Java and Bali: Sacred Volcanoes of Indonesia

The morning is dedicated to exploring Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, and particularly the area surrounding the Sultan's Palace, built in 1756, a charming and peaceful place. Your city walk takes you to Taman Sari, known during the Dutch colonial era as the "Water Palace," and then to the puppet and batik workshops. Late morning, you head to the Ratu Boko Temple, perched on the hills of Gunung Kidul overlooking the Prambanan plain. From there, you begin a short hike to the Hindu temple of Prambanan, passing through forests, traditional villages, and rice paddies. You then visit the Prambanan temple complex, and in particular Loro Jonggrang, a magnificent 47-meter-high temple dedicated to the goddess Shiva. It is considered the most elegant and breathtaking Hindu temple on the island of Java. An optional Ramayana performance is available. Return to the hotel in the early or mid-evening.

Early this morning, you'll head towards the Menoreh Hills , located about 25 km west of Yogyakarta and overlooking the Borobudur Plain . You'll begin a unique warm-up hike through stunning landscapes and along several ridges, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the verdant rice paddies below and the volcanoes rising on the horizon (Mount Sumbing, Mount Merapi, and Mount Merbabu). Then, in the middle of the valley, the imposing Borobudur sanctuary appears, which you'll visit at the end of your hike. After visiting this monumental Buddhist sanctuary, a short transfer will take you to the slopes of Mount Sumbing, where you'll check into your hotel.

In the early to mid-morning, you'll set off again for the base camp (1,710 m) of Sumbing Volcano and begin your ascent. You'll first traverse numerous high-altitude plantations on a well-marked but already quite steep path. At an altitude of 2,665 m, you'll reach a junction where you can refresh yourself (numerous streams). Higher up, a beautiful section of trail winds through red rock formations. You'll then reach the crater rim (3,300 m), where you'll set up camp.

Around 4:00 AM, you'll climb Puncak Rajawali, the highest point of the volcano (3,371 m), and at sunrise, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire region, including the distant volcanoes Merapi and Merbabu. Back at camp, after a quick breakfast prepared by your guide and porter, you'll have the option to descend into the crater, but caution is advised due to the gases. Return to base camp mid-morning, then transfer to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool (massage is also available).

Departing from Yogyakarta, an early morning transfer takes you to the Sukuh Temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java against the spread of Islam. This temple features unique iconography, such as phallic figures and large tables shaped like turtles, which are said to have been used for initiation rituals, perhaps even orgiastic practices. Next, you'll hike to the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of Mount Lawu. This hike offers the opportunity to discover some of the plant species found in this region and to admire stunning panoramic views of the pine forest and surrounding high-altitude plantations. Your walk concludes with a trek through Tawangmangu National Park, which leads to a magnificent waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the heart of a rainforest inhabited by a large community of monkeys. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Transfer to Sumber Brantas base camp, located at nearly 1,700m altitude. After an initial briefing by your English-speaking guide, you begin the ascent of the Welirang volcano's slopes along a farm track that winds through fields of carrots and potatoes. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, you arrive at base camp (2,570m), where you will spend the night.

In the early morning, begin the ascent of Kembar 2 Peak (45 minutes), from whose summit you will admire a superb panoramic view of the entire Malang & Surabaya region. Return to base camp around 7:00 AM, and after a hearty breakfast, begin the ascent of Welirang Volcano, via Kembar 1 Peak (2.5-3 hours). Return to base camp around 1:00 PM and enjoy some free time after lunch.

In the middle of the night, you begin the ascent of Mount Arjuno (4 hours), where a magnificent sunrise awaits you at the summit. All around, you'll observe shallow, grassy craters and numerous sulfur vents. Care must be taken to avoid inhaling the fumes. Return to base camp in the mid-morning, then descend to Sumber Brantas. In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the small village of Tumpang, at the foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles will take you to the Tengger region, where the famous Mount Bromo (2,329 m) spews its plumes of smoke, and the caldera surrounding it forms a gigantic sea of ​​sand. During this journey, you will cross the stunning forest of Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, also following part of the rim of Mount Bromo's caldera, before descending to the sea of ​​sand to reach the village of Cemorolawang (located on one of the opposite ridges). Mount Bromo is the most revered mountain for the Tengger Hindu people who live in the region. The ascent of Mount Bromo takes place in the early afternoon. You will then be able to admire its crater, resembling a smoking cauldron. It is easy to understand why the Javanese once considered this place the entrance to purgatory. Then you'll ascend to the summit of Mount Pananjakan (2,775m) to witness a truly spectacular sight. You'll watch the world set in a lunar landscape, with breathtaking views of Mount Bromo, its sea of ​​sand, and Mount Semeru, both emitting thick fumaroles. A truly unique experience! Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Transfer to East Java, specifically the village of Kalibaru , located amidst diverse plantations once cultivated by Dutch settlers. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a pleasant hike in the surrounding area.

An early start (6:00 AM) takes you to the village of Wonorejo. From there, you continue your trek, over difficult and muddy terrain, to Camp 1, located at an altitude of 896 meters. Camp 1 is the starting point for most hikers. It's a simple warung ( local eatery) in the coffee plantations, run by a Madurese man, Pak Sunarya, and his wife. A little further down, you'll have a superb view of Mount Raung on a clear day. From Camp 1, it's a 10-kilometer (3-mile) straight climb to the summit. The trail's incline is very pleasant at first, and you should hear the beating of hornbills' wings and the grunts of wild boars in the surrounding forest. You also have the chance to spot some beautiful indigo flycatchers. You'll reach Camp 2 (1,451 m/4,000 ft) in under two hours. It then takes 30 minutes to reach Camp 3 (1,638 m) and another 45 minutes to reach Camp 4 (1,815 m). Camp 5 (2,045 m) is reached after a 45-minute walk, and a similar amount of time is needed to reach Camp 6 (2,222 m), located near seismological equipment. Finally, you reach Camp 7 (2,553 m) on a pleasant ridge, which is definitely the best spot for your two nights of bivouacking. Allow 6-7 hours, including breaks, to reach Camp 7. The views of the Argopuro and Semeru volcanoes are magnificent, and there is enough space for at least 10 tents.

You begin the ascent before 4 a.m. to take advantage of the daylight. After a little over an hour, you reach Camp 8 (2,870 m), then Camp 9 (3,068 m) another 45 minutes higher. The trail, still through the forest, offers spectacular views of Argopuro to the west, Mount Agung to the east, and Glenmore Peak (3,227 m) overlooking the crater. After two hours from Camp 7, you emerge from the vegetation (3,115 m) and reach Puncak Bendera (3,139 m), marked with an Indonesian flag, the first viewpoint on the challenging route to Puncak Sejati. The final ascent (approximately 3 hours, optional) is one of the most difficult in Indonesia: narrow ridges, unstable scree, and exposed rocky sections requiring ropes and composure. Puncak 17 (3,172 m) marks a key milestone, followed by more delicate ridges and short bolted sections. You then progress towards Puncak Tusuk Gigi (3,315 m), traversing an impressive rocky chaos, before crawling under large boulders leading to the crater rim. Finally, Puncak Sejati (3,332–3,344 m) reveals an unforgettable panorama: Glenmore, Ijen Merapi, Baluran volcano, Ringgit, Argopuro, and Semeru. After this legendary summit, allow 2.5 hours to descend to Puncak Bendera and then less than 2 hours to reach Camp 7.

Allow approximately 6 hours to descend and reach Post 1, where your vehicle will take you back to the hotel.

Early in the morning, you'll set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in Old Javanese), which you'll easily ascend alongside men who extract sulfur daily from the shores of the world's largest acidic lake. These veritable "convicts" carry nearly 80 kg of ore on their backs for about 15 km to the processing plant! You'll then witness the weighing process and the various work contracts. A powerful and striking image of your trip. Late in the morning, transfer to Pemuteran, a small seaside resort located on Bali's northwest coast, far from the tourist crowds.

Free morning. Optional boat rental to explore the underwater world around Mejangan Island, where Bali's richest marine life seems to have gathered. A veritable polychromatic aquarium awaits you in these coral reefs! This is where the rare Bali starling, for example, has found refuge. In the afternoon, transfer to the Kintamani region.

In the early hours of the morning, you begin your ascent of Mount Batur. Shortly before sunrise, you first reach the summit of the oldest crater, then begin your descent, skirting the adjacent craters and pausing near (but at a safe distance from) the newest and most active crater. The day continues with a visit to the Pura Kehen temple in Bangli. This temple is one of the most revered in Bali. Its lush garden and temple with eleven "meru" (spirits) make it a place steeped in spirituality and tradition. Transfer to the village of Sidemen, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Agung. Late afternoon.

The morning is dedicated to a pleasant 4-hour hike around Sidemen, through upland plantations and rice paddies. During this walk, you'll pass numerous hamlets, offering opportunities to meet the locals, and also cross an old suspension bridge. The vegetation is lush and the landscape truly exotic.

Nighttime ascent of Mount Agung (it is essential to reach the summit early in the morning for a clear view). At dawn, you reach one of the crater rims, at an altitude of 2,850 meters. You are essentially at the sub-peak of Mount Agung. The highest and most revered mountain in Bali, Mount Agung dominates virtually the entire south and east of the island with its imposing silhouette, often shrouded in a veil of clouds and mist. Although most books and maps give it a height of 3,142 meters, some say that the summit did not survive the 1963 eruption and that it now stands at only 3,014 meters! After the descent, you return to Sidemen. Transfer to Sanur in the afternoon.

A free day in Sanur, one of Bali's oldest seaside resorts, which has retained its charm and refinement. Sanur's beaches stretch for several kilometers, perfect for a stroll along the water's edge. Sanur's main street is a treasure trove of small shops and excellent restaurants. Enjoy your free time as a couple or family by swimming in the pool or the sea, experiencing Balinese massages, or wandering along the beach or through the town center. Dinner and evening at leisure. (Car and driver available at an additional cost)

Free time until transfer to the airport. End of services.