This is a trip all about scenery and enjoying the idyllic village pace of three distinct Indonesian islands, Bali, Java, and Madura.
Touching down in Bali with its unshakeable charm and unmatched spirituality, we immediately turn away from the tourist flesh pots along the south coast, heading inland in search of culture. After one night in Ubud, where the natural Balinese flair for art and all things beautiful will open the eyes, we seek to immerse the traveller in an understanding of the rural spirit of Bali. Experience the real life of the Balinese villages and you can begin to understand why the urge to create and express artistically is so strong here.
Continuing to the north of the island, we pass through the savannah and rainforest pastiche of Bali Barat National Park, before crossing the Bali Strait to Eastern Java by boat.In Java there will be further visits to National Parks, including Meru Betiri National Reserve - the last known home of the Javan Tiger - and Gunung Bromo, from where you will bear witness to a World famous sunrise from the crater's edge. We will also visit many villages and towns that are seldom seen by Westerners.Onwards to Malang, the local lquote hill station quote for urban Surabayans, where we can cool off after our exertions on the road, and finally to the island of Madura to soak up the atmosphere of the local culture, quite distinct from the rest of Java.
Notes
This is a tailor made holiday concept which can be adapted and tailored to meet your dates, preferences and passions. Please contact one of our bespoke holiday planners to create the ideal itinerary for you.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE BALI (-/-/-)
On arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Champlungsari Hotel in Ubud, Bali?s cultural and artistic capital, nestled high in the cool green hills. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the Champlungsari Hotel.
Day 2 UBUD (B/-/-)
Breakfast, then a morning drive up to Kintamani from where we will begin our biking. Our path will lead you through villages where the daily activities of the Balinese have no connection with tourism. With the fresh air, the green surroundings, the bamboo groves and rice terraces, this is a classic Balinese idyll. Afternoon return to Ubud.
Day 3 UBUD - PEMUTERAN (B/-/-)
Breakfast, then set out on a full day?s drive & cycle trip calling into Mengwi; the holy monkey forest at Kedaton; and Lake Bratan in Bedugul. At Mengwi there will be a visit to the beautiful Taman Ayun Royal Temple, and at Lake Bratan you can view the gorgeous Candi Dewi Danu (Goddess of the Water Temple). Continue drive and cycling north west to Pemuteran making stops along the way according to local happenings. Accommodation at Tamansari Hotel.
Day 4 PEMUTERAN - SUKAMADE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, drive west to Bali Barat National Park, there will be time for a short visit, then continue to Gilimanuk and the ferry crossing to Ketapang Harbour on Java. Disembark on the Java side, then continue drive/cycling to Sukamade in the Meru Betiri National Reserve making stops according to local happening. The Meru Betiri Reserve is sadly famous as the last known refuge of the Javan Tiger. Rumours persist of sightings of tigers here, but in reality this sub-species, Panthera tigris sondaica, is almost certainly, tragically extinct. Overnight at the Sukamade Baru Estate.
Day 5 SUKAMADE - BROMO (B/-/-)
Breakfast at hotel and then a morning?s cycling excursion around Meru Betiri National Reserve. In the afternoon depart Sukamade and drive to Ngadisari village on the slopes of Mt. Bromo. Check in and overnight at the Raya Bromo Hotel.
Day 6 BROMO (B/-/-)
Early drive by 4WD through the ?Desert Sea?, to Penanjakan I - the famous sunrise point looking over Bromo?s moon-like landscape. The final approach to the view point is reached by walking up, or a pony ride, to the rim of the crater. Breakfast back at the hotel. Rest of the day cycling around Ngadisari and vicinity with it?s distinctive east Javanese village life. Overnight at the Raya Bromo Hotel.
Day 7 BROMO - MALANG - BATU (B/-/-)
Full day?s drive and cycling to Malang, a small, but pretty and typically Javanese town, often favoured by urban dwellers of nearby Surabaja as a weekend ?hillstation? getaway. Overnight at the Kusuma Argo Hotel.
Day 8 MALANG (B/-/-)
Full day free at leisure. Overnight at the Kusuma Argo Hotel.
Day 9 MALANG - SURABAYA (B/-/-)
Full day?s drive and cycling to Surabaja, the capital of east Java, with stops according to local happenings. Arrive Surabaja, check in and overnight at the Natour Simpang Hotel.
Day 10 SURABAYA - MADURA - SURABAYA (B/-/-)
Breakfast, then depart for Madura across the Surabaja Straits. Full day?s cycling in Madura with it?s distinctive culture. Overnight at the Natour Simpang Hotel.
Day 11 SURABAYA (B/-/D)
Free at leisure until dinner at a local home. Overnight at the Natour Simpang Hotel.
Day 12 SURABAYA - OUT (B/-/-)
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport. Depart Indonesia.
Ends.
Additional information:
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Group size: 4 - 12 pax
Price includes: tours and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodation on a sharing basis; daily breakfast and farewell dinner; donations, porterages, entrance fees; bicycle and support vehicle; English speaking guide.
UK price als includes return international flights with Singapore Airlines*.
Excludes: Airport taxes; meals not mentioned; personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, tipping, drinks, etc.
*subject to availability at time of booking
