Indonesia – Java, Bali & Beyond with Komodo Extension

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.

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, set off for a five-day stay on Flores, a neighbouring Bali island and the home of the Komodo Dragon, with a short flight. Touching down in harbour town Labuan Bajo, you’ll meet your driver before heading into the town’s forested hills for a visit to the Batu Cermin Cave. Surrounded by dense bushland, you’ll have the chance to spot the island’s native boar and spritely local monkeys on the way before coming to the cave’s entrance. Renowned for its ‘mirror stone’ walls, this ancient passage was once submerged underwater and now glistens in the sunshine due to a layer of salt lining the exposed rockface. As you delve in Batu Cermin’s depths, you might even spot patches of fossilised coral.   

Later this afternoon, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day free to settle in. Boasting a private beach, and based within walking distance of port town Labuan Bajo, this coastal resort offers an ideal place to unwind after a busy fortnight’s exploration. Perhaps take a gentle stroll along the island’s white-sand beach or relax by the poolside with a cocktail.

Your first full day in Labuan Bajo sees you take to Komodo National Park with an island-hopping adventure around some of its most wildlife-rich islands. You’ll be given breakfast, and a packed lunch for later, before stepping aboard a speed boat for a journey across the Flores Sea.  

Start on Komodo island with a visit to its iconic Pink Beach, so called for its soft rose-coloured sands, where you’ll enjoy a picturesque photo stop. The shoreline, here, owes its colour to fragments of the nearby red coral reefs combining with the white sand when it gets washed ashore.  

From here, trace Komodo’s rugged coastline and keep an eye out for the island’s majestic dragons. As the crown jewel of the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, this coastal refuge is one of the few places in the world where its endangered namesake reptiles, including Komodo dragons can be found. You’ll be perfectly placed here to spot its thriving local wildlife as well as the migratory birds that roost in the treetops and will have time to admire its untamed stretches before making your way eastward.

Taka Makassar, a tiny islet no bigger than a football pitch, will be your next stop and you can take a dip in its crystal-clear shallows. After a refreshing pause under the tropical sun, head further out to sea for Manta Point. With its plankton-rich waters, this popular diving spot is the ideal location to catch a glimpse of the native manta rays as they graze. You’ll have the greatest chance of sightings between October and March as the manta populations enter mating season.  

Rounding out the excursion, call at serene Kanawa Island with its picturesque beachfront and easy-going atmosphere. Famed for its clear waters and wildlife-rich coral reefs, the island is a hub for scuba divers, and its calm current makes Kanawa the ideal spot for a swim amongst the colourful fish below. After a delightful day exploring the national park’s islands, head back to Labuan Bajo for the rest of the day at leisure.   

Please note: This itinerary is weather-dependent and might be changed. 

Having explored Komodo National Park’s charming beachfronts and colourful aquatic life earlier in the week, embark on another voyage around its untamed shores in search of the island’s mighty Komodo dragons and striking rock features.  

Start first at savannah-covered Padar, where you can view the towering rock stacks and jagged mountain peaks from the best angles with stops at a series of coastal viewpoints. As you make your way around the island’s surreal-looking landscapes, you might also notice the varying colours of its beaches. A well-known quirk of Padar’s natural beauty, the island boasts different coloured sand, white, charcoal black and pink, across its three bays and you can admire their distinct charm with visits to all three.  

Move on to the second largest island in the archipelago, Rinca, for another chance to spot the national park’s famous Komodo Dragons. With a population of around 2,000 dragons, you can spot these impressive lizards in their natural habitats, and your guide might even invite you ashore for some thrilling up-close encounters.  

Next, depart Rinca’s wildlife-rich shores for Manjarite, one of the only islands in the national park inhabited by humans. Perfect for some downtime after an exciting morning’s excursion, Manjarite boasts pristine coastal stretches and a 300-meter-long pier making it a paradise for divers and sunbathers alike. After a brief stop for lunch, with packed lunches provided, you’ll continue on to the day’s final stop, enchanting Kelor Island. Set amongst rolling green hills and pristine white sand beaches, take in the natural glories of stunning Kelor before heading back to the hotel.  

This evening, make the most of your last night in Labuan Bajo with time at leisure to spend as you please.