Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Java & Ubud

Welcome to Java. Arrive at any time.

Included Experiences

• 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.

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).

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore Yogyakarta and its surrounding attractions.

Optional Experiences

• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.
• 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!
• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Ngadas Village.

Fill up on breakfast, then load into the bus to drive to Surabaya. The rest of the day is yours to explore the bustling city of Surabaya how you'd like.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the day free to explore Surabaya!

Optional Experiences

• Surabaya River Boat Tour: Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing boat ride along the scenic Surabaya River.

Get to know the city of Surabaya a little better during your last day in the city. Through the lens of your local guide, explore the historic port town on a walking tour. In the afternoon, take a train to Kalibaru in East Java.

Included Experiences

• Surabaya Walking Tour: Walk through the city of Surabaya and see the sights alongside a local guide! Walk to the Historical Park, across the Red bridge, explore the Syahbandar Tower, visit Colonial Warehouse at Kalimas, wander through the Pabean Market, and stroll down Panggung Street.
• Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Explore the beautiful, lush plantations of Kalibaru village on a walking tour through the gardens, rice paddies and local businesses. After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon.

Included Experiences

• Kalibaru Village Experience: Tour the beautiful Kalibaru Village, visiting the spice garden full of pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, galangal and more. Continue on foot through the village's path and across rice field dykes. If they're open during your visit, check out local businesses like the bean-curd processing facility, an animal husbandry farm and learn some of the unique ways Indonesian people make a living.
• Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kalibaru.

Drive to the far eastern coast of Java to arrive in Banyuwangi this afternoon. Along the way, we'll stop at the enchanting De Djawatan Forest to stretch our legs and take some photos. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you'd like in Banyuwangi. Opt to relax in the hotel pool or visit Baluran National park by jeep.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Today's free afternoon gives you the chance to enjoy Banyuwangi how you'd like.

Optional Experiences

• Baluran National Park by Jeep: Head to Baluran National Park, where you'll explore the teak jungle and savannah along a macadam road. Enjoy stunning sights and hopefully some wildlife from a scenic viewpoint before visiting Baluran Beach, known for its natural beauty, clear blue waters, and pristine sand. Spend your time there swimming, bird watching, or simply relaxing on the beach before returning to the hotel.

This extra early morning is totally worth it when you see the incredible sunrise over Ijen Crater. This moderate level hike will bring us above the clouds to see pinks and oranges glisten over the turquoise lake. As you explore the crater, you will encounter the sulfur miners of Ijen, known for their incredible strength and endurance. These miners extract sulfur from the crater floor, working in harsh conditions with minimal protective gear. They carry heavy loads of sulfur, often weighing between 70 to 90 kilograms, up the steep, rocky path to the crater rim and then down to the base camp. The work is incredibly physically demanding, making it one of the most grueling jobs in the world. After hiking back down, enjoy a much deserved breakfast. Take the rest of the day to rest or explore Banyuwangi.

Included Experiences

• Ijen Volcano Sunrise Hike: Explore the Ijen Volcano complex. Deep turquoise by day, the lake at the crater is illuminated with electric blue flames by night - caused by ignited sulphuric acids. Take a ride in a 4X4 vehicle through the rural villages, coffee and clove plantations and then into one of Java’s last rainforests. The hike to Ijen Crater is along a shady track through beautiful scenery. Arrive at the peak of 2380 meters above sea level to see the lake's eerie color and smoke wafting from bright yellow sulfur deposits. Admire a landscape that looks desolate and barren yet vibrantly alive. Watch as the miners do their daily descend into the crater, re-emerging with up to 80 kilos of ore carried in bamboo baskets along the treacherous path. After admiring the sunrise, hike back down the mountain. The path is a mix of dirt and rocky ground. It can be slippery, especially during rainy seasons. The trail is mostly uphill and can be steep in places, making it somewhat strenuous, with an elevation gain of about 500 meters.
• Free Time: Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Banyuwangi.

Optional Experiences

• Banyuwangi City Tour: Explore the local culture and history by visiting the Blambangan Museum and the traditional Osing village. Visit Taman Sritanjung Park for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy local street food. Shop for local crafts and souvenirs at Banyuwangi's traditional markets.
• Pantai Boom (Boom Beach): Visit a popular local beach with black volcanic sand and calm waters. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore, watch local fishermen at work, and try some local seafood dishes. The beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Catch the morning ferry from Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Harbor on Bali. Drive to the ecolodge in Pemuteran and check in for the next two nights. Enjoy a free afternoon and opt to relax by the pool, join a local cooking class or hike Bukit Kursi.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore Pemuteran.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Optional Experiences

• Pemuteran Cooking Class: Try your hand at cooking some favourite Balinese dishes in this immersive class led by a local chef! See your fresh ingredients and then learn some professional prepping skills. Classes begin at 11am for lunch or 5pm for dinner. Enjoy the local delicacies you create!
• Bakit Batu Kursi Temple: Hike this short but moderately difficult uphill trek to the Bukit Kursi viewpoint. Climb the many stairs to reach the incredible view of the ocean and mountains at the top.

Today is your day to explore the magic of Pemuteran however you'd like. Opt to snorkel around Menjangan Island, known for its pristine coral reefs and rich marine life. Go for a hike in West Bali National Park or relax in Pemuteran's small town vibes.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend today free to explore Pemuteran.

Optional Experiences

• Snorkelling Menjangan Island: Hop on a 30 minute boat ride to Menjangan Island. Snorkel over sponges, sea grass, coral and fish for an hour before stopping for a scenic lunch break on the island. After lunch jump in for another snorkelling session at a new spot off the Island.
• West Bali National Park Hike: Drive to West Bali National Park and register at the entrance to meet your local guide. The guide will give you a briefing about the hike, safety protocols, and the wildlife you might encounter. Then you're off! Start the hike and begin to learn how West Bali National Park is home to diverse ecosystems, including dry savannah, monsoon forests, and coastal mangroves. You’ll likely encounter monkeys, various bird species, perhaps even wild deer or the elusive Bali Starling (the park’s famous endangered bird). Along the trail, you'll stop at designated viewpoints to admire panoramic views of the island, the sea, and neighboring islands. Finish your trekking, say goodbye to your local guide and drive back to hotel

Drive from the the coast and head inland to Bali's cultural hub, Ubud. After arrival, enjoy free time to enjoy this incredible city.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend a free afternoon in Bali's cultural heart, Ubud.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Today is yours to explore Ubud how you prefer!

Optional Experiences

• 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!

Depart at any time.