From Java to Bali by mountain bike or electric mountain bike: from volcanoes to rice paddies!
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration12 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationJava / Bali
-
AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions248.22 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore Indonesia from a new perspective on a 13-day cycling tour from Java to Bali . This e-bike adventure immerses you in the heart of authentic Asia, far from the usual tourist crowds. From the lunar landscapes of Mount Bromo , your route winds through primeval forests , fragrant coffee plantations, and remote fishing villages , offering a complete immersion in local life.
The journey is punctuated by breathtaking moments: the ascent of the Kawah Ijen sulfur crater, nighttime observation of sea turtles on the wild beach of Sukamade , and the discovery of the Jatiluwih rice terraces , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the electric assistance of your high-end mountain bikes, you'll traverse the terrain with ease, prioritizing encounters with locals and the contemplation of spectacular waterfalls .
Accompanied by a local French-speaking team, you'll benefit from meticulously planned logistics, including luggage transport and charming accommodations . This adventure, nestled between unspoiled nature and ancient culture, promises absolute freedom for travelers seeking a complete change of scenery.
The highlights
-
No tourists on your route: 100% off-the-beaten-path itineraries
-
Rare and exclusive natural experiences
-
Complete and hassle-free logistics: Polygon Kalosi electric bikes
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
This mountain biking tour through western Bali is suitable for cyclists who ride occasionally, provided they are in good general fitness and motivated by adventure. The stages alternate between relatively easy sections through terraced rice paddies and along the rugged coastline, and more challenging climbs on the Balinese volcanic slopes. Tropical heat and humidity are the main factors to consider: they significantly increase physical exertion, even on moderately technical sections. The routes are mostly dirt tracks and small country roads, with some rocky sections at higher altitudes. Good braking skills on descents are essential, especially on trails that are wet after tropical downpours. No specific protective gear beyond a helmet is required for this level of riding. It is recommended to do some mountain biking with significant elevation gain in the weeks leading up to the start to ensure you arrive in the best possible condition.
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
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Your Java-Bali tour is accompanied by a complete and detailed printed roadbook given to each participant at the start of the trip. This essential document presents, day by day, all the information you need for your journey: a detailed itinerary for each stage, a description of the planned accommodations, a map and elevation profile for each day's cycling, practical information on available facilities (ATMs, pharmacy, internet access, swimming, hot water, air conditioning, etc.), as well as the contact details of the tour team.
The roadbook was designed by the team based on over 20 years of exploring these routes. It will allow you to visualize your itinerary, prepare for each stage, and fully enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind. This document is personalized for your group and will be given to you upon your arrival in Surabaya.
Program
-
Arrival in Surabaya and transfer to Mount Bromo
- Transportation Car - 02h15 - 100km
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival at Surabaya International Airport, our team will greet you and arrange a private transfer of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to your hotel perched atop the caldera of Mount Bromo. Settle in, enjoy the unique volcanic setting, and have dinner at the hotel with a view of the volcano. The following morning, an early morning wake-up call is available to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Bromo.
Day 1 -
Epic descent from Mount Bromo to Lumajang by bicycle
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 63 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 9:00 AM after breakfast with panoramic views of the black sand sea of Lake Bromo. The day begins at an altitude of 2,000 meters and descends into the mountains and vegetable gardens via small roads and country lanes. Expect many descents, a complete change of scenery, encounters with locals, and arrival in the late afternoon in the small town of Lumajang. Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
Day 2 -
Plantations and waterfalls of Tumpak Sewu
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 821 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a hearty breakfast and a short 20-minute drive to pick up the bikes, this beautiful day begins at the foot of Mount Semeru. The route winds through coffee and cocoa plantations, forests, beautiful rivers, and stone quarries. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the spectacular Tumpak Sewu waterfalls: an entire valley of cascades of varying heights, perfect for swimming. Overnight at Yanto Cottage, perched just above the valley.
Day 3 -
Towards the wild coast – Bangbang beach and the Java Sea
- Transportation Car - 01h - 25km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 1040 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure towards South Java. A long descent through wild landscapes with views of Mount Semeru, followed by a drive along the coastline, crossing charming suspension bridges. We'll pass through sugarcane fields and authentic Javanese villages. Arrival at the beautiful Bangbang beach for lunch, followed by a swim in the ocean. Late afternoon transfer by car to the Dira Hotel in Kencung.
Day 4 -
Rice paddies, Javanese villages and the wild Watu Ulo peninsula
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 47 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Negative elevation 694 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we set off for a mostly flat day through authentic landscapes: rice paddies, Javanese villages, paths alongside canals, and fields of melons and watermelons, depending on the season. We'll pass through Puger and its lighthouse, then through teak forests and vegetable gardens, before a final climb to the Watu Ulo Forest Resort, with breathtaking views of the ocean and the wild peninsula. In the evening, we'll enjoy grilled fish on the beach.
Day 5 -
Forests, plantations and hidden villages all the way to Jember
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 25km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 53 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 309 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast by the sea. Departure for a beautiful day of mountain biking through isolated Javanese villages, teak, coffee, and cocoa plantations, and along splendid trails winding through the low mountains. We'll ride alongside a beautiful river and encounter surprised and welcoming locals. At the end of the day, a 45-minute car transfer will take us to the town of Jember and its comfortable Luminor Hotel.
Day 6 -
Small mountains and plantations – Jember towards Kalibaru
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 25km
- 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
After breakfast, a 45-minute drive from Jember takes you to the start of the route. It's a physically demanding but beautiful day cycling along narrow mountain paths and through coffee and cocoa plantations. Expect numerous ascents and descents amidst rolling green hills. The route then takes you directly to the Hill View Hotel in Kalibaru.
Day 7 -
Primary forest, seaside and sea turtles of Sukamade
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 55km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 680 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A 40-minute drive from Kalibaru (then a 4x4 for the final kilometers within the reserve) leads down into a pristine rainforest. The route follows the coastline and winds through forests to reach Sukamade, a reserve dedicated to the protection of sea turtles. Around 7:30 pm, enjoy exclusive access to a beach usually closed to the public to observe wild turtles laying their eggs – a truly exceptional natural spectacle.
Day 8 -
Plantations, Pantaï Merah beach and arrival in Grajagan
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 52 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
Departure from Sukamade via the same route as the arrival (4x4 then bicycle). The route crosses cocoa, rubber, teak, and rice paddies. The paths are very flat, quiet country roads, and include a stop at the beautiful Pantai Merah beach. Arrival at Grajagan beach at the end of the day. Dinner of grilled fish on the beach, with your feet in the sand, and the option to swim.
Day 9 -
Port of Muncar and the last few kilometers in Java to Banyuwangi
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 71 km
- Positive elevation gain 65 m
- Negative elevation 75 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Grajagan around 9:00 AM. A flat forest track of about twenty kilometers, then small roads and paths crossing numerous traditional Javanese villages. Passage through the lively fishing port of Muncar, a must-see and a sight to behold. Arrival in Banyuwangi in the mid-afternoon at the beautiful Ketapang Indah Hotel. This day marks the last cycling leg on the island of Java.
Day 10 -
Kawah Ijen at sunrise and ferry crossing to Bali
- Transportation Car - 01h - 40km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day without cycling, but full of excitement. Departure from the hotel at 2:00 AM, a one-hour drive to the foot of the Kawah Ijen volcano, then a 1 hour 15 minute trek to reach the summit and admire the sunrise over the turquoise acidic crater lake, one of Indonesia's most extraordinary natural spectacles. Return to the hotel at 9:00 AM for breakfast. In the afternoon, take the ferry between Java and Bali. Arrive in Bali around noon, transfer by car to Belimbing and its rice paddies. Overnight at Kebun Villa.
Day 11 -
UNESCO-listed rice paddies of Bali – Belimbing towards Jatiluwih
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 28 km
- Positive elevation gain 1789 m
- Negative elevation 1480 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at Kebun Villa, depart for a hike entirely dedicated to the Balinese terraced rice paddies. Start at a high altitude near Pupuan with views of Bali's southern peninsula, then traverse a tropical forest leading to the Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Balinese tropical flora. Arrive at Ti Amo in Jatiluwih, a hotel with direct views of the UNESCO rice terraces.
Day 12
Note
The program itinerary is provided as a guide only and may be adjusted locally by the support team depending on weather conditions, trail conditions, local logistical constraints, transport schedules, or the group's physical condition. Certain stages may be modified, shortened, reversed, or replaced with alternatives of equivalent difficulty to ensure safety, comfort, and the overall quality of the trip.
The accommodations mentioned are for guidance only and may be replaced by establishments of a similar category in case of unavailability. Travel times, distances, and durations may vary depending on local conditions. Activities in remote natural environments (Sukamade Reserve, Kawah Ijen, Tumpak Sewu) remain particularly dependent on natural conditions and accessibility at the time of travel.
The local team reserves the right to modify the route in the event of road closures, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or constraints related to local service providers. Every effort will be made to remain as close as possible to the original program.
Accommodation
Access
To reach the meeting point in Surabaya (Juanda Airport, code SUB), two main routes are recommended from France: via Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Scoot) or via Jakarta. Direct flights from Paris to Singapore to Surabaya are available with a layover in Singapore of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. From Jakarta, the layover to Surabaya takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by domestic flight.
Upon arrival at Surabaya airport, the team will greet you and provide a private transfer by car to the Mount Bromo hotel (approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute drive). No independent transfer is necessary.
At the end of your stay, the tour concludes at Denpasar Airport (DPS) in Bali, from which numerous direct and connecting flights to France are available. Transfers from your last accommodation to Denpasar Airport are included in the package.
It is advisable to arrive in Surabaya the day before Day 1 if you are traveling from Europe, to avoid any delays due to connecting flights. Visas for Indonesia are available upon arrival for French citizens, subject to a fee not included in the tour price.
Go to the starting point
Juanda International Airport in Surabaya (IATA code: SUB) is the second largest airport in Indonesia, with excellent connections from Europe via hubs in Singapore and Jakarta. From France, the total travel time is 16 to 20 hours, depending on the chosen route. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. Major banks and currency exchange offices are available upon arrival. Indonesian visas (Visa on Arrival) are issued directly at the airport for French citizens, for a fee not included in the tour price. It is strongly recommended to arrive the day before your tour departs to avoid any unforeseen issues related to international connections.
Price details
The price includes
- Rental of Polygon Kalosi electric bikes (350W motor, 110km range) for the entire duration of the tour, with 1 spare bike
- Spare parts and repair tools as needed
- Private driver and support vehicle for all transfers and luggage transport between hotels each day
- 12 nights' accommodation with breakfast included each morning
- All entrances to national parks and sites visited (Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu waterfalls, Watu Ulo, Sukamade reserve, Kawah Ijen, beaches)
- Ferry crossing between the island of Java and the island of Bali
- Personalized welcome by the team at Surabaya airport
- 1 GPS phone with internet data for supervision
- Personalized paper roadbook given to each participant
The price does not include
- International and domestic flights (France–Surabaya and Denpasar–France)
- Tax and visa fees upon arrival in Indonesia (Visa on Arrival for French citizens)
- All your personal purchases on site (souvenirs, personal drinks, personal expenses)
- All alcoholic beverages
- Dinners (unless otherwise indicated according to the chosen package — available option)
- Your personal travel outside the circuit (taxis in the city, independent travel)
- Tips for the home team
Options
- French-speaking guide : CHF1’715.25 / reservation
- English-speaking guide : CHF1’715.25 / reservation
- Dinners included every evening : CHF105.20 / person
- Single Room : CHF599.19 / person
- Extra day of e-biking in Bali – Day 14 : CHF109.78 / person
- Bali tour by car with driver : CHF59.46 / 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 to bring
Effective mosquito repellent—essential in Bali, especially in the evenings. High-SPF sunscreen. Sunglasses. Water bottle or hydration pack. Small daypack for your essentials. Headlamp for early morning starts. Your own pedals and saddle if you wish. Camera—the terraced rice paddies and wild coastlines of western Bali are breathtaking.
Clothing to bring
Lightweight, breathable cycling clothing suitable for Bali's tropical heat and humidity. A change of clothes for evenings—nights at altitude around the volcanoes can be cool. A lightweight windbreaker or pocket rain jacket is recommended, as tropical downpours can occur at any time of year. Swimsuit for coastal stages. Walking or hiking shoes for sections on foot across volcanic sites and terraced rice paddies.
