Java to Bali Highlights 15-Day Journey

Points of Interest : Yogyakarta

Your driver welcomes you at Yogyakarta airport and transfers you to your hotel, where you can rest after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may simply relax at the hotel before dinner.

If you feel ready to dive straight into the city, Yogyakarta’s role as Indonesia’s cultural capital awaits you: discover its lively cafés, decorated streets and striking street art murals at your own pace.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Dusun Jogja Village Inn or similar in Yogyakarta

Points of Interest : Yogyakarta

Today you have a private driver at your disposal.

Start with a visit to Kota Gede, known for its historic charm and silver workshops, then continue to the spectacular Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. You also explore the nearby temples of Plaosan and Sewu, each offering a different architectural and historical perspective.

In the evening you enjoy dinner at Puri Wisata Theater while attending a Ramayana performance in traditional costume, a memorable way to experience Javanese dance and storytelling.

• Meals included : Dinner at Puri Wisata Theater (as part of the show)
• Accommodation : Dusun Jogja Village Inn or similar in Yogyakarta

Points of Interest : Yogyakarta

With your driver again available today, you travel to the world’s largest Buddhist monument: Borobudur. You wander among its terraces, stupas and reliefs while enjoying views of the surrounding volcanoes and countryside.

If you wish, you can extend the visit to the smaller Pawon and Mendut temples, each with their own statues and serene atmosphere, before returning to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Dusun Jogja Village Inn or similar in Yogyakarta

Points of Interest : Bromo

Your driver takes you to Yogyakarta railway station, where you board a train to Jombang in East Java. The journey lasts around four hours and allows you to watch rural Java glide by from your seat.

On arrival in Jombang a new driver meets you at the station and drives you up into the mountains to your hotel at the foot of Mount Bromo. Settle in, relax and prepare for the early start and volcanic adventure that await you tomorrow.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Hotel Lava View or similar near Mount Bromo

Points of Interest : Bromo

Accompanied by a local guide, your day starts very early, around 2 am. You board a Jeep to reach the summit of Mount Penanjakan, the classic viewpoint for sunrise over the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif. As the morning mist gradually lifts, an unforgettable panorama of the Bromo and Semeru volcanoes reveals itself.

Once the sun is up, you continue with a short hike across the lunar landscape to the crater rim of Mount Bromo itself. After this experience, you return to the hotel to freshen up and check out, before continuing your journey.

Your driver then takes you from the Bromo region towards the famous Tumpak Sewu waterfall area, a drive of about 3–4 hours, where you settle into your next accommodation.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Artha Cottages or similar near Tumpak Sewu

Points of Interest : Bromo, Lumajang

Today you set out to explore the spectacular Tumpak Sewu waterfall. Your driver takes you from the hotel to the trailhead, where you meet a local guide who accompanies you down to the foot of the falls. The descent and approach are adventurous and can be slippery, rewarding you with dramatic views of the curtain-like cascade surrounded by lush vegetation.

After ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos, you hike back up and your driver returns you to the hotel to rest and recover from the adventure.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Artha Cottages or similar near Tumpak Sewu

Points of Interest : Flughafen Denpasar

After breakfast, your private driver takes you eastwards across Java to the Mount Ijen region. On the way you may stop at the plantations around Kalibaru, a pleasant place for a lunch break and a glimpse of local agricultural life.

On arrival at your hotel near the ferry port and Ijen area, you meet your guide for the Ijen hike. They give you a short briefing about the night ascent, safety, and what to expect, before you head to bed early—your pick-up will be shortly after midnight.

• Meals included : Breakfast (typically included at the hotel)
• Accommodation : Ketapang Indah Hotel or similar near Banyuwangi / Mount Ijen

Points of Interest : Ijen

Before dawn you set off with your guide. Dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear: the climb to the crater of Mount Ijen is popular with locals and visitors alike, and you will share the path with Indonesian hikers and sulfur miners. Together you encourage each other on the ascent.

At the top, you can follow the path down into the crater (conditions permitting) to witness the eerie blue flames and turquoise crater lake for which Ijen is famous. After taking in the views, you descend back to the trailhead and return to the hotel for a well-earned rest and breakfast if timing allows.

Later, your driver takes you to the ferry for the crossing from Java to Bali. Upon arrival on Bali, another drive brings you into the cooler highlands around Munduk. On the way you stop at Brahma Vihara Arama, Bali’s only Buddhist monastery, before continuing to your accommodation where you can unwind.

• Meals included : None specified (hotel breakfast usually possible after the hike)
• Accommodation : Atres Sari Resort or similar in Munduk

Points of Interest : Munduk

Your driver is available for up to eight hours today, giving you flexibility to explore the Munduk area.

A highlight is the Aling-Aling waterfall. On site you can, for an additional fee, hire a local guide who will accompany you along one of several possible trails. Different routes lead to various waterfalls, natural pools and viewpoints, creating a true natural spectacle amid the jungle.

After your outing you return to your hotel in Munduk to relax in the cooler mountain climate.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Atres Sari Resort or similar in Munduk

Points of Interest : Munduk

Your driver is again at your disposal for up to eight hours.

Today you head to Lake Beratan for a special adventure. On arrival, a local guide welcomes you and provides canoes so you can paddle out onto the lake, enjoying tranquil views and a unique angle on the iconic Ulun Danu temple that seems to float on the water.

After crossing the lake you set off on an educational jungle walk, learning about local plants and ecosystems while immersed in Bali’s highland nature. Later you return to Munduk for the evening.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Atres Sari Resort or similar in Munduk

Points of Interest : Ubud

Today your driver takes you from the highlands of Munduk down to the cultural hub of Ubud, with several optional stops along the way.

You visit the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, where endless shades of green stretch across the hills, and the village of Wongaya Gede, home to the tranquil Batukaru temple. Before reaching Ubud, you also have the opportunity to explore the famous Monkey Forest, a sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed macaques set amid lush trees and temples.

In the late afternoon you arrive at your hotel in Ubud and have time to stroll through town or relax by the pool.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Hotel Villa Sonia or similar in Ubud

Points of Interest : Ubud

In the morning your driver picks you up in Ubud and takes you north of town for a day dedicated to community-based tourism and cultural immersion.

You visit the PKP community, which focuses particularly on supporting women in Bali, providing a safe space and opportunities for divorced women. The founder, Ibu Sari, introduces herself and shares background information about the initiative. Listening to her inspiring personal story is often a moving highlight of the day.

Food & cooking demonstration (about 2.5 hours):
You enjoy traditional Balinese dishes and take part in a cooking class with the PKP team in their newly renovated kitchen, improved thanks to this partnership. You learn about local ingredients, flavors and preparation methods.

Garden walk (about 25 minutes):
During a short walk through the garden you discover Balinese flora and fauna and the importance of nature in Balinese culture and tradition. You see native plants and learn about medicinal species, as well as how the partnership has made paths more travel-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Offering ritual (about 25 minutes):
You then take part in a session dedicated to Balinese Hindu offerings. You can prepare and present flower offerings while learning the meaning of this beautiful practice. For some, the experience is spiritual; for others, it may feel meditative or simply culturally enriching.

The total excursion lasts around four hours, while your driver remains available for up to eight hours, leaving time for additional stops or a relaxed return to Ubud.

• Meals included : Traditional Balinese meal during the PKP community visit
• Accommodation : Hotel Villa Sonia or similar in Ubud

Points of Interest : Sanur

You leave the green heart of Bali and travel to the coast and beaches of Sanur.

On the way you visit Goa Gajah, the 9th‑century “Elephant Cave” temple, known for its carved entrance and atmospheric pools. You then stop at Sukawati market, a lively place to test your bargaining skills and pick up souvenirs such as colorful sarongs, handmade bracelets and bags.

By late afternoon you arrive in Sanur, where you can take a first walk along the seafront or simply relax at your hotel.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Hotel Griya Santrian or similar in Sanur

Points of Interest : Sanur

Today is free for you to rest and enjoy the seaside. Spend the day lounging on Sanur’s long sandy beach or by your hotel pool, or treat yourself to a massage in a local spa.

Your local travel expert can help arrange optional activities or excursions if you wish to explore further. Sanur lies on Bali’s east coast, with a long promenade perfect for walks and calm bays ideal for swimming.

• Meals included : None specified
• Accommodation : Hotel Griya Santrian or similar in Sanur

Points of Interest : Sanur, Flughafen Denpasar

Your Indonesian adventure comes to an end. At the agreed time your driver picks you up in Sanur and transfers you to Denpasar airport for your international flight home.

You leave Indonesia—and the islands of Java and Bali in particular—with plenty of memories, from volcanic sunrises and temple visits to community encounters and relaxing beach moments.

• Meals included : None specified
• Last day : Private transfer from Sanur to Denpasar airport for your departure