Java to Bali Overland Adventure & Island Stay - 15 Days

Highlights

• Admire views of Mount Merapi from Java's most famous temple, Borobudur
• Swim in the secret pool beneath Madakaripura waterfall near Mount Bromo
• Trek to Mount Ijen's crater to see the dance of otherworldly blue volcanic flames
• Snorkel and kayak Menjangan Island's tropical waters and cycle the forest trails 
• Discover the lush green fields of Bali's UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Explore at Leisure

Welcome to the island of Java in Indonesia! After you arrive in Jakarta, the country's capital, meet your driver for a hotel transfer. Settle in, then set out to explore the busy streets, fantastic cuisine, modern skyscrapers, and colonial architecture. Begin in the historic district of Kota Tua at Fatahillah Square, once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company. While there, be sure to see the Jakarta History Museum and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum.

Following your exploration of Kota Tua, try Indonesian street food, from martabak (stuffed pancakes) to bakso (meatball soup), at the "food" street Jalan Sabang. In the market, sample the famous kopi luwak coffee. One of the world's most expensive coffees, it's made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a small, local mammal.

Later, visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with beautifully designed pavilions representing each province. Wander through to discover Indonesia's customs, architecture, and traditions, demonstrated in miniature replicas of temples, houses, and landmarks. The park hosts authentic dance shows and other cultural events, so catch one if possible.

Day 2: Fly to Semarang, Explore Kota Lama & Lawang Sewu

Enjoy a hotel breakfast and then meet your driver for a transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a one-hour flight to central Java and Semarang. This charming city is known for its colonial history, reflected in the Dutch and Chinese architecture, and plenty of modern amenities, from malls to lively nightlife. Once you land and check into your hotel, head to the historic district of Kota Lama.

Wander the narrow streets, hunting for treasure in antique shops or local boutiques, then stop for lunch at the famous Spiegel Bar and Bistro. Sample the Indonesian fusion food and enjoy a fancy cocktail, then continue your exploration of the city at the iconic Lawang Sewu. This historic landmark, which is named "Thousand Doors" in Javanese, was once the office of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company and is now a heritage museum.

Marvel at the many windows and doors of this ornate building and explore the underground tunnels and intriguing exhibits, then seek out some of the city's many vendors to sample local street food. Try dishes such as nasi goreng babat (tripe fried rice), lumpia (spring rolls), or tahu gimbal (fried tofu with vegetables) before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Magelang via Chinese Temples, Traditional Massage

Say farewell to Semarang this morning and meet your driver for a one-hour transfer south to Magelang. On the way, stop to visit the 15th-century Sam Poo Kong, a Chinese Buddhist temple believed to be where renowned Chinese Muslim explorer, Admiral Zheng He, worshipped during his exploration of Java. Then, continue for about 30 minutes to the distinctive Pagoda Watugong, a seven-story structure modeled after traditional Chinese pagodas, showcasing China's long history in this region.

After arriving in Magelang, check into your hotel and visit a nearby spa for a traditional Javanese massage. Relax into the sensory experience as this ancient muscle therapy utilizes pressure points, stretching, and kneading to promote physical relaxation, along with ingredients like coconut oil and local herbs.

Day 4: Transfer to Yogyakarta via Candirejo Village, Visit Malioboro Street

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and meet your guide this morning for a 30-minute drive to the rural village of Candirejo to visit a coffee plantation. Once there, embark on a guided tour of the plantation to witness coffee production, from nurturing coffee plants to roasting and grinding beans. Learn from knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the different varieties of coffee, explaining the nuances of their flavors and aromas.

Then, explore the village of Candirejo in a local dokar (horse cart). Travel along narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and stop to see village activities, like playing gamelan (traditional ensemble music), making cassava crackers, and harvesting and drying vanilla and chili. Afterward, rejoin your driver for an hour-long drive to Yogyakarta, sometimes known as "Indonesia's Cultural Capital," where you'll check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

The city's streets are decorated with flashy graffiti and urban art, coffee shops, charming restaurants by the handful, and temples dotted across the skyline. Spend the afternoon exploring Malioboro Street, a giant bazaar ideal for buying souvenirs and small gifts like batik clothing and handicrafts. After your fill of shopping and people-watching, head to the neighborhood of Alun Alun for dinner at one of the city's night markets.

Day 5: Kota Gede Walking Tour, Explore Taman Sari & Borobudur 

Start the day with a visit to Kota Gede, a historic neighborhood in Yogyakarta, which was once the center of the powerful Mataram Kingdom. Take a guided walking tour through the remains of the palace, royal cemetery, royal mosque, and defensive walls and moats while admiring the traditional joglo houses. Then, explore more of the city's top historical sites, beginning at the Kraton, or Sultan Palace, which has served as the compound of the Sultan of Yogyakarta since 1756 CE, with gracious pavilions and courtyards entered through gates guarded by giant dragons.

Continue to the Taman Sari Water Palace, built in the mid-18th century as a pleasure palace for the Sultan of Yogyakarta and his wives and concubines. The palace overlooks the Umbul Pasiraman pool complex, where the Sultan could observe the women bathing. (Whoever caught a rose thrown from the tower would spend the day with him). Stroll through the expansive grounds, which include a complex system of water features, including lakes, canals, fountains, and bathing pools. 

Finally, join a tour for an hour's drive north to the world's largest Buddhist temple, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur. This eighth-century structure is shaped like a mandala, with impressive stupas (dome-shaped monuments) and expansive terraces surrounded by 500 Buddha statues and spectacular views of Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes. After exploring the temple, return to Yogyakarta and enjoy the bustling nightlife and tasty street food.

Day 6: Indonesian Cooking Class, See Prambanan & Plaosan, Transfer to Solo

This morning, you'll join a hands-on cooking class in Yogyakarta to learn how to make several Indonesian dishes. Follow your guide to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients and explore traditional spices and flavors. Then, it's time to head to the kitchen, where you'll meet an experienced chef who will demonstrate various techniques to create authentic regional dishes such as sate lilit (grilled meat skewers), nasi goreng (fried rice), or laklak (rice pancakes). At the end of the class, sit down with the other participants and savor the delicious meal you prepared.

After the class, pick up your luggage and transfer to two UNESCO World Heritage sites with your driver. Visit Plaosan first, a Buddhist temple complex 45 minutes away that showcases a mix of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Admire the attention to detail and skillful craftsmanship of the intricate bas-reliefs depicting myths and ancient daily life. Then, continue to the grand Prambanan (known locally as Roro Jonggrang), which many consider Indonesia's most beautiful Hindu temple complex. Built in the ninth century, its iconic main temple rises 140 feet (47 m) and is dedicated to Shiva (the destroyer).

Listen as your guide provides insight into the structure's history and religious significance, including the legend of Roro Jonggrang, a princess who was turned into one of the stone temples. Then, continue one hour east to another Javanese city, Surakarta, also known as Solo. Check into your hotel and go for a stroll around a local batik market—one of the best places in the country to buy this original printed fabric. Visit the beautiful royal Palace of Surakarta, then, in the evening, sample some local favorites such as sate kambing (grilled goat skewers) and nasi liwet (rice with coconut milk and spices).

Day 7: Transfer to Mount Bromo, Visit Madakaripura Waterfall

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Throw your swimsuit and towel in your backpack, check out of your Solo hotel, and meet your driver very early for a five-hour transfer to the foothills of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. To split up the long drive, you'll stop at the beautiful Madakaripura waterfall, hidden within a dramatic valley canyon in the Tengger mountain range. Don weatherproof shoes for the 1-mile (1.5 km) hike to the falls and then marvel at the highest waterfall in Java, thunderously cascading over a lush, green cliffside into a secret pool—ideal for a refreshing dip before continuing to your hotel. 

Day 8: Mount Bromo Sunrise Hike & Jeep Tour, Transfer to Mount Ijen

Your day will start before dawn as you set off by Jeep to the top of Mount Penanjakan. Look out over the Sea of Sand crater, home to five volcanoes, including the active Mount Bromo and the ancient 10-mile-wide Tengger Caldera. Watch the early morning mist evaporate to reveal panoramic views of the sun rising over the national park. Once the sun has brightened the sky, climb back into your Jeep and descend for a different perspective of this lunar-like landscape. This is the base for your hike up Mount Bromo, which soars 7,641 feet (2,329 m) above sea level.

The 30-minute hike is ideal for a leisurely morning activity. On reaching the lookout point, enjoy breakfast with a view down into Bromo's smoking caldera before continuing your journey to King Kong Hill for more spectacular vistas. Cross the volcanic Sea Sands by foot or Jeep (recommended) to immerse yourself in the otherworldly dunes, then go deep into the national park to see the intricate Pura Luhur Poten, a Hindu temple surrounded by beautiful mountains and endless sands.

Later, take a quick rest before grabbing your luggage and beginning your journey to Mount Ijen in East Java, a transfer that takes approximately seven hours. Get some sleep along the way, as you'll have another early morning hike tomorrow.

Day 9: Witness the Blue Flame of Ijen Crater, Cycling in Ijen

Set out before sunrise with a local guide to discover Mount Ijen, also known as Kawah Ijen (Lonely Crater), famous for its dancing blue flames and acid crater lake—the largest in the world. While climbing Mount Ijen, you'll see sulfur miners carrying baskets of yellow crystals, which they extract from the edge of the lake. The three-hour hike takes you through the forest and past the milky-green lake. At the crater top, watch the blue flames created by burning volcanic gases and molten sulfur. Ijen is the only place on the planet where this otherworldly phenomenon occurs naturally.

Soak in the incredible sunrise views before returning to the base of the volcano. Have a hearty breakfast and a rest, then explore the area around the volcano and the nearby seaside town of Banyuwangi by bicycle. Pedal along the scenic cycling trails through lush forests, plantations, and rural villages, admiring the gorgeous views before returning to your accommodation, where you can enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner or unwind with a relaxing spa experience.

Day 10: Boat to Menjangan, Kayaking & Cycling in Menjangan

Meet your driver at your hotel this morning for a transfer to the port in Ketapang, where you'll catch a ferry to Gilimanuk, on the far western tip of the island of Bali. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up and taken by a small boat to Menjangan, a small islet about 5 miles (8 km) off the coast. Check into your hotel, then head out to explore this tropical paradise in a kayak. Join a guide to paddle around the island's crystal-clear waters as you glide over vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life and discover hidden coves and secluded beaches accessible only by boat.

Return to shore for a self-guided cycling tour of the island. Strap on a helmet, hop on a bike, and then pedal through lush forests, picturesque villages, and along scenic coastal paths. Stop to swim, snorkel, and unwind on the tranquil beaches before returning to your hotel and relaxing for the rest of the evening.

Day 11: Snorkeling in Menjangan

Explore the ocean around Menjangan in West Bali National Park today. While the island's protected waters are world-renowned, their remoteness and the restricted daily visitor count mean they retain an undiscovered feel. On today's excursion, you'll experience the area's crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and abundant marine biodiversity up close as you embark on a five-hour snorkeling tour. The island's snorkeling sites offer something for all levels, with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks to be seen.

Gear up and dive into the gentle currents of Sandy Slope, teeming with marine life and ideal for the beginner snorkeler, and POS II, an offshore site surrounded by ocean cliffs. Explore the beautiful coral formations at the Coral Garden, keeping an eye out for manta rays and sea turtles, then revel in the must-see Eel Garden to spot moray eels hiding in the coral. For the advanced snorkeler, discover Anchor Wreck, a sunken 19th-century wooden fishing boat characterized by the giant anchor trapped in the beautiful reef. 

Day 12: Meet Local Hindu High Priest in Singaraja, Free Time in Menjangan

Wake up early for a two-hour boat trip from Menjangan to Singaraja in north Bali. Once there, you'll have an audience with the renowned Hindu high priest, Ida Sri Mpu Beratan, who will impart wisdom incorporating ancient Hindu philosophy and modern realities. He'll also share his viewpoints about your life choices and his history, so come prepared with relevant questions as you embark on a cultural and philosophical exchange of ideas and life experiences.

Now wiser, you'll have free time to enjoy your last afternoon back on the island, Menjangan. In addition to its underwater attractions, the island is also known for its dense forests and hiking trails—ideal for spotting local wildlife such as macaques or Menjangan deer (the island's namesake). Bird enthusiasts might visit the Bali Starling Breeding Centre to see the rare birds and learn about conservation efforts. If you're craving relaxation, Pemuteran, just a short boat ride away, is a charming village with a romantic beach chock-full of amenities and the perfect spot to while away an afternoon.

Day 13: Transfer to Nusa Dua via Jatiluwih, Explore Ulun Danu Beratan

Check out your Menjangan hotel this morning and catch the boat back to Gilimanuk, Bali. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you to the final destination of your trip—Nusa Dua. On the two-hour journey, enjoy a winding drive to the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Take a leisurely walk through the gorgeous landscape of lush green terraces winding across the hills and valley. As you follow the trails to the most picture-worthy spots, learn about the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces, and witness how it works in practice.

In the afternoon, you'll visit one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, Ulun Danu Beratan, on the shores of Lake Beratan. The temple, dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu, is an important religious site for the Balinese. The complex, characterized by its distinctive multi-tiered shrines, is set against a backdrop of misty mountains and a serene lake. Wander through the beautiful botanical gardens or among the five temples dedicated to Hindu deities. At the end of the day, rejoin your driver for the trip to Nusa Dua, a luxurious beach town on the island's southern tip. 

Day 14: Visit Uluwatu Temple, Sunset at Tanah Lot, Drinks at Rock Bar

Discover the spectacular setting of Uluwatu (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) today. This 11th-century temple, perched on an ocean  cliff, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. See the temple's large population of sacred monkeys that protect the temple from evil spirits, then explore the temple grounds and learn more about Balinese Hinduism. While there, you'll see a kecak dance performance—a Balinese art form that originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali. Be immersed in the mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound created by the bodies and voices of the male dancers as you watch. 

Next, make a memorable sunset visit to the iconic 16th-century sea temple, Tanah Lot. Dramatically perched on a wave-lashed rocky outcrop along the southwestern coast of Bali, Tanah Lot is accessed via a narrow causeway during low tide. After your visit, spend your final night in Bali at the famous Rock Bar in the town of Jimbaran. The bar, designed in a modern and minimalist style, is accessible by a steep cliffside tram or stairs. The views are more than worth the trip! Watch the stars appear over the ocean as you enjoy live music, delicious small plates, and creative cocktails. 

Day 15: Depart Nusa Dua

It's time to say farewell to Indonesia. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport with plenty of time to catch your departing flight. Selamat jalan! (Happy travels!)

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