Yogyakarta to Bali Discovery Trip

Day 1: Yogyakarta
Welcome to Yogyakarta, birthplace of the eponymous hero Rama from the Ramayana epic. You will be met by your English speaking driver upon collection of your luggage for a private transfer to your hotel in Yogyakarta. Check-in and rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.

Transportation: Yogyakarta Airport (YIA) to Yogyakarta Hotel by Private Van
Accommodation: Melia Purosani Yogyakarta in Standard Room (or similar)

Day 2: Yogyakarta

After breakfast, we will visit some of the most breathtaking temples that make the fame of  Yogyakarta, including Prambanan Temple, Sewu Temple, Plaosan Temple, and Bubrah Temple. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Also called Candi Prambanan or Candi Rara Jonggrang, the temple was constructed in the mid-9th century and dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva).

We then continue to Keraton, the majestic former Sultan's Palace in Jogyakarta. Effectively a walled city, this complex of pavilions and residences is home to around 25,000 people and encompasses a market, shops, cottage industries, schools and mosques.. We end our day at Tamansari -or Water Castle-, a recreation garden for the Sultan and his family.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Melia Purosani Yogyakarta in Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: English speaking driver, all entrance fees as per itinerary

Day 3: Yogyakarta

After a tasty breakfast, time to visit the city's most famous temple: Borobudur Temple. The temple (or candi in Javanese, pronounced “chandi”) fell into disuse roughly one hundred years after its completion when, for still unknown reasons, the rulers of Java relocated the governing center to another part of the island. The British Lieutenant Governor on Java, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, only rediscovered the site in 1814 upon hearing reports from islanders of an incredible sanctuary deep within the island’s interior. 

We then head to Malioboro, a famous and hectic street in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, this is the main street and was once the ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the Keraton. Some say that the name Malioboro derives from the name of the British governor Marlborough from the era when Britain ruled the archipelago, between 1811-1816.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Melia Purosani Yogyakarta in Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: English speaking driver, all entrance fees as per itinerary

Day 4: Yogyakarta to Bromo

Enjoy your breakfast before heading to the railway station to embark on a 4h train journey across Java. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful sights by the window and get a glimpse of the countryside. Arrive in Mojokerto and transfer by private car to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lava View Lodge in Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: English speaking driver, train ticket from Yogyakarta to Mojokerto (seat)

Day 5: Bromo to Ijen

Wake up quite early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mt Bromo. You will travel by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan. Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen covered ground form to create an almost alien atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon. A 20 minute ride on horseback will take you to the stairs which lead to the rim of the still active Bromo crater. Return by horse and jeep to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast continue the trip to Ijen abnd check-in on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Harvest Resort in Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: English speaking driver, all entrance fees as per itinerary

Day 6: Ijen to Bali

After an early breakfast, driving through the rural villages, coffee and clove plantations and then into one of Java’s last rainforests. Humidity, wildlife, giant ferns and big trees cover the slope of the mountain, to arrive at the Park  Ranger’s station to begin the hike to Ijen Crater, along a shady track with spectacular views. The lake eerie color and smoke wafting from bright yellow sulfur deposits create the landscape both desolate, barren and vibrantly alive. Watching  miners descend into the crater and re-emerge carrying up to 80 kilos of ore on bamboo basket along the treacherous path.

We then continue to Bali via Ketapang and Gilimanuk Harbour before a drop off at your hotel in Bali / airport.

Meals: Breakfast
Miscellaneous: English speaking driver, all entrance fees as per itinerary