Indonesia
Day 1The Last Bastion of Hinduism
Day 1The Last Bastion of Hinduism
From Yogyakarta, morning transfer to the Sukuh temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java in the face of the spread of Islam. The temple's original iconography, including phallic figures and large turtle-shaped tables, suggests the existence of initiation and even orgiastic rituals.
You then set off on a walk towards the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of the Lawu volcano . This walk is an opportunity to discover some of the plant species found in this region, as well as admiring superb panoramic views of the surrounding pine forest and high-altitude plantations. You finish your walk by crossing the Tawangmangu park, which leads you to a superb waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys.
In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.
Day 2Magnificent Landscapes
Day 2Magnificent Landscapes
Morning departure for the Lumajang region, skirting the southern flanks of the majestic Semeru volcano. You will then reach the Tumpak Sewu waterfall ("Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese). As you descend into the gorge (on a slippery and sometimes steep path), you will feel the force of the hundreds of streams as they "plunge" over 100m. Seen from above, the beauty of this waterfall seems ephemeral as the fine mist soaks everything in its path. No wonder, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mt Semeru in the background won the award for "best aerial shot" in 2019. And, if you're also taking your camera equipment with you, remember to protect it from moisture.
Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.
Day 3To the Base Camp
Day 3To the Base Camp
Transfer to the Sumber Brantas base camp, situated at an altitude of almost 1,700m. After an initial briefing with your English-speaking tour-guide, you begin your ascent of the flanks of the Welirang volcano along a farm track, crossing fields of carrots and potatoes. After almost 5 hours of effort, you reach the base camp (2,570 m), where you will spend the night.
5 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +875 m)
Day 4Welirang Volcano (3,156 m)
Day 4Welirang Volcano (3,156 m)
At the end of the night, you begin the ascent of Kembar Peak 2 (45 minutes), at the top of which you can admire a breath-taking panorama over the whole of the Malang & Surabaya region. Return to base camp at around 7am and, after a generous breakfast, begin the ascent of Welirang volcano, via Kembar Peak 1 (2,5hrs-3hrs). Return to base camp around 1pm and free time after lunch.
4 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +600 m)
Breakfast: Included
Lunch: Included
Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Camping night
Day 5Arjuno Volcano (3,339 m)
Day 5Arjuno Volcano (3,339 m)
In the middle of the night, you begin your ascent of the Arjuno volcano (4 hrs), where a stunning sunrise awaits you at the summit. Youâll be surrounded by shallow grassy craters and numerous sulfur vents, so be cautious of the gases.
After taking in the views, return to base camp mid-morning, then descend to Sumber Brantas. In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the small village of Tumpang, at the foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.
Day 6Spectacular Mt Bromo Caldera
Day 6Spectacular Mt Bromo Caldera
Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles will take you to the Tengger region, where the famous Mt Bromo (2329 m) spits out its volutes and the surrounding caldera forms a gigantic sea of sand. On this journey, you pass through the stunning forest of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the crest of the Bromo volcano caldera, before descending to the sea of sand to reach the village of Cemorolawang (located on one of the opposite crests). Mt Bromo is the most reveredÌ of the Tengger Hindu people who live in the region. Climb the Bromo volcano in the early afternoon. You'll be able to admire its crater resembling a steaming cauldron. It's easy to understand why the Javanese once considered this place to be the entrance to purgatory.
You then make your way to the summit of Pananjakan Mount (2,775m) to witness a fabulous spectacle. You will watch the world set against a lunar backdrop, with a breathtaking view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both of which emit thick fumaroles. Unique!
Return to the hotel in the early evening.
Day 7The Charm of East Javaâs Countryside
Day 7The Charm of East Javaâs Countryside
Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen. After settling into your hotel, your guide will take you to some stunning 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.
Day 8Green Crater
Day 8Green Crater
In the early morning, you set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in old Javanese), an easily accessible climb with the men who extract sulfur daily from the edge of the worldâs largest acid lake. These real "convicts" carry around 80 kg of ore on their backs for approximately 15 km to the processing plant! You then witness the weighing process and the various employment contracts. A very powerful and striking image of your journey.
In the late morning, transfer to Ketapang port or Banyuwangi airport.
