Java, Gili and Bali: Volcano views, the Jungle Swing and sandy beaches

You're all packed and off to the airport! Fully hyped, you walk to the gate with a spring in your step, and your expectations are sky-high because Indonesia awaits! So, you step onto the plane, sit back and close your eyes. When you wake, the stars above you will still be the same, but the land below will be totally different!

Your eyelids flutter open, and you've finally arrived! After landing in Jakarta, you grab your bags then slide into the car with your driver, who takes you from the buzzing airport to where you're staying. Once there, you drop your suitcase in your room and immediately put your feet up. 'Phew!' – you can feel the long journey in your bones! Use the evening to relax and enjoy the anticipation one last time, because first thing tomorrow, you're setting off on your Java adventure! Just one more sleep till you discover the treasures that await. Sweet dreams!

Your plane shoots into the sky and Jakarta gets smaller and smaller beneath you until it disappears completely under the clouds. You close your eyes briefly and dream of all the experiences to come. And before long, you're approaching the runway. Welcome to Java's cultural heart; welcome to Yogyakarta! You drop your bags in your room then stroll along the lively main street, Malioboro, marvelling at its galleries and markets and taking it all in. Fun fact: Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, is only about 25 miles outside the city and is considered one of Java's biggest highlights. So don't miss out! Hire a motor scooter (optional, payable on site) and admire the beautiful bell-shaped stupas. It's particularly beautiful here at sunset, when the impressive complex is bathed in golden light – a once-in-a-lifetime moment! Then end the evening comfortably at ViaVia Jogja for some sustainable, delicious and healthy scran – yum!

New day, new temple! Besides Borobudur, Prambanan is the second major highlight near Yogyakarta. The best way to get there is by hiring a motor scooter (optional, payable on site) and heading east. Even from a distance, you'll be able to spot the impressive main temple of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rises almost 165 feet into the sky! Prepare to be amazed as soon as you enter the temple (optional, entrance fee payable on site) – it's huge! Stroll through the lush, green park and past mighty shrines and the remains of over 200 temples. And if you feel like Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, it's normal – the similarities to Angkor Wat are obvious! Back in Yogyakarta and hungry after all your adventures, it's time to explore the street food markets of Jalan Wongsodirjan. Do the famous saté skewers live up to their reputation? Go on, find out!