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Home | Java & Bali: Unusual Trip



Afficher Java et Bali insolites - 18j sur une carte plus grande

Trajet présenté à titre indicatif: le trajet de votre voyage pourra donc différer légèrement de celui-ci.

D/1 - … Yogyakarta

Welcome services upon arrival at airport followed by transfer to your hotel. Day free to enjoy your first steps in this beautiful city, the cradle of Javanese culture.
 
D/2 – Yogyakarta – Prambanan – Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta city tour: we visit the sultan’s palace built in 1756, Taman Sari, the colourful bird market and Mt. Merapi’s observatory, where is collected all data about its volcanic activity: another great way to better understand this volcanic island. We also visit the Prambanan Hindu temple, in particular the so-called Loro Jonggrang complex, generally considered to be Java’s most elegant and awe-inspiring candi (temple), and noted for the graceful proportions of its 47 m central Siva temple. Overnight at hotel. 
Transfers = 1 hr
 

The fortifications of Yogyakarta

Fortifications of sand and limestone, 5 m high and 4 m across, were erected in 1785 to protect the city against a possible attack by the Dutch army, mainly in fact against canons permanently pointed at the castle, thus threatening the ruling family of Hamengkubuwono. This wall was built around the oldest part of the city surrounded by a broad moat. The sultan is said to have conducted inspection tours. His carriage in fact rode on top of this thick wall.

 
D/3 – Yogyakarta – Borobudur – Babadan
We begin our walk in a small daily market hidden away in the Menoreh hills, 25 km west of Yogyakarta. We help you discover the workings of a traditional Javanese market place and test out your bargaining skills. On this walk, up-hill at first, we experience the tranquillity and beauty of local countryside: below us, green fields and rice terraces, and on the horizon the amazing panorama of surrounding volcanoes, including Mt. Sumbing, Mt. Merbabu, and Mt. Merapi... and in the distance, the monumental Borobudur temple. We may join traditional farmers attending to their land. Finally, upon arrival at the astounding Buddhist sanctuary, we visit this huge temple. If time allows it, we transfer to the village of Babadan, on Mt. Merapi’s western slopes, where we visit the volcano observatory. We eventually reach the top of a small hill facing the 1994 lava flows and which offers, at sunset, an amazing view of the volcano! Overnight at hotel.
Transfers = 4 hrs, walking = 7 hrs
 
Note: For additional cost, Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world, can also be reached on Sumatran elephants through rice fields and remote villages. Please contact us for further information
 
D/4 – Babadan - Surrounds of Mt. Merapi – Tawangmangu
This amazing walk starts from the village of Babadan, on Mt. Merapi’s western slopes, where a volcano observatory is located. From here, the summit of Mt. Merapi actually seems very close and the lava fields are quite impressive. Our walk aims at safely passing round these fields. We reach the top of a small hill which faces the 1994 flows and which offers, at sunset, an amazing view of the volcano! While crossing beautiful tropical forest and plantations, we also have the opportunity to meet with local farmers as well as other workers, crushing lava blocks inside a drained river, who explain their special relationship with Mt. Merapi. We travel on to Tawangmangu, on the slopes of Mt. Lawu, overlooking Surakarta. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Transfers = 1,5 hrs, walking = 5 hours
 
The Prambanan legend
 
Once upon a time, a Hindu prince wanted to marry the daughter of a Prambanan ruler. The princess agreed to marry him only if he could build a thousand temples within a night. Helped by gnomes, he nearly accomplished this feat. Reluctant to this marriage, the princess succeeded in having roosters crow before dawn, thus luring the working gnomes to stop. Furious, the prince cursed the girl and turned her into the beautiful statue now in the main Siva temple. 
 
D/5 – Sukuh Temple – Malang
In the morning, we leave Yogya for Solo, where its renowned batik manufactures and its antique market are awaiting us. We then visit the Sukuh temple, situated on the slopes of Mt. Lawu, overlooking Surakarta (or ‘Solo’). This temple was the last bastion of Hinduism remaining in Central Java after the expansion of Islam. Situated in the midst of forests and tea plantations, the temple contains original Hindu iconography, includes phallic symbols and turtle-like tables. These relics reveal the past existence of initiation rites, probably orgiastic. If time allows it, we may visit the Cetoh temple located close by. In the afternoon, we proceed to Malang. Overnight at a hotel.
Transfers = 6 hrs, walking = 4 hrs
 
D/6 – Malang – Tumpang – Cemorolawang – Mt. Bromo
In the morning, 4WDs take us to Tengger, a region where the famous smoking peak of Mt. Bromo stands, 2,329 m above ground. The surrounding caldera forms an enormous desolate sea of lava sand. On this trip, we cross the astonishing Tengger–Bromo-Semeru National Park. We go partly along on the caldera’s crest before finally going down to the sand sea. There, we visit the village of Cemorolawang (on another crest and on the opposite side). In the afternoon, we hike up this active volcano and walk around its crater. Looking into its seething cauldron of bubbling water, ash and sulphur, it is easy to understand why the ancient Javanese regarded this as the entrance to purgatory. Overnight at a hotel.
Transfers = 2.5 hrs, walking = 4 hrs, A = D = 350 m
 
D/7 - Cemorolawang – Mt. Pananjakan – Sempol (Kawah Ijen)
4WD take us down to the sea of sand and on a drive to the summit of Mt. Pananjakan (2,775 m). From its top, we see a striking sunrise over the caldera, Mt. Bromo as well as the nearby slopes of Mt. Semeru, both mountains belching out volcanic ashes. As aboard an airplane, we admire this sweeping panorama over the volcanic region. Mt. Semeru’s presence is so immediate we feel we can almost touch it. This is unique scenery! In the middle of the day, we transfer to an area closer to Kawah Ijen. Overnight at a local inn (losmen).
Transfers = 6 hrs, A = 350 m
 

The Hindu Tengger

This region is home to the Tengger Javanese, who are the only group on the island to have preserved a Hindu priesthood. Though they recognize the traditional Hindu-Buddhist deities of pre-Islamic Java, many Tengger traditions reflect local beliefs. Each year, in the last month of the local calendar, an offering is made to Joko Segger (the spirit of Mt. Bromo) and thrown into the caldera. 

 
D/8 - Sempol- Kawah ijen Crater– Banyupoh (Bali)
We enjoy a sunrise over the landscapes surrounding the Kawah Ijen crater, and proceed to the sulphur-processing site. We see miners extracting sulphur from the largest acid lake in the world, and we attend a sulphur weighing. These workers have a difficult job: they carry on their backs 100 kg of sulphur to the factory 15 km away. As for us, we reach the site slowly and carefully, as sulphur is an irritant. Then, we transfer to Banyupoh, Bali's northwest seaside resort, a nice place to keep away from tourist crowds. Overnight at hotel overlooking the sea 
Transfers = 5 hrs, walking = 3 hrs, A = D = 350 m
 
D/9 – Banyupoh – Munduk – Lake Tamblingan – Kayu Pandak
After a peaceful swim in the wonderful crystalline waters of Banyupoh, observing marine wildlife as well, we set off again to Munduk. We first pass through the preserved village of Munduk, with its lush natural surrounds and its traditional gardens reminiscent of primeval Balinese culture. We head to Bedugul, around the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan. We discover local life, walking across some of this island’s most beautiful forests and visiting some of the balinese temples in the surrounds: a magnificent walk! Then, we enjoy a delicious Balinese meal, before strolling for an hour through passion fruit plantations towards Kayu Pandak, situated on the edge of a pristine forest. We also discover the traditional way of life during our walks through kebun (stunning Balinese orchards). For those who wish to do so, we may head up Mt. Lesung walking through a mysterious cave. Overnight at a village house.
Walking = 4 hrs
 
D/10 – Kayu Pandak – Gunung Sari – Jatiluwih
We walk through one of the last preserved forest of Bali, on the slopes of Mt. Lesung and Mt. Batukaru. Impressive images of pristine mountainous forests strike our eyes (tree fern, and, if we are lucky enough, we may see orchids and monkeys, playing around our track). We have lunch close to a temple lost in this jungle. Its priest is our guide for the day. In Jatiluwih, we discover a marvelous Balinese village, with orchard-gardens, and terraced rice fields. Back to ‘civilization,’ we realize how unique our morning in the forest was. For our evening activities, we have the option of attending a rehearsal of the village’s traditional orchestra: gamelan. Overnight at a village house. Our host is the chief gardener of the temples in the surrounding area.
 
D/11 – Jatiluwih – Baturiti – Pacung – Candi Kuning – Ulun Danau – Lake Bratan – Lovina
We discover today more Balinese gardens and various types of plantations. As we meet with the inhabitants of villages, we deepen our knowledge about rice and coffee cultivation, for instance the system of putak (the Balinese exemplary collective way to organize rice fields irrigation). We even meet with the Bujangga Wesnawe, a very respected religious community. We freshen up by the side of a waterfall and admire rice fields extending as far as the eyes can see! On our way to the north of the island, we visit various towns, including their markets, like the fruit and vegetable market of Baturili or the flower and local crafts market of Candi Kuning. Finally, we proceed our discovery tour to the placid lake of Bratan, source of life-giving water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. Surrounded by delightful scenery and spectacular mountains, we make a stop at the marvellous Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple. In the afternoon, we transfer to the preserved beach of Lovina, kept away from tourist crowds. Strolling, swimming, snorkeling… Overnight at a unique hotel overlooking the sea.
 

Lovina beach

Lovina is a beautiful long stretch of black sand, because of the calmness and safety of the sea, keeps within marvelous underwater scenery. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The name of Lovina, or the ‘love’ within the heart of all people, was given to this area by the last king of the region, the king of Buleleng, newly converted to Christianity.

 
 
D/12 – Lovina – Sangsit – Kubutambahan – Kintamani – Toyabungkah (Mt. Batur)
At sunrise, we see dolphins led by jukung, local fishing boats. After few relaxing hours lying on the beach, we proceed to visit unusual temples (Maduwe Karang, Sangsit). We taste some typical and delicious Balinese dishes. We follow a beautiful road through the hills, to reach the Kintamani temple, situated on the ridge of the splendid caldera of Mt. Batur. Overlooking the lake and volcano, we enjoy an amazing view of the surroundings. We walk down to the caldera and spend the night at a losmen (local inn). You may even wish to enjoy a massage there!
 
D/13 – Mt. Batur – Besakih – Rendang – Selat – Sidemen
We start our ascent of the Batur volcano before dawn and reaching the top of the oldest crater before sunrise. At the peak, we are stunned by the view provided over Mt. Agung and even over Mt. Rinjani, on the island of Lombok. We walk down to the youngest and most active crater, keeping at a safe distance. We also have the opportunity to visit the famous Besakih temple, located 1,000 m up Mt. Agung, and even have our lunch in this delightful scenery. On our drive to Sidemen, lush terraced rice fields once more amaze our eyes. Crossing through Rendang and Selat, we discover some workshops, where songket – ceremonial clothes woven with gold thread – are made. Overnight at a village house, overlooking a valley. At night, we may witness a performance of Topeng or Legong, traditional dances.
 
D/14 – Sidemen – Tirtagangga – Sibetan – Bebandem – Tenganan – Ubud
Early in the morning, we enjoy the liveliness of a traditional market and pay a visit to Tirtagangga. Officially known as Tirta Ayu (‘lovely waters’), the pleasure palace of a former king of Karangasem lets us enjoy its cool, spring-fed pools (their name literally means ‘Ganges’ water’). These dip pools surrounded by captivating terraced rice fields are particularly refreshing after our long hike in. From the fruit plantations of Sibetan, the animal market of Bebandem, the workshops of blacksmiths… to the farmers of Abang working in steep terraced rice fields, we discover the very heart of the most traditional area of Bali. We continue our walk from Bebandem through rice fields never the same from one hill to the next until we arrive in the Bali Aga (or ‘original Balinese’) village of Tenganan. This village has preserved its traditional Balinese culture as it was prior to the influence of the Majapahit Hindu kingdom. For religious reasons, outsiders are welcome from noon until evening, at what point they are kindly asked to leave. Some say that footprints of visitors (be them Balinese or foreigners) are literally erased after they leave. Then, we will transfer to Ubud. At night, we may enjoy as an option some dance or puppet show performances. Overnight at a hotel.
 
The sacred ikat
 
They are also famous throughout Bali for the magical textiles they produce (like the famous double ikat cloths rank among the masterworks of Southeast Asia), used also during Balinese outsiders communities worships. Batara Indra, the Creator, once decided to teach the women of Tenganan the art of ikat patterning, providing a further sign of the divinely-ordained exclusivity of the Tengananese.  
 
D/15 – Ubud – Yeh Puluh – Tampaksiring – Sukuwati – Uluwatu – Jimbaran
Ubud is a small town amidst emerald green rice paddies and steep ravines in the stunning Central Balinese foothills. This city is known as the cultural centre of the island. Discovery morning in the city and its surroundings: Stroll in the market, visit of the prince’s palace, visit of the temples of Pejeng, the sanctuaries of Yeh Puluh, Gunung Kawih and Tampaksiring. We go on a short stroll through these sacred areas, villages and rice fields. The afternoon, we travel toward the South. We may stop at another famous market if needed, the one of Sukawati. On our way to the Uluwatu temple, standing on a cliff, we observe the famous surf spot at Uluwatu beach and its intrepid surfers. We may even see a performance of the traditional dance kecak, at sunset. Overnight at a hotel in Jimbaran.
 
D/16 – Jimbaran – Airport – Next destination
Morning free till your transfer to the airport. Most of Bali is volcanic covered with tropical vegetation and watered year-round by the island’s various huge mountain lakes. Jimbaran and Bukit Badung are in contrast a non-volcanic limestone plateau with a unique ecology. Flight to your next destination.
 
End of our services

 

The price includes
  • Land and sea transport necessary for a successful voyage
  • The services of a TL French people living in Indonesia or a local guide
  • Full board accommodation, except in Jimbaran (B & B)
  • Entries sites, shows and museums
  • Mineral water and energy supplement on the days of walking
  • Tents and sleeping pads (good quality = useless to take his Thermarest)
 
Price does not include
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Domestic and international airfare
  • Airport taxes
  • Meals in Jimbaran, at the end of the circuit
  • Drinks & personal expenses
  • Tipping
  • Anything not listed in "Inclusions"

 

Travel in Indonesia
 
Detailed information about your trip
 
Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.
 
Your Guide 
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs. 
 
Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.
 
Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.) 
 
Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.
 
“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!
 
Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.
 
Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.
 
Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for  typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.
 
Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
 
 
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty
 
To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.
 
‘Easy’ 
 
  • Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness,  with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
  • Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul. 
  • Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.
 
‘Moderate’
 
  • Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents  are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of  hikes to reach volcanoe summits). 
  • If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
  • Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).

 

‘Demanding’
 
  • Description: These trips include  practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
  • If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
  • Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.
 
‘Strenuous’ 
 
  • Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
  • If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
  • Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’ 
 
  • Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
 
 
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?
 
Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
 
  • A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres  pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
  • Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
  • Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
  • Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
  • Footwear: Hiking boots  and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
  • Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet. 
  • First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs. 
  • In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards