Plenty of time on Java and Bali

Route: Bogor - Jakarta - Cipanas - Bandung - Yogyakarta - Malang - Mount Bromo - Kalibaru - Pemuteran - Munduk - Tirtagangga - Seraya - Ubud - Bukit

If you’re not in a hurry and want to see more than just the major highlights then this Bali and Java itinerary may be just what you’re looking for. Over 3½ weeks, you’ll travel from west to east Java and discover the beautiful interior of Bali. You'll stay in traditional villages, climb a beautiful volcano, snorkel amongst the colourful coral on Bali and trek through the jungle to tropical waterfalls. You’ll sleep in charming accommodation overlooking an ancient water temple, cottages surrounded by rice paddies, and traditional bungalows on a quiet beach. You’ll travel by car with driver, by shared minibus and by local train straight through the lush green countryside. This Bali and Java itinerary will show you the very best of Indonesia – and lots more besides.

From June to October you’ll travel by shared minibus from Yogyakarta, but otherwise you'll travel by private car with driver on both islands.

Duration	24 days / 23 nights departs daily from Jakarta airport or Denpasar airport	Accommodation	Charming cottages in rice paddies, valleys, hills, and beaches. Comfort level 3 and 4 (see accommodation).
Price	£1814 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	Transport as described, accommodation with breakfast, guided excursions.
Transport	Shared minibus with driver and private car with driver	Excludes	International flight, entrance fees, optional excursions Day 14 and 21.

Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta - Transfer to Bogor

On arrival at Jakarta airport, you’ll travel directly to the small town of Bogor to the east of Jakarta, the first stop on your Bali Java itinerary. Bogor, nestled between two volcanoes, is 270m higher than Jakarta which means it has a more comfortable climate. This makes it a popular weekend retreat for Indonesians looking to escape the busy city, which is particularly noticeable on Sundays. You'll spend the night in our comfortable hotel.

Bali Java itinerary: Bogor accommodation

Bali Java itinerary: Bogor botanical gardens

Day 2: Bogor

Today, you’ll visit the town with a guide. The Kebun Raya (botanical gardens) are the most important attraction in Bogor. The immense park is home to more than 15000 tropical plants and trees, as well as lush green lawns, lotus ponds and greenhouses with over 5000 orchids.

Following the little streets, paths and footbridges, you’ll walk down to the river to a workshop where they make traditional wayang dolls. These handmade wooden dolls are used in a type of puppet theatre telling the story of Ramayana. The friendly workshop owner will be more than happy to show you around.

You'll also visit a gamelan instrument factory on your tour. It’s very interesting to see the whole production process because you're bound to see a gamelan orchestra playing at some point during your Bali and Java itinerary.

You'll spend another night in your hotel in Bogor.

Day 3: Jakarta city tour

Today, you'll travel from Bogor to Jakarta for a city tour past all the major sights. Jakarta is a busy metropol with skyscrapers, motorways and vast residential areas. Large parts of Jakarta have been modernised over the years but there are parts of the city where it time seems to have stood still. We’ve chosen to arrange accommodation in the more quiet and relaxed Bogor, but we feel a city tour through Jakarta should definitely be included in any Bali and Java itinerary.

Your driver will take you to the old harbour in the city - the Sunda Kelapa. Here, you can walk along the 2km long quay and see the old boats moored off and wooden schooners being offloaded. There are several historic colonial buildings around the harbour dating back to the Dutch colonial era. The Uitkijk (or Lookout), a Dutch 19th Century watchtower is on the other side of the river, and behind it you'll find a warehouse dating back to the East India Company where you can see several historic sailing vessels and Batavia maps on display. Just follow the narrow streets behind the warehouse to get to the fish market Pasar Ikan. You’ll also visit Kota (the old centre of Batavia), Monas (the national monument) and the bright white marble Istiqlal mosque.

Towards the end of the afternoon you’ll head back to Bogor and spend another night in our hotel.

Day 4: Bogor - Bandung

During the drive from Bogor to Bandung you’ll pass immense tea plantations and rice paddies. The road crosses the Puncak Pass at 1500m and takes you through some of the most scenic countryside on Java. On the way, you can stop off for a walk through the tea plantations or visit a small village. You can see the production process at the small tea factory called Gunung Mas (golden mountain). The visitors here are often asked for a small donation, and for a small fee you can get a tour of the factory.

Your Balia and Java itinerary then continues further inland to Bandung. The city is set in a basin surrounded by mountains which makes the climate comfortably cool. Bandung is a fast-growing industrial city with over 2 million inhabitants. It was once known as the ‘Paris of Java’ due to its wide boulevards and stylish buildings and it’s still a pleasant, green city today.

In the afternoon you can wander through the streets of Bandung or your driver can take you to the local sights such as the Kebun Raja, surrounded by colonial Dutch architecture and Jalan Cihampelas or ‘Jeans Street’ because of the many tailors and clothes shops here.

You’ll stay in a charming hotel with a pool.

Day 5: Bandung

Bandung’s most important attractions are outside the city in the volcanic hills, where you’ll find the immense tea plantations and natural springs.

Today you’ll take a hike to the hot springs near Maribaya, accompanied by a local guide. Here, you can lie back in the warm water, close your eyes and simply relax. Refreshed, you’ll continue by car to Ciater where you can find some particularly photogenic plantations.

You’ll spend another night in your hotel in Bandung.

Bali Java itinerary: train to Yogyakarta

Day 6: Bandung - Yogyakarta

From Bandung you’ll travel by train to Yogyakarta straight across the beautiful green countryside and past small villages. It’s a wonderful way to see Java, as well as a cheap and comfortable way to travel.

in the early evening the train will pull in to Yogyakarta station, and from here you'll catch a taxi to take you to your comfortable hotel. We won't arrange a transfer because the arrival times of the train can be a little unpredictable and it’s just as easy (not to mention cheaper) to arrange a taxi yourself at the station.

Your small, charming hotel in Yogyakarta is located just outside the centre, and there’s a pool for a refreshing dip after the long train ride.

Day 7: Borobudur and Prambanan

After breakfast you’ll visit two fascinating temples. From April to October you’ll do this tour in a group (maximum 6 travellers), but during the rest of the year the trip is based on private transport.

Your first stop is the famous Buddhist temple complex Borobudur, a highlight of any Bali and Java itinerary. It's worth getting up early to beat the crowds. The Borobudur has 10 levels, and the higher you go the more beautiful the view becomes. You can choose whether or not you would like a guide when you get there. If you go for the guided tour, your leader will be able to tell you all the stories illustrated on 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.

Next, you'll visit the Prambanan temple with 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 on the Prambanan temple. Don't worry if you’re not here over Full Moon - you can also see an open-air performance in Yogyakarta.

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 happy to show you 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. He’ll 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…

You can also visit the Jalan Malioboro, the main street in Yogyakarta, with lots of interesting crowded little shops.

Day 8: Yogyakarta - Malang

This morning, you’ll leave Yogyakarta for 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. You can find both at two enormous markets in the city; the Pasar Triwindu (antiques) and the Pasar Klewer (batik). Like Yogyakarta, the kraton of Surakarta forms the centre of the city and within the palace walls you'll find a maze of narrow streets, two large squares, a mosque and the royal quarters.

After visiting the town you’ll continue for another 6 hours to the city of Malang. The city has a distinct colonial atmosphere, particularly in the streets of the Tugu district, 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, and on the south side 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.

Day 9: Melang - Mount Bromo

Today you’ll travel towards one of the highlights of your Bali and Java itinerary: the Tengger mountains and Mount Bromo. You won’t leave Malang until late morning so you can rest and take it easy for a while – and you’ll need to preserve your energy because tomorrow is going to be a tiring day.

After a 3 hour drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel close to the Mount Bromo and you can go take a walk across the crater rim later in the afternoon if you wish.

You'll see dozens of little houses scattered across the slopes where many of 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 10: Mount Bromo - Kalimaru

Early this morning, your driver will take into the mountains by jeep to the viewpoint on the crater rim. Make sure you bring a warm jumper as it can get quite chilly. You’ll see the sun slowly rising, colouring the mountains deep red.

From the view point you’ll drive down narrow tracks to the foot of the volcano. Here you can choose to climb the volcano if you wish. It’s a tough climb to the top but well worth every ounce of effort.

Once you get back down to 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 Bali and Java itinerary. 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 before it's time to leave. It's a pretty long drive to Kalibaru, most of it along winding roads through the mountains.

Late in the afternoon you'll arrive in the small mountain village of Kalibaru where you'll stay in a comfortable hotel.

Bali Java itinerary - riding down Mount Bromo

Day 11: Kalibaru

This afternoon, you'll take a guided walk through the plantations around Kalibaru. Your english-speaking guide will tell you all about the crops that are grown here – and it’s amazing how effectively the locals use their natural resources for shampoo or medicine. During the walk you’ll visit a coffee plantation and also see how cocoa, rubber and cloves (for cigarettes) are grown. You can also watch the rubber production process in a small rubber factory.

Your comfortable hotel in the small mountain village has a swimming pool and the rooms are located in an interesting garden.

Day 12: Kalibaru - Pemuteran

Today you'll leave Java, but you've got all the wonderful sights of Bali to come. From Kalibaru you'll travel by car to Ketapang where you can board the ferry for the 30-minute crossing to Bali. From Gilimanuk, you'll continue 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. The resort has a lovely pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Day 13: Pemuteran - Menjangan Island boat trip

Today, you'll visit Menjangan Island by boat. It's very quiet here with very few people, 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. Snorkelling will get you close enough to the abundance of brightly coloured fish and coral.

Day 14: Pemuteran

Today you can opt for 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.

Bali Java itinerary - Pemuteran jungle trek

Day 15: Pemuteran - Munduk

In the morning you'll leave Pemuteran for the drive to Munduk in the cool hills south of Lovina.

Once you’ve arrived in Munduk and taken up residence in your lovely cottage you’ll head out on a guided hike. The enthusiastic guide will take you into the countryside and expertly manages to pick all sorts of edible things from the bushes…You’ll pass a couple of beautiful lakes and a waterfall, and again those magnificent green rice paddies which Bali seems to have patented. The trek takes around 3-4 hours and seeing as there's no fixed route you can decide on the spot which way you want to go.

Day 16: Munduk

The cottages in Munduk are hidden away amongst flowers and ponds with breathtaking views of the valley below.

Today you’ll travel to a temple perched on a kind of island in the middle of a blue mountain lake. As you wander around the temple admiring the lovely views you might see a procession of Balinese people in colourful robes carrying fruit offerings. You'll often see religious ceremonies at this temple, which you can observe from a discreet distance.

You'll stay another night in your lovely bamboo cottage.

Day 17: Munduk - Ubud

After breakfast this morning you'll travel to Ubud, the next destination on your Bali and Java itinerary. Here you'll stay in a typical Balinese hideaways surrounded by green hills, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage or cool off in the beautiful pool. The ten or so cottages all overlook the rice paddies and each of the cottages is individually decorated. Just a couple of yards away, you'll find Monkey Forest, where thousands of monkeys clamber over the ornate Balinese statues.

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, which means it attracts many tourists but, like Yogyakarta, it has lots of friendly charm with plenty of cheerful bars, good food and excellent facilities.

Day 18: Ubud

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up for a tour through the surrounding countryside, visiting several interesting villages where you’ll find artists, sculptors and silversmiths. You’ll also cross an area with spectacularly beautiful rice terraces that seem to cascade down the hillside like a huge green waterfall, with some mystical royal tombs at the bottom.

Back at the hotel, you can take a refreshing dip in the beautiful pool looking out across the rice paddies.

Bali Java itinerary: Tirtagangga Water Palace

Day 19: Ubud - Tirtagangga

When you arrive at the entrance of Tirtagangga Water 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 anything.

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 paddies. 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, though this one is overgrown and no longer in use.

You’ll stay in a bungalow with a great outdoor bathroom in the palace gardens. The accommodation isn’t particularly luxurious bit it's settings are certainly remarkable. If you want to enjoy a little more luxury we can arrange an upgrade to one of the villas. There are fantastic views across the palace grounds from the restaurant, and the water reservoir is now used as a swimming pool.

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 small, isolated villages where the people earn their living from the lands. The palm wine is delicious and it’s interesting to see how the wine is ‘pumped’ out of the palm trees.

Day 20: Tirtagangga - Seraya

Today, your Bali and Java itinerary will take you east towards the quiet coastal town of Seraya. Around 3pm, you’ll be go on 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 local women come every day to burn small incense offerings. The view from the top of the temple is incredible - Bali’s highest volcano, 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 and serene place with a waterfall by the pool and tropical flowers in the garden. After 6pm mouth-watering scents will waft out from the kitchen when the cook starts preparing the evening meal. It’s worth sticking around for the delicious meals served here.

Bali Java itinerary - Balinese cookery lesson

Day 21: Seraya

This 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 swimming. 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 can also do an optional cooking course today (cost not included). If you go for this option, the cook will take you to the busy local market where you'll 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 made Balinese meal.

Day 22: Seraya - Bukit Peninsula

At the end of your active Java and Bali itinerary, you'll get a chance to really relax on the quiet beaches of the Bukit peninsula. Although Bali is known as a popular beach destination, most of the beaches on the island are black volcanic sand, which is why most tourists congregate around the southern part of the island at Kuta near Denpasar. It’s one of the few places where you can find golden beaches, although it comes hand in hand with crowds and high-rise hotels.

After a long search we’ve found the best of both worlds on the Bukit Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Bali. Here, you’ll find postcard-perfect but quiet beaches and picturesque bungalows in a setting that you’d usually only find further inland. All nine bungalows have a seaviews and the resort has a pool.

Bali Java itinerary - hotel swimming pool

Day 23: Bukit Peninsula

You won't need to set your alarm clock this morning, because there's nothing planned for today. Simply read a book by the pool, sip on an ice cold drink and cool off with a dip in the water when the heat begins to get to you. You can also walk barefoot along the soft white beach, stopping off for fresh fruit shake at one of the restaurants along the shore.

Day 24: Departure - End of itinerary

Today, it's time to bid farewell to this little piece of paradise. If you don't want to leave quite just yet we can extend your stay with a couple of extra days.

Otherwise, your Bali and Java itinerary will end today and you'll board the plane back to the UK today.

Accommodation images

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