From $1,518
Per Person
Jakarta to Ubud
14 days
Age 15+
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Availability 12
Prepare to be dazzled by incredible Indonesia
Don’t be fooled into thinking Indonesia is ‘just another island getaway’, because the scale of experiences you’ll have in this magical country are truly epic. Miles of empty beaches, steamy verdant rainforests, volcano-studded valleys, culture-rich cities, ancient temples – and that’s just the places they tell you about. From Yogyakarta to Mt Bromo, Seloliman to Ubud, take this journey and fall in love with incredible Indonesia.
Why you’ll love this trip
- Yogyakarta is one of South-East Asia’s standout spots, and a cycling trip takes you through its backcountry, a world of flower-studded fields and smiling locals
- Take a guided walk through the jungle and rice paddies of Seloliman Nature Reserve, then sit back, relax and soak up the ambience under the stars
- Climbing Mt Bromo in the early hours of the morning is an adventure to remember. If the conditions are right, you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling sunset over mist-laden volcanoes
- Get behind the scenes of some of Java’s fascinating local industries – from coffee, cocoa and palm sugar to traditional Javanese medicine
- There’s plenty of time to chill out at beautiful Pemuteran by the beach
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip involves a fair amount of hiking and cycling. A moderate level of fitness will help you to get the most out of this trip.
- Java is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and this trip covers a lot of ground. Travel times can be long and delays are common. Where suitable, you’ll travel by train instead of drive, which will make the journey more comfortable.
- It’s important not to make your bags too heavy, as you will be expected to carry them onto and off trains, and walk them short distances. Porters are available in most stations at an extra charge.
- Accommodation at Seloliman Nature Reserve, and near Mt Bromo is in basic guesthouses. Set on the edge of a tropical forest the Seloliman Reserve embraces philosophies of environmental education, and we are sure you will get a good nights sleep. The next night close to the base Mt Bromo our guesthouse is selected for it’s location. Our stay is short, as we awake very early the next day for our sunrise hike.
- Dress standards in Java are more conservative than in other areas of Indonesia. Show your respect by covering your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. It’s a great idea to bring your own sarong.
Itinerary
Day 1 Jakarta
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early, 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 city monuments, don’t miss Si Jagur, an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with sexual imagery, or the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 2 Jakarta
Familiarise yourself with the city on a morning walking tour with your local guide. Take in Sunda Kelapa port, where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. Visit a Chinese mansion (Chandra Naya) and gain an insight into the beautiful Peranakan architecture. Wander about Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in South-East Asia. Meander through the antique market at Jalan Surabaya
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Jakarta – City Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 3 Pangandaran
Today there’s some distance to cover, so you will spend most of the day travelling. Travel by train to Pukuwerto City (approximately 5.5 hours), then take a private minibus to Pangandaran (approximately 3 hours). Pangandaran is a small fishing village popular with visitors looking for a coastal escape. The Penanjung Nature Reserve on the adjoining peninsula boasts some impressive flora and fauna.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Pangandaran – Guided trek in coastal reserve – IDR200000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 4 Pangandaran
Set off on a tour of the local surrounds, villages, cottage industries and the impressive green canyon. Your day trip begins with a stop at a local market to check out the produce and home industries such as palm sugar and rice cracker production, as well as the famous Javanese ‘Wayan Golek’ (traditional wooden puppets). Then you’ll continue to the Green Canyon. Hop aboard your boat and travel upriver (approximately 30 minutes) through superb jungle scenery, before stopping for a swim up into the canyon itself. This spot, whose water is green as its name suggests, is a popular hangout for locals, so take the opportunity to interact. Your day concludes at a nearby beach where you can take a break for lunch and swim in the afternoon before heading back.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pangandaran – Green Canyon and local industries tour
- Boat Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Note that after times of heavy rain the water runs brown rather than green.
Weak swimmers are advised to continue wearing their life jackets for swimming in the Canyon.
Day 5 Yogyakarta
Head inland by private minibus (approximately 1 hour) before catching a train to Yogyakarta (approximately 4 hours). This town is one of South-East Asia’s real gems. It’s Java’s cultural heart, has a great atmosphere and is an Intrepid favourite. From batik workshops to the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples, ‘Yogya’ offers a great array of cultural avenues to explore.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Yogyakarta – Ramayana Ballet – IDR350000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 6 Yogyakarta
Rise early to catch the morning light and avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This magnificent World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park. As you approach, you’ll see the enigmatic temple rise before you, looming above the tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. It’s truly one of South East Asia’s treasures. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon of free time. You might like to visit one of Yogya’s other heritage temples – this time perhaps of the Hindu variety. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java.
This evening perhaps catch a performance of the epic Ramayana Ballet. Your leader will be able to check dates and availability for you.
This evening perhaps catch a performance of the epic Ramayana Ballet. Your leader will be able to check dates and availability for you.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yogyakarta – Borobudur temple complex tour
Optional Activities
- Yogyakarta – Prambanan temple complex – IDR450000
- Yogyakarta – City Walking Tour – IDR510000
- Yogyakarta – Silver jewellery making course – IDR510000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 7 Yogyakarta
Pedal out of the city on a cycling tour (approximately 6 km) through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. See the locals in this area making various goods, from bricks to tofu to tempe. As well as palms and lush green grasslands, you will see the odd burst of yellow and pink flowers by the side of the road, which make for great photo opportunities. This cycling tour is on relatively flat ground, so it won’t be too strenuous. There will be ample time to take in all the interesting scenes of slow-paced local life.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yogyakarta – cycling tour
Optional Activities
- Yogyakarta – Cooking course – IDR510000
- Yogyakarta – Yoga Class – IDR510000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
If you do not wish to cycle you leader can arrange a motorized Becak.
Day 8 Seloliman Nature Reserve
Travel by train (approximately 4.5 hours) before transferring on a minivan (approximately 1 hour) to Seloliman Nature Reserve. The peaceful Seloliman Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan volcano. Meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. The centre’s accommodation is atmospheric, with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature – be sure to sit under the stars tonight and take in the ambience of the mountainous surrounds.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Please note our accommodation tonight is in basic chalets. Due to the jungle location there are lots of insects and reptiles.
Day 9 Mt Bromo
Travel by train (approximately 4.5 hours) before transferring on a minivan (approximately 1 hour) to Seloliman Nature Reserve. The peaceful Seloliman Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of the sacred Penanggungan volcano. Meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. The centre’s accommodation is atmospheric, with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature – be sure to sit under the stars tonight and take in the ambience of the mountainous surrounds.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Please note our accommodation tonight is in basic chalets. Due to the jungle location there are lots of insects and reptiles.
Day 10 Kalibaru
Your early start today (around 3.30am) will be well worth it. You’ll climb to a nearby hill for fantastic views over Mt Bromo. The ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don’t forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It’s also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. If the weather is clear, the sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, catch a bus transfer to Probolingo and travel by train to Kalibaru (approximately 4.5 hours). You’ll stop for lunch en route, then arrive in the afternoon, with time to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mt Bromo – Sunrise climb
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
At times of increased volcanic activity the crater of Mt Bromo is closed. There may be amendments to your sunrise hike and this portion of the trip depending on necessary safety precautions.
Day 11 Pemuteran
Your early start today (around 3.30am) will be well worth it. You’ll climb to a nearby hill for fantastic views over Mt Bromo. The ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don’t forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It’s also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. If the weather is clear, the sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, catch a bus transfer to Probolingo and travel by train to Kalibaru (approximately 4.5 hours). You’ll stop for lunch en route, then arrive in the afternoon, with time to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mt Bromo – Sunrise climb
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
At times of increased volcanic activity the crater of Mt Bromo is closed. There may be amendments to your sunrise hike and this portion of the trip depending on necessary safety precautions.
Day 12 Pemuteran
Enjoy a relaxing day in this gorgeous beachside spot. Maybe start the day with a relaxing yoga class and then explore the local area at your own pace. Visit the surrounding monkey-filled temples, go swimming, snorkelling, or simply sit back, relax and watch the fishermen go about their work.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Pemuteran – Yoga lesson – IDR220000
- Pemuteran – Jungle trekking – IDR650000
- Pemuteran – Snorkelling – IDR650000
- Pemuteran – Temple tour – IDR275000
- Pemuteran – Cooking class – IDR250000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 13 Ubud
Make the short journey to Ubud (approximately 5 hours). En route, stop in at Taman Ayun Temple, taking in the impressive Balinese architecture while you stroll around the tranquil gardens. Ubud is Bali’s main arts and cultural centre, recently made famous by the Hollywood movie ‘Eat Pray Love’. It’s a wonderful place to experience the magic that has made Bali such a popular travel destination.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mengwi – Taman Ayu Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 14 Ubud
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There is plenty to see and do if you’re staying longer. Hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding rice paddies and small villages; or visit galleries, museums and handicraft merchants in town.
Optional Activities
- Ubud – Cooking class – IDR350000
- Ubud – Yoga lesson – IDR100000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
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DepartureJakarta, Indonesia
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Departure Time6 PM
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Return Time6 PM
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Included12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinnerFerry, Private Minibus, Private Bus, Taxi, TrainGuesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (10 nights)
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Not Included
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