Set out on a cultural odyssey through the heart of Java, from the vibrant city of Yogyakarta to the historic Surakarta. This 12-hour tour promises a deep dive into the region’s captivating Javanese-Hindu heritage. Explore the opulent Pura Mangkunegaran palace, uncover the enigmatic reliefs of Sukuh Temple, and marvel at the distinct architecture of Cetho Temple. With a professional guide by your side, this all-inclusive experience ensures a hassle-free adventure, leaving you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- This tour covers visits to Surakarta, Sukuh Temple, and Cetho Temple, providing insights into Javanese-Hindu heritage and pre-Islamic history.
- The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, entrance tickets, and all meals, making it a comprehensive and convenient experience.
- Highlights of the tour include the Pura Mangkunegaran palace, the unique thematic reliefs of Sukuh Temple, and the distinct architecture of Cetho Temple.
- The tour duration is 12 hours, with the option to reserve and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and recommended items include comfortable shoes, camera, and cash.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour from Yogyakarta to Surakarta, Sukuh Temple, and Cetho Temple is priced at $249.42 per group of up to 4 participants and lasts for 12 hours.
Explore the ancient temples of Surakarta, Sukuh, and Cetho on a 12-hour tour priced at $249.42 for up to 4 participants.
Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now & pay later option.
Included in the price are an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, entrance tickets, and all meals.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, and travelers should wear comfortable clothing and bring necessary supplies for the outdoor activities.
Looking for more options in Karanganyar? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Details
Starting in Yogyakarta, the tour travels to Surakarta, which takes around 105 minutes by car.
Visitors spend 2 hours exploring Pura Mangkunegaran, including its antique market.
Next, they drive 1.5 hours to reach Sukuh Temple, where they spend 100 minutes admiring its unique reliefs.
The journey continues to Cetho Temple, just a 40-minute drive away.
After 1.5 hours at Cetho, the tour returns to Yogyakarta, a 2.33-hour drive.
This comprehensive itinerary allows guests to discover the diverse cultural heritage of Central Java, from royal palaces to ancient Hindu-Javanese temples.
Highlights and Attractions
Although the tour covers several key attractions, the highlights include Pura Mangkunegaran, Sukuh Temple, and Cetho Temple.
Pura Mangkunegaran is the official palace of the Duke of Mangkunegara, built in 1757, showcasing Javanese culture and royal artifacts.
Sukuh Temple, a 15th-century Javanese-Hindu temple, is notable for its unique thematic reliefs focused on life before birth and sexual education.
Cetho Temple, also a 15th-century Javanese-Hindu temple, is significant for its distinct architecture and historical context prior to the Islamic conversion in Java.
Key highlights:
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Pura Mangkunegaran: Official palace showcasing Javanese culture
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Sukuh Temple: 15th-century temple with unique thematic reliefs
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Cetho Temple: 15th-century temple with distinct architecture
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Opportunity to explore Javanese-Hindu heritage
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Insight into the pre-Islamic history of Java
Inclusions and Amenities
The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide for the entire day.
Entrance tickets for Pura Mangkunegaran, Sukuh Temple, and Cetho Temple are provided. Water, gasoline, highway fees, and parking fees are also included.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served during the tour.
Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, food, drinks, and cash.
Prohibited items include alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances.
As this is an outdoor activity, travelers should prepare for the travel duration and weather conditions.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Coordination
For the tour, the meeting point is hotel pickup, and a contact number is required for coordination. This ensures smooth pickup and communication throughout the day.
Some key details:
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Pickup location is from your hotel in Yogyakarta.
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Provide your contact number when making the booking.
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This allows the tour operator to reach you for any updates or changes.
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The guide will be in touch to confirm the pickup time and location on the day of the tour.
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Having a contact number on hand makes it easy to reach the guide if needed during the tour.
Recommended Items
Travelers should bring a few essential items for the day-long tour. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating the uneven terrain at the temple sites.
A camera will capture the stunning architecture and scenic landscapes. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, as the weather can be warm.
Bring water, snacks, and any necessary medications to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. Cash is useful for purchasing souvenirs or additional food and drinks.
Sunscreen and a hat can provide protection from the sun. Lastly, a portable charger and adapter will ensure devices remain powered during the trip.
Prohibited Items
Certain items are strictly prohibited on the tour for safety and legal reasons. These include:
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Alcohol
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Drugs
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Fireworks
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Explosive substances
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Weapons
The tour operator has a zero-tolerance policy for these prohibited items.
Bringing them on the tour poses serious risks and is grounds for immediate dismissal without refund.
Bringing prohibited items on the tour poses serious risks and is grounds for immediate dismissal without refund.
Participants are encouraged to travel light and only bring necessary items.
Following these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Important Information
Although the tour is suitable for most participants, it may not be recommended for individuals with mobility impairments.
Guests should provide a contact number for coordination with the hotel pickup. Comfort is key, so visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a camera, food, drinks, and cash.
Prohibited items include alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances. As this is an outdoor activity, travelers should prepare for the duration and conditions of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
Yes, you can likely customize the itinerary to fit your preferences. The tour operator may be willing to modify the schedule or attractions based on your interests and needs, subject to availability and operational constraints.
Is There Any Discount for Group Bookings Larger Than 4 People?
Yes, the tour company offers a group discount for bookings larger than 4 people. For groups of 5-8 participants, the price per person is reduced by 10%. Larger groups can negotiate further discounts with the tour provider.
Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities Included in the Tour?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any child-friendly activities. However, the temples and cultural sites may interest older children. Visitors should consider the tour’s pace and duration when deciding if it’s suitable for their family.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water, or Will They Be Provided?
The tour includes water, but you’ll need to bring your own snacks. Meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. Bringing extra food and drinks is recommended for the long day of sightseeing.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites. Travelers can discuss customized itineraries with the tour provider and may incur additional costs based on the selected additions.
The Sum Up
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Java on this captivating 12-hour tour from Yogyakarta to Surakarta. Explore the stunning Pura Mangkunegaran palace, explore the unique reliefs of Sukuh Temple, and marvel at the distinct architecture of Cetho Temple. With an expert guide, transportation, entrance tickets, and meals included, this hassle-free adventure immerses you in the fascinating Javanese-Hindu history.
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