Java to Bali Complete Overland - 12 days
From Yogyakarta To Borobudur, Jombang, Mt Bromo, Ijen, Pemuteran, Ubud - 11 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Encounter culture, nature and local lifestyles on this complete tour of Java and Bali. This 12-day excursion starts in Indonesia’s beating cultural heart of Yogyakarta. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Prambanan and Borobudur. In Candi Rejo, we gain an insight into local customs and traditions and we also enjoy a cycle ride through Kota Gede, the first capital of the Mataram Kingdom, which is now the hub of the city’s silver industry. An early morning start takes us to Penanjakan for a beautiful sunrise view (subject to weather conditions) over the smouldering Tengger Massif volcanic complex. A climb to the top of Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen fulfils our adrenaline fix. After snorkelling the waters of Menjangan Island, we set off to immerse ourselves in Balinese culture with activities such as temple exploration, browsing markets and taking in the scenery that defines this idyllic island, before rounding off this adventure with two days relaxation on the beach.

Details

Day 1 | Arrival Yogyakarta – Prambanan – Hotel Yogyakarta [-]
Explore Indonesia’s largest Hindu site, Prambanan which features intricate carvings and intriguing temples. Upon arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport, you are met by our driver and guide and transferred to this UNESCO listed site which consists of the three major 9th century temples of Candi Shiva Mahadeva, Candi Brahma and Candi Vishnu.

These were erected in the 9th century when Java was ruled by the Hindu Sanjayas of Old Mataram. We also visit neighbouring shrines, including Candi Plaosan and Candi Sewu, ahead of transferring to the city to check-in to the hotel where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

Lunch and dinner are to your own account.  Overnight in Yogyakarta

Day 2 | Yogyakarta – Borobudur & Candirejo Village [B]
Take in the view from Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument complex and then embark on a cultural tour of Candirejo village. In the morning, we transfer to mighty Borobudur, situated 40 km from the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 9th century.

After the decline of Buddhism and shift of power to East Java, the monument was abandoned soon after its completion and for centuries lay forgotten, buried under layers of volcanic ash. We will strolling around Borobudur from the ground level only and learning about the history of Buddhism in Indonesia. Afterwards, we visit nearby temples Candi Pawon and Mendut.

We then transfer to nearby Candirejo village and embark on a village tour on an andong horse-drawn carriage and gain an insight into local customs and traditions, art and handicrafts. We conclude the day with a gamelan performance performed on Indonesian bamboo and wooden instruments.

Lunch and dinner are to your own account. Overnight in Yogyakarta

Day 3 | Yogyakarta – City Tour [B]
Get to grips with Yogyakarta’s history on a sightseeing tour of this artistic city that includes the Kraton and a cycle ride to Kota Gede. We start on walking tour of the Kraton area which is a model of traditional Javanese palace architecture and the site of the Sultan Palace’s where over 25,000 people live within the greater compound, which has its own market, shops, cottage industries, schools and mosques.

Please note: The Sultan’s Palace opens every day from 8.30 am to 13.30 pm, but closes on Friday at 11 am and it is closed all day on Mondays, National and Kraton Holidays.

The Royal Cemetery is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In the afternoon we proceed to Kota Gede and explore this first capital of the Mataram Kingdom on an old classic bike. Our two-wheeled adventure starts at Kembang Waru in Bumen village and we continue to a traditional market.

On the way, we visit one of the oldest mosques in Kota Gede, built in 1575 and the Royal Cemetery where the remains of Mataram’s first king and his family lay. We conclude our tour at a joglo, a traditional Javanese colonial home. The tour duration is seven to eight hours.

Lunch and dinner are to your own account. Overnight in Yogyakarta

Day 4 | Yogyakarta – Jombang/Mojokerto (by Train) – Bromo [B]
Watch local life unfolds both on-board the Sancaka train and alongside the track on this scenic journey from Yogyakarta to Tosari / Cemoro Lawang Village.

Transferring to Yogyakarta Train Station, we board the 6.55 am train and alight at Jombang at about 10.35 am, or Mojokerto at about 10.55 am, where we are met by our driver to continue by car to Tosari / Cemoro Lawang village, taking about two to three hours.

Upon arrival we check-in to the hotel and the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

Lunch and dinner are to your own account.  Overnight in Bromo

Day 5 | Bromo Excursion – Ijen [B]
Watch the sunrise unveil Bromo, Batok and Semeru volcanoes, followed by a climb of Mount Bromo for an entirely different perspective. Departing at around 4 am, we transfer in a four-wheel drive vehicle to Penanjakan to witness the sunrise (weather permitting) from a platform near the smouldering volcanic complex of Tengger Massif.

Next, we cross to Mount Bromo’s foot to climb the stairs to the crater to peer inside this rumbling volcano. After our descent, we return to the hotel to refresh and then transfer to Ijen. Lunch and dinner are to your own account.

Please note: The walk up Mount Bromo is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. It is possible to ride horseback (surcharge applies) although this is not recommended due to the ill treatment of the horses.

The ideal time to visit this destination is during the dry season, from April to November. Throughout the year, the mountain night temperatures are around 2-5 °C. Due to the popularity of Bromo Tengger National Park, the platform at Mount Penanjakan can get busy during weekends and on public holidays.

Overnight in Banyuwangi

Day 6 | Ijen Crater Excursion – Pemuteran [B,L]
Soak up the apocalyptic like scene of Mount Ijen’s eerie coloured sulphuric Crater Lake against its surrounding sheer rugged walls. Waking at about 5 am and after breakfast, we drive to the slope of this active volcano passing rural villages, plantations and rainforests on the way.

Exiting our vehicle at the park ranger’s post, we commence our hike up the crater’s slope to the rim at 2,799 metres, taking about 90 minutes to two hours. Once we have reached the top we rest to admire the views and observe local miners descending into the crater to load sulphur into their bamboo baskets before climbing back up along a treacherous path.

Afterwards we make our descent to return to our vehicle to transfer to Ketapang Harbour where we board a public ferry to Bali and on arrival, transfer to our hotel in the Pemuteran area. The total tour duration is eight to nine hours.

Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is to your own account. Overnight in Pemuteran

Day 7 | Pemuteran – Snorkelling Activities [B,L]
Discover Menjangan Island’s fascinating underwater world which offers some of Bali’s best snorkelling and diving. This island, also known as Deer Island, is part of the Barat National Park and it is home to a wealth of tropical fish, colourful coral and a unique ecosystem.

We transfer to Bali’s little sister island by local boat, taking 30 minutes where upon arrival we snorkel in the waters, or relax on the beach. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. The total tour duration is eight to nine hours.

A lunch box is provided during activities. Dinner is to your own account.

Overnight in Pemuteran

Day 8 | Pemuteran – Ubud [B]
Immerse yourself into Bali’s unique aura as we explore temples, bathe in therapeutic waters, peer into a volcano and soak up stunning scenery. Our first stop is at Vihara Arama, Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery which looks like a miniature Borobudur Temple.

We then proceed to nearby Banjar Hot Springs. Here we can bathe in therapeutic waters which have high sulphur content. We then continue to Pura Beji Temple in Sangsit.

Next we explore the former capital Singaraja which features Dutch colonial-era buildings, ahead of driving up Kintamani village to enjoy the stunning views of Mount Batur and its crater lake.

Our tour concludes at Tegalalang rice terrace which is one of Bali’s most beautiful rice fields. The tour duration is eight to nine hours.

Lunch and dinner are to your own account. Overnight in Ubud

Day 9 | Ubud – Traditional Farming [B,L]  
Get a taste of authentic Balinese life in Tunjuk village, where you will get a fascinating insight into traditional practices. In communities like this across Indonesia, building sizes and positions are carefully stipulated by age-old traditions.

These customs include measurements made based on the length of a priest’s arms and a structure’s position in relation to sacred Mount Agung. We explore this typical Balinese compound on the west of the island and visit a village primary school to interact with staff and students.

We also learn about the various stages of rice cultivation, with a hands-on experience at a communal farm. Dinner is to your own account

Please note: The village school is closed on Sundays and public and school holidays. The tour duration is about six to seven hours. Overnight in Ubud

Day 10 | Ubud – South Bali [B]
Spend the day taking in Bali’s picture perfect landscape and visiting its historic and cultural sights in and around Ubud. We start at Tampaksiring Village to visit Tirta Empul, a holy spring temple with bathing pools believed to have strong curative powers and we then take an outside view of Tampaksiring Palace, located on a hill behind Tirta Empul which is a presidential guesthouse built by the late President Sukarno.

Afterwards we take a stroll through Ubud market to view a myriad of art and handicrafts for sale. Next, we visit Puri Saren Palace, the seat of the rulers of Ubud from the late 1800s until 1917.

Our journey continues to south Bali, where we check-in to our hotel for a two-night stay. The tour duration is six to seven hours.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are to your own account.

Overnight in South Bali

Day 11 | South Bali – Free ay Own Leisure [B]
The entire day is free to set your own pace, whether that is kicking back on the beach, or booking a tour through the guide (surcharge applies).

Lunch and dinner are to your own account.

Overnight in South Bali

Day 12 | South Bali – Airport [B]
The morning is free to spend at our leisure until check-out, which is usually around 12 noon. At the appropriate time, we transfer to the airport for our onwards flight.

A day use of a room until 6 pm is subject to availability and a surcharge.

Inclusions

Inclusions

• Free Wi-Fi During transfer & Tours
• Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
• Accommodation in sharing twin / double with air-conditioning
• Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
• Free refillable bottle water (USD 1 of each bottle will be donated to a local water project or plastic eradication project)
• Train Ticket from Yogyakarta to Jombang / Mojokerto
• 4 wheel drive during Bromo sunrise tour
• Ijen trek by 4wheel drive
• Ferry transfer from Ketapang harbour to Gilimanuk harbour
• All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the program;
• All applicable taxes and service charges;
• All meals as indicated in the program (food only)

Exclusions

• Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
• Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
• Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
• Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program;
• International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.

Terms

**Updated information: As the government takes serious steps to preserve the historic and cultural wealth of Borobudur Temple site all visitors are only able to explore the Borobudur temple from the ground level as covered by the general ticket. Climbing up to the top of the temple will be restricted and limited. An additional surcharge will be applied (TBA) and tickets should be purchased well advance to climb Borobudur

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