OVERLAND JOURNEY JAVA TO BALI

This is one of the world's classic overland routes. Your " journey through time " begins in Jakarta and travels through lush Indonesian countryside to Bali. You climb Mount Bromo, enjoy superb beaches and discover remnants of Indonesia's past empires, including a visit to extraordinary Borobudur Temple (The Largest Buddhist Temple) and Prambanan Temple (One of the biggest Hindu Temple in the world).

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia - a bustling modern city of over 12 million people, make it as one of the world's largest cities. With various ethnic groups inhabit this fastest growing city of Indonesia, the diversity of their backgrounds and traditions are blended in this city, mixed with the influence of the western way of life. As the result, Jakarta offers you a lot more that what you could see in glimpse.

Escape the steamy atmosphere and frantic pace of Jakarta with a visit to the tranquil Botanical Gardens at the Old Dutch hilltop retreat of Bogor. The drive over Puncak Pass (1600 m) to Bandung is one of Indonesia's most spectacular road trips. Orderly rows of tea carpet the landscape and rich garden terraced paddies re-shape entire hills, while tall stands of bamboo complete the spectacular mosaic.

The capital city of West java province, Bandung is charming city which has often been described as 'Paris of the East', a city of tree-lined boulevards, fashionable shops and elegant architectures. The spectacular wealth of old architecture is most likely responsible for Bandung being known as 'Paris Van Java'.

Following a new dynamic style of architecture which swept Bandung in early 1920 by Dutch Government, Bandung today is also well known as one of the only three cities in the world's to have preserve its precious collection of 'Art Deco' architecture.

Travel through fantastic scenery to Pangandaran, a narrow isthmus with the best beaches on the south coast of Java. A day excursion by visits Pangandaran national Park, home of hundreds "Long-tail Macaque", Wild buffalo, Barking deer and other few species of animal. Join the country-side tours to see the local people doing their daily activities and the Home Industries with the final visit to the famous 'Green Canyon'.

The backwater trip from Kalipucang is a highlight of any visit to this area. The 4-hours journey travels across the Anakan Lagoon passing fishing village en route ends at Cilcacap where we proceed by land journey to Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta lies in the southern part of Central Java, the heartland of Javanese culture. The cultural heritage of the past includes the magnificent temples, the ruins of palaces and monasteries and traditional cultural events, customs, art, handicraft and architecture. Many of these still exist and color the daily life of the Javanese community. Because of its wealth of culture, Yogyakarta is known as a cradle of Javanese culture.

One of the most impressive sightseeing in Java is Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world and Prambanan the Hindu's Temple complex, visits these incredible sites in a day excursion. Many traditional performances can be found in the daily program of cultural presentations such as Ramayana Ballet - the Javanese Classical dance, Wayang Kuit - Shadow Puppet and others.

A long drive journey takes you to Ngadisari, the Tenggerese Village. They are the only group of Hindus left in Java today. We have an early night in preparation for the sunrise climb tomorrow.

Mount Bromo, an active volcano that stands at 2,329 meters. It is located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The slope of the mountain cultivate by the local Tenggerese farmers with the market of vegetables.

The best time to climb Mt. Bromo is very early morning to reach the summit for dawn. It is seldom cloudy at this time of day, and the views are spectacular, the volcanic surrounding surreal. We begin our climb before sunrise.

We cross the narrow straight to Gilimanuk - Bali, where the northern route takes us to the fishing village of Lovina.

Duration: 15 Days/14 Nights
Grade: Easy
Starts: Jakarta
Ends: Bali

The beaches are black here in the contrast to the south, as the sand is volcanic. There is a good snorkeling on the reef and a trip out on local boat. Join a morning excursion to hopefully see the playful dolphins cavorting off the cost before we make our way inland to the tranquil beauty of Ubud.

Experiencing Bali's most inviting places. Here you'll visit most attractive places the island have to offer, the tropical sightseeing, dance performance of the scenery drive journeys to enjoy the greenery as the hidden beauty.

Ubud is the cultural center of Bali and home to a number of artists. Galleries are found everywhere in town. There are plenty of walks to enjoy within town itself or to the neighboring villages, which have managed to maintain their distinct identities.

Enjoy your last day in Bali by relaxing on the white sandy beach of Kuta. Kuta is Bali's biggest tourist beach area. It's still the best beach on Bali, especially since the activities of the hawkers have been restricted, and watching the spectacular sunset is almost an evening ritual. Kuta has the only surf on the island, which breaks over sand instead of corals, and the beginner surfer can wipe out without being cut to pieces on the reefs. There is a huge choice of places to eat, and a growing number of shops with everything from genuine antiques to fake fashion items.

Day 01: Arrival Jakarta - City's sights - Hotel.

Day 02: Jakarta - Botanical Garden - Bandung (historical remains).

Day 03: Bandung - Pangandaran Beach.

Day 04: Pangandaran. National Park & Countryside Tours.

Day 05: Pangandaran backwater trip - Yogyakarta.

Day 06: Yogyakarta. Cultural Heritage Tours.

Day 07: Yogyakarta. Art Performance.

Day 08: Yogyakarta - Bromo.

Day 09: Mt. Bromo easy climb & sunrise - Lovina Beach.

Day 10: Lovina. Snorkeling, Dolphin Viewing & Swimming.

Day 11: Lovina - Kintamani Tours - Ubud.

Day 12: Ubud Arts.

Day 13: Ubud - Art Performance, Temples and Tropical sights - Kuta Beach.

Day 14: Kuta Beach. Swimming, Shopping & Relaxing.

Day 15: Bali - Homeward or Extension.