Located closely together yet extremely different in terms of culture and landscapes, this in-depth tour combines the islands of Java and Bali.
Starting in Yogyakarta, explore spectacular Borobudur and Mount Bromo where the island's highest peaks, Mt Batok and Mt Semeru, tower in the distance. Leaving Java travel by boat to Bali taking time to relax at Pemuteran on the north-west coast, close to the Bali Barat National Park, before continuing through the Bali countryside to rural Munduk and Ubud, Bali's cultural heart. End the tour in Candidasa to relax on the beach before you fly home.
Borobudur – Yogyakarta – Malang – Bromo – Banyuwangi – Pemuteran – Munduk – Ubud – Candidasa
Trip Highlights
- Marvel at the magnificent Mt Bromo volcano from Mt Penanjakan – Java’s iconic view
- Experience Ubud in central Bali, a centre of handicrafts and traditional dance
- Enjoy a magical sunrise visit to the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple
- Explore a Javanese plantation which produces coffee, rubber, cacao and spices
- Set on an island, Ulun Danu Temple is one of Bali’s most picturesque sites
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Fly with Singapore Airlines non-stop to Singapore.
Day 2
Arrive Borobudur
Morning flight to Yogyakarta and on arrival meet your driver and guide and proceed to Borobudur to relax in the afternoon at Plataran, a boutique hotel located on the hills overlooking Borobudur.
Plataran Borobudur & Spa
Day 3
Borobudur to Yogyakarta - 44kms
Enjoy sunrise at the magnificent and UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple. With your guide, explore this massive Buddhist Temple- the largest in the world and discover the incredible history behind its construction admiring the thousands of intricate carvings. Return to the hotel for breakfast and spend a few hours at leisure. En route back to Yogyakarta visit both Pawon and Mendut temples, older than Borobudur and noted for their exquisite Javanese architecture. You may also wish to stop at Imogiri Royal Cemetery and Kampung Giriloyo, a village known for its intricate batiks which have been made there for hundreds of years.
- Breakfast
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
Day 4
Yogyakarta
Spend the morning visiting the Sultan’s Palace, also known as the Kraton, a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. Continue on foot to nearby Taman Sari, a water palace and garden, built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan for his harem, and also visit the Sono Budoyo Museum noted for its collection of Javanese and Balinese arts. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan, built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, and jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
Day 5
Yogyakarta to Jombang – by train / Jombang to Malang - 90 kms
Early transfer to the railway station for the morning scenic train ride to Jombang in eastern Java where your guide will accompany you on the journey. Enjoy the opportunity to meet locals during your train journey as well admiring the volcanic landscapes of Central and Eastern Java. After lunch continue by car to Malang with a stop at Trowulan, which opened in 1987 to display and preserve the ever increasing number of historical treasures discovered in the vicinity of the old Majapahit capital. Continue via Batu to Malang for an afternoon at leisure.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tugu Malang Hotel
Day 6
Malang to Bromo - 49kms
Surrounded by volcanoes – Mount Butak to the west, Mount Arjuna to the north, and Mounts Kepolo and Bromo to the east – Malang is one of the most beautifully situated cities in Java. During the colonial period, Malang was a small quaint town where Dutch Planters and civil servants could escape the heat of the lowlands. Take a local cyclo through the town to see the elegant villas, flower markets, Chinese temple Eng An Kiong before finishing at the Cathedral. In the afternoon drive towards Mount Bromo stopping en route at the charming Singosari Hindu temple which dates back to the 13th century. Continue through the scenic Bromo-Tengger National Park before arriving at your hotel.
- Breakfast
Plataran Bromo Resort
Day 7
Bromo to Banyuwangi - 275 kms
Early this morning (before dawn) you will enjoy a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. Ascend by 4WD to a viewing spot with spectacular views of Bromo and watch the sun rise from the volcano in Penanjakan. Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the gray ashen-covered ground form to create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon. Continue with a 20-minute horseback ride to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater. After a refresh at the hotel, set off on the long drive along the northern coast of Java towards Banyuwangi.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Dialoog Banyuwangi
Day 8
Banyuwangi to Pemuteran - 42 kms
Before leaving Banyuwangi visit Kaliklatak Plantation, and old Dutch colonial plantation which produces coffee, rubber, cacao, and various spices and is home to wonderful hilltop vistas. Enjoy lunch here before taking the short ferry crossing to Gilimanuk in Bali and continue to Pemuteran.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Taman Sari Resort
Day 9-10
Pemuteran
At leisure to relax on Bali’s north-west coast and close by to Bali Barat National Park.
- Breakfast
Taman Sari Resort
Day 11
Pemuteran to Munduk - 60 kms
This morning you be joined by your Bali driver and guide. Today visit Banjar to visit the only Buddhist monastery on the island this site also offers a stunning panorama view down to the Java Sea. In the afternoon continue further into the hills, to reach Lake Bratan where you will see the beautiful Ulun Danu Temple. Set on an island amid the peaceful water of the Lake Bratan, this temple is one of Bali’s most iconic sites. You may also visit Bedugul’s traditional market where a myriad of exotic fruits, vegetable and orchids and on sale form local gardens. End the day in the hillside setting of Munduk.
- Breakfast
Day 12
Munduk
Munduk is a wonderful, more remote destination in Bali that boasts lush tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and relatively cool temperatures due to higher elevation. With your tour guide and additional local guide, take a pleasant two-hour hike around Munduk to explore its major waterfalls and several plantations including coffee, cloves, and local spices. On the way back to the hotel, stop in a village for a local coffee tasting.
- Breakfast
Day 13
Munduk to Ubud - 62 kms
Today explore the countryside with your guide. Places of interest include Royal Taman Ayun a beautiful Hindu temple noted for its distinctive style of Balinese architecture, the UNESCO listed Jatiluwih rice terraces and the Pura Batukaru temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, the second highest volcano in Bali. You can also take a walk through the rice terraces for a close-up look at the verdant paddies and locals working. Continue to Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of Bali. Ubud is home to Bali’s most noted painters, carvers, weavers, dancers and musicians.
- Breakfast
Day 14-15
Ubud
You have two days at leisure to explore Ubud, you can do this independently or take some sightseeing trips. Much of Ubud’s charm in the beauty of the surrounding countryside with its emerald jungle, tumbling rivers and remote villages. It is well worth exploring this area on foot or by bicycle. For art lovers, the Museum Puri Lukisan contain examples of 20th Century Balinese art and you can opt to take full day trip exploring the region’s art and meeting local craftsmen. Alternatively, you have the option to visit the village of Mas which is noted for its wood carvers, Celuk noted for its gold and silversmiths and Batubulan to watch the spectacular Barong and Keris Dance symbolizing the eternal fight between good and evil spirits.
- Breakfast
Day 16
Ubud to Candidasa - 49 kms
After breakfast, leave for Candidasa on the east coast of Bali. En-route travel to Klungkung to visit the former Royal Court of Justice known as Kertagosa which is noted for its elaborately decorated ceiling featuring the wayang style of painting. Your drive continues along small, scenic roads to the slopes of Mt Agung to visit Puri Besakih the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurants with stunning terraced rice field views against the backdrop of Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano. Continue to the water palaces at Taman Ujung and Tirta Gangga before driving to Candidasa.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Alila Manggis
Day 17
Candidasa
Spend the next two days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, the local beach and neighbourhood.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Alila Manggis
Day 18
Denpasar to the UK
Later today transfer by car to Denpasar airport for your Singapore Airlines flight to the UK via Singapore.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Extend your stay in Bali along the south coast and enjoy a few days of pure relaxation with many excellent hotel and villa options available. Discover secluded bays on Bali’s southern tip, sample the freshest seafood at Jimbaran Beach and observe Kecak dancing at Uluwatu Temple.
Add Sumatra, Indonesia’s largest island, to your itinerary. Volcanic peaks and yawning craters riddle the interior whilst the thick rainforest supports an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna including elephant, rhino and exceptionally rare Sumatran tiger.
Travel by air to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the spectacular Komodo National Park. Renowned as the home for the famed Komodo Dragon, take a multi-day cruise to these creatures in the wild as well as enjoying excellent snorkelling, hiking to viewpoints and witnessing stunning sunsets.
Opt for an overnight stay in Singapore during your inbound or outbound journey. The mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences has created a fascinating city and melting pot of culture, cuisine and art. Highlights include the magnificent orchid collection at the Botanical Gardens and bustling Chinatown.
Guide to Price
19 days from £4100 - £4500 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4100 - £4500
Travel Information
Getting There
There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia but there are a range of connecting flights available. Singapore Airlines via Singapore have excellent timings and connections but Malaysia Airlines and Emirates also have regular flights from to the UK to Indonesia.
Flying Times From UK
Depending on where you are travelling, the minimum flight time with a connection from the UK to an Indonesian airport is 14½ hours.
Time Zone
Being such a large country, Indonesia is split across three time zones, GMT +7 (Western Indonesian Time including Jakarta), GMT +8 (Central Indonesian Time which includes Bali) and GMT +9 (Eastern Indonesian Time).
Visa Requirements
British citizens must have a visa to visit Indonesia with a 30-day visa available to purchase on arrival. The visa on arrival (VOA) costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card. It is valid for single entry only. You must have a return or onward ticket. Most of the main airports issue VOAs.
Indonesia has also introduced the All Indonesia Arrival Card which combines customs and health declarations into a single form. You must complete the online All Indonesia Declaration Form up to 72 hours before you arrive In Indonesia. For more information please visit https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
Do’s & Don’ts
Do be wary of no-smoking areas. While these are relatively new, if smoking laws are violated a fine could be issued.
Make sure you carry your passport, or passport copy, with you at all times as this is a legal requirement for all visitors.
Where possible never use your left hand. Etiquette also dictates that you eat with your right hand.
Body language is important in Indonesian culture – never cross your arms when standing or sitting, as this shows aggression and do not point at someone with a single finger as this is considered rude.
A light handshake instigates most greetings whether with a new acquaintance or a life-long friend.
Money
The currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah (RP). It can be easily exchanged in Indonesia especially in the major destinations of Bali, Jakarta and Lombok. Aside from Rupiah, US Dollars are accepted in most destinations – although should really only be used when purchasing high value items. ATMs are common in major cities and most towns but in rural areas they are rare so you will need to carry local currency. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most places, especially in cities and popular tourist areas. Outside of these areas credit cards may be harder to use and cash is preferred.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not common in Indonesia. Restaurants may add on a service tax of 10% but this is not a standard rule. Taxis do not expect to be tipped but rounding up the fare is common. A guidelines for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
With Indonesia being so large there are many different styles of foods available across the country, however, Javanese cuisine is what is usually referred to when discussing Indonesian food. The main staple is rice but soups and noodles are also prominent, with hot chillies, peanuts and sugar the main seasoning ingredients. Most cuisine is Halal, with chicken, beef and fish all common – fish especially if you are close to the coast. Food here is exciting and varied and it is well worth being adventurous with your meal choices.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of hotel accommodation in Indonesia and this varies depending on the island you are visiting. In Bali and Java there are numerous excellent hotels and resorts, all with first-class facilities and amenities. Equally in places like the Gili Islands, there are now excellent beach hotels. Elsewhere on the smaller or less visited islands, standards vary and options can be limited. Eco-hotels are becoming more popular in parts of the archipelago and as well resorts that focus on health and wellbeing. When visiting Komodo National Park stays will be aboard a scheudled or private Phinisi boat.
Shopping
Indonesia is fantastic for shopping with shops, markets and bazaars selling a range of handicrafts and knick-knacks. There is wide range of clothing available – many of the UK brands can be found here – whilst paintings, silk work, local textiles, batik cloth, bamboo items and dried spices are popular gifts. In Indonesia, Sunday is generally the busiest shopping day.
Suggested Reading
The main guidebooks, Lonely Planet, Footprint and Rough Guides offer comprehensive Indonesia travel advice and a good overview on the country. If you want something that explores Indonesian history ‘A History of Modern Indonesia’, by Adrian Vickers is an excellent companion as is ‘Indonesia: Peoples and Histories’, by Jean Gelman Taylor and ‘Indonesia: Exploring the Improbable Nation’, by Elizabeth Pisani. For fiction read the brilliant ‘This Earth of Mankind’ by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and its sequels.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations for Indonesia are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Indonesia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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