12 Days Java Bali Komodo Tour: Classic Indonesia Island Hopping

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:

• Indonesian Street Food: 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.
• Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua): It isJakarta’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.

Today, take a 6-hour train from the former 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 in Yogyakarta.

After breakfast, you'll take a 4-hour train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya. As Indonesia's second-largest city, Surabaya is an important gateway to East Java's volcanoes, like Mount Bromo.

Your driver will pick you up at the train station and take you to your hotel in Surabaya. Get a good night's sleep to prepare for your early-morning volcano tour.

Free Time Ideas:

1. Suroboyo Carnival Night Market: This is a popular night spot for locals. It features light shows, food stalls, amusement rides, and street performances, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

2. House of Sampoerna: This is the former home of the famous Indonesian clove cigarette family, Sampoerna. You can watch female workers hand-roll cigarettes or take part in a hands-on cigarette-rolling class. On Friday evenings, there is a traditional shadow puppet show (Wayang Kulit).

Today, you'll wake up early for the Mount Bromo sunrise tour. Around 0:00 AM, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the base of Mount Bromo.

Drive 2 hours to visit Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most famous and spectacular volcanic landmarks. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) high, it may not be Indonesia’s tallest volcano, but it is one of its most photogenic, accessible, and popular. The volcano is world-renowned for its must-visit, dreamy sunrise.

As dawn breaks, the sunlight spills over the perfectly-shaped black conical crater of Mount Batok while Bromo crater next to it is still smoking. In the distance, you'll admire shape of majestic Mount Semeru. This is a chance to capture breathtaking photos of the rugged brown volcanoes, bright blue sky, and milky sea of clouds.

Your journey will follow a specific route:

Sunrise at Penanjakan Peak: The drive from your hotel to the viewpoint parking is about 1 hour. From there, you'll walk about 200 meters to the Penanjakan Peak viewpoint to wait for the sunrise.

Crossing the Sea of Sand: After watching the sunrise, you'll take a jeep down the mountain and across the Sea of Sand toward Mount Bromo. This drive takes about 30 minutes.

The Crater Climb: The final trek is about 1.8 kilometers from the base of the volcano to the crater, including a 200-step staircase.

Tips:

• It gets cold on the mountain, so remember to wear a windbreaker and a warm hat.
• Bring sunglasses, as the volcanic ash is thick and can make it difficult to open your eyes.
• The best time to admire the sunrise is from April to October. Avoid the rainy season, which runs from November to March.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel.

Today, you'll take a one-hour flight from Surabaya to Bali. Welcome to Bali, Island of the Gods! Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport, your local driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel near Kuta Beach.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free at your leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, take a walk along Kuta Beach, or simply enjoy the tropical atmosphere and sunset views to start your Bali journey.

Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is a destination where natural beauty, cultural richness, and tropical charm come together. Golden beaches and fiery sunsets set the stage for romance, while emerald rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, and volcanic peaks invite adventure. Ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and daily offerings reveal a deeply spiritual culture found nowhere else in the world.

Arrival Ideas: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport, is Bali’s only international gateway. It’s well connected with direct flights from major cities across Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc.), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane), the Middle East (Dubai, Doha), and some European hubs.

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.

After breakfast, take the boat back to Bali. And, head to Denpasar Airport. A one hour flight take you to Komodo International Airport in Flores. Your Komodo driver will wait you at the exit and transfer you to hotel for check-in.

The island of Flores, where you are staying, is near Komodo Island.

Komodo Island is a volcanic island in Indonesia, located east of Bali and situated between Sumbawa and Flores. It's famous for its unique Komodo dragons and is also a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

The island's most famous natural wonders include Pink Beach and the magnificent four-bay landscape of Padar Island. Komodo Island, along with Rinca Island and Padar Island, forms Komodo National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Here, you can hike to observe Komodo dragons, explore coral reefs, or climb to the top of Padar Island for a panoramic view of its four stunning colored bays.

Have a good night's sleep and get ready for tomorrow's Komodo day tour!

You will spend your day on Komodo Island, discovering the dragons and exploring surrounding islands for snorkeling, light hiking, and beautiful sunset views.

Komodo Island, along with Rinca Island and Padar Island, forms Komodo National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Labuan Bajo Port. You'll sail for 45 minutes to Padar Island. It's famous for its unique white, pink, and black three-colored bays and its incredible summit viewpoint, which is hailed as "one of Indonesia's most rewarding views to climb." It's an absolute must-do for any trip to the Komodo Islands. You will hike for 30 minutes to the top, where sea breeze will cool you as you overlook wing-like bays from 200 meters up.

Next, you'll sail to Pink Beach, one of only seven pink beaches in the world. The sand is incredibly fine and soft, with a color that is a romantic white and rose. You can go snorkeling here. The nearshore coral reefs and tropical fish are clearly visible. Afterward, sail to Komodo National Park for Komodo dragon spotting.

Komodo dragon is the world's largest living species of lizard, a living fossil. It can reach a length of 3 to 4 meters and weigh over 100 kilograms. They got relatives 4 million years up the dinosaur line. But this Behemoth was only discovered in 1910. Your guide will lead you to find Komodo dragons in the park and take a photo with you from a safe distance.

Then, you'll head to Taka Makassar, a crescent-shaped sandbar that appears in the middle of the vast ocean. The clean, jelly-like water and pinkish-white sand are absolutely beautiful. After swimming and taking photos, you'll start snorkeling at Manta Point. The black, kite-shaped manta rays might look scary at first glance with their wide mouths, but they are actually gentle, intelligent creatures. Just be sure not to touch them.

Next, you will arrive at Turtle Bay to snorkel with turtles. Then, you'll land on Kelor Island, which is near Komodo Island. This small island is famous for its breathtaking summit views, which you can admire after a light hike. Finally, you'll arrive at Kalong Island to watch sunset bats. The sunset sky turns a beautiful pink as thousands of bats emerge from their roosts.

After the tour, you'll return to the port and head back to your hotel.

It is time to end your unforgettable 12 Days Java Bali Komodo Tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Komodo International Airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your trip in Indonesia, consider exploring other popular destinations like 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!