Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Indonesia - Java - Yogyakarta - Magelang - Karimunjawa
100% customisable for you
Kick off your journey with an overnight flight to Java. After arriving at the airport, whizz through security and board your 17-hour flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in, queue up a few films and start dreaming of temples, tropical mornings and beach sunsets. You’ll arrive in Yogyakarta the following day.
Touch down in Yogyakarta and meet your private driver, who’ll take you straight to your centrally located hotel. Settle into your comfortable base in the heart of the city, ideally situated for exploring the sights while offering a restful retreat after a long flight.
After check-in, unwind by the pool or book yourself in for a soothing massage at the hotel spa (you’ve earned it). Feeling peckish? The hotel restaurant serves excellent Indonesian dishes, or you can ease in gently with international classics. Either way, tonight is all about recovering from travel and easing into island time.
Today is your introduction to Java’s cultural capital. Wander through Pasar Kranggan, a lively local market where stalls overflow with fruit, spices and sweet jajan (market snacks). Stroll along Jalan Malioboro, the city’s bustling main street. Browse for souvenirs or stop for kopi joss – a famously fiery local coffee served with hot charcoal dropped straight in. Detoxifying? Maybe. Memorable? Definitely.
From here, hop into a becak (cycle rickshaw) and glide through the streets, passing temples, batik shops and buzzing warungs (local family-run eateries).
Round off your afternoon with a visit to the Sultan’s palace, built in 1755. Then head to the Taman Sari, or ‘Water Castle’, a former royal garden home to a mosque, bathing space and underground tunnels, before popping into the Sonobudoyo Museum for a deeper dive into Javanese history.
Hop on two wheels this morning for a private guided cycling tour through Java’s countryside. Start at Sambisari Temple, then pedal around nine miles along quiet lanes and lush rice paddies. Stop at hidden temples like Plaosan, Prambanan or Sewu depending on the route.
Take it easy as you cycle past traditional villages, soaking up everyday life rather than breaking a sweat. You’ll likely be met by friendly, waving locals, grazing water buffalo and plenty of photo-worthy views. Stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Yogyakarta.
Ease into the afternoon your way: put your feet up by the pool or enjoy one last wander through town.
This morning, head north to Borobudur, one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary monuments. Built in the eighth century across three tiers, it towers over the surrounding landscape. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with your private guide who will bring the temple’s stories to life, from its intricate bas-reliefs to its hundreds of serene Buddha statues.
Then continue north to Magelang and check into your coffee plantation retreat. Surrounded by lush forests and rice fields, enjoy sweeping views of green terraces and beautifully restored Javanese buildings.
Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in to your new home and be sure to savour a cup of coffee grown just steps away. Then tuck into a delicious dinner this evening made with fresh local ingredients.
Wake to birdsong and misty volcano views. The next two days are all about slowing down and soaking up rural Java. Set off on a private guided hike from a small village, winding through rice paddies and gentle hills. Your guide will point out local plants and share stories of everyday life in the region.
Back at the hotel, relax however you like. Swim, book a spa treatment or simply curl up with a book and a view. Feeling adventurous? There’s also the option to cycle to the Umbul Temple baths for a refreshing dip in sacred spring water.
In the evenings, unwind and enjoy the calm with good food and early nights.
Today, leave the highlands behind and head to Jepara port, where a fast boat will whisk you across the Java Sea to Karimunjawa. On arrival, settle into your beachfront villa beneath swaying palms.
This is where shoes become optional. Your villa opens straight onto white sand, with the sea just steps away. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish: swim, lounge by the pool or book a relaxing massage at the spa. As the sun dips, sip something cold and toast your arrival in paradise.
Welcome to full relaxation mode. These days are yours to fill however you like. Snorkel past vibrant coral reefs, kayak over crystal-clear lagoons or hop on a boat to explore nearby islands. In Karimunjawa, colourful fish dart through coral gardens and the calm waters make for a refreshing swim.
Prefer to stay closer to home? The beach is calling and so are the sunloungers. Or venture inland to explore dense mangrove forests if you fancy stretching your legs.
Evenings are slow and salty, with fresh seafood dinners and stars overhead.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to island life. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport for your flight via Semarang, then connect onwards for your overnight journey home.
You’ll arrive back in the UK the following day feeling sun-kissed, deeply relaxed and already planning your next adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
