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Highlights and Gili IslandsRoute: Yogyakarta - Mount Bromo - Kalibaru - Pemuteran - Lovina - Ubud - Tirtagangga - Seraya - Gili - SanurThis jam-packed 3-week itinerary combines the highlights of Bali and Java with a couple of days on a paradise beach. You’ll climb the steps of the Borobudur temple, and wake up before dawn to climb an active volcano on Java. On Bali you’ll snorkel with parrot fish in a pristine nature reserve, spot dolphins from a traditional fishing boat and walk through the fresh green rice paddies around Ubud. You’ll also explore places off the tourist trail where you’ll meet friendly locals and temple buddhas in the far east of Bali. Then finally, you'll relax on a paradise island where you'll stay in a rustic beach bungalow - the perfect ending to your Java and Bali highlights itinerary. During this itinerary you’ll travel through east Java by shared minibus between June and October. On Bali you’ll travel by private car with driver. |
| Duration |
20 days / 19 nights departs daily from Yogyakarta airport or Denpasar airport |
Accommodation |
Charming cottages amidst rice paddies, in the hills, on the beach. Comfort level 3 and 4 (see accommodation). |
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Price |
£1448 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes |
Transport as described, accommodation with breakfast, guided excursions |
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Transport |
Shared minibus with driver, private car with driver, catamaran |
Excludes |
International flight, entrance fees, optional excursions on Day 9, 11 and 16. |
Day 1: Arrival in YogyakartaToday you'll, arrive in Yogyakarta after a long flight. You'll be picked up at the airport by your driver and taken to your hotel where you can begin your Java and Bali highlights itinerary by jumping straight into the hotel pool. This small-scale and atmospheric hotel is just outside the old centre and the comfortable rooms are built around the pool.In the afternoon you’ll have time to explore the streets of Yogyakarta. You’ll find plenty of becak-riders waiting outside the hotel who will be happy to show you around the city. If you take a becak tour, you’ll ride through tiny backstreets to all the attractions around the city and you'll get a great view from your seat. Your driver will probably show you a couple of batik workshops where you can watch the production process (by hand) and admire the beautiful paintings. Just keep in mind that the driver usually has a deal with the shop owner which means you’ll be charged a slightly higher price. Happy haggling… |
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Day 2: Yogyakarta - Borobudur and Prambanan templesAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll visit two fascinating temples. From April to October you’ll do this day trip in a group (maximum 6 travellers), but the rest of the year the day trip is based on private transport.Your first stop is the famous Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur. It’s best to go early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The Borobudur has 10 levels and, the higher you go, the more beautiful the view becomes. If you choose to take a guide, you’ll climb the Borobudur along the traditional pilgrim’s route from the east, walking clockwise on each level. The guide will tell you the stories which are illustrated in the stone walls including the life of Siddhartha on his journey to becoming Gautama Buddha. At the top of the temple there are 72 small open stupas, most of them with a meditating Buddha in the centre. To make a wish, try to touch the lucky Buddha (in one of the stupas). Men should touch the hand, women should touch the heel. Next, you'll visit the Prambanan temple, composed of eight buildings spread around a central courtyard. The walls are filled with intricate carvings, including the story of Ramanyana on the inner walls of the largest temple. At full moon the story is performed in the open air, with a magnificent view of the Prambanan temple. If you’re not here at full moon you can also see an open-air performance in Yogyakarta. |
Day 3: Yogyakarta - MalangEarly this morning you’ll leave Yogyakarta and continue your Java and Bali highlights itinerary. First, you'll make the 2-hour trip to Surakarta, also known as Solo. Driving through the Javan countryside, you can see the Prambanan towering high above the road.Surakarta is famous for antiques and batik, each of which you'll find at two enormous markets in the city - the Pasar Triwindu (antiques) and the Pasar Klewer (batik). Just like Yogyakarta, Surakarta is centred around the kraton - within the palace walls lies a maze of narrow streets, two large squares, a mosque and the royal quarters. After visiting the town you’ll continue on in 6 hours to Malang, a city with a distinct colonial atmosphere, particularly in the streets of the Tugu district. This is the historic part of the city with buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial era. The city is split in two by the river Sungai Brantas. On the south side is where you’ll find several restaurants and shops around the Alun Alun. Malang also has several interesting markets, like the flower market Pasar Bunga which is great to visit early in the morning. You’ll stay in a friendly hotel just outside the city centre. |
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Day 4: Malang - Mount BromoToday you’ll head up to the highlight of Eastern Java - the Tengger mountains and Mount Bromo. You won’t be leaving Malang until late morning so you can rest and take it easy for a while, and you’ll need your energy because tomorrow will be a tiring day.After a 3 hour drive you’ll arrive at your hotel located close to the volcano. You can take a walk across the crater rim later this afternoon if you wish and see the little houses scattered across the slopes where the locals live. The slopes are very green but up ahead you can glimpse the bare, barren rocks of the volcano, which you’ll visit tomorrow. |
Day 5: Mount Bromo - KalibaruThis morning, you’ll head into the mountains by jeep with a local guide to the viewpoint on the crater rim. There are some magnificent views across the mountain range and crater from here - you’ll see the sun slowly rising and colouring the mountains deep red. In the afternoon, Mount Bromo is often covered in thick clouds so it's worth getting here early to catch the view. From the viewpoint, you’ll drive down narrow tracks to the foot of the volcano from where you can choose to climb the volcano if you want. It’s a tough climb to the top but well worth the effort.Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be pleased to find a horse waiting to take you back to your hotel. Riding through the barren landscape and the vast plains of the crater is an amazing experience and for many travellers one of the highlights of their Java and Bali trip. You don’t need to be an experienced rider as the horses are very well trained. Back at your hotel, you can freshen up and pack your things but then it's really time to leave. It's a pretty long drive to Kalibaru, most of it along winding roads through the mountains. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in the small mountain village of Kalibaru, where you'll stay in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool. The rooms are surrounded by a garden with various plants and trees all displaying their Latin and Indonesian names. There's not much to do here, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, so just enjoy the beautiful surroundings and peaceful village. |
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Day 6: KalibaruToday you’ll take a guided walk through the plantations around Kalibaru. The english-speaking guide will tell you all about the crops that are grown here – it’s amazing how effectively the locals use the natural resources and even use the plants and fruits for shampoo or medicine. During the walk you’ll visit a coffee plantation and see how cocoa, rubber and cloves (for cigarettes) are grown. Later on you can watch the rubber production process in a small rubber factory.You’ll stay another night in your comfortable hotel. |
Day 7: Kalibaru - PemuteranToday is your last day on Java, but luckily you've got all the wonderful Bali highlights to come. From Kalibaru you'll travel by car, boat and then by car to Pemuteran.Once you've arrived in Pemuteran and settled in to your cottage, you can enjoy a tasty lunch in the restaurant. We can recommend the fresh fish. The resort has a lovely pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. The resort is right on the sandy beach of Pemuteran. |
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Day 8: Pemuteran - Boat trip to Mejangan Island
Today, you'll visit Menjangan Island by boat. It's very quiet here with very few visitors, a deep blue sea and the most beautiful coral reefs on Bali. Divers come here all the way from Lovina just to swim and dive in this magical underwater world. Local diving schools offer PADI Open Water or PADI advanced courses here, so just let us know if you'd like us to book a course for you. You don't necessarily need to go diving to enjoy the waters around Bali though - a mask, snorkel and flippers will get you close enough to the abundance of brightly coloured fish and coral. Snorkelling equipment is available so you won't need to bring any with you from home.
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Day 9 - PemuteranToday your Bali highlights itinerary will give you something completely different. Instead of paddling in the water, you can choose to go on a thrilling trek through the steamy jungle (optional). It's a strenuous hike but you'll be rewarded with lots of exotic nature, rare birds and monkeys. The trek takes about 3 hours, so you'll be able to recover and relax in the afternoon back at the resort, or take another dip in the clear blue sea. |
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Day 10: Pemuteran - LovinaAfter breakfast, it will be time to leave this "feel-good" place. Most tourists come here for the diving, but don't tend to stay on the beach, which gives the place a sense of quiet exclusivity. Menjangan is definitely a place to come back to, especially if you're planning on diving in Bali.From Pemuteran, you'll head further east along the north coast to the lively beach resort Lovina. The comfortable resort is within walking distance of all the interesting places in Lovina and there's a great swimming pool. You can spend your first day here lazing in a deckchair or chilling out in one of the beach bars. |
Day 11: LovinaEarly this morning, you'll set off on a dolphin-spotting trip. The water is as smooth as a mirror this time of day and staring at the water. Luckily, the fishermen know where the shrimp are hiding in the currents and before long you'll hear splashing alongside the boat as the first group of dolphins appear. It's a magical experience and often regarded as one of the highlights of a Bali trip.After your dolphin trip you can enjoy breakfast back at the hotel and spend the rest of the morning relaxing. In the afternoon, you can visit the hot springs (optional) where you can swim in the hot sulphuric waters. |
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Day 12: Lovina - UbudAfter breakfast, you'll make your way to the rolling rice paddies of Ubud, another Bali highlight. On the way you'll pass a couple of viewpoints where you can look out across the entire island with the volcanoes in the distance and, on a clear day, you can even make out Lombok on the horizon. Be sure to stop off at the lakes around Bedugul as well - it's a popular place for ceremonies so chances are you'll see a long procession of people in traditional dress. Great for a couple of colourful photos.When you arrive in Ubud, you can settle into your lovely bungalow amongst the rice paddies. From your porch, you can look out across the endless green terraces, ducks wobbling along the rims of the paddies and exotic flowers. The bungalows are beautifully decorated with bamboo furniture and Balinese batiks. Just a short walk away you’ll find the shops and art galleries of several accomplished Balinese painters and sculptors. You could also spend the rest of the day exploring the village or swimming a few laps in the pool overlooking the rice fields. |
Day 13: UbudIn the morning you can take it easy, and later in the afternoon you’ll be collected by our enthusiastic guide for a guided walk through the surrounding area. You’ll visit a number of villages around Ubud where you’ll find several painters, sculptors and silversmiths. You can take a look inside the local houses where you might see women busily making small incense bowls. You’ll also cross through the spectacular rice terraces that seem to cascade down the hills like a giant green waterfall. Balancing precariously on the rims of the paddies, you’ll see the local farmers hard at work harvesting the rice. It looks easier than it is, so give it a try if you like…At the bottom of the valley you’ll visit the mysterious royal tombs, hidden away among the dense green vegetation. You’ll arrive back at your bungalow after lunch, so you can spend the rest of the afternoon wandering round the town centre or enjoying another relaxing massage. |
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Day 14: Ubud - TirtaganggaThis morning, you'll head east from Ubud to your accommodation in the Tirtagangga Water Palace hotel. Arriving at the entrance of the palace, the guard will ask you for an admission fee but if you tell him you’re a guest in the palace you won’t be charged. Stepping through the gate, you’ll be met by burly Balinese statues spouting water, immense fountains and little cobbled paths that you can hop across like stepping stones. The ancient Balinese rulers had a soft spot for ornamental waterworks, which also serve as an irrigation system for the surrounding rice fields. If you’ve got some time left, you can follow the main road down to the coast where you’ll find another beautiful water palace, although this one is overgrown and no longer in use.In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided hike through the rice paddies around Tirtagangga. Balancing along the little dykes between the rice paddies, you can cross over to the small, isolated villages. The locally brewed palm wine is delicious and it’s interesting to see how the wine is ‘pumped’ out of the palm trees. You’ll stay in a bungalow with a great outdoor bathroom in the palace gardens. The accommodation isn’t particularly luxurious or but in these settings it’s certainly remarkable. |
Day 15: Tirtagangga - SerayaIt won’t be easy saying goodbye to the rural charm of Tirtagangga, but there’s a lot more to see today. Next, your Bali highlights itinerary will take you east to the quiet coastal town of Seraya. Around 3pm you’ll take a guided tour of the area with the Dutch owner and see the aromatic spice plants like ginger, vanilla and clove being grown. You can smell the wonderful aromas just by rubbing a leaf between your fingers. The road leads up through green rice terraces and coffee plants to an ancient Balinese temple where the local women come every day to burn small incense offerings. The view from the top is breathtaking as you look out across Bali’s highest volcano to the brilliant blue sea and the faint outline of Lombok on the horizon.In the late afternoon you’ll return to your Balinese bungalow with views across the lapping waves and rocky coast. It’s a peaceful place with a waterfall by the pool and tropical flowers in the garden. After 6pm, mouth-watering scents waft out from the kitchen when the cook starts preparing the evening meal. It’s well worth sticking around for the delicious dinner of satay and stir-fried rice. |
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Day 16 - SerayaIn the morning, you’ll probably be woken by the soothing sound of birds and lapping waves - or the smell the fresh toast. There’s nothing planned for today which means you can spend the day lazing around and perhaps go for a swim. The east coast of Bali hasn’t been discovered by mass tourism yet which means you can still get a feel of real Balinese life here. You could take an optional cooking course today (not included).If you decide to do this, the cook will take you to the busy local market where you can taste exotic fruit like rambutan and mangosteen and gather all the ingredients for your dish. Back at your accommodation you’ll get to work slicing and stir-frying and at the end you can enjoy your very own freshly prepared Balinese meal. |
Day 17 and 18: Seraya - Gili MenoFrom Seraya, you'll set off early for Padangbai to catch the fast catamaran around 8.30am for a 2-hour ride to the sparkling white beaches of the Gilis, a definite highlight of this Java and Bali itinerary.The Gilis are a cluster of little islands just off the coast of Lombok, far enough from Bali to have maintained their laid-back atmosphere, but close enough to combine a stay with your Bali highlights itinerary. The beaches are white, the sea is blue, the people are relaxed and the fresh fish is roasting on the barbecue. |
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Your bungalow on Gili Meno isn't exactly big, but it's charming and comfortable with air-conditioning for some cooling relief when the winds drop in the evening. The bungalows are close to the beach. It takes just 1½ hours to walk all the way around the island, but you can also take a little horse-drawn cart. On the south side of the island you can buy beautiful Ikat hammocks, which may come in handy on Gili Meno. There are several fantastic snorkelling spots around Gili Meno or you could take a boat trip to one of the other islands where you'll find even more coral reefs. The outer island, Gili Trawangan, probably has the best beaches of the three on its inner coast. |
Days 19 and 20: Gili Meno - Sanur - End of itineraryToday, it's time to head back to Bali. You'll travel back the same way that you came - by catamaran, boat and car. In Padangbai, you'll be collected by your driver for the 2-hour drive along the south coast to the lively beach resort of Sanur, where you'll stay in a beach resort for the next two nights. Sanur has some great beaches that draw both locals and tourists, and it's a definite Bali highlight. Unlike most of the other beaches on Bali, the sand here isn't dark volcanic, but golden white. It's a friendly little place with plenty of restaurants and shops.After one night in Sanur, your Bali highlights itinerary comes to an end, and you'll make the short trip to the airport for your flight home. |
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