Indonesia: Java, West Bali & Komodo - 17 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Yogyakarta

You’ll arrive in Yogyakarta, the cultural and historical capital of East Java. Your English-speaking driver will welcome you at the airport. Then, you will make the transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time.

You can wander around Malioboro Street, famous for its Batik shops, the famous local textile made in Indonesia. Then, enjoy a nice welcome meal before retiring for the evening.

Day 2: Yogyakarta - Prambanan Temple 

This morning is dedicated to the discovery of the Prambanan temple, which is the largest Hindu temple of Indonesia. It was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to the belief of the Trimurti, the triple deity of Hinduism, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Plaosan temple, which is nearby.

In the afternoon, you can either stay at the hotel and rest or go exploring on Malioboro Street, if you did not make it there yesterday. Dinner and the evening are at your leisure.

Day 3: Yogyakarta - Suroloyo and Temple of Borobudur

In the morning, take the road for 1.5 hours toward the peak of Suroloyo, where you will take a nice walk with a local guide for about 2 hours before you arrive at a traditional village. You’ll have a little introduction to the Gamelan, a traditional instrument, before having lunch.

Then, you’ll make the short, 15-minute transfer to the Borobodur site, where you’ll visit the remains of one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

Then, you’ll return to Yogyakarta and enjoy free time for the remainder of the day and into the evening.

Day 4: Yogyakarta - Tour Mojokerto and Tengger Caldera

Take the morning train to Mojokerto today, which totals about 6 hours. Upon your arrival, your driver will be waiting for you and will lead you to Cemorolawang, a village located on the Tengger Caldera, in front of the Bromo volcano. Depending on your arrival time, you can walk down to discover the Tengger Caldera.

Enjoy dinner and the evening near the caldera.

Day 5: Ketapang - Bromo volcano

Before the sun rises, you’ll leave via a Jeep to reach the Penanjakan viewpoint. As the sun rises, you will witness the mind-blowing scenery of Mount Batok, Bromo and the towering Semeru on the backside. If you didn't have enough time the day before, you’ll then go down in the caldera to observe the Bromo volcano from up-close. As you reach the crater rim–after a short hike–you will feel the rumbling sound of the volcano beneath your feet, as you watch the smoke coming out from the crater.

Then, you will return to your hotel to freshen up and have breakfast before you drive to Banyuwangi, a town on the eastern part of Java, about 5-6 hours away. Once you arrive and get settled, you’ll have dinner and spend the night in the Ketapang village.

Day 6: Kaliklatak - Plantation tours

Today, you’ll discover the plantations of Kaliklatak with a local guide. Depending on the season, you can see the locals harvesting rubber, coffee, or cloves, as well as learn how they process these goods.

Then, you will enjoy some coffee tasting with a view of Bali before starting to walk your way down to the entrance gate. You'll have your lunch at a beautiful, colonial house in the plantation, then drive back to the hotel in the afternoon to enjoy some free time by the pool of the hotel. Dinner and the evening are at your leisure.

Day 7: Pemuteran - Kawah Ijen

Today, you’ll rise extremely early–at 4 am–and leave and drive to the Paltuding area, which is about 1.5 hours away. You’ll reach the parking area around sunrise, and you will start the 2-hour trek to the top of the Kawah Ijen volcano. On your way up, you’ll likely cross paths with some porters who are already hiking down with their first basket of sulfur of the day. At the top of the volcano, you’ll enjoy the view on the acid lake.

You’ll return to the hotel at around noon and have lunch, and then cross by ferry to Bali. Drive to Pemuteran, where you’ll have dinner and sleep in a hotel. Pemuteran is a nice village located on the north coast of Bali. It is the entrance point to Bali Barat National Park, which is the only national park in Bali.

Dinner and the evening are at your leisure.

Day 8: Pemuteran - Menjangan Island

Today is dedicated to underwater discovery and snorkeling on Menjangan Island, the marine part of Bali Barat National Park. Take a drive to Labuan Lalang jetty in the morning, where you'll cross on small boats. Upon your arrival to the island, you’ll discover the beautiful coral reefs and tropical fishes in two snorkeling sessions. Then, take a lunch break–your pre-packed meal will be provided.

Next, enjoy a short walk to see the deer living on the island. You’ll return to Pemuteran in the afternoon, and have free time to relax. Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

Day 9: Munduk - Pemuteran 

In the morning, you’ll take the 2-hour drive to the Munduk area to make the trek from villages to waterfalls. Enjoy some lunch in Munduk and free time in the afternoon.

Munduk is one of the highest villages in Bali. While there are no longer any rice fields here, there are a lot of different plantations. There are many fruit trees, cloves, and cocoa that you can discover while walking in the village.

If you’d like, you can sign up for a Balinese cooking lesson in the evening. If not, you can have dinner on your own, and enjoy the night in Munduk.

Day 10: Tour Jatiluwih rice fields and travel to Ubud

In the morning, take the short drive to Beratan Lake, where you will visit the Ulun Danu Temple. Then, head to the Jatiluwih rice terraces and trek to Besi Kalung temple.

After this journey, you will get back in your vehicle and drive to Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. Then, enjoy dinner and the night in Ubud.

Day 11: Ubud - Free day

Today, you have a full, free day to enjoy the town. You can:

• Have a look at the rice fields from Campuhan ridge.
• Enjoy a Balinese massage.
• Do some shopping at the local market.
• Visit the Monkey Forest and watch a dance show.

There are also some museums to visit, such as the Antonio Blanco Museum, which is known for its eccentric style of representing Balinese life through its paintings.

Continue your free day into the evening, and enjoy dinner and any nighttime activities at your leisure.

Day 12: Fly to Labuan Bajo

Today, you’ll take the ride to the airport and fly to Labuan Bajo, which is the harbor facing Komodo National Park.

Feel free to discover the city on your own–especially the fish market, where you can indulge in a local dinner of grilled fish with spicy Indonesian dressing. You can also climb up the Bukit Cinta to enjoy the view of the harbor and some of the islands of Komodo National Park. Then, retire at your hotel for the evening.

Day 13: Komodo archipelago tour - Rinca Island

In the morning, you’ll take a boat to get to your first day trip on the archipelago. You’ll have your first encounter with Komodo dragons on Rinca Island, and snorkel along the way, while watching the flight of thousands of bats as the sun goes down, before sailing back to Labuan Bajo. The evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 14: Komodo archipelago tour - Komodo Island

On your second day trip by boat, you’ll sail to Komodo Island. You’ll start with a short hike on Padar, among the beautiful scenery. You will also spend some relaxing time at Pink Beach. Then, you’ll sail back to Labuan Bajo and stop for more snorkeling close to Kanawa Island. The night is at your leisure.

Day 15: Fly to Bali

In the morning, take the flight back to Bali and transfer to Seminyak, where you will spend the last two nights of your trip. You can enjoy the beach, which is not far from your hotel. Try some surfing, go shopping, and treat yourself to a traditional massage. 

Day 16: Free day in Seminyak

Enjoy your free day in Seminyak, which is the final day of your trip. Go shopping, enjoy more time on the beach, and indulge in a nice, last dinner in one of the many restaurants in the city. You can also watch the sunset from the beach and toast to your final night in Indonesia. 

Day 17: Departure from Bali

Depending on your departure flight time, you'll have some free time to enjoy any last stops in Bali. Don’t forget to shop for souvenirs. Then, it will be time to say goodbye to Indonesia and head to the airport and begin the journey home.