Java & Bali: Sacred Volcanoes of Indonesia

Arrival at Yogyakarta airport, where your guide greets you before your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

This morning is dedicated to exploring Yogyakarta , the cultural heart of Java, especially around the Sultan's palace, built in 1756, a place where life flows at a gentle pace.

Your city walk continues to Taman Sari, known during the Dutch colonial era as the “Water Palace,” before visiting traditional puppet-making and batik workshops.

Late morning, head to Ratu Boko Temple, perched on the hills of Gunung Kidul overlooking the Prambanan plain. Begin a short hike toward the Hindu temple of Prambanan Temple, crossing forests, traditional villages, and rice fields. You then explore the Prambanan temple complex, especially Loro Jonggrang, a magnificent 47-meter-high sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Shiva. It is considered the most elegant and impressive Hindu temple on Java.

Optional: attend the Ramayana ballet performance.

Return to the hotel in the early or mid-evening.

Transfers 2h

Trekking 2h–2h30

Early this morning, head toward the Menoreh Hills, located about 25 km west of Yogyakarta and overlooking the Borobudur plain. Begin a warm-up hike through stunning landscapes and ridge lines offering spectacular views over lush rice fields and surrounding volcanoes (Mt Sumbing, Mt Merapi, Mt Merbabu). Emerging from the valley stands the majestic sanctuary of Borobudur Temple, which you visit at the end of your trek. After exploring this monumental Buddhist site, short transfer to the slopes of Mount Sumbing and check-in at your hotel.

Transfers 2h

Trekking 2–3h

Mid-morning, head toward the base camp (1,710 m) of @Mount Sumbing and begin your ascent. The trail first crosses high-altitude plantations along a well-marked but steep path. At 2,665 m, reach a junction with refreshing streams. Higher up, the trail winds through striking reddish rocks before reaching the crater rim (3,300 m), where you set up camp.

Trekking 6h (round trip) – Elevation gain +1,600 m

Around 4 a.m., begin the ascent to “Puncak Rajawali”, the summit (3,371 m). At sunrise, enjoy breathtaking views over the region, with Merapi and Merbabu volcanoes visible in the distance.

Back at camp, a quick breakfast prepared by your guide and porter awaits.

Optional descent into the crater (with caution due to gases). Late morning return to base camp, then transfer to your hotel for well-earned rest. Afternoon free (pool or massage optional).

Trekking 8–9h (round trip) – Elevation +400 m / -2,000 m

Morning transfer from Yogyakarta to Sukuh Temple, one of the last Hindu strongholds in Central Java. Its unique iconography includes phallic symbols and turtle-shaped altars, hinting at ancient initiation rituals.

Continue with a hike toward Tawangmangu village, on the slopes of Mount Lawu. Discover local flora and enjoy stunning views over pine forests and plantations. The walk ends at Grojogan Sewu waterfall, hidden in a lush tropical forest inhabited by monkeys. Afternoon transfer to Tumpang , near Malang, at the foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Trekking 4h (+400 m / -300 m)

Transfer to Sumber Brantas base camp (1,700 m). After a briefing with your English-speaking guide, begin ascending Mount Welirang through agricultural fields of carrots and potatoes. After about 5 hours, reach base camp (2,570 m) for overnight.

Trekking 5h (+875 m)

Before dawn, climb Kembar 2 peak (45 min) for panoramic views over Malang and Surabaya. Return to camp, then after breakfast, continue toward Mount Welirang via Kembar 1 peak (2.5–3h).

Return to camp around 1 p.m., free time afterward.

Trekking 4h (+600 m)

Night ascent of Arjuno volcano, (approx. 4h) to witness sunrise at the summit.

Discover shallow grassy craters and sulfur vents, caution required. Return to base camp mid-morning, then descend to Sumber Brantas.

Afternoon transfer to Tumpang.

Transfers 1h30

Trekking 7h (+775 m / -1,650 m)

Morning 4x4 ride to the Tengger region, home to the iconic mount Bromo (2,329 m), rising from a vast sea of sand. Cross the forest of Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park before descending into the caldera and reaching Cemorolawang village.

In the afternoon, hike up to the crater rim, a massive smoking cauldron. Continue to Mount pananjakan (penanjakan), (2,775 m) for a breathtaking sunset over this lunar landscape, with views of Bromo and Semeru.

Trekking 2h

Transfer to eastern Java, to the village of Kalibaru, surrounded by plantations once operated by Dutch colonists. Afternoon hike in the area.

Trekking 2h

Early departure to Wonorejo village, then continue on rugged terrain to Post 1 (896 m). Enjoy views of Raung Mount.

Trek through forests with wildlife (hornbills, wild boars, birds), reaching successive camps up to Camp 7 (2,553 m), your base for two nights.

Transfers 1h

Trekking 6–7h

You begin the summit ascent before 4:00 a.m. to take full advantage of the daylight. After a little over an hour's walk, you reach Camp 8 (2,870 m). Allow another 45 minutes to an hour to reach Camp 9 (3,068 m), the last "camp" on the route. The trail continues through the forest, but numerous clearings offer superb views of Argopuro to the west and Mount Agung (Bali) to the east. You can also see, to your right, the majestic Glenmore Peak (3,227 m), located 1 km east of Sejati Peak, on the rim of the Raung crater.

After about two hours of hiking from Camp 7, you reach the treeline (3,115 m), and then, five minutes later, Puncak Bendera (“Flag Peak,” 3,139 m), marked by an Indonesian flag and offering a breathtaking panorama of distant volcanoes and villages. It is also the first vantage point for the most technical sections of the trail leading to Puncak Sejati.

From Puncak Bendera, it takes about three hours to reach the summit of Sejati Peak [optional], following one of the most challenging trails in Indonesia. This section traverses very narrow, steep-sided ridges covered in slippery scree, as well as short, near-vertical sections requiring ropes, helmets, and a good dose of nerves. After the first ridge, the use of ropes is essential to cross a short, very exposed rock face (about ten meters), considered the most difficult part of the route.

You then reach Puncak 17 (3,172 m), a striking pyramid-shaped peak marked with a marker. Two routes are possible: a direct ascent (with ropes) for the way up, followed by a traverse along the flank for the return, which is easier. A descent of about twenty meters with ropes is then necessary before crossing another narrow ridge. Some prefer to slide down on their bottoms to avoid slipping on the loose rocks. Two very short sections (about 3 m each) may require the use of a rope.

You then arrive at a vast area of ​​steep rocks and ravines before heading towards Puncak Tusuk Gigi (“Toothpick Peak,” 3,315 m), a spectacular collection of rock slabs rising towards the sky. The ascent is not technically difficult, but requires great care to avoid rockfalls for those behind. Just before Tusuk Gigi, you have to crawl through a wide gap between widely spaced boulders. Once through this passage, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the crater rim.

Finally, a few minutes further on, you reach Puncak Sejati, the official highest point (3,332 m, although some guides state 3,344 m). The view is breathtaking: Java's largest crater stretches out behind you, and on a clear day, you can see Glenmore Peak, the Ijen-Merapi complex, and Mount Baluran to the east, Mount Ringgit to the north, and the Argopuro and Semeru volcanoes to the west. Descend carefully, especially on the section of loose cliff where some venture for spectacular photos.

The return to Puncak Bendera and the treeline takes about 2.5 hours, offering a welcome respite after several hours spent in a landscape of volcanic scree. From there, it takes less than 2 hours to reach Camp 7.

Descend to Post 1 (approx. 6h), where your vehicle awaits for transfer back to the hotel.

Transfers 1h

Trekking 6h

Morning 4x4 journey to Kawah Ijen (Green Carter), climbed alongside sulfur miners working at the world’s largest acidic lake. Witness their intense labor and the weighing of sulfur loads.

Late morning transfer to Pemuteran , a seaside village in northwest Bali.

Trekking 4h

Free morning with optional boat trip to Menjangan Island, home to one of Bali’s richest marine ecosystems. Discover vibrant coral reefs and exceptional marine life.

Afternoon transfer to Kintamani region.

Night ascent of Mont Batur. Reach the summit before sunrise for an unforgettable spectacle. Descend around the craters, stopping safely near the most active one.

Visit Pura Kehen temple, one of Bali’s most sacred sites. Transfer to @Sidemen village.

Walk 5h
Elevation +600 m / -600 m

Morning hike around Sidemen through rice fields and plantations. Cross traditional hamlets and a suspension bridge in lush surroundings.

Trekking 4h

Night ascent of Mount Agung. At dawn, reach the crater rim (2,850 m). Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano dominates the island.

After descent, return to Sidemen, then transfer to Sanur.

Trekking 7h
Elevation +/- 1,200 m

Free day in Sanur, one of Bali’s oldest seaside resorts, known for its charm and elegance. Enjoy long beach walks, local shops, and relaxing moments.

Dinner and evening at leisure. (Car and driver available at extra cost)