Java, Bali, Lombok: The essential trio
In summary
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Sports
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Duration23 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIndonesia / Bali
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions537.58 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Three weeks to explore the essence of Indonesia , from terraced rice paddies and majestic volcanoes to sacred temples and tranquil beaches . The journey begins in Java , in the cultural region of Yogyakarta , with visits to the must-see temples of Borobudur and Prambanan , nestled amidst lush tropical vegetation. The adventure continues to active volcanoes : sunrise over Mount Semeru , crossing the Bromo caldera, and climbing Kawah Ijen , famous for its turquoise acidic lake and sulfur porters. Next, it's off to Bali , the "Island of the Gods," where a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere pervades every corner: floral offerings , traditional ceremonies , and hidden temples . Easy hikes through rainforests and rice paddies , an early morning ascent of Mount Batur , and a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Menjangan enrich this Balinese interlude. Finally, we set sail for Lombok , in the north of the Lesser Sunda Islands, to meet the Sasak people and immerse ourselves in their living traditions. A complete journey , at the crossroads of cultures, landscapes, and encounters.
The highlights
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Easy hikes on the slopes of volcanoes: Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Batur
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The temples of Java: Borobudur, Prambanan and Bali: Danu Bratan, Gunung Kawi
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The discovery of the island of Lombok and its Sasak people
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is an easy-level hiking tour of the islands of Java, Bali, and Lombok. However, we will be traveling through several islands, and transfer times can sometimes be long. We will use a variety of transportation options (domestic flights, buses, trains, traditional boats, and ferries).
The days are very full, usually departing around 8am or even earlier (4am) for sunrises and hikes on volcanoes, and arriving at the hotel in the late afternoon.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average daily elevation gain: 106 m
- Average daily descent: 106 m
Management
Program
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Flight to Bali (Custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Bali with a stopover.Day 1 -
Arrival Denpasar - Sanur
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You can arrive at Denpasar Airport (Bali) on the same day or a few days before, depending on your preference. If you wish, we can arrange your flight booking and airport pickup. Please contact us for more details.Day 2 -
Sanur - Gunung Purba
- Transportation Plane - 03h - 718km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we take a domestic flight to Yogyakarta on the island of Java. Upon arrival, we visit Taman Sari, the royal garden, before heading to a less touristy area: the inactive volcano Purba. There, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the surrounding rice paddies and coconut groves. We can also hike to the summit of Purba for a panoramic view of the entire region. This afternoon, we transfer to our hotel in Yogyakarta for a two-night stay.Day 3 -
Candirejo - Borobudur
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day with a visit to a major landmark of the city: the Sultan's Palace. We then travel north to the traditional village of Candirejo for an introduction to the Gamelan, the Indonesian musical instrument. Lunch will be served there before we begin our visit to the majestic Borobudur Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most impressive in Southeast Asia with its stupas and bas-reliefs. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon for some rest.Day 4 -
Prambanan – Sukuh/Ceto – Solo
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early departure takes us to discover another of Yogyakarta's wonders, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Hindu temple of Prambanan, and its lesser-known but equally prestigious sibling, the Temple of a Thousand Temples. Then we head east to the Lawu volcano region to explore the lesser-known temples of Sukuh and Ceto, around which a small Hindu community still lives, a prelude to our exploration of Bali. A pleasant walk is planned through the diverse plantations of this fertile region, particularly tea plantations, where, depending on the season, we may have the opportunity for a tasting. In the afternoon, we descend to Surakarta, better known as Solo, where we spend the night.Day 5 -
Solo - Mojokerto - Caldera Tengger
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 500km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take the local train to Mojokerto, then travel by minibus along the northern road to Cemorolawang, a small village on the edge of the Tengger caldera. From Cemorolawang, we have a beautiful view of the caldera's crater sand sea and Mount Bromo (2,329 m). Mount Bromo is the most revered mountain for the Tengger Hindu people who live in the region. Depending on our arrival time, we can take a walk around the hotel to admire the caldera scenery. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Note: Accommodations right on the edge of the volcanoes are simple and comfortable but of a lower standard than those in the valleys.Day 6 -
Cemorolawang - Mt Penanjakan - Ketapang
- Transportation 06h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off early in the morning by jeep to the viewpoint overlooking the Pananjakan volcano (2775 m) to witness the sunrise over the Tengger caldera: a superb panorama with the Bromo and Batok volcanoes in the foreground, then the caldera itself, and in the background, the active Semeru volcano (3600 m), with its plume of smoke billowing from each eruption. We descend by jeep into the sea of sand and explore the Bromo crater up close. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then drive to Ketapang, at the far eastern tip of the island, with lunch en route. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 7 -
Gombensari
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day of rest during our Java crossing. This morning, after a well-deserved rest and a good breakfast, we set off for Desa Gombeng Sari Park where, accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore the region's various plantations. We'll likely encounter workers from the cooperative amidst the rubber, coffee, cocoa, and countless spice plantations. We'll enjoy an excellent, 100% local lunch there before returning to our hotel in the afternoon and taking in some free time overlooking the strait that separates us from Bali. Tonight, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel, because tomorrow, a new adventure awaits us.Day 8 -
Kawah Ijen - Pemuteran
- Transportation Ferry - 04h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, around 4:00 AM, a short transfer by vehicle takes us to the starting point of the Kawah Ijen hike to begin our ascent. We first climb a wide path through the forest, then a narrower trail, to reach the top of the volcanic crater. As the first rays of sunlight begin to appear behind us, we ascend to the famous "green crater" and discover its colors at sunrise. Kawah Ijen is famous for its acidic lake at 2,400 meters and its sulfur mining operations. We even encounter several sulfur porters along the way. Conditions (volcanic activity) don't always allow us to reach the summit of Kawah Ijen, which is sometimes closed (and the descent into the crater is officially prohibited, despite those who try to circumvent the rules). In this case, an alternative hike will be offered. On the return, we enjoy a stop at the beautiful Jagir waterfall for a refreshing swim after our exertion, before returning to the hotel for a shower and a well-deserved rest. After lunch, we return to Bali by ferry, then continue to Pemuteran, a small fishing village in northwest Bali, perched opposite the island of Pemuteran, which we will have the pleasure of visiting the following day. We settle into our new accommodation and have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the sea.Day 9 -
Menjangan Island - Pemuteran
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We arrive at the port of Labuan Lalang, where we board fishing boats to reach Menjangan Island. This island is primarily known for its superb coral reefs, which we explore while snorkeling. We then have a picnic lunch and may be lucky enough to spot the deer that inhabit the island. We return to Pemuteran in the afternoon and have free time. Dinner and overnight stay in Pemuteran. *Snorkeling is possible on this day. Please contact us for more details.Day 10 -
Pemuteran - Munduk
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we drive to the mountainous region of Munduk with its sacred lakes. We visit our first Buddhist temple in Bali, Melanting, before heading to the village of Munduk for a hike through the plantations and rice paddies. Lunch in Munduk and free time in the afternoon to explore the village or relax.Day 11 -
Munduk - Ulun Danau Bratan Temple - Ubud
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off for Bedugul, visiting the spice market and the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of water, rivers, and lakes. We then head to the Kintamani region and begin our hike for the day, descending into the Batur caldera, strewn with ancient lava flows from the 2000 eruption. We'll relax in some beautiful hot springs overlooking the lake before continuing our journey to Ubud, the island's cultural and artistic capital, where we'll spend the night. On the way, we'll stop to visit the famous sacred baths of Trita Empul, where Balinese ritually purify themselves, before enjoying some free time to stroll through the rice paddies around Ubud and admire the views of the Bali Valley. Then, we'll settle into our accommodation in Ubud.Day 12 -
Ubud - Goa Gajah - Sanur
- Transportation 02h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we're still enjoying Ubud and our hotel, visiting the Prince's Palace and the craft market before heading to the famous Monkey Forest in the heart of the city for a bit of respite from the heat and a chance to meet these primates (be careful with your belongings, these little thieves can be quick!). Then we'll take the coastal road, passing by the famous Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we can visit freely. In the afternoon, our guide will drive us to Sanur, a seaside town where we can enjoy the beach and comfortable accommodations for our last two nights on the Island of the Gods. We'll have one last meal together and say goodbye to our guide.Day 13 -
Sanur - Lombok
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll travel with our guide to Padang Bai harbor to catch our boat to the mysterious island of Lombok, quieter and less visited than Bali, but equally beautiful. Upon arrival, our new driver will be waiting to take us to Senggigi and our accommodation near the sea. We'll have lunch en route, then head to the Pura Batu Bolong temple, perched on a small rocky cliff overlooking the sea. The afternoon is free at our accommodation to explore our new playground for the week.Day 14 -
Free day in Sengiggi
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Before heading off to explore Lombok, let's enjoy a free day on the beach in Sengiggi, where we'll be staying for the next few days.Day 15 -
The heart of Lombok: between traditions and waterfalls
- Transportation Car - 04h - 350km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short drive through Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara, we head to the river for a fantastic rafting trip through lush greenery. We then take a short drive to the village of Karang Bayan to visit its mosque. Return to our accommodation and the rest of the day is free.Day 16 -
South Lombok: Between traditions, sacred caves and Selong Benalak beaches
- Transportation 03h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we depart for the traditional village of Saak, home to the indigenous Sasak people. The Sasak tribe is the largest on Lombok, representing 85% of the island's population. Village life revolves around weaving and agriculture, as Lombok's fertile soil creates the perfect landscape for thriving crops. We then continue our journey to visit the sacred caves of Goa Bangkang Pradu and Buwun Prabu, where hundreds of bats roost. The dim sunlight illuminates a subterranean world of surprising colors! Finally, we head south to the beautiful white sand beach of Selong Benalak, where we spend the afternoon. We return to our hotel at the end of the day.Day 17 -
Lombok - Gili Air
- Transportation 01h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, after a short transfer, it's time to say goodbye to our guide. We board a speedboat for a stay on Gili Air, one of the three Gilis islands in the archipelago. Upon arrival, we walk a few meters to reach our hotel where we settle in for three nights of complete freedom.Day 18 -
Gili Air at liberty
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
During this free time, we will have a choice of activities: walking or cycling on the island, beach, massage, snorkeling and for the luckiest, sea turtles may even make an appearance...Days 19 to 20 -
Gili Air - Padang Bai - Sanur
- Transportation 02h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Late morning, we walk to the port to catch a speedboat to Bali. Upon arrival, a driver takes us to our accommodation in Sanur for your last night on the Island of the Gods before our return to France.Day 21 -
Sanur - Dispersion
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer independently to Denpasar airport for your return flight. *If you booked your flight with us: - Arrival in France on day 22 or 23 depending on your flight schedule - Hotel-airport transfer includedDay 22 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
If you booked the flight with us, your arrival in France is scheduled for today or yesterday, depending on your flight plan.Day 23
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide and a local team from day 1 to day 16
- Domestic flight Denpasar / Yogyakarta
- Ferries between Java and Bali
- The speedboat and train transfers mentioned in the program
- Transfers are available on-site, except for Gili Air, which is not included.
- The accommodation as described in the day-by-day timeline.
- The meals mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees to the sites and activities included in the program (except for Gili Air)
- Snorkeling equipment for Menjangan on day 9
The price does not include
- International flights Paris / Denpasar / Paris (regular flight with stopover).
- The contribution to carbon neutrality: €10 per person if you take the flights with you.
- Entry and exit fees to the Gili Islands are payable locally (approximately 30,000 rupiah) + departure fee from Padang Bai port (approximately 10,000 rupiah) / per person
- Visa on arrival (~ €33)
- The tax for the protection of Balinese culture and the island's natural environment, 150,000 IDR (approximately €10 per person).
- The free meals mentioned in the program, such as in Sanur and Gili Air (from €8 to €12/meal)
- Activities in Gili Air from day 17 to day 20
- Personal expenses
- Beverages other than mineral water
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion), see the specific Additional Information section for more details.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
For your comfort:
- Telescopic walking sticks
- A headlamp + spare batteries
- Multi-purpose pocket knife (to be placed in checked baggage)
- Toiletries kit: biodegradable soap and shampoo, toothbrush, biodegradable toothpaste, razor, "no-rinse" hand sanitizer
- Microfiber bath towel: designed for travel, it dries very quickly
- Waterproof "Zip Lock" type pouches: to protect your important documents: passport, money or your electronic devices: cameras, phones, so that they don't get wet.
- Plastic bags/or garbage bags: for waterproofing your belongings or for putting your dirty clothes in.
- Camera and/or camcorder and spare batteries. (Don't forget the battery charger)
- Small sewing kit
- Tissues
- Earplugs
- Protective rain cover for your small backpack (against rain/dust)
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- 1.5 litre water bottle.
- A sarong (to be bought locally) to be able to enter the temples during the festivals.
Clothing to bring
- A pair of lightweight hiking shoes (high or low depending on your preference)
- Walking socks
- Technical travel clothing: trekking trousers (quick-drying), capri pants or shorts, breathable t-shirt and shirt.
- 1. Fleece: This has the advantage of being resistant, warm, lightweight and quick-drying.
- 1 windproof mountain jacket. These jackets, equipped with a breathable-waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex or Omni-Dry for example), allow you to stay dry and protected from the wind in all conditions.
- A scarf (for dust during hikes on volcanoes)
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses (protection index 3 recommended)
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight bath towel