Jakarta to Ubud

Visiting: Indonesia

Jakarta to Ubud

Hit the streets of Jakarta, Glide across Situ Patenggang Lake, Swim in the turquoise waters of Green Canyon, Explore culture rich Yogyakarta, Discover an organic farm in Seloliman Nature Reserve, Be spoilt by staggering sunrise views atop Mt Bromo, Kick back on the coast of Bali, Uncover a leafy paradise in Ubud

Don’t be fooled into thinking Indonesia is ‘just another island getaway’. Because the scale of experiences you’ll have in this magical country are truly epic. Miles of empty beaches, steamy verdant rainforests, volcano studded valleys, culture rich cities, ancient temples - and that’s just the places they tell you about. From Yogyakarta to Mt Bromo, Seloliman to Ubud, take this journey and fall in love with incredible Indonesia.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

If you arrive early, Jakarta has some interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and Maritime museums. The National Museum is also a good introduction for first time visitors. If you'd like to learn about Indonesia's more recent history, head to the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, where the life of Suharto is on display, along with many of the gifts that were given to him during his tenure in office.

Monuments abound in the city - don't miss Si Jagur, an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with sexual imagery, or the Monas (National Monument) dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. For architecture, head to Kota - the old Dutch area of Batavia - or go 1 km north to visit the old port, Sunda Kelap, and try to catch a glimpse of a wooden schooner still plying the waters.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We take a train journey across the hills and stunning classic Java landscape of deep gorges and lush rice terraces to travel to Bandung (approx 4 hrs). The higher altitude and cooler climate makes Bandung a pleasant relief from the low-lands.

Take a city tour around Bandung to uncover some culture and history of this historic town. Begin by 'Jalan Asia Afrika' - the street where the best buildings left from the Dutch colonial era still stand, then on to the oldest coffee factory built int he same period and still in operation today. After this we head to an area known as the Gedung Sate - where the central government controls west Java, before finishing up at the Ujo Angklung to see a traditional bamboo music performance!!

Included Activities

Bandung city tour & Angklung music performance

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel by private minibus to Pangandaran (approx 7 hrs).

Set off on a tour of the local surrounds, villages, cottage industries and the impressive green canyon. Our day trip begins with a stop at a local market to check out the produce and home industries such as palm sugar, tempe, and rice cracker production, as well as the famous Javanese 'Wayan Golek' (traditional wooden puppets), before continuing on to the Green Canyon. We hop aboard boats and travel up river (approx 30 mins) through superb jungle scenery, before a swim up into the canyon itself. The water here is green hence its name and is a popular hangout for locals so a great opportunity for some local interaction. Our day concludes at a nearby beach where we can break for lunch and swim in the afternoon before heading back.

Included Activities

Green Canyon and local industries tour

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel by private minibus to Pangandaran (approx 7 hrs).

Set off on a tour of the local surrounds, villages, cottage industries and the impressive green canyon. Our day trip begins with a stop at a local market to check out the produce and home industries such as palm sugar, tempe, and rice cracker production, as well as the famous Javanese 'Wayan Golek' (traditional wooden puppets), before continuing on to the Green Canyon. We hop aboard boats and travel up river (approx 30 mins) through superb jungle scenery, before a swim up into the canyon itself. The water here is green hence its name and is a popular hangout for locals so a great opportunity for some local interaction. Our day concludes at a nearby beach where we can break for lunch and swim in the afternoon before heading back.

Included Activities

Green Canyon and local industries tour

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel here by private minibus (approx 9 hrs).

Explore Borobodur - the world's largest Buddhist Stupa. Completed in the 9th century, with a local guide we uncover this true highlight of Asia at sunrise, when the temperature is at its most pleasant, the crowds at their lowest, and the light picture perfect.

Visit Yogya's other great site - this time of the Hindu variety. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java, and one of the world's greatest. Also built in the 9th century we enjoy the mastery of this site in the late afternoon.

Included Activities

Borobudur temple complex

Prambanan temple complex

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

We travel here by private minibus (approx 9 hrs).

Explore Borobodur - the world's largest Buddhist Stupa. Completed in the 9th century, with a local guide we uncover this true highlight of Asia at sunrise, when the temperature is at its most pleasant, the crowds at their lowest, and the light picture perfect.

Visit Yogya's other great site - this time of the Hindu variety. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java, and one of the world's greatest. Also built in the 9th century we enjoy the mastery of this site in the late afternoon.

Included Activities

Borobudur temple complex

Prambanan temple complex

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

We travel here by private minibus (approx 9 hrs).

Explore Borobodur - the world's largest Buddhist Stupa. Completed in the 9th century, with a local guide we uncover this true highlight of Asia at sunrise, when the temperature is at its most pleasant, the crowds at their lowest, and the light picture perfect.

Visit Yogya's other great site - this time of the Hindu variety. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu complex in Java, and one of the world's greatest. Also built in the 9th century we enjoy the mastery of this site in the late afternoon.

Included Activities

Borobudur temple complex

Prambanan temple complex

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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We take a private minibus for the journey to Seloliman (approx 7-8 hrs).

Meet volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and eat delicious locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax. This is also a beautiful spot to appreciate nature - be sure to sit outside at night under the stars to take in the peacefulness of the surrounding mountain scenery.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Before we leave for Mt Bromo we join reserve staff at Seloliman on a walk around the reserve, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine (approx 2.5 hrs). The walk includes discussion on local faun and flora, traditional farming methods & rice production, a mini hydro electricity plant, local village coffee shop and concludes with a traditional Jamu demonstration and tasting 'Javanese medicine'

Journey on to Mt Bromo (approx 4 hrs).

Active Mount Bromo (2,329) is the most well known volcano of the Tengger massif. Known locally as 'Gunung Bromo' the name is actuallyis derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. This region is also the homeland of the Tenggerese and the steeply cultivated hills give rise to the amazing Tengger Valley.

Marvel at steeply cultivated hills giving rise to the amazing Tengger Valley. If there is time take a walk around the village in the afternoon but we head to bed early in preparation for an early start tomorrow.

Included Activities

Guided jungle, village and rice terrace walk

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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In order to enjoy these spectacular views an early rise (3.30am) is necessary to ensure enough time to cross the 'sea of sand' and climb the cone of Mt Bromo. The climb is not too difficult (approx 45 mins), but it can be very cold so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. Sunrise over this eerie sea of volcanoes is an unforgettable experience.

Included Activities

Sunrise Mt Bromo climb

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel by minibus to the far eastern end of Java (approx 2 hrs) before boarding a ferry across the Java Strait (approx 1 hr), then boarding another minibus for a journey across southern Bali to Tanah Lot (approx 3 hrs).

Wind down the pace here and enjoy some time relaxing poolside, or consider a day trip by boat snorkelling impressive nearby reefs. Come evening seek out a local seaside bbq and feast on the daily catch with the locals.

Included Activities

Tea plantation tour

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel by minibus to the far eastern end of Java (approx 2 hrs) before boarding a ferry across the Java Strait (approx 1 hr), then boarding another minibus for a journey across southern Bali to Tanah Lot (approx 3 hrs).

Wind down the pace here and enjoy some time relaxing poolside, or consider a day trip by boat snorkelling impressive nearby reefs. Come evening seek out a local seaside bbq and feast on the daily catch with the locals.

Included Activities

Tea plantation tour

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Ubud  takes approx 2 hrs.

Ubud was recently made famous by the Hollywood movie, Eat Pray Love. For those with extra time in Ubud there are plenty of things to see and do. Bicycles can be hired to explore surrounding rice paddies and small villages or get to the lush Botanic Gardens just outside of town. There are numerous art galleries and interesting museums that can take up your day, and If shopping is more your thing, there are plenty of woodwork, silverware and other handicraft shops to browse through.

In the evening there may be an option to view a traditional kecak dance where performers are whipped up into a trance-like frenzy, concluding with fire walking - a highlight for many.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

Our journey to Ubud  takes approx 2 hrs.

Ubud was recently made famous by the Hollywood movie, Eat Pray Love. For those with extra time in Ubud there are plenty of things to see and do. Bicycles can be hired to explore surrounding rice paddies and small villages or get to the lush Botanic Gardens just outside of town. There are numerous art galleries and interesting museums that can take up your day, and If shopping is more your thing, there are plenty of woodwork, silverware and other handicraft shops to browse through.

In the evening there may be an option to view a traditional kecak dance where performers are whipped up into a trance-like frenzy, concluding with fire walking - a highlight for many.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner