13-Nights Island-Hopping Around Indonesia - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Set in the heart of Java, Yogyakarta is also central to the Indonesian island’s cultural soul. This proud bastion of Javanese heritage revolves around the ruling sultan’s kraton (palace), with the fascinating archaeological sites of Borobudur and Prambanan set on the city’s outskirts nearby. This sprawling urban center intermingles its modern cybercafés and malls with its more historic landmarks, culminating in a bustling, eclectic metropolis of over three million inhabitants. Start your exploration with a visit to a coffee plantation and meet a master puppet-maker.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple compound, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia. Later, explore the Sultan’s Palace, followed by Taman Sari, once an elaborate pleasure retreat for the sultan and his entourage. Stop at a workshop to discover the unique craftmanship behind the Indonesian dagger, also known as a keris.

Rise early to watch the sun rise from Dagi Hill. Then explore Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Ancient texts date the structure’s inauguration to 824 CE, although it took almost 100 years to complete. Discover the fascinating history behind the construction of this terraced, grey volcanic stone complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the rural village of Candirejo, traveling by dokar (horse-drawn cart) through narrow lanes lined with traditional houses.

Fly to Bali and board Aqua Blu, your floating home for the next seven nights. Set a course to Moyo Island as the sun sets.

Located within a protected national park and marine reserve in Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara province, the tropical island paradise of Moyo is surrounded by pristine coral reefs. On land, six small fishing and farming villages are scattered around the otherwise uninhabited island where savannas and forests play host to an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for long-tailed macaques and deer as you make your way to the beautiful waterfalls at the center of the island. Later, marvel at colorful marine life while snorkeling on the breathtaking Angel Reef.

Your cruise aboard this luxurious long-range yacht offers frequent opportunities to snorkel or dive in waters rich in marine life. At Sumbawa Island’s Saleh Bay, you might have the chance to encounter a whale shark up close. This peaceful, gentle giant is the world’s largest fish, weighing up to 20 tons and growing to a length of more than 30 feet. Cruise to Satonda, an inactive volcanic island off the coast of Sumbawa, and kayak in the remarkable crater lake at its center. In the evening, you may witness the dramatic flight of the island’s colony of fruit bats.

Home to the famous Komodo dragon, this enchanting national park is filled with beautiful scenery both above and below the surface of the water. The nearby islands offer plenty to explore with pristine lakes, waterfalls, caves and spectacular dive sites.

This morning, kayak a shallow coral reef, paddling through a current-swept passage to reach an idyllic beach on Gili Lawa. In the afternoon, go ashore on Padar Island, where for stunning hilltop views and a sunset cocktail on the beach.

Cruise through a spectacular sea passage, arriving at Rinca Island’s dramatic, arching Horseshoe Bay, the remnants of an ancient caldera. Set out by skiff to search for sea eagles and Komodo dragons. Later, cruise to a beach famed for its pink sand and turquoise water. Spend some time sunbathing, then visit a local village or simply continue to relax on the soft sands.

Start the day with a drift snorkel or dive amid a reef full of soft and hard corals. Spend the afternoon swimming from the ship and enjoying the calm reefs around Sabulon before taking in your final Komodo sunset of the expedition.

After disembarking Aqua Blu and flying to Bali, travel to the town of Ubud. Nestled in Bali’s uplands, this center for traditional crafts and dance is surrounded by rainforest and terraced rice paddies. Set against this breathtaking backdrop, the region’s Hindu shrines and temples are achingly beautiful.

Experience the peaceful and spiritual side of this beautiful island. Visit 1,000-year-old temples and gaze out on idyllic terraced rice fields. Enjoy a blessing by a local priest and a water purification ceremony during a guided visit to a sacred village. Visit nearby Tegalalang, a center for Balinese art and craft, and travel to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to indigenous macaques, Hindu temples and jungle-covered pathways lined with mysterious statues.

Visit the home of a spiritual healer in the heart of Bali’s rice paddies. Join him for a morning walk through his peaceful village to learn about the unique subak irrigation system developed by generations of Indonesian rice farmers. Afterwards, visit a local family in their home. Learn how to cook a range of Balinese dishes over a traditional wood fire, using fresh ingredients and spices that you hand-pick from the family’s garden.