East Java & Bali(Trip #60934)

Tour Overview

The differences between the islands of Java and Bali are amazing - the people, the culture, the history. We travel from the laid back traveller's town of Yogyakarta and ascend the slopes of Gunung (Mt) Bromo for a spectacular sunrise of heated gases and volcanic fire. We'll visit ancient Hindu pilgrimage sites where over 200 ancient temples lie in ruins. With Yogyakarta as our base we can also visit Borobudur, one of the world's finest Buddhist sites. Finally we cross the straits and arrive in Bali, legendary home to demons and gods. Let your imagination soar and don't miss this wonderful travel opportunity.

Itinerary:
Day 1 YOGYAKARTA (JAVA) Arrival day.
Day 2 YOGYAKARTA Yogyakarta is a great place to base ourselves for a few days. Take a cycle rickshaw (becak) to explore the Sultan's Palace, markets and the batik and puppetry workshops of Yogya or wander through the markets in Malioboro Street. (B)
Day 3 BOROBUDUR Today we visit the amazing Buddhist site of Borobudur. You can also attend a performance of the classic Ramayana, a gamelan concert in the evening or discover the art of puppet-making. Return to Yogya for the night. (B)
Day 4 MALANG From Yogya, we visit the famous Prambanan complex, which encompasses 224 ruined Hindu temples. We then ride to the Dutch colonial town of Malang. We stay in a pleasant guesthouse just outside the centre of Malang. (B)
Day 5 GUNUNG (MT) BROMO We continue to Gunung Bromo and prepare for our ascent the next morning to the cone of this spectacular live volcano. (B)
Day 6 GUNUNG BROMO An early start where we take jeeps to a stunning view point for sunrise. The jeeps cross the 'sea of sand' and we then climb 246 steps to the cone of Mt Bromo. (B)
Day 7 KALIBARU Today we drive to the hills of Kalibaru where we stay the night in beautifully situated bungalows near coffee, cocoa and rubber plantations. In the afternoon we have a guided walking tour of the nearby plantations and local nature reserves. (B)
Day 8 SEMINYAK BEACH We drive along the north coast of East Java to Banyuwangi. We may see children diving for coins from high poles, a local sport. A short boat trip brings us to the paradise island of Bali. (B)
Day 9 SEMINYAK BEACH - UBUD Today we drive to Ubud, the cultural centre of Balinese life. There will be time to explore the nearby Monkey Forest, temples, rice paddies and the famous art and craft market in the centre of town. (B)
Day 10 UBUD - LOVINA Drive towards Bali's northern coast via the temples of Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot as well as the market at Bedugul. (B)
Day 11 LOVINA A wonderful day with lots of options. You can head to Menjangan (Deer) island and spend the day swimming, snorkelling or diving. Alternatively you can get up early for a dolphin cruise. (B)
Day 12 GUNUNG (MT) BATUR - KINTAMANI We leave the coast and ascend the incredibly scenic slopes of Gunung Batur. En route we will visit the Gitgit Waterfalls with a possibility of a cool swim. We stop at several viewpoints to take in the view of the crater and its lake. Continue to our guesthouse in the Kintamani area. (B)
Day 13 KINTAMANI - PADANG BAI Optional sunrise walk up Gunung Batur. Head for the lovely fishing village of Padang Bai, surrounded by beautiful beaches. En route we visit the temple at Besakih and the palace and museum at Klungkung. (B)
Day 14 PADANG BAI - SEMINYAK BEACH Transfer back to Bali and Seminyak Beach, where the tour ends on arrival. (B)

(Reference ID: ITSAJA)