5D/4N Yogyakarta, Borobudur & Solo

Day 1

ARRIVAL YOGYAKARTA
You will be met on arrival by our representative at Adisucipto Airport Yogyakarta and transferreds to the respective hotels.
After check in, the rest of the day will be free at own leisure.

Day 2

YOGYAKARTA - BOROBUDUR (B,L,D)
After breakfast, visit Ketep Volcano Centre located on Ketep Pass at an elevation of 1,200m above sea level. Upon reaching the top, enjoy the crisp and cool mountain air.

On a clear day, the out-door panorama area of the center offers you a spectacular view of Central Java's big five: Mt. Merapi, Mt. Merbabu, Mt. Sindoro, Mt. Sumbing and Mt. Selamet. The impressive Merapi volcano is one of the five most active volcanoes in the world. Watch a film about Mount Merapi with various volcanic activities in the Volcano Theatre. This is a must-see place for all volcano enthusiasts.

After lunch, we proceed to Borobudur, the most famous Indonesia's temple. Built in the 9th century and completed in the second half of the ninth century, this is the largest Buddhist shrine in Indonesia. The monument consists of hundreds of wonderfully detailed statues and sculptures, representing Buddhist teachings mixed with images of Javanese life of a thousand years ago. However, Borobudur was unknown and neglected for almost a thousand years, covered under thick layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth.

Next on the list are Mendut & Pawon Temples. Mendut is a 9th century Buddhist temple and the oldest among the 3 temples. Pawon temple was built with volcanic stones. Its architecture is a blend of old Javanese Hindu and Indian art. The temple is located on a wide rather terrace with steps. All parts are decorated with stupa(s) on dagoba(s) and its outside walls with symbolic pictures.

Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon which are all Buddhist temples, are exactly aligned in one straight line and situated a mile apart from each other. Pawon temple is exactly in the central point of the straight line. The exact religious relationship between the three is known to exist, but is a long-forgotten mystery.

After dinner, we will return to hotel where the rest of the day will be free at own leisure.

Day 3

YOGYAKARTA (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will visit Indonesia's oldest palace, the Kraton before heading to Water Castle which is built in 1758.

Stopover at Kotagede, a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. Since the 1930s, Kotagede has became famous as the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. You can also watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as "Yogya Silver" in the workshops.

After lunch, continue our journey to Kasongan village where we can observe the art of making pottery from clay with their unique new designs. Later proceed to enjoy a romantic sunset at Parangtritis beach.

Dine at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

Day 4

YOGYAKARTA - SOLO (B,L,D)
Today, we take a drive Solo city, the center of art and culture in Central Java. Visit Mangkunegaran Palace and Kasunanan Palace which were built with specific Java architecture combined Javanese and European ornaments.

Next on the list is Triwindu, an antique market with many different varieties of antiques and Klewer flea market, the biggest batik and textile market in Java.

In the afternoon, return to Yogyakarta for shopping trip at Beringharjo traditional market and along Malioboro street. The street probably has the most concentration of small and personalised sidewalk shops selling everything from exquisite Javanese handicrafts to funky clothes. While the street itself looks modern and colourful, a closer look will reveal its old-world charm in the form of refurbished colonial-age shop houses. This place is definitely the best place to hunt and shop for souvenirs.

After dinner return to hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 5

DEPART YOGYAKARTA (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for your flight back home.