Java & Bali Explorer

From

CAD 3,425

Duration

19 days

Countries

Indonesia

Activity

moderate

Group size

Max 12

Rating

4.7 · 11 reviewsvia Intrepid Travel

The adventure

Combining Java’s collection of earthly volcanoes and pre-historic jungles with Bali’s vast beaches, this 19-day adventure is a great way to experience the incredible contrasts and natural scenery of Indonesia. Get to the heart of life on this famous archipelago by cycling past rice paddies, visiting coffee plantations and staying with rural communities. Be charmed by Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage with traditional dance performances and visits to ornate temples, and watch the landscapes transform from volcanoes and jungles to white-sand beaches. From the fervent pace of Jakarta to the back alleys of Ubud, the islands of Bali and Java are Indonesia’s most celebrated duo for a reason.

Jakarta - City tour

Yogyakarta - Street food tour

Yogyakarta - Countryside cycling tour

Borobudur - Temple Tour

Seloliman Nature Reserve - Environmental Education Centre Visit

Seloliman Nature Reserve - Guided Walk & Herbal Drink Tasting

Day by day

Stunning aerial view of Ijen Crater's turquoise lake surrounded by lush volcanic scenery.

Your journey through

Indonesia

Showing Days 1-7

19-day itinerary

Day 1JakartaSelamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is great for first-time visitors. For city monuments, don't miss the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Jakarta

Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is great for first-time visitors. For city monuments, don't miss the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Day 2JakartaFamiliarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Jakarta

Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Day 3YogyakartaThis morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta – this town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot, offering a great array of cultural avenues to explore including batik workshops as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out with your leader this evening for a street food tour. You might try local delicacies like gudeg (jackfruit stew) and kopi joss (charcoal coffee).

An elderly man crafts intricate wayang puppets in a traditional Indonesian setting.

Yogyakarta

This morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta – this town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot, offering a great array of cultural avenues to explore including batik workshops as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out with your leader this evening for a street food tour. You might try local delicacies like gudeg (jackfruit stew) and kopi joss (charcoal coffee).

Day 4YogyakartaRise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming above tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. In the afternoon, venture out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. You’ll pass palm trees, vast grasslands and maybe some locals making various goods like tofu and tempeh along the way, stopping for some great photo ops as you explore.

Outdoor market scene with vendors selling fresh produce, under colorful umbrellas in a busy street setting.

Yogyakarta

Rise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming above tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. In the afternoon, venture out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. You’ll pass palm trees, vast grasslands and maybe some locals making various goods like tofu and tempeh along the way, stopping for some great photo ops as you explore.

Day 5SelolimanTravel by train, then minivan to Seloliman Nature Reserve today. Have the lunch box on the train, which is a typical Javanese bento, using bamboo and banana leaves. When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and learn about what they do here. This peaceful reserve sits on the slopes of the sacred volcano, Mt Penanggungan. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, even with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax this afternoon. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature, sit under the stars as the sun goes down and spend an evening technology-free! For dinner, sit down for some delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff.

Travel by train, then minivan to Seloliman Nature Reserve today. Have the lunch box on the train, which is a typical Javanese bento, using bamboo and banana leaves. When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and learn about what they do here. This peaceful reserve sits on the slopes of the sacred volcano, Mt Penanggungan. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, even with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax this afternoon. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature, sit under the stars as the sun goes down and spend an evening technology-free! For dinner, sit down for some delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff.

Day 6BromoJoin the reserve staff on a walk around the property this morning, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. You'll gain an insight into the region’s flora and fauna, traditional farming methods, rice production and the mini hydroelectricity plant. Finish up with a traditional jamu demonstration and a tasting of this Javanese herbal medicine. Enjoy lunch at the center before traveling onto Mt Bromo – the homeland of the Tenggerese. The still-active volcano – standing at 2329 m – is the most well-known of the Tengger massif. Retire early tonight in preparation for tomorrow's early start.

Join the reserve staff on a walk around the property this morning, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. You'll gain an insight into the region’s flora and fauna, traditional farming methods, rice production and the mini hydroelectricity plant. Finish up with a traditional jamu demonstration and a tasting of this Javanese herbal medicine. Enjoy lunch at the center before traveling onto Mt Bromo – the homeland of the Tenggerese. The still-active volcano – standing at 2329 m – is the most well-known of the Tengger massif. Retire early tonight in preparation for tomorrow's early start.

Day 7KalibaruYour early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it! First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps to catch the sunrise over the sea of sand. After, you’ll climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside – the ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It's also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru by taking a local train. Tonight, you’re free to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.

Your early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it! First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps to catch the sunrise over the sea of sand. After, you’ll climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside – the ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It's also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru by taking a local train. Tonight, you’re free to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.