Secret Java & Bali
Between sacred volcanoes and thousand-year-old temples, the secret soul of Java and Bali reveals itself on the slopes of Merapi and in the mists of Borobudur.
Duration
22 days
From
€3,825/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Indonesia is far too little known, this fabulous archipelago at the end of the world, where smiles are on the lips of a population steeped in refinement and cordiality. But when references to "Java" and "Bali" clash in our minds, the dream machine starts at full speed...
Gentle Java bears no resemblance to any other tropical island in the world. Heir to an art and history that seep into the supernatural like its temples (Borobudur, Prambanan, etc.), this island emerges in a landscape of rice fields dominated by around a hundred volcanic cones, both beneficent and destructive. You will then become aware of the power of nature at the foot of Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Bromo, one of the most aesthetic, and within the crater of Kawah Ijen, the most sulfurous!
You will then tread on Balinese soil, nicknamed the island of the Gods, at the pace of gentle walks and through fabulous terraced rice field landscapes, traditional villages and sacred temples.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Yogyakarta
Aéroport → Yogyakarta
Airport (or train station) pick-up in Yogyakarta and transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Yogyakarta, royal and historic city
Early in the morning, you head towards the Sultan's Palace, which is a true museum on the history of the ancient Mataram kingdom. You then proceed on foot, and through pleasant small streets, towards Taman Sari, the former place of rest and meditation of the first Sultans.
Early in the afternoon, you visit the famous Hindu temple of Temple de Prambanan, a complex of 240 Shaivite temples, built in the 9th century under the Sanjaya dynasty of the first Mataram kingdom. And, as sunset approaches, you head towards Candi Ijo, a temple complex that includes a main sanctuary and 3 secondary temples. Ideally located on the heights of Yogyakarta, the panorama is breathtaking. And that's not all!
You end the day at the Abhyagiri restaurant, which overlooks the entire Prambanan plain. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Merapi in the distance.
Yogyakarta, a modern and dynamic city
After breakfast, you head towards the Gunung Kidul hills and first visit a unique organic permaculture farm, where its owner will be delighted to explain his approach based on Islamic principles of harmony between Man and nature.
You then continue your journey towards the superb beaches of southern Yogyakarta, where you have free time to relax and enjoy the pleasures of swimming.
Returning to Yogyakarta in the afternoon, you make one last stop at the chocolate museum, where you will learn more about the history of chocolate and its manufacturing process.
Borobudur, World Heritage Site
Early in the morning, you are transferred to the Kulon Progo district, where you will be invited to discover the authentic Javanese countryside and local population through a pleasant and easy ride… on old Dutch bicycles!
After lunch taken on site, you head towards the famous sanctuary of Borobudur, built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Sailendra dynasty.
You end the day at the superb panoramic restaurant Enam Langit, recently opened, which offers an unobstructed view over the entire region.
Bicycle ride: 2-3 hours.
Return to Yogyakarta in the evening.
Mt Merapi, Source of Life and Destruction
In mid-morning, you head towards the slopes of the Merapi volcano, where you first visit the superb Ullen Sentalu museum, which passionately preserves Javanese culture and houses some of the finest artworks in Yogyakarta.
Later, at Kalikuning, you enjoy a "fun" moment discovering the entire area devastated by the 2010 eruption by 4x4.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon and free time.
Dieng, Between Past and Present
Morning transfer to the Dieng Plateau. Densely populated and cultivated, the plateau is an archaeological site featuring eight Hindu temples in ruins.
The day is dedicated to discovering various tourist attractions (Telaga Warna Lake, temples, the smoking crater of Sikidang volcano, etc.).
Walk: 2 hours
Ambarawa, in the Heart of Java
After breakfast, transfer to the Ambarawa Region and Rawa Pening Lake, in the heart of Java, where you first visit the Gedong Songo Temples, a Hindu complex located on the slopes of Ungaran volcano, at 1,293 meters altitude.
After a pleasant lunch by the Rawapening Lake, you take a wonderful canoe ride across this marshy lake.
Canoe ride: 1h
Stories of the Past
In the morning, visit the Ambarawa railway museum, which houses an important collection of steam locomotives. You will travel even further back in time by exploring Fort Willem, a 19th-century Dutch fortress, which notably served as an internment camp during the Japanese occupation of Java between 1942 and 1945.
Transfer to Jepara in the afternoon.
On the way to paradise
Early in the morning, transfer to the port and boarding on a "speed-ferry" that takes you to the paradise that is the Karimunjawa archipelago (2 hours of travel).
The rest of the day is free.
Dream Archipelago
Mid-morning, a private traditional boat (with crew and English-speaking guide) takes you to discover the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. Multicolored coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches and the finest diving sites are yours to enjoy!
At lunch time, a barbecue of fresh fish grilled over coconut fire gives the fish an exceptional taste (the meal is accompanied by fruits, fresh drinks and coffee/tea). It's the perfect opportunity to discover the fauna and flora of this protected marine national park and admire exceptional panoramas until sunset.
Please note that the program is flexible and can be adapted at the last moment according to your wishes. The excursion can also be carried out by speed-boat, if needed.
Zen Day
Towards the East of Java
Free morning until the transfer to Karimunjawa port, where you take the "speed-ferry" to Jepara (2 hours)
Spectacular Mount Bromo Caldera
Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles take you to the Tengger region, where the famous Mont Bromo (2,329 m) belches its plumes, and the caldera surrounding it forms a gigantic sea of sand.
During this journey, you traverse the striking forest of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, also skirting part of the rim of the Bromo volcano's caldera, before descending to the sea of sand to reach Cemoro Lawang Village (located on one of the opposite ridges). Mt Bromo is the most venerated by the Hindu Tengger people who live in the region.
Ascent of Bromo volcano in the afternoon. You can thus admire its crater resembling a smoking cauldron. It is then easy to understand why the Javanese once considered this place as the entrance to purgatory.
Hiking: 4 hours
Awakening of the world
By 4x4, you reach very early the summit of Mount Pananjakan (2,775m) to witness a fabulous spectacle: the awakening of the world in a lunar landscape, with an unobstructed view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both releasing thick plumes of smoke. Unique!
Possibility to redo the short climb of Bromo in the vivid morning colors, then you return to the hotel to have breakfast.
Transfer late morning to Ketapang, at the foot of Kawah Ijen.
By 4x4, you reach very early the summit of Mount Pananjakan (penanjakan) (2,775m) to witness a fabulous spectacle: the awakening of the world in a lunar setting, with an unobstructed view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both releasing thick fumaroles. Unique!
Possibility to redo the short ascent of Bromo in the vivid morning colors, then you return to the hotel to have breakfast. Transfer in late morning to Ketapang, at the foot of Kawah Ijen.
Green Crater
Early in the morning, you head back in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen (meaning "green crater" in old Javanese), which you climb easily in the company of men who extract sulphur daily at the edge of the world's largest acidic lake. These genuine "laborers" carry nearly 80 kg of ore on their backs over approximately 15 km to the processing plant! You then witness the weighing and various work contracts. A very striking and powerful image from your journey.
Late morning, transfer to Pemuteran, a small seaside resort located on the north-west coast of Bali, far from tourist crowds.
Relaxation in Paradise
Free day (but the driver and guide remain at your disposal). Possibility of renting a boat to observe the underwater seabeds around Mejangan Island, where all the richest fauna of Bali seems to have gathered.
A truly polychrome aquarium awaits you in these coral reefs! It is here that the rare Bali starling has, for example, found refuge.
On the heights
Pemuteran → Belimbing
Early in the morning, you take the road to the highlands of Bali. Visit along the way the Pulaki Temple, located at the foot of a cliff and inhabited by a large community of monkeys. The road that turns towards the mountains is magnificent.
Your destination, the small village of Belimbing, is surrounded by some of the most stunning terraced rice paddies on the island. The afternoon is then devoted to an extraordinary walk discovering the surrounding nature.
Walk: 2-3h
Balinese Temples
Belimbing → Ubud
This morning you head towards the south slopes of Mt Batukaru (2.270m). Visit the Luhur Batukaru temple, which emerges in a setting of lush greenery and where several "meru" with multiple roofs stand, some dating back to the 17th century, dedicated to the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities.
Transfer to Jatiluwih, a small village located in the heart of some of Bali's most beautiful rice fields, in the west-central part of the island. You then begin, in early afternoon, a superb hike through this real ocean represented by the terraced rice fields that surround you.
You return to the road towards Bedugul to visit the famous Hindu-Buddhist temple Pura Ulun Danau. This temple seeming to float on the waters of the lake is one of the most famous in Bali. A sacred place surrounded by lush gardens dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danau.
Next, you make a short stop at the Bedugul Market.
Finally, you head to Ubud, the cultural capital of the island of the gods.
Cultural capital
Day of discovery of Ubud and its surroundings.
In Ubud, elegant temples and palaces with sculpted facades line the streets. During our city tour, we discover Puri Saren and the details of its wooden doors, Pura Saraswati and the finesse of its ornamentations, Pura Puseh and its splendid sculptures as well as many other museums and galleries. Another tourist attraction in Ubud, slightly set back from the city center, is the temple of Ubud's Monkey Forest. Walks and hikes outside Ubud, meanwhile, take you to places where the view of the surroundings is breathtaking, as the rural landscapes are so well preserved.
A family of Balinese artists welcomes us into their traditional home and offers us a meal, equally typical of Ubud, accompanied by Balinese dances.
Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Rest
Free day that allows you to deepen your discovery of Ubud and its surroundings.
Meeting with an artist family
This morning, you begin a walk through stunning rice paddies heading to Tampaksiring. A family of Balinese artists welcomes you into their traditional home and offers you a meal, equally typical, accompanied by Balinese dances.
Return to Ubud in the afternoon via the temples of Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi.
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 and assistance
- Possible visa(s) and airport taxes
- Meals not mentioned in the program above
- Beverages, personal expenses and tips
Included
- English-speaking local guide
- Land and maritime transfers (even lacustrine ones)
- B&B Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the program above
- Site entries and trekking permits
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 — Java
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, 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
