Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, make your way via public airport bus (or app-based cab) to your budget hostel or guesthouse in Central Jakarta. After checking in and freshening up, head out for a relaxed walking tour of Jakarta’s major landmarks. Explore the iconic Monas (National Monument) – a towering symbol of Indonesian independence – then visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. You can also cross over to the Jakarta Cathedral nearby, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity. In the evening, stroll through Merdeka Square and grab some local street food like nasi goreng, sate ayam, or sweet martabak from roadside stalls.
Rise early for your scenic train journey from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Board the comfortable economy class train and enjoy 7 hours of changing landscapes — rice paddies, villages, and Javanese countryside. Arrive in Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, by mid-afternoon. Check into your hostel, ideally located near Malioboro Street, and take the evening to wander through this vibrant stretch. Known for its buzzing night markets, food carts, and traditional batik shops, Malioboro offers a perfect introduction to Jogja’s charm. Try out dishes like Gudeg (young jackfruit curry) and bakpia (sweet pastries).
Start the day early — around 4:00 AM — for a sunrise group tour to Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s largest and most magnificent Buddhist temples. Watch the sunrise from this ancient monument as fog rolls over the surrounding jungle and mountains — it’s a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Post Borobudur, the shared tour continues to Prambanan Temple, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, with towering spires and intricate carvings. While full entry is optional (additional cost), the outer complex and gardens are impressive even from the outside. Return to your hostel in the afternoon for rest or personal exploration. In the evening, you can relax at a café, join a batik workshop, or catch a Ramayana Ballet show at Prambanan (optional activity).
Enjoy a slow start to your final day. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may explore Taman Sari Water Castle, a hidden gem of Yogyakarta once used by the sultan’s family for leisure and rituals. From here, either head to the Yogyakarta International Airport for your flight back to India or take a train back to Jakarta if flights are cheaper from there. Pro tip: It’s often more time-efficient and affordable to fly back from Yogyakarta instead of returning to Jakarta.