8 Days Yogyakarta Bali Tour: The Soul of Java & Island of the Gods

Welcome to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java! Upon arrival at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), your local driver will greet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel in the city. 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

Arrival Ideas:

By Air:  Most travelers arrive via Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), located about 45 km from the city center (1-1.5 hours by car). YIA serves both domestic flights (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, etc.) and international flights (Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang).

By Train: Yogyakarta is well connected by train to major Javanese cities such as Jakarta (≈ 8 hours), Bandung (≈ 7 hours), and Surabaya (≈ 5 hours).

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, 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.

Today, you'll dive deep into the cultural and natural essence of Bali with a full day of exploration in Ubud and its surrounding areas.

Begin at 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. 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.

Continue north to the world-famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces, where emerald-green paddies cascade down the hillsides in stunning layers. Here, you can admire the stunning "Subak" irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a leisurely walk along the narrow paths, and capture postcard-worthy photos of this iconic landscape.

Lastly, visit Tirta Empul Temple, one of Bali’s most sacred water temples. Famous for its holy spring water, this temple is an important site for purification rituals, where locals and visitors alike take part in traditional bathing ceremonies believed to cleanse the body and spirit. Tip: Visitors are required to wear a sarong to enter the temple, and it’s easy to rent or borrow one at the entrance.

After the tour,drive back to your hotel in Ubud.

This morning, drive from Ubud to Uluwatu (about 2.5 hour). The journey takes you from Bali’s lush inland hills to its dramatic southern coastline.

On the way, travel along the scenic 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 Yogyakarta 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, Jakarta, 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!