Arrival in Yogyakarta by a morning flight, greet and transfer to your hotel in the city. Enjoy afternoon visiting the magnificent Hindu temple of Prambanan, locally known as the Loro Jongrang Temple or the Temple of the Slender Virgin. Prambanan is one of Yogyakarta’s highlights and is the most beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia, believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century. Its parapets are adorned with bas-relief depicting famous Ramayana story. It has eight shrines, and the three main ones are dedicated to God Trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The main temple of Shiva rises to a height of 130 feet and houses the magnificent statue of Shiva’s consort, Durga. Also visiting the nearby Sewu Temple dating from around 850 AD, and Plaosan temple believed to have been built at the same time as Prambanan by Rakai Pikatan and his Buddhist Queen, Plaosan temples show combination of both Hindu and Buddhist religious symbols and carvings.
Full-day tour to Dieng Plateau for some of the oldest Hindhu temples in Java. The name Dieng derives either from “Di-Hyang” which in Indonesian means “Abode of the Heaven” or from “Adi-Aeng” which in Javanese for “Beautiful-Amazing”. It is thought that was once the site of a flourishing temple-city of priests, built between the 8th and 12th centuries and were dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. From Dieng proceed to the world famous Borobudur Temple, one of the world wonders. The name “Borobudur” is believed to have been derived from the Sanskirt words “Vihara Buddha Uhr” (Buddhist Monastery on the Hill). The temple stands majestically on a hill with amazing view of the surrounding, rises in seven terraces, on the top is the great Stupa standing 40 meters above the group. The walls of Borobudur are sculptured in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometres hailed as the largest and most complete relief in the world. Visits also the smaller temples nearby, Mendut Temple said to face toward Benares, India where Buddha Gautama taught his five disciples, and Pawon Temple form an integral part of the Borobudur complex. (B, L)
Today explores Solo known as the centre of Batik clothes or Yogyakarta’s sister city. Start with a visit to Mangkunegaran Palace in Solo for their priceless antiques collection from the Sultan, and then eastward from the city to Sukuh Temple built in the 15th century, very late in Hindu period, just before Moslem penetrated through the island of Java. Sukuh Temple is decorated with Wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin and the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant en-route. Drive back to Yogya for overnight. (B, L)
Yogya city sightseeing before transferred to the airport, takes you to Sonobudoyo Museum for its collection of Yogya’s antiques and historical relics (closed on Monday), the Sultan Palace, Batik home industries, Kotagede for silverworks. (B)
Transfer and tours as per itinerary with private AC vehicle, Local English speaking guide or other language on request (subject to availability), Luggage handling, Any available admissions/ donations at places of interest mentioned, Parking fees, Daily breakfast (3X) and 2x lunch, Overnight based on 3Nights deluxe room at Melia Purosani, Current prevailing govt. tax and service charge, Local insurance coverage
Air ticket, airport departure tax, all your personal expenses, beverages and other meals, tipping, and things that are not indicated above