Embark on this 9-day tour of Indonesia, exploring the cultural heart of Yogyakarta with visits to Borobudur, Candirejo Village, the Royal Palace, and Prambanan Temple. Travel by train to Mt. Bromo for a spectacular sunrise, continue through Kalibaru’s plantations, and witness the striking Ijen Crater with an optional Blue Fire experience. Cross to Bali to unwind in Ubud’s tranquil surrounds, explore its vibrant streets, and conclude with a farewell dinner.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Yogyakarta
Once you have arrived at Yogyakarta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Once you have checked in you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Yogyakarta
Borobudur Temple & Village Life in Candirejo
Yogyakarta - Borobudur - Candirejo - Yogyakarta. Today, we’ll set out for Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site where we will see ancient carvings and marvel at its stunning architecture with a local monk. We will then make our way to a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a horse-drawn dokar ride through Candirejo Village, taking in peaceful lanes lined with traditional houses and witnessing local activities like cassava cracker making, gamelan music, and crop harvesting.
Overnight: Yogyakarta | Breakfast, Lunch
Yogyakarta Cultural Heritage Tour
This morning, we’ll discover Yogyakarta’s rich cultural heritage by riding a traditional rickshaw known as a becak in Indonesia. We’ll start at the Royal Palace of Keraton, the centre of Javanese culture, exploring its grounds and admiring the royal garments and artefacts. Then we’ll proceed to the Tamansari Water Castle, a fascinating former royal garden and bathing complex featuring pools, underground tunnels, and ornate architecture. Afterwards, we will then enjoy lunch.
Next, we will explore the ancient art of batik making and shadow puppets, learning about the intricate wax-resist dyeing technique used to create beautiful, hand-crafted textiles rich in traditional patterns and symbolism. We will then visit Prambanan Temple, a 9th-century Hindu marvel, where we will enjoy a Ramayana Ballet performance, showcasing a mix of dance and mythology before returning to our accommodation.
Overnight: Yogyakarta | Breakfast, Lunch
Train to Mojokerto & Bromo Region Visit
Yogyakarta - Mojokerto - Bromo. After breakfast, we will take an executive train from Yogyakarta to Mojokerto. During the journey, we will enjoy views of verdant landscapes and rolling hills. We will then visit the breathtaking Madakaripura Waterfall close to Mt Bromo. After we will continue to the hamlet of Cemoro Lawang, followed by a transfer to our mountain lodge close to Mount Bromo.
Please note: Remember to bring water and hiking/sports shoes for the visit to Madakaripura Waterfall.
Overnight: Bromo | Breakfast
Mount Bromo Sunrise & Journey to Kalibaru
Bromo - Kalibaru.Today, we set off in a 4-wheel drive jeep to reach a high vantage point for sweeping views of Mount Bromo at first light. As day breaks, we watch the landscape gradually brighten, revealing the striking form of the volcano. We then travel down into the wide caldera, followed by a climb up the stairs to the rim for a closer view of the volcano’s dramatic terrain, where the soft morning haze and ash-covered ground create a truly atmospheric experience. Alternatively, you can opt for a horseback ride to the edge of the crater instead of having to walk up the stairs to the crater edge.
Later, we will make our way back to our accommodation by jeep, where we will enjoy breakfast before continuing to Kalibaru. Along the way, we will stop to enjoy lunch and enjoy views of the surrounding area.
Overnight: Kalibaru | Breakfast, Lunch
Plantation Discovery & Coastal Journey to Banyuwangi
Kalibaru - Banyuwangi. After breakfast, we will embark on a tour to explore the coffee, clove, and cacao plantations in Kalibaru, where we will learn about the production process of coffee and brown sugar.
In the afternoon, we will make our way to Banyuwangi, a coastal city located on the eastern tip of Java. Known as the gateway to Bali, Banyuwangi is surrounded by natural beauty, from volcanic peaks to lush plantations, and is rich in local culture and tradition. Once we have checked in, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Banyuwangi | Breakfast, Lunch
Sunrise Ijen Crater Trek & Ferry to Ubud
Banyuwangi - Ijen Nature Reserve - Ubud. Banyuwangi - Ijen Nature Reserve - Banyuwangi. Today, we have another early start as we depart at 03:00 AM for the Ijen Nature Reserve. After arriving at the Paltuding Ranger Post, we begin a 3-kilometre uphill trek which takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the rim of Ijen Crater. As the sun rises, we will take in panoramic views of the crater and its striking turquoise sulphur lake set against a dramatic volcanic landscape.
Alternatively, this morning you can opt to join an earlier departure to witness the famous Blue Fire at Mount Ijen, a rare natural phenomenon where electric-blue flames emerge from burning sulphur gas in the darkness, creating an otherworldly and unforgettable spectacle.
Afterwards, we’ll descend from the crater and return to our hotel for breakfast, with some time to freshen up and relax. We then set off for Ketapang Harbour to begin our scenic ferry crossing to Bali. Upon arrival, we continue our journey through Bali to Ubud, where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Ubud | Breakfast, Lunch
Ubud at Leisure & Farewell Dinner
This morning, you will have a full day at leisure to explore Ubud at your own pace. You may wish to browse the vibrant local markets, visit nearby art galleries, enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, or take a scenic walk through the lush rice paddies. Alternatively, relax at a café, take in the tranquil atmosphere, or explore nearby temples and hidden corners of this charming town.
Later, we will join back with our fellow travellers at the hotel for a farewell dinner to celebrate our adventure.
Overnight: Ubud | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure from Ubud
After your final breakfast, depending on your departure time, you may have some time to explore Ubud, shop for souvenirs, or relax before your transfer to the airport. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Santika Premiere Jogja, Yogyakarta
Located just 2 km from the bustling Jalan Malioboro shopping district and 8 km from Adisucipto International Airport, this upscale city-centre hotel offers elegant rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and tea and coffee-making facilities, along with 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy two restaurants, a coffee shop, a business centre, and a fitness centre. The hotel also features a spa, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool, providing a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Lava View Lodge Hotel, Bromo
Perched on the edge of Mount Bromo’s caldera, Lava View Lodge offers unmatched proximity to one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanic landscapes. This rustic lodge features simple yet comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, some offering direct views of the smoking crater. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant serving local and international dishes, or relax in the open-air common areas that take full advantage of the lodge’s dramatic setting.
Margo Utomo Eco Resort, Kalibaru
Set amid landscaped tropical gardens, this rural Javanese-style resort with its own dairy farm is just a 4-minute walk from Kalibaru train station and 4 km from central Jatirono. The informal rooms feature en suite bathrooms, garden-view balconies or terraces, and ceiling fans,. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the elegant on-site restaurant, relax in the quaint lobby, or unwind with a massage in the open-air treatment area overlooking the outdoor pool. Additional amenities include laundry services, lush gardens, and guided farm tours.
Margo Utomo Hill View Resort, Kalibaru
Nestled among gardens, farmland, and forest, this laid-back plantation resort is located 6 km from Kalibaru Village and 23 km from Meru Betiri National Park. The simply furnished rooms, some with four-poster beds, feature ceiling fans and balconies with views of the mountains or forest. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, breakfast in a relaxed on-site restaurant, and unwind in the outdoor pool with a children’s splash area. Massage services are offered, and a generator provides round-the-clock power back-up.
Lintang Luku Tent Resort, Banyuwangi
Located 30 km from Banyuwangi International Airport and 38 km from Watu Dodol, this resort provides convenient access to local attractions. It features air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, modern amenities, and views of the garden or river, along with balconies or terraces. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, and an outdoor fireplace. The resort also offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and yoga classes. Its romantic, contemporary restaurant serves Chinese, French, Indonesian, and international cuisine, with breakfast options including continental, American, and vegetarian.
KajaNe Mua, Ubud
Located on Monkey Forest Road just a short walk from Ubud Market and Ubud Palace, this villa offers free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, an outdoor pool, a spa, fitness centre, business facilities, library, and tour desk. Air-conditioned rooms feature views of the gardens, ravine or rice fields, and come with cable TV, iPod connections, DVD player, and a private bathroom with bathtub. Dining options include grilled dishes, pastries, and light refreshments, with in-room dining available.
At a Glance
