Overland Java - Bali

Two islands, many destinations. Java is the heart of the nation. Home to almost 150 million people it is the most populated island in the world. Though, it holds a formidable collection of charming landscapes, sparkling rice fields, active volcanoes, dizzling cities, magical archaeological sites and profound traditions in art, music and dance. While thoughts of Bali are those of paradise. Though Bali is more than a place; it's a feeling, a tropical state of mind. It is the essence of Bali that makes it so much more than just a sunny retreat. Experience one of the world's classic overland routes in your journey through time. 


Main picture overland tour - Yogyakarta, East Java & Bali

 

Long and short itinerary - 12 days Java & Bali

This classic tour is the best option if you would like to see the most impressive highlights that Indonesia has to offer. After 12 days you will defenitely be impressed.
Take a look at the short itinerary. If you would like to read the itinerary in more detail, just click on the title and a full description will show.

Arrive in Yogyakarta Symbol day 1 - Tour Live Local

Symbol day 1 - Tour Live LocalArrive in Yogyakarta

Your driver is waiting for you at the airport or at the train station. He will make your arrival smooth and guide you to your hotel in Yogyakarta. Your hotel is situated on the famous Malioboro boulevard; the famous 'shopping-for-souvenirs-street'. You can rest or get acquainted with Yogya.

 

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Ibis Hotel Malioboro - a good start for your stay in Indonesia. You are close to the famous Malioboro boulevard to do some first exploration, or if you wish some relaxation in your hotel after your journey to get to Yogyakarta, there is a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

Visit the Borobudur & the surprisingly scenic Dieng Plateau Day 2 of your tour to Mt. Bromo and Batu in East Java

Day 2 of your tour to Mt. Bromo and Batu in East JavaOne of the seven world wonders the Borobudur & the surprisingly scenic Dieng Plateau

The Borobudur in Yogyakarta - JavaIn the morning you will visit the Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia that was built in the 9th century. Overlooking impossibly apple green sawahs, swaying palms and surrounded by eye-catching volcanic peaks, this monumental Buddhist structure has survived Gunung Merapi’s eruptions and many earthquakes. The Borobudur remains as mysterious and as beautiful as it probably also was about 1200 years ago.
One can find three monasteries in the neighborhood of the Borobudur. You are welcome to join the monks at prayer if you like.
If your are ready to continue, the Dieng Plateau is next on your day-trip. This complex of Hindu temples was built in the 7th century. The five main temples form the Arjuna complex are clustered together on the central Dieng plain, which are connected to eachother by raised walkways. It are Shiva temples that have been named after the heroes of the wayang stories: Arjuna, Puntadewa, Srikandi, Sembadra and Semar. Locals offer, burn incense and meditate here.
Then you continue to visit the Sikidang volcanic crater, one of several craters at the Dieng Plateau that are still active. Kawah Sikidang consists in steaming vents and anxiously bubbling mud ponds. Be careful as the trails are sometimes muddy and slippery. After Sikidang you will visit the Warna lake - Telaga Warna. The lake has turquoise and cobalt colours from the bubbling sulphur deposits around its shores. To find some privacy, follow the trail counterclockwise to the adjoining lake.
When you feel ready, you will go back to your hotel in Yogyakarta.

 

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Ibis Hotel Malioboro

Yogyakarta city tour & Pramabanan temple Symbol day 3 of the tour Live Local - East Java, Indonesia

Symbol day 3 of the tour Live Local - East Java, IndonesiaYogyakarta city tour in the morning while the Prambanan temple is scheduled for the afternoon

Employer at the Sultan's Palace - YogyakartaThere are a few cultural must-sees in Yogyakarta. The first one is the Sultan's Palace, also called Kraton, is the cultural and political hearth of Yogyakarta. In fact this is a walled city and home to about 25,000 people of whom 1,000 are employed by the Sultan. The area where the current Sultan still lives was built between 1755 and 1756. This is an examples of Javanese palace architecture. There are daily cultural performances in the kraton’s inner pavilion; starting around 9 or 10 am, varying from gamelan to Javanese poetry readings.
The second must-see is the water castle - Taman Sari - which is another historical relic to be found just southwest of the kraton. It once served the sultan and his entourage. The water castle was built between 1758 and 1765, and lasted only for 100 years due to war and earthquakes. The bathing pools have been restored.
Then the journey continues to the Prambanan temple, just outside Yogyakarta and listed in 1991 on the Unesco World Heritage List. The impressive Hindu temples of Prambanan are set in the plains and the best remaining examples of Java’s extended period of Hindu culture. The temples were built between the 8th and 10th century.
Probably it is getting evening when you are heading back to your hotel. Enjoy your time.

 

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Ibis Hotel Malioboro

Free day in Yogyakarta Day 4 of your Live Local tour

Day 4 of your Live Local tourFree day in Yogyakarta

A massage for relaxationMake the most of your day off in the cultural and political hearth of Java.

 

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Ibis Hotel Malioboro

By executive train to Malang Symbol day 5 - Live Local Tour - East Java

Symbol day 5 - Live Local Tour - East JavaBy executive train to Malang

Have an early breakfast at your hotel as your train departs at 07.30. You can take a becak to the train station which is nearby. The Malioboro Express will arrive after about 8 hours in Malang. You will be waited for at the train station and brought to your hotel.

 

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Hotel Ibis Malang - Ibis Malang is situated on the main road between Malang and Surabaya which makes access to the city center both easy and adventurous. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and WiFi. A swimming pool is also available.

Malang, the refreshing city with characterSymbol day 6 - Live local tour

Symbol day 6 - Live local tourMalang, the refreshing city with character

Becak driver - easy mode of transport in East JavaA day of choices. You can discover the city on foot or by bike with a guide, you can take a guided cycling tour to Tumpang village, or cook your lunch during a cooking class in the kampong. Or, just have the day to yourself and discover on your own or just relax in your hotel.

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Hotel Ibis Malang

The breathtaking volcanic Bromo region is your today's destination Symbol day 7 - Overland Tour by Smartine

Symbol day 7 - Overland Tour by SmartineThe breathtaking volcanic Bromo region is your today's destination

Farmer Bromo area - East JavaAt 01.00 in the morning you will be picked up. It is a three hours drive to Mt. Pananjakan, from which viewpoint you can first meat with the breathtaking volcanic Bromo region. The moonlike landscape in full glory is welcoming you when the sun is rising. Mt. Semeru - Java's highest peak - throws its shadows over the scene, while erupting every 20 minutes.
If Bromo's condition allows you too, you can walk to the crater rim of this active volcano, after you crossed the black volcanic Sea of Sand. Mt. Bromo is flanked by Mt. Kursi (2581 m) and Mt. Batok (2440 m), both higher than Mt. Bromo (2392 m). All three volcanoes have emerged in an old crater which stretches 10 km across, surrounded by the towering cliffs of the crater's edge.
Then, when you meet your driver again, he will bring you to hotel Cafe Lava where you can have your breakfast. After you revived a bit, your journey continues in the direction if Mt. Ijen. Your route guides you via the winding and hilly road over Mt. Arek-Arek before you reach Bondowoso.

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Bondowoso - Ijen View Hotel. As your stay in Bondowoso is short, you might enjoy your rest, but a swimming pool is also available.

The largest blue fire area in the world: Ijen crater lake - house PemuteranSymbol day 8

Symbol day 8The largest blue fire area in the world: Ijen crater lake

Early morning departure! At around midnight you will depart to see the phenomenal blue fire at the Ijen crater lake. But, keep in mind that the possibility to see it is depending on local weather conditions. If local weather conditions don't allow you too, or if you do not wish to see the blue fire, you can leave later. Then discuss your departure time with your driver.
After arriving in Paltuding it is a one and a half hours hike to the greatest acidic lake in the world. You will meet the heroic sulphur miners which have probably one of the heaviest tasks in the world. The miners carry baskets between 80 and 100 kg filled with vast sulphur up the crater rim and then down the mountain slopes to the sulphur weighing area behind the parking lot where you parked your car. 
Once you are back at the car, your next destination is Pemuteran in Bali. You will take the ferry in Ketapang.

Note: the blue fire tour is only for those in good physical condition as it is a serious undertaking which can only be seen when it is still dark.

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Pemuteran (Bali) - Kubuku Ecolodge & Resto. Kubuku means 'little home', complete with spa, meditation and yoga.... welcome.

Snorkeling neaar Menjangan island & snooze at the beach getaway Pemuteran - house UbudSymbol day 9

Symbol day 9Snorkeling near Menjangan island & snooze at the beach getaway Pemuteran

Fishes in the sea when snorkeling near Menjangan island, BaliMenjangan can be found within the protected area of West Bali National Park. Menjangan is famous for its calm and clear waters, while the bountiful sea life is just an aquarium but then 10 times better. Beautiful coral formations, clownfish-filled anemones, dazzling coral walls and drop-offs, and caves and nooks to hide in. You might even be lucky to see whale sharks, mantas and turtles. The water temperature is lovely with a 29 ºC, and the current is none to mild.
After snorkeling you will be heading to Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. It also has good restaurants and cafes and many street shops filled with the work of local artists.

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Ubud - Adi Cottage. As they call it "A peaceful retreat' in the hearth of Ubud. With only 19 rooms that are cocooned within a tropical garden.

Dance, volcanoes and art - house Ubud Symbol day 10 - Overland Tour Java Bali

Symbol day 10 - Overland Tour Java BaliDance, volcanoes & art

Tegallalang rice fields near Ubud in Bali, IndonesiaDances are merged with stories and history. The "Barong and Kris Dance" is one of Bali's iconic dances. There are two main characters, namely Barong, which is a lion-like spirit that protects the land and its people, and Rangda, who is a demon queen. A kris is an asymmetrical dagger and deeply rooted into Indonesian culture. The Baron and Kris Dance shows many men waving the kris. The close ties to the mythological traditions of Bali makes this performance interesting.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a Nature Reserve & Hindu temple complex. The Monkey Forest lies within the village of Padangtegal, which owns it. To the villagers the Monkey Forest is as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center. The Forest covers approximately 10 hectares and contains at least 115 different species of trees and is home to three Hindu temples, that were constructed around 1350. About 600 Balinese long-tailed monkeys live in the forest.
You will also visit the central palace Puri Saren Agung. It was the home of the last "king" of Ubud, and now his descendants live in the palace. It was also Ubud's first hotel, opening its doors to paying visitors in the 1930s.
Another artistic spot to visit is Batuan village, which one can find about 10 km south of Ubud. Batuan village is well-known for its style of painting that originated in the village in the 1930s. This style has emerged into a major Balinese artistic style, known as a Batuan painting. The village also contains art galleries and cooperative art societies. Every full moon the ancient Gambuh dance is performed.
Sri Batu village is a village where one can see how several spices, coffee, cacao, clove, vanilla, cinnamon, and passion fruit are grown. Once can also sample Bali chocolate. Probably you are getting hungry somewhere along this trip. A stopover to have lunch with the volcano Kintamani and Batur Lake as your view, must be brilliant.
Next. Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a Hindu water temple dedicated to Vishnu. The temple complex is built on a natural spring, which feed a series of ponds and pools. Then you still have Tegallalang and Gajah cave on the list for today. Tegallalang is the area north of Ubud and full with beautiful rice fields, those jaw-dropping ones. Take a hike. Goa Gajah - or elephant cave - is your last part of the day, if you still have some energy left. This temple takes you back to the 11th century, if you can imagine it without the parking area and the various souvenir shops and refreshments kiosks.

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Ubud - Adi Cottage.

Culture and beach Symbol - house Sanur

Symbol "Day 11" - overland tour Java & Bali by Smartine TravelCulture and beach

Barong in the 'Barong and Keris dance' in Bali - IndonesiaAfter breakfast, check all your belongings and get them in your bag. You are moving to another hotel for the last time during this trip.
Your day will start with a visit to one of Bali's most beautiful temples. Taman Ayun is a remnent from the Royal Mengwi Dynasty and a landmark in the village of Mengwi. One can see glorious traditional architectural features throughout the temple's courtyards and enclosures Taman Ayun was built in 1634 and underwent a significant restoration in 1937.
You will continue to Tanah Lot, which is a rock formation off the island of Bali. It is home to the pilgrimage temple Tanah Lot. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast.
To be able to join the afternoon sun and some rest, you can check in at your hotel in the beach village Sanur early afternoon. Enjoy the beach.

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Sanur - Peneeda View - Beach Hotel. Sanur's beach stretches over 5 km. It is a white sandy beach with calm blue water, while a small path connects north and south of Sanur.

Relaxed morning Symbol day 12

Symbol day 12Relaxed morning

Enjoy a relaxed morning as the only thing you will have to do is to get ready for what you are up to next. We can transfer you to the airport in Denpasar.

 

 


TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

1. Avoid traveling during the periode 18 June - 2 July 2017 as 25 and 26 June 2017 is the end of Ramadan, the so called "Hari Raya". This is a public holiday and the event of the year. All people will get together in their home town and meet their families and relatives. This means that 95% of the Indonesians are traveling, and that shops, markets, schools, factories, realy everything is closed. As a result traffic conditions couldn't be worse, and prices for food and hotels are sky high.
2. At night it is cold around Mt. Bromo. The tempratures can drop to around 5 ºC or even lower. Bring some warm clothes to feel comfortable.

 
 

 

TO DO - YOGYAKARTA

  • SHOPPING JL. MALIOBORO Open or Close

    Malioboro street in Yogyakarta - becakWHERE: JL. MALIOBORO
    DESCRIPTION: Jl. Malioboro is the major shopping street. Sidewalks are crowded with small stalls selling everything, while in the evening several open-air street side restaurants operate here.
    OPERATING HOURS: 09.00 - 18.00/21.00

  • GEMBIRA LOKA ZOO Open or Close

    Elephant in the Gembira Loka Zoo in YogyakartaWHERE: JL. KEBUN RAYA NO. 2
    DESCRIPTION: 22 hectares in size, the zoo comprises a collection of about 470 animals, botanical garden, orchid nursery, artificial lake and a children's park. Opens daily. Near the city center.
    OPENING HOURS: 07.30 - 17.30

  • RATU BOKO PALACE Open or Close

    Ratu Boko Palace in YogyakartaWHERE: JL. RAYA JOGJA-SOLO
    DESCRIPTION: Located on a plateau right outside the city, a balcony overlooks Yogyakarta’s skyline, including the nearby Prambanan temple. Another marvelous site to watch the rising sun.
    OPENING HOURS: 06.00 - 17.00

  • ULLEN SENTALU MUSEUM Open or Close

    Ullen Sentalu Museum in Yogyakarta - JavaWHERE: JL. BOYONG KM. 25
    DESCRIPTION: Ullen Sentalu is a Javanese culture and art museum. Your visit ends in a lavish garden under the shade of old trees. You will be served a secret cocktail of seven natural herbs.
    OPENING HOURS: 08.30 - 16.00

  • MT. MERAPI'S VOLCANIC AFTERMATH Open or Close

    Tour to Mt. Merapa - YogyakartaWHERE: KALIADEM
    DESCRIPTION: witness lava ravine landforms carved by the eruptions. Visit the Sisa Hartaku 'Museum' to find objects damaged by the eruption in 2010.
    DURATION: 4 - 5 hours

  • RAMAYANA BALLET Open or Close

     Ramayana ballet in YogyakartaWHERE: PRAMBANAN
    DESCRIPTION: The Ramayana Ballet is a visualization of the Ramayana saga. It combines traditional Javanese dance, drama, and music, performed by over 200 professionals.
    DURATION: 2 hrs show

  • FORT VREDEBURG MUSEUM Open or Close

    Benteng Vredeburg in YogyakartaWHERE: JL. ACHMAD YANI NO. 6
    DESCRIPTION: fort Vredeburg museum was a former colonial fortress. A first fort was built in 1760. Nowadays the fort is an Independence Struggle Museum which was opened in 1992.
    OPENING HOURS: 07.30 - 16.00

TO DO - MALANG

  • MARTHA TILAAR SALON DAY SPA Open or Close

    Martha Tilaar - salon & day spa in MalangWHERE: JL. SEMERU NO. 48
    DESCRIPTION: A holiday in Indonesia without a relaxing day in a spa, isn't complete. Pamper yourself in an exquisite spa with an achingly beautiful list of traditional treatments.
    OPENING HOURS: 09.00 - 20.00

  • TEMPO DOELOE MUSEUM Open or Close

    An object in the Tempo Doeloe museum in Malang city - East JavaWHERE: JL. GAJAHMADA
    DESCRIPTION: Malang Tempo Doeloe Museum is declared the best privately owned museum in Indonesia in October 2015 by the Culture and Education Ministry'€™s director general for culture.
    OPENING HOURS: 08.00 - 17.00

  • TEA PLANTATION WONOSARI Open or Close

    Worker at the tea plantation Wonosari in Lawang - East JavaWHERE: LAWANG VILLAGE
    DESCRIPTION: The old colonial plantation in Lawang's mountains is one of the few tea plantations one can find in East Java. The Wonosari tea plantation has its own factory which you can visit.
    OPENING HOURS: 07.00 - 17.00

  • BATU SECRET ZOO Open or Close

    Batu Secret Zoo - JaTim Park 2 - East JavaWHERE: BATU VILLAGE
    DESCRIPTION: A few shows, e.g. sea lions and orang hutan, are scheduled daily. Anyone can help feeding animals and fantasy land offers many rides, while the play-pool is welcoming fresh.
    OPENING HOURS: 10.00 - 18.00

  • RIDE YOUR BIKE - SEE MORE Open or Close

    Cycling around Malang - green fieldsWHERE: AROUND MALANG
    DESCRIPTION: Cycling is an opportunity to feel part of the community; you get to see, smell, and feel everything. Indonesian life is very friendly as it is an open and social setting.
    OPERATING HOURS: in the morning

  • ALUN-ALUN MALANG Open or Close

    The town square of Malang cityWHERE: MALANG'S HEART
    DESCRIPTION: Malang's Alun-Alun dates back to the 19th century. Spend a few hours relaxing under the waringin tree and get familiar with the daily activities of the Malang people.
    OPERATING HOURS: any time

Tour info - Overland

DURATION: 12 days
TRAVELERS: min. 2 and max. 10

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:

2 travelers: 1115
3 travelers: 1080
4-6 travelers: 940
7-10 travelers: 845

Note: the price for 3 is based on a triple room in the hotels.

Price includes: pick up service at the airport in Yogyakarta, train ticket Yogyakarta - Malang, all transport needed during the tour, all accommodation, meals: breakfast only, soft drinks and water in reasonable amounts, entrance fees to National Parks and Nature Reserves you will visit as in the program, 1 experienced English speaking driver, if 4 travelers or more 1 English speaking guide
Price excludes: travel insurance, personal expenses, other trips than mentioned in the itinerary, your travel to and from Indonesia, an Indonesian visa (if needed, please check at the Indonesian embassy in your home country), additional expenses

Inquiries or reservations - Overland Tour

accept Answered: within 24 hours
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Westerners at the carnival in Malang - East Java

An impression