10 Days Jakarta to Bali Tour: Best Cultural Java to Paradise Bali

Welcome to Jakarta, Indonesia! Jakarta is the former capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. This sprawling, international metropolis serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural heart. Here, old traditions blend with new trends, and the streets are alive with the rich aromas of spices and a bustling energy.

Your driver will be waiting to greet you at airport and take you directly to your hotel for check-in.

Free Time Idea: Want to let your stomach welcome Indonesia first? You can freely taste Indonesian food that is everywhere, such as sweet, salty, and spicy Indonesian fried rice, sweet and savory satay skewers, rich and creamy pork soup, and more.

Have a cultural and architecture guided tour in Jakarta city.

First, we'll drive to Kota Tua, Jakarta’s historic center and a living monument to its colonial past. The history of Jakarta's Old Town can be traced back to the 15th-century Dutch colonial era.

In 1619, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) captured the area and rebuilt it as the colonial capital of Batavia, bringing a typical European urban aesthetic to the tropics. When you walk through old town, you’ll see canals, spires, and arched fortifications and churches. The core of old town has preserved many original historical buildings, including the Jakarta History Museum (a former City Hall) and the Post Office.

We recommend visiting the iconic, century-old Cafe Batavia (Self-paying), a national treasure and popular dining spot. Soaring ceilings, huge ceiling fans, elegant wooden shutters, vintage warm-yellow chandeliers, and wrap-around balconies. You'll feel instantly transported back to 19th-century Batavia.

Second, we'll drive to the crossroads of faith in central Jakarta, an important landmark and religious center. Here, a Catholic cathedral and a mosque face each other, a perfect symbol of Jakarta’s religious tolerance.

First, we'll visit the Cathedral (Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral), a Gothic church built in 1810. Although it has suffered fires and collapses over the centuries, it still stands proudly today.

Across the street stands the majestic Istiqlal Mosque. Its construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1978. Its lake-green dome seems to reach for the sky, and its massive main hall can accommodate tens of thousands of worshipers.

Stay overnight in Jakarta.

Today, take a 6-hour train from the capital, Jakarta, to the cultural hub, Yogyakarta. Your driver will wait for you at the exit of the train station and take you to the hotel for check-in. After check-in, the rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Yogyakarta (often called "Jogja") is the cultural and artistic heart of Java, often referred to as the “soul of Java. As the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy, it holds a unique status. Yogyakarta is the gateway to two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites: the majestic Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, and the stunning Prambanan, Indonesia’s grandest Hindu temple complex.

This morning, set out to explore the cultural treasures of Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s most historic and artistic cities.

Begin with a visit to the magnificent Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, this awe-inspiring structure features nine stacked platforms and over 2,600 relief panels, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and volcanoes.

Continue to the Kraton (Royal Palace), the royal residence and cultural heart of the city. Wander through elegant courtyards and pavilions, where Javanese architecture, heritage artifacts, and court traditions are preserved.

Nearby, explore the Taman Sari Water Castle, once a royal garden and bathing complex for the sultans. Its maze of pools, underground passages, and pavilions reflects a fascinating blend of history and legend.

In the afternoon, drive to the Prambanan Temple Complex, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - its towering spires and intricate carvings are masterpieces of Javanese Hindu art.

After the tour, return to your hotel inYogyakarta.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Yogyakarta to Denpasar, Bali.

Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, your local driver will meet you and take you on a scenic drive (about 1.5 -2 hours) to Ubud, the island’s cultural heart. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Begin your day with a scenic drive (about 1 hour) to the west coast to visit the Tanah Lot Temple, Bali’s most iconic sea temple. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea, this centuries-old temple appears to float on the water during high tide and offers breathtaking ocean views. It is one of the best places to admire Bali’s unique spiritual atmosphere and coastal scenery.

Continue inland to the cultural heart of the island - Ubud (about 1.5 hours). On the way, stop at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to playful long-tailed macaques. Walk along the paved pathways, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and discover the ancient temples and statues hidden within the forest.

Next, visit the Ubud Palace, which was once the official residence of the Ubud royal family. Built in the early 19th century, the palace is a fine example of traditional Balinese architecture, with ornate stone carvings, elegant courtyards, and lush gardens that reflect the island’s artistry and cultural heritage. In the evenings, the palace courtyard transforms into a stage for traditional Balinese dance and music performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

Right across the street from the palace is the vibrant Ubud Market. If time permits, take a stroll through the bustling Ubud Market**,** where you can browse a wide variety of handicrafts, paintings, woodcarvings, silver jewelry, and colorful batik fabrics. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and experience the local atmosphere.

After the tour, check into your hotel in Ubud for your stay.

This morning, drive from Ubud to Uluwatu (about 2.5 hours). The route follows dramatic cliffside roads carved into limestone, with one side rising into steep rock walls and the other opening to the vast Indian Ocean. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of crashing waves, rugged coastlines, and even sections of road that cut directly through stone cliffs.

Arrive at the dramatic Uluwatu Cliff (often called Lover’s Cliff), where towering cliffs plunge 70 meters into the sea and waves crash far below. Perched right on top is the sacred Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), one of Bali’s most revered sea temples.

The temple’s cliff-top location makes it one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Bali, especially at sunset, when the horizon glows in shades of gold and crimson. Stroll along the pathways that wind around the temple grounds, take in the sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, and feel the spiritual atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims here for centuries.

As the sun sets, gather in the temple’s open-air amphitheater to watch the Kecak Fire Dance. Pronounced “ket-chak,” this is a traditional Balinese performance accompanied by rhythmic chanting. More than 50 men wearing Balinese sarongs sit in a circle, chanting in unison as dancers re-enact dramatic episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. As fire torches light up the stage against the twilight sky, the performance becomes truly unforgettable.

After the show, take a short drive (about 15–30 minutes) to Jimbaran Beach, famous for its golden sands and beachfront seafood dining. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea.

In the morning, drive to Sanur, a laid-back coastal town on Bali’s southeast shore. Sanur is not only known for its relaxed atmosphere and long sandy beaches, but also as the main departure point for ferries to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax at your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or explore nearby spots like Sindhu Market on your own.

Alternatively, you can join an optional Nusa Penida West Coast Tour (with extra cost), which includes:

• Hotel pick-up & boat transfer to Nusa Penida and a local lunch on the island.
• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) the world-famous cliff viewpoint shaped like a dinosaur.
• Broken Beach a natural archway and stunning cove formed by the sea.
• Angel’s Billabong a crystal-clear natural infinity pool carved into the rocks.

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to chill out at the beach, or

Take a bicycle ride around the coast, try water activities, relax by the pool, etc.

Alternatively, you can join an optional Nusa Penida East Coast Tour (with extra cost), which includes:

• Hotel pick-up & boat transfer to Nusa Penidaand a local lunch on the island.
• Diamond Beach a dazzling white-sand beach with turquoise waters, reached by a carved stone staircase.
• Atuh Beach a beautiful crescent-shaped bay framed by dramatic cliffs.
• Rumah Pohon (Tree House) the famous cliffside tree house offering sweeping views over the coastline and islets.

It is time to end your unforgettable 10 Days Jakarta to Bali Tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) for your departure flight. Safe travels!

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your trip in Indonesia, consider exploring other popular destinations like Komodo National Park, Lombok & the Gili Islands, etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!