Java, the heart of Indonesia, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modernity. This diverse island offers a wealth of experiences for travellers seeking cultural immersion and natural wonders. Explore the bustling city of Jakarta, with its vibrant markets and historical landmarks. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Bromo. Immerse yourself in Javanese arts and crafts, sample delectable local cuisine, and engage with friendly locals. Whether you're seeking ancient temples, lush landscapes, or a glimpse into Indonesia's rich heritage, Java promises an unforgettable journey.
Be met by the local guide and driver upon arrival and be transferred to Solo. Also known as Surakarta, the city of Solo was founded in 1745 by a local king. The site for the new Mataram Kingdom’s capital was reportedly chosen through voices heard by the king. Solo is the capital of Batik in Java and remains home to some of the most intact Dutch colonial architecture in Indonesia.
Visit a well-known batik museum and learn about this famous Javanese art developed through the ages. Also, see craftsmen and women at work making new creations. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant under the ‘Joglo’ a Javanese traditional wooden open-building. Following lunch, take a walk to the antique market Pasar Triwindu.
Today’s excursion began with a visit to Keraton Mangkunegaran - a classical repository of classical Javanese art. Built as a palace for a ‘junior’ line of the royal family in the 18th century, the splendid building has an extensive collection of 14th-century jewellery, majestic silverworks, traditional Javanese weapons and classical dancing body ornaments.
Continue to depart for a half-day excursion to Sukuh and Cetho, two of the latest Hindu temples built in Java before the island's courts were converted to Islam in the 16th century. Located on the western slopes of Mount Lawu (3,265m), this area, at the border between Central and East Java, offers spectacular landscapes with terraces covered by beautiful tea plantations. Explore Sukuh, located at 910 metres in elevation, and take a look at its unique pyramidal shape -similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America and its stone carvings of Hindu phallic symbols. Stop for lunch on the way to Ceto Temple, at Javadwipa restaurant.
Continue the drive, passing through beautiful tea plantations to Cetho, another Hindu temple located even higher on the mountain and rarely visited. Its carvings are similar to Sukuh Temple, but the multi-tiered temple differs in architectural layout. Find a starting point at the Kemuning Plantation located 5km higher at an altitude of 1,540m for a small walk to observe the tea plantations of this beautiful plantation founded in 1925 by the Dutch settlers. Return to the hotel in Solo late in the afternoon.
After an early breakfast this morning, be transferred to Solo Railway Station for a scenic train ride to Blitar, in East Java. The guide will be along during the journey. Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of Central and East Java. Upon arrival in Blitar, meet with the local driver and be transferred for lunch at Tugu Restaurant.
Early in the afternoon after checking into the hotel, proceed to Penataran temple, the largest and most important Hindu temple complex in East Java. It lies just 10 Kilometers north of Blitar on the lower slopes of Mt. Kelud. Most of the buildings, which can be seen today, however, were constructed during Majapahit's golden century.
Early morning after breakfast and check out from the hotel and be transferred to Kawisari coffee plantation for a coffee tour. Surrounded by two mountains Kelud and Kawi, the plantation produces the best quality coffee beans and has its own secret receipt coming from the Dutch era. Get on the 4X4 to explore the plantation with easy trekking intermittently, learning the history of growing the finest Java coffee beans, roasting and processing. Enjoy the lunch prepared by local villagers in Kawisari and also have the luck to taste arabica and robusta coffee tasting. Following lunch, continue driving to Malang.
Take an orientation tour of Malang by Becak, a local cyclo. The streets of Malang are filled with grand colonial-era buildings and you’ll cruise past historic sites, the Chinese temple Eng An Kiong before finishing at the city Cathedral followed by a walking tour in the colourful village of Jodipan.
Take a morning walk to the flower market in Malang, and enjoy the city when the people are just about starting the day. Return to the hotel and be ready for a jeep riding toward Bromo through Jemplang. Stop by Pelangi Waterfalls and enjoy a lunch box here.
Continue driving for a while then have another stop at the point of panoramic view of the southern slope of the caldera, and then drive down to the caldera by passing through the savanna to reach Mount Bromo.
Walk toward a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater, and sense the environment of the massive caldera as nature is about silence immediately after sunset. Return to the jeep and drive up to the hotel for check-in.
Rise before the sun for the unforgettable experience of viewing Mount Bromo as the sun crests over its Martian-like landscape. Travel by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan.
Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground creates an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon. Enjoy a picnic breakfast set up in the middle of nowhere with a nature savanna as the backdrop.
Return by jeep to the hotel and check out and afterwards set off on a long drive along the northern coast of Java towards its Eastern end with a late lunch being served in a local restaurant en route. Check-in upon arrival at the hotel located either in the area of the Kawah Ijen Volcano near the small village of Licin or in the coastal town of Ketapang next to Banyuwangi and opposite the island of Bali
Awake early this morning for an excursion to Mount Ijen -one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Indonesia, and the world. Breakfast is served at the hotel before setting off by 4WD jeep (or alternatively a breakfast box will be provided). After a 1.5-hour drive, reach Paltuding Base Camp (1,850m). The trek to the top is 3 kilometres and follows a wide, well-worn pathway. At the top of Mount Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines.
Upon reaching the top (2,385m), there is time to enjoy the views of the crater lake which is 200 metres deep and contains about 36 million cubic metres of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim. Return via the same route to base camp and continue by road to Banyuwangi reaching the hotel for refreshing.
In the late morning, check in at the ferry terminal in Ketapang before crossing the Bali Straits to the island of Bali by local ferry for a scenic journey to Gilimanuk on Bali’s western shores. Upon reaching Bali, continue by road towards either Pemuteran or Lovina Beach.
To book this amazing trip, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
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