Photo tour: the gentle secrets of Java & Bali
Between active volcanoes and thousand-year-old temples, a photographic journey through the sacred lands of Java and Bali.
Duration
15 days
From
€2,575/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Indonésie is a unique region in the world, and Dominic C, the photographer who will guide and advise you throughout this journey, has always considered this archipelago as a "true planet" on the planet! The approximately 17,000 islands that make up this nation along the famous "ring of fire" are all brimming with landscapes, populations and breathtaking light. Indeed, no one has enough of a lifetime to explore these often hidden treasures.
Dominic C, a professional French photographer who has lived in Indonésie for about twenty years, takes you through uncharted lands of Bali and Java, to meet populations who will welcome you with a wide smile, and to discover landscapes that will inspire your photography talents.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Bali
Welcome at Denpasar airport (Bali) by Dominic C and short transfer to the cultural capital of the Island of the Gods: Ubud.
Free time until the welcome dinner, which is an opportunity for a first briefing on the progress of your stay.
Cultural capital
This morning you wake up early to take advantage of the most beautiful morning light and discover Ubud and its surroundings. First you head to Ubud's central market which is already bustling with activity. Then you explore the monkey forest where you can capture these primates that often tend to "tease" visitors.
In the early afternoon you venture into the surroundings of Ubud to discover shy local populations who willingly participate in photo sessions.
Before sunset you return to Ubud and enjoy a stop at the famous Tegalalang rice terraces which are particularly interesting to photograph between 4 pm and 5 pm when the light is grazing.
After dinner, Dominic takes you to watch a colorful Balinese dance performance.
Majestic Batur Volcano
Late at night, departure towards the caldera of Mount Batur which you photograph at sunrise. Possibility to descend into the lava flows of 1926/27 for "lunar" shots.
After this first session of the day you enjoy lunch at a family of sculptors in Sebatu and attend a show of Balinese dances (with a gamelan orchestra), which allows you to photograph dancers and musicians at leisure.
Return towards Ubud, depending on the time possibility to stop at the temples of Gunung Kawi & Tirta Empul.
Mysterious Sidemen Valley
Morning transfer to the very aesthetic Kehen Temple located in the Bangli region. Still little visited, it is nonetheless considered one of the most venerated temples in Bali.
Continue your journey to the east of the island by a very beautiful road running along the flanks of Mount Agung to reach Sidemen. This small traditional village, nestled in a narrow valley facing this fire mountain, offers superb light at the end of the day.
Morning transfer to the very aesthetic Kehen Temple located in the Bangli region. Still little visited, it is nevertheless considered one of the most venerated temples in Bali.
Continue your journey towards the east of the island via a very beautiful road running along the slopes of Mount Agung to reach Sidemen.This small traditional village, nestled in a narrow valley facing this mountain of fire, offers superb light in the late afternoon.
Temple on the Sea
The morning is dedicated to a pleasant stroll through the rice fields and surrounding villages, in order to capture rural life and the quintessence of Balinese culture. Every opportunity is good here for courtesy stops at locals' homes and to immerse yourself in local customs and traditions. Return to the hotel.
Transfer to the Tanah Lot area in the afternoon. Check-in at a charming small hotel (Agung Village Hotel), then departure towards the famous Tanah Lot Temple, which you will photograph at sunset.
Bali Spirit
Your last day in Bali is dedicated to photo shoots on the nearby beach or in the surrounding rice fields. Beautiful Balinese models in traditional outfits accompany you to enhance your shots.
Transfer to Denpasar international airport in the afternoon and flight to Yogyakarta (or Jogjakarta), the cultural capital of Java.
Yogyakarta, Royal City
The morning is dedicated to visiting Yogyakarta (or Jogjakarta) the cultural capital of Java, and particularly the surroundings of the Sultan's palace built in 1756, where life is pleasant. You then discover the Sultan's palace and its many employees who still wear traditional costumes.
In the afternoon you head towards the southern beaches for some sunset shots, especially on the famous Parangtritis beach, which locals enjoy calling "Paris".
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Majestic Merapi Volcano
Very early departure towards the slopes of the majestic Merapi volcano. Approach to the lava flows of 2010, 1994 & 1998. The day is dedicated to this "God" as much venerated and feared by the locals, as its eruptions can be devastating and sources of life (they make the earth very fertile and it is not uncommon to see up to 3 rice harvests per year).
The volcanic observatory at Babadan is the final stage of the day, where, at sunset (and in clear weather), the light colors the gray slopes of the volcano with rare orange tones.
Short transfer in the surroundings of the Borobudur temple.
Buddhist Sanctuary of Borobudur
From Borobudur
At sunrise, your guide takes you to capture morning shots of the Borobudur sanctuary. Indeed, it is from the ridges of Punthuk Setumbu hill that you will get the best camera angles. A little later, other spots are suggested to you in the surrounding area, then visit of the Borobudur temple.
After a delicious gourmet meal, discover the surroundings of Mt Sumbing and take a scenic ride to a forgotten temple, that of Selogriyo.
Swampy lake
To Ambarawa
At dawn you set off to photograph the summit of Mont Sumbing and the surrounding volcanoes Le Merbabu and Merapi from the village of Mampang, located at more than 1,500 m altitude and which overlooks the entire region. Superb panorama that allows, in clear weather, to see the Yogyakarta region (more than 60 km away).
Then departure towards the surroundings of Ambarawa and the marshy lake of Rawa Pening Lake. After checking in at the hotel, you spend the afternoon exploring the surroundings of the lake, where you have the opportunity to observe some unique activities, such as mud collection (transformed into fertilizer afterwards). It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the lake activities of the local people: fishing and mud collection in particular.
Balinese temples
Early in the morning, short transfer to the Gedong Songo Temples where a superb panorama of the entire Ambarawa valley awaits you. If the weather is unfavorable (fog for example), return to the shores of Lake Rawa Pening and take photos with the fishermen.
Towards Paradise
Free time until your transfer to the port, where you board a fast ferry. After two hours at sea, you reach the new Eldorado for travelers: an archipelago that is home to no fewer than 27 islands, each more paradisiacal than the last.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You have the option of renting a scooter to tour the main island, or to discover a few secret beaches.
Desert Islands
The day is dedicated to discovering the archipelago by traditional boat: deserted and idyllic islands (notably Gleyang Island), diving or snorkeling spots, marine farms, where you have the opportunity to swim with perfectly harmless black sharks, etc.
Return to the hotel after sunset.
See you very soon in Indonésie
Free morning until the transfer to Karimunjawa port, where you take the speed-ferry back to Jepara (2 hours).
Transfer then to Semarang airport.
Free morning until your transfer to the Karimunjawa port, where you board the "speed-ferry" to Jepara (2 hours).
Then transfer to Semarang airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance, assistance, visas & possible airport taxes
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary above
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guidance by Dominic C, professional photographer
- Private and air-conditioned vehicle transfers
- Domestic flight Bali – Yogyakarta
- Maritime Transfers
- B&B Accommodation
- Site entrances, trekking permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Bali
Photographe des volcans et sentiers indonésiens, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
