Authentic Indonesia
20 days from £11,990 for 2024 per person
This trip is perfect for travellers looking to experience the real Indonesia; scale active volcanoes, learn about ancient and historical sites, dive coral reefs, immerse in the rich Hindu culture, bask in the natural beauty of fertile landscapes. This is itinerary gives you the best of Indonesia…
Start your adventures with a sunrise trek to see the ancient and impressive site of Borobudur, the 9th century shrine to Buddha and an important site for Buddhist pilgrimages. The mist hangs over the valley at dawn, and the rising sun brings the temple into full view over the treetops. It will be an unforgettable start to your day.
After this, visit the breathtaking Mount Bromo, and then take a scenic drive along Java's north-eastern coastline until you reach the Ijen Plateau. One cannot help but be amazed by the dramatic landscape here. Go trekking in to the crater of Mount Ijen to see the famous "Blue Fire" before spending a few days recovering from your adventures at the charming Puri Ganesha. You'll get a real taste of Balinese hospitality and cuisine in this home-away-from-home hotel, with your private bungalow in a quiet corner of the island. From here, head to the vibrant Hindu hub of Ubud, a colourful town where you can plunge into local culture, temple tours, and walk meandering streets of jewellers, restaurants, and craft markets galore. Stay at the charming Bambu Indah, in antique 100-year old Joglo houses set amongst farming fields and rice terraces.
The final leg takes you to Lombok – Bali’s smaller neighbour where life moves at a slower pace. The impressive Tugu Lombok is decked from head to toe in Indonesian art collections and original features, and is the ideal base to hop over to the Gili Islands for a day of diving and beach combing. Make sure you also venture inland to the dramatic waterfalls of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
This holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made tour of Indonesia. To see similar tours, take a look at our other Active Holidays and Epic Journeys.
Itinerary details
20 days from £11,990 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Amanjiwo - Borobudur, Java
Arrive in Yogyakarta and transfer to Borobudur. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 2 - Amanjiwo - Borobudur, Java
Day activities; go for a guided walk in the mountains or on an elephant trek. - Day 3 - Amanjiwo - Borobudur, Java
Visit Borobudur at sunrise. Explore the local villages in the afternoon. Evening dinner at Pak Bilal. - Day 4 - Jiwa Jawa Bromo - Mount Bromo
Fly from Yogyakarta to Surabaya and take a scenic drive to your hotel in the mountain ranges of Mount Bromo. - Day 5 - Ijen Resort and Villas - Ijen Plateau
Sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. Afternoon transfer to Ijen Plateau (approx. 6 hours). Evening at leisure. - Day 6 - Ijen Resort and Villas - Ijen Plateau
Day activities; cycling and walking tours around the rice paddies and volcanic landscape. - Day 7 - Puri Ganesha - Pemuteran, Bali
Sunrise trek of Mount Ijen. For those more adventurous, climb down into the crater to see the infamous "Blue Fire". Afternoon ferry to Bali. - Day 8 - Puri Ganesha - Pemuteran, Bali
Day at leisure. - Day 9 - Puri Ganesha - Pemuteran, Bali
Half day trip snorkelling in Menjangan National Park. - Day 10 - Bambu Indah - Ubud, Bali
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Ubud (approx. 4 hours). - Day 11 - Bambu Indah - Ubud, Bali
Guided tour of Ubud; visit temples, coffee farms, and the city centre for shopping, arts & crafts and yoga. - Day 12 - Bambu Indah - Ubud, Bali
Day at leisure. In the evening, go to a Cecak Dance and dinner performance. - Day 13 - Surya Shanti Villa - Sidemen, Bali
Transfer to Sidemen, approx. 1 hour. Day at leisure. - Day 14 - Surya Shanti Villa - Sidemen, Bali
Day activities; treking Mount Agung, bicycle rides, rice paddy walks, picnics and yoga. - Day 15 - Hotel Tugu Lombok - Lombok
Morning boat over to Lombok. Rest of day at leisure. - Day 16 - Hotel Tugu Lombok - Lombok
Take a private boat over to the Gili Islands for some world class diving. - Day 17 - Hotel Tugu Lombok - Lombok
Day at leisure. - Day 18 - Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp - Lombok
Car transfer to the Southeast coast. Day at leisure. - Day 19 - Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp - Lombok
Day at leisure. - Day 20 - In transit.
Transfer to Lombok International Airport for return flight home.
My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus