Yogyakarta Extension

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta Airport, a 1.5-hour transfer brings you to your hotel in Yogyakarta, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. The hotel is ideally situated right downtown so you can get out and explore or choose to relax in your room. Lunch and dinner are on your own. Overnight at the Phoenix Hotel...meals on your own

Set out for a visit to the Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues. “Rediscovered” in 1815, Borobudur has been excavated and returned to its (almost) original glory. The stone relief panels offer a clear glimpse into Buddhist belief and Javanese life 1,000 years ago. Please note that Borobudur Temple is closed on Mondays.

After returning to the hotel, you have the option to head out on a Jeep excursion to discover the northern region of Yogyakarta. You’ll explore the foot of Mount Merapi in an area called Kaliadem, enjoying the winding roads near past lava flows along the way. You will also see the local houses, many of which were destroyed and rebuilt after the massive volcano eruption of 2010. The Jeep tour will take about 1.5 hours, led by an experienced driver. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B

Kota Gede, once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire, is a small city brimming with impressive architecture. During a walking tour, you’ll visit Kota Gede’s market and a mosque believed to be built by Sultan Agung with the help of Buddhists and Hindus who lived in the area. You can see both Hindu and Buddhist details in the architecture. Afterward, learn about traditional Indonesian Gamelan music, created by integrating sounds of gong, kenong, and other musical instruments. You can even try your hand at learning how to play these traditional instruments. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B

Buckle up for a tour of Yogyakarta by car. Your first stop will be the Keraton Palace complex in the city’s old quarter, which was once the palace of the sultans. You’ll also visit the Taman Sari Water Palace, a former royal garden with tranquil pools. Batik is a centuries-old Javanese craft that produces beautiful colored designs on textiles by dyeing them, and you’ll have a firsthand experience learning how these textiles are made. Each region has its own unique patterns linked to its cultural heritage. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit Prambanan Temple. Decorated with reliefs illustrating the Ramayana Hindu epic of the three great deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, this 8th century temple consists of three main buildings and is surrounded by more than 200 small temples. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at hotel...B

Please note: Both Keraton Palace and Prambanan Temple are closed on Mondays.

After breakfast, transfer to the Yogyakarta Airport for departure.