WONDERFUL INDONESIA TOUR

DAY 1: ARRIVE JAKARTA

Arrive in Jakarta, a city filled with unexpected gems. Sprawling along the northern coast of West Java, the capital city is home to around 15 million people. Originally the port of Sunda Kelapa, its potential as a trading post was recognized by the Portuguese in the 15^th century. The city was earlier known as Jayakarta, “City of Victory,” and changed to Batavia during the Dutch occupation. It was named Jakarta after independence. Travelers will be met by an ACTC representative who will help them transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to adjust to the time difference.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR & YOGYAKARTA

On a city tour this morning drive past Merdeka Square, the National Monument and Presidential Place, and visit the National Museum, reputed to be the finest in Southeast Asia, housing the world’s most complete collection of Han, Tang and Ming porcelains. Also visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or “Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park,” displaying the diversity in architecture and customs of each of Indonesia’s different regions. Fly to Yogyakarta, or “Yogya” as it is popularly known, the most popular city in Indonesia. It’s a cultural and intellectual center, crammed with prestigious universities and academies, and the batik-producing center of Indonesia. Transfer to the hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 3: BOROBUDUR, PRAMBANAN & CITY TOUR

Borobudur is one of the greatest Buddhist relics in Southeast Asia and is Indonesia’s most famous attraction. Rulers of the Sailendra dynasty built the colossal pyramid of Borobudur between 750 and 850 AD. The ancient site covers acres of land with thousands of sculptures rising on seven levels, and represents the culmination of South Asian Buddhist art. Later explore the ancient Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site standing on the ethereal heights of the Dieng Plateau. The most dramatic and important part of Prambanan is the Loro Jonggrang complex, dedicated to the Hindu God Siva. The Siva and Brahma temples are carved with narrative relief panels showing tales from the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic. On your city tour this afternoon, visit the elegant Keraton Royal Center, at the center of the city. Its myriad museums, temples, craft workshops and markets display the finest court architecture in Java. Dioramas with life-size puppets show the grandeur of earlier times, including a royal wedding. Also visit the Taman Sari Complex, known as the Water Castle. Learn the process of batik at a home business before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 6: YOGYA / UJUNG PADANG

Fly to Ujung Padang, formerly Makassar, a flourishing port of the old spice trade. The city excursion includes Benteng Ujung, a well preserved fort built in 1545 during the reign of Tuni Pallanga, the 10th sultan of Gowa. The fort was renamed Rotterdam by Admiral Speelman, who constructed buildings of typical Dutch architecture, including a church, making it the center of the civilian government. Next stop is the Sulawesi miniature garden, where you can see different types of South Sulawesian traditional houses. Continue to the State Museum, which exhibits archaeological and historical objects, manuscripts, numismatics, ceramics, and ethnic costumes and ornaments. Overnight at hotel. (B)

DAY 7: UJUNG PANDANG / TORAJALAND

Visit Bantimurung waterfall, famous for its colorful butterflies. Drive north to Rantepao in the Tana Toraja region, which takes you through rice fields and past the Makassar Strait. You’ll see tongkonan, or family houses, which are built on stilts with the roof rearing up at either end. It’s believed that the houses all face north, either because it was from the north that the ancestors of the Toraja came, or because the north (and east) are regarded as the realm of the gods, the compass of life. Overnight at hotel. (B)

DAY 8: TORAJALAND EXCURSION

The so-called Land of the Kings was put in the international limelight in the early 1900s, when word of its animist cultures and traditions first reached the West. Locals practice an ancient cult in which death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts. Life-size tau tau (wooden effigies) that mark graves are buried in limestone cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, which diligently look out from a balcony at the families and friends left behind. Other ceremonies are as elaborate, including weddings in costumes of gold and silk brocade. Visit the ancient cave graves at Londa, where many members of local nobility are buried. Next visit Ke’te’ Kesu, a traditional village famous for its wood carvings and paintings. Your last stop is the Marante Village to visit the hanging graves. Overnight at hotel in Torajaland. (B)

DAY 9: TORAJALAND EXCURSION

Visit Palawa, a village known for beautiful traditional Tongkonan houses. Continue the drive to Batutumongga, situated 1300 meters above sea level, for a panoramic view of Rantepao and the surrounding valleys. Explore the small village compounds, coffee and bamboo plantations, and rice fields on a soft trek before returning to your hotel in Torajaland. (B)

DAY 10: TORAJA / UJUNG PANDANG / BALI

Return to Ujung Pandang and fly to the storied island paradise of Bali, the most popular stop in Indonesia. Its friendly people, Hindu culture, rhythmic and flowing dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, beautiful scenery and spectacular beaches make Bali one of the most fascinating islands you’ll find anywhere in the world. Transfer and overnight at hotel. (B)

DAY 11: BALI TOUR

Tour fabled Bali, the “Land of the Gods.” Bali’s culture, art and religion, with its many temple ceremonies, festivals and dances, will transfix you. The Bali Museum has paintings, carvings and a diorama of a Balinese wedding. The Puputan Square is where the Denpasar aristocracy came to a horrific end in 1906. Community temples called Pura abound in this city. Visit Pura Jagatnatha, dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy lovely Bali. (B)

DAY 12 & 13: DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a day at leisure to rest, enjoy the beaches or explore the town on your own. (B)

OPTIONAL: Tour of Ubud

DAY 14: DEPART BALI or extend your stay

This morning board your flight for home, taking with you a new understanding of the many cultures of fabulous Indonesia. Or extend your stay in Bali, taking extensions to other parts of Asia. Call our Orient experts for more details.  (B)

For prices & more information, please contact: 888 605 TOURS (8687) or 310-373-1001.

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