Essential Java and Bali
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

A 14 day tour combining the culture, beaches and scenery of Bali with the magical temples of  Borobudur on Java.

This classic itinerary offers first time visitors the chance to experience the magical ancient history of Java and the culture, beaches and scenery of Bali whilst staying in a good  accommodation throughout.

Highlights include:

• Take in the stunning volcanic scenery of central Bali
• Wander the streets of Bali’s cultural capital of Ubud
• Explore the magical temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
• Enjoy the bustling city of Yogyakarta, often considered the cultural heartland of Java.
• Relax in the peaceful beach resort of Candi Dasa on Bali’s East coast.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

DAY 1 – DEPART THE UK

 Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Indonesia.

DAY 2 – YOGYAKARTA

 Your driver-guide will meet you on arrival at Yogyakarta for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight.

DAY 3 – YOGYAKARTA

After breakfast your guide will meet you for a tour of cultural Yogyakarta. You will visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court, and the elaborate two-storey mansion retreat known as the Water Palace.  In the afternoon you will leave the city and visit the magnificent tenth-century Hindu temple Prambanan.  While it is not as well restored as Borobudur it is a magnificent piece of architecture consisting of eight main and eight minor temples on a central courtyard, surrounded by 244 small temples in the outer compound.  You will stay at the temple until the sun sets; on a clear day the temple will appear as a silhouette against the backdrop of a sky of bright reds, pale blues and wisps of white clouds.

DAY 4-5 BOROBUDUR 

It's just over an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta to Borobudur, we recommend moving to a hotel at Borobudur so that you have two days to explore the temple itself and take in the magnificent scenes at both sunset and sunrise.

An early start on day 5 and a climb to the top of Borobudur will give you chance to witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Merapi and the forested plateau to the east.  Built in the 8th century and constructed from two million individual bits of stone, the Buddhist temple is made of six square terraces with three circular terraces and 72 small stupas on top. The temple is covered by delicately sculptured reliefs representing the life of Buddha and the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation. After the temple you will have the choice of going back the hotel to relax or of spending the afternoon exploring the surrounding area.

DAY 6-8 UBUD

A 50 minute flight will take you from Yogyakarta directly to Bali where you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel in Ubud, in the southern foothills of Bali’s volcanic mountains. The cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is famous for its markets, temples, great selection of restaurants and its traditional Balinese architecture and it's a great place for private exploration.  The town is surrounded by steep river valleys and glistening paddy fields.

During your stay your guide will show you Ubud town itself. There will be time to explore the area’s art scene - Ubud is a mecca for artisans who paint and carve.

A full day can be spent enjoying a private walking/cycle tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Ubud. You will embark on a guided walk through local villages and paddy fields. Take lunch in a local restaurant before being kitted out with mountain bikes and all the required safety equipment for an easy downhill cycle from Mount Batur through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and villages.

 DAY 9-13  – CANDI DASA

 From Ubud you’ll travel easy to your peaceful beach hotel in Candi Dasa. Spend four days at leisure relaxing at a fantastic resort spending time at the exotic white sand beaches or perhaps visiting the town with its picturesque lily lake and local restaurants.

 DAY  14 – FLIGHT HOME

 Transfer by vehicle to Denpasar airport for your flight home.  Alternatively we can change the tour to incorporate a visit to one of the Indonesia’s other fascinating islands.