Indonesia: Islands of the Gods

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and personally assisted through immigration, baggage claim and customs. You’ll be chauffeured to the 5-star Garrya Bianta Hotel, an oasis of calm where you can unwind, refresh, and begin to feel the tranquility of Java take hold. This evening, enjoy an elegant welcome dinner and raise a glass to the extraordinary days ahead. 
Meals: D 

Your day begins with breathtaking Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument on Earth. Rising majestically from the mist-shrouded plains, this 8th-century masterpiece is adorned with over 2,500 intricate bas-reliefs and more than 500 serene Buddha statues. Stroll among its stone terraces as your private guide unveils Borobudur’s symbolism and spiritual purpose. 

You’ll continue on by your choice of dokar, a colorful traditional horse-drawn carriage, or by bicycle with your guide through bucolic countryside and lush plantations to the nearby village of Candirejo, where life flows as gently now as in the past. You’ll be welcomed by gracious residents to learn about and engage in their traditional way of life, enhanced by the sound of lilting gamelan music, the melodic soul of Java. A delightful local lunch awaits before returning to our hotel for an afternoon that’s yours to relax or explore further. 
Meals: B+L 

Another Indonesian sacred site is on display this morning amidst the towering spires of Prambanan, considered to be the country’s most spectacular Hindu temple. A jewel of 9th-century architecture, the complex is dedicated to the Hindu trinity—Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer—and dazzles with its soaring central shrines and exquisite carvings. 

You’ll move on to a specially arranged cultural experience in the private studio of a Kris master craftsman, known as an empu, who are also regarded as experts in literature, history and the occult.  Elaborately forged, the Kris is a Javanese dagger believed to possess spiritual power and was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as part of the cultural heritage of humanity. An heirloom traditionally carried by Javanese men and women as a talisman of rich spirituality and power, the Kris is an exquisitely-crafted work of art as well.  You will feel the reverence and care that still surrounds the creation of these mystical objects. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, join Warwick Purser, an Australian who became Indonesian by presidential decree and is legendary for his countless adventures and entrepreneurial skills, as well as his unwavering commitment to community development, for an unforgettable Rijsttafel dinner in the heart of Java. As you take your seat, a colorful spread of small dishes begins to fill the table—each one a vibrant representation of Indonesia’s culinary diversity. Mr. Warwick, ever the gracious host and passionate storyteller, shares the origins of Rijsttafel, a Dutch colonial tradition designed to highlight the archipelago’s many regional flavors. You sample spicy sambals, tender beef rendang, crisp fried tempeh, fragrant nasi kuning, and sweet coconut desserts, each bite more intriguing than the last. The evening unfolds slowly, allowing you to savor not only the food but the atmosphere—soft gamelan music playing in the background, the warm breeze drifting through the traditional joglo-style pavilion. With every dish and story, you feel more immersed in the culture and warmth of Java. It’s more than just a dinner; it’s a journey into a rich, living tradition. 
Meals: B+L+D 

You’ll begin this morning with a visit to Kraton, the regal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Built in 1755, this living cultural complex is a symbol of Javanese architectural refinement and serves as the royal family’s current residence to this day. In the ornate Pendopos, generations of musicians have performed gamelan, Indonesia’s traditional music, for the sovereign. You’ll also visit the Taman Sari, an opulent pleasure park that was built for the first Sultanate and his entourage. 

Next, be delighted with local crafts people as they create amazing textile designs with batik, an ancient Javanese artform that features vivid patterns created with molten wax on fabric. Every swirl and line of these beautiful creations are derived from Indonesian culture and history; you will feel the passion and care these artisans apply as they continue this traditional art form. You can even try your hand at creating your own batik handkerchief—a personalized keepsake from this cultural encounter.  

Once the royal capital, the Kotagede District is now an historic neighborhood of narrow, cobblestone streets that you’ll explore with your private guide. Filled with atmosphere, the architectural heritage of Yogyakarta with its fusion of Dutch and Javanese styles is beautiful and currently the setting for silversmiths and their workshops as they create jewelry and artifacts using age-old techniques. 
Meals: B+L 

After breakfast, we fly to Labuan Bajo, a charming town on the lush island of Flores, known for its biodiversity. After a friendly welcome, you’ll be chauffeured to your sea view suite at the five-star Hotel Ta’Aktana where you can relax before exploring the cafes, restaurants, and markets that dot the community this evening. Be sure to note the iconic, pillared Rumah Adat houses that are centers for family activities, rituals, and social events. 
Meals: B 

Awake in paradise and head to the bustling harbor, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable cruise to Padar Island and Komodo National Park. If you wish, take an invigorating climb to the island’s high point to survey a rugged and primal landscape ringed with white, black, and pink beaches and sparkling azure waters. 

Cruise on to Komodo Island and step ashore to discover a world that offers a patchwork of extreme contrasts: dry, sun-swept hillside savannahs; dense forests, and dazzling beaches. As you explore the island, you’ll be amazed by the rich diversity of wildlife. This is the natural habitat of Komodo Dragons (about 2,000 roam the island), the world’s largest monitor lizards and a direct link to biological prehistory. For the indigenous population, these giants are far more than fascinating creatures, they consider the Komodo Dragon to be a connection between the physical and spiritual realms, and a symbol of strength, power, and resilience. 

At the stunning and world-famous Pink Beach, bask in the warmth of the colorful sand, enjoy a refreshing swim, snorkel in crystal-clear water and take some memorable photos of one of the most idyllic locations on earth.  
Meals: B+L 

Today is dedicated to the fascinating merging of Indonesia’s culinary traditions with current cooking trends. The chefs of Flores Island are known for their creative fusion of traditional cuisine with modern ingredients and techniques. You’ll learn about and prepare a fine lunch using these new approaches, starting with a visit to the gardens of Melo Village with Kaka Liz, a visionary chef and founder of what is Flores’ first organic garden. 

You’ll harvest indigenous ingredients and then learn how to prepare a delightful Indonesian meal over a crackling wood fire in a beautifully-designed outdoor kitchen. The ancestral cooking techniques that you will learn will enable you to create dishes that sing with fresh, local flavors. As you dine under the trees, every delicious bite is enhanced by the scents of earth and spice. Savor every moment knowing that you are supporting a sustainable, heritage-based culinary movement at its source. This evening, you’ll experience another noteworthy approach to Indonesian cuisine at the sophisticated Leros Restaurant at our hotel.  

Meals: B+L+D 

Bid a fond farewell to Flores as you take a short flight to Bali, the Island of the Gods. In Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, lush rice terraces and elaborately-carved temple spires exist in picturesque harmony. Following arrival at our beautifully situated luxury resort, COMO Uma Ubud, you can enjoy an early evening stroll through the organic farm at Begawan Biji before enjoying a farm-to-table dinner redolent with the tastes of the island. Meals: B+D 

This is a day dedicated to experiencing the intimate rhythms of Balinese village life. You will learn about the sacred architectural principles of Asta Kosala Kosali, which guide the spiritual balance of every home and temple. You’ll have the opportunity to help residents prepare delicate Canang offerings, daily tributes to the gods that comprise a coconut leaf and flower. No visit is complete without trying your hand at crafting anyaman, carefully woven palm creations rich with symbolism. 

You’ll participate in centuries-old activities that define and sustain island life such as coconut oil pressing, wood carving, and tuak, a coconut wine.  Also, learn about ancient agrarian practices like the widespread irrigation canals … and even remove your shoes and guide a team of cows with the help of a Balinese farmer!  After a bountiful lunch in the midst of the rice paddies, you’ll journey to the beautiful, serene 11th century temple complex of Pura Kehen and the pristine village of Penglipuran, where the friendly residents are happy to share Tri Hita Karana, their belief in the balance of God, humans, and the environment. Wrap up today’s adventures at Kintamani and enjoy the stunning vistas of Mount Batur, an active volcano, and placid Lake Batur. Meals: B+L 

Begin today with a walk along the Campuhan Ridge Trail offering wonderful views of a lush, green valley. Later, you’ll visit the 8th century Hindu Gunung Lebah Temple, Bali’s oldest, and part of the island’s complex water culture. 

Continue to the Royal Palace and explore the Palace with your personal guide, where Balinese nobles still reside. Afterwards, experience the bustling Ubud Traditional Art Market.  This colorful and immersive marketplace is a two-story structure bustling with crowds of residents, colorful displays of local produce, groceries, and hand-crafted items. Then, enjoy the revered animal residents of Ubud in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a jungle nature reserve and national treasure filled with temples and mischievous macaques. The monkeys, which are considered sacred by the Balinese, delight with their antics.  Meals: B+L 

This morning, you will meet the compassionate founder of the Bali Women’s Centre, Ibu Sari. Learn how her personal journey inspired a sanctuary for women overcoming adversity. Engage in hands-on workshops such as soap making, batik painting, and herbal teas, then enjoy a beautifully-prepared lunch presented by the residents of the Centre. 

The day closes with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will don traditional attire and be welcomed to a royal palace for your farewell dinner. After a sacred Lukat Geni cleansing ritual, which the Balinese believe removes negativity and misfortune, a member of the royal family will regale you with stories about Balinese traditions of leadership and resilience. As you experience one more breathtaking Indonesian sunset, you will enjoy a feast designed for kings and enhanced by torchlit dining, music and dance. Meals: B+L+D 

You’ll be chauffeured to Denpasar Airport today for your onward journey, filled with the spirit of this extraordinary land and its people. Meals: B