Yogyakarta to Sidemen

Cultural capital of Java

“Selamat Datang”! Your driver is there to greet you upon your arrival at the airport and welcomes you in Indonesian. You will then go directly to your hotel in the city of Yogyakarta, where your trip to Indonesia begins. After dropping off your belongings, relax from your hours of flying at your hotel or explore the charming Prawirotaman district which is home to charming café terraces, restaurants and small local artisan shops. This is an opportunity to discover the kindness and friendliness of the Indonesians. In the evening, why not enjoy a delicious Gudeg, made with jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. Night at the hotel Yogyakarta

The striking site of Prambanan

Today you will explore the Kota Gede district, a part of the old city of Yogyakarta and center of silver crafts. Then, you visit the temples of Sewon and Plasoan before exploring the famous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan at sunset. Dating from the 8th century, it is essentially made up of three pyramid-shaped buildings, dedicated to the three gods Bramah, Shiva and Vishnu. As soon as you enter the place, you are amazed by the beauty of the majestic monuments. The tranquility that emanates from the place attests to its spiritual and religious character. Night at the hotel Yogyakarta.

Included activities

• Yogyakarta – Sewon & plason Temples
• Yogyakarta – Prambanan Temple
• Yogyakarta – Kota Gede silver Crafts

Pedal out of the city on a cycling tour (approximately 6 km) through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. See the locals in this area making various goods, from bricks to tofu and tempe. As well as palms and lush green grasslands, you will see the odd burst of yellow and pink flowers by the side of the road, which make for great photo opportunities. This cycling tour is on relatively flat ground, so it won’t be too strenuous. There will be ample time to take in all the interesting scenes of slow-paced local life. You will then have a free afternoon today and there are many activities for you to choose in Yogyakarta. Perhaps a cooking class to learn about Indonesian cuisine or salute to the sun with a yoga class – there is something for everyone!

Included activities

• Yogyakarta – Countryside cycling tour

Sunrise at Borobudur Buddhist Temple

This morning, get up at dawn to watch the sunrise from the top of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Dating from the 8th century, its architecture, the precision of its bas-reliefs, its countless Buddhas and its enormous bells make it a must-see in Indonesia. You then return to the center of Yogyakarta city for your lunch at a local restaurant. Then, you visit the Kraton, the Sultan’s palace and the Taman Sari known as “the water tower”. You enjoy strolling and getting lost in the small surrounding streets, punctuated by numerous artists’ houses and local craft shops. Night at the hotel.

Included activities

• Yogyakarta – Borobudur Temple 
• Yogyakarta – Sultan palace
• Yogyakarta – Taman sari

On the way to the volcanoes!

After a good breakfast,we will take take the train to Jombang. Don’t fail to admire the beauty of the landscapes that pass before your eyes. As soon as you arrive we transfers you to the foot of Mount Bromo where you spend the night. This still active volcano, peaking at 2,300m above sea level, is one of the most beautiful and sacred in Indonesia. Legend has it that a prince gave himself there as a sacrifice to the god Bramah in order to protect his family from the volcano. Every year, the faithful come to pay homage and honor the god by carrying offerings to the edge of the crater.

Sunrise and ascent of Mount Bromo

Your early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it; trust us. First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps for sunrise over the sea of sands. If the weather is clear, the sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience. Afterwards descend in your jeep to the sea of sands and climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside. The ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don’t forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It’s also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru in a private minivan (approximately 5.5 hours). You’ll stop for lunch en route, then arrive in the afternoon, with time to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.

Included activities

• Bromo – Bromo sunrise

Discovery of the Javanese countryside

Head out early in the morning to tour nearby coffee, cocoa and rubber plantations. You’ll see how rubber is processed, how coffee is dried, and, if there’s time, how cocoa is fermented. Before you set off, enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea and snack on fried banana. Travel by minibus to the far eastern end of Java – Gilimanuk (approximately 3 hours). There is often a lot of heavy traffic on this stretch of road as it’s the main entry point for Bali, so there may be some delays. Next you’ll board a ferry across the Java Strait (approximately 1 hour), before boarding another minibus for a journey along the west coast of Bali (approximately 1 hour). Travel on to Pemuteran – your destination for the next two nights.

Included activities

• Kalibaru – Coffee, Cocoa & Rubber Plantation Tour

First free day on the island of the gods

Today, enjoy a free day as you wish. Pemuteran is renowned worldwide for its snorkeling and diving on the small island of Menjangan, not far from the coast. So, grab your masks and snorkel! If you are more in a lazy mood, take the opportunity to relax on the beach or by the pool. It’s also the time for you to try a Balinese massage, a pure moment of relaxation for body and mind. For the more curious, you can explore the turtle nursery and the bay’s ecological program which consists of a vast coral rehabilitation project. Night at the hotel.

Add on activities

• Pemuteran – Yoga lesson
• Pemuteran – Snorkelling
• Pemuteran – Temple tour

Balinese mountains and waterfalls

This morning, you venture on small roads that climb and wind in the heart of the Balinese lands, between rice fields and tropical nature. Along the way, bathe in the sulphur-laden Air Panas Banjar spring, whose warm water springs from the mouths of sculpted nadas in three different pools. You then continue your journey towards Munduk, an old mountain station, characterized by its coffee, vanilla and clove plantations which perfume the fresh and pure air. Here, there’s nothing like venturing into the lush jungle that surrounds the village towards magnificent waterfalls nestled in the heart of nature. Night at the hotel.

Included activities

• Munduk – Banjar Hot Springs
• Munduk- Waterfall

The unmissable rice fields of Jatiluwih

After your breakfast at the hotel, you hit the road again to climb the mountainside and take the magnificent lake route, lined with vegetable and flower crops and offering breathtaking views. In this delightful landscape nestles the large, peaceful lake of Danau Bratan, where you contemplate a remarkable temple on the water, equipped with an elegant meru, a pagoda which rises eleven levels. Then, cross the Jatiluwih rice fields, listed by UNESCO for their unique irrigation system in the world. Before returning to Ubud for the night, you visit the Batukaru temple, in perfect harmony with nature and the surrounding mountain of the same name.

Included activities

• Bedugul – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• Bedugul- Batukaru Tempel

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee and experience the traditional Balinese offering. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you’ll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many.

Included activities

• Ubud – Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
• Bali – Kecak Fire Dance
• Ubud – Home visit, local coffee & Balinese offering

Lush hinterland valley

Wake up early for a great day of discovery of the region south of Ubud. You will be delighted to stroll through the famous Sukawati market and shop alongside the Balinese for all kinds of textiles, basketwork and paintings, in a lively and friendly atmosphere. You then travel along the east coast and make a brief stop at the Goa Lawah temple, or “The Bat Cave”, a major place for Balinese mourning rituals. Then, you go back to Tirtagganga to visit the royal baths where the Balinese come to bathe with their families before joining Sidemen, a jewel of greenery, synonymous with tranquillity, relaxation, rest and well-being. Night at the hotel. Sidemen

Included activities

• Ubud – Sukawati Market 
• Ubud – Goa Lawah
• Ubud – Tirtagangga

Hiking in the rice fields

Wake up at the foot of the majestic Mount Agung. Accompanied by a local guide, you begin, far from the tourist fervor, a gentle stroll in the countryside surrounding the village of Sidemen, one of the most beautiful regions of Bali. You come across the smiles of the farmers, wearing their bamboo hats. Cross fields of cloves, cocoa and salak, the snake fruit. Discover the richness of this Balinese nature where the fantastic terraced crops, dotted with palm and coconut trees, outline the landscapes that surround you. A magnificent day surrounded by nature and at your own pace, which will do you the greatest good. Night at the hotel. Sidemen

Included activities

• Sedimen – Village Tour

International flight

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy your last moments of Balinese tranquillity. Why not treat yourself to one last moment of relaxation with a Balinese massage, one last walk in the rice fields or reading by the pool while sipping one last coconut. Then, your driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the airport. You have a light mind, a relaxed body, and a head full of memories. Our services end. Do not hesitate to contact one of our Bali travel experts who will be delighted to meet your travel desires. See you soon in Asia with Java Tour and Travel.