Sumatra, Java & Bali: Into the Lands of Fire

Arrival at the international airport of Medan by your English-speaking (or French-speaking) guide, then transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, visit of the palace of the Sultan, the grand mosque and the Chinese temple. You then head northwest towards Bukit Lawang. Along the way, you pass through numerous rubber plantations and enjoy a break to stretch your legs while discovering the harvesting methods of this precious sap.

*Trek 1h *

Early in the morning, you set off for a hike to meet the orangutans, very numerous in the Gunung Leuser national park. You then continue your exploration through the tropical forest to discover its many secrets. With a bit of luck, you may also spot some rare black gibbons.

You continue your exploration of the jungle of the mount Leuser before returning to Bukit Lawang in the early afternoon, descending the Bahorok River by tubing.

Free afternoon

Morning transfer to Berastagi, capital of the Batak Karo land, one of the most prosperous in the region.

Visit of the traditional market and the Buddhist pagoda of Lumbini. If weather permits, you will also head to the slopes of Mount Sinabung to discover a ghost village covered in ash.

Very early in the morning, you are dropped off at the foot of the Mount Sibayak, overlooking the Karo plateau. You begin the ascent along a trail lined with dense and vibrant jungle.

Picnic at the summit, where the panorama over the entire region is stunning, then descent on another side towards the hot springs of Debuk-Debuk. You can then enjoy the healing properties of these warm sulfuric waters in natural pools.

[Option : possibility to do the ascent at night to reach the summit just before sunrise.]

You then head back towards Medan.

*Trek 4h *

Flight to Jakarta, on the island of Java, then transfer to the coastline at the far west of the island. In the early evening, you are warmly welcomed by a fisherman family who invites you to enjoy crabs, shrimps and grilled fish… a true feast! You then spend the night in a simple but lively hotel, popular with Indonesians on weekends, encouraging warm and joyful exchanges. From the hotel, it is sometimes possible to hear the distant rumble of an explosion from krakatoa_volcano .

Transfers 3h

Mid-morning, you head to the village port to board a speedboat that takes you close to the mythical Krakatoa volcano. You circle the island while maintaining a safe distance depending on volcanic activity. Since the major eruption of December 2018, “Anak Krakatau” remains in an unstable phase with unpredictable eruptions. Depending on conditions, a bivouac is planned at the foot of the volcano or on a nearby island.

Important note : due to the current instability of Anak Krakatau, we will attempt, if conditions allow, to land on the island and/or bivouac nearby. It is therefore necessary to bring your bivouac equipment (sleeping bag and inflatable mattress), as well as a protective helmet in case landing is possible.

The morning is dedicated to the exploration of the Krakatoa volcano and its surroundings. Depending on its activity level, you may attempt the ascent along the slopes of the old cone to observe the new one, formed in 2021 and regularly erupting. Possibility to swim before continuing navigation.

Return to Carita in the afternoon, then transfer to Jakarta .

Early flight to Yogyakarta , then transfer to the slopes of Mount Sumbing, which you explore in the afternoon.

Overnight stay with a Franco-Indonesian couple in the heart of the rice fields.

Morning visit of the largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur Temple . You then head to Yogyakarta, a city that is unique as the capital of a sultanate integrated into the Indonesian republic. It is the last region in the country to benefit from this special status.

Early breakfast at the hotel to enjoy the best weather conditions on the Mount Merapi Departure by minibus to the southwest face of the volcano up to the Babadan volcanological observatory, the highest of the five monitoring sites installed on the slopes.

Visit of the observatory and the protective bunker, followed by discussions with the scientists on site. You observe volcanic activity day and night: from this point, you can see the entire western and southern faces and possibly glowing avalanches if the volcano is erupting. Depending on conditions, your guide may take you to Kaliadem instead of Babadan.

Return to Yogyakarta in the afternoon. Stops in batik workshops, silver jewelry workshops, a specialty of Yogya, and a traditional puppet workshop (Wayang Kulit). Lunch in a local restaurant. Free evening to enjoy the enchanting charm of this city, considered the most beautiful small town in Java. Possibility to explore its lively streets comfortably seated in a “becak” (cycle rickshaw), a traditional and convenient way to get around. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Visit of the Hindou temple of Prambanan restored after the 2006 earthquake.

Then drive towards the Malang region, on the western slopes of the Tengger caldera. This access to Mount Bromo, less known and less crowded than the northern route, offers a more authentic experience.

This morning, departure to discover the traditional market of Tumpang . As often in Indonesia, the stalls are filled with a profusion of fruits, vegetables and grains, offering a festival of colors and scents. Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, by 4x4, you follow a beautiful and little-used mountain road to the edge of the caldera. Entry into the Tengger caldera from the wild southern side, then continuation to the Hindu temple at the foot of the Mount Bromo. Ascent of the active cone, exploration of the ridges and observation of intense fumarolic activity. Depending on conditions, it is sometimes possible to walk all around the crater. Return to the vehicles and drive to the hotel for dinner. Early night before the very early wake-up.

*Trek 1h30 *

Early morning departure by 4x4 to Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m), the highest viewpoint of the Tengger caldera. Around 3:30 am, you set off to witness sunrise over the Tengger caldera and the Bromo, Batok and Semeru volcanoes, the perfect moment for photos.

After breakfast, departure via a scenic road to Pasir Putih (“white sand beach”), where you have lunch by the sea.

Afternoon transfer to Licin and installation at the hotel for a short night.

Very early departure to Paltuding, at the foot of the Kawah Ijen. Hike up to the crater rim (about 1h30), then descent into the crater alongside sulfur porters, to the edge of the boiling acid lake.

Night observation of the famous blue flames, caused by sulfur combustion in a surreal atmosphere. Return to the rim with the porters carrying loads of up to 100 kg. Descent and transfer to Banyuwangi, ferry crossing to Bali, then drive to Pemuteran . Free time to enjoy the pool or the sea.

Dinner and overnight in a beautiful hotel.

Drive along Bali’s north coast, then ascent through clove plantations to the lakes Tambligan and Bratan. Discovery of the famousJatiluwih rice terraces, listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

This morning, you take the road climbing straight to the Mount Batur. Arrival at the top of the caldera, where an active cone and a crescent-shaped lake lie.

Descent to visit the Hindu temple of Batuan, considered the oldest in Bali.