Summary
Short description
Combine the ancient temples and dramatic landscapes of Java with a stay on the beautiful island of Bali
Highlights
- Embrace local life in Borobudur with a village visit and a traditional lunch at a local house
- Discover Java's various ancient temples, palaces, relics and shrines
- Take a scenic train ride through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Java
- Admire the views from Mt Penanjaken at sunrise before riding on horseback to the crater of Bromo
- Indulge in a luxury 6-day stay in one of Bali's premier boutique hotels
In Brief
- 1 Night Borobudur
- 2 Nights Yogyakarta
- 1 Night Solo
- 1 Night Malang
- 1 Night Bromo
- 7 Nights Bali
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | Best of holidays | History & culture | Independent tour | July holidays | June holidays | May holidays | Natural world | Relaxation
Java is a land of enchanting beauty, dotted with mysterious ancient temples, fascinating cultures and sprawling megacities. To the east, the beautiful island of Bali is blessed with idyllic beaches, terraced rice fields and forested foothills. On this two-week holiday you'll sample the best of Java as you journey through the island's interior, visiting the ancient temple of Borobudur, the historic cities of Yogyakarta and Solo and magnificent Mount Bromo. Then, fly to Bali and spend a relaxing week at one of the island's premier boutique hotels - the gorgeous Pavilion Sanur.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
Begin your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Java, arriving on day two.
Day
2
Borobudur
Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, you'll be met for a private transfer to your hotel in Borobudur. Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or heading out and about to explore at your own pace.
Stay: Plataran Borobudur
Day
3
Borobudur and Yogyakarta
Awake before dawn and take a short walk to Borobudur Temple, a colossal structure, which rises in the early morning light like a ghostly apparition from the surrounding jungle. Listen to the birdsong while you climb to the top of the temple to view the stunning golden sunrise. Explore the magnificence of Borobudur temple and see the beautiful wall carvings, which depict Siddhartha's life. Visit Candirejo village where you'll enjoy a ride in a traditional horse drawn cart or, if you prefer, ride your own bicycle through the picturesque farms and plantations, giving you the chance to encounter some of the welcoming local residents. Afterwards you'll enjoy lunch and a lesson in Gamelan music at a local house. In the afternoon you'll head to Yogyakarta where you'll check into your hotel before spending a relaxing afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.
Stay: Phoenix Jogja
Meals: B L
Day
4
Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple
Spend today exploring Yogyakarta, heading first to the ornate Sultan's Palace, one of the city's most impressive buidings and still used by the Sultan of Jogja to this day. Discover a number of important Javanese relics at the museum of Hamengkubuwono IX, Yogyakarta's Sultan (1912-1988), before visiting Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, which was used as a place of leisure and relaxation by the Sultan. Continue to Kota Gede, the town formerly used as the capital of Yogyakarta and now famous for its silver trade and handicrafts and for its fine examples of traditional Javanese architecture. In the afternoon, visit Candi Prambanan temple, a 9th century complex renowned for being the finest example of historical Hindu culture in Indonesia.
Stay: Phoenix Jogja
Meals: B L
Day
5
Sukuh and Solo
Head east to the beautifully ornate, 15th century Sukuh Temple, located on the slopes of Mt Lawu, 910 metres above sea level. The temple's pyramidal shape is similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America and is renowned for its ornate Hindu carvings. Continue to Solo, the centre of Javanese culture and tradition and the least westernised city on the island, stopping along the way at Cetho, a large temple complex on the southern face of Gunung Lawu. Once in Solo City, you'll have the opportunity to visit Mangkunegaran Palace, with its central pavilion and interesting architectural styles, dating back to 1757, and its treasure trove or artifacts including classical masks, clothing, shadow puppets, religious statues and antiques.
Stay: Alila Solo
Meals: B L
Day
6
Malang
Begin today with a scenic train ride through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Java as you travel from Yogyakarta to Kertasono. On arrival you'll head to the town of Kediri for lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing to Malang, around three hours drive away.
Stay: Tugu Malang
Meals: B L
Day
7
Bromo and Ketapang
From Malang you can explore the 13th century Kidal Temple in the village of Rejokidal, which may be the finest example of historic East Javanese art in Indonesia. Enjoy a short city tour of Malang before lunch and then, in the afternoon head by road to the spectacular Bromo region, home to one of Indonesia's most iconic volcanoes. Settle into your hotel, just a short hop from the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entrance, and take in the views across the terraced slopes of the surrounding countryside.
Stay: Plataran Bromo
Meals: B L
Day
8
Bromo to Bali
Early this morning, you'll drive by jeep to Mt Penanjakan to admire the spectacular views of Bromo at sunrise, a truly magical experience. After sunrise you'll make your way to Tengger Temple before riding on horseback to the crater of Bromo itself. In the afternoon you'll transfer to Surabaya Airport for your flight to Bali. On arrival at Bali's Denpasar Airport you'll be met and transferred to The Pavilion Sanur, a luxury boutique hideaway boasting stylish villas, each with their own private pool.
Stay: The Pavilion Sanur
Meals: B
Days
9-14
Bali
Spend six relaxing days soaking up the sunshine in Bali. You might decide to take it easy and enjoy the comfort of your luxury villa, which comes complete with its very own private pool or, alternatively, head to the local beach, just a 15-minute stroll from the hotel. Other options during your stay include a trip to the beautiful village of Ubud in the island's lush interior, famed for its furniture making and surrounded by dizzyingly steep rice terraces.
Stay: The Pavilion Sanur
Meals: B
Days
15-16
Departure
After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before transferring to Denpasar International Airport in time for your onward flight, arriving on day 16.
Meals: B
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
16-day tailor-made holiday
from £4,280 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £4,280 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £5,080 pp. incl. flights
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Java & Bali
- 13 nights accommodation staying in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
- Private transfers throughout
- Private touring with local guides including lunch, highlights include; exploring UNESCO world heritage temple sites, witnessing local craftsmen at work, discover ancient palaces & a sunrise jeep safari to Mount Bromo
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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