Java, the gentle island, is unlike any other tropical paradise in the world. Steeped in art and history that seamlessly blend with the supernatural, much like its iconic temples (Borobudur, Prambanan, and more), Java reveals itself through a breathtaking landscape of rice terraces, all overshadowed by a hundred volcanic cones, both nurturing and destructive. You’ll truly feel the power of nature at the foot of Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, at Mount Bromo, one of the most aesthet...
Your English speaking tour-guide will meet you at Yogyakarta airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free.
The morning is devoted to visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, starting with the area around the Sultan's Palace, built in 1756, where life is relaxed and vibrant.
Your city walk will take you to Taman Sari, once known during the Dutch colonial era as the "Water Palace," followed by visits to puppet and batik workshops.
Late in the morning, you’ll head to Ratu Boko temple, perched on the Gunung Kidul hills with stunning views over the Prambanan plain. Then, embark on a short hike through forests, traditional villages, and rice fields to reach the iconic Hindu temple of Prambanan. Once at the temple complex, you’ll visit Loro Jonggrang, a magnificent 47-meter-high temple dedicated to the goddess Shiva. Widely considered the most elegant and awe-inspiring Hindu temple on Java, it’s a true marvel. Optionally, you can attend the Ramayana ballet performance.
Return to your hotel in the early to mid-evening.
Early in the morning, transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo River for a relaxing start in a charming Javanese village.
From there, you’ll explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle (Dutch-style), offering a peaceful introduction to rural Java.
Along the way, make stops in nearby villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, visit the stunning Borobudur
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Morning transfer to the Sukuh temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java in the face of the spread of Islam. The temple's original iconography, including phallic figures and large turtle-shaped tables, suggests the existence of initiation and even orgiastic rituals. You then set off on a walk towards the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of the Lawu volcano . This walk is an opportunity to discover some of the plant species found in this region, as well as admiring stunning panoramic views of the surrounding pine forest and high-altitude plantations.
You finish your walk by crossing the Tawangmangu park, which leads you to a breath-taking waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys.
4 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +400m/-300m)
In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.
Morning departure for the Lumajang region, skirting the southern flanks of the majestic Semeru volcano.
You will then reach the Tumpak Sewu waterfall ("Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese). As you descend into the gorge (on a slippery and sometimes steep path), you will feel the force of the hundreds of streams as they "plunge" over 100m. Seen from above, the beauty of this waterfall seems ephemeral as the fine mist soaks everything in its path. No wonder, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mt Semeru in the background won the award for "best aerial shot" in 2019. And, if you're also taking your camera equipment with you, remember to protect it from moisture.
Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.
Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles will take you to the Tengger region, where the famous Mt Bromo (2329 m) releases its plumes of smoke, and the surrounding caldera forms a vast sea of sand. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the Bromo volcano’s caldera rim before descending to the sea of sand to reach the village of Cemorolawang, located on the opposite rim.
Mt Bromo is deeply revered by the Tengger Hindu people who live in the region. In the early afternoon, climb the Bromo volcano and admire its crater, resembling a steaming cauldron. It's easy to see why the Javanese once believed this place to be the gateway to purgatory.
Next, head to the summit of Mont Pananjakan(2,775m) for a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll witness a stunning view, with a lunar-like backdrop of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, all emitting thick fumaroles. A truly unique sight! Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen. After settling into your hotel, your guide will take you to some breath-taking rice terraces, from where you will begin a pleasant walk through traditional villages and other plantations (fruit, spices, etc.).
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Early in the morning , you set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in old Javanese), which you can easily climb in the company of the men who extract sulphur every day from the edge of the largest acid lake in the world.
These real "convicts" carry around 80 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant! You then witness the weighing and the various employment contracts. A very powerful and striking image of your journey.
In the late morning, transfer to Ketapang port or Banyuwangi airport.