From Java to Bali: Culture and Beaches

Land in Yogyakarta where at the airport you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on what time you land you may prefer to simply sit back and settle into your hotel before enjoying dinner. For those looking for some immediate adventure, head out in the city and begin to explore Indonesia’s cultural capital. Streets decorated with stunning graffiti, coffee shops and charming restaurants by the handful and temples decorating the skyline… There’s always plenty to see! Overnight at hotel.

A long flight to Indonesia may mean you’re tired this morning so enjoy a leisurely breakfast, waking up your senses one by one. After breakfast you can head out and explore the city, turning down the side streets to find the city’s hidden charms. There’s plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy both local and international meals which your guide and travel expert can recommend to you. Overnight at hotel.

Rise early this morning to catch the sun rise over the temples of Borobudur. There’s really nothing quite like it, so it’s an experience not to be missed. Your driver will meet you at the crack of dawn to transfer you to Borobudur where you can simply sit back and watch. The sun will rise and the colours of the sky will change right before your eyes, reflecting onto the stunning temples. After sunrise go in and explore the temples, learning about the archipelago’s culture, history and religion. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast your driver will transfer you to Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. This is a palace complex right in the centre of the city and is actually still in use by Indonesian royalty. It is essentially a walled city with its own little life going on behind the walls, with its own markets, schools, shops and mosques and is home to over 25, 000 people. Your guided tour of the walled in city will teach you about the culture and history as well as an opportunity to learn about some more hidden treasures. Overnight at hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being met by your driver who will transfer you to the railway staying in Yogyakarta. You will travel to Malang by rail across the island of Java from central Java to East Java. This railway journey takes around five hours and passes through some of the country’s most beautiful and untouched sights. Upon arrival in Malang you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.

Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel in Malang, enjoying a tasty breakfast and perhaps heading out to explore the local surroundings. Malang was very popular with the Dutch due to its mild highland climate, so you’ll be able to see plenty of Dutch architecture here from the grand mansions on the main boulevard and other landmarks. In the afternoon your driver will take you to Probbolinggo, a small fishing city. The colours of the boats serve for a beautiful backdrop against the blue ocean. Return to Malang. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to the airport for your short 1 hour flight to Bali. As you step onto the island of Bali you will be greeted by smiles and warmth. Your driver here will transfer you to Ubud where you will stay for the next few days. Upon arrival in Ubud you will have the chance to explore the local area, relax by the pool or enjoy a sunset drink. Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual capital, so prepare to be in awe! Overnight at hotel.

You can spend your day today exploring and discovering this charming area of Bali. There’s plenty to see and do here, from the Monkey Forest to the terraced rice fields. Traditional cooking classes can be arranged where you will visit a local market with your teacher to buy the ingredients. Whilst in Ubud a ‘Bali Day’ can also be organised, so that you can truly understand what life is life in Bali. Begin your day with offerings and see where the rest of the day takes you… Overnight at hotel.

Ubud is a very relaxing place, where tourists and locals alike truly prioritise relaxing. Take this day to relax by the pool at your hotel as you look out across rice fields or jungles. Head into town and browse the shops stacked with traditional gifts that you can take home as souvenirs. Ubud is also surrounded by a number of stunning waterfalls which are well worth the visit. Just a short drive from the town centre and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and rushing water. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel your driver will meet you to take you to Bali’s south coast, Seminyak. This two hour drive passes past stunning rice fields, through small villages and into the bustling area of Seminyak. Check-in to your hotel and then the rest of the day is for you to do as you please… Lounge poolside and enjoy the afternoon sun; head out into town and visit the beautiful shops beaming with both traditional gifts as well as some of the fashion world’s best brands; rent a surfboard and glide across the waves… Overnight at hotel.

Enjoy everything Seminyak has to offer today! From the pristine beaches to the perfect waves, from the luxury shops to some of the best restaurants in Asia, there really is so much to see and enjoy. Surf lessons for newbies are a great way to get comfortable on a surfboard before heading out there on your own, or if your idea of a holiday is in the shops, then head out to Seminyak Square and walk along Oberoi to find some beautiful items for your house and your wardrobe! Overnight at hotel.

Seminyak’s beaches offer the perfect spot to catch some rays and some waves. If you like to spend your days relaxing on the beach, then Seminyak is the place to be. There are also a number of beach bars dotted along Seminyak, from Potato Head to the W to Ku De Ta. Seminyak also has a number of spas where you can get a massage and facial among a number of other treatments. Enjoy this little bit of luxury for a fraction of the price you would pay back home. Overnight at hotel.

Soak up the rays in Seminyak as you lounge by the pool at your hotel or relax on the beach. If you prefer to go and do some exploring rather than staying in the town, day trips to other areas of Bali such as Nusa Dua, Sanur and Canggu can be arranged. Tanah Lot temple is about an hour drive from Seminyak and is perfect for sunrise, while Uluwatu temple offers fantastic sunset views. Overnight at hotel.

Enjoy your last full day in Bali by making the most of what Seminyak has to offer. Haven’t surfed yet? Head to the beach and rent a board or book a surf lesson for a truly adrenaline fuelled experience. Horse-ride on the beach at sunset and light a lantern in the evening to give thanks for your wonderful holiday in Indonesia.

It’s your last morning in Bali. Avid surfers may try and catch the day’s first waves while coffee lovers will head to their favourite spot for a cup of freshly brewed Bali coffee. Any last minute shopping for souvenirs and gifts for loved ones can be done this morning at the markets or in the shops. Your driver will meet you at your hotel several hours before your departure and transfer you to the international airport in Bali. We bid you farewell and look forward to planning your next Asian adventure!