*

$4239**

Indonesian Art, Culture & Spirit - Java & Bali plus Singapore

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Small Group Tour Indonesia - Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Package Includes

  • Small groups of 10-18 travelers guaranteed
  • International flights Los Angeles-Solo, Singapore-Los Angeles
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • 2 intra-flights
  • 13 nights in First Class accommodations that evoke the local character
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • 30 meals: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners (including a home-hosted dinner with a Balinese family, and welcome & farewell dinners)
  • Bottled water during sightseeing excursions. Coffee and tea with all meals
  • Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features
  • Luggage handling of one bag per person

Tour Highlights

  • Thanks to our small group size of 10–18 travelers, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
  • Admire the colossal temple of Borobudur, a vast complex built in the shape of a sacred mandala
  • Ride a pony-drawn carriage to the village of Plaosan, where we glimpse traditional culture
  • Journey by train through the stunning East Java countryside
  • Watch the sun rise over dramatic volcanoes from the summit of Mt. Pananjakan
  • See the breathtaking terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih, and stroll among them with a local rice farmer
  • Share a meal with a Balinese family in their Ubud home
  • Learn to prepare a fresh and flavorful local dish, and enjoy it for lunch
  • Hear about Bali’s most interesting customs and festivals from a local expert, then attend a Barong dance performance
  • Explore the thrilling city-state of Singapore, Southeast Asia’s economic powerhouse

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    DAY 1, Sunday - Depart the USA
    Depart the USA for the city of Solo, also known as Surakarta, the heart of Central Java province in Indonesia. Your overnight flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for the journey

    DAY 2, Monday - En route

    DAY 3, Tuesday - Arrive in Solo, Indonesia
    We connect in Singapore for our flight to Indonesia. After our morning arrival in Solo, we transfer to our hotel in Yogyakarta, where you can rest after your journey. Yogyakarta is the cultural soul of Java, where a distinct and lively arts scene thrives. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a cocktail party and welcome dinner at the hotel
    Overnight: Royal Ambarrukmo, Yogyakarta
    Meals: Dinner

    DAY 4, Wednesday - Explore Buddhist Temples/Visit Jumoyo Village
    After breakfast, we visit the massive Buddhist Borobudur Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ninth-century stepped marvel takes the shape of a sacred mandala when viewed from above. We’ll admire some of its 2,672 bas relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make a brief stop at Pawon Temple and Mendut Monastery. Curiously, all three of the temples we see today were built on one straight line. Though their significance is not known for certain, every spring during the full moon, the devout walk from Mendut to Pawon, then on to Borobudur. Later, we visit the village of Jumoyo to view the “mountain of fire,” the Merapi volcano, active since the 16th century. Some villagers believe it houses a palace that is home to rulers of the spirit kingdom
    Overnight: Royal Ambarrukmo, Yogyakarta
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5, Thursday - Discover Prambanan Temple, Plaosan Village, Sultan’s Palace, and Bird Market
    Begin today at a breathtaking site: the ninth-century Prambanan Temple. This spectacular complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its tall-spired majesty. Dedicated to the three expressions of God: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Sustainer), and Shiva (Destroyer), it’s easy to understand why it is so grand! We depart this spell-binding place by a pony-drawn carriage, which delivers us to Plaosan, a traditional village. We’ll learn how women here make unique crackers and tofu, and witness the cultivation of chilis and peanuts, two of Java’s staples. Continue to the Sultan’s palace – or kraton – a gilded splendor of Javanese royalty. After lunch, there’ll be time to stroll the grounds of the Taman Sari Water Castle, the sultan’s former garden. After, we’ll explore the largest bird market in the city and learn how local batik is crafted and painted
    Overnight: Royal Ambarrukmo, Yogyakarta
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 6, Friday - Train Journey to Jombang/Tour Javanese Countryside
    This morning, we ride by train to Jombang. It’s a thrilling four-hour journey that gives us glimpses of everyday life in the city and the lush countryside. After lunch in Jombang, we continue overland to Malang. Our route shows you the Indonesia you’ve dreamed of – emerald-sloped mountains, tropical rain forests, terraces of rice fields, rural villages, and pristine rivers. Along the way, we’ll stop to view a cascading waterfall in one of the villages
    Overnight: Hotel Tugu, Malang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7, Saturday - Sunrise at Mt. Bromo/Explore Sea of Sand
    We get a very early start to the day, but you’ll be glad we did! At 1:30 a.m., we depart for the village of Tosari. Here, we board 4x4 vehicles to ascend Mt. Pananjakan, reaching the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise that illuminates the surrounding volcanoes – the magnificent, conical Mt. Bromo among them. Legend says that Bromo was once the site of human sacrifice. Today, villagers offer fruit, rice, and vegetables to satisfy the mountain’s deities. Later, we proceed to the Sea of Sand, the vast and eerie table upon which Bromo sits. We return to our hotel in time for lunch and a free afternoon
    Overnight: Hotel Tugu, Malang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 8, Sunday - Visit Taman Safari/Fly to Bali
    After breakfast, we stop at Taman Safari, the largest safari park in Asia. Most of the 2,500 animals here are from Asia and Africa, including Bengal tigers, giraffes, cheetahs, and komodo dragons. After lunch on your own, we fly to Denpasar, the capital of the island-province of Bali, world-renowned for its soothing beaches, deep spirituality, and long tradition of arts. Our base is Ubud, the cultural center of it all, nestled amidst terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples swathed in jungle, and burbling rivers
    Overnight: Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas, Ubud
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 9, Monday - Explore Jatiluwih/Discover Ulun Danu/Enjoy Dinner with Balinese Family
    We start our morning at a local school, learning about the curriculum and chatting with children and teachers. Then, continue to Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where terraced steps climb verdant hillsides as far as you can see. This is traditional Balinese life, one that revolves around nasi, or rice. We’ll enjoy a stroll through the fields with a rice farmer for a personal account of living in this green paradise. After lunch, we head into the mountains to visit Ulun Danu temple on scenic Bratan Lake. Offerings made here to the water goddess Dewi Danu are believed to benefit the entire watershed fed by this lake. Back in Ubud this evening, we join a family in their home and experience Balinese friendliness firsthand
    Overnight: Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas, Ubud
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 10, Tuesday - Visit Artisan Village/Enjoy Cooking Class and Talk on Balinese Customs
    After breakfast, we visit the artisan village of Mas, known for its intricate wood carvings. Much of the work done here is praised for its artful blend of man and nature. Later, we browse the colorful local market, whose stalls brim with fabric, wooden idols, paintings, batik, sarongs, and all manner of Bali’s delights. We’ll end our morning with a cooking class, learning to make a local dish and, of course, enjoying it for lunch! Back at the hotel, we learn about local customs and festivals from an expert. You’ll see that the Balinese joy for living shines through in its diverse performing arts culture
    Overnight: Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas, Ubud
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 11, Wednesday - Journey to Kintamani/Transfer to Sanur
    Begin today with a Barong dance performance, which features a benevolent lion-like creature. Then, we venture to Kintamani, on the western edge of a caldera, for breathtaking views of volcanic Mount Batur and its crater lake. After lunch, proceed to Sanur, once an old fishing village. We’re welcomed to this oceanside community by a Balinese-style dinner
    Overnight: Sudamala Suites & Villas, Sanur
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 12, Thursday - Explore Denpasar/Visit Tanah Lot for Sunset Dinner
    After a free morning, we head to Denpasar for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, there’ll be time to explore the towering Badjra Sandi Monument, said to symbolize the soul and spirit of the Balinese people. Then, we’ll see the impressive Werdhi Budaya Arts Center, a compound of performance venues and showplace for Balinese arts. Continue to Tanah Lot, uniquely perched on a rock formation overlooking the Indian Ocean. Our dinner venue affords us a view of the dramatic sunset
    Overnight: Sudamala Suites & Villas, Sanur
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 13, Friday - Day at Leisure
    Today is free for you to explore on your own, or simply relax by the pool or with a spa treatment at the hotel
    Overnight: Sudamala Suites & Villas, Sanur
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 14, Saturday - Fly to Singapore
    After breakfast, fly to Singapore, the cosmopolitan city-state at the tip of Malaysia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, experience all the drama and enchantment of a tropical jungle at Night Safari Tour. Travel in an open tram through varied terrain that is a home to more than 1,000 animals and later enjoy a guided night-time trail walk to see the animals close-up
    Overnight: Berjaya Duxton Hotel, Singapore
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 15, Sunday - Explore Singapore
    We begin today with a lively market visit, with all manner of crafts and produce. If it’s in season, we’ll even try locally grown durian, the “king of fruits” throughout Southeast Asia despite that many find its odor unpleasant. We’ll also see the palm-lined Parliament House, the modern Supreme Court building, City Hall, the statue of the city’s founder, Stamford Raffles, and the luxury hotel named for him. This evening, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner
    Overnight: Berjaya Duxton Hotel, Singapore
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 16, Monday - Depart for the USA
    Transfer to the airport for your flight home
    Meals: Breakfast

    Royal Ambarrukmo

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the historic and cultural districts.

    		Hotel Details

    Hotel Tugu Malang

    ★★★★★

    This deluxe class hotel is located in the heart of the old town, looking out to a beautiful lotus pond

    		Hotel Details

    Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located amidst tropical grounds in Bali’s Ubud Area.

    		Hotel Details

    Sudamala Suites & Villas

    ★★★★+

    This superior first class hotel is located in the calm and relaxed environment of Sanur.

    		Hotel Details

    Berjaya Singapore Hotel

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located nearby Singapore's Chinatown neighborhood.

    		Hotel Details
    Dates & PricesLand OnlyAir & Land
    Dates & PricesLand Only
    Dates & PricesAir & Land
     
    2013
    Sep 22 (Sold Out)4809
    Oct 13  4919
    Oct 204409
    Oct 274409
    Nov 104239
    Nov 174239
    Dec 14239
    2014
    Jan 54559
    Feb 94559
    Feb 234559
    Mar 164559

    Click a date to book online.

    *Not Included:
    Prices do not include gratuities for guides/tour managers.


    Additional Information:
    This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via Singapore Airlines and may only be purchased with these flights. Please note your departure flight Los Angeles - Singapore and return flight Singapore - Los Angeles is via Tokyo (Narita), Japan and will not be visible on your flight schedule.

    Entry Requirements:
    Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

    Is This Trip Right for You?

    This is a moderately active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend 4-6 hours on our feet during tours. Though the overall pace is moderate – with 3 three-night stays and 2 two-night stays – we have one long transfer day (a 4-hour train ride, followed by a 4-hour drive) and one very early morning with a 1 am wake-up call. Some of our tours require walking over uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking or who have heart conditions.

     
    Getting Ready to GoAbout Your FlightsArrival and DepartureAccommodationsAt Your Destination

    Know Before You Go
    Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
    Getting Ready to Go
    Passports and Visas
    It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.

    Entry Requirements:
    US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
    Trip Preparation
    A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage.
    Cell Phones & Calling Cards
    You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling overseas. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. U.S. service is dominated by the CDMA technology standard, while most of the world uses the incompatible GSM standard. Some U.S. providers do offer GSM, but you may incur high international roaming fees. With GSM, however, you can often choose to have your phone unlocked and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. If you can access the Internet as you travel, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally.

    When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel’s reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges.

    Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
    When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
    For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.

    Wireless Internet Access
    Passengers traveling with WiFi enabled devices (such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player) may be able to connect to the internet via a wireless network access point (or hotspot). WiFi access in hotels and/or cruise lines often involves a fee which, in some cases, can be very expensive. Passengers requiring internet access can often locate free WiFi hotspots such as libraries or coffee shops. Hotspots can often be located and planned in advance via an online search. Planning ahead may help avoid unnecessary fees.

    Staying Healthy While Traveling
    All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal health-care provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or theWorld Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

    There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

    • Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
    • Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
    • If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
    • Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
    • Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellant (for both active and warm destinations).
    • You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
    Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
    Climate & Clothing
    Singapore - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

    Singapore Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather