DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Jakarta
Fly overnight from the UK to Jakarta.

Day 2: Jakarta
On arrival, you will transfer to the lovely Alila Jakarta where you’ll be staying for 2 nights. Make the most of the great location of this hotel and explore more of Jakarta, including some of the capital’s best local restaurants which are just a short walk away.

Day 3: Jakarta
Today you’ll head out on a private city tour of Jakarta visiting the Presidential Palace, Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and the National Monument. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Old Batavia before heading off the tourist trail, meeting with friendly locals as you meander through hidden laneways and get under the skin of Jakarta.

Day 4: Jakarta to Borobudur
This morning you’ll transfer to the airport to fly to Yogyakarta. On arrival, you will be transferred to Borobudur where you’ll be staying at Plataran Heritage Hotel for 2 nights. Explore the town under your own steam in the afternoon and compare the differences to Jakarta, and then return to the pool to relax.

Day 5: Borobudur
Rise early this morning to visit Borobudur Temples Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, during sunrise – don’t forget your camera! Later you’ll return to your hotel for breakfast and in the afternoon, get a taste for local life with a horse cart ride through Candirejo Village. Ride through this peaceful village making stops to see scenes of local life such as farming crops and making cassava crackers.

Day 6: Borobudur to Yogyakarta
This morning you will transfer to a village near Gunung Merapi which offers stunning views of this volcano. Set off on a 15km bike ride (mostly downhill) passing through the beautiful countryside and villages. After your bike tour, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant with a magnificent view of the next stop of today’s itinerary: Prambanan Temple Compounds. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre before transferring to D’Omah Hotel to spend 2 nights.

Day 7: Yogyakarta
This morning you will be collected from your hotel to explore Kotagede on bicycle. This charming village retains some of Central Java’s best examples of traditional Javanese architecture. On arrival to the village you will visit a master baker’s house and sample Kembang Waru – a type of cookie only sold in Kotagede. Explore more of the village with your guide before enjoying a simple authentic lunch with a local family. Return to your hotel for a few hours at leisure before being collected for a delicious evening food tour of Yogyakarta.

Day 8: Yogyakarta to Jombang to Mount Bromo
Rise earlier this morning and transfer to the train station for a scenic train journey to Jombang with your guide. Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java. Meet with your driver and continue to the nearby Trowulan, the site of the former capital of the Majapahit Kingdom. Head for lunch in a local restaurant before proceeding to Mount Bromo. You’ll be staying for 1 night at Jiwa Jawa Bromo.

Day 9: Mount Bromo to Mount Ijen
Awake early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. You’ll travel by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and its surroundings. After sunrise, you’ll continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. Return to your hotel to freshen up and then head for the long scenic drive to your hotel near Mount Ijen. You’ll be staying at Jiwa Jawa Ijen for 1 night.

Day 10: Mount Ijen to Bali
Rise early again this morning for your sunrise trek of Mount Ijen. The trek is a gradual 3km climb that takes approximately 1½ hours. After your hike, return to your hotel to freshen up before transferring to Ketapang ferry terminal and crossing the Bali strait to the beautiful island of Bali. Your first stop in Bali is Menjangan where you’ll be staying at Menjangan Dynasty for 3 nights. Now’s a perfect time to relax by the pool and relax after your early mornings at the top of mountains in Java..

Day 11: Menjangan
Today you’ll enjoy a snorkelling tour of Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park, famous for being one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the region. Spend the day searching for colourful fish and coral. Enjoy a delicious lunch on your snorkelling trip and return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 12: Menjangan
You have a full day at leisure today to relax at your hotel and fully recharge

Day 13: Menjangan to Ubud
Today you’ll head from the coast to the centre of the island to the beautiful town of Ubud. You’ll make various stops along the way as you drive through beautiful luscious scenery and winding mountain roads. In Ubud, you will be staying at Blue Karma for 3 nights. Take a short taxi ride to the centre and  explore the town on foot and trial the many delicious restaurants.

Day 14: Ubud
Today you’ll get a true taste of Bali’s local culture, traditions, and lifestyles with an immersive Ubud day tour. First, you’ll meet a traditional shaman for a special Balinese blessing ceremony. Then you’ll join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class at Kayun House, a local organic restaurant. While the finishing touches are added, take a walk around the surrounding village compound before returning to the cooking school to enjoy a feast of traditional Balinese dishes. After lunch, it’s time to relax with a one-hour long Balinese massage. Feeling relaxed, you’ll start your journey back to your hotel with stops at Monkey Forest and Ubud Market.

Day 15: Ubud
This morning you’ll head to the beautiful Tegalalang rice fields for a leisurely trek through small villages and the luscious surroundings. You’ll then continue to Kintamani, Bali’s mountain region with Mt Batur as its stunning centrepiece. Enjoy the remarkable views here and a delicious local lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the enchanting temple complexes of Titra Empul, and Gunung Kawi before returning to your hotel with the evening at leisure.

Day 16: Ubud to Seminyak
Mid-morning, you’ll be collected for a day in the sun-kissed Bukit peninsula – the southern tip of the island of Bali. Spend the late morning at a beach club in a hidden cover, only accessible by electric funicular, where you’ll also enjoy lunch. Afternoon, visit the impressive Uluwatu Temple perched on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Then, you’ll head to a restaurant near Padang Padang Beach where you’ll enjoy a refreshing sundowner and watch the local surfers catching some waves. Finish your evening at another restaurant and enjoy a delicious Asian fusion tapas-style dinner.

Day 17: Seminyak
A full day at leisure to spend on the beach or in the pool. Recharge your batteries and soak up the last of the sun as you reflect on your Indonesia adventure.

Day 18: Bali to the UK
Today you’ll transfer to Denpasar Airport to check in for your flight back to the UK.

Day 19: UK
Welcome home!