From the fervent pace of Jakarta to the back alleys of Ubud, the islands of Bali and Java are Indonesia’s most celebrated duo – a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, rolling hills and dynamic cities. Be charmed by Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, witness traditional dance performances and explore ornate temples. Get to the heart of life on this famous archipelago by visiting rice paddies, beachside towns and remote villages and learning about the region’s traditional arts and crafts. And that’s not all – you’ll also join royalty at a palace in Ubud for a special dinner and traditional dance performance and you’ll hop aboard a yacht in Sanur to celebrate your trip over drinks and barbeque at sunset.
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in Jakarta. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta’s museums, like the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. For city monuments, don’t miss Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning, or the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. After the meeting tonight, join your group for an authentic Indonesian dinner at a special restaurant that’s housed in a Dutch mansion.
Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour with your expert local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. Wander about Fatahillah Square and visit a Chinese mansion (Chandra Naya) and gain an insight into the beautiful Peranakan architecture. Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant that has been serving some of the city’s best and most authentic food for more than a century. Learn the story behind the restaurant and its cuisine during an exclusive storytelling session with the owner. After lunch, explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.