Gentle Java is unlike any other tropical island. Heir to an art and history as mystical as its temples—Borobudur, Prambanan, and more—this island unfolds in a landscape of endless rice paddies, crowned by hundreds of volcanic cones, both nurturing and formidable. You’ll witness the raw power of nature at the foot of Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, admire the striking beauty of Mount Bromo, and descend into the sulfur-laden crater of Kawah Ijen.
Next, step onto Balinese soil, the fabled
Meet your English tour-guide at Yogyakarta airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, a welcome dinner gives you the opportunity to get to know your tour team.
The morning is dedicated to exploring Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural capital, starting with the area surrounding the Sultan's Palace, a serene haven built in 1756. Your city stroll leads you to Taman Sari, once known during the Dutch colonial era as the "Water Palace," followed by visits to traditional puppet and batik workshops.By late morning, you head to Ratu Boko, a temple perched atop the Gunung Kidul hills, offering panoramic views over the Prambanan plain.
From there, a scenic hike takes you through forests, traditional villages, and rice paddies, leading to the magnificent Hindu temple of Prambanan. You’ll explore its temple complex, with a special focus on Loro Jonggrang, a breathtaking 47-meter-high temple dedicated to the goddess Shiva. Often considered the most elegant Hindu temple in Java, it is an architectural masterpiece.
For those interested, there is an optional opportunity to attend the Ramayana Ballet, an enchanting performance set against the backdrop of the temples.
Return to the hotel in the early or mid-evening.
Early in the morning, transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo River, where your day begins in a charming Javanese village.
From here, set off on a leisurely Dutch-style bicycle ride, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Along the way, stop in nearby villages to observe traditional local crafts and experience the rhythms of rural life.
In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the majestic Borobudur Temple Borobudur temple , the world's largest Buddhist monument, where you’ll have time to explore its intricate carvings and terraces.
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Morning transfer to Sukuh temple, the last stronghold of Hinduism in Central Java, standing firm against the spread of Islam. This temple is renowned for its unique iconography, including phallic sculptures and large turtle-shaped tables, hinting at ancient initiatory and even orgiastic rituals. From here, embark on a scenic walk to the village of Tawangmangu, nestled on the slopes of Mount Lawu.
Along the way, take in the lush landscapes, where pine forests and high-altitude plantations create a stunning natural tapestry.
The walk concludes in Tawangmangu Park, home to the spectacular Grojogan Sewu Waterfall, cascading in the heart of a tropical forest inhabited by a lively community of monkeys.In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif, in preparation for your next adventure.
*4 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +400 m / -300m)*
Morning departure for the Lumajang region, tracing the southern slopes of the majestic Semeru volcano. Your journey leads you to the breathtaking Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, known as the "Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese.
Descending into the gorge via a steep and sometimes slippery path, you'll feel the raw power of hundreds of cascading streams, plunging over 100 meters into the lush landscape below.
From above, the waterfall’s beauty appears almost ephemeral, as a fine mist envelops everything in its path. No surprise, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mount Semeru in the background won the "Best Aerial Shot" award in 2019.
For photography enthusiasts, this is a dreamlike setting—just be sure to protect your equipment from the humidity! Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.
Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles take you deep into the Tengger region, where the iconic Mt Bromo (2,329 m) continuously exhales its wisps of volcanic smoke. The surrounding caldera unfolds into a vast sea of sand, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
Your journey begins with a breathtaking drive through the dense forests of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting the dramatic ridges of Bromo’s caldera before descending onto the sand plains and reaching Cemorolawang village, perched on the opposite crest.In the early afternoon, set off to conquer Mount Bromo.
As you stand on its rim, gazing into the steaming crater, it’s easy to see why the Javanese once believed this place to be the gateway to purgatory.
The adventure continues with an ascent to the summit of Mount Pananjakan(2,775 m), offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entire volcanic landscape. As the day fades, witness a mesmerizing scene: Mount Bromo, its vast sand sea, and the mighty Semeru volcano, both releasing thick plumes of smoke. A setting so surreal, it feels like stepping into another world.
Return to your hotel in the early evening, still captivated by this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen , where the journey unfolds into a landscape of lush greenery and volcanic peaks.
Upon arrival at your hotel, take a moment to settle in before setting off with your guide to explore stunning rice terraces.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through traditional villages and fragrant plantations of fruit and spices, where you’ll get a glimpse of local life and the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
In the early 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 Pemuteran, a small seaside resort on Bali's north-west coast, far from the tourist concentrations.
Day at leisure (but the driver and guide remain at your disposal). Possibility of hiring a boat to go and observe the underwater world around the island of Mejangan, where all of Bali's richest fauna seems to have gathered.
A veritable polychrome aquarium awaits you in these coral reefs! This is where the rare Bali starling, for example, has found refuge.
Early morning departure towards the Bali highlands. En route, visit Pulaki temple, dramatically set at the foot of a cliff and home to a lively community of monkeys.As you ascend into the mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular, with lush landscapes unfolding along the winding roads.
Your destination is Belimbing, a charming village nestled amidst some of Bali’s most breathtaking rice terraces.
In the afternoon, set off on an extraordinary walk through this stunning natural setting, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
This morning, you will head towards the southern slopes of Mt. Batukaru (2,270m). Visit the Luhur Batukaru Temple, nestled in a lush green setting, where several multi-roofed "merus," some dating back to the 17th century, stand in honor of the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities.
Next, you’ll transfer to Jatiluwih, a small village located in the heart of Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces, in the island's central-western region. In the early afternoon, you’ll set off on a magnificent hike through the vast sea of terraced rice fields that surround you.Continuing your journey, you’ll head towards Bedugul to visit the famous Hindu-Buddhist temple of Pura Ulun Danau. This temple, which appears to float on the waters of the lake, is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by lush gardens, it is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danau.
Afterward, enjoy a brief stop at the local market.Finally, you’ll make your way to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, where your journey through the island’s rich heritage continues.
Today is dedicated to discovering Ubud and its surroundings. In Ubud, elegant temples and palaces with intricately carved facades line the streets. During our city walk, we'll visit Puri Saren and admire the intricate details of its wooden doors, Pura Saraswati with its delicate decorations, Pura Puseh with its stunning sculptures, and many other museums and galleries. One of Ubud's unique attractions, slightly away from the town center, is the Sacred Monkey Forest Temple.
The walks outside of Ubud take you to places where the panoramic views of the rural landscape are absolutely breathtaking, preserving the natural beauty of the area.
A family of Balinese artists welcomes us into their traditional home and invites us to share a typical Ubud meal, accompanied by enchanting Balinese dances.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Free day to explore Ubud and its surroundings.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Maumere. Welcome at Maumere airport by your English-speaking tour-guide and transfer to the village of Moni, at the foot of the majestic Kelimutu massif.
Very early in the morning you take the road to the summit of Kelimutu to admire a breathtaking and almost unreal spectacle: the sunrise over the 3 crater lakes of 3 different colors.
Then you continue on to the small town of Ende, stopping along the way at the Nduaria fruit́ market.
After your lunch, you continue your journey to Penggajawa, a stunning blue pebble beach, then arrive at your destination for the day : Bajawa, in the highlands.
Early departure for Watumese (about a 30-minute drive), located at the foot of the magnificent, inactive Inerie volcano.
A trail through a bamboo forest leads you to a village in the Ngada region, where you'll discover traditional houses with remarkably high roofs. Continue your hike, visiting two more villages along the way.
The return to the vehicle follows a different trail, totaling around 3.5 hours of easy walking.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by a natural hot-water river in Nage, with time for swimming and relaxation before returning to your hotel in Bajawa.
Drive to Aimere to visit a traditional palm wine (Arak) distillery. Afterward, continue to Borong for lunch before heading to Ranamese lake. Enjoy a short walk along the lake before driving to Ruteng, a town nestled at the foot of the regularly active Ranakah volcano Ranakah volcano, which erupts several times a year.
Just before reaching Ruteng, stop to admire the stunning Mano rice terraces.
Lunch will be a picnic or at a local restaurant along the way.
In the morning, head to the village of Cara to admire the fascinating spider-web-shaped rice fields.
Then, take the road to Labuan Bajo.
Upon arrival, proceed directly to the port to board your private boat for a breathtaking cruise through the crystal-clear waters of . Komodo National Park.
Accompanied by your guide, cook, and boat crew, you will set sail toward Kelor Island, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and an astonishing variety of marine life.
Later, continue your journey to Kalong Island, a mangrove-covered haven where thousands of bats take refuge during the day.
As night falls, witness this spectacular "black cloud" of bats soaring towards Flores Island to feed on fruit.
After breakfast, continue your journey by boat towards Rinca Island. The Bajo people live here in stilt houses, relying entirely on the sea for their livelihood. You'll take a guided walk to track down the famous Komodo dragons, along with other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, buffaloes, and wild horses, all set against a backdrop where the green savannah meets the blue of the coves and bays.
Upon returning to the boat, you'll set sail for the renowned "Pink Beach," ready to explore its stunning shores.
In the early morning, you’ll take a stroll on Komodo Island, enjoying the cool morning air and catching a glimpse of the boat anchored in the turquoise waters of the bay.
Then, head towards the famous "Manta Point," where manta rays come to be "cleaned." You’ll have the opportunity to swim nearby (while maintaining a safe distance) and witness the majestic dance of these impressive marine creatures.
Finally, you'll make your way back to the port of Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to Denpasar (or Bali). Transfer to your beachfront hotel.
Free morning until transfer to the airport.