Secrets of Java, Toraja and the Kingdoms of Siam

Jakarta, located in Java Island, is known as one of the most developed cities and biggest cities in Indonesia. This city is a mixture of old heritage, cultural richness, historical places and modern recreation. Whether you are foodie lovers, culture enthusiasts or history buffs, our Jakarta tour holidays will make your travel wishes come true.

Yogyakarta (also known as Jogja) is located on the Java Island and this city is described as the traditional arts and cultural centres of Indonesia. From the popular magnificent temples of Prambanan and Borobudur to the living museum of The Kraton, from its cultural landmarks to many numerous forests and waterfalls, all will be added in our Yogyakarta Tours to help you discover this hidden gem.

Balikpapan is a seaport city in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Located on the east coast of the island of Borneo, the city is the financial centre of Kalimantan and the main gateway to the new capital of Indonesia. Balikpapan is the city with the largest economy in Kalimantan with an estimated 2016 GDP at Rp73.18 trillion. The city has both the busiest airport and seaport in Kalimantan, namely Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport and Port of Semayang. With a population of 645,727 as of 2018, Balikpapan is the second most populous city in East Kalimantan, after Samarinda. Balikpapan has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in Indonesia

Tana Toraja, a landlocked regency of South Sulawesi Province on the island of Sulawesi, is home to the Toraja ethnic group. The local seat is in Makale, while the focal point of Toraja culture is in Rantepao. However, presently, Tana Toraja has been separated to two regencies that comprise of Tana Toraja with its capital at Makale and North Toraja with its capital at Rantepao. Starting around 1984, Tana Toraja has been named as the second tourist destination after Bali by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism. From that point forward, countless foreign visitors have traveled this region. Moreover, various Western anthropologists have come to Tana Toraja to concentrate on the native culture and individuals of Toraja.

Singapore is a dynamic, multicultural city-state known for its stunning skyline, world-class attractions, and blend of modernity and tradition. Home to a population of Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, the diversity of this destination is reflected in the culinary scene, festivals, and the coexistence of Hindu temples, mosques, Christian churches, and Buddhist temples in the same city. As a safe and friendly destination, Singapore is ideal for families with kids to experience a unique mix of “concrete jungle and real jungle” and plenty of interesting activities like educational tours, science centers, and zoos.

Fame as 'the rose of the North', Chiang Mai is an alluring city brimming with glittering temples, lush jungle, delicious streetfood and the bustle of lively markets. As the gateway to the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown far beyond the medieval city walls that once marked it as the ancient capital of Lanna Kingdom. Nevertheless, its temple-lined backstreets still conjure up the glory of the old empire and it is still possible to get a feel for Chiang Mai's Thai culture and traditions. Ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses jostle for space with boutique hotels, stylish restaurants and trendy bars of this northern town as well as its welcoming customs and laidback pace of life leads to a rising footfall of enthusiastic tourists with each year. Home to a vast number of national parks, lush tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, stunning rivers, and animal sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is an unmissable stop-off point for many outdoor adventure-seeking travellers. From trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes to other adrenaline activities including mountain biking, white-water rafting, rock climbing expeditions and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy that makes Chiang Mai a perfect getaway.

Lampang is a northern province where is the only place in Thailand permitting horse carriage in tourist activities. Situating in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges with a height of 268.8m above the sea level, Lampang is an enchanting stop to the North with a vast beauty of nature, culture, and history. If you’re in Northern Thailand and seeking for something authentic and peaceful, less-crowded Lampang would be a great destination.

Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, flourished between the mid-13th and 14th centuries during Thailand's 'golden age'. Already known as the cradle of Thai civilization, the city was abandoned by the 16th century. Its ruins nowadays is preserved within the boundaries of the Sukhothai Historical Park, a must-see on any visit to northern Thailand. Contained within the park are 21 ruin complexes and four large ponds, which add to the soul-soothing ambiance. The temples of Sukhothai are in the classical lotus-bud shape stupas, while bell-shaped Sinhalese and other architecturally ornate details also exist. Despite its fame, the site doesn’t usually get flocks of tourists, it is very peaceful for you to immerse yourself in ancient history and natural wonders. The historical park is divided into five areas: the central, south, east, west and north. Although many tourists chose to explore only the central part, the most impressive one, there are many tracks to more untouched areas, giving you a feeling of stepping back in time. Although the scene doesn’t change much throughout the sections, you will find nuggets of aesthetic delight. The Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue is indisputably the most breathtaking. Its slender fingers are the ultimate allure to photographers, and there is often a line to observe them closely. Also worth seeing is Wat Saphan Hin. The ruins of this spectacular temple have some of the best views of Sukhothai.

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Kanchanaburi, located about 150 kilometers away from Bangkok, is a popular escape for those hoping to lose the crowd. This lush province and its pleasant capital is rich in rivers, waterfalls and outdoor adventure. It also occupies a tragic place in World War II history when Kanchanaburi region was the home of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Popularized by the book and movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. During World War II, Japanese forces used allied prisoners of war (POWs) and conscripted Asian laborers to build a rail route from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar). War cemeteries, museums and the chance to ride a section of the so-called 'Death Railway' draw numerous visitors to this quaint town. As a beautiful town with plethora of diverse attractions, Kanchanaburi is stacked full of great day-tripping opportunities. You can refresh yourself with a swim in one of the many sparkling pools at Erawan Falls; take a stroll down the city's heritage walking street for a look at the different Sino-Portuguese, Thai and Chinese building styles, or explore the famous temple caves built into the limestone hills surrounding Kanchanaburi.

Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. It not only plays an important role in Thai's history but was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Founded in 1350 and became the biggest city in the world by 1700, its wealth generated by trade with countries from all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. However, it all came to an end in 1767 when war with Burma led to the devastation of the city. It was almost burnt to the ground and the capital of Siam moved to Bangkok. Nowaday, most of the ancient remains are on the western half of the island called the Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are temples, royal palaces, museums and more which are easy to explore on foot, by bike or tuk tuk. The most iconic sight of Ayutthaya resides in Wat Mahathat or the Temple of the Great Relic. Its signature is the tree root with a Buddha head embraced in it and no one knows exactly how it was made. Also worth a visit is the royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and one of the most famous temple in Ayutthaya which was once used for royal ceremonies and contained the ashes of royal family members. For an overview of Ayutthayan-style art, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which holds well-preserved statues recovered from the ruins. There are beautiful bronze Buddhas dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, 17th- and 18th-­century door panels with religious, traditional or floral carvings, and a hoard of 15th-century gold jewellery.