Indonesia – Java, Bali & Beyond

Board an overnight flight to Java, the largest and most lively island of the Indonesian archipelago. 

Landing in Surabaya, you’ll be collected from the airport by your friendly, local tour manager and head to your first hotel. From here, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in. You can enjoy the hotel’s rooftop terrace, with its swimming pool area, for panoramic views over the buzzing city streets.

Rise this morning, with breakfast at your hotel, and prepare to leave the bustle of Surabaya behind as you head south to easy-going Malang. Across the two-hour coach ride, familiarise yourself with the expansive farmland, dense foliage and mountain peaks that are characteristic of Java’s countryside.

Upon arrival in Malang, a delightful hilltop market town, home to several renowned universities, join your tour manager for an exploration of the area. You’ll start at Ijen Boulevard, a palm-lined street which is home to the city’s most affluent residents and boasts a wealth of colonial Dutch architecture. Afterwards, continue to the neighbouring Tumpang province with its vast volcanic landscapes.

As you venture deeper into the region’s Bromo Tengger Semeru Nature Park at sunset. Stop first at Java’s famous ‘Sea of Sand’, an expansive sheet of volcanic ash covering the foothills of Mount Bromo. Watch as the light of the setting sun casts shadows over its dunes and ridges. After a brief photo stop, make your way to the verdant Coban Pelangi Waterfalls, where you can take a gentle stroll to its most impressive jungle overlooks, as you enter the National Park you will then swap your coach for a jeep.

A walk to Crater Rim follows and offers an exhilarating viewing experience, bringing the group to the very edge of Mount Bromo’s volcanic craters. Given that Bromo is an active volcano, your tour manager will assess which of the craters will offer the best sights while keeping your safety front of mind. Complete with lunar-like vistas, Bromo’s Crater Rim offers the perfect introduction to Java’s unforgettable natural wonders. As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way around a series of viewpoints, located around the outer reaches of Mount Bromo, for scenic photo stops.

This evening, head west to nearby Cemoro Lawang to your next hotel, Bromo’s JiwaJawa Resort. Purpose built with sustainability in mind, this property allows you to be immersed in Bromo’s hillside landscapes, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from its grounds. You’ll have the rest of the night at leisure, perhaps visiting its art gallery, showcasing the work of local artists, or open-air amphitheatre, which often hosts Javanese musicians.

Set out in the early hours of the morning for a drive back into the foothills of Mount Bromo and to view it in a whole new light. As the sun breaks over the volcanic peaks, you’ll see Bromo at its most picturesque, shrouded in golden light and the morning’s mist. After admiring the sunrise, drive up to the reserve’s parking area, where you can walk up to Bromo’s summit (depending on volcanic activity around your chosen departure date).Then, return to the hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. 

A unique opportunity to connect with your hotel’s local areas awaits this afternoon with a walking tour of a neighbouring village, Cemoro Lawang. With stretches of farmland sprawling across the region’s rolling hills, this small settlement boasts some of Bromo’s most picturesque scenery and you’ll discover the lush vegetable gardens that thrive in the region’s volcanic soil. Standing over 2,000 meters above sea-level on the edge of the Tengger Caldera, this hamlet also boasts extraordinary views of Mount Batok and its neighbouring peak Mount Bromo. Later this evening, return to your hotel.

Wake up to a final breakfast in Bromo ahead of a train ride to Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural hub. After checkout, you’ll be driven back to Malang and given a packed lunch before boarding a train for the journey west, via Mojokerto. Arriving this afternoon at Yogyakarta’s Tugu station, in the heart of the city, travel to your next hotel. 

Later this evening, witness the vibrant city streets through the eyes of a local with an immersive tour in the company of a friendly, local guide. After an introductory talk, outlining the cultures and history of the city, stroll to the Alun-Alun Kidul (Southern Plaza). This colourful public square blends the city’s regal history with modern attractions and is a favourite recreation spot amongst Yogyakarta’s locals.  

You can also take part in the Masangin tradition, which challenges visitors to walk blindfolded in a straight line to the parting between the square’s twin banyan trees. According to local legend, those who successfully navigate the gap between the trees blind will be blessed with good fortune and may have their wishes granted.  

Before returning to the hotel, try some authentic Javanese street food from one of the food stalls or take in the charm of the city from the back of a neon-lit becak (cycle-drawn carriage). As one of Indonesia’s oldest forms of public transport, these cycle-drawn carriages allow you to view the city at its most authentic.  

If you have time, your guide may invite you to see a Wayang performance (payable locally). This is a traditional Indonesian puppet show, which depicts the most popular myths of the Hindu epics.  

This morning, get yourself ready for a full day's exploration of one of Indonesia’s most significant religious sites, the magnificent 9th-century Borobudur Temple, and a charming village on its periphery. 

Leave the hotel by coach after breakfast and head to the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple. Officially named the world’s largest Buddhist shrine, the complex has stood guard over the Central Javanese hillside for over 1,100 years. As you approach this grand structure, see its jagged spines transform into a collection of intricate stupas (traditional Buddhist prayer domes). Though visitors are no longer allowed to climb the temple’s six platforms, you can view its inner chambers. As you wander these ancient halls, keep an eye out for the 500 intricate statues and 2,672 relief panels that line its walls. At the end of the visit, have some tea and snacks before reboarding your coach. 

You’ll then stop at the nearby village of Candirejo, home to terraced rice paddies and traditional Javanese cottages. Accompanied by a local guide, enjoy an introduction to life in the village and learn about its multi-crop farming system. You might also get to help pick fruit from the village’s groves (depending on harvest season) before stopping for lunch locally.

Have an early breakfast then venture out for the morning sightseeing excursion from the front of a becak.  

Weaving through Yogyakarta’s busy streets, revisit Alun-Alun Kidul, where you’ll see the square’s sprawling twin banyan trees in the daylight, before continuing to the picturesque Taman Sari (Water Castle). Once the site of the city’s royal gardens, this landmark features an ornate bath complex at its centre and is flanked by two large lake gardens complete. You’ll then have free time to take in the Taman Sari with a gentle stroll around this former retreat of the city’s royal family, before your becak driver takes you to the Kraton.  

This vast citadel is still used as the official residence of the city’s reigning Sultan and boasts intricate facades, open-air pavilions and grand medieval walls. Armed with expert knowledge of the palace, your becak driver will showcase a collection of lesser-known treasures across the complex’s most secluded corners. You can also see its museum and admire the historic royal artefacts.  

You’ll then exit via the Kraton’s northern gates for a short trip to the Sonobudoyo Museum. Here, delve into authentic traditional clothing and other important relics of Javanese culture. From Neolithic pots and the earliest signs of civilisation on Java, this museum’s collection is second only to Jakarta’s National Museum in size. Your final stop on this morning's tour will be the popular Malioboro Road, home to a collection of boutiques, for some shopping amongst the city’s locals.  

Bidding farewell to your becak driver, relax at the hotel before taking to Yogyakarta’s northern outskirts for a captivating visit to the enchanting Hindu temple, Prambanan. This UNESCO-listed 9th-century sanctuary is the largest of its kind in Indonesia and boasts 240 temple structures for you to explore. Accompanied by your tour manager, spend the afternoon admiring the complex’s pointed towers, impressive interiors and shrines dedicated to the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.  

As night falls, you’ll have the option to watch a thrilling Ramayana dance performance, depicting the acclaimed Hindu epic of the same name. This traditional Javanese performance has been practised for centuries and you’ll see Hindu mythology dramatically brought to life. After the show, you’ll be served dinner at the temple before reconvening at the hotel. 

Enjoy breakfast ahead of a short flight to idyllic Bali, Indonesia’s most visited island haven. After landing, head to your next hotel in the picturesque town of Ubud, where you can relax in its two outdoor swimming pools or perhaps enjoy a treatment in its spa area. This boutique hotel also features stellar views over the town’s far-reaching rice paddies, and you’ll be able to admire them from its palm-lined terraces and elegant Balinese restaurant.  

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, witness the enchanting journey of Ubud’s native fireflies with a gentle stroll around the town’s terraced rice paddies and woodland trails. Your guide will introduce you to the Balinese Tri Hita Karana, a traditional philosophy which advocates for a close relationship between human civilisation and the natural world. While you walk in search of the native fireflies, learn about their spiritual significance in Balinese folklore. These insects are said to guide Bali’s lost souls and feature heavily in the customs and beliefs of the island’s residents.  

Along the way, see how Ubud’s local community continue to observe Tri Hita Karana with a walk through the town’s jungle-side plantations and farms. These unpolluted areas provide the ideal habitat for fireflies and are protected by the town’s ‘Bring Back the Light’ conservation initiative, which aims to mitigate the harmful impact of urbanisation on these enchanting insects.  

Your guide will also introduce you to a range of native herbs, vegetables and fruits, and their cultural significance in Balinese cuisine, before showcasing how to prepare them with a cooking masterclass.  

After breakfast, start the day with a stroll, in the company of your guide, to the town’s colourful street market. As you walk through the stalls, this is the perfect opportunity for some souvenir shopping, and you’ll have time here to meet the local vendors and peruse their artisanal goods. If you’re feeling hungry, you can also sample the market’s authentic Indonesian street food. 

From here, continue to the town’s magnificent royal palace, known locally as Puri Saren Agung, where you can explore its exquisite carved halls and traditional Balinese architecture. First built in the 19th century, this opulent complex houses an impressive collection of stone-cut sculptures.  

Later this evening, watch an unmissable celebration of colour and music with a Balinese dance performance in the palace courtyard. Over this hour-long display, you’ll see the island’s ancient customs brought to life with a glimpse of Balinese fashions, ceremonies and cultural norms.

Get ready with breakfast before setting off for the neighbouring town of Tampaksiring. Upon arrival, you can embrace Balinese tradition by preparing a Canang (flower offering) at the local temples. Your guide will explain the historical significance of these ceremonies and you’ll be invited to purify yourself in the shrines’ sacred baths. 

You’ll then make your way to the breath-taking Gunung Kawi. This 11th-century burial ground, featuring 10 rock-cut shrines, commemorates the kings of the Udayana dynasty. Marvel at its impressive cliffside facades and the rice fields that surround it.  

Next, pay homage to Tampaksiring’s spectacular water temple, Pura Tirta Empul. A purification ritual in Hinduism, this landmark is built on top of an underground spring and showcases local traditions and religious beliefs. Your guide will walk you around the complex’s 14 waterspouts and historic Bhoma reliefs, which are believed to ward off bad spirits.  

Stop at a café for lunch, which is run by a group of local young people with special needs, before returning to the hotel. Perhaps take some time to unwind by the pool or visit the hotel’s charming gift shop for the perfect souvenir. You can also take a leisurely stroll around the property’s manicured grounds, or venture back into Ubud to its Hindu temples and local area at your own pace.

Before waving goodbye to charming Ubud, pack your bathing suit and experience a day in the life of a Balinese local. This excursion takes you beyond the popular tourist hotspots and offers a unique perspective on the daily goings-on of rural living in Bali.  

Start by walking to the family’s compound along the riverside, taking in three of the 11 underground springs that feed it. As you pass the rice paddies, learn about the 9th-century subak system, an irrigation network that connects five terraced farms to the regional water temples. During this journey, you’ll be offered some authentic Balinese snacks. At the end of your walk, you’ll be free to bathe in the river’s last spring while your hosts prepare lunch. Using only locally sourced ingredients, including fish and vegetables, dishes will be prepared on a traditional wood-fired stove. Settle in and share this authentic Balinese meal with the local family at the end of an enriching visit. 

After an immersive 10-day tour of Indonesia’s most impressive cultural sites and lively cityscapes, drive to Bali’s glorious south coast for the first of three days at leisure. Famed for its idyllic white-sand beaches, shallow reefs and calm waters, Bali has cultivated a reputation as one of the world’s finest seafront destinations and promises the perfect setting for a relaxing wish-list retreat.

Arrive in idyllic Nusa Dua, a beachfront area a short distance south of the Balinese capital, Denpasar. After checking in, you'll have the evening at leisure to settle in, perhaps enjoying a cocktail or two at the bar.  

Kick off your rejuvenating beach retreat with the first of three full days at leisure on Bali’s glorious south coast and spend the day as you see fit. Set only a short drive from the island’s capital, Denpasar, your Nusa Dua-based resort offers the ideal starting point from which to enjoy self-guided exploration. If you'd prefer a slower-paced day, the town’s pristine waterfront promises a serene escape from the noise of the city while your resort boasts a well-appointed spa to help you relax. With shallow lagoons, complete with clear turquoise waters and colourful sea life, the region is perfect for paddling, swimming and snorkelling.  

For a more active few days on the island’s south coast, consider signing up for one or two of the resort’s optional activities. From Balinese cooking classes and yoga sessions to water sports on the waves, you’ll have plenty of choice. With bicycle hire available from the hotel, you can also take in the very best of the area’s wildlife-rich coastal landscapes with a gentle waterfront ride.  

Today, you’ll also have the option to join a Salak Agro Jeep tour, taking in the island’s most enchanting natural stretches and the rare Snake Fruit plantations. You can enjoy stunning views of secluded villages, and engage with the people that live there, with a few brief stops en route. You’ll then come to your first plantation, where and have the chance to pick a few Salak fruits. The farmers will explain the cultural significance of these rare fruits, from their uses in ceremonial rites and traditional medicine to their role as a symbol of Balinese hospitality – try one with a fresh coconut.   

From here, your driver will take you to a hilltop viewpoint to soak up panoramic views of the region’s alpine vistas. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see the distant peaks of Mount Agung and Rinjani.

Make a final stop at a nearby village, renowned for its rice wines, and witness the production process first-hand. Take a short coffee break at a local house, and enjoy a traditional Balinese snack, before driving up to a second viewpoint for a traditional Balinese lunch in the jungle.

Another day at leisure on Bali’s picturesque south coast awaits this morning, and you can venture into nearby Denpasar if you’d like. With a host of ancient coastal temples, lively marketplaces and high-end beach resorts, the Balinese capital promises no shortage of exciting ways to make the most of your time. Particularly worth a visit is the impressive Bajra Sandhi Monument, which chronicles the history of Bali’s local populations.  

No trip to Denpasar would be complete without a sunset visit to the charming Sindhu Night Market for a taste of some of Bali’s favourite local delicacies.  

Today marks your final full day in glorious Bali, and you’ll have one more chance to make the most of your four-star resort and nearby Nusa Dua. Spend time soaking in the sun on the island’s seafront, take a treatment or two at the resort’s spa or immerse yourself in the local communities. 

However you choose to spend your day, return to the resort this evening for a special farewell dinner in the company of your fellow guests. 

This morning, have breakfast at the resort before driving to Denpasar airport to board a flight back to the UK.

Touch down in the UK this morning at the end of an extraordinary escape to Southeast Asia.