Alternative Indonesia: From Bali to the Karimunjawa Archipelago

After landing in Denpasar, hop on your connecting flight to Ubud. You will be met by our local representative after collecting your luggage and clearing customs, who will take you to your hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.

Ubud is the island's hub for culture. Take a seat in a 70s Volkswagen convertible to discover the beauty of Ubud. Wind your way down country roads, past pretty artisan villages, striking temples and verdant forests. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys as you pass the Forest of Sangeh, stop by the village of Mas, which specialises in intricate wood carving (the perfect souvenir to take back home) and visit Sukawati's market with its many rainbow-hued fresh fruit, vegetable and flower stalls.

Today you’ll get to tuck into a cookery class where you will get a taste of Indonesian specialties and become familiar with Balinese food culture. Start your culinary awakening with a visit to the local Tampaksiring market where you can explore the stalls in search of ingredients and discover an appetising array of fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. Back at the village, the cooking can begin. Learn to prepare authentic Balinese dishes followed by a treating your taste buds to a tasting, all set in the heart of the rice fields.

Today you will transfer to Denpasar airport for your flight to Semarang where, on arrival, you will be welcomed by our local representative before transferring to Magelang. Over the next few days you will get to explore everything Magelang has to offer, from delving into Buddhist art to hopping between ancient temples. Follow an expert guide around some of the most spectacular sites for Buddhist art: the stupas and mandalas of Borobudur. Built in the eighth and ninth centuries, this temple depicts the cosmos and path to Buddhist enlightenment and features a huge array of bas-relief sculptures. The scale and consistency of their design is truly awe inspiring and your guide can give you a deeper insight with facts and anecdotes about the area.

End the day with a traditional Javanese massage to relieve your weary legs ready for more exploring. Also on the cards is a day spent taking in the beautiful gardens of Umbul Temple on two wheels with an expert guide. From spring-fed bathing pools and antique stone structures to the special rituals that are still done here, there is so much to do and see. Take a dip in the stone-lined pools, learn about the sacred Hindu site or simply spend time on your bikes exploring your surroundings. When stomachs start to grumble, tuck into a delicious home-made picnic before heading back to the hotel.

Today you will leave the culture-filled temples behind and transfer to Semarang airport for your flight to the Karimunjawa Islands. When you arrive, hop aboard a speed boat transfer to your hotel, taking in the incredible white sandy beaches framed by palm trees that line the islands. Spend the rest of the day on the beach enjoying some R&R after a day of travelling.

Karimunjawa Archipelago is a tropical paradise. The shallow waters that surround the islands contrast with the deep blue Java Sea beyond. Kayaking, snorkelling and diving are absolute musts as the waters and reefs are brimming with a kaleidoscopic collection of flora and fauna. As well as its crystalline waters, Karimunjawa National Park is also a protected area for dense mangroves, which can be explored by boat or on foot along the selection of wooden walkways. There is also so much to do in land on Karimunjawa Island, from walking to guided island tours; the island’s interior is just as beautiful as its stunning coastline. While you’re out and about, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for red-breasted parakeets and the magnificent green wings of imperial pigeons.