From the Ujung Kulon Jungle to the Mythical Volcanoes
22 Days 21 Nights
Description
This exceptional 22-day journey through Java and the Karimunjawa archipelago invites you to discover Indonesia in all its facets: wild nature, authentic culture, and spectacular landscapes. From the pristine jungle of Ujung Kulon National Park to iconic temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, passing through traditional villages and majestic volcanoes, each stop offers a unique immersion. Between hikes, local encounters, and relaxing moments by the sea, this tour combines adventure, discovery, and serenity.
The highlights
- Exploring Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hiking in the heart of the rainforest with wildlife observation
- Immersive experience in traditional Javanese villages
- Discover the mythical temples: Borobudur and Prambanan
- Spectacular crossing of the Situ Gunung suspension bridge
- Mangrove cruise and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Karimunjawa
- Unforgettable sunrise over Mount Bromo
- Hiking to the Kawah Ijen volcano and its unique turquoise lake
- Visit impressive waterfalls like Tumpak Sewu and Madakaripura
- Cultural immersion: local cuisine, batik crafts, and authentic human encounters
ITINERARY
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN JAKARTA
- Take the time to feel the ambiance, to soak up the atmosphere and to gently acclimate yourself to the new Indonesian time zone.
- Check-in at your hotel in Jakarta
Day 2: TRANSFER TO UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK (B)
- After breakfast, transfer to the southwest coast of Java to the village of Ciputih, the last village in Ujung Kulon National Park. The village offers a refreshing atmosphere and soothing nature.
- Check-in to your hotel.
- Free afternoon. Relax and go to the beach.
Day 3: HIKING IN UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)
- You will then embark on a gentle hike through the ancient rainforest of Ujung Kulon, accompanied by a guide. Discover a wide diversity of tropical flora and fauna beneath the immense canopy.
- Your guide will help you observe numerous bird species and other wildlife along the route to Cikacang in the Honje mountain range. The slopes of this region are home to the Javan gibbon, the black monkey, and a wide variety of other animals and birds.
- Free evening.
- Return to your hotel.
Day 4: HIKING IN UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)
- After breakfast, enjoy a short hike through the lush Ujung Kulon rainforest on this two- to four-hour morning excursion, ideal for nature lovers. This walk takes you into the heart of the Gunung Honje lowland rainforest, where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna emblematic of Ujung Kulon.
- With a bit of luck, you might spot colugos (flying lemurs), chevrotains (mouse deer), Javan gibbons, black-leaf monkeys, wild boars, and civets. Javan rhinoceroses are also sometimes seen in this region, although encounters are rare and exceptional.
- Return to your hotel.
Day 5: DISCOVERING UJUNG KULON (B, L, D)
- After breakfast at 7:00 AM, depart by boat for a marine wildlife cruise to Handeleum Island. Located in the heart of a group of mangrove islets, the island is surrounded by magnificent mangrove forests. You can observe wildlife such as monkeys and deer in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy the scenery and the serenity of the place.
- The journey continues towards the Cikabembem River, which meanders through a dense mangrove forest with branches overhanging the water. You will discover the typical beauty of the islands and their mangrove forests, a preserved ecosystem that is home to saltwater crocodiles and various bird species, sometimes seen in this area. The charm of this river lies in its peaceful and primeval atmosphere: untouched nature, almost timeless, with trees fallen into the water and lush vegetation. Ujung Kulon offers an absolutely exceptional experience here, at once tranquil, captivating, and profoundly wild. The rich colors of the landscape, enhanced by the tropical sun, create stunning plays of light on the river's surface.
- The boat trip continues with a stop at a small offshore islet: Badul Island, a tiny sandbar surrounded by a beautiful coral reef. Entry into the water is easy from a depth of about one meter. The coral growth, composed of both hard and soft corals, is remarkable. Visibility while snorkeling is less than 8 meters. The reef is home to schools of bannerfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, batfish, butterflyfish, and fusiliers, as well as magnificent, brightly colored nudibranchs.
- Return to your hotel.
Day 6: FROM THE SEA TO THE LAND OF SUNDA (D)
- After breakfast, we drove towards Sukabumi through beautiful rural landscapes.
- Along the way, a visit to a traditional Sundanese village offers the opportunity to discover authentic daily life, ancestral traditions, and the warm hospitality of the Sunda people. Share simple moments with the locals, observe local activities, and experience cultural immersion.
- Check-in at your accommodation.
Day 7: VILLAGE IMMERSION & RETURN TO SUKABUMI (B, L)
- Morning dedicated to village life: morning walk, exchanges with the inhabitants and discovery of local traditions.
- In the afternoon, transfer to Sukabumi and check into the hotel. Free time to relax or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
- Check-in to your hotel.
Day 8: SPECTACULAR NATURE OF SITU GUNUNG (B)
- Departure to discover Situ Gunung, famous for its suspension bridge, one of the most impressive in Indonesia. Crossing above the rainforest offering a spectacular view of the canopy.
- Continue with a pleasant walk to the Sawer waterfall, nestled in the heart of lush nature. A moment of coolness and contemplation in a preserved natural setting.
- Return to your hotel.
Day 9: THE MYSTERY OF THE GUNUNG PADANG TEMPLE
- Visit to the archaeological site of Gunung Padang, considered one of the oldest megalithic complexes in the world, dating back approximately 14,000 years, and often presented as older than the pyramids of Egypt.
- Discover this fascinating place full of mystery, surrounded by hills, with explanations about its history, legends and ongoing archaeological research.
- Afternoon, transfer to Bandung.
- Check-in at your hotel in Bandung.
Day 10: TRAIN BANDUNG – KUTOARJO (B, L, D)
- Transfer to Bandung train station to take the train to Kutoarjo. Transfer to Semawung village, an authentic village untouched by international tourism. Traditional lunch, what we call Tumpeng. This dish is normally prepared for celebrations.
- Check-in at your accommodation in Semawung.
- In the afternoon, you can stroll through the countryside to discover the daily life of the Javanese and the various fruit trees and tropical plants.
Day 11: Local Javanese Life and Meeting People (B, L, D)
- This morning, take the time to savor the gentle beauty of the Javanese countryside. You can enjoy a leisurely morning before indulging in a traditional breakfast, featuring delicious local specialties. You'll discover various Javanese cakes made with glutinous rice, delicately flavored with grated coconut and coconut sugar—flavors typical of the region.
- The morning continues with a bike ride through the village, offering a glimpse into local life. You'll visit the village school where the children will be delighted to welcome you. This simple and warm exchange will allow you to enter a classroom, share a few words, perhaps even teach the students a few words of French or sing a little song together. A touching and heartwarming experience, often highly appreciated by travelers.
- Back at the village house, you'll participate in a traditional Javanese cooking workshop. Guided by your hosts, you'll learn to prepare several typical dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Lunch will be an opportunity to enjoy the dishes you've cooked yourself in a friendly atmosphere.
- In the afternoon, enjoy another cycling excursion through villages and rice paddies. This peaceful ride will allow you to observe the daily lives of the locals, discover the different stages of rice cultivation, and appreciate the beauty of Java's rural landscapes. Spontaneous encounters with the villagers make this a particularly authentic and memorable experience.
Day 12: KRATON – PRAMBANAN (B)
- The morning is dedicated to exploring the city of Yogyakarta. You will take a Becak – a local public transport vehicle – to the traditional Ngasem market to discover local life and cuisine.
- Then continue your walk to Keraton (the Sultan's Palace). Keraton is considered the center of Javanese culture. After the visit, you will see traditional performances taking place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM (Javanese dance or song/puppet shows, depending on the day you arrive).
- Continue the walk on the main street of the town: Malioboro.
- Visit a batik workshop to learn about the traditional and beeswax-printed fabric typical of Yogyakarta. Batik is considered part of Indonesia's UNESCO World Heritage. You will learn how to make batik and explore all the unique processes involved. It's a craft that requires patience and concentration.
The itinerary for temple visits and the city of Yogyakarta may be adjusted depending on physical condition and weather. - Visit to Prambanan Temple. Built in the 9th century by the Sanjaya Dynasty, Prambanan is known as the largest and most exquisite Hindu temple in Indonesia. The temple complex comprises 340 temples, the three main ones being dedicated to the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The walls are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana, a story presented in a dance and puppet show.
Note :
If you wish, at 7:00 pm you will attend the Ramayana dance and puppet show, the story of which has been immortalized in the form of narrative reliefs on the walls of temples. - Return to your accommodation.
Day 13: BOROBUDUR – SELOGRIYO – JEPARA (B)
- After breakfast, depart for a visit to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple consists of ten levels: six square levels decorated with 2,672 bas-reliefs, and four circular levels adorned with 544 Buddha statues. Visiting Borobudur at sunrise will provide a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful photo opportunities. Borobudur is considered a mandala, a Buddhist concept representing the path to Nirvana.
- Transfer to the village of Selogriyo, renowned for its beautiful terraced rice paddies, and you will find a beautiful little Hindu temple at the end of your walks.
- Alternative: Visit and hike in the Gedong Songo area, the 9 temples located on hills with a beautiful view.
- In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Jepara.
- Check-in at your hotel and rest in Jepara.
Day 14: JEPARA - KARIMUNJAWA (B)
- Transfer to Kartini Jepara port to take a speedboat, approximately 2 hours by speedboat (approximately 200 people) to go to Karimunjawa.
- You will be met by the driver who will take you to your hotel (approximately a 10-minute drive).
- Check-in at your hotel in Karimunjawa.
Day 15: KARIMUNJAWA – A DAY OF SNORKELING (B, L)
A day of snorkeling to discover the Karimunjawa archipelago with lunch included.
Day 16: KARIMUNJAWA – A DAY OF DIVING (B, L)
A day of snorkeling to discover the Karimunjawa archipelago with lunch included.
Day 17: KARIMUNJAWA – JEPARA – SOLO (B)
- Transfer by speedboat, approximately 2 hours by boat to return to Jepara.
- You will be met by the driver who will take you to Solo, approximately a 3.5-hour drive away.
- Check-in at your hotel in Solo.
Day 18: TRAIN TO MOJOKERTO - BROMO (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Solo Balapan station to catch your 07.30 train to Mojokerto.
Upon your arrival in Mojokerto at 10.07, you will be met by our representative and transferred by car for approximately three hours to reach the magnificent Mount Bromo region.
On the way, stop to visit the Madakaripura waterfall. The murmuring river, the pools of water cascading from the green wall, will offer you an unforgettable hiking experience.
Note: We recommend wearing diving shoes or sandals.
Check-in at your hotel in Bromo.
Day 19: SUNRISE IN BROMO – TUMPAK SEWU
- Departure at 2:30 AM from your hotel. Transfer by Jeep (approximately 45 minutes) to reach Mount Penanjakan, the highest point offering magnificent views of the vast caldera and its active volcanoes. Penanjakan is also a prime location for viewing the Bromo landscape at sunrise.
- After sunrise, we'll hike along small trails, little known to tourists, descending to Seruni viewpoint. It's a chance to discover beautiful landscapes without the crowds. Seruni is a viewpoint about 300 meters below Penanjakan.
- You meet up with the Jeep to return to the hotel and have breakfast.
- In the middle of the morning, transfer approximately 4 hours by road to the village of Pronojiwo Lumajang, at the foot of Volcan Semeru (the summit of Java).
In the afternoon, weather permitting, you can visit the Kapas Biru waterfall viewpoint before arriving at your hotel.
Check-in at your hotel in Lumajang.
Day 20: TUMPAK SEWU – KALIBARU
- The morning is dedicated to visiting Tumpak Sewu waterfall. Located about a 2-hour drive from Malang, Tumpak Sewu is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Java. You'll need to descend into the valley to get some great photos. Rubber shoes or hiking boots are essential for visiting this waterfall as the paths can be quite slippery. You will be accompanied by a local guide for safety reasons.
- After visiting the waterfall, you will continue your tour of Gua Tetes, a beautiful natural cave. They truly resemble a hidden paradise, with stunning stalactites that create a mystical atmosphere and natural pools of clear, cool water where you can bathe.
- Return to your hotel to take a shower and have breakfast.
- Next, continue your journey to Kalibaru, a peaceful village nestled amidst coffee, cocoa, and spice plantations. This haven of tranquility is the perfect place to relax and discover the timeless charm of the East Java countryside.
- Check-in at your hotel in Kalibaru
Day 21: KALIBARU BOTANICAL GARDEN – BANYUWANGI
- After breakfast, the day begins with an immersion in the Kalibaru Botanical Garden. A visit to the Kalibaru Botanical Garden is a true immersion in Java's tropical agricultural heritage.
As you walk along, you will discover the treasures that have shaped the history of the region:
Spices: cinnamon, cloves, pepper, nutmeg. Cocoa cultivation: you will observe cocoa pods growing directly on the trees, before learning about the transformation process that leads to chocolate. Discover the traditional process of making palm sugar, obtained from the sap of the coconut palm or areng palm, then slowly transformed into golden blocks with a delicately caramelized flavor. Vanilla, a precious and delicate crop: you will learn how this tropical orchid is pollinated by hand before producing the famous fragrant pods.
In the afternoon, transfer to Banyuwangi, passing through picturesque landscapes and traditional Javanese villages.
Along the way, there is the possibility of stopping in the mysterious Jawatan Forest. Its giant trees with spectacular roots create an almost unreal atmosphere, worthy of a fantasy tale setting.
Check-in at your hotel in Banyuwangi
Day 22: KAWAH IJEN HIKE
- Early in the morning, embark on a hike to Mount Kawah Ijen. Set off before dawn for an unforgettable ascent of this majestic volcano. At sunrise, admire the breathtaking panorama: the changing colors of the landscape, the spectacular mountains, and the vast turquoise crater lake, known as the largest acidic lake in the world. Every day, local miners carry baskets weighing between 60 and 125 kilograms of sulfur, an impressive demonstration of human endurance and strength. Depart at 2:00 AM by car to Paltuding at 1800 meters altitude for a beautiful view of the lake at sunrise. After a 1.5-hour hike, you will reach the summit of Kawah Ijen at 2386 meters altitude.
Note: Consult your guide before descending into the crater to see the blue flames, and for safety reasons, as there may be toxic gas fumes. Caution is advised for those with respiratory problems. *Kawah Ijen is closed every Friday of the first week. - Go down to Paltuding and return to your hotel for breakfast and a shower.
- In the afternoon, transfer to Banyuwangi airport for your flight.
Our Friendly Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Indonesia
> Encourage exchanges with the residents
Throughout this tour, you will be in regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple words in Indonesian will also be beneficial. Terima kasih (thanks), Selamat pagi (hello) or Permisi (Excuse me) is always greatly appreciated and facilitates communication. These small gestures make encounters more authentic and enriching.
> Protect yourself from the tropical sun
Indonesia has a sunny climate all year round. Remember to pack:
- A high SPF sunscreen
- A hat or a cap
- Sunglasses
- This will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities: hiking, cultural visits and marine excursions.
> Choose appropriate clothing
For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:
- Clothing covering the shoulders
- Trousers or skirts below the knee
- A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site in temples).
> Recommended footwear
Some tours include walks, hikes or wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes).
Plan ahead:
- Comfortable shoes
- Non-slip sandals
- Possibly water shoes
> Respect for local customs
Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple steps:
- Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
- Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
- Use your right hand to give or receive
English 
French