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Adventure, refined
Wild Days, Seriously Good Stays
Hike to Mount Bromo’s crater at sunrise for one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic views, then tackle Kawah Ijen and its vivid turquoise crater lake
Explore Java by bike and on foot, feast on Indonesian flavours, and marvel at the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
Hop over to Bali to snorkel at magical Menjangan Island, go canyoning in Munduk and unwind with yoga and cooking classes in artsy, spiritual Ubud
Unwind in a carefully curated mix of stylish 4 and 5 star hotels, from jungle resorts with infinity pools to elegant city stays and beachfront escapes
Day 1
Touch down in Yogyakarta, the cultural soul of Java. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your beautiful, eco-friendly hotel in the laid-back Prawirotaman district. Check in, relax, and ease into island time. Your adventure begins tomorrow.
Day 2
Shake off your journey over breakfast at your base before heading out to explore Yogyakarta. Start your day at the Sultan’s Palace, a living museum of Javanese art, culture and tradition, before continuing on to the mystical Taman Sari Water Palace. Tuck into delicious Indonesian food at a local restaurant handpicked by your host, before the main event this afternoon, a hike up to the iconic Borobudur Temple. Access to the summit is limited to a set number of visitors each day, and your spot will be reserved in advance. While most enter via a car park further up, you’ll take the scenic route – a fantastic way to experience this magical site from a different perspective and get your heart rate up at the same time. As you ascend the ancient stone steps, you’ll pass intricately carved panels depicting stories of Buddhist teachings and scenes from Javanese life over a thousand years ago. At the upper terraces, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Kedu Plain and surrounding volcanic peaks, with the temple’s iconic stupas and serene Buddha statues by your side. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and stands alongside Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of Southeast Asia’s great archaeological wonders, quite simply a must-see while in Java. After soaking up this special place, hike back down and return to Yogyakarta for an evening stroll through a local market, sampling street food as you go.
Day 3
Leave the buzz of the city behind and hop on a bike for a peaceful morning ride through Imogiri Village, a patchwork of rice terraces, water buffalo trails, and sleepy hamlets nestled beneath the dramatic Watu Gede hills. Pedal at a gentle pace through traditional Javanese villages, waving to curious locals and soaking up the slower rhythms of rural life. After lunch, lace up your boots for a hike up Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano – a weathered peak in the heart of Gunung Kidul. The trail winds through lush forest and volcanic rock formations, and in just over an hour, you'll be standing atop the caldera, soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Round off the day at one of Java’s most awe-inspiring monuments: Prambanan Temple. With its towering spires, intricate stone carvings, and rich spiritual legacy, this 9th-century Hindu masterpiece is a spectacular finale to your time in and around Yogyakarta.
Day 4
Settle in for a morning train (usually a 0730 train) journey to Mojokerto, watching the shifting landscapes of rural Java roll past your window as the adventure moves towards wilder terrain. From Mojokerto, hop off the train and continue your journey by road to the foot of the magnificent Mount Bromo, an active volcano that rises 2329 m above sea level, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Mount Bromo is a breathtaking sight, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, and one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It has erupted 47 times across the 19th and 20th centuries, and three times since the turn of the millennium. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax after the long journey. An early night is recommended, as tomorrow you’ll be starting your next adventure at the crack of dawn.
Day 5
Rise early and hop into your private jeep around 04:00 for an unforgettable morning in the highlands. Your driver will steer clear of the crowds, heading to a lesser-known viewpoint for a peaceful, jaw-dropping panorama. As the first golden light spills across the horizon, Mount Batok’s perfect cone, Bromo’s smouldering crater, and Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest volcano, emerge from the mist to reveal one of the most spectacular views in all of Asia. After the sunrise spectacle, descend into the vast Tengger Caldera to begin an epic hike across this otherworldly landscape. The trail leads you to the crater rim of Mount Bromo, where the earth trembles softly underfoot and volcanic smoke rises from below. At the summit, your guide will lead a simple flower-offering ritual. A quiet tribute to the Tenggerese people and their deep spiritual connection to the mountain. Continue your trek across the 'Sea of Sand', a wide-open plain of volcanic ash framed by craggy ridgelines and wind-sculpted dunes. Hike on through soft sands, wild grasslands and lunar terrain as your guide shares stories of the region’s myths, ecology, and the powerful Yadnya Kasada ceremony, when offerings are cast into the crater in honour of the mountain gods. Your hike ends at Lava View Lodge, where a well-earned lunch and stunning views await. Then it’s back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and some downtime this afternoon and evening.
Day 6
Bid Bromo farewell after breakfast as your journey continues eastwards. Today’s road trip takes you towards Java’s coast, with a spectacular hike to break up the drive. Your first stop is Madakaripura Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Java and the second highest in Indonesia, perched at around 1000 m above sea level. Its cool, lush atmosphere offers a refreshing contrast to the volcanic terrain you’ve just left behind. A beautiful hike leads you to this unique, circular-shaped waterfall framed by verdant plant life. Known as the 'eternal waterfall' – as Madakaripura never runs dry, it’s wise to pack a raincoat, as sudden downpours are common and only add to the mystical charm of the place. Afterwards, continue your journey to Ketapang, tucked away on the east coast of the island. Your hotel here is a gem, with open spaces and stunning views across the ocean towards Bali.
Day 7
Step off the tourist trail and into the heart of rural East Java – a land of rolling plantations and generations-old traditions. After breakfast, you’ll meet a local guide from the area and head into the fertile highlands, a region renowned for producing some of Indonesia’s finest coffee. You’ll set off on a gentle 10km hike, winding through patchwork hillsides, jungle paths and quiet villages. If it’s harvest season, you might spot workers sorting beans by hand or drying cloves on woven mats laid out along the trails. Midway through, you’ll stop at a local home nestled in the plantation for a freshly prepared lunch, made with homegrown ingredients, using what’s in season and served family-style, often with a side of strong, sweet Javanese coffee. In the afternoon, you’ll meander back along the plantation trails, enjoying sweeping views across the Ijen Plateau. Return to your hotel in time to unwind by the pool, sip something cold, and watch the afternoon light fade over the Bali Strait.
Day 8
Rise at the crack of dawn before meeting your guide and setting off towards Paltuding, the starting point of today’s memorable hike. Kawah Ijen is a volcanic crater famed for its turquoise-blue lake. Although sunrise is a popular time to visit, it can get extremely busy. To help tackle overtourism at Kawah Ijen, you’ll be hiking later in the morning, avoiding the crowds and enjoying a far more peaceful experience. After a 4x4 ride to the trailhead, you’ll begin your ascent to the crater rim of Mount Ijen, following a winding volcanic path through a hauntingly beautiful landscape. At the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the electric blue crater lake, which is one of the most acidic bodies of water on Earth. It is framed by a dramatic backdrop of steaming vents and jagged volcanic rock. With far fewer people on the trail at this hour, you’ll have space to soak up the eerie quiet and capture some epic photos. The hike takes around four hours in total, and once you’ve descended you’re take the 1 hour ferry to Bali and a short 2 hour transfer to your hotel in Lovina, a laid-back beach town on Bali’s north coast.
Day 9
This morning head north, taking a traditional wooden boat to reach Menjangan Island: a small pearl of land just off the coast, and one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. This coral-fringed marine sanctuary is a true paradise. As you approach, the island’s name starts to make sense - Menjangan means 'deer' in Indonesian, and you might just spot a few Bali stags wading in the shallows or grazing near the beach. Once on the island, your guides will kit you out for two snorkelling sessions along Menjangan’s vibrant coral reefs. The marine life here is incredible, with technicolour shoals of tropical fish and endless coral gardens teeming with life. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a sea turtle gliding past, or even a reef shark cruising through the clear blue waters. Between sessions, recharge with a picnic lunch on the boat or find a shaded spot on the island. Take a moment to breathe it all in: the sound of lapping waves, the scent of salt and sunscreen, and the total disconnect from the outside world. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Lovina, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind. Lounge by the pool, stroll along the beach at sunset, or treat yourself to a massage at your beachside hotel.
Day 10
Journey deeper into Bali’s interior today, heading to the Munduk area for a half-day canyoning adventure in a pristine tropical setting. After a thorough safety briefing, your experienced guides will lead you to the starting point. From there, a scenic hike through lush jungle takes you to the canyon, where the real adventure begins. You’ll navigate through nature’s playground, abseiling down waterfalls, plunging into natural pools, floating along river passages and sliding down smooth rock chutes. The experience finishes with a well-earned soak in a natural hot spring, the perfect way to unwind after an exhilarating few hours. After lunch, continue your journey towards Ubud, Bali’s artsy and spiritual heart, nestled amongst rolling emerald foothills. Check into your 5-star jungle-edge retreat, your iconic Standout Stay of the trip. Then, head out to explore Ubud a little before dinner.
Day 11
Unwind and settle into the chilled rhythm of life in Ubud with a gentle morning yoga session at your base, led by an experienced teacher. Whether you’re new to yoga or a long-term practitioner, this class invites you to connect with your body, breath and surroundings. After yoga, you’ll have time to explore the vibrant heart of Ubud at your own pace. Wander the bustling streets lined with art galleries, boutique shops and traditional markets, or relax in a cosy café. Later in the afternoon, you’ll join a Balinese cooking class led by a skilled local chef. Dive into the fragrant world of Indonesian spices and traditional techniques as you prepare a variety of authentic dishes. The day ends with a shared farewell meal, enjoying the flavours you’ve created together and reminiscing about your incredible journey through Indonesia.
Day 12
Enjoy some free time to explore the last of the Ubud area at your leisure. Depending on your flight schedule, your guide and driver will transfer you to Bali’s Denpasar International Airport (DPS) in time for departure. What an incredible trip!
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Some lunches and dinners are not included on this trip. This allows you to explore the local flavours of Java and Bali and seek out some hidden gems, with help and suggestions from your guide throughout. You should budget €8–10 ($9–11/£7–9) for each lunch not included, and €12–15 ($13–16/£10–13) for each dinner.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and your main guide will assist if you prefer to set up a tipping kitty for the entire trip.
We suggest the below as a guideline (approx USD 120-150 total) to help you budget:
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should reflect your perception of the service and quality. A tip is not compulsory and should only be given for excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Get ready to eat well on this adventure, with a deep dive into the flavours of Java and Bali – two islands with contrasting landscapes and equally rich food traditions. You’ll try everything from street-style snacks to home-cooked feasts and refined…
Ideal for new adventurers or those who enjoy a more relaxed pace
This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a curiosity for culture and nature. The hikes are short and scenic, the cycling is relaxed and mostly f...
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Wednesday 24th June 2026
to Sunday 5th July 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
Summer Sale - Next 1 spot available at 15% off
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For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price and request this at the time of booking.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Your host is an expert in all things Indonesia, specialising in itineraries across Java and Bali, and has been running trips in the region for many years. If weather or other factors affect the ability to visit a particular place or carry out a specific activity, your host will have plenty of alternative options available.
You'll have one main guide for the entirety of the trip. Throughout the adventure, specialist local guides will join for many of the activities and experiences, to give you expert local guiding and insight into the places you are journeying through:
This trip starts and ends at different hotels in different parts of Indonesia, so it's not viable to leave luggage in Yogyakarta at the start of your trip. The vehicles used throughout the adventure, are available to leave additional luggage securely in the vehicle for the duration of your adventure through Java and Bali.
The train journey between Yogyakarta and Mojokerto has limited space for large luggage, so you’ll only be able to take a daypack on board. Your main luggage will be transferred separately by vehicle overnight and will meet you at the next destination. You’ll need to prepare your luggage the evening before departure, handing your main holdall to the driver. For the train journey, pack a small bag with your overnight essentials and anything you’ll need for the following day. You’ll be reunited with your main luggage on arrival at your hotel in Bromo
No. Guided tour groups do not take visitors down into the crater itself. Descending into the crater involves significant risks, including exposure to toxic sulphur gases, unstable terrain, and physically demanding conditions. Due to safety concerns, reputable tour operators do not include this as part of their guided experience. Some independent travellers and backpackers choose to descend into the crater at their own discretion. However, this is done entirely at their own risk and is not supported or supervised by tour providers. Conditions in the crater can be hazardous and unpredictable. Proper protective equipment (such as gas masks) and experience are essential. Even then, risks remain high. Your guide will show you an incredible experience at Kawai Ijen around the crater rim, with safety and sustainability at the forefront of their minds when guiding in this special place.
Filtered water is available at most of the hotels you stay at on this trip, allowing you to fill up your refillable bottle each day. Additionally, your tour leader and driver will carry a large container of purified water for the group to refill their bottles from.
You’ll be riding a hardtail mountain bike with front suspension - ideal for the tarmac and light dirt roads you’ll be cycling on. While the road quality in Java is relatively good compared to other parts of Indonesia, front suspension is still recommended over a rigid fork, as found on classic road bikes. Your host will provide helmets; however, if you prefer to use your own, please bring it with you.
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Indonesian cuisine reflects the country's extraordinary diversity as an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, shaped by centuries of spice trade, Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influences, and a tropical climate that yields rice, vegetables, coconut and an abundance of fresh produce year-round. Meals vary considerably by region but are typically bold and aromatic, centring on rice accompanied by grilled meats, fish, tempeh, tofu and rich spice-based sauces, with strong local traditions differing between islands such as Java, Bali and Sumatra. Vegetarians can generally find workable options given the widespread use of plant-based proteins like tempeh and tofu, though fish-based condiments and meat stocks are common and may not always be obvious. Travellers with specific dietary requirements should expect variable awareness outside tourist areas, and guides can be a vital resource in communicating needs clearly to local cooks and hosts.
SPECIAL DIETS Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Indonesia offers a wide variety of plant-based dishes using tofu, tempeh, vegetables, rice and noodles. Please note that some dishes may contain fish sauce, shrimp paste or meat stock, so advance notice is essential.
Vegan -Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive, as animal based ingredients such as eggs, shrimp paste, fish sauce and dairy are commonly used in local cooking and awareness of vegan requirements can vary outside tourist area.
Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. The Host is unable to guarantee a separate, certified cooking/preparation area or the use of certified kosher products. They can, however, provide meals that exclude non-Kosher ingredients (such as pork and shellfish) and avoid mixing meat and dairy.
Halal -Halal diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, and Halal food is widely available in many parts of the country. However, availability may vary in Bali and some international tourism areas where non-Halal options are also common.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free -Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Wheat-based noodles, soy sauce, fried foods and cross-contamination are common in local kitchens, although rice-based meals are widely available.
Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free -Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as grilled meats, rice and vegetable dishes though eggs are common.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.
This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy and egg are commonly used in Indonesian cooking, often in sauces or as garnishes. Cross-contamination risk can be significant in local kitchens and street-food environments. Clear labelling cannot always be guaranteed.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Java and Bali have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with slightly cooler conditions in the highlands, particularly during early mornings and evenings.
The dry season runs from May to September and is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and exploring. During these months, rainfall is minimal and skies are generally clear.
The wet season lasts from October to April, bringing higher humidity and frequent rainfall, often in short, heavy bursts during the afternoon or evening. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, and showers are usually brief enough not to disrupt daily plans.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 1092kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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