Java & Bali Overland (15 days)

A great introduction to the cultural and scenic beauty of Indonesia, this memorable journey travels overland by train from central Java to the eastern tip of the island, and then by boat across the four mile strait to Bali. In Java experience the world famous Buddhist monument of Borobudur, explore the awe inspiring landscapes of Mount Bromo National Park and the lush rainforests leading to the volcanic crater rim of Kawah Ijen.

Guide Price

From £3,125 per person.

Day by Day Itinerary

Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Yogyakarta, via Singapore

Flight: SQ317 London Heathrow - Singapore 11.25 - 07.30 (overnight)

Day 2: Arrive in Yogyakarta and transfer to your hotel

Flight: SQ5152 Singapore - Yogyakarta 08.20 - 09.30

Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, you will be welcomed to Indonesia by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is free to relax at your hotel after the long journey.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Phoenix Hotel (Superior Room)

Cycle rickshaw, Yogyakarta

Day 3: Guided tour of Yogyakarta & Borobudur

Morning Yogyakarta city tour: This morning, you will be taken on a tour to explore the cultural highlights of Yogyakarta. Start with a visit to the "Sultan's Palace" or Kraton. The influence of the Mataram Empire dominated the region from the mid 18th Century, and Yogyakarta has since thrived under a powerful Sultanate that first resisted colonial forces and then negotiated a special autonomous status within the Republic of Indonesia. Parts of the Sultan's Palace, are open to visitors, including a number of open air buildings used for ceremonial purposes and museums with memorabilia showing the life and work of previous Sultans. The Water Castle and gardens of the Palace can also be visited, which is where the Sultans enjoyed their time with their many wives and concubines in a series of elaborate bathing pools. Continue with a tour of a traditional batik workshop to see the process involved in this traditional art form, and Kota Gede the original home of Yogya‘s silver industry where craftsmen have practiced for hundreds of years.

Afternoon tour of Borobudur: This afternoon, head north out of Yogyakarta for Borobudur, a journey of around 1.5 hours. Indonesia's largest and most impressive Buddhist monument, Borobudur is a vast structure with 9 levels and an awe inspiring setting in the midst of a fertile valley ringed by volcanoes. The temple was built as a pilgrimage site to teach followers how to practice the Buddhist way of life. Each level of the monument has intricately carved sculptures and symbology from the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. The top level of the temple is a particularly spiritual place dotted with stupas housing Buddhist sculptures, with magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Phoenix Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Borobudur temple complex

Day 4: Drive to Solo for a guided tour of the area

Morning tour of Prambanan: This morning, you will be taken on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prambanan, Java's largest Hindi Temple. The Sanjaya Dynasty built the 47m high temple dedicated to the three forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in the 9th century and surrounded it with several smaller temples. The temples were first rediscovered by a British surveyor under the instruction of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1811.

Road journey from Borobudur to Solo: Later this morning, continue your journey to Solo, a journey of approximately 1 hour.

Guided tour of Candi Sukuh & Candi Cetho: After checking in to your hotel, drive 25 miles east of Solo to the ‘Highlands of Solo', on the slopes of Mount Lawu, to discover the ruins of an exotic 14th century temple called Candi Sukuh. One of Java's most mysterious and striking temples, Candi Sukuh is built like a Mayan stepped pyramid and is believed to have been constructed at the time when the glory of the Majaphit Empire was already in decline. The reliefs, and statues, tell the story of Tantric Hinduism which flourished in this area in the pre-Islam era. The main temple stands 900 m above sea level on the western slopes of Mount Lawu and is covered in intriguing carvings.

Continue to the 15th century Javanese-Hindu temple at Candi Cetho which is located at an even higher elevation than Sukuh, with spectacular views of nearby green tea plantations and the surrounding countryside. After the sightseeing return to Solo for the evening.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Roemahkoe Guesthouse (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Prambanan temple, Yogyakarta

Day 5: Travel by train and road to Malang in Eastern Java

Private transfer: This morning, transfer to the train station for the scenic journey to East Java.

Train: Solo - Jombang 08.00 - 11.30 (Executive Class)

Road journey from Jombang to Malang, via Trowulan: Upon arrival in Jombang, travel by road to Malang, a journey of approximately 4 hours. There is an option to do a detour to the town of Trowulan, once the seat of power of the powerful Majapahit Kingdom. This was Java's most significant Hindu emprire which flourished between the late 13th and 15th Centuries. The success of the empire came from an enterprising spirit to trade spices and rice that grew abundantly in the fertile soils of East Java with merchants from Malaya. Today the largest reminder of this once great era is a large bathing pool and several small Hindu temples made of red brick surrounded by exceptionally well tended gardens with colourful flowers. The town also has a museum with displays of pottery and other artefacts to tell the story of the Majapahit empire. Sir Thomas Raffles re-discovered the ruins in the 19th century and described the site as ‘the pride of Java'.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tugu Malang (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Chinese temple, Malang

Day 6: Morning tour of Malang's colonial heritage, afternoon jeep ride up to Mount Bromo

Half day city tour of Malang: This morning, you will be taken on a tour of Malang. Classic Dutch architecture can be seen in all corners of the city including the cathedral, schools, hotels, mansion houses and even a coffee shop. Just outside Malang there are the small Hindu ruins from the Singosari Empire which ruled East Java for a brief spell in the 13th Century before the ascendency of the mighty Majapahit Kingdom in nearby Trowulan.

Road journey from Malang to Mount Bromo: This afternoon, depart Malang and head in an eastward direction to the Bromo National Park. After driving an hour from Malang, arrive at a typical East Javanese village and take a coffee break in a local family house. From this point onwards the vehicle will be changed to an open top jeep for the bumpy ride through the volcanic landscape to the start point of an optional trek through an area of the Bromo Savannah most visitors do not get to see. Descend into the caldera where Mount Bromo is located and walk for about three hours over a bizarre black lava lake to the other side of the crater rim. If you do prefer not to do this trek your guide can arrange for you to travel on horseback (surcharge payable locally) or remain on the jeep. Continue to your hotel to check in late this afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jiwa Java (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Crater, Mount Bromo

Day 7: Sunrise at Mount Bromo, then travel by train to the eastern tip of Java

Sunrise at Mount Bromo: This morning wake up at 4am for the chance to see the sun rising over Mount Bromo. Depart from your hotel in a 4x4 jeep and ascend bumpy roads for 45 minutes to a viewing platform on Mount Pananjakan. As the dawn arrives enjoy panoramic views over the lunar landscapes of Mount Bromo and the surrounding mountains. After the sun has risen there is the opportunity to take a horse ride along the sea of sands to the foot of Mount Bromo, where a series of steps leads to the crater rim. At around 8am return to your hotel for a well deserved breakfast.

Road journey from Mount Bromo to Probolinggo: After breakfast at your hotel, depart for the train station at Probolinggo, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

Train: No 87 Probolinggo - Banyuwangi 11.07 - 15.30

Private transfer: Upon arrival in Banyuwangi, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Bangsring Breeze Resort for a two-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Bangsring Breeze Resort (Bungalow Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Sunrise at Mount Bromo

Day 8: Day at leisure to relax by the sea

Day at leisure: Today is free to relax at your hotel or explore the local area. Popular activities at the resort include a range of watersports, hiking in the surrounding countryside and mountain biking.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Bangsring Breeze Resort (Bungalow Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Relaxing at Bangsring Breeze, Banyuwangi

Day 9: Morning hike to the crater of Mount Ijen, travel by ferry to Pemuteran in Bali

Morning hike to Ijen's Crater: After an early wake-up call and breakfast, travel by car to one of Java's last rainforests, passing by rural villages and spice plantations. Ijen's slopes are covered with towering trees, giant ferns and a multitude of wildlife. The 90 minute hike to Ijen Crater starts from the Park Ranger's post. The trail follows a shady track with interesting plants and views to see along the way. The crater rim is an altitude of 2883 meters from where there are spectacular views of the lake with its eerie colour, and smoke wafting from bright yellow sulphur deposits. The landscape is desolate and barren yet vibrantly alive. Watch miners descend into the crater and re-emerge carrying up to 80 kilos of ore on bamboo basket along the treacherous path. Afterwards walk down the mountain and drive back to your hotel. Please note this trek is on steep and uneven terrain that can get slippery, and not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Road journey from Ijen to Ketapang Harbour: After this morning's hike, depart for Bali. The journey starts with a 1.5 hour drive to Ketapang Harbor.

Ferry crossing: Drive on to the local public ferry for the crossing to Gilimanuk harbour in West Bali, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

Road journey from Gilimanuk to Pemuteran: Continue your journey by road to Pemuteran, a drive of approximately 45 minutes.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taman Sari Cottages (Sea View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking to Mount Ijen crater rim

Day 10: Day at leisure on Bali's north coast

Day at leisure: Today is free to relax at your Balinese resort, or take an optional snorkelling or diving trip to Menjangan Island in the Bali Barat National Park.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taman Sari Cottages (Sea View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

North Bali coastline, Pemuteran

Day 11: Drive to Munduk and spend the afternoon exploring the area

Road journey from Pemuteran to Munduk: After breakfast this morning, continue your journey by road to Munduk, a drive of around 1.5 hours ascending from north Bali's coastal plains to the central highlands.

Plantation hike around Munduk: Your guide will take you on a leisurely 2 hour hike in and around the rural village of Munduk. The area is very fertile and large plantations are found throughout. The walking trail leads through clove, cacao and coffee plantations with stunning views over the coastline of north Bali. There is also the chance to visit a waterfall in an area of rainforest.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Sanak Bali Retreat (One Bedroom Bungalow)

Meals: Breakfast

Rice terraces, Munduk

Day 12: Drive south to Ubud with sightseeing along the way

Road journey from Munduk to Ubud with sightseeing en route: After breakfast this morning, set off on the fascinating journey to Ubud, passing through the heart of Bali. The first stop will be made at the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. The next stop is Bedugul to visit Lake Bratan and the atmospheric temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Further stops are possible at the village of Candi Kuning village before having lunch at the beautiful rice terraces of Jatiluwih. Continue to Ubud and check in to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Alaya Ubud (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Jatiluwih rice terraces, Bali

Day 13: Guided tour of the Ubud area

Half day cultural tour of Ubud: Start your cultural trip with a visit to Tohpati, which is known for batik products and continue to Celuk, the center of exquisite silver works and Mas, known for fine woodcarvings. Enter Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali with many fine art galleries, and a home to a score of local and foreign artists. One of them is Agung Rai Museum of Art which has an extensive collection of paintings by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists in classic balinese and contemporary styles. Afterwards, you can test your bargaining skill at Ubud market prior to a visit to Puri Saren Agung, whose royal family ruled Ubud from the late 1800's until 1917.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Alaya Ubud (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Monkey forest temple, Ubud

Day 14: Fly to London Heathrow, via Singapore

Day at leisure: Today is free to relax before your journey home.

Road journey from Ubud to Denpasar Airport: At the appropriate time, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Denpasar airport, a journey of around 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic conditions).

Flight: SQ947 Denpasar - Singapore 20.00 - 22.40

Flight: SQ322 Singapore - London Heathrow 23.30 - 05.55 (overnight)

Meals: Breakfast

Souvenirs on display, Ubud

Day 15: Arrive back in London Heathrow

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Java & Bali Overland

Java & Bali Overland (15 days)

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