Java Bali Komodo Explore

After breakfast, we leave Yogyakarta and travel east toward Malang.

Today is mainly a road journey, but it is also a good opportunity to see everyday life in Java. Along the way you will pass rice fields, small villages, plantations and mountain areas. Depending on the season, you may see farmers working in the fields or harvesting crops.

During the journey, stop at Coban Rondo Waterfall. From the entrance, there is a short walk through the surrounding area to the waterfall, which drops around 80 metres.

After the visit, continue to Malang and check into your hotel.

Highlights: Rural Java - Scenic journey - Coban Rondo Waterfall Malang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Santika Premiere Malang

Today we head into the countryside south of Malang to visit two of East Java's well-known waterfalls.

At Tumpak Sewu, you first visit the viewpoint overlooking the waterfall. From here you can see the water falling into the large valley below, surrounded by steep green cliffs.

For guests who would like to walk further, there are trails leading closer to the waterfall. Some parts can be steep or slippery, particularly after rain, so the walk is optional and depends on local conditions.

Later, continue to Kapas Biru Waterfall. The surrounding forest and cliffs make this a quieter place to spend some time outdoors.

Afterwards, return to Malang.

Highlights: Tumpak Sewu - Kapas Biru - Waterfall walks - Tropical Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Santika Premiere Malang

This morning starts very early.

A 4x4 jeep takes you into Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park toward one of the viewpoints around Mount Bromo.

Before sunrise, the area can be cool and windy, so warm clothing is useful. As the light comes up, Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru and the surrounding volcanic landscape gradually become visible.

After sunrise, continue by jeep down into the Sea of Sand. From here you can walk toward Mount Bromo and, when conditions permit, climb the steps toward the crater.

After breakfast, we continue east toward Ketapang.

The road passes through rural areas, plantations and villages before arriving at the hotel, where you can rest before tomorrow's Ijen visit.

Highlights: Mount Bromo - Sunrise - 4x4 jeep - Sea of Sand - Volcano crater

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Resort

We leave early for Ijen Volcano.

The hike from the starting point to the crater rim takes around 90 minutes, depending on walking pace. The trail is uphill, and good walking shoes are recommended.

At the top, you can see the turquoise crater lake and the yellow sulfur deposits around the volcanic area. You may also see sulfur miners carrying loads from the crater area.

An optional night hike can be arranged for guests who would like to try to see the famous Ijen Blue Flames. This requires an earlier start and depends on weather, volcanic activity, visibility and local safety instructions. The Blue Flames are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.

After returning from Ijen, continue to the ferry terminal and cross the Bali Strait by ferry.

From the port in Bali, continue by road to your hotel in the western or northern part of the island.

Highlights: Ijen Volcano - Crater Lake - Sulfur miners - Optional Blue Flames - Java–Bali ferry

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in western or northern Bali

Today we explore the northwest of Bali.

From the coast, take a boat to Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park. The island is known for its clear water and coral reefs.

Spend time snorkeling and looking for tropical fish and other marine life. Sea turtles are sometimes seen in the area, although encounters with wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

After returning to the mainland, visit Brahma Vihara Arama, a Buddhist monastery set in the hills.

The drive then continues toward Munduk, passing coffee, clove and other plantations along the way.

Munduk has a cooler climate than the coastal parts of Bali, and the surrounding hills are known for agriculture, forest and mountain views.

Highlights: Menjangan Island - Snorkeling - Coral reefs - Buddhist monastery - Coffee and spice plantations - Munduk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Munduk

Today we spend time with a Balinese family.

Rather than visiting a restaurant for lunch, you will take part in preparing a traditional Balinese meal. You can help with some of the preparation, learn about the ingredients and then enjoy the food together with the family.

After lunch, continue on foot through the surrounding countryside.

The walk takes you through rice terraces, coffee and cocoa plantations, spice plants and tropical vegetation. Your guide can explain how some of the crops are grown and used locally.

The walk eventually reaches a waterfall where you can stop for a rest and, if conditions are suitable, cool down in the water.

The pace is relaxed and there is time to talk with your guide and enjoy the surroundings.

Highlights: Balinese family - Traditional cooking - Local food - Rice terraces - Coffee and cocoa - Walking - Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Munduk

After breakfast, travel to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bali's central highlands.

Continue to Jatiluwih, where you can walk through the rice terraces and learn about the traditional Subak irrigation system used by Balinese farming communities.

There is time to enjoy lunch and the scenery before continuing toward the coast.

In the afternoon, visit Tanah Lot, one of Bali's best-known sea temples. The temple stands on a rocky offshore formation and can be reached on foot when the tide allows.

After the visit, transfer to the airport for your flight to Labuan Bajo, Flores.

Your driver will meet you on arrival and take you to the hotel.

Tomorrow, we leave the road behind and start the Komodo National Park private boat adventure.

Highlights: Ulun Danu - Jatiluwih - Subak irrigation - Tanah Lot - Flight to Flores - Labuan Bajo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park by Private Boat

After breakfast, transfer to the harbor and board your private boat.

Once the boat leaves Labuan Bajo, the scenery quickly changes. There are small islands, dry hills and clear water in every direction.

The first stop is Kelor Island. Take the short walk to the viewpoint and then spend some time on the beach swimming or relaxing.

Continue to Manjarite, where you can snorkel from the boat. The water is usually clear, with coral and tropical fish around the reef.

Lunch is served on board while we continue toward Rinca Island.

Here you meet the local park ranger before starting the walk through the island's dry forest and savannah. Rinca is one of the places where you can look for Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

The ranger will lead the walk and explain the animals and the environment. Depending on the day, you may also see Timor deer, buffalo, wild boar and birds.

In the late afternoon, we continue toward Kalong Island.

Around sunset, large numbers of fruit bats may leave the mangroves and fly toward the mainland. It is a natural event, and the number of bats and the exact timing can vary.

Dinner is served on the boat before spending the night in the national park.

Highlights: Private Komodo boat - Kelor Island - Manjarite snorkeling - Rinca Island - Komodo dragons - Wildlife - Kalong sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Private boat in Komodo National Park

The main day of your Komodo Dragon Adventure

We start early and travel to Padar Island.

The walk to the famous viewpoint involves a climb with many steps, but the view from the top gives you a clear picture of the island's three bays and surrounding landscape.

After returning to the boat, continue to Pink Beach.

Here you can swim, snorkel or relax on the beach. The color of the sand can vary depending on the light, weather and natural conditions.

After lunch, continue to Komodo Island.

Together with the park ranger and your guide, walk through the island's dry forest and savannah. The main aim is to look for Komodo dragons, but you may also see deer, wild boar and birds.

Later, continue to Manta Point for snorkeling.

Manta rays are regularly seen in some areas of the Komodo region, but they are wild animals and sightings depend on sea conditions and their movements. If they are not around, you will still have the opportunity to enjoy the marine environment.

Return to the boat for dinner and another night among the islands.

Highlights: Padar Island - Pink Beach - Komodo Island - Komodo dragons - Wildlife walk - Snorkeling - Manta Point

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Private boat in Komodo National Park

After breakfast, make one final island stop at Kanawa Island.

The island has a white-sand beach and clear water, making it a good place for a final swim or snorkeling session.

Depending on the sea conditions and time available, you can spend some time in the water or simply relax on the beach.

Afterwards, return to Labuan Bajo by private boat.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bali, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Your Java, Bali & Komodo adventure ends here.

Over eleven days, you will have traveled through three very different parts of Indonesia — from the temples and villages of Java, through the mountains and traditional landscapes of Bali, to the islands and wildlife of Flores and Komodo.