Java & Bali Explorer

Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

If you arrive early, Jakarta has some interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and Maritime museums. The National Museum is also a good introduction for first time visitors. If you'd like to learn about Indonesia's more recent history, head to the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, where the life of Suharto is on display, along with many of the gifts that were given to him during his tenure in office.Monuments abound in the city - don't miss Si Jagur, an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with sexual imagery, or the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. For architecture, head to Kota - the old Dutch area of Batavia - or go 1 km north to visit the old port, Sunda Kelap, and try to catch a glimpse of a wooden schooner still plying the waters.

Hotel (1 nt)

Embark on a train journey across the hills and stunning classic Java landscape of deep gorges and lush rice terraces bound for Bandung (approx 6 hrs).

Once known as the 'Paris of Java' Bandung still retains relics of its previous Dutch colonial past with some fine examples of architecture from the time. The higher altitude and cooler climate also makes Bandung a pleasant relief from the low-lands.

Take a city tour around Bandung to uncover some culture and history of this historic town. Begin by 'Jalan Asia Afrika' - the street where the best buildings left from the Dutch colonial era still stand, then on to the oldest coffee factory built int he same period and still in operation today. After this we head to an area known as the Gedung Sate - where the central government controls west Java, before finishing up at the Ujo Angklung to see a traditional bamboo music performance!!

Travel by private minibus to Pangandaran (approx 4 hrs).

Pangandaran is a small fishing village popular with visitors looking for a coastal escape. The Penanjung Nature Reserve on the adjoining peninsula boasts some impressive flora and fauna.

Set off on a tour of the local surrounds, villages, cottage industries and the impressive green canyon. Our day trip begins with a stop at a local market to check out the produce and home industries such as palm sugar, tempe, and rice cracker production, as well as the famous Javanese 'Wayan Golek' (traditional wooden puppets), before continuing on to the Green Canyon. We hop aboard boats and travel up river (approx 30 mins) through superb jungle scenery, before a swim up into the canyon itself. The water here is green hence its name and is a popular hangout for locals so a great opportunity for some local interaction. Our day concludes at a nearby beach where we can break for lunch and swim in the afternoon before heading back.

Head inland by private minibus to Yogyakarta - one of our favourite towns in Asia (approx 9 hrs).

Java's cultural heart has a great atmosphere and is an Intrepid favourite. From batik workshops to the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples, 'Yogya' is one of South-East Asia's gems.

Explore Borobodur - the world's largest Buddhist Stupa. Completed in the 9th century, with a local guide we uncover this true highlight of Asia at sunrise, when the temperature is at its most pleasant, the crowds at their lowest, and the light picture perfect.

Visit Yogya's other great site - this time of the Hindu variety. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java, and one of the world's greatest. Also built in the 9th century we enjoy the mastery of this site in the late afternoon.

Take a private minibus for the journey to Seloliman Nature Reserve (approx 7-8 hrs).

The peaceful Seloliman Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan volcano.

Meet volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax. This is also a beautiful spot to appreciate nature - be sure to sit outside at night under the stars to take in the peacefulness of the surrounding mountain scenery.

Hotel (1 nt)

Join reserve staff on a walk around the reserve, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine (approx 2.5 hrs). The walk includes discussion on local faun and flora, traditional farming methods & rice production, a mini hydro electricity plant, local village coffee shop and concludes with a traditional Jamu demonstration and tasting 'Javanese medicine'

Journey on to Mt Bromo - the timeless homeland of the Tenggerese (approx 4 hrs).

Active Mount Bromo (2,329) is the most well known volcano of the Tengger massif. Known locally as 'Gunung Bromo' the name is actuallyis derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. This region is also the homeland of the Tenggerese and the steeply cultivated hills give rise to the amazing Tengger Valley.

Marvel at steeply cultivated hills giving rise to the amazing Tengger Valley. If there is time take a walk around the village in the afternoon but we head to bed early in preparation for an early start tomorrow.

An early rise (3.30am) is necessary to ensure enough time to cross the 'sea of sand' and climb the cone of Mt Bromo. The climb is not too difficult (approx 45 mins), but it can be very cold so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. Sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience.

Travel by private minibus to the Ijen Plateau (approx 3 hrs).

Ijen Plateau was at one time a huge volcanic crater, and is now - like much of the Javan landscape - punctuated by multiple nearby volcanic cones. Coffee and tea plantations are the primary crop in this less populated area of Java.

Enjoy a tour of surrounding tea plantations.

Travel by minibus to the far eastern end of Java (approx 2 hrs) before boarding a ferry across the Java Strait (approx 1 hr), before boarding another minibus for a journey across southern Bali to Tanah Lot (approx 3 hrs).

Tanah Lot is home to one of Bali's most famous and venerated temples, best viewed at sunset it is a stunning site.

Wind down the pace here and enjoy some time relaxing poolside, or consider a day trip by boat snorkelling impressive nearby reefs. Come evening seek out a local seaside bbq and feast on the daily catch with the locals.

Hotel (2 nts)

Complete the short journey to Ubud (approx 2 hrs).

Ubud is Bali's main arts and cultural centre, recently made famous by the Hollywood movie, Eat Pray Love. It's a wonderful place to experience the magic that has made Bali such a popular travel destination.

Head out to Gianyar night market to try some of the local cuisine. Although the setup is very informal when eating here, it's a great way to get your first taste of the local culture and cuisine.

Enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance, considered a highlight by most travellers. Kecak tells the Ramayana story of Prince Rama on a quest to rescue his kidnapped wife, Sita, with the help of the monkey army. No musical instruments are used, just human chanting that rises to crescendo as fires burn around, and monsters appear from the darkness to perform their part in the story.

Our local guide will take you on an approx 3 hour tour of the Ubud area, which will give you an opportunity to observe the day-to-day village life of the local people, see rice fields and an alang alang valley (wild grass that is used for making the roof on traditional buildings), and visit a local painting handicraft area. The tour ends in central Ubud where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Set off by bicycle through hilly back lanes, small villages and rice paddies - a great way to meet the local people and take in the views along the way. We ride for about 3 hours, making stops for magnificent photo opportunities and a rest if needed. There are plenty of opportunities to visit some of the small and intricately carved temples and our ride concludes at Sangeh, home of a centuries-old temple nestled in a grove of towering trees.Note that bicycle helmets are not included and can be difficult to hire locally, so if this concerns you please bring your own. We also have a support vehicle if the going gets too tough.

Head for the hills and the village of Sidemen by minivan (approx 2 hrs).

Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful and friendly village of Sidemen is proof that Bali has pockets completely away from the tourism the island is famous for. Being at elevation it's slightly cooler here which is a welcome relief.

Take a morning walk around Sidemen, visiting local songket weaving cottage industries and sampling a traditional 'bungkus' lunch. The walk takes around 3-4 hours and is a chance to take in great views. You can also cool off in the nearby river.

Continuing our journey higher into the mountains, drive along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur (approx 2 hrs).

Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 m) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera, and with Lake Batur below it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb.

Guesthouse (1 nt)

Rising early, reach the summit of Mt Batur in time to witness a stunning sunrise over the valleys of Bali. The walk takes 1.5-2 hours up, and yes, it's UP! On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. For the adventurous it may be possible to walk the narrow paths right around the volcano rim (max. 1 hour). After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with great views over the lake and caldera.

Make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina (approx 4 hrs).

Lovina is famous for the dolphins that patrol its coast, and is a great place for fine food, traditional massage or a big night out.

Our time in Lovina provides plenty of opportunities to explore this area - perhaps a dawn trip by outrigger boat to watch the dolphins come into the bay.

Enjoy a day of snorkelling on a Menjangan Island reef, a short boat ride from the coast. This pristine island and its coral reefs are part of the Bali Barat National Park.

Leave the coast bound for Bedugal.

En route we visit the lively Seririt market then spend the rest of the morning soaking in the traditional Banjar holy hot springs.

Soak in the enchanting Banjar Holy Hot Springs, where the warm waters gush from the mouths of stone-carved nagas (dragons) in a beautifully landscaped lush tropical garden.

Continue to the tiny hilltop village of Munduk (approx 1 hr).

Walk through clove and coffee plantations to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing dip. The area offers superb views across the hills of Bali and, on a clear day, the beaches of the northern coast.

Travel on to Bedugal (approx 1 hr)

Cool and misty, the beautiful Bedugal region is a series of volcanic formed lakes and mountain ranges covered in lush vegetation.

Visit nearby Lake Bratan where you can get great views of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a classical-style temple set on a small island in the lake. We don traditional sarongs to visit the famous Hindu-Buddhist temple on the lake, with an option to arrive by prahu (canoe). Pura Ulan Danau Bratan is dedicated to the Goddess of the lake, and is one of Bali's nine 'directional temples' it protects Bali from evil spirits from the North West.

Continue by minivan to Ubud (approx 2 hrs).

Return to Ubud in the afternoon, refreshed and relaxed, with some free time left for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.

We arrive back in Madaba at around 5pm on day 16. There are no activities planned for the final day ( Day 17 ) and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.