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Cultural capital of Java

“Selamat Datang”! Your Guide is there to greet you upon your arrival at the airport and welcomes you in Indonesian. You will then go directly to your hotel in the city of Yogyakarta, where your trip to Indonesia begins. After dropping off your belongings, relax from your hours of flying at your hotel or explore the charming Prawirotaman district which is home to charming café terraces, restaurants and small local artisan shops.

This is an opportunity to discover the kindness and friendliness of the Indonesians. In the evening, why not enjoy a delicious Gudeg, made with jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. Night at the hotel Yogyakarta

This morning, get up at dawn to watch the sunrise from the top of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Dating from the 8th century, its architecture, the precision of its bas-reliefs, its countless Buddhas and its enormous bells make it a must-see in Indonesia.

You will enjoy a great lunch overlooking the rice fields and volcano before going to one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the country: Prambanan. Dating from the 19th century, you will be impressed by its architecture and grandeur.

Included activities :

• Yogyakarta – Borobudur temple
• Yogyakarta – prambanan temple

This morning after breakfast, ride a pedicab to a local market and maybe pick up some small bites or souvenirs. Discover the heritage of Kota Gede – renowned for its exceptional silver art and delectable cuisine. Then, dive into the ancient art of Batik with a hands-on class in a local village – you’ll learn how to draw with wax on cloth and create a masterpiece to take home. Tonight, try some local cuisine at an exclusive dinner at Gadjah Wong, which sits alongside the Gadjah Wong River.

Included activities :

• Yogyakarta – Kota Gede Neighbourhood Tour
• Yogyakarta – Palace Visit
• Yogyakarta – Batik Making Experience

Jodipan to Malang

This morning, you will take the train towards Mount Bromo. You arrive at Malang station after a 6.5 hour journey and you will be greeted by your driver who will take you to your hotel.

The path to get there is a real spectacle in itself. You will climb to altitude to enjoy a grandiose view of the mountains, the surrounding villages and other sloping plantations.

Wake up early and depart by Jeep to the summit of Mount Penanjakan from where you watch the morning mist gradually evaporate, revealing a breathtaking panorama of Bromo and Semeru. After strong emotions, you go back down in a jeep to begin your ascent, this time on foot, towards the crater and caldera of Mount Bromo in a desolate lunar landscape. An unforgettable experience that will remain one of the most beautiful memories of your trip. You enjoy walking around the crater, in front of which you are both frightened and amazed. Go back down to have breakfast then transfer to the famous Ijen volcano.

Included activities :

• Bromo – Bromo sunrise

Another emblematic peak of Java awaits you on this new tour day in Indonesia: Mount Ijen (2400 meters). After a short stop at Pal Tuding, you set off for a 3km hike (uphill) towards the crater of this exceptional volcano. This stage of your trip to Java offers you a most incredible panorama. The turquoise lake of the crater contrasts with the yellow of the sulphur vapors emanating from it. Coming back down, you return to your hotel to have breakfast and continue your journey to the island of Bali by ferry.

Included activities :

• Ijen – Creater Lake

Special information :

Today’s Climbing time is approximately 3 hours.

The summit trail starts more easily, while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.

Pamuteran

Enjoy a relaxing day in this gorgeous beachside location. Maybe start the day with a relaxing yoga class and then explore the local area at your own pace. You could visit the surrounding monkey-filled temples, go swimming off the coast, or think about booking in a snorkelling or diving expedition to the turquoise and marine life-rich waters of Menjangan Island. Otherwise, simply sit back, relax and watch the fishermen go about their day-to-day on one of the beaches.

Optional activities

• Pamuteran – Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour

Balinese mountains and waterfalls

This morning, you venture on small roads that climb and wind in the heart of the Balinese lands, between rice fields and tropical nature. Along the way, bathe in the sulfur-laden Air Panas Banjar spring, whose warm water springs from the mouths of sculpted nadas in three different pools. You then continue your journey towards Munduk, an old mountain station, characterized by its coffee, vanilla and clove plantations which perfume the fresh and pure air. Here, there’s nothing like venturing into the lush jungle that surrounds the village towards magnificent waterfalls nestled in the heart of nature. Night at the hotel.

Included activities :

• Munduk – Banjar Hot Springs
• Munduk – Munduk waterfall

The unmissable rice fields of Jatiluwih

After your breakfast at the hotel, you hit the road again to climb the mountainside and take the magnificent lake route, lined with vegetable and flower crops and offering breathtaking views. In this delightful landscape nestles the large, peaceful lake of Danau Bratan, where you contemplate a remarkable temple on the water, equipped with an elegant meru, a pagoda which rises eleven levels. Then, cross the Jatiluwih rice fields, listed by UNESCO for their unique irrigation system in the world.

in the afternoon Perhaps, enjoy a stroll along Bali’s first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.

Included activities :

• Munduk – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• Munduk – rice field jatiluwih

Travel by minivan from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (approximately 1.5 hours). Then you’ll take a fast boat that takes you from Bali to Lombok (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Stop for lunch in a basic warung – a traditional Indonesian-style cafe, before taking a minibus to Tetebatu (approximately 2 hours). On the way, stop at Masbagik Village which is well known for its pottery products and where you will get to see it being made on a short walk around the village. The hill retreat of Tetebatu is situated in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight, you will enjoy an included dinner at a family-run restaurant that provides traditional Lombok-style cuisine.

Enjoy a guided walk through lush rice fields and see how the region’s farmers have tended the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo ploughs. Climb a little higher and pass through clove and coffee plantations and stop at a local warung to try some local coffee (approximately 2.5 hours total). Visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon, return to the hotel then travel to Labuhan Pandan on the east coast of Lombok. This remote beachside location is lesser visited by tourists but is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tonight you’ll stay in bungalow accommodation amid the peace and quiet of the secluded east coast.

Included activities :

• Pringasella – Village walk

Take a trip out to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling off the boat. Stop in at a secluded island for lunch with Mt Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, eat a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach. This is island living and relaxation at its best, so soak it all up!

Included activities :

• Labuhan Pandan – Snorkeling
• Labuan Pandan – BBQ dinner
• Labuhan Pandan – Island Picnic Lunch

Travel by minibus around the spiritual centre and sleeping giant of the island – Mt Rinjani (approximately 2 hours). Arrive around midday (12 pm) at Senaru – a small, rustic village nestled between the base of Mt Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. Take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of the mountain. You will also take a walk to the spectacular Sendang Gile waterfall, and perhaps take a refreshing shower underneath it!

Included activities :

• Senaru – Waterfall walk
• Senaru – Sasak village walking tour

Continue to the west coast today by minibus (approximately 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are a cluster of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (approximately 30 minutes), where you can take in the breezy atmosphere and stroll down stunning white beaches that rival those of the neighbouring islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Your bags can be transported by cidemo (horse cart) from the port to the hotel.

The island is your oyster, so today you are completely free to relax or explore. Perhaps take in another snorkelling trip or catch a ferry across to the other islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and work out for yourself which one has the better beaches. This evening, enjoy an optional dinner on the beachfront as you reminisce on memories of your Lombok adventure.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times, usually at 11.30 am. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay on the blissful Gili Air, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Special information :

If you are flying out of Bali Denpasar Airport, or Lombok International Airport, please allow enough time for boat and land transfers before your flight. We suggest you don’t book flights before 7pm from Bali or 1pm from Lombok.

This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai, DPS) Airport or Lombok International Airport.

Public ferry tickets are not pre-bookable and operate on a ‘first come first serviced’ basis. For those travelling back to Bali a fast boat option is available, and pre-bookable through Pangandaran Travel.