Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Java, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
April - October
Cross Java and Bali from west to east and watch the scenery shift in front of your eyes – from smouldering volcanoes and emerald rice terraces to mangroves and coffee and cocoa plantations.
Along the way, you’ll admire the age-old temples around Yogyakarta, scale the volcanoes for mesmerising views, and visit rural villages with your guide.
On Bali, you’ll uncover corners most travellers miss: swimming and snorkelling from quiet white-sand beaches (yes, they exist – you just need to know where to look), and soaking up the island’s spiritual side in Ubud.
Journey East across Java & Bali
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Borobudur, Java
On arrival in Yogyakarta, you’ll be welcomed to Indonesia by your private driver and taken to your hotel near Borobudur. Here, you’ll have time for post-flight relaxation and to explore the temple, taking in the magnificent scenes at sunset and sunrise.
Constructed during the 8th century, Borobudur was decorated with delicately sculptured reliefs representing the life of Buddha and the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation.
Rise early to climb to the top of a nearby hill to witness the majestic sunrise over the temple, backed by volcanoes and a misty forested plateau to the east. After admiring the monument, you can either go back to the hotel for some R&R or spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area.
Day 5
Yogyakarta, Java
Today, your driver will take you to Yogyakarta, part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia.
You’ll visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the Royal Court, and the two-story mansion retreat known as the Water Palace.
In the afternoon, you’ll leave the city and visit the magnificent tenth-century Hindu temple, Prambanan and the lesser-known Plaosan temple. Stay here ’til sunset to see the temple turn into a striking silhouette as the sky behind turns crimson and lilac and wisps of white clouds float overhead.
Days 6 - 7
Malang, Java
Hop on a train and head east through the scenic central mountains towards Jombang, East Java.
Your guide will accompany you, and your driver can take your luggage to Jombang the night before. He’ll then meet you at the train station and take you through the beautiful countryside to Malang via the small plantation villages of Pujon Batu, where you can stop and take in the scenery and explore the villages. You’ll stay in a characterful hotel in the heart of the city.
Spend a day exploring the city, from its colonial architecture and array of art centres to the botanical gardens and a number of local temples. Malang is refreshingly temperate and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Days 8 - 9
Bromo
Next up, you’ll travel for about an hour from Malang towards your hotel in Mount Bromo. Check in to your new hotel and enjoy a couple of hours R&R before heading towards Bromo for sunset. Most people visit the crater for sunrise, but sunset is atmospheric too, and you can revel in the experience with far fewer crowds.
The next day, rise early and head to Penanjakan Mountain for spectacular sunrise views across to Bromo and beyond. You’ll soak up 360-degree views of Argopuro Mountain from the eastern side, a group of mountains next to Bromo crater and Semeru Mountain erupting in the background. Feel the breeze of the morning air while waiting for the sunrise, accompanied by some hot coffee and tea. Hop back in your jeep to head back to your hotel for a lazy afternoon.
(If you’re short on time, you can head straight from Bromo to Surabaya airport and fly to Bali, skipping Ijen and East Bali to keep the trip to roughly two weeks).
Days 10 - 11
Ijen
Hop on the train for a 4-hour journey across East Java. The journey snakes through rice fields and lush jungle towards Banyuwangi.
On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel on the Ijen plateau.
The next morning, wake up early to explore the remarkable beauty of Mount Ijen. You’ll pass through rural villages, coffee and clove plantations, and into dense rainforest where humidity hangs in the air and giant ferns and towering trees line the slopes.
You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the plateau and the otherworldly turquoise sulphur lake of Kawah Ijen, which will take your breath away (sound cliché but it’s true).
Days 12 - 14
Pemuteran, Bali
Say goodbye to Java and take a short ferry across the Bali Strait to the West Bali National Park.
Explore forests, mangroves and vibrant coral reefs, and snorkel or dive at some of Bali’s best sites.
You’ll spend three nights here in a peaceful beach villa on a beautiful bay.
Days 15 - 16
Munduk, Bali
Today, head along Bali’s north coast to Munduk and settle into a working coffee plantation.
Trek through coffee and cocoa fields, cross mountain paths and forested valleys, and pause at cascading waterfalls. If you’re up for more adventure, canoe across Tamblingan, a serene crater lake surrounded by jungle.
Days 17 - 19
Ubud, Bali
Your driver will whisk you to Ubud.
In Bali’s cultural capital, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the artwork, architecture, food and rural scenery that make this region so special.
You’ll go on a wonderful walk through paddy fields with a Balinese Brahmin, gaining unique insights into the surrounding nature, religion, and the intricate rituals intertwined with daily life on ‘The Island of the Gods’. Round off the walk at your guide’s house with a traditional lunch and a Balinese blessing.
If you’re in the mood for more adventure, whizz through the island’s lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and local villages by e-bike. One of ETG’s favourite routes is the downhill cycle ride from Mount Batur, which suits all abilities.
Day 20
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
Or, if you’d rather stay in Indonesia a little longer, extend your trip and explore other islands…
Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia
A 16 night family holiday with 2 teenage boys. We did enough cultural visits to keep mum happy but with volcano visit, swimming pools, Komodo dragons, snorkelling and seeing Manta rays the boys had a fantastically diverse holiday. I have used Experience Travel Group three times now and would highly recommend them.
Lynne
12 July 2019Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“If you’re looking for a fabulous exploration of Indonesia, jam-packed with immersive experiences and just the right balance between relaxation and adventure… this is it.”
Lola
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Indonesia, Java
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Colonial elegance near Borobudur Temple. Standalone villas, sweeping views, and space to take it all in.
Highlights
Highlights
Views over Borobudur Temple,
Gorgeous villas
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Java, Malang
Tugu Malang
Fall back in time with an extensive range of antiques and artwork spread throughout the elegant rooms.
Highlights
Highlights
Great location,
Packed with character
Best for
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Bali, Ubud
Wapa di Ume Ubud
Lovely welcoming hotel, set amongst paddy fields on the outskirts of Ubud.
Highlights
Highlights
Surrounded by paddies,
Close to the action
Best for
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Java, Bromo
Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo
A mountain lodge on the slopes of East Java. Cool air, wide skies, and the slopes of Bromo just beyond.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic location,
Close to Mount Bromo
Best for
Solo,
Couples,
Families
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Indonesia, Java, Ijen
Ijen Resort & Villas
Soak in the natural beauty of Java’s Ijen National Park from this idyll.
Highlights
Highlights
Staggering views,
Oasis of a pool
Best for
Couples,
Families
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Indonesia, Raja Ampat
Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort
A mountain retreat on a working coffee estate. Verdant views and a different side of Bali.
Highlights
Highlights
Pool with panoramic views,
Serene surroundings
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Bali
The Menjangan Resort
A forest-fringed retreat in Bali’s wild west, where sea, reef and jungle meet.
Highlights
Highlights
Very wild setting,
Active adventures
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia
d'Omah Yogya Hotel
D’Omah creates a village-style atmosphere and is perfectly positioned to explore the local area surrounding Yogyakarta.
Highlights
Highlights
Oasis of a garden,
Boutique feel
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Java
Sunrise over Mount Bromo
Part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and 2,329 ft above sea level, the active Mount Bromo in East Java is part of some of the most dramatic scenery in Java, no easy feat in this island of jaw-dropping scenery. Watching the sunrise over the vast volcanic peaks and craters of the national park, along with the lush green fields of the hills below, is a beautiful and incredibly peaceful sight.
Following an early rise, you will be taken, at first by jeep and then on foot, to a natural platform overlooking Mount Bromo’s caldera to view the spectacular sunrise over the crest of the volcano and the national park beyond. Starting in darkness, you will witness the unmasking of the beauty of the peaks, and often shrouded in mist, the vast expanse of green below will open up to create a dramatic contrast with the dark rock and sulphur of the caldera.
After a short drive to the flat plane of the caldera base, covered in the silver dust of sulphur, you will have the option of a pony ride past the Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Poten and to the base of the volcanic peak. After climbing up the steep sides of the peak, you will be able to take in the magnificent view of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains now firmly emblazed in the glory of the bright sun. You will then be taken back to your hotel to relax and recover from the early start.
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Bali, Indonesia
Snorkelling & Diving in Bali
With calm seas, coral, and a variety of marine life, Bali is a great place to explore below the waves in Indonesia.
There are plenty of spots for you to explore underwater with professional dive schools dotted around the island. Most hotels will offer flippers and masks to explore at leisure, and dive schools will have international standard equipment to swim deeper. In particular, the east coast and the north coast are excellent for diving with some of the island’s calmest and most transparent waters. Your guide will know all the best places to dive, and you’ll discuss your interests and level of experience with them to find the best spot suited to you.
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Java, Indonesia
Traverse Rural Java by Train
A great way to see the spectacular scenery of Java is to take one of the trains that roll past the volcanic peaks and paddy fields covering the island. The first class executive carriage on an intercity train is very comfortable, with air conditioning and reclining airline-style seats. If you are in a group, the seats can also be spun around so that four face each other. While they do not travel at the speed of the modern railway systems elsewhere in the world, the trains generally do run on time, and it’s quicker and more fun than travelling by car. If you’re on board at lunchtime, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the good food.
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Java
Mount Ijen Morning Trek
The volcanic Ijen Plateau is dominated by the dramatic cones of the Ijen, Merapi, and Raung volcanoes, creating a striking skyline that feels wonderfully wild.
The tour begins early in the morning for anyone keen to take in the extraordinary beauty of Mount Ijen.
Along the way, you’ll pass through rural villages, coffee and clove plantations and stretches of Javanese rainforest before reaching the showstopper at the rim: a vivid turquoise sulphur lake, surrounded by sheer crater walls at 2,883 metres above sea level. Mount Ijen remains one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural phenomena.
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Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur Temple
Borobudur, a vast 9th-century Buddhist temple set an hour north of Yogyakarta, is one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable ancient sites. Built from over two million carved stones, it rises in terraces with intricate reliefs and 72 stupas housing statues of Buddha. Lost for centuries and later restored, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to see it is at sunrise — we know a secret hilltop spot for an unforgettable view of the temple complex, framed by mist-laden jungle and volcanoes.
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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Countryside Walk with a Balinese Priest
Spend a day exploring the countryside on this private walking tour, getting a unique insight into Balinese nature, religion and culture.
As much as the walk is about exploring the paddy fields and local villages, it is also about getting a sense of what makes Bali especially unique. Your guide is not just a nature guide, he is also a local Brahmin. Brahmins are the designated priestly castle in the Hindu religion, and as you explore, your guide will explain how a complex set of rituals and offerings are remarkably entwined in daily life.
After the walk, you’ll finish up at the guide’s house, where you will receive a traditional lunch, followed by an atmospheric Balinese blessing.
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Bali, Indonesia
Biking in Bali
With its kaleidoscopic landscape, there is so much more to see in Bali than the beaches. A e-bike tour is a great way to get away from the crowds and see the island in a new and unique light. From the striking volcanic mountains and hills to the lush tropical forests and paddy fields and on to the dramatic coastline and river valleys, Bali has some truly breathtaking scenery to cycle through.
We can arrange various tours throughout the island and can design them to meet every ability, from a gentle downhill cycle or challenging climb. You’ll be picked up by your local guide and provided with excellent quality bikes and safety equipment. A support vehicle can be arranged throughout and the guide will proceed at a pace that suits all.
Some of our favourite tours on the island are around Ubud including the one-way adventures from Wanigiri to Ubud and from Ubud to Sideman. Both are wonderful alternatives to a road transfer. You’ll take small paths, only accessible on bikes with verdant views of rice terraces and forests, mountains and valleys and, depending on the season, you’ll also see farmers planting or harvesting their crops.
Another great cycle ride starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Ubud. You’ll be driven to a beautiful spot overlooking Mount Batur for breakfast before a downhill ride through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and a tour of a village temple. After a traditional lunch in a local village that provides a wonderful insight into the local Balinese way of life, you will be picked up and dropped back in Ubud.
Please speak to one of our consultants about arranging a cycle tour and how it can fit into your wider holiday in Bali.
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Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
