Journey Through Java Small Group Tour

Fly from the UK to Jakarta.

Upon arrival into Jakarta there will be time to freshen up and enjoy lunch at a local airport restaurant before being transferred to the Gambir train station to board the train to Bandung. On arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to hotel to check-in for 2 nights.

Travel to Tangkuban Perahu, a smouldering 2,000 metre wide volcano for a walk around the main crater, Kawah Ratu. Continue to the Ciater Hot Springs, where the natural hot water spring pools offer therapeutic waters ideal for a relaxing dip. Afterwards, pass through the expansive tea plantation and learn about the growing, harvesting and processing of the legendary leaves, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Drive back to Bandung and, should time allow, stop for a visit at Saung Angklung Udjo Workshop, a venue aimed at preserving the rich culture of Java. (B,L)

Awake early for breakfast and check out of the hotel before being transferred to Bandung’s railway station to catch the train to Yogyakarta. Upon arrival into Yogyakarta, you will be met by the local guide and be transferred to your hotel to check-in for  your 3 nights stay. (B)

After breakfast, explore the many cultures of Yogyakarta on a city tour that starts with a visit to the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton, which is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture and remains today as the residence of the Sultan. Afterwards, enjoy a 30 minutes becak ride (similar to a cyclo or trishaw) and explore the neighbouring Kauman village it its many gangs (laneways) built in the vicinity of the Kraton. Your ride will end at the Taman Sari Water Palace, which was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan, as a place of relaxation for his harem and featured water features and bathing pools. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

This afternoon drive to Prambanan area for dinner with Prambanan illuminated as a backdrop. (B,L,D)

Wake up very early this morning to experience a sunrise at Borobudur temple. Depart Yogyakarta around 03.30am, arriving at the temple in the dark. This is the most mystical time to see the temple, seeing the first rays of the day illuminate the structure in the tranquil morning air. Once illuminated, spend time exploring this massive Buddhist Temple before the tour buses arrive. Have breakfast at Plataran Borobudur restaurant before returning back to your hotel.

This afternoon visit a traditional batik factory for an introduction to one of Indonesia’s most famous crafts. Not only will you learn about the ancient techniques and observe skilled craftsmen, but you will also have the chance to create your own batik. (B)

This morning, visit Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed ancient Hindu temple. Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Afterwards, continue on to the hotel in Solo. In the afternoon visit Sukuh and Cetho, two of the latest Hindu temples built in Java before the island's courts were converted to Islam in the 16th century. Located on the western slopes of Mount Lawu, this area offers spectacular landscapes with terraces covered by beautiful tea plantations. Explore Sukuh, located at 910 metres in elevation, and take a look at its unique pyramidal shape -similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America. Continue the drive to Cetho, located even higher on the mountain and rarely visited. (B,L)

Early this morning board the train for a scenic journey to Jombang in East Java. Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java.

From Jombang, continue to nearby Trowulan, the site of the former capital of the Majapahit Kingdom who ruled the island of Java for centuries. Visit the archaeological museum and the temples of Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus. From Trowulan, continue to Mount Bromo passing by the coastal town of Pasuruan which is located on the northeast coast of Java, before continuing by a picturesque mountain road to one of the entrances to the Bromo-Tengger National Park. (B,L)

Awake early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. You’ll travel by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan. Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground form to create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon. A 20-minute ride on horseback will take you to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater. Return by horse and jeep to your hotel for breakfast and take a rest after the early start. This afternoon enjoy afternoon tea provided by the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Bromo. (B,D)

This morning, depart on a full day transfer to your next hotel in Kalibaru area. The drive will take you through some very scenic areas. A lunch stop will be made en route as well as breaks and photo stops along the way. Continue to Kalibaru to check-in to your hotel. (B,L)

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a tour around the 90-hectare plantation garden of Margo Utomo Agro Resort in Kalibaru. Learn about coffee as well as a large variety of spices such as nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cocoa and coconut. See the processes involved in the cultivation of these crops, as well as the harvesting process. Then, wrap up the tour with a tasting of the final products. 

In the afternoon, leave for the region of Ijen near the small town of Banyuwangi. Check in at the hotel located in the area of the Kawah Ijen Volcano near the small village of Licin and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)

This morning explore Baluran National Park, which is located in the Situbondo area. It has a relatively dry climate and mainly consists of Savanna, as well as lowland forest, mangrove forests and hills with Mount Baluran in the centre as its highest peak. There is a an observation tower which you can climb to get a view across the National Park's savanna.There is also an opportunity to visit the white sand at Bama Beach. Overnight in Ijen.(B,D)

Set off early this morning by 4WD jeep to reach the Paltuding base camp. The trek to the top is 3 kilometres and follows a wide trail. At the top of Mount Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines. Upon reaching the top there is time to enjoy the views of the Crater Lake which is 200 meters deep and contains about 36 million cubic meters of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim.

Return via the same route to base camp and continue by road to Banyuwangi. An alternative (instead of Mt Ijen Trek) is visiting Kaliklatak Plantation. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Gilimanuk on Bali’s western shores. Upon reaching Bali, you will continue by road to your hotel in Menjangan area. (B)

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the day in Bali at your leisure. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel and check out before being transferred to your next hotel in Ubud. On the way, a stop will be made at Ulun Danu Temple, which is one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic sites. Set on an island amid the peaceful water of the Lake Bratan. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Arrive at your hotel in Ubud and spend the evening at leisure. (B/L)

Today is free for you to explore Ubud at your leisure.(B)

Today is free at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for the overnight flight home. (B)