Exotic Java and Bali
Exotic Java and Bali
Exotic Java and Bali
14 Days Starting in Yogyakarta and ending in Sanur
Visiting: Yogyakarta, Keniten, Borobudur, Malang, Mount Bromo, Kalibaru, Bali, Pemuteran, Munduk, Ubud, Sanur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1900NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Strolling past lush rice paddies, walking up steaming volcanoes and venturing through ancient Hindu temples, we discover the best of Java and Bali on this tour taking in the highlights of Indonesia.
Yogyakarta - Explore the cultural heartland of Java by cyclo-rickshaw
Mount Bromo - Witness the sunrise from the peaks of surrounding volcanoes
Ubud - Walk through rice paddies and discover the 'Monkey Temple' in this bohemian town
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In Yogyakarta
Location: Yogyakarta
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Our tour starts late afternoon in Yogyakarta. Situated almost exactly halfway along the length of Java, in an area considered to be the heartland of the Javanese, Yogakarta is home to some of the island's oldest traditions and blessed with a rich, fertile soil from the volcanic ash. It is the cultural capital of Java, with a real mixture of cultural influences, including Hindu and Buddhist temples, dating from the 8th century, Islamic Palaces from the 18th century and Dutch colonial architecture that harks back to the days when the Netherlands held much of Java in its imperialistic grip.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Yogyakarta at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Yogyakarta International Airport, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information over breakfast on day two.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to wonder down Malioboro Street and try any of the fantastic street vendors, or explore a former colonial fortress, which now houses Fort Vredeburg Museum.
Day 2: In Yogyakarta, Explore By Cycle Rickshaw; Visit Prambanan Hindu Temple For Sunset
Location: Keniten, Yogyakarta
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we enjoy a fun tour of Yogyakarta by 'becaks', a cycle rickshaw where the driver sits and peddles behind the passenger. The ride will take us to the Kraton Palace and Taman Sari Water Castle. Built by Java's first ruling sultan, Mangkubumi, the palace lies at the heart of a walled city that houses tens of thousands of people, whilst parts of the outer walls are still occupied by Javanese royalty. Later we drive out of the city, heading for the Hindu temple complex of the Prambanan Plain. This remarkable area is home to an incredible array of temples and palaces from the 8th and 9th centuries. We stay here to watch the sunset before returning to Yogyakarta.
Day 3: From Yogyakarta, Visit Borobodur Buddhist Temple Complex
Location: Borobudur
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we head west to Borobodur, the largest and most impressive Buddhist monument in the southern hemisphere. Constructed in the 8th century this incredible monument, a petrified vision of the Buddhist cosmos, was lost for 900 years when Mount Merapi erupted and covered Borobodur in a layer of volcanic ash. The structure itself is immense, a gigantic Buddhist stupa constructed from two million blocks that covers an area of 200sq metres and rises some 34.5 metres above the Kedu Plain. Older by nearly half a century than the site at Prambanan, Borobodur is believed to have been built on the top of the foundations for what was originally a temple dedicated to Shiva, abandoned by the Hindu Sanjayas when their Buddhist rivals the Saliendras swept through the Malay peninsula during the 8th century.
A combination of earthquakes, subsidence and the mass migration of the Javanese to the east of the island saw the temple abandoned sometime during the 9th century, to be rediscovered again later by the British. Substantial work has been carried out to salvage the exquisite carvings and designs that adorn the structure and we can wander through the site today and marvel at the incredible detail of its narrative panels, which detail everything from Buddhist doctrines to the daily life of the Javanese. We return to Yogyakarta later in the afternoon. There is the opportunity to view a performance of Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic in the evening.
Day 4: Take A Train Through Central Java To Malang. Evening Orientation Of City
Location: Malang
Accommodation: Hotel
Leaving Yogyakarta this morning we make the short transfer to the station where we board the express train to the Javan city of Malang . The Malioboro Express takes around eight hours to rumble through the heart of Java, sweeping past lush rice paddies, rural villages and through lively provincial towns that buzz with daily life. The carriages are air-conditioned with comfortable reclinable seats, power sockets and there are toilets at the end of each carriage.
The train is due into the city of Malang in the late afternoon. After some free time to freshen up, we head out this evening for a short orientation tour of Malang's charming colonial architecture, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Drive To Mount Bromo; Walk Through Sand Sea
Location: Mount Bromo
Accommodation: Hotel
We make an early start this morning to visit the flower market in Malang before driving around 4 hours to Cemoro Lawang to bring us closer to Mount Bromo. We must change our vehicle for the last part of our journey as we head off the main road. We arrive in time for a late lunch break, after which our tour leader will take us for a three hour trek through the Sand Sea towards Mount Bromo.
Day 6: Optional Sunrise At Mount Penanjakan With Views Of Mount Bromo; Drive To Kalibaru
Location: Mount Bromo
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, in the early hours of the morning, you have the option to take an excursion, by jeep and on foot, to the slopes of Mount Penanjakan (2770m) for spectacular views of Mount Bromo crater for sunrise. The trip then drives across the Sand Sea of the caldera towards the crater itself, admiring the beautiful pink glow of our surroundings as the sun slowly rises. Volcanoes have mystified man since the earliest of times, and with this breathtaking scene laid out before us this morning it is easy to understand why. Mid morning we will continue our journey to Kalibaru, which will be our base for two nights.
Day 7: Explore The Plantations Of Kalibaru , Then Take The Ferry To Bali
Location: Kalibaru
Accommodation: Hotel
We set off this morning to explore the plantation's extensive grounds on foot. This area is known locally to produce excellent nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, cocoa, coffee and coconuts. We learn how each crop is grown and harvested, along with a demonstration of how palm sugar is processed, a staple ingredient in this part of the world. In the afternoon we continue our journey east, driving to the port town of Ketapang. It is from here we wave goodbye to Java and catch a ferry to our next Indonesian island, Bali. Once on the \ Hindu Island\ , we continue by bus, driving along the scenic coastal road to the relaxed beach-side town of Pemuteran.
Day 8: Free Day At The Beach In Pemuteran. Optional Snorkelling Or Mangrove Walk
Location: Bali
Accommodation: Hotel
Pemuteran is a laid-back village located on Bali's northern coastline, tucked far away from the beach hot spots in the south. Its lack of surf means it's not a popular haunt for surfers either, but instead is a perfect secluded spot for swimming and snorkelling. Pemuteran and its villagers have witnessed the effect of over-tourism in other resorts in Bali, and are taking active steps to avoid the same pitfalls. They have set up a community-wide initiative which tightly controls any building and development, and they operate a fascinating environmental project they call \ Bio Rocks\ . Before being made illegal, vast swathes of the local coral had been destroyed by dynamite fishing, so the coral is now being grown back with the aid of a low-voltage electricity supply, returning at a rate estimated to be five times faster.
Today has been left free to explore the village or to relax on the beach and soak up Pemuteran's laid-back atmosphere. There are also a variety of optional excursions to choose from, including a half-day snorkelling trip, mangrove walk or a trip out to West Bali National Park which is particularly popular for those interested in birdlife.
Day 9: Free Morning In Pemuteran. Afternoon Drive Inland To The Village Of Munduk
Location: Pemuteran, Munduk
Accommodation: Hotel
There is a further free morning in Pemuteran today, and after lunch we continue along the scenic coastal road before turning inland. The road begins to twist and turn through the forest until we reach the small farming community of Munduk. The town enjoys an enviable position sitting higher in altitude than most of the island, and the cooler climes offer some respite from Bali's humidity. Munduk is home to a community of farmers that serve the myriad of surrounding plantations and rice paddies, and we hope to arrive in time for a sundowner as we climb to a viewpoint to watch the day turn to night and the sun dip into the forests below.
Day 10: Morning Walk Past Waterfalls And Plantations. Afternoon Drive To Ubud.
Location: Ubud
Accommodation: Hotel
As far as tourism is concerned, Munduk very much sits in the shadows of its more popular cousin Ubud. Its small village offers few familiar concessions to modern tourists, but its surrounding countryside hides towering waterfalls, lush rice paddies and colourful plantations, and this morning we set off on foot to explore these surroundings. Our walk takes us through plantations of banana, cocoa and coffee, where we learn how the locals grow, harvest and sell these vital crops to support their families, and have been doing so for generations. We continue the walk through forests before reaching the impressive Melanting and Munduk waterfalls, which offer a great place to break for a snack and for photo opportunities. We continue back to Munduk village where we end the morning's walk, a total of around four hours and six kilometres.
After lunch, we continue our drive down through the island's lush centre to the beating heart of Bali's bohemian culture, Ubud.
Day 11: In Ubud, Walk Through Rice Paddies; Free Afternoon
Location: Ubud
Accommodation: Hotel
We start our day with an orientation walk around the rice paddy fields, learning about local farming techniques and the life of the farmers here. The rest of the day is free to explore the town on your own. There's the option to visit some of the various handicraft workshops for which Ubud is famous, or cultural sites such as the Goa Gajah cave, Yeh Pulu rock carvings and the Pejeng Temple. Balinese art reflects many of the traditions and culture of the islands, recounting religious and historical epics, elements of puppet theatre and even real life, and in Ubud you can find some of the finest examples of the work anywhere in the archipelago.
Day 12: Free Morning In Ubud; Drive To Sanur
Location: Ubud, Sanur
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning our time is free to enjoy Ubud further before we check-out and make the one hour journey to our final stop at Sanur on Bali's south east coast, where we find white sand beaches. Sanur has a village feel and while there are several hotels and resorts it retains a certain charm. There a plenty of small shops for souvenir shopping, a selection of restaurants both on the main street and on the palm fringed beach front.
Day 13: In Sanur; Free Day
Location: Sanur
Accommodation: Hotel
Your time is free today to enjoy this small beach resort. Optional excursions for those who wish to be more active include excursions to explore either east or south Bali.
Day 14: Tour Ends In Sanur
Location: Sanur
Our tour ends after breakfast, but depending on flight times there may be the opportunity to enjoy the beach this morning for one last time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 13
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Fully Guided
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
This overland journey takes you right across Indonesia's best known islands of Java and Bali. This holiday is ideal for travellers interested in the culture of the region, who also enjoy being a little more active as there are opportunities to climb two volcanoes for truly breathtaking views. You will also walk through villages on Java and finish of with relaxing one of Bali's many beaches. For travellers wishing to see dolphins we offer this popular excursion on this tour.
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
11 nights comfortable hotel
2 nights simple hotel
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate as tour is full on
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.