Indonesia, From Java to Bali

From the volcanoes of Java to the rice fields of Bali

Welcome to Indonesia! Your driver will meet you at Yogyakarta Airport and drive you to your hotel, where you can settle in at your leisure. Transfer time: 1 hour 10 minutes

If you want to immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere right away, head into the centre and start exploring Indonesia's cultural capital. You’ll find stunning graffiti and plenty of cafés and restaurants, not to mention the temples scattered across the city.

Overnight at the hotel.

A private driver is at your disposal today and will accompany you. This morning, set off to explore the Kota Gede district. This historic district of Yogyakarta was once the centre of the powerful Mataram Kingdom. Take a stroll amongst the palace, royal cemetery, royal mosque, defensive walls and moat ruins, and admire the traditional Joglo houses. You can also immerse yourself in the local market halls and ask your driver to stop so you can sample some local specialities. The neighbourhood is also renowned for its traditional goldsmithing, so if you're looking for a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home as a souvenir, this is the place to find it.

Continue on your way to explore the Buddhist temples of Sewu and Plaosan, located near the Prambanan complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Plaosan Temple, also known as the Plaosan complex, was built in the mid-9th century and currently comprises two Buddhist temples, Plaosan Lor and Plaosan Kidul. The complex consists of 174 small structures, 116 of which are stupas and 58 shrines. This afternoon, you’ll visit the famous Prambanan Hindu temple complex.

All around the Prambanan site lie a myriad of Hindu temples and a few Buddhist temples currently undergoing restoration. The most imposing of these is Candi Prambanan, specifically Candi Shiva. Dating from the 8th century, it essentially consists of three pyramid-shaped structures, dedicated to the three gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. It is a majestic site featuring exquisite carvings and ancient works of art. Admission to this site is included and a local guide will accompany you on site. In the same area, don’t miss the Candi Sewu, a Buddhist complex that has been partially rebuilt following the 2006 earthquakes.

Please note: The interior of Candi Prambanan is closed on Mondays for maintenance, but you can still access the gardens and the area surrounding the temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

A private driver will be at your disposal today to accompany you. First, you will visit Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, which makes it an unmissable attraction! Entrance to the site is included. Composed of over a million stones, the temple comprises three perfectly proportioned levels: a pyramidal base with five square terraces arranged in a concentric pattern; the body of a cone with three circular platforms; and a monumental stupa at the summit.

If you are able to access the upper level, a local guide will accompany you and provide you with sandals to wear inside the temple. Stroll through this centuries-old temple and lose yourself amongst the stone bells, each concealing a Buddha. This tour of Borobudur will invite you to engage in deep meditation.

Please note: Be aware that the site is currently trialling new government regulations. The second level is closed on Mondays. Access is limited to 1,200 people per day and 150 people per hour within the temple. It is not possible to book in advance, and we cannot guarantee access to the upper level due to weather conditions or any other reason. The site reserves the right to regulate access.

You will also visit Pawon Temple. A blend of ancient Hindu and Javanese art, built from volcanic stone, this temple might resemble a tomb but is in fact a place that was built to house King Indra’s weapon, the Vajranala. The temple also contains a statue of the Buddha. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering the temple.

Next, you’ll head to the Mendut Temple. This temple is older than Borobudur and Pawon. It was built in the 9th century and contains three large statues: those of Dhyani Buddha Vairocana, Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani.

After this morning spent exploring the temples, you will return to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. You may also wish to visit the city of Yogyakarta to enjoy this lively spiritual centre of Java.

Overnight at the hotel.

Your driver will collect you this morning to take you to Yogyakarta railway station. He will help you check in, and you’ll be ready to continue your journey by rail across the island of Java. You’ll continue your adventure by train further east across the island towards Jombang. Journey time: approximately 4 hours.

Optional stop on arrival in Jombang at Trowulan,the ancient capital of the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled Java for several centuries. You will visit the archaeological museum and the Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus temples. Your driver will then take you to the Mount Bromo region. Your new private driver will collect you from Jombang railway station and take you to your hotel at the foot of Mount Bromo. Transfer time: approximately 4 hours.

Have a rest and get ready for tomorrow – it’s going to be a short night!

Overnight at the hotel.

Depending on the departure time agreed the previous evening with your guide, you’ll get up early in the morning and board your Jeep (around 2.00 or 3.00 am). You’ll cross the impressive sea of sand and head uphill to reach your first stop. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a cup of Balinese coffee before heading to the sunrise viewpoint. There are several vantage points to choose from, and you can discuss your options with your guide along the way. Our favourite vantage point is Penanjakan.

Don’t forget to wrap up warm, as it can get very cold.

The reason for your early start is the breathtaking view you’ll enjoy as the sun begins to rise, the mist gradually lifts and reveals the view of the Bromo and Semeru volcanoes.

Once the sun has risen, you’ll head towards the sea of sand, where you’ll reach the floor of Mount Bromo’s crater. After crossing the sea of sand, you’ll be greeted by a steep slope and 245 steps. There’s no need to rush to the summit; you can take your time and enjoy the scenery around you, which will make you feel as though you’ve visited an alien planet.

Once at the summit, you’ll have a view of the crater. You’ll have time to walk around the crater and explore all the paths created by lava flows during previous eruptions. Depending on the weather, the number of visitors and the time of day, your guide will take you to different spots around the volcano.

Duration of the activity: pick-up at around 2.00 am, return to the hotel at around 10.00 am.

After your activity, your private driver will take you to your next destination: Banyuwangi, at the foot of Mount Ijen.

Get a good night’s rest and prepare for tomorrow – it’s going to be another short night. Transfer time: approximately 7 hours.

Overnight at the hotel.

Depending on the departure time agreed the previous day with your guide, you’ll get up early in the morning and meet your driver and guide. Let’s go! Climb aboard your Jeep (around 1.00 or 2.00 am). It’s finally time for you to discover Mount Ijen, the world’s largest acidic lake. You’ll be driven to the foot of the volcano. Journey time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

On arrival, you can rest in the restaurants located near the trail. Now is the time to have breakfast, tea or coffee, and whatever else you need for the rest of the hike. Your guide will provide you with torches and gas masks. Coats, gloves and hats are also available for hire. For greater comfort during the ascent, we recommend wearing lightweight, waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing.

Your ascent begins at your own pace, as soon as the first light appears. You’ll climb alongside the sulphur miners who walk the volcano every day, balancing their baskets carefully. Once you reach the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with a fascinating spectacle. You’ll find yourself facing the world’s largest acidic lake. Take in this exceptional landscape before beginning a descent of around 45 minutes. If you wish, you can enjoy a second breakfast and a coffee before returning to the hotel. This is, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience.

Please note: The volcano climb is not available on the first Friday of every month. If you wish to see the blue flames, you will set off around midnight. This experience cannot be guaranteed in advance, so please remember to inform your guide the day before when you meet up.

Please note that access to Ijen can be difficult and is not recommended for people with heart or lung conditions. If you have any doubts about your physical condition, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

You will then head to the port of Banyuwangi to catch the ferry to Bali. Journey time: 30 minutes by car and 45 minutes by ferry. On arrival in Bali, your driver will take you to your next destination to explore Pemuteran.

Overnight at the hotel.

A vehicle and a private driver are at your disposal. Today, you’ll board a small private boat that will take you straight to the underwater paradise of Menjangan. You’ll go on a snorkelling excursion on Menjangan Island. Here, the seabed is extraordinary, with corals and fish of every colour. A picnic lunch and snorkelling equipment are provided. Then return by boat from Menjangan Island to the Pemuteran jetty.

Overnight at the hotel.

You will leave the black-sand beach at Pemuteran and head to Ubud, Bali's cultural heart. You will stop at Brahmavihara-Arama, Bali’s only Buddhist monastery. En route, you will visit the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of lakes and rivers. ‘Ulun Danu’ literally means ‘head of the lake’. Next, explore the Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These rice fields form a natural amphitheatre, offering a wonderful insight into the Balinese irrigation system. The view is superb, and you can take the opportunity to go for a walk through the heart of these rice paddies.

Overnight at the hotel.

This morning, you’ll swap your usual car for a chauffeur-driven Volkswagen convertible. These vintage cars allow you to experience the splendid little Balinese roads to the full. Places visited: Taman Sari Waterfall, Gunung Kawi Temple, Pura Mengening Temple, the Tegalalang rice terraces. Duration of the activity: Maximum 8 hours.

Please note: Admission fees for the sites are not included, as we are unable to book these in advance. This also gives you greater flexibility, depending on where you’d like to visit that day. Kindly note that the vehicles are vintage, do not have seatbelts and are not suitable for the installation of car seats or baby seats.

Overnight at the hotel.

You have the day free. Relax by the pool at your accommodation, or at one of the town’s famous spas. You’ll also have the chance to wander the streets at your own pace, visit art galleries and museums, and explore the markets and shops. Your private driver is not available today.

Overnight at the hotel.

Today your driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to Denpasar Airport for your return flight.

TRANSFERS:

• The driver is available for up to 8 hours a day and until nightfall at the latest.
• Transfers and ground transport in a private vehicle with a driver.
• The vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, a radio, seatbelts and fire extinguishers.
• During the daily excursions, only transfers are included unless otherwise stated.
• Boat transfers.

ACCOMMODATION:

• Accommodation or similar, as specified in the itinerary, in a double / single / twin (with twin beds where possible) / triple (double room with an extra bed) / family room

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:

• Activities marked ‘included’ as described in the itinerary, usually accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.

TOUR:

• The tour price includes petrol, road tolls, car park fees, vehicle and driver insurance, and the driver’s accommodation and meals.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Admission to temples, monuments, museums, waterfalls, beaches, rice fields, springs or national parks included in the itinerary (which allows for greater flexibility regarding visits – expect to pay between €1 and €5) in Bali
• Admission fees to various areas of Bali. Some local villages charge an admission fee