Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Yogyakarta (Both days B/L/D)
Fly to Yogyakarta from Bali/Jakarta. Meet our local guide and drive for one hour to Candi Rejo, a village in Central Java. The view along the road is amazing. We could see a volcano in a distance while we pass mustard fields, cornfields, tapioca farms and other kinds of vegetable farms. We will also pass a 9th century Buddhist temple called Pawon. It is dedicated to Kuvera, the God of Fortune.
The village was the pilot project of community-based tourism in Indonesia. You will have the opportunity to meet the village chief, who will brief you more about the project.
The village has about 5,000 people, and majority of the people are farmers. The main unit that managed the tourism industry in Candi Rejo is the community runs “cooperatives”, not the government. The head of the cooperatives still reports to the village chief, but the revenue goes directly to the locals.
The locals voluntarily joined the cooperatives. For example, those who have extra rooms in their houses can sign up as accommodation providers. People who have horse drawn rickshaws can join the cooperatives as one of the village transportation providers. Everyone in the cooperatives has to agree with the roster system, which gives the guides, porters, village tours, trek trail maintenance, and handicraft sales equal opportunity to make money.
At this village you will stay with the locals and observe their daily lives. On your first day you'll take a horse drawn rickshaw and tour the village and the local farms. Dinner is at your host's house.
Day 2 Borobudur Temple (B/L/D)
Today You will have the opportunity to visit Borobudur Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in Indonesia and a great wonder of the ancient world.
In the afternoon, the villagers love to play volleyball. You are welcome to join their games. Learn how to play the traditional Gamelan instruments before another lovely dinner.
Day 3 Hiking (B)
Early morning, hike a nearby mountain to see amazing view of volcanic mountains around the village, and Borobudur Temple from high up. After breakfast we will take you wherever you want to be dropped off in Yogyakarta.