Indonesia Culture And Cuisine

Today, you’ll enjoy one last day in Yogyakarta. After breakfast in the morning, travel along Jalan Malioboro to Beringharjo Traditional Market. According to locals, Beringharjo symbolises traditional elements of the local economy with its 'four in one pole’ consisting of South Square, Sultan Palace, North Square, and Beringharjo Market. The local guide will point out the exotic vegetables and spices unique to Indonesian cooking, as well as the seasonal tropical fruits – there’s even the opportunity to taste what’s in season!

Stepping up to the second floor, the guide will explain the tradition of jamu in Indonesia – a traditional medicine and beverage based on locally blended herbs and spices that’s used to treat a variety of ailments.

Learn more about Yogyakarta’s historic and cultural traditions with a with a half-day city tour.

Start with a visit to the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton. This building, built between 1756 –1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. While walking through the various rooms and chambers, learn more about this aspect of Javanese heritage and culture.

Then, receive a transfer by local cyclo, becak, to Taman Sari Water Palace and Garden. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan, with bathing pools for his harem.

We recommend visiting more Yogyakarta’s numerous bustling traditional markets for an unforgettable shopping experience. Take a stroll past endless aisles of vendors and shop for fresh produce, exotic spices, local handicrafts, clothing and more at Pasar Beringharjo, Pasar Kranggan or Pasar Klithikan Pakuncen. Overnight in Yogyakarta.

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for taking a short flight to the fascinating island of Bali. Upon arrival at the airport in Denpasar, you will be greeted by your local guide for the transfer to hotel in Ubud. Check in to hotel and freshen up.

In the late afternoon, embark on a culinary journey of Ubud and begin the evening with a sunset over Sayan Valley. At a wonderful house with a lawn atop the valley sip a cocktail and enjoy Japanese-Latin fusion cuisine tapas while the cicadas beginning to sing in the dusk. As the evening calls, go on a short ride to Ubud centre. Witness the traditional dance by the beautiful candle-lit lotus pond of the Saraswati Palace. Continue to a semi-open wooden Joglo style venue amidst the rice fields – Ubud as it is imagined. Enjoy some typical Balinese cuisine and cookery with two choices of a soup and a main dish. Continue the culinary crawl for a dessert as the way leads to just another place that’s on everyone’s lips. Celebrate the end of the evening with a tasting session of sweet sins that have been prepared to conclude the evening. Back to your hotel. Overnight in your hotel in Ubud.

Spend this morning discovering the many charms of Ubud. Lace up the running shoes for a gentle short walk on famous Campuhan ridge starting from the North to its Southern end. Wander amid the verdant fields, stopping to take photos of probably the most gorgeous hillside vista in the region, it also allows you to shed off some calories too. At the end of the path hike along the paved road pass the Campuhan bridges and visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Antonio Blanco is arguably the most famous artist to have ever lived in Bali and his former home has been converted into a museum with an extensive collection of his works as well as his studio. The Museum stands as testament to his love for Bali.

From the museum continue drive to Warung Ibu Oka, a busy local style eatery that is popular with locals and travellers alike to enjoy the favourite dish of the Balinese people, Babi Guling or suckling pig.

After lunch visit Ubud’s Royal Palace built in the 16th century the palace is still home to Ubud’s king and its royal family. It can be seen from the outside only. Just across the street is the famous market of Ubud – a great opportunity to hunt for souvenirs! Relax at a spa where and enjoy a 60-minute of Balinese massage with organic facial or body scrub.Following treatment, return to hotel and dress up before dining at Bridges Restaurant, a fine dining venue with a fantastic view next to the river. There will be a choice between 3 entrées, 3 main courses and 3 desserts (excluding beverages). Overnight in the hotel in Ubud.

After breakfast, head to Marga Village in Tabanan for a Balinese cooking class. Upon arrival at the village, be welcomed by a local representative and brought to a typical Balinese house. Here, experience a unique Balinese cooking class where the local chef will explain about Balinese ingredients and how to use the equipment needed for cooking. After completing the class, sit down in the relaxing environment of the home and enjoy a self-cooked Balinese meal. Following lunch, proceed to Bali’s UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih, which offers the widest panoramic view of Bali’s iconic rice terraces. Located on a slope near the holy mountain of Batukaru, this area is known as the Rice Granary of Bali and provides one of the island’s best examples of subak-style rice farming. Take a leisurely hour-long walk through the rice fields here and be sure to take lots of photos. Visit the Royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. This temple is known for its unique multi-roofed structures and its beautiful setting around a fish pond-the perfect place to see traditional Balinese architecture in its full glory. Return to Ubud late this afternoon. Enjoy your free time at your leisure. Overnight in the hotel in Ubud.

Set off on this Bali temple day tour to explore the island’s sacred temples and scenic spots. Begin with a visit to Pura Gunung Kawi. Set amid lush rice terraces in the village of Tampaksiring, the 11th-century temple can only be accessed by a series of staircases. The effort is worth it, arriving at the top to admire a series of ten shrines carved directly into a cliff face. See elements of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, learning from the guide about the significance of the temple and its carvings.

Continue to nearby Pura Tirta Empul, a popular water temple for local devotees. Discover why water is such an important element in Balinese Hindu culture, hearing how it is used as holy medium and at special ceremonies. Then take a soak in Tirta Empul’s cool spring water, with the water pouring from the numerous fountains that fill the pools. Next to a coffee plantation in Tegalalang and take a short tour through the fields, enjoying the fresh air and lush highland surroundings. Take a rest and enjoy a fresh cup of java or tea and a light snack while admiring the views over Tampaksiring’s valley. Take a break at midday for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Tjhampuhan ridge. In the afternoon after lunch resume the drive to a coffee studio. Meet with a trained barista to learn expert coffee brewing techniques. Choose from a variety of courses, focusing on espresso, latte art or professional ways to judge the quality of coffee. This interactive class is the perfect way to conclude the day and return to the hotel late this afternoon. Overnight in the hotel in Ubud.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before checking out and departing to the South of Bali.Lunch will be served in a local Warung in Sanur an authentic Padang food venue. Padang food is the cuisine of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is among the most popular food in maritime Southeast Asia. It is known across Indonesia as Masakan Padang – Padang food! Note that the venue is very basic, yet, authentic!

Check in to the hotel in Sanur and have free time before the afternoon tour.Visit one of Bali’s most impressive temples, Uluwatu, which is majestically perched on the edge of a steep cliff. As the sun sets, be treated to a dramatic kecak dance performance, which involves male performers chanting rhythmically and percussively while throwing their arms in the air.

Then return to Jimbaran for a barbecue seafood dinner under the stars on one of Bali’s more expansive beaches. There, a famous seafood warung will serve an enticing platter including prawns, grilled fish, squid, clams and shellfish, accompanied by rice, vegetables (Indonesian spinach) and sambal (spicy Indonesian sauce). Overnight in Sanur.

Enjoy the morning at leisure and spend some time in the beach.Around 16:00 get ready for a flavorful night out. Join a local guide for a Seminyak food tour along the main strip and the hip Petitenget area, long standing favorite destinations for dining and nightlife in Bali.When the sun begins to set, head to a stylish rooftop bar on a Vintage Vespa to start evening with a cocktail and magnificent views. After the sun has dipped into the ocean and while the surfers catch their last waves, continue to a chic eatery that combines well contemporary international and traditional Indonesian themes. A healthy starter platter is served while outside on one of the busiest streets of Seminyak. Indulge in a bit of people watching as local residents and tourists flock to the diverse dining venues in the area. Take a short drive to the next stop on this culinary crawl, arriving at a wooden Javanese Joglo house for the main course. Tuck in to a dinner of Nasi Campur, tapas-style Indonesian dishes served around a rice pyramid. Savor the exotic spices and delicate flavors of truly authentic local cuisine. Then it is time for dessert. Step into a stylish lounge set amid the rice paddies where a delicious sweet dessert is served. Soak up the views of the illuminated rice fields while satisfying the sweet tooth.Having tasted the best of Seminyak’s culinary scene, return to the hotel or, for night owls, continue to one of the many bars in the area for a nightcap.