Highlights of Java & Sumatra

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

No better way to start your Sumatra adventure then a day tour of the biggest city on the island, Medan. Visit the important landmarks, starting at the biggest mosque on the entire island, Al-Mashun Great Mosque. From there, walk to the grand 30-room Maimun Palace. Drive to Vihara Gunung Timur Temple and admire the classic Chinese architecture. Then continue walking through Pajak Ikan Lama historic market before heading to lunch. Together we'll eat like the locals at a Padang restaurant. After lunch and a day of exploring, drive to Bukit Lawang and check into your hotel.

• The Great Mosque of Medan and Maimun Palace Visit: Visit the Grand mosque of Medan, Al-Mashun. Built in the early 1900's, this beautiful mosque is a mix of Middle Eastern, Spanish and Indian architecture. It was part of the Maimun Palace complex, so after visiting the mosque, walk to the palace and explore the property built by to the sultan of Deli in the year 1888 with Malay, Mogul and Italian influences.
• Vihara Gunung Timur: Visit the beautiful Vihara Gunung Timur. This Chinese temple is the largest in the city of Medan and on the island of Sumatra. This temple was built in the 1962 and dedicated to Dongyue Dadi. Enjoy your visit and admire the classic Chinese architecture.
• Tjong Afie Mansion: Visit the "historical jewel in Medan," a 35-room, 2-story mansion built in 1895. It is a registered historical landmark as well as a cultural heritage building and museum.
• Padang Lunch: Fill up on an amazing lunch as the locals do in West Sumatra. We'll sit down together for a delicious Padang style meal, where our host will serve a large number of small platters of different dishes. The charm of Padang cuisine lies not only in its range of dishes but also in its serving style, called hidang. Diners are charged only for the platters that have been eaten from; untouched platters are taken away and served to other guests.

Today, head off to trek through Gunung Leuser National Park. Sumatra is one of only two islands in the entire world where you can find orangutans in the wild. Enjoy a moderate hike through the largest national park in Indonesia in search of these and other amazing animals. After working up a sweat, cool off while tubing down the river back to the starting point.

This evening, join a local cooking class to make traditional cuisine from the Batak Ethnic group.

• Jungle Trekking & River Tubing in Gunung Leuser National Park: Wander through the jungle of this large national park home to endangered tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants, and orangutans. While your chances of spotting one of these elusive animals may be slim, there are plenty of primates and birds hanging around, especially orangutans. So keep your eyes peeled! The trek is easy to moderate and suitable for all hiking levels. After the 2.5-3 hour hike, enjoy 45 minutes of river tubing.
• Local Cooking Class: Take a becak to a local cooking class for dinner. Learn to make famous dishes from the Batak ethnic group in North Sumatra like flavorful fish stew or aromatic rendang chicken and acar campur, a local pickled vegetable salad.

• Sibayak Hot Spring: Relax in the hot springs of Mount Sibayak volcano and admire the stunning surroundings.

• Traditional Batak Village Visit: Visit the traditional Karo Batak Village, Dokan Village. The Karo ethnic group of the Batak people are known for the exceptional conservation of their traditions and culture, more so than other Batak groups. Follow your CEO on a tour to see their unique stilted homes, learn about the Karo culture and have the opportunity to meet and talk with the locals.
• Sipiso Piso Waterfall: Admire this stunning plunge waterfall, formed from an underground river. Grab your camera to capture the incredibly green surroundings, rock faces and beautiful plummeting waterfall.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.

• Tombs in Tomok Village: Take a trip back in time and visit the tomb of King Sidabutar in Tomok, a local Toba Batak Village. The Toba are the largest of the Batak ethnic group today. Learn more about their history, and the legend of the king. See the monument's ornate carvings, and visit others close by, including another royal tomb said to be used as a fertility shrine.
• Ambarita Village Visit: Explore the amazing Ambarita Village, and wander through the traditional Batak tongkonan houses with roofs the shape of boats. You'll see beautifully carved wooden structures, unique stone furniture and have the chance to see their traditional Batak dance performance.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore the city of Yogyakarta!

• Free Time: Get out and explore Yogyakarta and its surrounding attractions.

• Yogyakarta Becak Tour & Taman Sari: Becak is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of transportation in Indonesia. Today, you will discover Yogyakarta's highlight by this traditional transport. Ride through the Alun-Alun Kidul (South Square), the Sultan's Palace and Taman Sari, the Water Castle, once used by the royal family to spend their leisure time. After a delicious lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to Sonobudoyo Museum. This museum collects and keeps important pieces of Javanese tradition. You'll end the day at the famous Malioboro Road for some shopping and local everyday life before returning to your hotel.
• Jomblang Cave Tour: A hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Yogyakarta, Jomblang Cave offers an extraordinary adventure into the heart of the earth. This unique vertical cave invites you to explore a hidden underground wonderland, illuminated by sunlight. Your journey begins early in the morning. After a scenic 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at the entrance to Jomblang Cave. Before descending into the depths, you'll be fitted for all required gear and guided by experienced professionals. Then embark on a thrilling descent of 60 meters into the cavern. Once at the bottom, you'll marvel at the breathtaking sight of sunlight filtering through the cave's opening, casting a magical glow upon the subterranean landscape. Explore the mysterious depths and intricate rock formations. After your underground exploration, you'll be pulled back up to the surface, ready to savor a delicious local lunch cooked by the local women in the area before you return back to your hotel.
• Village Tour by Colonial Style Bike: Cycle through the villages and wave hello to the people you will be passing along the way. You will be stopping at a traditional market and home businesses, all awhile meeting locals, and getting insights into the different facets of local life here in Yogyakarta. A traditional Javanese lunch will be waiting for you after your hard work.

• Candirejo Village Visit: Visit Candirejo, a captivating village sitting among vibrant green fields. Meet friendly residents, and learn all about ancient traditions and Javanese culture. This community directly supports women’s empowerment in the Candirejo Ecotourism Village Development. Women play a central role in the home industry sector, which we have a chance to see on this visit. Take home the perfect souvenir — homemade handicrafts and furniture can be found here, including wonderful pieces made of bamboo made by the local women's initiative.

• Setumbu Hill Sunrise Hike: This is a perfect place for a sunrise, with the temples and jungle encapsulated by fog with a mountain backdrop. The hike to Setumbu is doable for all fitness levels. It can be steep in parts, but it’s not too difficult. It takes about 30-45 mins. The trail is a dirt path with some steps.
• Wanurejo & Borobudur Village Biking Tour: Explore the local villages by bicycle to visit its local businesses, traditional markets and outside around Borobudur Temple. The cycling is on a flat paved village road and total cycling distance is under 7km.

• Triwindhu Market: Visit the Triwindhu Market. This is a great place to find traditional Javanese items, antiques, textiles, and local handicrafts. If you're interested in souvenirs, this is the place to be! Don’t hesitate to bargain a little with the vendors.
• Traditional Batik Making: Learn about the traditional process of Batik-making. Then, have the chance to create your own batik piece, guided by skilled artisans. It’s a fantastic hands-on experience and a great souvenir opportunity!
• Mangkunegaran Palace Visit: Take in the mix of Javanese and European architecture at this charming palace. Keep an eye out for royalty -- members of the aristocratic family still reside in the palace.

• Ngadas Homestay: Nestled amongst the green hills of the Mt Bromo region, the village of Ngadas is home to a Tengger farming community. Overnight with a local family participating in the community's homestay program, a G Adventures-supported initiative. Learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions from your hosts.
• Jodipan Colorful Village Visit: Grab your camera for a visit to the picture perfect Jodipan Village. Known for its colorful rainbow homes, like the while town is a mural.

• Village Walk: Learn more about daily life in Ngadas with a village walk. Take in views of the scenic hills as you walk along, passing farming areas and stopping to visit the local temple, vihara, and mosque.
• Lunch at Ngadas Village: Nestled amongst the green hills of the Mt Bromo region, the village of Ngadas is home to a Tengger farming community. Enjoy a village walk and local lunch at this G Adventures-supported initiative. Take in views of the scenic hills as you walk along, passing farming areas and stopping to visit the local temple, vihara, and mosque. Learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions from your hosts.
• Mount Bromo Jeep Excursion: Jump in a jeep and explore the winding landscape of Eastern Java, climbing upwards and outwards towards the grandeur of Mt Bromo to witness a stunning sunrise. Hike to the peak of Mt Bromo, part of the Tengger Calder, the largest volcanic range in the area. A distinct site, the volcano blew its top off completely and is constantly smouldering with white smoke.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Ngadas Village.