Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you happen to arrive early, perhaps check out Maimun Palace – designed by a Dutch Architect and built in the 19th century, it combines architecture from Malay, Indian and Islamic cultures and is now a museum. Alternatively, buy a ticket and take a guided tour of the museum at Tjong A Fie Mansion – known as ‘the historical jewel in Medan’, the Tjong A Fie was built in 1895 by a hakka merchant and is modelled on the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang. After your meeting, maybe grab some street food at one of the night markets in town. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Jump aboard a private vehicle and drive to Bukit Lawang. The first part of the journey involves quite heavy traffic, but the roads are nice and smooth. Closer to Bukit Lawang it gets bumpy and windy, so brace yourself for a bit of an adventure. The reward for the journey is Bukit Lawang – a peaceful village on the banks of the Bohorok river, right next to the Gunung Leuser National Park. In the afternoon you can take an optional tour in the countryside by becak (cycle rickshaw) or cool off with a refreshing swim in the river. There will be also be plenty of time to prepare for your jungle trek. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Set off on your trekking adventure through the Gunung Leuser National Park with an experienced guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site and Wildlife Heritage Area spans 7927 sq km and is one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. It's the home of many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros and elephants. These animals are extremely rare, but you’ll get the chance to go in search for wild orangutans. There used to be an orangutan rehabilitation centre here, but now these creatures have all been returned to their natural habitat, so this is your best chance in Indonesia to see orangutans in the wild. There are also 300 species of birds and many rare plants and flowers. Along the way, your guides will point out orangutan nests, edible plants for you to try, monkeys and birds. Tonight you’ll camp in the jungle – enjoy the atmosphere of the wild as the sun goes down and the guides cook dinner for the group. Your trekking time today will be approximately 6 hours. Today's hike is hilly and can be muddy. The paths are mostly clear, but there are some sections where you’ll have to climb over large fallen logs. Variations to this trek are uncommon, but possible due to varying weather conditions (in the rainy season you will try to reach camp earlier, as it normally rains in the late afternoon) and timing depends on the group’s physical condition. The leader gives the hike a 6 to 10 difficulty in the dry season and an 8 to 10 in the wet season. It's a wild, remote spot, which means maximum adventure and zero facilities! Twin share tents and boiled stream water refills are provided. You may want to bring your own water purification tablets for tonight. You will need to prepare an overnight bag for your trek, and we will leave our large bags at the hotel. It’s advised to wear long-sleeved lightweight clothing, as this will keep the sun and mosquitoes away and help in the year-round hot and very humid weather. We suggest you bring a spare set of clothes for the evening, a sleep sheet, biodegradable soap or shower gel, insect repellent, a pack towel or sarong and rain jacket. At night, the temperatures do drop slightly but still stay mild. Please refer to packing for information about clothing suitable footwear. A sleeping bag will be provided but you may want to bring your own sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet for extra comfort. Porters are available at a cost of 150,000 IDR per day. Please inform your leader in advance if you would like to hire a porter.

Today, your adventure takes you deeper into the heart of Gunung Leuser National Park. Following a hearty breakfast, head out on another invigorating trek, this time in a new direction, promising even more opportunities to encounter the park's incredible wildlife. Let the lush surroundings envelop you in a natural symphony of sights and sounds, then return to the guesthouse in Bukit Lawang to unwind in the afternoon. Settle in for a restful evening, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. Your trekking distance today will be approximately 7 km.

Say goodbye to the jungle this morning and head out for Berastagi – the home of the Karo people, a Batak sub-group with traditional villages (long houses) and your destination for the next two nights. Arrive after lunch, then enjoy the free time to explore at your own pace or take the opportunity to rest and recharge after two long days of trekking. Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. The route to Berastagi goes as high as 1300 m above sea level. During the day, temperatures usually rise over 25 C (77 F) but can become quite cold overnight and in the morning, especially in the wet season.

Your day starts with a short drive to the starting point of today's hike, which will bring you to the top of the Sibayak Volcano (2094 m). The trail can be quite steep, muddy and slippery, especially in the wet season. You’ll follow a shady jungle path which, towards the top, opens into an alpine setting. Long pants are essential to protect you from poisonous plants, and a trekking stick will also come in handy! From the summit, you can see (and hear) the steaming vapours escaping from the fumaroles of this active volcano. After the descent, sit down for a traditional bungkus lunch just in time to reward your hardwork on the hike and enjoy the views. You’ll then head back for a relax. You may also choose to go to the nearby hot springs for a soothing soak – after a few days of trekking, relaxing in these pools, which are all naturally heated by the volcano, will be a welcome relief. Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning, head to Lake Toba – surrounded by mountains, this spot is a peaceful place to relax. Formed by a huge volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago, a second eruption 50,000 years later created an island the size of Singapore in the middle of the lake (Samosir Island). Stop at Dokan Village along the way, where you'll find the traditional homes of local Batak families. From here, take a ferry across the glistening waters to Samosir Island, then drive to your lakeside accommodation. You have a free night to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance – your accommodation is right next to the lake and there’s nice views of the water, mountains and rice fields. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Embark on a day tour in Samosir today. Visit the Stone Chairs and the Simanindo Museum (in a traditional house). You’ll also travel up to a viewpoint on the island which gives you a panoramic vista of Lake Toba and the surrounding Sumatran countryside. Walk through nearby rice fields and stop by a local Batak house for a traditional lunch. Toba Island is dotted with many ancient and modern grave sites, several of which you’ll see today. You’ll also have the chance to attend a traditional Batak dance performance!

Say goodbye to Lake Toba, then drive to the Lake Port. Hop aboard a rustic wooden boat and glide to Tiga Raja Port. Take a moment to peruse the stalls of the weekly market nearby if it happens today, then head on to Medan. This is a bit of a travel day, but the passing landscapes are perfect to pass the time if you can grab a window seat! Arrive in Medan in the late afternoon, then maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and local leader, celebrating an amazing adventure. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today, you’ll fly from Medan to Jakarta after breakfast. When you arrive, enjoy some free time in Jakarta to check out some of the museums – maybe explore the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and Maritime museums. The National Museum is also great for first-time visitors. Maybe check out the Monas (National Monument), dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new members of your group. After, maybe head out to dinner to get to know each other better. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll be unescorted for the flight to Jakarta, but you’ll be transferred to and from the airports. As this is a combination trip, your trip leader and group members are likely to change today.

Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

This morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta – this town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot, offering a great array of cultural avenues to explore including batik workshops as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out with your leader this evening for a street food tour. You might try local delicacies like gudeg (jackfruit stew) and kopi joss (charcoal coffee). Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Rise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming above tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. In the afternoon, venture out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. You’ll pass palm trees, vast grasslands and maybe some locals making various goods like tofu and tempeh along the way, stopping for some great photo ops as you explore. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your cycling distance today will be approximately 6 km (3.7 mi). If you wish to opt out of cycling today, your leader can organise a motorised becak instead, at an additional fee.

Travel by train, then minivan to Seloliman Nature Reserve today. Have the lunch box on the train, which is a typical Javanese bento, using bamboo and banana leaves. When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and learn about what they do here. This peaceful reserve sits on the slopes of the sacred volcano, Mt Penanggungan. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, even with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax this afternoon. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature, sit under the stars as the sun goes down and spend an evening technology-free! For dinner, sit down for some delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. Your accommodation tonight is at Seloliman Ecolodge and you'll stay in bungalows with simple private facilities and great mountain or garden view. Due to the jungle location, there are often many insects, so make sure you bring insect repellent.

Join the reserve staff on a walk around the property this morning, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. You'll gain an insight into the region’s flora and fauna, traditional farming methods, rice production and the mini hydroelectricity plant. Finish up with a traditional jamu demonstration and a tasting of this Javanese herbal medicine. Enjoy lunch at the center before traveling onto Mt Bromo – the homeland of the Tenggerese. The still-active volcano – standing at 2329 m – is the most well-known of the Tengger massif. Retire early tonight in preparation for tomorrow's early start. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your walking time will be approximately 2.5 hours. The jeeps used today are not fitted with seat belts.

Your early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it! First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps to catch the sunrise over the sea of sand. After, you’ll climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside – the ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It's also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru by taking a local train. Tonight, you’re free to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours. Mt Bromo is one of the highlights of the trip but it’s very popular, so during holiday periods expect it to be crowded. At times of increased volcanic activity, the crater of Mt Bromo is closed. There may be amendments to your sunrise hike and this portion of the trip depending on necessary safety precautions. The jeeps used today are not fitted with seat belts.

Head out early this morning to tour some nearby coffee and cocoa plantations. You'll see how coffee is dried and if there’s time, how cocoa is fermented. Before you set off, enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea and snack on fried bananas – yum! Travel by minibus to the far eastern end of Java – Gilimanuk. There is often a lot of heavy traffic on this stretch of road as it's the main entry point for Bali, so there may be some delays. Next, you'll board a ferry across the Java Strait, then another minibus for a journey along the west coast of Bali to Pemuteran – your destination for the next two nights. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a relaxing day in this gorgeous beachside location. Maybe start the day with a yoga class and then explore the local area at your own pace. You could visit the surrounding monkey-filled temples, go swimming off the coast, or think about booking in a snorkelling or diving expedition to the turquoise waters of Menjangan Island. Otherwise, simply sit back, relax and watch the fishermen go about their day-to-day on one of the beaches.

Make the journey to Ubud today – the leafy-green natural paradise of Bali. On the way, stop in at Taman Ayun Temple, to take in the impressive Balinese architecture while you stroll around the gardens. Ubud is Bali's main arts and cultural centre with lots of markets, shops and warungs, close to verdant rice terraces and lush jungles. With nature and wellbeing at its core, Ubud is a highland haven popular with travellers. Tonight, why not get a group of your travel pals together and find a local place to eat some traditional Balinese cuisine. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There is plenty to see and do in Ubud, so it’s highly recommended you stay another few days to explore. If you do, maybe hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding rice paddies and small villages, or visit the galleries, museums and handicraft merchants in town. If you would like to spend more time in Ubud, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.