Round trip Java and Bali

From the ancient temples of Java to the enchanting landscapes of Bali - this tour takes you through the highlights of two of Indonesia's most fascinating islands. You will discover the majestic Borobudur, wander through the royal streets of Yogyakarta and admire the volcanic beauty of Mount Bromo. After an adventurous week in Java, set sail for Bali, where vast rice fields, hidden temples and serene beaches await you. Travel inland by panoramic train, explore the central highlands in a vintage Volkswagen and taste the authentic flavors of Indonesian cuisine. A journey full of culture, nature and unique experiences, staying in Caractère hotels that will give your trip an extra special touch.

Important information:

Every foreign traveler coming to Indonesia must complete a health form. This is an electronic declaration ("SatuSehat Health Pass") that can be filled out on the (Ministry of Health website)[https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/]. After completion, the traveler will receive a QR code confirming submission.
Visa on arrival (VOA) upon arrival via land, air or sea port or in advance arrange online here for stay of up to 30 days (extendable locally for 30 days). Possible in limited number of airports. NOTE: A VOA on arrival via land, land, air or sea port is not possible with a Belgian provisional passport.
Visitors must complete an electronic customs declaration (ECD) starting 2 days before or upon arrival. You can do that here.
For visiting Bali, there is an additional tourist tax to pay) through this website.

Day 1: Arrival in Java and transfer to Magelang

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from the long journey. Once you leave the airport, the route winds through lush rice fields and charming villages, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Javanese life. The well-maintained roads make for a smooth ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that unfolds with each kilometer. You will spend two nights at a Caractère hotel in Magelang.

Day 2: Magelang

Magelang can look back on a rich history. The city has known several rulers, including the Dutch colonists, each of whom left their mark. After breakfast, trek to the impressive Borobudur Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, this 9th-century monument is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. So no trip to Java is complete without stopping here. Besides Borobudur, you will find other important temples in Magelang, such as Pawon and Mendut, which together form a "cultural triangle.

Day 3: Magelang - Yogyakarta

Today you will leave Magelang and trek to Yogyakarta. This city was founded in 1755 and is the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy. Yogyakarta boasts several architectural gems, including the royal palace and the 9th-century Prambanan temples. Later, the city developed into a center of education and creativity, making it known today as the cultural capital of Indonesia.

Yogyakarta's colorful streets bustle with live music, local theaters and art galleries. They are a harmonious fusion of age-old traditions and youthful innovation. You start with a visit to the royal palace, also called Kraton. Depending on the day of your visit, you may witness a gamelan performance, a Wayan puppet show or a training of the ornate palace dancers. From the Kraton, located in the heart of the city, continue your journey to the Prambanan, a fascinating collection of temples. Some of these temples have been restored to their former glory and have therefore been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You spend two nights at a Caractère hotel in Yogyakarta.

Day 4 Yogyakarta

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Yogyakarta. The city is home to some places where jamu (= a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine) is still produced according to ancient methods. You will visit one of these places and discover the benefits of this traditional herbal drink. After revealing the secrets of jamu, hop on your bike for a bike ride through Kotagede, or the "Old Town. Today you will find several traditional silverware shops in this neighborhood. After cycling, it's time for a local lunch and a relaxing afternoon at your hotel.

Day 5: Yogyakarta - Malang

After breakfast, trek to the train station, where you board a train for a panoramic train ride through the interior of Java. Your transfer awaits you in the arrival hall of Malang station - also called the "Switzerland of Java" due to its mountainous surroundings and cool climate. Overnight at a Caractère hotel in Malang.

Day 6: Malang - Tosari

Malang is the ideal starting point to explore the Tengger Mountain Range. First you drive to Tumpang, a village at the foot of Mount Semeru, where you have ample time to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. Then you will change vehicles and embark on an exciting jeep ride towards Tosari. There are several vantage points where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Bromo and the surrounding area, with three more volcanic cones rising from the arid sand sea - a truly spectacular panorama. You will then check into a Caractère hotel in Tosari. You have the rest of the day free.

Day 7: From Java to Bali

Today you leave Java and the next leg of your journey is on the program: Bali. After checking out, you will drive to Surabaya Juanda Airport, a few kilometers outside the city of the same name. The roads are winding and often narrow, but offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes of terraces and misty hills. After arriving at the airport, take a short flight to Bali. Once you arrive at Denpasar airport, you will meet our guide and begin your exploration of one of the world's most fascinating islands. Bali beckons with its unique traditions, colorful festivals and fascinating landscapes. You leave the busy south and head for the countryside. Gradually the landscape changes to rice fields: the tourist hotspots are exchanged for traditional Balinese villages. In these peaceful surroundings you will completely relax. Three nights in a Caractère hotel in Tabanan.

Day 8: Tabanan

Take some time to relax after your trip. Treat yourself to an invigorating spa treatment. You can enjoy traditional Balinese massages, aromatherapy and a range of soothing treatments to refresh both body, and mind.

Day 9: Bali's central highlands

After breakfast, embark on a scenic tour in a vintage open-top Volkswagen. The first stop on the program is Sangeh, a haven for monkeys that seemingly guard the mysterious temple nearby. The temple is surrounded by six acres of forest, with giant nutmeg trees. Next, drive north and trek into the mountains past the rice fields of Jatiluwih, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still in the cool mountains, you hike the temple gardens of Batukaru, a place so quiet you could hear the gods whispering.

Day 10: Tabanan - Munduk

After breakfast, you will depart for Munduk via Pupuan. On the way you can admire the shades of natural beauty of Bali. The first part of the drive takes you along the busy highway connecting Denpasar, the capital of Bali, with the Gilimanuk, the port city connecting Bali and Java. Briefly you traverse lush landscapes, terraced rice fields and traditional villages. Then the journey continues north to Munduk, a village known for its waterfalls, coffee plantations and panoramic views. Pause at the peaceful Buddhist monastery in the hills, with an immense and impressive Buddha statue as the highlight, and spend some time in the peaceful surroundings where there is an almost spiritual atmosphere. Two nights at a Caractère hotel in Munduk.

Day 11: The coffee plantations of Munduk

Today begins with a visit to a coffee plantation, where you will learn more about the traditional coffee brewing process. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the aroma of ripe coffee berries and the sweet smell of tropical flowers. A local expert with a deep passion for coffee leads you along winding paths in the shade of towering trees, where the red and green coffee berries glisten in the sunlight. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating stories about traditional farming methods passed down through generations. The tour ends with a visit to an on-site rustic roastery. A little further on, you can stop at the serene waterfall of Banyumana, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. You can take a refreshing dip in the cool water there. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12: Munduk - Sidemen

You trek from Munduk to Kintamani, a winding journey through the highlands of Bali where every bend offers a new, breathtaking view. The route is a narrow, winding road, through lush, dense forests and past steep cliffs. As you approach Kintamani, the road widens and you see the huge caldera of Mount Batur, with black lava fields stretching out before you. Then the journey continues to Besakih, the religious center of the island. The last part of the roundtrip takes you to Sidemen, tucked between the of East Bali volcanoes and glorious rice fields. You will check into a Caractère hotel in the valley of Sidemen, where you will spend two nights.

Day 13: Sidemen - free day

Today you have the entire day at leisure. Enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area on your own.

Day 14: Sidemen - Sanur

After breakfast stop at a typical Balinese village. You can participate in a cleansing ritual, often held at a local temple that regularly floods with water from an adjacent river. For the Balinese, it is one of many sources of holy water, which they use to cleanse themselves of physical and spiritual ailments. A local family welcomes you with a delicious meal, offering Balinese delicacies in an authentic and traditional setting. The family is busy preparing the canang, or small offerings to be made to the many local Gods. You check into a Caractère hotel in Sanur for your final two nights of this trip.

Day 15: Sanur - free day

Your last vacation day is completely free to spend. Enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area on your own. Be sure to take the Sanur walking path along the beautiful beaches nearby. The path is dotted with warungs (local eateries) and Balinese temples.

Day 16: Return home

On the day of your departure, enjoy your breakfast and hotel facilities until it's time for your final transfer to the airport. You will return with countless memories of this wonderful, unforgettable trip.