Upon arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide who will accompany you to your hotel in the city. On the way, catch your first glimpses of Java’s artistic capital — a city steeped in traditional Javanese culture, royal heritage, and creative energy.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to relax and recover from your flight or take a stroll through the local neighbourhoods, absorbing the colours, aromas, and charm of this cultural hub.

Yogyakarta offers a gentle and inspiring start to your Indonesian journey.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with an early morning drive to the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, located around 40 kilometres west of Yogyakarta. Arriving before the crowds, you’ll experience the mystical silence of dawn enveloping the world’s largest Buddhist monument. Constructed over 1,200 years ago using thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, Borobudur is a staggering achievement of human ingenuity — built entirely by hand and taking nearly a century to complete.

At the temple entrance, hop on a classic bicycle and ride through the lush surroundings with your local guide, offering a peaceful and immersive way to explore the spiritual heart of Java. Now a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site, Borobudur continues to inspire with its magnificent stupas, intricate bas-reliefs, and sweeping views over rice fields and distant volcanoes.

Return to Yogyakarta and step into the past with a visit to the elegant Sultan’s Palace (Keraton), the cultural and political centre of Yogyakarta’s royal legacy. Wander through the halls and pavilions of this historical compound — a living museum of Javanese tradition. At the rear of the palace, enjoy a meal at the celebrated Bale Raos Restaurant, where dishes inspired by the royal kitchen are still served today.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into Javanese mysticism as you meet a local Javanese shaman (Shine) in the heart of the city. Practising an age-old spiritual tradition that blends astrology, herbal wisdom, and ancestral connection, the shaman will read your personality and tendencies using the ancient Javanese calendar system. This unique encounter offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual beliefs still deeply rooted in Indonesian society.

After this fascinating cultural experience, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Overnight in Yogyakarta. Breakfast and lunch included.

Early this morning, after breakfast, prepare yourself for a thrilling day of adventure and discovery. Depart your hotel and journey to the slopes of the mighty Mount Merapi volcano, one of Indonesia’s most iconic and active peaks. At the village of Kinahrejo, hop aboard a rugged Willys Jeep for an exhilarating ride across blackened lava fields — the haunting remains of Merapi’s recent eruptions.

Along the way, encounter the enigmatic ‘Alien Stone’, a massive rock hurled from the volcano’s depths, and visit a former evacuation bunker that now serves as a chilling reminder of nature’s power. At a poignant mini-museum, view the preserved remains of a local home devastated by lava — including scorched motorcycles, melted cutlery, and household furnishings — each telling a silent story of survival and resilience.

From here, your adventure continues on two wheels as you cycle through the picturesque countryside of Kaliurang village. Pedal your way past emerald-green paddy fields, whispering bamboo forests, and traditional rural homes framed by serene mountain backdrops. This peaceful ride offers a refreshing contrast to the dramatic morning and ends with a well-earned local lunch in the village.

In the afternoon, continue to the majestic Prambanan Temple complex, one of Southeast Asia’s most important and best-preserved Hindu monuments. Dating back to the 9th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan’s towering spires and ornate carvings honour the sacred Hindu trinity: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. As you stroll through the sacred grounds, your guide will unveil the spiritual significance and legendary tales embedded in the temple’s stones.

Return to your hotel in the early evening and enjoy leisure time to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day of cultural immersion and natural wonder.

Overnight in Yogyakarta. Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your next chapter as you transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Makassar, the capital of Sulawesi — formerly known as Ujung Pandang. This vibrant coastal city has long been a crossroads of spice traders, colonial empires, and seafaring Bugis communities.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will accompany you through the city’s cultural landmarks. Your first stop is the commanding Fort Rotterdam, a well-preserved relic of Dutch colonial architecture originally built by the Gowa Kingdom in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch East India Company. Walk through its stone ramparts and arched courtyards as your guide shares stories of conquest and resistance.

Next, travel north to the bustling Paotere Harbour, where you’ll witness a fleet of traditional Phinisi schooners — the iconic wooden sailing vessels handcrafted by the Bugis and Makassarese people. These elegant boats have transported spices and goods across the Indonesian archipelago for centuries and remain a powerful symbol of Sulawesi’s maritime heritage.

Continue to the Balla Lompoa Museum, once the royal palace of the Gowa Kingdom. Step inside to view a fascinating collection of ceremonial weapons, royal attire, and historical artefacts belonging to generations of South Sulawesi’s kings. It’s a rare insight into the grandeur and power of one of the region’s most influential dynasties.

Enjoy a flavoursome local lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling regional Makassarese specialities. Then check in at your hotel and unwind during the late afternoon at your leisure — perhaps take a dip in the pool or sip tea while watching the sun set over the coast. Later, gather for a leisurely dinner at your hotel, reflecting on a rich day of cultural exploration.

Overnight in Makassar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6: Scenic Drive to Tana Toraja – Into the Highlands

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a breathtaking road journey to the mystical highlands of Tana Toraja, a region often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings". This full-day drive offers an immersive look into the shifting landscapes and cultural contrasts of Sulawesi, as you make your way from the coastal lowlands into the lush mountainous interior.

Enjoy a scenic nine-hour drive through picturesque villages, rice terraces, and forested hills. En route, stop in the coastal town of Parepare for a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant with sweeping ocean views — a welcome break and an opportunity to savour the flavours of the region.

Continue your journey northwards into the heart of the island. Pause for a photo opportunity at Puncak Lakawan, a stunning mountain viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Sulawesi’s verdant hills and valleys. This is the perfect moment to stretch your legs and take in the tranquillity of the highlands.

As the sun begins to dip, arrive in Rantepao, the cultural centre of Tana Toraja. Check in to your hotel, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional hospitality and time to relax before dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel, surrounded by the calm of the mountains and anticipation for the cultural wonders that await you in the days ahead.

Overnight in Toraja. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, set out on a fascinating cultural exploration through the sacred landscapes and age-old customs of Tana Toraja. Today, you'll visit remarkable villages where life and death are deeply interwoven with the spiritual world.

Begin with a scenic drive south to the villages of Lemo and Suaya, known for their dramatic cliffside burial sites. Gaze in awe at the ancient rock faces pierced with graves and lined with wooden balconies displaying lifelike tau-tau effigies — hand-carved representations of the deceased, honouring the nobility of Torajan society. These surreal "balconies of death" offer a humbling glimpse into the region’s spiritual devotion and reverence for ancestors.

Continue to the village of Sangala, where you will witness a hauntingly beautiful burial tradition reserved for infants — tree burials. Small graves are carved into living tree trunks, symbolising the return of the innocent to nature. These silent memorials are touching reminders of Toraja’s harmony with the natural world.

Stop for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, where you can reflect on the morning’s spiritual encounters while sampling regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit Londa village, home to dramatic hanging graves. Here, wooden coffins are suspended by ropes and poles from steep cliffs, forming a truly unique necropolis in the rock face. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will explain the beliefs and ceremonies that govern these sacred sites.

Conclude the day at the picture-perfect village of Ketekesu, one of the best-preserved Tongkonan house complexes in the region. Admire the striking boat-shaped rooftops, ornate carvings, and painted motifs that adorn these symbolic family homes. Buffalo horns mounted on façades indicate social status, while traditional rice barns stand opposite in a layout symbolising balance and harmony in Torajan life.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a delicious dinner amid the serene mountain surroundings, absorbing the richness of Toraja’s ancestral world.

Overnight in Toraja. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic adventure to the northern highlands of Rantepao, a region of lush terraced rice fields, volcanic boulders, and timeless traditions. Your first stop is the tranquil village of Batutumonga, perched along the slopes of Mount Sesean. From this elevated vantage point, enjoy sweeping views of the valley below, where jade-green paddy fields are dotted with ancient black rocks — the remnants of long-ago volcanic eruptions that now blend into the landscape.

Begin your gentle trek through the countryside, a two-hour journey through winding trails and traditional hamlets. Along the way, you’ll pass through Bori and Palawa, two of Toraja’s most culturally rich villages. Here, you'll witness the towering stone megaliths that stand in solemn tribute to Torajan nobles of the past. Each stone tells a story, honouring the status and achievements of those laid to rest. The villages also boast well-preserved Tongkonan houses with their striking boat-shaped roofs and ornate carvings, offering insight into Toraja’s ancestral traditions.

Meet local villagers and observe daily life, where age-old customs still shape routines and ceremonies. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, soaking in the serene pace of life and the captivating scenery.

In the afternoon, continue your cultural discovery with a visit to Marante, a village famous for its cliffside tau-tau effigies — solemn wooden statues dressed in white, guarding the spirits of the departed. These figures serve not only as memorials but as symbolic protectors, watching over the community and linking the living with the afterlife.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, where a warm dinner awaits and the peaceful surroundings of Toraja offer the perfect setting for reflection on the day’s rich experiences.

Overnight in Toraja. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After an early breakfast, say farewell to the mystical highlands of Toraja and begin your journey back to the coastal city of Makassar. Today’s drive takes approximately nine hours, but the ever-changing landscapes of Sulawesi will keep you captivated along the way — from misty mountain passes to verdant valleys and bustling local towns.

Stop for a relaxing lunch en route, where you’ll savour the flavours of Sulawesi’s regional cuisine in a local restaurant, offering a perfect break in the journey. As you descend from the highlands, take in the scenery one last time — rice paddies, coconut groves, and glimpses of traditional village life make this road trip a cultural journey in itself.

Arrive in Makassar by late afternoon and check in at your hotel. Unwind from your overland adventure with a delicious dinner at the hotel, and reflect on the remarkable cultural tapestry of the Toraja people and the scenic beauty of central Sulawesi.

Overnight in Makassar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to Makassar Airport for your flight to the enchanting island of Bali — known for its lush landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual heart.

Upon arrival in Bali, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and begin your scenic drive toward Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. Along the way, immerse yourself in the island’s spiritual traditions with a visit to a traditional Balinese family compound, offering a glimpse into daily life and ancestral customs.

Continue to the sacred Tirta Empul Temple, renowned for its holy spring waters. For over a thousand years, Balinese worshippers have come here to bathe in the purifying pools and perform ritual cleansing ceremonies. Surrounded by lush forest, this ancient temple showcases classic Balinese architecture and a tranquil atmosphere.

Just a short drive away, discover the mystical Gunung Kawi Temple, nestled into the verdant cliffs overlooking the Petanu River. Descend the stone steps into a sacred valley to find ten magnificent rock-cut shrines carved directly into the cliff face, believed to honour Balinese royalty.

Enjoy a delicious lunch near central Ubud, with sweeping views across the jungle-covered valley — a peaceful setting to absorb the energy of this spiritual island. After lunch, check in to your hotel in Ubud. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind at your leisure. End the day with a tasty dinner at the hotel, surrounded by serene Balinese ambiance.

Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After a journey filled with adventure, cultural encounters, and natural wonders, today invites you to slow down and savour the peaceful rhythm of Ubud. Begin your morning with a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the gentle fragrance of frangipani in the air.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll through Ubud’s artisan markets, explore hidden temples, or simply unwind by the pool with a book. For those seeking deeper relaxation, consider indulging in a traditional Balinese spa treatment or yoga session (optional, available at extra cost). Ubud’s serene setting makes it the perfect place to recharge both body and soul.

Whether you spend your day wandering among rice terraces or sipping herbal tea in a quiet café, today is all about slowing down and embracing the gentle spirit of Bali.

Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast included.

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day of discovery across Bali’s mountainous heartland. Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Ubud to the emerald-green rice terraces of Tegalalang — some of the island’s most iconic landscapes. Enjoy the opportunity to walk through the fields, interact with local farmers, and soak in the lush, terraced views that stretch across the valley.

Next, ascend towards Kintamani, where the magnificent panorama of the active Mount Batur and shimmering Lake Batur await. This stunning volcanic region is one of Bali’s most dramatic natural highlights — a perfect place for photos and reflection.

Continue east to the majestic Besakih Temple, known as the "Mother Temple of Bali." Located on the slopes of Mount Agung — Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano — Besakih is the island’s largest temple complex and a revered site of pilgrimage. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and stepped terraces, the temple offers both spiritual atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Lunch is served at a scenic restaurant, offering a tranquil setting with expansive views over rice paddies and Mount Agung in the background. Following your meal, return to your hotel in Ubud where you’ll have some time to relax and freshen up.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Barong dance performance, a dramatic depiction of the battle between good and evil from Balinese mythology. Afterwards, head to the charming Café Wayan, famously featured in the film Eat, Pray, Love, for a delicious farewell dinner amid peaceful gardens and ambient lighting — a perfect end to your cultural journey through Bali.

Overnight in Ubud. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Savour your final morning in beautiful Bali with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, surrounded by the peaceful sights and sounds of Ubud’s lush greenery. Take this time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, spiritual encounters, and cultural wonders that have coloured your Indonesian adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a few final hours at your own pace — perhaps a stroll through nearby markets, a relaxing spa treatment (optional, at extra cost), or simply a quiet moment to unwind before your journey home.

At the appropriate time, a Lumle Holidays representative will meet you for your transfer to Denpasar International Airport. As you board your flight, carry with you the rich memories of Java’s ancient temples, Sulawesi’s tribal traditions, and Bali’s serene spirit — a journey through Indonesia that will stay with you forever.

Breakfast included.