Indonesia: Yogyakarta to Bali
16 days, Yogyakarta to Candi Dasa
Itinerary
Day 1Yogyakarta
Welcome to Java. Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
KJ Hotel Yogyakarta (or similar)
Day 2Yogyakarta
There's so much to discover in Yogyakarta today! Explore some Javanese temples, bike to rice paddies on the outskirts of the city, or go for a foodie tour and try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit).
Free Time
Get out and explore Yogyakarta and its surrounding attractions.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Yogyakarta Becak Tour & Taman Sari
Becak is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of transportation in Indonesia. Today, you will discover Yogyakarta's highlight by this traditional transport. Ride through the Alun-Alun Kidul (South Square), the Sultan's Palace and Taman Sari, the Water Castle, once used by the royal family to spend their leisure time. After a delicious lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to Sonobudoyo Museum. This museum collects and keeps important pieces of Javanese tradition. You'll end the day at the famous Malioboro Road for some shopping and local everyday life before returning to your hotel.
Jomblang Cave Tour
A hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Yogyakarta, Jomblang Cave offers an extraordinary adventure into the heart of the earth. This unique vertical cave invites you to explore a hidden underground wonderland, illuminated by sunlight. Your journey begins early in the morning. After a scenic 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at the entrance to Jomblang Cave. Before descending into the depths, you'll be fitted for all required gear and guided by experienced professionals. Then embark on a thrilling descent of 60 meters into the cavern. Once at the bottom, you'll marvel at the breathtaking sight of sunlight filtering through the cave's opening, casting a magical glow upon the subterranean landscape. Explore the mysterious depths and intricate rock formations. After your underground exploration, you'll be pulled back up to the surface, ready to savor a delicious local lunch cooked by the local women in the area before you return back to your hotel.
Village Tour by Colonial Style Bike
Cycle through the villages and wave hello to the people you will be passing along the way. You will be stopping at a traditional market and home businesses, all awhile meeting locals, and getting insights into the different facets of local life here in Yogyakarta. A traditional Javanese lunch will be waiting for you after your hard work.
Accommodation
KJ Hotel Yogyakarta (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Yogyakarta/Magelang
Visit Candirejo Village on the way to Magelang today. Accompanied by a local guide, learn more about this village and why its known as a symbol of Javanese culture. Here you will gain more insight into daily activities, the multiple-crop farming system, and their traditions. After a delicious local lunch, drive to Magelang for the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Candirejo Village Visit
Visit Candirejo, a captivating village sitting among vibrant green fields. Meet friendly residents, and learn all about ancient traditions and Javanese culture. This community directly supports women’s empowerment in the Candirejo Ecotourism Village Development. Women play a central role in the home industry sector, which we have a chance to see on this visit. Take home the perfect souvenir — homemade handicrafts and furniture can be found here, including wonderful pieces made of bamboo made by the local women's initiative.
Accommodation
Puri Asri Magelang Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Magelang/Solo
We'll rise before the sun today in order to catch a beautiful sunrise atop Setumbu Hill. This easy hike will bring you above the early morning fog for a gorgeous view of the jungly temple topped mountains. After descending, return to the village for an easy biking tour to see its beautiful sites like Borobudur Temple and the traditional market. This evening, drive to Solo.
Setumbu Hill Sunrise Hike
This is a perfect place for a sunrise, with the temples and jungle encapsulated by fog with a mountain backdrop. The hike to Setumbu is doable for all fitness levels. It can be steep in parts, but it’s not too difficult. It takes about 30-45 mins. The trail is a dirt path with some steps.
Wanurejo & Borobudur Village Biking Tour
Explore the local villages by bicycle to visit its local businesses, traditional markets and outside around Borobudur Temple. The cycling is on a flat paved village road and total cycling distance is under 7km.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
The Royal Surakarta Heritage (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Solo
Spend the day getting to know the history and traditions of Central Java in Solo, known as the center of Javanese culture. With visits to Mangkunegaran Palace, Triwindhu Market and Laweyan Village, you'll have the chance to see how traditional heritage is still alive today.
Triwindhu Market
Visit the Triwindhu Market. This is a great place to find traditional Javanese items, antiques, textiles, and local handicrafts. If you're interested in souvenirs, this is the place to be! Don’t hesitate to bargain a little with the vendors.
Mangkunegaran Palace Visit
Take in the mix of Javanese and European architecture at this charming palace. Keep an eye out for royalty -- members of the aristocratic family still reside in the palace.
Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Batik Making
Learn about the traditional process of Batik-making. Then, have the chance to create your own batik piece, guided by skilled artisans. It’s a fantastic hands-on experience and a great souvenir opportunity!
Accommodation
The Royal Surakarta Heritage (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Solo/Bromo
After breakfast, continue east to Ngadas Village. On the way, make stops to explore Alun Alun Malang City Square and colorful Jodipan Village. Arrive to Ngadas in the late afternoon. This picturesque village in the foothills of Mt Bromo is known for its Javanese traditions and beautiful nature.
Your G for Good Moment: Ngadas Homestay
Nestled amongst the green hills of the Mt Bromo region, the village of Ngadas is home to a Tengger farming community. Overnight with a local family participating in the community's homestay program, a G Adventures-supported initiative. Learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions from your hosts.
Jodipan Colorful Village Visit
Grab your camera for a visit to the picture perfect Jodipan Village. Known for its colorful rainbow homes, like the while town is a mural.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Ngadas Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Bromo
An early morning jeep ride is the best way to see the Bromo Crater this morning. Followed by a 45 minute hike to reach Penanjakan Hill view point just in time for sunrise! Admire the oranges and pinks before continuing the hike through the Sea of Sands to the top of Bromo Crater. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at Teletubbies Hill. Return to Ngadas Village for a walking tour (and maybe a coffee?) to see the temples, the tomb of mbah Sedek and the holy forest. Enjoy a local lunch and dinner at the homestay with free time to explore how you wish in between.
Your G for Good Moment: Village Walk
Learn more about daily life in Ngadas with a village walk. Take in views of the scenic hills as you walk along, passing farming areas and stopping to visit the local temple, vihara, and mosque.
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Ngadas Village
Nestled amongst the green hills of the Mt Bromo region, the village of Ngadas is home to a Tengger farming community. Enjoy a village walk and local lunch at this G Adventures-supported initiative. Take in views of the scenic hills as you walk along, passing farming areas and stopping to visit the local temple, vihara, and mosque. Learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions from your hosts.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon in Ngadas Village.
Mount Bromo Jeep Excursion
Jump in a jeep and explore the winding landscape of Eastern Java, climbing upwards and outwards towards the grandeur of Mt Bromo to witness a stunning sunrise. Hike to the peak of Mt Bromo, part of the Tengger Calder, the largest volcanic range in the area. A distinct site, the volcano blew its top off completely and is constantly smouldering with white smoke.
Accommodation
Ngadas Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Surabaya/Seminyak
Depart Java and fly to Bali, then drive to Seminyak. Check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day how you'd like! Seminyak is a lively and fun beach town, so relish the chance to enjoy it!
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend a free evening in the exciting beach town of Seminyak!
Accommodation
Puri Saron Hotel Seminyak (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Seminyak/Munduk
Head north this morning as we say goodbye to Seminyak and travel toward Munduk. Our day will be filled with exciting stops along the way, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jatiluwih Rice Terraces where we can explore the ancient emerald-green fields. The second stop is Baturiti Fruit Market where we can wander through the colorful stalls and try fresh fruits like rambutan and dragon fruit, depending on the season. Continue on to the gorgeous temple in the middle of the lake, at Ulun Danu Temple. Take the scenic route to Munduk with one final pit stop at the Twin Lake photo spot. Arrive to Munduk in the evening, check in the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. On the way, explore Baturit Fruit Market and try some local fresh fruit, and continue on with other awesome pit stops along the way.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Visit
Follow your CEO down narrow paths as you explore the UNESCO-protected Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Stop to enjoy the view as you trek around the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ulun Danu Temple Complex Visit
Bring your camera for this floating temple visit; the captivating Ulun Danu Temple, founded by the King of Mengwi in the 17th century, is one of Bali’s most important and most photographed temples.
Accommodation
Meme Surung Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Munduk/Bulian
We're off to our G for Good supported community homestay in Bulian today but not without some adventure along the way. A dip in Banjar Hot Springs is without a doubt the perfect way to start today. From a relaxing moment to some upbeat adventuring, we head to lively and exciting Pasar Anyar Singaraja, a traditional market full of fresh produce and handmade homeware where locals come to haggle. The last stop of today is Beji Temple where we'll explore this historic complex before finally arriving to Bulian in the afternoon. Embark on a village tour and traditional Balinese offering making workshop as you immerse yourself in our homestay in Bulian.
Banjar Hot Springs
Take a dip at Air Panas Banjar, a centuries-old therapeutic sulfur hot springs bathing spot nestled in lush vegetation in the hills of Bali. It is renowned for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters sourced from a natural volcanic spring. Spend time in the relaxing waters of Banjar’s three-tiered pools, each varying in temperature and offering a unique bathing experience. The soothing warmth of the mineral-rich waters is said to alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being.
Singaraja Traditional Market
Pasar Anyar Singaraja, also known as Singaraja Traditional Market, is one of the main traditional markets of the area. Once here, you can see first hand what's sold like fresh produce, rice and tobacco, or household necessities like locally made kitchenware and utensils on display across various stalls. For first-timers, the scene here may seem a bit chaotic, with cluttered stalls. But it’s one of the best places for bargains, and you might score a unique souvenir like gemstones and jewelry.
Beji Temple
The temple was built in the 15th century during the Majapahit period and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Bali.The timeworn structures and walls within the temple complex are exquisitely contrasted by the manicured green lawns and tropical gardens. Shrine bases and white sandstone walls are covered in arrays of carvings, inspired by the great Hindu epics with a mixture of characters from fables and legends such as serpents, menacing demons and guardians. The stone staircases and temple gates of Pura Beji temple also feature intact statues. It's a great stopover for lovers of art and ancient architecture.
Your G for Good Moment: Bulian Village Tour
Learn the unique history of this isolated village and why it's sometimes referred to as the "Lost Kingdom" or "The Land of Curse." We'll embark on a tour of the village and get to know the local people as you wander past plantations, schools, and temples. Dress in local clothing and prepare offerings made of leaves and flowers before heading to a spiritual ceremony where you meet a local priest.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Bulian Guesthouse Experience
Bulian Homestay is a community run guesthouse, managed by a strong, dedicated woman of that village, who created an employment opportunity for other women and vulnerable youth of the community, with the hope of preserving their culture and preventing rural urban migration. By supporting this experience you will be directly impacting close to 50 people from the local community and indirectly impacting around 100 people living in the community. Bulian Homestay is a traditional Balinese Style house, converted into a comfortable guesthouse for travelers coming to this quaint village, around 2 hours from Ubud, Bali.
Accommodation
Bulian Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Bulian/Kintamani
After a delicious breakfast, we're off to Lemukih Village for the day. Trek through rice paddies, a durian plantation, a coffee plantation and even a natural waterslide that we'll get a chance to enjoy. After lunch in a local warung, we'll continue our trek to visit 2 beautiful waterfalls, where we can swim and relax. Head towards Kintamani, a highland region in Bali known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, like the active Mount Batur and the serene Lake Batur.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lemukih Village Trek
Trek through Lemukih Village and enjoy the view of rice terrace fields. Stop at a durian plantation and natural water slide, where of course we will have a chance to slide down the water slide! Trek through a coffee plantation, and stop at a local warung for lunch before continuing to two of Bali's most incredible but still undiscovered waterfalls, Fiji and Sekumpul.
Accommodation
Lake View Kintamani Bali Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 12Kintamani/Ubud
Don't miss the opportunity to explore Mt Batur at sunrise today! Choose the more active option of trekking to the sunrise point or choose the thrilling jeep sunrise adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll visit the well preserved Penglipuran Village to experience picturesque Balinese culture. Afterwards, stop at the beautiful Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple on the way to Ubud. In the evening, arrive to Ubud.
Free Time
A sunrise visit to Mt Batur is a must! Opt to join a trek or jeep adventure this morning.
Penglipuran Village Visit
Step into a timeless Balinese village known for its well-preserved traditional layout and culture. Wander its narrow lanes, interact with locals, and take in the authentic cultural atmosphere. Take up the opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts as souvenirs.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Visit Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple. This serene temple complex is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist crowds. Explore the ancient carvings, tranquil pools, and lush gardens. Take time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and admire the intricate details of the temple architecture. It's a wonderful place for reflection and appreciation of Balinese artistry.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Climb to the summit of Mt Batur (1700m), for an amazing sunrise and scenic views. Rest easy—this active volcano is an accessible climb of about two hours.
Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Excursion
A jeep tour of Mt Batur at sunrise gives you an adventurous and awe-inspiring start to you day. Cruise on this 2-3 hour tour, with a well-skilled driver who takes you through a rugged, off-road path, passing through fields of volcanic ash, black lava rocks, and offering stunning views of Mount Batur, Mount Agung, and Lake Batur. We'll reach the perfect viewpoint in time for sunrise and head back to the hotel for breakfast.
Accommodation
Champlung Sari Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Ubud
Ubud is often considered the cultural heart of Bali. Today you have the opportunity to explore however you'd like. From monkey forests, local cooking classes, making spiritual offerings and Balinese village experiences, your options for today are endless.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Ubud, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like attending a yoga class, learning about Balinese cuisine with a cooking class, and indulging in a traditional massage. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Medahan Village Happy Local Family Adventure
Drive to Medahan Village and enjoy a welcome from the local villages complete with Balinese cake and tea. Take a walking tour of the village, visiting the traditional market, temples, rice paddies and spring. After working up an appetite, sit down for a delicious local lunch before returning to your hotel.
Ubud Spiritual Tour
Visit Widya Guna Foundation, a G for Good support project to learn how to make traditional Indonesian prayer offerings. Then visit some of Bali's holiest sites like Gunung Kawi Temple, the tomb of the king. Then visit Tirta Empul spring water temple for a holy bath before returning to Widya Guna Foundation for lunch.
Laplapan Village Cooking Class
Visit Laplapan Village in Ubud and join a local cooking class! Make delicious Balinese favorites like sate ayam (chicken satay), pepes ikan (grilled fish in banana leaf) and mie goreng (fried noodles). And don't forget yummy desserts like kolak (boiled banana in caramelized palm sugar). You'll have your own stove, following along as you cook the food you will enjoy for lunch!
Accommodation
Champlung Sari Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Ubud/Candi Dasa
After a yummy breakfast, we drive from Ubud to the coast! Arrive in Candi Dasa in eastern Bali this afternoon and enjoy some free time.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon in the seaside town of Candi Dasa.
Accommodation
Ashyana Candidasa Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Candi Dasa
Enjoy the amazing chance to explore Candidasa however you'd like! Opt to join a local Balinese cooking class and learn to make local favorites like Chicken Tum and Gado-Gado. Or take a snorkeling trip to the beautiful Blue Lagoon! The choice is yours.
Free Time
Spend today exactly how you'd like in Candi Dasa!
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Cooking Class
Refine your culinary skills with an optional Balinese cooking class. Discover the secrets of delicious local cuisine and how to use exotic herbs and spices.
Snorkeling the Blue Lagoon
Set out for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Located just a short drive from Candidasa, the Blue Lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. You'll swim alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and unique marine species while exploring the calm, protected lagoon. The area is perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in Bali's natural beauty. A must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Accommodation
Ashyana Candidasa Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Candi Dasa
Depart at any time.