Comprehensive package of excursions:
Java is located on the Indonesian “ring of fire” – the line of the world’s most active volcanoes, and everywhere on Java, you are in an utterly fascinating landscape with scenic, almost verdigris green paddy fields with the beautiful iconic volcanoes in the background. You will discover villages and towns that are centuries old, some with paved streets and alleys, others shaded by 20-metre-high, thigh-thick bamboo. And in between lies the deeply impressive Borobudur, one of the world’s tallest and most beautiful Buddhist shrine. And not far from there is the incredibly beautiful Hindu temple compound, Prambanan. You visit the active Bromo volcano and walk through the legendary “desert of sand” to the volcano. On the tour of Java, you will also discover the spice, coffee and tea plantations, the contrasts between traditional and modern living, as well as a smiling and welcoming population. All topped off with a beach holiday on Bali’s beautiful beaches in Sanur.
Today you will fly to Yogyakarta with connecting flights along the way.
On your arrival at Yogyakarta Airport, you go through immigration and then collect your luggage. Your guide is waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding up a TourCompass sign, and you are driven to your hotel where you will spend the next four nights. When you get to the hotel, it’s time to relax and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
It is claimed by many that Java’s history originates from Yogyakarta, and that the city is the centre of Javanese civilisation. What cannot be disputed, though, is the fact that the city is located between the Indian Ocean in the south and the Merapi volcano in the north. And equally true is the fact that very large and significant temples have been built for several of the world’s great religions right here in the heart of the vast Indonesian empire. Hinduism is represented in Prambanan, while the largest Buddhist shrine, Borobudur, is located here.
The day begins with a scenic ride through the stunning landscapes around the little village of Candirejo, where life is still lived in the traditional way. You cycle approx. 5-6 km along a flat and straightforward path. From the saddle of your bike, you gain a good and current insight into the Javanese culture and how life is lived in the countryside. It’s wonderful to feel the wind in your hair and breathe in the scents of the landscape around you. There’s time to stop along the way and have a chat with the locals. Later in the day, you continue on to the magnificent Borobudur, the “Buddhist monastery on the hill”, and explore the massive temple compound on foot. During the visit you will learn about the fascinating history of the temple and the clear symbolic language of the stone carvings, as well as discover hidden corners and carvings in the compound. At the end of the day, you return to your hotel.
Again today, you’re off on an exciting bike ride to explore Hinduism’s large temple compound, Prambanan. You cycle 10-12 km on a flat road with a car following behind the whole way, so you can drive the rest of the way if you don’t feel like cycling anymore.
The temple compound was built in around 800 and originally consisted of more than 200 temples, large and small. However, a number of the temples collapsed during an earthquake in the 16th century, and for centuries, only local people knew about the complex. In fact, it was not until 1918 that the Dutch started restoring the temples destroyed. The highlight of all of them is the Shiva shrine Lorojonggrang, generally considered Java’s most elegant temple with its 47 well-proportioned metres rising into the sky.
Later in the day, you head off on a city tour of Yogyakarta, visiting the Sultan’s Palace, Kraton Yogyakarta, which, according to Javanese beliefs, is not only the residence of the ruler, but also “the world’s navel”. At the palace is Taman Sari, the royal gardens. From here, the tour heads to the workshops for a traditional craft that originates in Java, namely batik. You witness how the beautiful patterns are created using natural dyes and wax, later converted into unique clothing.
After breakfast, a trip back to the 16th century awaits you when you visit the suburb Kota Gede, 5 km south-east of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is probably best known for being the centre of Yogyakarta’s silver industry since the 1930s, but Kota Gede was, in fact, the first capital of the Mataram kingdom, founded in the 16th century by Panembahan Senopati. The guide takes you on an exciting city tour, where you discover the legacy of the past, which includes the ancient palace, the royal cemetery, where the ancient Mataram kings are buried, and the royal mosque, which is Java’s oldest mosque with authentic Javanese architecture.
The afternoon is at your leisure, giving you time to explore on your own or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Today, you can expect a fair bit of travelling. You are picked up from the hotel after a hearty breakfast and driven to the train station, where you take the train to Jombang – a trip of around 3½ hours. A driver is waiting for you in Jombang to drive you the last stretch of the way to Bromo, another good 3 hours away. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive, which also gives you a good insight into local life in Indonesia. You arrive at your accommodation in Bromo in the afternoon and the rest of the day is spent at your leisure, enjoying the spectacular view of the cone-shaped volcano.
Today, you'll be up before dawn. You’ll be collected in a jeep before sunrise and driven to Mount Bromo—the most iconic volcano on Java. Here awaits an experience you’ll never forget: a sunrise so breathtaking, words can scarcely do it justice. Standing in the crisp pre-dawn darkness, you'll watch as the sun slowly rises above the Bromo massif—a truly magical sight. The sky changes colour from one moment to the next, and what was once night is transformed into a glowing panorama of reds and golds. It’s definitely something to look forward to!
After this fantastic experience, you’ll return to the hotel where breakfast will be waiting for you. Once you’ve checked out, you’ll be picked up and driven a short distance to Probolinggo. From here, your journey continues on the Mutiara Timur train, where you can sit back comfortably in executive class as the train meanders through the lush, undulating landscapes of East Java. The train ride takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes. You may wish to order lunch on board—either in the dining carriage or directly from the train staff.
Upon arrival in Kalibaru, you will be met at the railway station and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
In this highland region on the eastern side of Java, the climate is particularly favourable for growing coffee, vanilla, cloves, and other exotic plants. This morning, you’ll visit one of the many coffee and clove plantations for which Java is renowned.
Back at the hotel, you can enjoy a peaceful morning at your leisure before checking out around midday. You will then be collected and driven to Banyuwangi, a journey of approximately 2 hours. The drive through the lush, varied landscapes of East Java is both scenic and diverse. Upon arrival in Banyuwangi, you’ll check in to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax, perhaps by putting on your swimwear to enjoy a dip in the pool or the sea.
You have another early start today. You drive approx. 25 km to Pal Tuding, from where the roughly 3 km hike to the top of the Ijen crater starts. The hike to the top takes about 2 hours on a gravel path, where we recommend good shoes with a solid sole. The crater lies at an altitude of 2300 metres above sea level, and here you have plenty of time to enjoy the fantastic view of an utterly wonderful turquoise crater lake. When the sun is higher in the sky, you drive back to the hotel, check out and leave Java behind.
You sail to Bali and drive to eastern Bali, a trip that takes about 6 hours. You will be spending the next 4 nights in the lovely town of Sanur. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Sanur is a pleasant holiday destination that has managed to retain its cosy, relaxed atmosphere. The town’s major draw is its 5-km-long, wide, golden sandy beach, known for its gentle waves that are broken by a coral reef further out. Running along the golden sandy beach is the beach promenade, which is ideal for walks, runs and bike rides. This is where you can meet the locals, busy in their small shops.
Lining the main street of the town is a larger selection of shops as well as good restaurants and cosy cafés where you can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching life go by in the town. If you head off the main street, you come down into the charming side streets with their small houses, temples and local life.
Go for a stroll along the beach promenade in the evening and experience the beautiful colours of the sky and the sight of the tall swaying palm trees, small pavilions and traditional fishing boats. Then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants and end with a drink at one of the atmospheric lounge bars.
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport in Denpasar, from which you fly home, with connecting flights along the way.
You will land at your chosen airport after a lovely holiday.
From £1229 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £869
Single room supplement from £229
Komodo Island is home to the great Komodo dragons. The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard in the world. It can grow up to three metres long and weigh up to 165 kg. Despite its huge size, it can move at speeds of up to 20 km/h – and it is carnivorous with an aggressive and pretty brutal hunting technique. And yet a visit to the monitor lizards is on the wish list of many travellers. It’s not every day you get see the world’s largest lizard, which has survived here on the island for some 10 million years! Besides the Komodo dragons, you can also see buffaloes, wild boar, wild deer, macaques, and beautiful birds, not to mention a landscape that is both scenic and rugged. The water is crystal clear; the seas full of brightly coloured fish and corals. Designated as a national park, Komodo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The extension includes a 3-night stay at a hotel on Flores, 1 night at a hotel in Sanur, breakfast, flight between Bali and Flores and transfers. Also included are a full-day excursion to Komodo Island, snorkelling at Pink Beach and Rinca Island as well as a full-day excursion in western Flores, taking in the Cunca Rami waterfall, Batu Cermin Cave and a visit to a local market.
Children on the tour must be aged 7+.
Please note: This extension is not available from 14–29 March 2026 and 5–14 March 2027.
From £359 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £269
Single room supplement from £199
If you wish to conclude your holiday with a stay on a paradise island, then Gili Trawangan is an excellent choice.
Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, is one of the three Gili islands – and the most popular. Gili Trawangan has become especially popular due to great opportunities it offers for scuba diving and snorkelling in the sea around the island. See sea turtles, colourful fish and perhaps even a reef shark. The island is also known for its lovely beaches, which invite pure, unadulterated relaxation. Lie yourself down on a sun lounger and soak up the warm rays of the sun, or enjoy a drink in one of the many beanbags in the shade of a coconut palm.
During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed, with things livening up in the evening at the numerous small restaurants and bars. On the west side of the island, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets over Bali, and if you’re lucky and it’s a clear evening, you’ll even be able to see the sun go down behind Mt. Agung volcano in Bali. It’s a wonderful experience that you’ll never forget! There are no paved roads or cars here, but bicycles and horse-drawn carriages instead.
In other words, Gili Trawangan has everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday.
The extension includes a 3-night beach holiday at the resort on Gili Trawangan, 1 night at a hotel in Sanur, breakfast, transfers and a speedboat between Bali and Gili Trawangan.
From £529 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £429
Single room supplement from £209
Extend your tour to include an exciting city break to Singapore and be blown away by the state-of-the-art metropolis of the East.
Covering an area of just 721.5 km2, the island state is South-east Asia’s smallest country, and what the small, well-developed country lacks in size, it more than makes up for in experiences.
Look forward to experiencing the architectural Marina Bay Sands, stroll around the green oasis Gardens by the Bay, shop to your heart’s content on Orchard Road, drink Singapore Slings at Raffles Hotel and ride in the 165-metre-high ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer, which offers a phenomenal view of all the futuristic skyscrapers and the harbour.
What also makes Singapore so cool is that it is a melting pot of cultures, and people live with respect for and an understanding of one another, with Buddhist temples, mosques, churches and Hindu temples side by side. Singapore’s diversity can be experienced in the charming districts of Little India, China Town and the Arabic and Malay quarter, Kampong Glam. Soak in the atmosphere while being seduced by the wonderful, colourful buildings and the aroma of spices and jasmine.
The multicultural community is also reflected in the many culinary delights on offer around the city. If you’re into authentic street food, you can visit one of the famous hawker centres, or, if upscale Michelin restaurants are more your thing, make your way to the special food street, Keong Saik Road, and discover some of Singapore’s best restaurants.
Other popular and hip neighbourhoods are the colourful Haji Lane in Kampong Glam and the Art Deco area, Tiong Bahru. Both neighbourhoods are known for their cosy cafés, exciting restaurants and shops as well as wonderful street art.
In stark contrast to the vibrant city life is Sentosa Island, a small island which offers lovely sandy beaches and countless sights and activities for the whole family such as Universal Studios and various adventure parks.
Does Singapore sound tempting?
The extension includes a 3-night hotel stay with breakfast, flight to Singapore and transfers.
Children under 12 years from £2359
Single room supplement from £429
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
