Luxury Java to Bali Overland Grand Traverse Culture & Adventure 14D13N, Fully Guided

Be greeted by your guide and driver upon arrival at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, and transfer to your hotel in Borobudur.

You will pass Salak (snake skin fruit) plantation and note the cooler weather due to the higher altitude. You will also experience rice paddies and authentic village life. After about an hour and half, the cycle ends at the junction leading down to Pasir Putih, a clear white sandy beach with beautiful views.

Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Optional Tour: After taking some time to freshen up and relax in the hotel, meet with the guide again in the mid-afternoon and take a visit to two small temples in the vicinity of Borobudur. Visit Mendut, a pyramid-shaped temple housing three impressively carved stone statues and Pawon Temple, a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry.

Be sure go to bed early in preparation for the sunrise experience the next day.

Recommended flights: Silk Air from Singapore to Yogyakarta MI152 arriving at 9:30 am on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

Note: Check in time at 2:00 pm (an early check-in might be possible; a guaranteed early check-in can be pre-booked. Additional cost applies)

Walking distance: approx. 2 hours (easy grade, plus some leisure walk)

Wake up early this morning for a departure at dawn around 4:00 am to Borobudur temple. Dawn is the most mystical time to see the temple. The sun rises over the structure in the tranquil morning air, before the tourists flock-in. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at leisure. There is an option to take lunch (not included) at the restaurant, from where there will be views of the temple in the horizon.

This afternoon, set off and discover some of the best kept secrets of Central Java and the surroundings of Magelang.

The private museum of Dr. Oei Hong Djien has one of the most comprehensive collections of modern and contemporary Indonesian art. It features paintings, sculptures, installations and new media art.

Continue to a small village on the slopes of Mt. Sumbing for a two-hour hike with easy trekking through beautifully terraced rice fields and plantations to Selogriyo Temple. The structure of the temple itself is rather modest but the walk there is beautiful and resembles some of the finest landscapes in Java.

Return to the hotel in Borobudur.

Walking distance: at leisure

Check out after breakfast and continue to Yogyakarta. The town is considered to be the cradle of Javanese culture, and until today it serves as an important centre of art and education.

Visit the Sultan's Palace. Also known as Kraton, it was constructed between 1756 and 1790, and is one of the best examples of traditional Javanese architecture. This museum, showcasing Javanese relics, remains to be the residence of the Sultan today. Depending on the day of visit, there will be cultural performances ranging from Golek Menak puppet performances to classical Javanese poetry performances known as Macapat. Continue on foot to Taman Sari Water Palace. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan to provide bathing pools for women in his home.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Check in at the hotel.

This afternoon proceed to Prambanan; explore the ancient Hindu temples in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan, located 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta. Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples while walking around.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Your accommodation is at The Phoenix Yogyakarta - MGallery, an heritage hotel superbly located in the heart of Yogyakarta surrounded by famous attractive places.

Walking and cycling distance: approx. 1 hours walking and 1 hour cycling. Easy grade.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the old town of Yogyakarta, Kotagede. Meet a guide from the quarter and embark together on a leisurely cycling tour on a vintage bicycle.

Continue by bicycle to the central traditional market and take a tour of this bustling location. Resume the tour, arriving at the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta and dress in a traditional Javanese outfit, a sign of respect for the former kings, and then visit the Royal Cemetery of the First King of the Mataram Kingdom.

Next you will join in a Batik Workshop and visit a traditional batik factory to be introduced to one of Indonesia’s most famous crafts. Not only will you learn about the ancient techniques and observe skilled craftsmen, but you will also have the chance to create your own batik. Start from scratch, making a design, applying wax and mixing your own dye. Your creation will be delivered to your hotel after drying.

Return to hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Yogyakarta Railway Station for an early scenic train ride to Malang via Mojokerto in East Java. The train departs at 6:45 am. Be accompanied by the guide on this journey.

Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and a good way to see the the volcanic landscapes of central and East Java.

Upon arrival in Mojokerto, meet your local driver at the railway station.

On the way to Malang, stop for a visit of the charming Singosari Hindu temple dating back from the 13th century.

Continue to Malang, check in hotel and enjoy the remaining afternoon.

Your accommodation is at Tugu Malang Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel in Malang East Java which celebrates Indonesia's rich culture within its design and renowned art and antique collections. At Hotel Tugu Malang, you'll travel back in time to Indonesia's rich culturally past.

This morning after breakfast, take a short tour to Malang by becak, a local rickshaw. Cruise past the grand colonial-era buildings on the streets of Malang, the bird and flower markets and the Chinese temple Eng An Kiong before finally finishing at the city cathedral.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Have an early night in Malang and get ready for an early departure next day.

Awake early this morning and check out of the hotel before dawn for a drive to Puspo in the Bromo area. Then continue by 4x4 jeep and drive through the scenic caldera to the eastern gate of Bromo Tenger National Park.

Once inside the park, head to Mt. Penanjakan which is a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and the surrounding area. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan.

Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ash-covered ground create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon.

After breakfast, continue to the station and catch the train to Banyuwangi. The train departs at 11:04 am and arrives in Karangasem Railway Station, Banyuwangi at 3:20 pm. This is another opportunity to witness the exotic scenery of eastern Java. Lunch is prepared by the local restaurant and can be enjoyed during the trip on board the train.

Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check in to the hotel in Licin village near Ijen.

Your accommodation is at Jiwa Jawa Resort Ijen, located on the foothills of Ijen plateau, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and refreshing plantations. Due to remoteness, no luxury hotel is available in the area.

Walking distance: approx. 4 hours (moderate grade)

Awake early again this morning for an excursion to Mount Ijen. Breakfast is served at the hotel before setting off by 4x4 jeep. Reach Paltuding, the base camp of Kawah Ijen located at 1,850 metres above sea level. The trek to the top is 3 kilometres and follows a wide, packed dirt pathway for about 1.5 hours. At the top of Mount Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and during the walk, there may be encounters with men carrying loads of up to 70 km, often barefooted, down the mountainside.

Upon reaching the top (2,385m above sea level) there is time to enjoy the views of the Crater Lake which is 200 metres deep and contains about 36 million cubic metres of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim.

Mount Ijen is an active volcano therefore access is subject to volcanic activity at the time of visit. An alternative program to Kaliklatak coffee and rubber plantation will be provided if the volcano is closed during the visit.

Continue to Banyuwangi harbour and board a traditional Phinisi Schooner where brunch is served while crossing the Bali Strait and cruising towards Menjangan Island. Arrive at the holy island inhabited only by a few temple priests and jump off the boat, enjoying the colourful underwater world with a snorkelling session in the afternoon.

Later, continue the cruise toward the West Bali National Park.

Your accommodation is Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa, a tranquil hideaway located within the protected sanctuary of West Bali National Park.

Breakfast is served at the resort.

After the long overland journey across central and East Java, enjoy a tranquil day in the West Bali National Park situated right by the sea.

Unspoilt beauty lies at the west end of the fabled island of Bali: lush green forests, picturesque mountain range, crystal clear blue water, and vast stretches of pristine beaches, those are what await at the West Bali National Park. Home to over a hundred species of wildlife, the national park is best known as the sanctuary of the exotic white Bali Starling, an endemic iconic bird of the island of the gods.

The occasional deer or rabbit may pass by the villa.

From the jetty, there is direct access to beautiful snorkelling grounds.

Various activities, such as hiking, cycling, bird-watching, horse riding, snorkelling, diving or spa services are available (at your own arrangement and additional cost). There is also a beach club that has an inviting swimming pool.

Return to your accommodation.

Walking distance: approx. 2 hours (Moderate grade)

Be picked up by the guide and driver, and drive along the scenic road up into the hills.

Enjoy lunch with a view up in the mountains near Munduk – The view restaurant.

After lunch, check in to the accommodation in Munduk.

Munduk is the ideal location for outdoor activities and this afternoon, have the chance to explore this mountain village with a light trek. Munduk is surrounded by a tropical rainforest with beautiful waterfalls; because of its cool temperature (20-25°C) many fruits, vegetables and spices are grown in this area. Starting from the hotel, take a nice 2-hour trek in Munduk, exploring areas with numerous plantations including coffee, cloves and local spices. On the way back, stop at the village to taste the local coffee.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Your accommodation is at Munduk Moding Plantation. Set high on the slope of north bali mountain, the resort features stunning views of the Bali sea and the towering volcanoes in Java, providing a relaxing luxury escape.

Cycling distance: approx. 1 hour with e-bike (easy grade)

Depart after breakfast from Munduk and pass by the two volcanic lakes: Buyan and Tamblingan. Stop for photos and enjoy the scenery before descending to the thriving village of Bedugul.

Enroute, stop at the major water temple of Pura Ulun Danu by the shores of Batur Lake. Founded in the 17th century, this is perhaps one of the most photographed temples in Bali and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, featuring a beautiful thatched Hindu Meru which seems to float on the lake. This temple is also home to a Buddhist shrine and a small mosque.Walking distance: approx. 2 hours (Moderate grade)

Continue the drive to the rice terraces of Jatiluwih which is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique Subak irrigation system. Explore the terraces by e-bike for a comfortable experience viewing the best parts of the region. After a short safety briefing, set off for a 1-hour bicycle ride led by an experienced guide. Ride along farmers doing their daily routine and stop at Besi Kalung temple located in the middle of the rice fields.

Lunch will be served at a restaurant set in a bamboo forest. The restaurant is situated 900 meters above sea level on the slopes of the sacred Mount Batukaru in a tropical rainforest.

After lunch, continue to Ubud and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Your accommodation is at Uma by COMO, a mountainside luxury resort with streamlined and modern Asian design with the abundance of tropical greenery throughout.

Get a true taste of the local culture, traditions and lifestyles with this immersive Balinese Eat, Pray and Love experience.

Be picked up by the guide and driver at the hotel for a short drive to a small village known for its wood carving tradition just around 15 kilometres from Ubud. Once here, take part in activities that are 'uniquely Bali'. Receive a blessing by a pedanda, a traditional Balinese priest, meet an astrologer who uses ancient methods handed down from generation to generation to read fortunes.

Return to Ubud for lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, the Bridges restaurant located by the little bridge in the Champuhan Valley.

This afternoon, complete the experience with a relaxing 1 hour Balinese in massage followed by a flower bath at Taksu Spa.

Transfer back to the hotel early this evening and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Ubud and set off to South Bali, with a full-day exploration of the sun-kissed Bukit Peninsula, home to the important Uluwatu Temple and mecca for sun worshippers and surfers.

Spend the first half of the day at a cool beach club in a hidden cove, accessible only through electric funicular, worshipping the sun, chilling and relaxing by the turquoise sea.

Lunch will be served under the shade in Sunday Beach Club Bali (set menu).

In the early afternoon, continue to visit the impressive temple, majestically perched on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is one of the key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars.

Drive across the peninsula to Padang Padang for cocktail. A sundowner will be served at a restaurant venue atop the cliffs, from where panoramic views open up over the long 'Impossibles' break where surfers shred waves during the sunset.

Finally, venture to the Jimbaran hills and be greeted with a cocktail at beautiful venue atop an old stone quarry. Enjoy an Asian fusion tapas-style dinner at Opia Restaurant while watching airplanes landing and taking off at the horizon.

Your accommodation is at Belmond Jimbaran Puri, upholding a reputation as one of the island's finest tropical hideaways.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

This morning is spent at leisure until the transfer to Denpasar International Airport for the departure flight.