Voyage Authentique : Sumatra - Java - Bali

AUTHENTIC TRIP: SUMATRA - JAVA - BALI

20 days discovering the authentic soul of Sumatra, Java and Bali

Embark on an authentic 20-day journey through the iconic islands of Sumatra, Java, and Bali, where each stop immerses you in the true soul of Indonesia. From the depths of the Bukit Lawang rainforest to the serenity of Lake Toba, from the majestic temples of Borobudur and Prambanan to the spectacular volcanoes of Java, and finally to the rice paddies and vibrant traditions of Bali, this trip offers a complete immersion in nature, culture, and human connection. More than just a tour, it's a profound and genuine experience, designed for travelers seeking meaning, authenticity, and unforgettable moments, far from the beaten path.

The highlights

A complete journey through 3 iconic islands.
An encounter with wild and spectacular nature.
Authentic cultural immersion.
Discovering temples and UNESCO heritage sites.
Unique and exclusive experiences.
A perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
Comfort and professional support.

YOUR SUMATRA JAVA - BALI TOUR

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MEDAN – BUKIT LAWANG

You will be met by our representative upon your arrival at Medan Airport.
Transfer to Bahorok Bukit Lawang National Park, approximately a 5-hour drive, dominated by oil palm and rubber plantations. Free afternoon…
Overnight stay at the Ecolodge Hotel in Bukit Lawang

DAY 2: JUNGLE HIKE IN BUKIT LAWANG

Afterwards, a day is dedicated to hiking in Bukit Lawang National Park to discover orangutans in their natural habitat. There's also the possibility of seeing several species of wildlife: monkeys, baboons, gibbons, squirrels, and many kinds of birds. In the afternoon, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the Ecolodge Hotel in Bukit Lawang

DAY 3: BUKIT LAWANG - LAKE TOBA

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Toba, passing through Perapat and taking the boat to arrive on Samosir Island.
Overnight stay at the Lake Toba Hotel

DAY 4: LAKE TOBA

After breakfast, an excursion to the Batak villages on Samosir Island. You will begin in the village of Simanindo, where you can enjoy a traditional Batak Toba dance performance. You will then continue to the village of Ambarita, exploring its megalithic culture, followed by a visit to the cemetery of King Sidabutar of Tomok. This is an opportunity to discover the lifestyle and philosophy of the Batak Toba tribe.
Overnight stay at the Lake Toba Hotel

DAY 5: LAKE TOBA - MEDAN

After breakfast, transfer to Medan to explore the city. You will visit the North Sumatra Museum to learn about Batak culture and continue your visit to Tjong-a-Fie to learn about Chinese civilization in North Sumatra.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kualannamu Medan Airport

DAY 6: FLIGHT MEDAN – YOGYAKARTA – SEMAWUNG VILLAGE VISIT

Morning flight from Medan to Yogyakarta.
You will be met by our driver upon your arrival at Yogyakarta YIA Airport.
Transfer to Semawung village, approximately a one-hour drive. Semawung is a small, authentic village located about 30 minutes from Yogyakarta Airport, making it a great place to relax. Two rivers, the Bogowonto and Gesing, flow through the village, providing irrigation for the rice paddies and the cultivation of rice and vegetables. Most of the inhabitants live as farmers, cultivating rice, cassava, peanuts, corn, and chili peppers. Java Exotic Tour offers a peaceful stay in the village, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the daily life of the Javanese people, their activities, and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Lunch with authentic Javanese food.
After lunch, you will go for a bike ride around the village (to discover rural life) through rice paddies, the making of traditional large pots, and make contacts with locals.
Return to your guesthouse, free time for you
Overnight stay at the Joglo Semawung Hotel

DAY 7: SCHOOL VISIT – COOKING CLASS – REST

After breakfast, we'll visit the village's primary school. This is an opportunity to meet the students and make contact with them. You can share a few words from your language, such as greetings and introductions. This will give them the value of meeting foreigners and sharing a little of their language. To show your appreciation, you can give them small gifts from your country, such as pens or notebooks, for those who are willing to speak with you face-to-face in your language.
Return to the house and help prepare the food for your lunch.
Enjoy the rest of your time "the tranquility of living in the countryside, drinking tea or coffee with local cakes"
Overnight stay at the Joglo Semawung Hotel

DAY 8: BOROBUDUR TOUR > YOGYAKARTA

After breakfast, transfer to the city of Magelang to visit Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional cultural and historical value. The temple consists of nine tiers of terraces: six square and three circular, crowned by a central dome known as the Stupa. The temple is decorated with 672 bas-reliefs and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated in a perforated stupa. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Shailendra Dynasty, this temple exemplifies Javanese Buddhist architecture, blending indigenous Indonesian ancestor worship with the concept of attaining nirvana.
In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Yogyakarta. You will visit the main square of Alun Alun Kidul to discover local Javanese life. Play a traditional Masangin game.
Check-in at your hotel. Dusun Jogja Village Inn in Yogyakarta
Overnight stay at the Yogya Village Hotel in Yogyakarta

DAY 9: DISCOVERING THE CITY OF YOGYAKARTA – PRAMBANAN – SOLO

The morning is dedicated to exploring the city of Yogyakarta
Take the Becak "a local common transport in town" to go to the traditional Ngasem market to discover local life, traditional cuisine, vegetables and different spices.
Continue the walk towards Keraton (the Sultan's Palace), considered the center of culture. Every day, from 09:00 to 11:00, traditional shows are presented: Javanese dance or song or puppetry, depending on the day.
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.
In the afternoon, transfer to Prambanan and visit the Prambanan Temple. Built in the 9th century by the Sanjaya Dynasty, Prambanan is known as the largest and most exquisite Hindu temple complex 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 through dance and puppetry.
Overnight stay at the Roemahkoe Heritage Hotel Solo

DAY 10: SOLO – MADAKARIPURA WATERFALL – BROMO

After breakfast, transfer to Bromo Village (approximately a 6-hour drive). You will visit the beautiful Madakaripura waterfall before arriving at your hotel.
Checking into your hotel.
Night at Hotel Gubug Ndeso Bromo

DAY 11: EXCURSION FROM BROMO – LUMAJANG

Departure at 02:00 from your hotel. Transfer by Jeep approximately 1 hour drive to reach Mount Penanjakan/Bukit Kingkong, the viewpoint to see a magnificent landscape at sunrise over the large caldera and its active volcanoes.
Take a Jeep which will take you down to the bottom of the caldera and climb Bromo, about a 45-minute walk.
Back in the jeep to go to the hotel for breakfast.
Mid-morning transfer to the village of Pronojiwo, Lumajang. The village is at the foot of Mount Semeru, approximately a 4-hour drive away. Note: Bromo is one of the most visited volcanoes in Java. Especially on weekends, there will be tourists and locals, and there are often traffic jams on the road before reaching Penanjakan. We advise you to visit during the week. Overnight at the Artha Cottage Hotel in Lumajang.

DAY 12: TUMPAK SEWU WATERFALL AND HEAD CAVE – BANYUWANGI

Get up early, then leave by car at 5:00/5:30 am to discover two gems nestled in the jungle of East Java. One is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Java. The waterfall is approximately 120 meters high and its multi-fall design, with several streams cascading simultaneously into the valley below, makes it truly spectacular!
Continue your visit to the Tetes Cave. It's a truly beautiful cave with a unique character that attracts adventurers and nature lovers. You'll find stunning stalactites cascading through waterfalls, creating a magical atmosphere. You can bathe in small natural pools and refreshing water. It's a beautiful and unique experience, combining fascinating caves and waterfalls with lush nature.
For the visit, you will be doing short hikes down into the valley and crossing small rivers to reach the waterfall/cave. Don't forget to bring shoes suitable for walking in water, as well as a waterproof poncho and a waterproof pouch for your smartphone.
Return to your hotel for breakfast and transfer to Banyuwangi (approximately 7 hours).
Night at Didu’s Homestay Hotel in Banyuwangi

DAY 13: THE ASCENSION OF KAWAH IJEN – PEMJUTERAN

Get up early to climb Kawah Ijen at sunrise, enjoying magnificent views of a large lake and turquoise water. Kawah Ijen is famous for having the largest sulfuric acid lake in the world. Every day, porters carry blocks of sulfur weighing 60-125 kg on their backs in baskets.
DDeparture at 2:00 AM by car (with luggage) to Paltuding at 1800m altitude to begin the ascent of Kawah Ijen. After a 1.5-hour hike, you will reach the summit of Kawah Ijen at 2386m altitude. The best time to visit Kawah Ijen is between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
Descend back to Paltuding and transfer to the village of Cemorolawang, approximately a 6-hour drive.
Note :
*If you wish to see the blue flames, you must leave at 00:30 wearing a gas mask. You must descend into the crater (consult your guide).
Caution for those with respiratory problems.
*Every Friday of the first week, Kawah Ijen is closed.

DAY 14: PEMUTERAN – SNORKELING MENJANGAN

After breakfast, transfer by car to Banyuwedang port to catch a boat (approximately 30 minutes) to Menjangan Island. You'll spend a lovely morning snorkeling and enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach. It's a day of discovering marine life, beautiful aquarium fish, and the coral garden. You might even spot deer roaming freely. Balinese people often come to make offerings at the temples of Menjangan, in front of the Ganesha statue.
Afternoon Return to your Hotel. Enjoy the hotel and relax.

DAY 15: PEMUTERAN – MUNDUK

After breakfast, transfer to the village of Banjar, renowned for its hot spring. Decorated with dragon statues, the village features three hot tubs where hot water cascades. You can enjoy a relaxing soak after hiking the volcanoes of Java. Balinese people often come here for health treatments. Don't forget your swimsuit.
In the afternoon, continue exploring North Bali with a visit to the beautiful Sekumpul waterfall, hidden amidst lush vegetation. You can take a refreshing dip in the water. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the village, discovering Balinese life and the cultivation of tropical plants.
Coffee and cloves.

DAY 16: MUNDUK - UBUD

Hike in the Tamblingan forest for about an hour to discover a beautiful rainforest and towering trees that seem to touch the sky. You will discover diverse flora, some of which has medicinal properties. The Balinese have great respect for nature and the forests. They often wrap a black and white cloth around a tree trunk and place small offerings there. This is a good way to preserve nature. You will return by traditional wooden canoe, enjoying a peaceful feeling amidst the natural beauty of Lake Tamblingan. Visit the Ulan Danu Bratan temple.
We're going to visit the beautiful Ulun Danu temple, built on the shores of the lovely Lake Bratan in the 17th century by the King of Mengwi. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Sri. In Hinduism, Sri is a goddess who tends rice. The temple has a stunning view of the lake. Ulun Danu is a major temple, famous for its location as a pre-wedding photo spot for locals.
We will visit the village of Jatiluwih, renowned for its beautiful terraced rice paddies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a walk along the small paths through the rice fields to discover agricultural life and the Subak way of life.
Transfer to Gianyar Ubud

DAY 17: UBUD BY BIKE

After breakfast, we will explore Ubud by bicycle, passing through villages, terraced rice paddies, temples, and experiencing Balinese traditions. We will occasionally encounter communities holding ceremonies in their temples.
You will be attending a traditional dance evening in the Puri (the Palace) of Ubud.

DAY 18: UBUD AND CULTURAL SIGHTSEEING

Mid-morning, transfer to Tampaksiring village to visit the Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring temple. Built in the 11th century, this monument is considered the tomb of King Udayana and Anak Wungsu. To visit this temple, you must descend approximately 200 steps and hundreds of stairs through beautiful terraced rice paddies and along the Pakerisan River. These temples are carved into the rock. You will find people working to carve coconuts and animal bones.
Continue your visit to the Tirta Empul temple, which means "water springs forth." You will find freshwater springs that never dry up, even during the dry season. The water at Tirta Empul Temple is considered sacred. Many Balinese come to the temple every day to perform purification ceremonies.

DAY 19: UBUD – TIRTAGANGGA – VIRGIN BEACH AND SANUR

Transfer to East Bali. You will visit the Tirtagangga Royal Water Garden. Tirta means "water" and Gangga is the name of a sacred river in India. Tirtagangga consists of several pools with fresh water and basins of colorful carp fish, decorated with statues of deities.
In the afternoon you will spend time at Virginia beach to relax before returning to your hotel at your leisure.

DAY 20: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO PARIS

Transfer to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, Bali, to take the international flight back to Paris.

Our Friendly Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Indonesia

Encourage interaction with the residents

Throughout this tour, you will regularly interact 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 makes communication easier. These small gestures make the 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 areas with wet terrain (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