East Java and Bali Explorer

Treat yourself to a sunny halal friendly destination and enjoy the beauties Indonesia has to offer. With delicious Indonesian cuisines to try, various famous landmarks and historical sites to visit, and plenty of colourful and lively festivals to get you in the mood͛, Indonesia is the perfect holiday getaway for those looking to explore a completely different culture and discover parts of Indonesia that not many get to explore.

Flight time from the UK: Approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes to 15 hours via direct flight.

Local languages: The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, however English is widely understood and spoken to a conversational level.

Best time to visit: Indonesia enjoys a tropical climate providing most of the year with hot and humid temperatures. If you͛re looking to avoid the monsoon season then the best time to travel would be between the months of May and September when the weather is dry and sunny.

Visa requirements (for British passport holders) British passport holders can enjoy up to 30 days in Indonesia without a visa. For those that are looking to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before you travel or purchase one upon arriving in Indonesia.

Events and Festivals:

Baliem Valley Festival – Celebrated in August, this festival is all about history and culture, the perfect time for the locals to remember their roots. Held by the various local tribes, the celebration expresses how war is not a just a conflict but also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The main event is the mock-war between the local tribes, with more than 20 different tribes coming together in traditional clothing and fighting gears. There are also side performances and attractions of local traditional games, dances and local food showcase.

Jalan Jaksa Festival – Taking please in the capital of Jakarta, this celebration which happens around July/August is a lively celebration where you͛ll find the streets and replaced with food stalls, craft workshops, street artists and musicians.

Bali Arts Festival – Perfect for art lovers, the Bali Arts Festival takes place for a full month between Jun and July. Daily performances in Bali can be expected such as arts exhibitions, dances, food and other cultural offerings.

Which airport will you fly in to: Your airport of arrival will depend on where in Indonesia you are travelling to. Indonesia͛'s biggest international airport is Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, however many airlines fly direct into Denpasar Bali.

Must try food:

Beef Rendang - originating from Padang, Sumatra, Beef Rendang is somehow similar to beef curry but without the broth, and it͛s slowly cooked to ensure the beef is as tender as can be. Pandang food is famous for its spiciness and richness in flavor making it a must try when in Indonesia.

Nasi Rawon – this dish is another beef dish however it has a nutty flavor. Nasi Rawon has a deep, black color from the use of keluak nut giving it a rich flavor. This dish is served with a bowl of rice.

Sweet Martabak – a delicious sweet dessert to sweeten up your stay. Sweet martabak is Indonesian version of a pancake. Martabak however is only sold in the evenings, making it the perfext treat to the end of a busy day. Depending on your preference, you can choose mix fillings from chocolate, cheese and peanuts.

Must do experience:

Visit Tanah Lot Temple – Probably the islands most iconic temple, Tanah Lot Temple is perched top of a huge rock, and surrounded by the sea with waves constantly crashing on to its base. As among Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. The temple serves as foreground to the most picturesque sunsets making it a must visit when in Indonesia, and the perfect location for a photograph.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud - Ubud is famous for its scenic expanses of rice fields. Here tourists will witness scenic views of the famous rice friends as they enjoy roadside stalls and art shops offering items of all kinds of thing lining the streets. Small restaurants also welcome guests with delicious meals and great views which you can enjoy while dining.

Explore Bali Safari and Marine Park – Perfect for a day out, why not explore Bali͛s Safari and Marine Park. The park is Bali͛s largest animal theme park and is home to over 60 species all roaming freely within their enclosures built to closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris are available to take visitors on tours 'around the animal world'. You͛ll also get to enjoy beautiful aquariums holding exotic fish specimens.

Day 1

Upon arrival at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, you will be met by our representative, and then transfer directly to your hotel in Cemorolawang village, on the slopes of Mt. Bromo. En route stop off in Pasuruan fishing village and its traditional salt refinery. Check in and overnight at the hotel.

We recommend that you rest in prepara-tion for the pre dawn adventure the following day. Accommodation at Java Banana

Day 2

Early in the morning we start our Mt Bromo excursion at 03.30am and will take 1.15 hrs driving from Cemoro Lawang into the Tengger Caldera by 4WD jeeps.

In the early hours of the morning we will arrive at the Penanjakan  viewpoint (2700m) and wait for the breathtaking sunrise to witness the spectacular views. This beautiful area is encompassed by Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park which also includes Mt Semeru – the highest mountain in Java.

Later, drive down to caldera and on horseback crossing the sea sand, ascending some hundreds steps to reach peak of Mt Bromo, from where you still could see the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. Afterwards return to hotel for a hot shower and some breakfast before transferring out to Licin high-land in Banyuwangi for about 6 – 7 hours. Check in at Ijen Resort and Villas, your accommodation, perched at the edge of the rainforest in the foothills of the volcano.

Accommodation at Ijen Resort & Villas

Day 3

Early morning wake-up call at 04.00 hrs. After breakfast at the resort, drive by jeep to the slope of Mount Ijen, passing through rainforest and various coffee, cocoa and clove plantations. This area is one of the few left on the island of Java which boasts giant ferns and big trees. A break is taken at the Park Ranger’s post before hiking further up the slope of the crater. About two hours is needed to ascend the rim of the crater along a shady track with breathtaking views. Take a rest at the edge of the crater which is at an altitude of 2380-meters.

The sulfuric lake reflects an eerie color over the sur-rounding walls to give an apocalypse like impres-sion ! Local men seeking the sulfur, descend into the crater and climb back up along the dangerous rim with loads of up to 90 kilos on their shoulders. Time to explore the crater.

Afterwards, descend down to the Park Ranger’s post and drive back to the hotel. The afternoon is free at your leisure.

Accommodation at Ijen Resort and Villas

Day 4

After breakfast depart for a full day discovery tour of East Java’s countryside and rural settlements. Among the various stop is a visit to the famous Kakek Bodo Waterfall and to the emerald green/golden brown terraced rice fields (depending on season) where farmers still use traditional irrigation systems to cultivate theirs crop. The trip ends with a short hike to a tropical rainforest, home to the Jolotundo Temple, a “spring” temple that dates back to the 11th century. Local people believe the water of this temple rejuvenates the body, mind and soul. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel in Tretes. Accommodation at Taman Dayu Resort

Day 5

Enjoy delicious breakfast at Glenmore Restaurant overlooking the breathtaking landscape and rice terraces. The restaurant serves Continental, Asian and local cuisine. Afterwards, you still have time to relax before your four hour drive through the countryside to Ubud.

Arrival at the Alila Ubud and overnight.

Day 6

Your day tour today includes a visit to the Bali Bird Park to get up close with the hundreds of species of birds from all around the world.  Next is a visit to Batuan village and then to explore Pura Desa Batuan, one of Bali’s finest and oldest temple. Take a short walk through the rice fields to Bebek Bengil Restaurant for a uniquely healthy lunch experience. Drive to Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave, an age-old temple, dates back to the 11thcentury. It was once used by Brahman priests and ascetics for meditation. Stop for a spot of shopping in Ubud before returning to your hotel.

Day 7

At leisure in Ubud

Day 8

Transfer to the Elysian Villas in Seminyak for the next three nights

Day 11

Transfer from the Elysian to Bali Airport and your onward flight.