From Java to Bali by mountain bike or e-bike: from volcanoes to rice paddies
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationJava / Bali
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions256.11 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 12-day, 500+ km e-bike adventure through Indonesia 's most beautiful landscapes, from Java to Bali. This immersive route connects mythical volcanoes, lush jungle, and the Indian Ocean, far from the crowds.
From the slopes of spectacular Mount Bromo , you descend to the impressive Tumpak Sewu waterfalls , cross coffee and cacao plantations , and then travel along the wild beaches of South Java . The route winds through traditional villages , rainforests, and nature reserves, culminating at the protected site of Sukamade , renowned for its turtle watching. A highlight of the trip is the early morning ascent of Kawah Ijen , famous for its volcanic crater at the first light of dawn.
After crossing to Bali, the scenery changes: the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih , temples, and peaceful country roads mark the final stages. Thanks to electric assistance , you can fully enjoy the volcanic landscapes while still experiencing the pleasure of the ride.
A sporty , exotic and authentic stay, getting up close to Indonesian landscapes and encounters.
The highlights
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Complete crossing Java - Bali between volcanoes and ocean
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Waterfalls, wild turtles and UNESCO-listed rice paddies
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An accessible sporting adventure thanks to the electric bike
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
This route covers approximately 518 km spread over 12 days, with stages of 30 to 70 km per day and varying elevation gains depending on the section. Some days feature up to 900 m of elevation gain, mainly on tracks and small roads.
Thanks to the electric bike (with a range adapted to each stage), volcanic climbs and more challenging sections remain accessible. The assistance allows you to adjust the effort to your level and manage long ascents with confidence.
This trip is designed for active beginners or occasional cyclists who are used to regular physical activity (walking, hiking, recreational cycling). You don't need to be an experienced cyclist, but you must be able to complete several consecutive days of activity.
The planned transfers on certain sections also allow the effort to be modulated if necessary.
In summary: an accessible yet dynamic trip, ideal for discovering adventure with confidence.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average distance/day: 49 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 806 m
- Average daily descent: 955 m
- Predominant type of terrain : White path
Trekking
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Your detailed roadbook will accompany you throughout your stay.
It contains day-by-day stages, maps, elevation profiles, practical advice, points of interest, and local recommendations.
A GPS phone with integrated tracks is provided to guide you simply and safely.
Program
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Surabaya towards Mount Bromo
- Transportation Car - 02h15 - 115km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Surabaya airport and welcome by the team. Private transfer of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to Mount Bromo. Check-in at the Lava View Hotel, located on the volcano's caldera. Free time to relax and enjoy the exceptional panoramic views of the black sand sea. Overnight stay at altitude with the option of dinner at the hotel. An early morning wake-up call (4:00 AM) is recommended to admire the sunrise over Mount Bromo, a magical moment against the lunar landscapes of Java.
Day 1 -
Mount Bromo towards Lumajang
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 62 km
- Positive elevation gain 713 m
- Negative elevation 2879 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure around 9 am after breakfast. A long descent from 2,000 m altitude through mountains, vegetable gardens, and rural tracks. Approximately 60 km, mostly downhill (80% dirt track). Spectacular scenery and immersion in the Javanese countryside. Arrival in Lumajang and overnight stay at Gajah Mada. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 -
Lumajang towards Tumpak Sewu
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 821 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A 20-minute car transfer to pick up the bikes. A 36 km ride at the foot of Mount Semeru through coffee and cacao plantations. Alternating ascents and descents on small roads and tracks. Arrival at the spectacular Tumpak Sewu waterfalls. Opportunity for swimming and trekking in the valley of the falls. Overnight at Yanto Cottage.
Day 3 -
Tumpak Sewu to Kencung
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 1040 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A long drive south through Java, arriving at the coast. Scenic drive along the ocean, past suspension bridges and sugarcane fields. Lunch in Bang Bang with the option of swimming. The day concludes with a drive to the Dira Hotel in Kencung.
Day 4 -
Bang Bang towards Watu Ulo
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 47 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Negative elevation 694 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A bucolic and relatively flat stage. Crossing rice paddies, Javanese villages, and agricultural fields. Passing through Puger and a teak forest. Final climb to the Forest Resort with breathtaking views of the sea and the Watu Ulo peninsula. Grilled fish on the beach in the evening.
Day 5 -
Watu Ulo towards Jember
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 40km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 52 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 309 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Crossing villages, teak, coffee, and cocoa plantations. Mountain paths and tracks along a river. A wild and immersive stage. Approximately 45-minute car transfer to reach the town of Jember. Overnight at the Luminor.
Day 6 -
Jember towards Kalibaru
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 43 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 780 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
45-minute car transfer to the starting point. A mountainous and physically demanding stage. Forest paths through the heart of coffee and cocoa plantations. Spectacular scenery. Arrival by bicycle at the Hill View Hotel in Kalibaru.
Day 7 -
Kalibaru towards Sukamade
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 35km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 680 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A 40-minute car transfer takes you to the starting point of the descent into the primary forest. The route follows a wild path along the coast and through a nature reserve. Arrival at Sukamade, a protected area for turtles. In the evening, a guided excursion will be offered to observe the turtles laying their eggs on the beach.
Day 8 -
Sukamade to Grajagan
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 654 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Return journey via cocoa, rubber, and teak plantations. Flat paths and quiet roads. Passing through Pantai Merah, then arrival in Grajagan. Overnight at the G Beach Hotel by the sea.
Day 9 -
Grajagan towards Banyuwangi
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 71 km
- Positive elevation gain 65 m
- Negative elevation 75 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flat stage. Forest, traditional villages, and passage through the spectacular fishing port of Muncar. Arrival in Banyuwangi. End of the mountain biking tour on Java. Overnight at Ketapang Indah.
Day 10 -
Kawah Ijen to Bali
- Activity Trekking
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure at 2:00 AM for the ascent of the Kawah Ijen volcano. Ascent by car followed by a hike to the sulfurous crater. Spectacular sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Ferry crossing to Bali followed by a car transfer to Belimbing. Overnight at Kebun Villa in the heart of the rice paddies.
Day 11 -
Belimbing towards Jatiluwih
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 28 km
- Positive elevation gain 1789 m
- Negative elevation 1480 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A cycling tour through the heart of UNESCO-listed rice paddies. An early morning climb followed by a descent through tropical forests and Balinese villages. Approximately 20 km in spectacular scenery. Overnight stay at Ti Amo in Jatiluwih.
Day 12
Note
The program is provided as a guide and may be modified at any time depending on local conditions. In Indonesia, certain factors beyond our control may impact the organization of the trip: weather conditions (rain, extreme heat, wind), volcanic activity, road or track conditions, construction work, local events, administrative constraints, decisions of the authorities, ferry schedules or transport delays.
Our local partner reserves the right to adapt the routes, distances, travel times, departure times, order of stages and accommodations if necessary, in order to guarantee the safety of the participants and the smooth running of the trip.
Transfer times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and local conditions.
Some outdoor activities (volcano climbing, turtle watching, forest hikes, boat trips) remain dependent on weather conditions and local permits. They may be cancelled, postponed, or replaced without refunds.
The safety of participants remains our top priority. Any decisions regarding adjustments will be made in the best interest of the group and according to the assessment of the local team.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Polygon Kalosi electric bike rental (sizes S/M/L)
- 1 spare bicycle
- Spare parts and repair equipment
- Guide Archipelago-Adventure FR
- Airport reception in Surabaya
- All private transfers mentioned in the program
- Daily luggage transport between hotels
- Private drivers and associated costs
- GPS phone with internet data
- 12 nights in hotels with breakfast
- Lunches and dinners according to the selected option
- All park entrance fees and tour costs mentioned according to the selected option
- Ascent of Kawah Ijen
- Nighttime turtle watching in Sukamade
- Java → Bali ferry crossing
- Local assistance
The price does not include
- International flights
- Taxes and visa fees upon arrival
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Personal transport not included in the program (taxi, extras, etc.)
- Tips
- Optional activities not mentioned
Options
- Lunch & Dinner included every day : CHF82.33 / person
- 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 provided on site
- Polygon Kalosi electric bike (S/M/L)
- Battery range up to 110 km (depending on elevation gain)
- Spare bike
- Spare parts and repair equipment
Helmet: provided on request (recommended to bring your own for more comfort).
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight backpack (10–20L) for outings
- Sunglasses, category 3 minimum
- High protection sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)
- Tropical mosquito repellent
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Cycling gloves
- Headlamp (useful for Kawah Ijen, starting at night)
- Small personal first aid kit
- Microfiber towel
- Buff-type mask (useful for dust on slopes)
- Type C/F electrical plug adapter (Indonesia 220V)
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for tropical climates (30–35°C during the day)
- Technical cycling jerseys (quick-drying recommended)
- Comfortable cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Lightweight windbreaker or waterproof jacket (showers possible depending on the season)
- Lightweight fleece for high-altitude areas (Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen – cool temperatures at sunrise, 5–10°C)
- Swimsuit (beaches, waterfalls, hotels)
- Sports shoes or mountain bike shoes with good grip
- Sandals for the evening
- Breathable socks
- Cap or buff against the sun
- Appropriate clothing for temples and villages (covered shoulders recommended)