ESSENTIAL INDONESIA

Day 1 Arrive Yogyakarta

On arrival at Yogyakarta, you will be met and privately driven the 1.5 hour journey up into the mountainous region of Borobudur. Set amongst the verdant teak forests and green hills of Tanjunguan Village in Central Java sits the Plataran Borobodur. Enjoy three nights in this fabulous property with magical views of Borobudur Temple and spectacular sunrises. The rest of your day will be at leisure to relax after your journey.

Overnight: Plataran Borobudur

Day 2 Home Industries of Borobudur

Venture out with your guide this morning to cycle through local villages and witness the home industries at work as the residents make Tempeh, noodles and rice in their homes.

Overnight: Plataran Borobudur

Day 3 Mystical Borobodur Temple

Rise at dawn to witness one of life's bucket list moments as the sun rises over the mystical temple of Borobudur - the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. The temple structures are truly magnificent as they rise out of the ground in the image of neighbouring volcanoes and your expert guide will help bring them to life with stories of ancient times. From its 150,000 square foot base, you can climb up to the top of the pyramid for a closer look at the stunning latticework stupas and an awe inspiring view. On your way back to the hotel for breakfast, stop at the local fresh food market. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

Option: We recommend a gentle hike with your guide to the remote Seligriyo Temple this afternoon.

Overnight: Plataran Borobodur

Day 4 Yogyakarta- Denpasar

Fly to Bali today, where you will be met by your guide and driven 1.5 hours into the lush green hills of Ubud. Your home for the next three nights is Uma by COMO, surrounded by verdant jungle. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Uma by COMO

Day 5 Relaxing in Ubud

Today is a day of leisure in this secluded haven; early morning yoga sessions, soul-nourishing temple visits, artisan workshops as well as superb service from the staff that will ensure you are well looked after. If you have the energy you can wander into Ubud to buy trinkets and sample delicious street food. Otherwise, the large pool is the ideal place to relax and commands stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Option: Experience the spiritual side of Bali by walking through rice fields in the company of a Balinese priest and enjoy a special, private blessing at the end.

Overnight: Uma by COMO

Day 6 Downhill Volcano Cycling in Ubud

Enjoy an exhilarating morning on bicycles with your private guide. Start with coffee at a local cafe with the best view of Mount Batur, before mounting your bikes and cycling down the side of the volcano through rice paddy fiels and local villages. Stop whenever you want to take pictures, pick fruit or chat to the locals. Enjoy a spicy Balinese curry at Wapa Di Uma in the village used in the film "Eat, Pray, Love", set amidst a rice paddy field, before heading back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Option: For the monkey lovers amongst you, a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest can be added after lunch today if you wish.

Overnight: Uma by COMO

Day 7 Bali - Lombok

After a leisurely morning, you will be privately transferred to Padang Bai Harbour where you catch the high speed ferry to Lombok. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to Tugu Lombok, occupying an enviable position on Lombok's best beach in the north. Relax immediately and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight: Tugu Lombok

Day 8 - 10 Lombok

Perfectly positioned on the northwest coast of the unspoilt island and on mile upon mile of golden sand, Tugu Lombok is a tropical haven which neighbours empty green fields where life continues as it has done for centuries. You have three full days to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, spa treatments and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Feast on mouth-watering local dishes served from the hotel's exceptional restaurants or in the privacy of your villa.

Option: The Gili Islands are just across the water from the hotel and are famous for their excellent snorkelling and diving. We can arrange a full day out on a boat if this appeals. Should you prefer to stay on land, then we also recommend a visit to Tiu Teja Waterfall in the centre of the island.

Insider tip: The Legian Sire occupies the same excellent beach as Tugu. If you are looking for a world class suite or private pool villa, then this could be the place for you.

Overnight: Tugu Lombok

Day 11 Depart

Take the high speed ferry back to Bali today, where you will be met and privately transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.