Java Essentials
8 Days 7 Nights
Java, located west of Bali, is the true beating heart of Indonesia. This fascinating island, home to nearly 60% of the country's population, boasts an incredible wealth of cultural and natural beauty. A land of majestic volcanoes, ancient traditions, and spectacular landscapes, Java is a destination where every day brings a new thrill.
During these 10 days of adventure, you will experience an authentic immersion by staying with locals, a unique opportunity to share simple and warm moments with local communities and discover the Javanese way of life.
Your journey will lead you to discover the island's most wondrous treasures: the mythical temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, millennia-old masterpieces rising amidst rice paddies and verdant plains. You will also be awestruck by the magnificent panoramas of the Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcanoes, where nature reveals all its power and beauty.
Between volcanic mountains, lush jungles, and hidden waterfalls nestled in the heart of unspoiled nature, each step will be an invitation to wonder. This trip to Java is much more than a simple discovery: it's a profound encounter with the soul of Indonesia, an unforgettable experience blending culture, nature, and emotion.
ITINERARY: NATURE AND CULTURE IN JAVA
DAY 1 : Arrival in Yogyakarta – Welcome Lunch
- Arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. Then departure for the village of Semawung, located approximately 30 minutes away by road.
- This first step will allow you to discover the local life of the Javanese and observe the traditional houses of the village. To welcome you, we will prepare a special local lunch together called Tumpeng, a symbolic dish of Javanese culture served during celebrations.
- After this convivial moment, we will set off for a walk in the countryside to discover the daily life of the inhabitants: the rice paddies, the activities of the village and the peaceful atmosphere of the Javanese countryside.
- Overnight stay at the Joglo Semawung Guesthouse (in the middle of an Innedite village)
Day 2 : Walk Through the Rice Fields and Borobudur
- In the morning, depart for the village of Selogriyo, nestled on the slopes of Mount Sumbing. Upon arrival, embark on a pleasant hike through the village and its magnificent terraced rice paddies. This walk will allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, the patient work of the farmers, and the peaceful beauty of the Javanese countryside. At the end of the trail, you will discover a charming little Hindu temple, discreetly nestled in the heart of nature.
- In the afternoon, you will set off to discover one of Southeast Asia's greatest masterpieces: the Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Located in the heart of a vast fertile plain and surrounded by the majestic volcanoes of Java – Merapi, Merbabu, Sindro and Sumbing – this impressive monument rises on a hill like a huge stone mandala.
- Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Shailendra dynasty, Borobudur is a masterpiece of Javanese Buddhist architecture. The temple comprises nine superimposed levels—six square and three circular terraces—crowned by a large central stupa. Its walls are adorned with 2,672 intricately carved bas-reliefs and 504 Buddha statues. On the upper terraces, 72 openwork stupas each house a Buddha statue, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere.
- Borobudur represents the cosmic vision of the mandala, a symbol of the path to enlightenment, and reflects the fascinating blend of Buddhist beliefs and local spiritual traditions of ancient Java.
- Overnight stay at the Duta Garden Boutique Yogyakarta hotel or another hotel of the same category
DAY 3 : Tour of the City of Yogyakarta
- A full day will be dedicated to exploring Yogyakarta, one of Java's most fascinating and culturally rich cities. To experience this discovery authentically, you'll travel through the city aboard a becak, the famous traditional rickshaw that winds its way peacefully through the city's bustling alleyways.
- Your immersion will begin with a visit to the Kraton, the Sultan's Palace, the true historical and spiritual heart of Yogyakarta. More than just a royal residence, the Kraton is the guardian of Javanese traditions. Wandering through its elegant pavilions and tranquil courtyards, you will discover the history of local royalty, Javanese philosophy, and the refined art that characterizes this unique culture. Every day, between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., the palace hosts traditional performances: classical dances, puppet theater, and the captivating music of the gamelan, offering a special moment to experience the artistic soul of Java.
- The exploration continues with a visit to the city museum, where you'll delve deeper into the region's history and traditions. In the evening, cultural performances are also offered between 8:00 and 9:30 pm for those who wish to extend their immersion in Javanese arts.
- After these visits, you will stroll through the city's old quarters. These lively alleyways are the perfect place to observe the daily life of the locals. You will have the opportunity to visit a batik workshop, where this traditional textile art is the pride of Yogyakarta. The artisans will demonstrate the delicate wax-dyeing techniques that have earned batik recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The day will continue with the discovery of typical local life sites: the bird market and the animal market, colorful and lively places where locals, traders and popular traditions mingle.
- This day in the heart of Yogyakarta will offer you a complete immersion in the soul of Java, between royal heritage, ancestral crafts and vibrant daily life.
- Overnight stay at the Duta Garden Boutique Hotel Yogyakarta or another of the same category.
DAY 4 : Nglanggeran Hike – Prambanan – Solo
- After breakfast, depart for the Wonosari region, located about an hour and a half away by road. You will reach the site of the ancient volcano Nglanggeran, where you will begin a magnificent hike through a spectacular volcanic landscape. The trail winds between impressive volcanic rock formations sculpted by time, offering stunning panoramic views of the terraced rice paddies and verdant hills of the region. This walk will allow you to experience the wild and peaceful beauty of the Javanese countryside.
- In the afternoon, you will continue your journey through time with a visit to the majestic Prambanan temple. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sanjaya dynasty, Prambanan is considered the largest and most refined Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
- The site includes more than 340 temples, the three main shrines of which are dedicated to the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Shiva temple, the most imposing, dominates the entire complex with its slender and elegant architecture.
- As you wander through the temple galleries, you can admire the magnificent bas-reliefs carved on the walls, which recount the legendary epic of the Ramayana. This great mythological story of ancient India continues to live on today in Java through traditional dance and puppet theater performances, which bring these ancestral tales to life.
- A visit to Prambanan thus offers a fascinating immersion into the history, spirituality and refined art of the ancient Javanese civilization.
- Overnight stay at The Royal Surakarta Heritage Hotel or another hotel of the same category
Day 5: Solo – Bromo
- After breakfast, explore the Grand Market of Solo, one of the city's most vibrant traditional markets. Housed in an elegant colonial-style building and located near a Chinese temple, this site reflects Solo's rich cultural heritage.
- As you stroll through its lively alleyways, you'll be immersed in an explosion of colors and aromas: stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, mountains of fragrant spices, medicinal herbs, local sweets, and typical Javanese specialties. The ever-smiling merchants contribute to creating a warm and authentic atmosphere, a true glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
- You will continue your journey towards the Mount Bromo region. The route begins on the highway to the town of Probolinggo, then the road gradually climbs into the mountains. The landscapes slowly change, revealing magnificent terraced vegetable fields clinging to the volcanic slopes.
- In the afternoon, you will set off to climb Mount Bromo on foot, in a peaceful atmosphere far from the morning's tourist crowds. This approximately three-hour round-trip hike will allow you to discover this unique volcanic landscape in complete serenity. You will cross the famous Sea of Sand before reaching the volcano's smoking crater.
- At this time of day, it's possible to enjoy the site in almost magical silence, sometimes with very few other visitors. And if the weather is favorable, you might even have the chance to admire a magnificent sunset illuminating the volcanic landscapes of the national park.
- Overnight at the Lava View Lodge or another hotel of the same category.
DAY 6 : Bromo Sunrise – Seruni Hike – Kalibaru
- Departure is very early at 2:30 am from your hotel to reach the heights of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park by jeep. After approximately 45 minutes of travel through volcanic tracks, you will reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region to witness the sunrise.
- From this vantage point, the view is breathtaking: the vast volcanic caldera unfolds before you, revealing the majestic silhouettes of the Bromo and Batok volcanoes and, in the distance, the mighty Semeru, Java's highest volcano, often crowned with a plume of smoke. At daybreak, the golden light gradually illuminates this spectacular landscape, creating an unforgettable moment.
- After sunrise, you'll begin a hike along less-traveled paths. This walk will lead you to the Seruni viewpoint, descending gently through the mountains. This route offers a different and more intimate perspective on the volcanic landscapes, far from the crowds. The Seruni viewpoint is located approximately 300 meters below Penanjakan, offering a magnificent and peaceful panorama of the entire region.
- You will then meet your jeep to return to the hotel and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.
- Mid-morning, depart for a long but scenic drive to Kalibaru, a village in the heart of coffee cultivation. You will pass through the Jember region, renowned for its tobacco cultivation for cigarettes. Time permitting, you can stop to visit a tobacco farm and observe the drying of tobacco leaves.
- Nuit à l’hôtel Villa Kendi ou un autre hôtel en même catégorie
DAY 7 : Visit to the Plantation and the Fishing Village – Banyuwangi
- After breakfast, you will set off to explore Kalibaru, a charming village renowned for its coffee and cocoa plantationsnestled in the heart of a generous tropical nature. This fertile region is known for its rich soils where many crops and spices grow.
- You will visit a botanical garden and a local plantationwhere you can discover a wide variety of tropical plants and spicesAs you walk, you will learn to recognize iconic plants such as the ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, as well as many other spices used in Indonesian cuisine. You will also discover the traditional process of coconut sugar production, obtained from the sap of coconut flowers, a highly prized artisanal specialty in the region.
- In the afternoon, departure towards Muncarconsidered as the largest fishing village in Java. The port is famous for its magnificent traditional boats, richly decorated with patterns and bright colors. As you stroll along the port, you can observe the lively activity of the fishermen, the boats returning from the sea and the daily life of this important maritime community.
- This day offers a wonderful immersion between the agricultural wealth of East Java and the local maritime culturerevealing another authentic side of the island.
- Overnight stay at the Ketapang Indah Banyuwangi Hotel or another hotel of the same category
DAY 8 : Ascent of Kawah Ijen - Ketapang
- Very early in the morning, departure for the ascent of the Kawah Ijen, one of Java's most spectacular volcanoes. This morning hike will allow you to reach the summit at the time of sunrise, when the light reveals the full beauty of the site. From the crater, you will discover a immense volcanic lake with turquoise waters, considered the largest sulfuric lake in Indonesia.
- Every day, sulfur miners work in awe-inspiring conditions. You can observe these courageous men carrying blocks of sulfur, some weighing up to [weight missing], on their shoulders in simple baskets. between 60 and 125 kg, rising from the bottom of the crater to the summit.
- A journey of approximately one hour by car will lead you to Paltuding (1,800 m), the starting point of the ascent. The hike lasts approximately 1h30 to reach the summit of Kawah Ijen (2 386 m)The best time to admire the scenery and enjoy the magical morning light is generally between 05:00 and 07:00.
- After enjoying this unique natural spectacle, you descend gently towards Paltudingthen return to your hotel to take the breakfast and rest for a while.
- Next, transfer to the Ketapang port to cross the Bali Strait by ferry. Upon your arrival at the port of GilimanukYou will be met by your driver in Bali who will accompany you to your hotel in Pemuteran, located in the northwestern part of the island, facing the calm waters of the Bali Sea.
The highlights
- Authentic immersion with an overnight stay in a Javanese village
- Discover the iconic temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
- Hiking in the heart of volcanic landscapes (Bromo, Ijen, Nglanggeran)
- Spectacular sunrise over Mount Bromo
- A unique cultural experience in Yogyakarta (Kraton, batik, local markets)
- Exploration of tropical plantations (coffee, cocoa, spices)
- Experience local life: fishing village and traditional markets
- Ascent of Kawah Ijen and discovery of its unique turquoise lake
- A balanced trip combining adventure, culture, and relaxation.
OUR GUARANTEES
Local Expertise
Tailor-Made Experience
Secure Payment
Responsible Commitment
When to Leave?
The best time to travel is during the following months:
The price starting from X.XXX euros, minimum 4 people in normal season. (call us)
The price is per person, subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This final price may vary depending on several factors (number of participants, holiday period and hotel availability, transport size, guide specifications, service levels).
Supervision and Support
For your comfort, we offer different levels of support depending on the stage of your trip:
Private drivers (Logistics)
They handle the logistics of your stay. They know the routes perfectly and drop you off directly at the different sites.
- Language: They speak basic English (generally not French).
- Role: They are happy to share anecdotes about their island, manage the logistics, and buy your entrance tickets. However, they do not accompany you on visits and activities, where you remain completely independent.
The guides (French-speaking or English-speaking)
They work in addition to the local drivers. They accompany you during visits and activities throughout the trip, as detailed in your itinerary.
Important note: The guides are not the drivers, they are two separate people.
Local specialist guides (On site)
- At major sites(e.g., Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan's Palace): Official local guides (English or French speaking) will explain in detail the culture, history and philosophy of the places.
- East of Java (e.g., Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Madakaripura and Tumpaksewu waterfalls): It is impossible to find local French-speaking guides on site. You will therefore be accompanied by a English-speaking local guide.
Sites open for self-guided visits (without a local guide)
Some smaller sites do not have guides on site. In this case, your driver will buy your entrance tickets and you will visit independently, at your own pace.
Transport & Vehicles
Transportation is a key element to the success of your trip. On islands like Java, Sumatra or Flores, journeys are often very long. We select spacious and comfortable vehicles to ensure your travels remain pleasant.
| Vehicle type | Ideal Capacity | Recommended configuration |
Toyota Innova Reborn (2.0L – 2.5L engine) | 2 to 3 passengers (with guide on board) Maximum 4 passengers (without a guide on board) | Very comfortable vehicle. Has 6 seats in the rear, configured to leave room for luggage and suitcases. |
Toyota Hiace Minibus (2.5L – 2.8L engine) | 4 to 9 passengers (with guide on board) Ideal for 6 to 7 people + 1 guide | Large space. Features 9 seats in the rear with dedicated luggage space for all passengers. |
| Bus / Coach | 10 people or more | We provide buses for you 30 seats or 40 to 50 seats depending on the size of your group. |
*) Please provide the exact number of participants so that we can best adapt your vehicle and offer you the fairest price.
Accommodation
We select our accommodations according to several categories to best suit your expectations and budget:
Guest Houses / Homestays
Our criterion is to find simple and welcoming places.
- Services: Clean accommodation with private bathroom, garden and small terrace to enjoy nature. Some establishments have a small swimming pool ideal for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Mid-Range (Superior Category)
Establishments offering excellent value for money with more space.
- Services: Spacious, nicely decorated, clean room with a private bathroom. You will enjoy a lovely garden, a small terrace and, for some rooms, a children's pool.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Superior Range (Charm and Authenticity)
For travellers seeking artistic details and a more typical setting.
- Services: Spacious rooms with charming and tasteful décor, private bathrooms (sometimes open to the outdoors in harmony with nature). The hotels boast beautiful terraces overlooking magnificent gardens and are situated in prime locations. They generally feature lovely swimming pools suitable for children.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4 out of 5)
Luxury Hotels
Ideal for families seeking absolute serenity or for an unforgettable honeymoon.
- Services: Charming accommodations with exquisite artistic touches in the rooms, on the terraces, and in the bathrooms. These are often small, intimate, and welcoming establishments nestled in lush natural surroundings. They feature a magnificent swimming pool in the middle of a large garden, offering a perfect romantic setting for honeymooners.
- Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (5 out of 5)
Hotels of International Standards (3 to 5 Stars / Resorts)
If you prefer the infrastructure of large hotel chains to local charm.
- Services: Large complexes or resorts offering a multitude of services and facilities: huge swimming pool, large landscaped garden, sometimes even a golf course.
Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requirements so that we can offer you the ideal establishment.
Food & Drinks
- Breakfasts: They are almost always included and served directly by your hotels.
- Lunches and Dinners: They are generally excluded from our packages in order to leave you free to choose where and what you want to eat, according to your desires and the type of restaurant you like.
- Water safety: Never drink tap water or water from local springs. When hiking, water should always be treated. In town, drink only bottled water with a sealed cap.
- At your disposal: For your comfort and safety, your driver will provide you with the following every day: bottled mineral water.
Tips
Tips are not never mandatoryHowever, they are a much-appreciated gesture of gratitude. In Indonesia, it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service provided.
The amount of a tip depends on your discretion and should be in line with the local economy. Tips that are too high relative to the country's standard of living can destabilize local economies.
Indicative benchmarks:
- In hotels: Expect to pay approximately 1 € for the porter who carries your luggage to your room. At check-out, you can leave approximately 1 € for the cleaning staff.
- During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver (for example: €10 for the guide / €5 for the driver), corresponds to local standards.
Important reminder: A tip is a small token of appreciation for good service. It does not replace our team's salary. Everyone involved in your trip receives a fair and fixed wage from us.
General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)
Booking and Payment
Registration for one of the activities or a trip offered by the agency Java Exotic Tour implies full and complete acceptance of our general terms and conditions of sale.
- Booking confirmation: Your reservation is definitively confirmed upon receipt and acceptance of a deposit representing 30% of the total amount of the trip, subject to availability.
- Last-minute booking: If registration takes place less than 32 days before the departure date, the full price of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
- Payment methods: You can make your payments by international bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card via a secure online payment link. A booking confirmation will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
- Payment of the balance (70%):
- It can be adjusted in cash (in Euros) upon your arrival in Indonesia.
- If you prefer to pay the balance by bank transfer, we ask that you do so upon your arrival in the country or 1 week before departure if it is a mini-tour (stay of less than one week).
- Important banking clauses:
- The payment is net of fees: all bank transfer fees (sender and recipient fees) remain exclusively your responsibility.
- The name of the bank beneficiary provided is unique. To avoid failure or rejection of your transfer, you must not change this name under any circumstances.
Cancellation Terms and Fees
If, for any reason, you are forced to cancel your trip, the refund of sums paid will be made less the following cancellation fees (calculated based on the date your notification is received):
| Cancellation deadline before departure | Fees retained (% of the total amount of the file) |
Up to 31 days From 30 to 21 days From 20 to 14 days From 20 to 14 days In less than 8 days | 30 % of the total amount (equivalent to the deposit) 40 % of the total amount 50% of the total amount 75% of the total amount 100% of the total amount |
Cancellation by the agency:
- Insufficient number of participants: If the agency Java Exotic Tour If the company is forced to cancel a group departure due to a lack of participants, the decision will be made and customers will be informed as soon as possible. 20 days before departure.
- Cases of force majeure: The agency may also cancel a departure due to exceptional and unavoidable events constituting force majeure (volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, strikes, severe weather) that could compromise the safety of participants. In these situations, participants will be reimbursed for the sums paid, less any compensation and expenses already incurred and non-refundable with service providers (such as hotels).
Reminder: Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture of gratitude in Indonesia when customers are satisfied with the service. The amount should be reasonable and in line with the local economy so as not to destabilize the country's overall standard of living.
- At the hotel: Approximately 1 € for the baggage handler and about 1 € for the cleaning staff at the time of departure (check-out).
- During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver, corresponds to local standards.
- Remuneration: Gratuities are an additional service and in no way replace the salaries of our staff. All individuals involved in our trips are properly compensated separately.
- Encourage interaction with the residents Throughout this tour, you will have regular contact with local people. Learning a few simple Indonesian words like "Terima kasih" (thank you), "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
- Choose appropriate clothing
For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:
- ✓ Clothing that covers the shoulders
- ✓ Trousers or skirts below the knee
- ✓ A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site at temples)
- Recommended footwear
Some tours include walks, hikes, or walks through wetlands (waterfalls, volcanoes). Please plan accordingly:
- ✓ Comfortable shoes
- ✓ Non-slip sandals
- ✓ Possibly water shoes
- Respect for local customs
Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
A few simple gestures:
- ✓ Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
- ✓ Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
- ✓ Use your right hand to give or receive
