Java & Bali Explorer

The adventure

Combining Java’s collection of earthly volcanoes and pre-historic jungles with Bali’s stunning beaches, Java and Bali Explorer is a great way to experience the incredible contrasts and magical scenery of Indonesia. Get to the heart of life on this famous archipelago by visiting rice paddies, tea plantations and remote villages. Be charmed by Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, witness traditional dance performances and visit ornate temples. From the fervent pace of Jakarta to the back alleys of Ubud, the islands of Bali and Java are Indonesia’s most celebrated duo – a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, rolling hills and dynamic cities.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Indonesia

Showing Days 1-7

22-day itinerary

Day 1JakartaSelamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is great for first-time visitors. For a city monuments, don't miss the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Jakarta

Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is great for first-time visitors. For a city monuments, don't miss the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Day 2JakartaFamiliarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Jakarta

Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Day 3BandungThis morning, take a train to Bandung – a former Dutch city which now boasts a thriving art, shopping and cafe scene. Arrive around noon time and head to your hotel to refresh before going out with your tour leader for a heritage walk through Braga Street – once the centre of local development, this street was home to the first shopping arcade in Bandung, with lots of art deco buildings, shops and a cinema. See the Paskal Food Market come alive in the evening and enjoy a street food crawl. Maybe try some satay skewers, gado-gado (a traditional Indonesian salad made from boiled eggs and vegetables) or roasted chicken with rice and vegetables.

Bandung

This morning, take a train to Bandung – a former Dutch city which now boasts a thriving art, shopping and cafe scene. Arrive around noon time and head to your hotel to refresh before going out with your tour leader for a heritage walk through Braga Street – once the centre of local development, this street was home to the first shopping arcade in Bandung, with lots of art deco buildings, shops and a cinema. See the Paskal Food Market come alive in the evening and enjoy a street food crawl. Maybe try some satay skewers, gado-gado (a traditional Indonesian salad made from boiled eggs and vegetables) or roasted chicken with rice and vegetables.

Day 4BandungToday you’ll head out of Bandung for a day trip to the largest volcano in West Java – Tangkuban Perahu, the only volcanic mountain in Indonesia that you can drive to – and its lush surroundings. Circled by pine forests and tea plantations, you’ll soak up the views as you learn about the unique history of the volcano. Take a walk around the craters with your leader, visit a local tea plantation to learn about the tea industry in Java, observe how tea is processed and enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa. Later, you have a free afternoon and evening back in Bandung.

Bandung

Today you’ll head out of Bandung for a day trip to the largest volcano in West Java – Tangkuban Perahu, the only volcanic mountain in Indonesia that you can drive to – and its lush surroundings. Circled by pine forests and tea plantations, you’ll soak up the views as you learn about the unique history of the volcano. Take a walk around the craters with your leader, visit a local tea plantation to learn about the tea industry in Java, observe how tea is processed and enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa. Later, you have a free afternoon and evening back in Bandung.

Day 5YogyakartaThis morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta. This town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot. From batik workshops to the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples, Yogya offers a great array of cultural avenues to explore. When you arrive, you’re free to explore at your own pace – just ask your leader for recommendations.

Yogyakarta

This morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta. This town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot. From batik workshops to the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples, Yogya offers a great array of cultural avenues to explore. When you arrive, you’re free to explore at your own pace – just ask your leader for recommendations.

Day 6YogyakartaRise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming among tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. After, you have a free afternoon. You might like to visit one of Yogya's other heritage temples – Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java. Tonight, perhaps catch a performance of the Ramayana Ballet – your leader will be able to check dates and availability for you.

Yogyakarta

Rise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming among tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. After, you have a free afternoon. You might like to visit one of Yogya's other heritage temples – Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java. Tonight, perhaps catch a performance of the Ramayana Ballet – your leader will be able to check dates and availability for you.

Day 7YogyakartaPedal out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. See the locals making various goods, from bricks to tofu and tempeh. Pass palms, lush green grasslands and the odd burst of yellow and pink flowers by the side of the road, which make for great photo opportunities! After, you have a free afternoon to maybe take on a cooking class where you can learn about Indonesian cuisine. Or, why not salute the sun with a yoga class.

Yogyakarta

Pedal out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. See the locals making various goods, from bricks to tofu and tempeh. Pass palms, lush green grasslands and the odd burst of yellow and pink flowers by the side of the road, which make for great photo opportunities! After, you have a free afternoon to maybe take on a cooking class where you can learn about Indonesian cuisine. Or, why not salute the sun with a yoga class.

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