Program Details & Highlights

Program Highlights

Most of trip will be away far from the tourist trail to meet the maker. The best knowledge of our guide will be valuable information for you. These traditional textile makers are struggling to maintain their impractical works, the symbolic meaning and value embedded in their creations as well as to develop the link with today’s era.

In this experiential textile adventure, you will explore; Batik is an amazing ancient method of color dyeing. Technically, batik is the process of applying dyes to porous surfaces. Historically, batik has been around for many hundreds of years. Esthetically, batik produces some of the most beautiful art in the world. However, batik is not easy and involves a very labor intensive and complex process with many hours of back breaking hard work; Ulos (Ikat Woven) of North Sumatra is a typical Batak-shaped woven shawl, which symbolizes the bond of affection between parents and children or between a person and others. It is not merely made to wear as clothing, but are significant symbols of status, serve as precious heirlooms, or are ceremonial gifts during rites in human’s life cycle from births and weddings to deaths; Minangkabau Songket (Supplementary Wrap Handwoven), Minangkabau people consider Songket is not only a piece of cloth, but it is a part of Minangkabau ritualistic history. In the past, these people did not write down their life philosophy or culture in a sheet of paper; from generation to generation they passed it through “Songket” and carving. Even if only a simple motif or pattern, this typical cloth has a profound meaning to be learned.

It combines local residents, standard to comfortable hotel accommodation that adjusts to the real condition surrounding visited places. The journey use standard tourist transportation and local transport on certain occasions. It is also a combination of walking and driving tour.

Program Details

Traditional textiles are identical with cultural objects full of local wisdom incorporated into its works. Materials and techniques have significance in meaning and value. For centuries, the practice of producing traditional cloths in Indonesia has been passed down from generation to generation. Through this journey, we’ll see a profound association of some root identities as a diversity of expressions from some places in Indonesia. This is also our part to protect the culture through a holiday trip to meet the maker. This is not a full textile tour but also a memorable cultural experience within the natural environment and amazing landscape of some places of wonderful Indonesia.

Let’s discover beautiful nature, unique art & culture
Let’s experience adventure through textile from some indigenous tribes in Indonesia

Day by Day SBY 07 - 24 Days Java-Sumatra Textile Odyssey

Day 1: Selamat Datang-Arrival in Adi Sucipto Airport (D)

Welcome to historic city “Yogya”, cultural heartland of Java, site of the first great Central Javanese empire. Prior to Independence in 1945, the Sultans of Yogyakarta and Solo had wide ranging powers. The royal court restricted the use of certain batik designs, called “larangan” or forbidden designs such as the “parangrusak” to members of the royal family and its entourage. While this is no longer the case, many Javanese batik patterns continue to contain images that either protect or hint at the prestige of the wearer. Possibility to see royal collection. Check in & Hotel Dinner.

Day 2: Contemporary Batik Class - A Side of Art Development (BLD)

After breakfast we will drive to the Brahma Tirta Sari Batik Studio to meet with the owners, Agus and Nia Ismoyo. Following a presentation and short class practice in their gallery we will visit the Barbaran Segaragunung Culture House and be given a lecture by local expert about the philosophy behind the enigmatic 15th century Candi Sukuh. There will be a traditional lunch before driving on to Giriloyo to visit the batik collective Bima Sakti at late noon. Royal Dinner at the prince house.

Day 3: Batik Tulis (Writing Batik) - A Side of Culture (BLD)

There will be early departure from the hotel (around 04.00 AM) for 1.5 hours drive to the 9th century Mahayana Buddhist Stupa, Borobudur for sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then go to Yogyakarta Private Batik Museum, short class for Batik Tulis and explore any style of Batik collection. Following traditional lunch in the gallery, we will next explore Prambanan temple, a 10th century Hindu temple. Continue with special dinner and performance of Ramayanan epic surround.

Day 4: Important Town of Batik Development (BLD)

Check out and drive to Surakarta, more commonly known as Solo. This city is home to another ancient court center, considered by many to be the arbiter of Javanese cultivated speech and aristocratic elegance. We will have a private tour of the Puro Mangkunegaran and a visit to the palace’s batik collection. There is a dress code for the palace visit: women should wear skirts or dresses knee length or longer. No Slacks. Following the palace tour we will visit House of Dhanar Hadi, getting to know about Batik style from amazing collection. Check in at an heritage hotel and dinner at famous local restaurant in Solo.

Day 5: Batik Revival and Development of a Maestro (BLD)

In the morning we will visit the studio of Panembahan Hardjonagoro, Indonesia’s batik maestro who, in the 1950s, started the revival of batik for daily use as well as special occasions. Iwan Tirta was one of his followers. Following lunch, visit Sukuh Temple. It has a distinctive thematic reliefs from other temple where life before birth and sexual education are its main theme. This 15th century temple is decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin. Its main monument is a simple pyramid structure with reliefs and statues in front of it, including three tortoises with flattened shells and a male figure grasping his penis. The temple has the stunning cut pyramid shape decorated with the figures of the eagles and snakes, and this is one of the reasons why this monument has been related to the Mayan temples in South America – they look pretty similar. Hotel Dinner

Day 6: Exploring and Hunting Batik Collection (BLD)

Morning tour to the charming Laweyan batik district for exploring the Batik industry. After lunch in a local restaurant, there will be a chance to hunt Batik Collection from a textile market, “Pasar Klewer” and we will also visit “Pasar Triwindu”, a market for collectibles of all sorts.

Day 7: Batik in Coastal Culture and Foreign Influence (BLD)

Check out and about 5 hours to drive to the north coast town of Pekalongan. We are now saying good bye to the somber sogo brown and dark indigo blue batiks of Central Java. In this area cloths, called Batik Pesisir (Coastal Batik), are decorated with exuberant floral and figurative patterns dyed in bright colors. We will visit the homes of Lim Ping Wie and Oey Soe Tjoen, two of the oldest batik producing families in this region. Before if we have smooth traffic, there will be a big possibility to see some extensive collection of Pekalongan Museum Batik. Check in at comfortable hotel in Pekalongan. (Lunch enroute and Hotel Dinner)

Day 8: Contemporary Batik in Coastal Culture (BLD)

Check out, Today we will get to know about “Batik Rifaiyah”. This batik has spirit and influence of Islam. Then, we will stop at the 2 Galleries of Indonesian artist well known for contemporary Batik to see the development of art and influence from them on Batik. In the afternoon we will drive to Cirebon. The name Cirebon derives from a Javanese word which means mixture. A harbor town on the border of West and Central Java, it is the meeting point of the Sundanese and Javanese cultures. Late check in at comfortable hotel in Cirebon (Lunch enroute and hotel Dinner).

Day 9: Batik Peranakan of Cirebon (BLD)

In the morning we will visit the Kraton Kasepuhan. Built in 15th century, this palace is a blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Islamic, Dutch and Chinese styles. Here we will see the designs that are the inspiration for the popular mega mendung (cloud) and wadasan (rock formation) batik motifs. We will then visit Linas Batik Cirebon, the studio of the Giok family, the 6th generation of batik makers in this region. Following lunch there will be a visit to explore the Trusmi area where many notable producers of Cirebon style batiks have their workshops and galleries. We will visit the Masina workshop, founded in 1829 and still in family hands as well as Katura, famous for batik wayang. The colors and motifs used to decorate cloths in this region continue to reflect the ‘mixture’ of cultures that have existed for centuries. Reflecting Dutch influence, many of the older cloths were signed by the person who did the design. Peranakan is the word used to distinguish people who can trace their ancestry to the Chinese who arrived in the region in the 14th century and inter-married with the local population, thus blending the two cultures. There is a sizable Peranakan population not only in Indonesia but also Malaysia and Singapore that continue to wear the brightly colored cloths from this region. (Seafood Lunch at Local Restaurant and Hotel Dinner)

Day 10: Batik Camplongan Indramayu (BLD)

Check out, we will drive around 160 miles to the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. Along the way we will stop at the fishing community of Indramayu where many of the motifs reflect their link with the sea. One of the unique techniques found here is “cocohan” or pinpricks applied to the waxed background of a cloth resulting in small colored dots. A “camplongan” or piece of wood studded with needles is commonly used to make the pinpricks. Late check in at comfortable hotel in Jakarta. (Lunch enroute and Hotel Dinner).

Day 11: Jakarta – Indonesia’s Capital (BLD)

In the morning we will visit the The National Museum of Indonesia, an archeological, historical, ethnological, and geographical museum. This museum is regarded as one of the most complete and the best in Indonesia, as well as one of the finest museums in Southeast Asia. Preserving about 141,000 objects, ranging from prehistoric artifacts, to archeology, numismatics, ceramics, ethnography, history and geography collections. Following that, we will head to Grand Indonesia for lunch and in its Alun-alun there will be plenty of Indonesian handicraft for hunting. Next. visiting Bin House, owned by Josephine Kamara, known as Obin, a textile and fashion designer who drew upon her collection of antique textiles for inspiration to create original designs and greatly enhanced the image of batik as chic and trendy. Hotel Dinner.

Day 12: Indonesian Textile and the Biggest Garment Wholesaler Market (BLD)

Today we have chance to see an extensive textile collection from many Indonesian ethnic groups that make up this vast country, such as “Ikats” from Sumba, intricate “songket” from Sumatra, intricately patterned woven cloths from Timor and, of course, batik from many regions. Lunch at local restaurant. Then exploring the bursting biggest Garment wholesaler market, Tanah Abang. In Fatahilah square at late noon, exploring “Shadow Puppet” Museum and Indonesia Ceramics Museum. In a classic cafe, there will be “Java Island” farewell dinner.

Day 13: Welcome to Sumatra (BLD)

Check out. By Flight to Sumatra. Upon arrival in Medan (North Sumatra Capital), we will stop at charming Tjong A Fie Mansion and Maimun Palace, and drop at your hotel in Brastagi, about 2.5 hours drive, and there will be a group briefing about Sumatra tour, followed by dinner.

Day 14: Ulos Weaving Culture of Sitelu Huta (BLD)

Check out and move to Sitelu Huta Region. Traditionally, weaving was the task of women only, and men were prohibited to do the work, since it is believed that while weaving, women imbue the cloth with symbolic values connected with women’s role in caring for family, children and the community. Batak textiles use mostly cotton yarn, while colors are produced by immersing the yarn in plant dye. The blue color comes from the indigo plant, red is made from sappan wood and morinda which grow abundantly in the tropics. Yellow comes from turmeric, whereas black is produced by mixing morinda with indigo, and green is a mix of indigo and turmeric. We’ll explore how truly traditional ulos cloths are still made in the three villages of Tongging, Paropo and Silalahi. Those are also known as sitelu huta (three villages). Check in at hotel in Tongging (Lunch enroutre and hotel dinner).

Day 15: Ulos Revival in Nagari Tongah (BLD)

Check out and move to Samosir Island. we will make stops in Pematang Purba Museum, a royal building complex of local “Purba” authority. to Sitelu Huta Region. Then, we’ll discover Ulos revival done by Lasma, a crafts woman who maintain “Ulos” traditionally based on their local wisdom. She guided Sandra Niessen, an anthropologist based in the Netherlands. Then, we’ll take a 45 minute boat ride to Samosir Island, the largest island in a lake in the world. There will be architectural and cultural tour around the island. Check in at a hotel in Samosir Island. (Lunch enroute and Hotel Dinner).

Day 16: Samosir Textile, Homeland of Batak Toba (BLD)

Visit Lumban Suhi-suhi Village where women are still weaving traditional ulos. Here, you will experience joining the weaving with our local friends. We will then head to old Batak Village Huta Bolon Simanindo. Back to hotel, enjoy the scenic Lake Toba or take your pool time, more relaxing today since tomorrow we will take an overland trip to West Sumatra.(Lunch in a local restaurant and hotel dinner).

Day 17: Overland to West Sumatra (BLD)

Check out. Visit the tomb of King Sidabutar and a Batak Toba village at Tomok. In Ambarita, a traditional village with ancient stone furniture in front of a collection of typical Batak houses there will be a cultural show with traditional costumes and dances, including the sigale-gale where animated puppets are used to mourn someone who dies without a male heir. Leaving Samosir to West Sumatra via Tarutung and it takes around 6-7 hours drive. We’ll make some stops for lunch, coffee break and getting to know about local culture on the way. We will pass a Toba Batak town of Tarutung, whose name translates as ‘durian’ a highly prized local fruit. Late Check in around Sidempuan, a connecting town of the North and West Sumatra. (Lunch enroute and Hotel Dinner).

Day 18: Bukittinggi, the Mainland of Minangkabau (BLD)

Check out. Another long but interesting drive as we go south from the “Tano Batak” (Batak Land) and enter into “Ranah Minang” (Minangkabau Land). We will pass “Rimbo Panti” (a conservation rainforest) and stop at the Equator Line of Bonjol. Late afternoon, we take a coffee break in Palupuh. This is a place where Sir Stamford Raffless held his “Sumatra Botanical Research”. A fresh organic “Luwak Coffee” before hotel check in at Bukittinggi.

Day 19: Textile Culture in Minangkabau Highland (BLD)

Passing the magnificent earth created, “Sianok Canyon”, we head to Matur and enjoy the scenic view of Lake Maninjau from atop a hill. It is surrounded by the village where the people main income is sugar cane plantation. Here, we will discover how they cooperated with buffalo in producing brown sugar. Another unique thing is that people use a special method to produce nuts as snack. They use volcano sand. Early at noon, we will join a group of Minangkabau women do embroidery as their economic support to family. It was 100 years ago an idea of a female public figure, Rohana Kudus to educate women (widows, married women, and girls) to do embroidery to economically support the struggle against Dutch colonialism. Besides the embroidery, this Koto Gadang Village is also well known as silver craft producer. Let’s discover their technique about this product. (Lunch enroute and Hotel Dinner).

Day 20: Textile Cultural Ideas from Experts (BLD)

Starting today, for a couple of days, a pair of husband and wife, experts in Minangkabau textile (Nanda Wirawan/Iswandi) will accompany us talking about Minangkabau Songket. They will introduce Minangkabau textile and their effort on reviving the Old designs of the Minangkabau Songket. One of their work has been awarded “Best Handicraft” by UNESCO. We start from Halaban where culture of songket weaving is a custom order. Here every woman has the obligation to be proficient in weaving “Songket” with traditional looms. After lunch enroute, we will explore typical eco craft out of textile based on Minangkabau culture. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 21: Textile Cultural Ideas from Experts (BLD)

Check Out. Visit Nanda and Iswandi Studio. Short songket and coloring practice class of Minangkabau Songket. Continue to explore Pandai Sikek, village where the tradition of weaving based on ancient orders from the palace. Before they produced cloth for the royal family only. Check in at Hotel in Tanah Datar. (Traditional Lunch hosted by our experts and Hotel Dinner).

Day 22: Textile Cultural Ideas from Experts (BLD)

Check Out. In the morning, visit Pagaruyung Palace in the ancient land of Minangkabau. An iconic royal heritage of Minangkabau ancient kingdom. Drive to Silungkang village. Here, find different styles of Minangkabau songket. Check in at Hotel in Padang. Dinner will be at famous street food court.

Day 23: A Side of Batik Coloring from Minangkabau (BLD)

Different from Java’s style, here we will explore about color dying for batik with clay as media. Bursting market and Padang City Tour about modern life, historical and cultural influence in the Capital City of West Sumatra. Lunch in a local restaurant and farewell dinner with spectacular Cultural Minangkabau Show. The peak performance will be a dancer dancing on broken glass.

Day 24: Sampai Jumpa - Airport Transfer (B)

Free at your leisure until airport transfer.

- 2.5% will be donated to support Green Tourism Institute to educate and advocate West Sumatra local community about “sustainable tourism”.
- Small Group Trip (Maximum 16 Pax)
- The trip’s purpose is to maintain textile culture through the maker. We know that some traditional and cultural weaving failed to be transferred to the next generation. One reason for the failure is related to economic needs since they are not able to develop from the condition where they have to sell the product not directly to the buyer. Beside through this journey, tourists are encouraged to support and develop a part of this world as a destination for peace and mutual respect.
- This is an open trip, you will join other travelers from around the world. Special private trip or out of the schedule please contact us.
- For Women don’t forget to bring your “knee length” dresses/clothes (in certain places you have to wear it).
- Some routes are in remote areas, away from tourist trails and most activities directly deal with local people. Our guides will brief about appropriate behavior, both culturally and environmentally.
- Don’t worry about Indonesian menus, even if this country is well known for its  spicy food but there are many alternatives that meet foreigners’ taste.
- For any force majeure situation, operator will change the route/activities to similar ones.
- Tour Starts From Yogyakarta (Indonesia) and Ends at Padang (Indonesia)
- Above price is a starting price based on 2 pax and twin share room (the more pax joining and directly confirmed, there will be a significant price adjustment.

3 Nights B&B at Yogyakarta (4 star hotel)
3 Nights B&B at Solo (4 star hotel)
1 Nights B&B at Pekalongan (min. 3 star hotel).
2 Nights B&B at Cirebon (min. 3 star hotel).
3 Nights B&B at Jakarta (4 star hotel).          
1 Night B&B at Brastagi (min. 3 star hotel)
1 Night B&B at Tongging (standard hotel).           
2 Nights B&B at Samosir (Min. 3 star)
1 Night B&B at Sidempuan/Siantar (standard)
3 Nights B&B at Bukitinggi (4 star hotel) 
1 Night B&B at Tanah Datar (Min. 3 Star)
2 Nights B&B at Padang (4 star hotel)
*Single Supplement only for Hotel (+ € 477 / $ 537)
Meals as stated in program detail (23X dinner, 22X lunch, 23 x breakfast) 
* Please inform us for any dietary or vegetarian requirements

-  Tour Design.
-  23 Night Accomodation as in “Accomodtion & Meals” Information.
-  Meals as in “Accomodation & Meals” Information.
-  Comfortable Tourist Transportation (adjusted to number of travelers).
-  Experience Local Transport in certain ocassions.
-  Boat Transfer to Lake Toba
-  Domestic Flight Ticket from Jakarta to Medan
-  Licensed English Speaking Guide, local guide/local experts in certain destinations).
-  Tour Crews (Logistic, Videographer & Photographer)
-  Donation to Green Tourism Institute and certification as Green Friend of Indonesia.
-  All Entrance Fees, donations to local community and activities fee/some textile class.
-  Private Cultural Performances at Farewell Dinner
-  CD Documentation

-  International Flight Ticket
-  All Personal Expenses or Anything out of Inclusions
-  Tipping (Please contact us for suggestion)
-  Insurance