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.
ITINERAIRE: NATURE ET CULTURE DE JAVA
JOUR 1 : ARRIVÉE YOGYAKARTA – DÉJEUNER DE BIENVENUE
Arrival at Denpasar International Airport (Bali).
Our driver will greet you at the terminal exit with a sign bearing your name.
Then transfer to Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of the island, surrounded by rice paddies and tropical landscapes. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or begin exploring the peaceful atmosphere of Ubud.
- Nuit à l'hôtel *** Ubud (situé près du centre)
JOUR 2 : DÉCOUVERTE UBUD
Ubud is also a city with a monarchical tradition. The King of Ubud and his royal family still reside there in their palace called Puri, located in the heart of the city.
In Ubud, you can visit several Hindu temples, art museums, the famous Monkey Forest, and the lively, colorful traditional market. The town is also renowned for its local restaurants, charming cafes, and numerous craft and souvenir shops.
Around Ubud, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the magnificent terraced rice paddies and discover the artisan villages. The inhabitants there perpetuate ancestral know-how: wood carving, stone carving, traditional painting and silver work.
For those who enjoy activities, it is also possible to practice sports and outdoor activities, such as rafting on the river or cycling through the Balinese countryside.
- Hébergement : Hôtel *** à Ubud (près du centre)
JOUR 3 : VISITES CULTURELLES AUTOUR D’UBUD
After breakfast, departure for a day of cultural discovery around Ubud.
You will begin with a visit to Tirta Empul, a famous temple of sacred waters whose natural springs are considered purifying by Balinese Hindus. This spiritual place is an important site for purification ceremonies, where you can observe – and even participate if you wish – in the rituals practiced by the locals.
You will then continue to the Gunung Kawi temple, an impressive site comprised of shrines and royal tombs carved into the rock, dating back to the 11th century and dedicated to the dynasty of King Anak Wungsu. The site is nestled in a spectacular natural setting, surrounded by lush terraced rice paddies and bisected by the sacred Pakerisan River.
In the afternoon, discover Balinese crafts by visiting several artisan workshops around Ubud: wood carving, stone carving, traditional painting, or silversmithing. This will also be an opportunity to buy some typical Balinese souvenirs.
- Hébergement : Hôtel *** à Ubud (près du centre)
JOUR 4 : TEMPLE D’ULUN DANU - RIZIERES DE JATILUWIH - TEMPLE DE TANAH LOT
After breakfast, we depart for the mountainous region of Bedugul to visit the magnificent Ulun Danu Bratan temple, located on the shores of Lake Bratan. This iconic temple, dedicated to the water goddess, is one of the most photographed and visited sites in Bali. Surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, it offers a peaceful and spectacular setting.
You will then continue to the village of Jatiluwih, famous for its stunning terraced rice paddies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along the narrow paths will allow you to admire these exceptional landscapes and discover the daily work of the farmers as well as the traditional Balinese irrigation system called Subak.
Dans l’après-midi, route vers la côte sud de Bali pour visiter le célèbre temple de Tanah Lot, construit sur un rocher au bord de l’océan. Ce temple majeur de Bali, particulièrement spectaculaire au moment du coucher du soleil, est l’un des lieux les plus emblématiques de l’île.
- Hébergement : Hôtel *** à Ubud (près du centre)
JOUR 5 : RIZIÈRES - TEMPLE - MONT BATUR - SIDEMEN
Après le petit déjeuner, départ pour Tegalalang, célèbre pour ses magnifiques rizières en terrasses, souvent photographiées et présentées dans les guides touristiques de Bali. Vous pourrez également profiter de la balançoire panoramique offrant une vue spectaculaire sur les rizières.
Continue to the Sebatu water temple, a charming purification temple less frequented by tourists, where Balinese people come to perform their spiritual rituals in a peaceful atmosphere.
Around midday, we'll head towards the village of Kintamani, located on the edge of Mount Batur's caldera. From this impressive viewpoint, you can admire a spectacular panorama of Mount Batur and its lake.
Then transfer to the village of Sidemen, located at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred volcano. Sidemen is an authentic village renowned for its stunning terraced rice paddies and traditional weaving crafts. You can stroll through the surrounding countryside and enjoy a peaceful landscape dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung.
- Hébergement : Hôtel *** à Sidemen (près du centre).
JOUR 6 : TIRTAGANGGA - VILLAGE DE TENGANAN - SANUR
After breakfast, departure towards the east of Bali to visit the traditional village of Tenganan, one of the Bali Aga villages, where the inhabitants have preserved ancestral traditions and way of life.
Continue to the magnificent Tirtagangga Water Garden, a former water palace built by the King of Karangasem in 1949. This stunning garden features ponds, fountains, and pools fed by spring water, surrounded by tropical gardens and offering beautiful views of the surrounding rice paddies. Visitors can take a dip in one of the spring water pools.
In the afternoon, you can visit Pasir Putih beach (meaning "white sand"), a lovely beach lined with coconut palms, ideal for swimming and relaxation. You can also enjoy grilled fish and seafood in the small local restaurants.
Next, transfer to Sanur, a charming seaside resort located near the airport. You can enjoy a stroll along the seafront and discover Balinese restaurants and culinary specialties.
- Hébergement : Hôtel **** à Sanur (près du centre)
JOUR 7 : DÉPART - VOL INTERNATIONAL
Matinée libre jusqu’à l’heure de votre départ.
Transfert dans l’après-midi vers l’aéroport international de Denpasar – Bali pour votre vol de retour.
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. (appelez-nous)
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 FloresJourneys 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
