13 Days • 12 Nights
Java & Bali: Borobudur, Bromo and the Island of Gods
Tour Includes
About the Trip
In Java you'll watch the sun rise over Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument on earth, explore the Hindu spires of Prambanan, and climb to a viewpoint for dawn over the otherworldly caldera of Mount Bromo. Then you'll cross to Bali for clifftop Uluwatu, the Bali Swing, Ubud's rice terraces and Ayung rafting, finishing on the beaches of Nusa Dua.
With comfortable hotels, internal flights and expert guides arranged, it is the definitive Indonesia journey.
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise over Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple
- The Hindu temple complex of Prambanan
- The culture and batik of Yogyakarta
- Dawn over the volcanic caldera of Mount Bromo
- The clifftop Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak fire dance
- The Bali Swing, rice terraces and Ubud culture
- White-water rafting on the Ayung River
- Twelve nights across Java and Bali
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 13-day journey.
Arrive in Yogyakarta, the cultural soul of Java, and settle in with a welcome dinner of Javanese flavours.
Rise for sunrise over Borobudur, the vast 9th-century Buddhist monument, then explore the soaring Hindu spires of Prambanan in the afternoon.
Discover the Sultan's palace, the water castle and the batik and silver workshops of Yogyakarta, with an optional Mount Merapi jeep tour.
Travel east toward the volcanic highlands, arriving near Mount Bromo for a night in the cool mountain air and an early dinner before a dawn start.
A pre-dawn jeep to the viewpoint for sunrise over the smoking Bromo caldera, then a walk to the crater rim before flying on to Bali and Seminyak.
Explore south Bali and clifftop Uluwatu Temple for the Kecak fire dance at sunset, then a seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach.
Watersports at Tanjung Benoa and the dazzling Devdan Show, with the Tanah Lot sea temple at sunset.
Travel to Ubud via the Bali Swing, a coffee plantation and the Tegallalang rice terraces.
Purify at Tirta Empul, then raft the jungle-clad Ayung River with lunch.
Explore the Monkey Forest, the artist villages and Ubud's markets at a relaxed pace.
Travel south to the golden beaches of Nusa Dua for two relaxing nights by the sea.
A relaxed day on Nusa Dua's calm beaches, with optional watersports or a Nusa Penida day trip.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 3 nights Yogyakarta, 1 night near Mount Bromo, 3 nights Seminyak, 3 nights Ubud, 2 nights Nusa Dua
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Bromo-region dinner and a Jimbaran seafood dinner
- Sunrise Borobudur and Prambanan temple visits with a guide
- A Yogyakarta city and culture tour
- A Mount Bromo sunrise and crater excursion
- Internal flights (Yogyakarta region to Bali)
- Uluwatu and the Kecak dance, the Bali Swing, rice terraces and Ayung rafting
- Local guides throughout
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the tour
- Indonesia visa or eVOA and the Bali tourist levy
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional inter-city flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities, watersports and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival or eVOA for Indonesia; some need a visa in advance. Your passport should be valid at least six months with blank pages — we can advise on your nationality
- Bali tourist levy: Bali charges a small tourist levy per visitor (around IDR 150,000), easily paid online before you arrive
- Currency: The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. Cards work in hotels and malls; carry cash for markets, warungs and temples (combo tours also use Singapore or Malaysian dollars)
- Temple etiquette: A sarong and sash are required to enter temples and are usually provided. Cover shoulders and knees, and dress respectfully at ceremonies
- Seasons: Bali is tropical year-round. The dry season (May-September) is ideal; the wet season (October-April) brings warm afternoon showers and fewer crowds
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent and take care with street food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Getting around: Bali's roads are busy and drives can be slow, so we build in realistic travel times. Some islands are reached by fast boat
- Sea crossings: Trips to Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands and Lombok are by fast boat and depend on sea conditions; pack light for the crossings
- Local customs: Bali is deeply spiritual — step around the little canang sari offerings on pavements, and always ask before photographing rituals
- Money & tipping: Gentle bargaining is normal in markets, and tipping is appreciated for good service though never obligatory
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Jimbaran seafood dinner or a rafting-day lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Bali's wonderful warungs and beach clubs.
Are transfers and sightseeing arranged?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and excursions are arranged with local drivers and guides, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Many nationalities get a visa on arrival or eVOA for Indonesia; some need one in advance. We can guide you based on your nationality.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season from May to September is ideal, with warm sunny days. The wet season (October-April) is still lovely, with lush scenery and short afternoon showers.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add islands, villas or spa days. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is Bali good for families and couples alike?
Very much so — it suits honeymooners, families and groups, with beaches, culture, adventure and world-class resorts to match any style.
How early is the Bromo sunrise start?
Very early — usually around 3 to 4am by jeep to the viewpoint, but the sight of dawn breaking over the caldera is unforgettable and well worth the alarm.
Is the Java portion strenuous?
There is some early rising and gentle walking at the temples and volcano, but nothing technical. It is suitable for anyone reasonably active.
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