Journey East Across Java & Bali Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1 - DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Java.

DAY 2 – 4 BOROBUDUR (JAVA)

On arrival you’ll be met by your guide for the road transfer to your hotel near the stunning Borobudur temple. You will have plenty of time to relax after your journey, taking in the beautiful green surroundings of paddy fields and volcanoes before exploring this unique and memorable region. Rise before the sun to climb to the top of Borobudur for 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 6 square terraces with three circular terraces and 72 small stupas on top.

DAY 5 – YOGYAKARTA (JAVA)

After breakfast you will head into Yogyakarta, part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia. You will visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court, and the elaborate two story 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 8 main and 8 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, when 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 6 – MALANG (JAVA)

Leave Yogyakarta to take a train east through the stunning central mountains towards Jombang, East Java. You will be accompanied by your tour guide, while your driver can take your luggage to Jombang the previous evening. He will meet you at the train station and take you through beautiful countryside to Malang, via the small plantation villages of Pujon Batu, where you will have a chance to stop and take in the scenery and explore the villages. Stay in a hotel in the heart of the city.

DAY 7 – MALANG (JAVA)

Free day to explore the sights of Malang: see the colonial architecture, various art centres, the botanical gardens and a range of local temples. Malang is refreshingly cool and is surrounded by fantastic countryside.

DAY 8 – BROMO (JAVA)

Drive through the dramatic volcanic peaks of East Java towards your hillside hotel in Bromo.

DAY 9 – BROMO (JAVA)

Following an early rise you will be taken to view the spectacular sunrise over the crest of the Bromo volcano. After a short pony ride you will climb to the peak of Bromo, where you can take in the magnificent view of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains. After time to relax back at the hotel, you will go for a walk around the mountain as the sun sets over this breath-taking scenery.

DAY 10 – IJEN (JAVA)

Today you will board the train for a 4 hour rail journey across east Java. The train snakes through rice fields and lush jungle towards Banyuwangi. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel on the Ijen plateau.

DAY 11 – IJEN (JAVA)

It's worth waking early today to head out and explore the awesome beauty of Mount Ijen. Travel through rural villages, coffee and clove plantations then into the rainforest. Humidity, wildlife, giant ferns and big trees cover the slopes of the mountain.. Your effort is rewarded with breath-taking views over the plateau, and other turquoise sulphur lake of Kawah Ijan

DAY 12-14  PEMUTERAN (BALI)

Bid farewell to Java as you take a short ferry ride across the Bali Strait toward the West Bali National Park. The park is home to spectacular forests, mangroves and coral reefs. This is one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in Bali with lovely white sand beaches. You’ll spend 3 nights here with accommodation in a peaceful beach villa on a bay overlooking the clear blue waters.

DAYS 15 & 16 MUNDUK (BALI)

Transfer along Bali’s north towards Munduk where you'll stay amidst a working coffee plantation. During your stay you’ll take a trek through the coffee and cocoa plantations, passing through the mountains forested valleys and beautiful waterfalls. For those interested, there is also a chance to canoe across the crater lake Tamblingan.

DAYS 17-19  UBUD (BALI)

Drive to the southern foothills of Bali’s volcanic mountains for three nights in Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. Famous for its markets, temples, great selection of restaurants and its traditional Balinese architecture. During your time here, you will get an insider's perspective on the artwork, architecture, food and scenery that make this region so special.

DAY 20 HOME OR STAY?

Depart Ubud for Denpasar airport for your flight home to the UK. Alternatively stay on in Bali for a beach stay (maybe in sleepy Candi Dasa), explore the island further or continue the journey east with a short flight or boat ride to the next island along - Lombok. Call our Indonesia experts to talk through the options.

• 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.