Island Smiles & Fiery Trails : Java & Bali - Nomadays

Indonesia

Island Smiles & Fiery Trails : Java & Bali

We know far too little about Indonesia, this breathtaking archipelago at the edge of the world, where a smile graces the lips of a people renowned for their warmth and refinement. Yet, the moment names like Java and Bali start echoing in our minds, the dream takes flight…
Enchanting Java is unlike any other tropical island. As the heir to a rich artistic and historical legacy—one as mystical as its temples (Borobudur, Prambanan)—Java is a land of lush rice paddies dominated by over a hundred vol...

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Day 1Welcome to Indonesia

Day 1Welcome to Indonesia

  • Your English speaking tour-guide will meet you at Yogyakarta airport and transfer you to your hotel.

    The rest of the day is free. In the evening, a welcome dinner gives you the opportunity to get to know your accompanying team.

Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel or The Phoenix Hotel

Day 2Yogyakarta, cultural capital

Day 2Yogyakarta, cultural capital

  • The morning is devoted to visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, and in particular the area around the Sultan's Palace, built in 1756, where life is good. Your city walk will take you to Taman Sari, known in the days of the Dutch colonial empire as the "Water Palace", and then to the puppet and batik workshops.
    At the end of the morning, you head for the Ratu Boko temple, perched on the Gunung Kidul hills overlooking the Prambanan plain. You then begin a short hike to the Hindu temple of Prambanan, through forest, traditional villages and rice fields.
    You then visit the Prambanan temple complex, and in particular Loro Jonggrang, a sumptuous 47-metre-high temple dedicated to the goddess Siva.
    It is considered́ to be the most elegant and breathtaking Hindu temple on the island of Java. Possibility (optional) of attending the Ramayana show.

    Return to the hotel in the early or mid-evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel or The Phoenix Hotel

Day 3Rice fields of Java and the temple of Borobudur

Day 3Rice fields of Java and the temple of Borobudur

  • In the early morning, transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo river, where you will enjoy a pleasant countryside start in a small Javanese village, from where you will discover the surrounding countryside by bicycle (Dutch).

    You'll have a gentle introduction to the Javanese countryside, and will make a few stops in the surrounding villages, where you'll have the chance to observe the local handicrafts.

    In the middle of the afternoon, transfer to the temple of Borobudur.

    Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel or The Phoenix Hotel

4h-12km
7h-290km

Day 4The last bastion of Hinduism

Day 4The last bastion of Hinduism

  • In the morning, transfer to Sukuh Temple, the last stronghold of Hinduism in Central Java as Islam spread across the region. Its unique iconography, including phallic symbols and turtle-shaped altars, hints at ancient initiation rites—possibly even orgiastic rituals.

    From there, set off on a scenic walk toward Tawangmangu, a village nestled on the slopes of Mount Lawu.

    Along the way, you’ll pass through lush pine forests and high-altitude plantations, with plenty of chances to spot native plant species and take in stunning panoramic views.

    The walk ends at Tawangmangu Park, where a short trail leads to the breathtaking Grojogan Sewu waterfall, hidden deep in a tropical forest teeming with macaques.

    In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.


    4 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +400 m / -300m)

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

2h
Tumpak Sewu

Day 5Magnificent landscapes

Day 5Magnificent landscapes

  • In the morning, set off for the Lumajang region, following the southern slopes of Mount Semeru, Java’s highest volcano.

    Your journey leads to Tumpak Sewu, or "Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese. As you descend into the gorge—on a steep and sometimes slippery trail—you’ll feel the sheer power of hundreds of cascading streams, plunging over 100 meters into the lush canyon below.

    From above, the misty veil creates an almost surreal beauty, soaking everything in its path. It’s no surprise that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mount Semeru in the background won the Best Aerial Shot award in 2019. If you're bringing a camera, be sure to protect it from moisture.

    Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

2h-35km
Cemorolawang

Day 6Spectacular Mt Bromo caldera

Day 6Spectacular Mt Bromo caldera

  • Early morning, set off in 4x4 vehicles toward the Tengger region, home to the legendary Mt Bromo (2,329 m).

    Along the way, you’ll pass through the lush forests of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the Bromo caldera rim before descending into its vast sea of sand.

    Your journey ends in Cemorolawang, a village perched on the opposite crest.Sacred to the Tengger Hindu people, Mount Bromo is a place of deep spiritual significance.

    In the early afternoon, climb to its steaming crater, often compared to a boiling cauldron—a sight that once led the Javanese to believe it was the gateway to purgatory.

    Later, head to the summit of Mont Pananjakan (2,775 m) for an unforgettable panorama. As the sun sets, the landscape transforms into a lunar-like expanse, with Mount Bromo’s volcanic desert stretching toward Mount Semeru, both releasing thick fumaroles into the sky—a truly otherworldly spectacle.

    Return to the hotel in the evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lava View Lodges or Jiwa Jiwo Hotel

Cemorolawang

Day 7 The Charm of East Java’s Countryside

Day 7 The Charm of East Java’s Countryside

  • Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen.

    After settling into your hotel, your guide will take you to some breath-taking rice terraces, from where you will begin a pleasant walk through traditional villages and other plantations (fruit, spices, etc.).

    Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Lava View Lodges or Jiwa Jiwo Hotel

Accommodation: Teras Ijen Hotel

Day 8Green Crater

Day 8Green Crater

  • Early in the morning , you set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in old Javanese), which you can easily climb in the company of the men who extract sulphur every day from the edge of the largest acid lake in the world.

    These real "convicts" carry around 80 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant! You then witness the weighing and the various employment contracts.

    A very powerful and striking image of your journey.

    In the late morning, transfer to Pemuteran, a small seaside village on Bali’s northwest coast, far from the usual tourist crowds.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Teras Ijen Hotel

Accommodation: Taman Sari Resort

Day 9Unwind in Paradise

Day 9Unwind in Paradise

  • Day at leisure (with your driver and guide at your disposal). You may choose to hire a boat and explore the underwater wonders around Menjangan Island, home to some of Bali’s most diverse marine life. A true living aquarium, its coral reefs teem with vibrant marine species. This protected island is also a sanctuary for the rare Bali starling.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Taman Sari Resort

Accommodation: Taman Sari Resort

2h-80km
Belimbing

Day 10Bali’s Highlands

Day 10Bali’s Highlands

  • Early morning departure to Bali’s highlands. Along the way, stop at Pulaki Temple, nestled at the foot of a cliff and home to a large community of monkeys.

    The scenic mountain road that follows offers stunning views. Your destination is Belimbing, a charming village surrounded by some of Bali’s most spectacular rice terraces.

    In the afternoon, set off on a remarkable walk to explore the lush landscapes and local flora.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Taman Sari Resort

Accommodation: Kebun Villas

Belimbing
1h 10m-40km
30m-10km
Jatiluwih
1h-21km
2h-42km

Day 11Balinese temples

Day 11Balinese temples

  • Morning departure for the southern slopes of Mt Batukaru (2,270m). Stop at Luhur Batukaru Temple, nestled in lush greenery and home to several multi-tiered "meru", some dating back to the 17th century, dedicated to the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities.

    Next, transfer to Jatiluwih, a charming village surrounded by Bali's most stunning rice fields. In the early afternoon, set off on a scenic hike through the endless terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see.

    Continue to Bedugul to visit the iconic Pura Ulun Danau seemingly floating on the lake’s waters. This sacred sanctuary, dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, is one of Bali’s most revered sites, surrounded by lush gardens.

    A short stop at the local market follows before heading to Ubud, the island’s cultural heart.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Kebun Villas

Accommodation: Greenfield Resort or similar

Day 12Ubud at your Own Pace

Day 12Ubud at your Own Pace

  • A full day exploring Ubud and its surroundings. In town, elegant temples and palaces with intricate carvings line the streets. During a leisurely stroll, you'll visit Puri Saren, admiring its finely crafted wooden doors, Pura Saraswati, with its delicate ornamentation, and Pura Puseh, home to remarkable stone sculptures.

    Ubud is also rich in museums and art galleries, offering insight into Balinese culture.Just outside the town center, one of Ubud’s most famous sites awaits: the Monkey Forest Temple, set in a lush sanctuary inhabited by a lively community of macaques.

    For those keen to explore further, scenic walks and hikes lead to breathtaking views of Bali’s unspoiled countryside.

    A highlight of the day is a visit to a Balinese artist’s home, where you’ll experience traditional hospitality, enjoy an authentic Ubud-style meal, and witness a performance of graceful Balinese dances.

    Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Greenfield Resort or similar

Accommodation: Greenfield Resort or similar

Day 13Relaxation Day

Day 13Relaxation Day

  • A day at leisure to explore Ubud and the surrounding area in greater depth.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Greenfield Resort or similar

Accommodation: Greenfield Resort or similar

1h 20m-40km
Denpasar airport
Departure

Day 14See you soon in Indonesia

Day 14See you soon in Indonesia

  • Free morning until transfer to the airport

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Greenfield Resort or similar