Spend 3 weeks uncovering the treasures of Java and Bali on this in-depth island adventure
Come to know the true essence of Indonesia’s magical islands of Java and Bali on this 3-week partially-guided adventure tour. Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you cover extensive ground, taking in the cultural, historic, and natural sights of Indonesia along the way. Visit endless temples, palaces and fascinating museums and enjoy the warm ocean breeze as you go about your days on the coast. Stay in off-the-beaten-path cities and towns brimming with history and charm. Enjoy the expertise of local guides for guided excursions and balance this out with a great deal of free time and optional excursions.
Stay in authentic homestays, comfortable hotels and cozy bungalows along the way and indulge your senses with incredible gastronomic experiences. Try your hand at a unique cooking workshop in Ubud and eat your way through Denpasar on a thrilling nighttime foodie tour.
The towering volcanos and pristine beaches of Bali and Java await you on this mesmerizing 3-week in-depth adventure tour. Book your island odyssey today!
Highlights of the Ultimate Java and Bali Tour
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Ultimate Java and Bali Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Jakarta to Bogor
Your adventure begins today as you arrive in Jakarta and transfer to your hotel in Bogor. Bogor was during the Dutch colonial times, called Buitenzorg. Buitenzorg literally means without worry and you’ll come to understand why this title is so fitting! Bogor is a welcomed escape from the metropolis of Jakarta. Located at the foot of the 2,211 m high Gunung Salak, Bogor’s higher elevation also makes its temperature more pleasant than Jakarta’s. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in Bogor.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bogor
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Kebun Raya
Today you have ample time to visit the world-famous botanical garden: Kebun Raya. This beautiful garden of 80 hectares is home to over 15,000 different plants including 400 different kinds of palms. The grounds wrap around the former presidential palace which is a true sight to behold. A walk through the park leads you along rivers and delicate lotus ponds. At the highest point of the garden lays an atmospheric colonial tea and coffee house where you can enjoy refreshments.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bogor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Puncak Pass and Tea Plantations to Bandung
You’ll continue your journey this morning through the beautiful landscape of Java. Via the spectacular Puncak Pass at an altitude of 1,439 meters. Passing several tea plantations and Sawa's, you will soon arrive in Bandung. On the way, you’ll pass through tea plantations as far as the eye can see and can even visit a tea factory along the way! When Bandung was erased in 1920, the plan was to make a modern city, and architects were called from Europe to use the art deco style here for the design of the buildings. There are still some nice examples to be seen. The museum Geologi and the museum Asia Afrika here are both well worth a visit.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bandung
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Tangkuban Perahu Volcano and Hot Springs
By car, you can get up as high as the crater of the active volcano Tangkuban Perahu. It is beautiful to walk along the rim of the crater of this 2,076m high volcano. Nearby the volcano you can take a relaxing hot bath at the natural hot springs of Ciater.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bandung
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cangkuang Temple, Naga and Pangadaran
On the way to Pangadaran, you’ll visit the only temple of West Java, Cangkuang. To get there you need to cross a lake filled with water lilies on a bamboo raft. Further on you can visit Naga, a traditional Sudanese village that still lives a step back in time. Late In the afternoon you will arrive at the small peninsula where Pangandaran is located.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pangadaran
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Discover Pangadaran
You have two full days in Pangandaran. On the beach, fishermen get on the traditional manner the fish in. You can laze away on the beach or opt to visit the famous Green Canyon (not included). With a small boat, the guide will lead you through the caves where beautiful stalagmites and stalactites can be seen. The small nature reserve Prenanjun has a variety of wildlife such as porcupines, deer, and cheeky monkeys.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pangadaran
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Stay in Wonosobo
In the morning you’ll leave the south coast and drive up to the mountains to the city of Wonosobo. Wonosbo lays on the edge of the 2,000 m height situated Dieng Plateau. The night here can be cold thus a sweater can come in handy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wonosobo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Java’s Temples and Mountain Paths to Borobodur
In the early morning, the mysterious landscape of Dieng is at its best. The oldest Hindu temples of Java appear serene from the mist. A walk down along mountain paths with beautiful views on the slopes and along the vegetable gardens of the farmers is hard on the knees but very pleasant. In the afternoon you will arrive at your unique accommodation located on the complex of one of the largest Buddhist sanctuaries in the world, the Borobodur. A stunning sunset this evening will be the icing on the cake!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Borobudur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Explore Borobudur and Yogyakarta
In the early morning, you can visit Borobudur at its best when it is still quiet as the day visitors have not yet arrived. The morning light is great for photographing this awe-inspiring World Heritage Site of Borobudur. Built-in the 8th century, this stunning artistic and architectural marvel lay undiscovered until 1815. Before you head on to Yogyakarta you will visit the nearby Pawon temple, which is in the middle of a typical village, and Mendut temple with its magnificent statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni.
Mid-day you will continue to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Yogyakarta
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Free Day in Yogyakarta
Many optional excursions (not included) await you today! Opt to take a city tour with a cycle rickshaw (becak) to explore the Sultan’s Palace which is located in the heart of the old city. The huge palace of the Sultans of Yogyakarta is the centre of a small walled city within the city. Over 25,000 people live within the greater Kraton compound, which has its own market, shops, schools, and mosques. In the evening you opt to attend a performance of the classic Ramayana dance and theatre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Yogyakarta
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Prambana Temples and Solo
Today you’ll make your way to beautiful Solo, on the way, you will visit the famous Prambanan temples which encompass 224 ruined temples. The Hindu temple complex is of stunning beauty and devoted to the gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. You will check-in at the hotel in Solo by midday. In the afternoon you can visit the Sultan Palace. Here a local guide will show you around. At walking distance from the Sultan palace, there is the Batik Museum Danar Hadi. This private museum houses a great collection of excellent Batik, antique and Royal textiles from Java and China etc. A guide will lead you to the 11 rooms with all kinds of Batik. At the end and in the back of the museum you see about 200 people working in a big hall processing the batik textiles using different techniques.
In the evening there are great dining opportunities in the city. Interesting is the town centre where the night market is put up around the Alun Alun- the city centre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Solo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Drive to Malang
You will continue your journey as you make your way to Malang today. Drive time is approximately 8 hours to reach this old colonial city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Solo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Explore Malang and Continue to Bromo
This morning is free to explore charming Malang town at your leisure. In the early afternoon, you’ll ride via Probolinggo to the Gunung Bromo Volcano. Your hotel is in or nearby Cemoro Lawang, situated spectacularly on the edge of the Tengger crater. The ascent of the volcano is usually the highlight of every visit to Java. You can watch the sunset at spectacular Bromo this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bromo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Sunrise from Mt Bromo and Continue to Kalibaru
An early rise this morning (4.00 am!) will ensure you have enough time for the jeep ride to the sunrise viewpoint up above. Cross the sea of sand’ and climb 246 steps upwards to the cone of Mt Bromo, and in the morning light you will see smoke rising from the crater; a fantastic view, made even better when the slowly rising sun reveals an amazing moon-like landscape. After this adventure, you head back to your hotel for breakfast and continue to Kalibaru, where you stay the night in beautifully situated bungalows surrounded by coffee, cacao and rubber plantations. Travel time today is approximately 7 hours.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kalibaru
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Bali!
Drive along the north coast of East Java to Banyuwangi today to reach Java’s east coast port. Here you’ll be fascinated by locals diving into the water off high construction poles to fetch the coins dropped into the water by passengers. A short boat journey with the local ferry will then bring you to Bali, the fabled Island of Gods and Demons. Travel time today is approximately 5 hours.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lovina (Bali)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 Adventures in Lovina
A day with lots of optional activities for you to choose from (not included). If you want to see dolphins, prepare to get up early, and go out on the sea by small boat. Or for excellent snorkelling and diving head to Menjangan (Deer) Island, part of the West Bali National Park. Or take a step back in time and visit the old Colonial houses or the only Buddhist temple there is on Bali. The warm springs of Banjar, finally, are also worth visiting.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lovina (Bali)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 Gigit Waterfall and Bratan Mountain Lake
First, you visit the Gitgit Waterfall and proceed on to Bratan Mountain Lake, which is situated at a height of 1,240 meters. The Pura Ulun Danu temple in this lake is said to be home to the Danu goddess, who is responsible for the water distribution to Bali’s many rice terraces. Travel time today is approximately 6 hours.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ubud
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 Free Day in Ubud
A wide range of optional excursions (not included) are possible for exploring Ubud today and its surroundings. Interesting temples and palaces such as the Elephant Cave, Tampak Siring or the famous Pura Besakih (the mother temple) and Kintamani are only a few of the interesting sights to visit. Trekking around Ubud rice fields, white water rafting and spa treatments are also available. Interesting dance performances in former palaces or temple ceremonies are worth a visit, too! And last but not least, the many galleries in and around Ubud offer a wide range of handicrafts and arts.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ubud
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 Ubud to Sanur
A short drive will bring you to Sanur, a tranquil coastal town on the southeast coast of Bali. A perfect place to relax and let all the impressions of the adventure thus far settle down in your mind forever. The accommodation for the night is a pleasant cozy bungalow near the beach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sunur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20 Explore Sanur
You will have the opportunity to visit Bali highlights, rafting, cycling etc. Sanur has a wide range of excellent restaurants and shops for your souvenirs. It also has a peaceful, quiet beach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sunur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21 Sanur, tour ends
This morning your 3-week odyssey in Indonesia comes to an end. Pack up and check out of your hotel to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Ultimate Java and Bali Tour Price and Dates
This partially guided tour to Java and Bali is always run as a private tour for your group only and the prices depend on the size of your group, as well as the chosen hotel category. Please note that the prices might be higher during the Indonesian National Holidays.
The prices below are per person sharing a double room and groups of odd sizes can either opt to book single rooms for an extra or have a triple room for a small reduction.
Tour with Standard Accommodations:
- Guided Groups of 2: $2,150 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3-5: $1,780 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6+: $1,775 USD per person
Tour with Superior Accommodations:
- Guided Groups of 2: $2,350 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3-5: $2,050 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6+: $ USD per person
Tour with Deluxe Accommodations:
- Guided Groups of 2: $3,130 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3-5: $2,775 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6+: $2,475 USD per person
Accommodation on Ultimate Java and Bali Tour
The standard hotel accommodation on this tour is 3-star, but you can upgrade the accommodations to more luxurious options or better room types for an extra charge.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have a single room will have to pay a supplement.
Standard Accommodation
Standard Hotels in Indonesia
With the perfect balance of value and comfort, standard accommodations along the route offer basic amenities in comfortable surroundings. These no-fuss hotels will have everything you need to enjoy your stay.
Superior Accommodation
Superior Accommodation in Indonesia
Enjoy a selection of superior accommodations featuring modern amenities with an extra flare.
Deluxe Accommodation
Deluxe Accommodation in Indonesia
Stay in style in these hand-picked deluxe accommodations which offer modern amenities and maximum comfort.
What’s Included in the Ultimate Java and Bali Tour?
Meals
20 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 20 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport. In some cases, the transfers are shared.
Also Included
- Local English-speaking guides
- Activities during the tour:
- Visit Botanical Garden including entrance and English Guide
- Visit Candi Cangkuang, Kampung Naga including entrance and English Guide
- Visit Dieng including entrance and English Guide
- Visit Prambanan and Mangkunegaran Palace including entrance fee and English guide
- Borobudur Sunrise Tour including entrance fee and local English guide
- Bromo Sunrise Tour including entrance fee and jeep
- Visit Gitgit Waterfall, Ulundanu Temple, Taman Ayun
Not included
- Visa fees
- International flights and taxes
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions
- Travel insurance
- Bali retribution fee (around 10 USD)
Optional Extras
- Extra nights at any point of the tour
- Optional activities (the prices below apply to groups of 2 and more):
- Fun Way to live like Locals
- Yogyakarta Becak Tour
- Spice Garden Walk
- Ubud - Spiritual Tour
- Whitewater Rafting - Ayung River
- Ubud - Cooking class
- Cliff Beaches Tour
- Denpasar Night Foodie Tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Ultimate Java and Bali Tour
Founded in 2003, Happy Trails Asia is a sustainable, adaptable, understanding and passionate partner in Asia. We operate tours to Indonesia, Bali, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore & Brunei.
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