rest of the day is free.
Dream Archipelago
Mid-morning, a privatized traditional boat (with crew and English-speaking guide) takes you to discover the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. Multicolored coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches and the most beautiful diving sites await you!
At lunchtime, a barbecue of fresh fish grilled over coconut fire gives the fish an exceptional taste (the meal is accompanied by fruits, fresh drinks and coffee/tea). This is an opportunity to discover the fauna and flora underwater in this protected marine national park and to admire exceptional panoramas until sunset.
Please also note that the program is flexible and can be adapted at the last moment according to your wishes. The excursion can also be carried out by speed-boat, if needed.
Zen Day
See you very soon in Java
You enjoy the morning visiting the old town, which has been very well restored, as well as the Lawang Sewu museum ("1,000 doors" in Javanese), an old building from the colonial era, whose cellars were used as torture chambers during the Japanese occupation.
Transfer early afternoon to Semarang airport. End of services.
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
- Insurance and assistance
- Transports to reach and leave Yogyakarta
- Meals not mentioned in the program above
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking local guide in Java
- Land and maritime transfers (even lacustrine ones)
- Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the program above
- Site Entries
- Mineral water & snacks
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
