Sumatra, Java & Bali Land of Fire

Welcome to Medan International Airport by your English-speaking (or English-speaking) guide, then transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, visit the Sultan's Palace, the grand mosque and the Chinese temple.

You then head northwest towards Bukit Lawang. Along the way, you cross many rubber plantations and take a break to stretch your legs while discovering the methods of extracting this precious sap.

Early in the morning, you set off on a trek to meet the orangutans, which are very numerous in the Gunung Leuser national park.

You then continue your exploration through the tropical forest to discover its many secrets. With a bit of luck, you may also observe some rare black gibbons.

You continue your exploration of the Mount Leuser jungle before heading to Bukit Lawang in early afternoon, descending the Bahorok River by tubing.

Free afternoon.

Morning transfer to Berastagi, capital of the Karo Batak lands, one of the most prosperous in the region.

Visit of the traditional market and the Lumbini Buddhist pagoda.

Weather permitting, you will also head to the slopes of Mount Sinabung volcano to discover a ghost village covered in ash.

Early in the morning, you are dropped off at the foot of the Sibayak volcano, which dominates the Karo plateau.

You begin the ascent along a trail bordered by dense and rustling jungle. Picnic at the summit, from where the panorama over the entire region is splendid, then descent down another slope to the Debuk-Debuk hot springs.

You can then enjoy the healing properties of these hot and sulfurous waters in the natural pools.

[Option: possibility of making the night ascent to reach the summit just before sunrise.]

You then continue on the road towards Medan.

Flight to Jakarta, on the island of Java, then transfer to the coast, at the far west of the island.

In the early evening, you are warmly welcomed by a family of fishermen who invite you to taste grilled crabs, shrimp and fish… a real feast!

You then spend the night in a simple but lively hotel, frequented by Indonesians on weekends, which promotes friendly and joyful exchanges.

From the hotel, it is sometimes possible to hear the distant rumble of an explosion from Krakatoa.

Mid-morning, you head to the village port to board a speed-boat that takes you to the shores of the mythical Krakatoa volcano.

You tour around the island while maintaining a safe distance, depending on volcanic activity.

Since the paroxysmal eruption in December 2018, "Anak Krakatau" – as Indonesians call it – has remained in an unstable phase, with unpredictable eruptions.

Depending on conditions, a bivouac is planned at the foot of the volcano or on one of the neighboring islands.

Important note: due to the current instability of Anak Krakatau, we will attempt, if conditions permit, to land on the island and/or bivouac nearby. It is therefore necessary to bring your bivouac equipment (sleeping bag and self-inflating mattress), as well as a protective helmet in case landing becomes possible.

Morning flight to Yogyakarta (or Jogjakarta), then transfer to the slopes of Mount Sumbing, which you explore in the afternoon.

Night with an English-speaking couple, in the heart of the rice fields.

Morning visit to the world's largest Buddhist monument, Borobudur.

You then drive to Yogyakarta, which is distinguished by being the capital of a sultanate integrated into the Indonesian republic.

It is the last region in the country to benefit from this special status.

Visit of the Hindu temple of Prambanan, restored since the 2006 earthquake that had severely damaged it.

You then head towards the Malang region, on the western slopes of the Tengger caldera. This access to Bromo volcano, less known and therefore less frequented than the northern access, offers a more authentic and preserved approach.

This morning, departure for the discovery of the traditional market of Tumpang.
As is often the case in Indonesia, the stalls overflow with a profusion of fruits, vegetables and cereals, offering a festival of colours and scents.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, aboard 4x4s, you take a superb mountain road that is very little frequented until you reach the edge of the Bromo caldera. Entry into the Tengger caldera from its wild and spectacular southern section, then continuation of the track to the Hindu temple located at the foot of the Bromo volcano.

Ascent of the active cone, discovery of the summit ridges and observation of the impressive fumarolic activity. Depending on the density of the fumaroles, and equipped with gas masks, it is sometimes possible to make a complete tour of the ridges. Very regularly, the Bromo crater ejects a powerful plume of ash and gas, accompanied by weak to moderate explosions.

Return to the all-terrain vehicles, then continuation to the hotel for a hearty dinner.

Early bedtime to prepare for the very early start the next morning.

Hiking 1h30

Early in the morning, departure by 4x4 to Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m), the highest point on the rim of the Tengger caldera.

Around 3:30 a.m., you set off in a four-wheel drive vehicle to watch the sunrise from this iconic site, offering a spectacular view of the Tengger caldera and the Bromo, Batok and Semeru volcanoes, the best time to capture this panorama in photographs.

After breakfast, departure from Bromo via a scenic road leading to the small village of Pasir Putih ("white sand beach"), where you have lunch in a pleasant seaside restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive towards Licin and check-in at the hotel for a short night.

Early in the morning, departure for Paltuding, at the foot of the Kawah Ijen volcano. Hiking to the summit ridges along a good trail, quite steep (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).

You then descend to the bottom of the crater, accompanied by sulfur carriers, to the edge of the boiling acidic lake with fumaroles. Night observation of the famous blue flames, resulting from sulfur combustion in a striking and spectacular atmosphere. Return to the ridges with the sulfur carriers, who climb the slope carrying loads of 80 to 100 kg in their baskets.

Descent from the volcano, then drive to Banyuwangi for the Ketapang ferry crossing to Gilimanuk (approximately 1 hour) to reach the island of Bali. Drive along the northwest coast to Pemuteran.

Free afternoon to enjoy swimming in the pool or in the sea.

Dinner and night in a very beautiful hotel.

Route along the north coast of Bali, then climb through clove plantations to Lakes Tambligan and Bratan, nestled in the heart of the forest in ancient extinct craters.

Discovery of the famous terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage. A beautiful narrow road takes you to the highest point of this immense staircase of greenery.

This morning, you take the road that climbs straight up towards the Batur volcano.

Upon arrival at the heights of the great caldeira, in the center of which stand the active cone (last eruption in 1999-2000) and a beautiful crescent-shaped lake.

You then descend onto the foothills of the volcano to visit the Hindu temple of Batuan, making sure to wear appropriate attire. Considered the oldest temple in Bali, it is said to have been built approximately 1,000 years ago.