Exotic Java & Bali

Our tour starts late afternoon in Yogyakarta. Situated almost exactly halfway along the length of Java, in an area considered to be the heartland of the Javanese, Yogakarta is home to some of the island's oldest traditions and blessed with a rich, fertile soil from the volcanic ash. It is the cultural capital of Java, with a real mixture of cultural influences, including Hindu and Buddhist temples, dating from the 8th century, Islamic Palaces from the 18th century and Dutch colonial architecture that harks back to the days when the Netherlands held much of Java in its imperialistic grip.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Yogyakarta at any time. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Yogyakarta International Airport, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information over breakfast on day two.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit Kraton Palace, wonder down Malioboro Street and try any of the fantastic street vendors, or explore a former colonial fortress, which now houses Fort Vredeburg Museum. Stay: Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta (Comfortable)

This morning we enjoy a fun tour of Yogyakarta by 'becaks', a cycle rickshaw where the driver sits and peddles behind the passenger. The ride will take us to Taman Sari Water Castle. Built by Java's first ruling sultan, Mangkubumi, the palace lies at the heart of a walled city that houses tens of thousands of people, whilst parts of the outer walls are still occupied by Javanese royalty. Later we drive out of the city, heading for the Hindu temple complex of the Prambanan Plain. This remarkable area is home to an incredible array of temples and palaces from the 8th and 9th centuries. We stay here to watch the sunset before returning to Yogyakarta. Stay: Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we head west to Borobodur, the largest and most impressive Buddhist monument in the southern hemisphere. Constructed in the 8th century this incredible monument, a petrified vision of the Buddhist cosmos, was lost for 900 years when Mount Merapi erupted and covered Borobodur in a layer of volcanic ash. The structure itself is immense, a gigantic Buddhist stupa constructed from two million blocks that covers an area of 200sq metres and rises some 34.5 metres above the Kedu Plain. Older by nearly half a century than the site at Prambanan, Borobodur is believed to have been built on the top of the foundations for what was originally a temple dedicated to Shiva, abandoned by the Hindu Sanjayas when their Buddhist rivals the Saliendras swept through the Malay peninsula during the 8th century.

A combination of earthquakes, subsidence and the mass migration of the Javanese to the east of the island saw the temple abandoned sometime during the 9th century, to be rediscovered again later by the British. Substantial work has been carried out to salvage the exquisite carvings and designs that adorn the structure and we can wander through the site today and marvel at the incredible detail of its narrative panels, which detail everything from Buddhist doctrines to the daily life of the Javanese. We return to Yogyakarta later in the afternoon. There is the opportunity to view a performance of Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic in the evening. Stay: Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta (Comfortable) (B)

Leaving Yogyakarta this morning we make the short transfer to the station where we board the express train to the Javan city of Malang . The Malioboro Express takes around eight hours to rumble through the heart of Java, sweeping past lush rice paddies, rural villages and through lively provincial towns that buzz with daily life. The carriages are air-conditioned with comfortable reclinable seats, power sockets and there are toilets at the end of each carriage.

The train is due into the city of Malang in the late afternoon. After some free time to freshen up, we head out this evening for a short orientation tour of Malang's charming colonial architecture, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Ubud Cottages Malang (Comfortable) (B)

We make an early start this morning to visit the flower market in Malang before driving around 4 hours to Cemoro Lawang to bring us closer to Mount Bromo. We must change our vehicle for the last part of our journey as we head off the main road. We arrive in time for a late lunch break, after which our tour leader will take us for a three hour trek through the Sand Sea towards Mount Bromo. An early night is recommended in order to fully enjoy the rewarding Mount Bromo experience first thing in the morning. Stay: Lava View Lodges (Simple) (B)

Today, in the early hours of the morning, we take an excursion, by jeep and on foot, to the slopes of Mount Penanjakan (2770m) for spectacular views of Mount Bromo crater for sunrise. The trip then drives across the Sand Sea of the caldera towards the crater itself, admiring the beautiful pink glow of our surroundings as the sun slowly rises. Volcanoes have mystified man since the earliest of times, and with this breathtaking scene laid out before us this morning it is easy to understand why. Mid morning we will continue our journey to Kalibaru, which will be our base for two nights.

Overall driving time approx. 7 hours. Stay: Kalibaru Cottages (Comfortable) (B)

We set off this morning to explore the plantation's extensive grounds on foot. This area is known locally to produce excellent nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, cocoa, coffee and coconuts. We learn how each crop is grown and harvested, along with a demonstration of how palm sugar is processed, a staple ingredient in this part of the world. In the afternoon we continue our journey east, driving to the port town of Ketapang. It is from here we wave goodbye to Java and catch a ferry to our next Indonesian island, Bali. Once on the \ Hindu Island\ , we continue by bus, driving along the scenic coastal road to the relaxed beach-side town of Pemuteran. Stay: Kubuku Lodge (Comfortable) (B)

Pemuteran is a laid-back village located on Bali's northern coastline, tucked far away from the beach hot spots in the south. Its lack of surf means it's not a popular haunt for surfers either, but instead is a perfect secluded spot for swimming and snorkelling. Pemuteran and its villagers have witnessed the effect of over-tourism in other resorts in Bali, and are taking active steps to avoid the same pitfalls. They have set up a community-wide initiative which tightly controls any building and development, and they operate a fascinating environmental project they call \ Bio Rocks\ . Before being made illegal, vast swathes of the local coral had been destroyed by dynamite fishing, so the coral is now being grown back with the aid of a low-voltage electricity supply, returning at a rate estimated to be five times faster.

Today has been left free to explore the village or to relax on the beach and soak up Pemuteran's laid-back atmosphere. There are also a variety of optional excursions to choose from, including a half-day snorkelling trip, mangrove walk or a trip out to West Bali National Park which is particularly popular for those interested in birdlife. Stay: Kubuku Lodge (Comfortable) (B)

There is a further free morning in Pemuteran today, and after lunch we continue along the scenic coastal road before turning inland. The road begins to twist and turn through the forest until we reach the small farming community of Munduk. The town enjoys an enviable position sitting higher in altitude than most of the island, and the cooler climes offer some respite from Bali's humidity. Munduk is home to a community of farmers that serve the myriad of surrounding plantations and rice paddies, and we hope to arrive in time for a sundowner as we climb to a viewpoint to watch the day turn to night and the sun dip into the forests below. Stay: Puri Lumbung (Comfortable) (B)

As far as tourism is concerned, Munduk very much sits in the shadows of its more popular cousin Ubud. Its small village offers few familiar concessions to modern tourists, but its surrounding countryside hides towering waterfalls, lush rice paddies and colourful plantations, and this morning we set off on foot to explore these surroundings. Our walk takes us through plantations of banana, cocoa and coffee, where we learn how the locals grow, harvest and sell these vital crops to support their families, and have been doing so for generations. We continue the walk through forests before reaching the impressive Melanting and Munduk waterfalls, which offer a great place to break for a snack and for photo opportunities. We continue back to Munduk village where we end the morning's walk, a total of around four hours and six kilometres.

After lunch, we continue our drive down through the island's lush centre to the beating heart of Bali's bohemian culture, Ubud.

Overall driving time approx. 5 hours. Stay: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort (Comfortable) (B)

After being picked up at our hotel, we will be driven to the start point of our bike ride. From here, we will head downhill along off the beaten track village roads. We will immerse ourselves in the typical Balinese daily life and relish the captivating countryside scenery. Our route will take us through lush, forested areas and plantations brimming with Balinese crops. As we continue, we'll pass through small villages and traverse lush-green rice paddies. Along the way we will visit a Balinese home, an up-close and personal glimpse of how the Balinese live their lives. Depending on the season, we might take a short walk through the rice paddies, witnessing villagers engaged in the age-old practices of planting and harvesting rice. The ride is 3 hours long and mostly on flat or downhill terrain. We will enjoy lunch served at the local restaurant before returning to town.

The rest of the day is free to further. There's the option to visit some of the various handicraft workshops for which Ubud is famous, or cultural sites such as the Goa Gajah cave, Yeh Pulu rock carvings and the Pejeng Temple. Balinese art reflects many of the traditions and culture of the islands, recounting religious and historical epics, elements of puppet theatre and even real life, and in Ubud you can find some of the finest examples of the work anywhere in the archipelago. Stay: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort (Comfortable) (B/L)

We start our day with an orientation walk around the rice paddy fields, learning about local farming techniques and the life of the farmers here. Later this morning we leave Ubud and make the one hour journey to our final stop at Sanur on Bali's south east coast, where we find white sand beaches. Sanur has a village feel and while there are several hotels and resorts it retains a certain charm. There are plenty of small shops for souvenir shopping, a selection of restaurants both on the main street and on the palm fringed beach front. Stay: Sri Phala Resort & Villa (Comfortable) (B)

Your time is free today to enjoy this small beach resort. Optional excursions for those who wish to be more active include excursions to explore either east or south Bali. Stay: Sri Phala Resort & Villa (Comfortable) (B)

Our tour ends after breakfast, but depending on flight times there may be the opportunity to enjoy the beach this morning for one last time. (B)