Temples & Tonkonans - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Java, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

Set off for the 18th century Kraton, or Sultan’s Palace: the traditional seat of Jogja’s royal court, and a living museum showcasing Javanese culture, dance and poetry performances. Take a becak (bicycle trishaw) ride to the nearby village of Kauman, home to a holy Islamic community, where the narrow streets were designed to ensure everyone is placed on an equal level. End your becak ride at the Taman Sari Water Palace, added to the royal complex by the first Sultan, with bathing pools for his harem. Learn about the traditional art of batik, including the philosophy behind the patterns, and create a batik souvenir, before heading out for an evening’s culinary exploration of Yogyakarta, sampling a variety of regional snacks and dishes. Try pempek fishcakes and bakmi yellow noodles at Jogja’s bustling night markets, sip charcoal-smoked kopi joss coffee, and chill out with the locals in Alun-alun Kidul square.

Explore the temples of Yogyakarta, starting with the 9th century Mendut and Pawon Buddhist examples, perfectly aligned with Borobudur and defined by elaborate stone carvings. Your guide will tell you more about their history and symbolism as you wander. Continue to Borobudur to explore the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, Borobudur was constructed during the 9th century AD, and took over 75 years to complete. Now protected by UNESCO, the stunning temple, decorated with 500 Buddha statues and over 2,500 relief panels, remains remarkably intact. Stay to see the sun set over the magnificent spires - a magical experience - before returning to your hotel.

Fly to Makassar, on the island of Sulawesi, where you’ll meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to explore Makassar’s intriguing streets.

Head north towards Sengkang, taking time to enjoy the journey by car and boat, and sharing lunch with the locals. Canoe through Maros Pangkep’s dramatic karst landscape, photograph every corner of Rammang Rammang, and pause in a small community known for its silk weaving. Arrive in Sengkang by late afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring this calm waterside community.

Accompanied by your guide, board a motorised canoe from a local pier and cruise along the Walennea River to beautiful Lake Tempe, home to over 20 species of water bird. Watch local fishermen use a variety of methods, including nets, rods and bamboo fences, to catch fish to take back to their floating houses on the edge of the lake. These houses, anchored to the lake bed, face different directions depending on water levels and can sometimes even be moved to where the fish are most plentiful. Back on dry land, depart for the Tana Toraja region along a mountainous road through picturesque scenery, and stop en-route for a traditional lunch with a local family. Once in Rantepao, check in to your hotel and the enjoy remainder of your day at leisure to wander through its distinctive streets.

Set out into the Tana Toraja hills to visit several traditional communities, chat with the locals are see the comings and goings of daily life. Torajan animist beliefs centre on death rituals, and funeral ceremonies are a vital part of traditional life. Torajans are well-known for their hospitality and visitors are usually more than welcome to attend these ceremonies, which include a day of feasting, dancing and drinking. The deceased are interred in a variety of distinct ways, including hanging graves carved into the steep cliffs which are guarded by life sized effigies or tau tau, and you’ll see these sombre and poignant cliff cemeteries as you travel through the region.

Continue exploring the Tana Toraja region, gaining fascinating insights into local traditions and culture. Stop for lunch with local hosts in a traditional tonkonan house, where you’ll savour a typical Torajan meal of dishes such as pa’piong manuk: chicken with grated banana stem, cooked inside bamboo and served with fern fronds and red rice.

Today you'll be driven to Makassar, passing through the mountains and along the coast, and stopping for lunch at a traditional house in a small village en route.

Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps sampling a last few Makassar streetfood treats, until it’s time for your onward flight to Lombok via Jakarta. When you arrive, head straight to your resort where the remainder of your day will be at leisure to start settling in to the laid-back Lombok life.

Your time on Lombok is yours to spend being as active or laid back as you wish. Wander along the shore, dipping your toes in the crystal waters. Spot Australasian-style wildlife, including rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, in Gunung Rinjani National Park, or head offshore to visit the nearby Gilli islands.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.