The journey
Five days overland from Yogyakarta to Bali, by scenic train through Java's countryside to the ancient Majapahit ruins of Trowulan, colonial Malang, a Mount Bromo sunrise, and the blue-flamed crater of Kawah Ijen.
Java Overland: Yogyakarta to Bali is a cross-island journey through some of Indonesia's most dramatic scenery and history. Board a scenic train from Yogyakarta to Jombang, then visit Trowulan, the former capital of the Majapahit Kingdom, before touring the colonial streets of Malang by becak. Rise before dawn to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo's otherworldly volcanic landscape, then trek to the crater rim of Kawah Ijen, one of the most spectacular volcanic sights in Indonesia. Finish with a visit to a highland coffee plantation before crossing the Bali Strait by ferry to complete the journey on Bali's shores.
Highlights
- Ride a scenic train from Yogyakarta to Jombang through the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java
- Explore Trowulan, the former capital of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, and its temples and archaeological museum
- Tour Malang's colonial streets and colourful Jodipan village by becak, a traditional cyclo
- Rise before dawn to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo's otherworldly volcanic landscape
- Trek to the crater rim of Kawah Ijen, one of the most spectacular volcanic sights in Indonesia
- Tour a historic highland coffee plantation before crossing the Bali Strait by ferry
Included
Accommodation
4 nights across Malang, Bromo and Banyuwangi
Activities
Scenic train journey from Yogyakarta to Jombang · Trowulan archaeological museum, Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus · Malang becak city tour, Jodipan village and Eng An Kiong temple · Singosari Temple · Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint at Penanjakan · Mount Bromo crater rim trek · Kawah Ijen crater trek · Kaliklatak coffee plantation tour and tasting · Ketapang to Gilimanuk ferry crossing
Also included
Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers with English-speaking guide throughout · train ticket from Yogyakarta to Jombang · all entrance fees and activities as indicated · breakfast daily throughout (5 total, including a breakfast box for the early Day 1 train departure), plus 4 lunches
The route
Five days across Indonesia
3 stops · Malang to Banyuwangi
Malang
Bromo
Banyuwangi
Stop 1 of 3
Journey's end
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Stop 1 of 3
Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Yogyakarta to Malang by Train & Trowulan
An early start this morning: a breakfast box is provided before the 6:00am transfer to Yogyakarta Railway Station for a scenic train journey to Jombang in East Java, accompanied by your guide. Traveling by train is one of the best ways to experience the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java, and a chance to meet local people along the way. Upon arrival in Jombang, a local driver will be waiting with your luggage for the continued drive to Trowulan, once the capital of the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled Java for centuries. Visit the archaeological museum and the temples of Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus, before continuing to Malang. Check in at the hotel late in the afternoon, with dinner at leisure this evening. Overnight in Malang.
Day 2
Malang City Tour to Mount Bromo
After breakfast and checkout, take an orientation tour of Malang by becak, a traditional cyclo, passing grand colonial-era buildings, historic sites, flower markets, the colourful Jodipan village and the Eng An Kiong Chinese temple, finishing at the city's Cathedral. Continue towards Mount Bromo, stopping en route to visit Singosari, a Hindu temple dating from the 13th century, before a scenic drive up to Bromo Tengger National Park. Check in at the hotel and rest up for tomorrow's early excursion. Overnight in Bromo.
Day 3
Mount Bromo Sunrise to Banyuwangi
Rise well before dawn for a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo. Travel by 4WD jeep to a viewpoint at Penanjakan to watch the sun rise over the volcano, then continue down into the mist-covered caldera. From the jeep's drop-off point, walk 45 minutes across the sea of sand to the base of the crater, then climb a further 15 minutes to the rim of the active Bromo crater for an otherworldly view. Return by jeep to the hotel for a hearty breakfast and time to refresh, before a long scenic drive along Java's northern coast to Banyuwangi, with a late lunch en route. Check in at the hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, with dinner at leisure. Overnight in Banyuwangi.
Day 4
Kawah Ijen Crater Trek
Rise early again this morning for an excursion to Mount Ijen, with breakfast served at the hotel before setting off by 4WD jeep. Reach Paltuding Base Camp at 1,850 metres for the 3-kilometre trek to the top, following a wide, packed dirt pathway for around 90 minutes, passing porters carrying loads of sulfur down the mountainside. At the crater rim (2,385 metres), take in the vast, steaming crater lake, 200 metres deep and one of the most acidic in the world, and watch the miners at work collecting and carrying sulfur blocks up from the mines below. Return to the hotel by late morning, with lunch and the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Banyuwangi.
Day 5
Kaliklatak Plantation & Ferry to Bali
After breakfast, visit the Kaliklatak plantation, a former Dutch colonial estate set on a hillside with beautiful views. Learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee, then taste the finished product, with lunch served at the plantation's restaurant. Return to the Ketapang ferry terminal near Banyuwangi and cross the Bali Strait by local ferry to Gilimanuk, on Bali's northwestern shores. Continue by road to either Pemuteran or Lovina Beach on Bali's northern coast to complete the journey.
Moments
Along the way
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