Bali (via Java) 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Jakarta

Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

After clearing customs, pick up your pre-booked rental car, which will be your companion for this road trip. Allow time for airport procedures and car collection.

Check into Hotel

Drive from the airport to your boutique hotel in Jakarta.

Settle in and take some time to refresh after your journey.

Explore Kota Tua

Discover Jakarta's historical Old Town (Kota Tua), a charming area with Dutch colonial buildings.

Visit Fatahillah Square, explore the Jakarta History Museum, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Many museums are closed on Mondays, so Sunday is a great day to visit. You can rent a colorful 'sepeda ontel' (bicycle) to explore the square.

Dinner in Glodok (Chinatown)

Experience the bustling culinary scene of Glodok, Jakarta's Chinatown.

Indulge in a variety of street food and traditional Chinese-Indonesian dishes.

Glodok offers a fantastic array of food stalls and restaurants. Don't miss trying local favorites like Bakmi or Nasi Tim.

National Monument (Monas)

Visit the iconic National Monument (Monas), a symbol of Indonesia's independence.

You can ascend to the top for panoramic views of Jakarta (check opening status beforehand).

Monas is typically closed on the last Monday of the month for maintenance, but should be open on this day (first Monday).

National Museum of Indonesia

Explore the National Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts covering Indonesia's history, archaeology, ethnography, and geography.

A great way to understand Indonesia's rich cultural heritage before your road trip.

Lunch in Jakarta

Enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant before starting your drive.

Try some Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Sate Ayam (chicken satay).

Drive to West Java Highlands

Begin your road trip journey.

Drive from Jakarta towards the scenic highlands of West Java. Your destination for tonight will be around Bandung or a town further east to shorten tomorrow's drive. This will be a long but picturesque drive.

Traffic can be heavy leaving Jakarta. The landscapes become more mountainous and green as you approach Bandung.

Dinner & Relaxation

Arrive at your accommodation in the West Java area.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner and prepare for another day of driving.

Look for local 'warungs' or restaurants for authentic West Javanese cuisine.

Full Day Drive to Yogyakarta

Embark on a significant driving day across Java, making your way towards the cultural heartland of Yogyakarta. Enjoy the diverse landscapes, from rice paddies to rural towns. Plan for several comfort and meal stops.

This will be your longest driving day. Ensure you have snacks, water, and fully charged phones. Use GPS/maps and anticipate potential traffic in towns. Consider using the toll roads where available for faster transit.

Arrive & Check into Yogyakarta Hotel

Arrive in Yogyakarta, check into your chosen boutique or eco-resort.

Take some time to freshen up after your long journey.

Evening Stroll on Malioboro Street

Experience the vibrant energy of Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta's main shopping street.

Browse for souvenirs, local crafts, and soak in the bustling atmosphere.

A great place for people-watching and trying street food. Bargaining is common for goods.

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy dinner at one of Yogyakarta's many excellent local restaurants.

Try Gudeg, a local specialty of young jackfruit stew.

Gudeg Yu Djum is a famous spot for this dish.

Borobudur Sunrise Excursion

Wake up early for a magical sunrise experience at Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple.

Witness the stunning spectacle as the sun illuminates the ancient stupas and surrounding volcanoes.

This requires a very early start but is highly recommended. Special sunrise tickets are available, often allowing entry before general opening hours. Booking in advance is recommended. Consider 'Dadang Supardi Tours' or 'Java Bali Trips' for guided options.

Return to Yogyakarta & Breakfast

Drive back to Yogyakarta from Borobudur.

Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.

Kraton (Sultan's Palace)

Visit the Kraton, the active palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, a living museum of Javanese culture.

Explore its pavilions and learn about the royal family's history.

Daily cultural performances often take place in the morning.

Taman Sari (Water Castle)

Explore Taman Sari, the former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, featuring bathing pools, mosques, and hidden tunnels.

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair bit of walking. You might be approached by local guides offering tours – negotiate prices upfront if interested.

Lunch in Kota Gede

Head to Kota Gede, the historic silver-making district, for lunch.

Afterward, you can browse for traditional silver crafts.

Batik Workshop or Shopping

Engage in a hands-on Batik workshop to learn this traditional Indonesian art form, or simply browse the many Batik shops for unique textiles and souvenirs.

Many workshops offer short classes for tourists to try making their own small batik piece.

Leisure & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Yogyakarta, reflecting on the day's cultural explorations.

Prambanan Temple Complex

Visit the magnificent Prambanan Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.

Explore the towering shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Consider a local guide for deeper insights into the reliefs and stories. 'Dadang Supardi Tours' or 'Java Bali Trips' can assist with this.

Lunch near Prambanan

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Prambanan area before continuing your journey.

Drive Towards East Java (Bromo Gateway)

Begin the long drive from Yogyakarta towards the Probolinggo area in East Java, which serves as a gateway to Mount Bromo.

This will be another substantial driving day, aiming to position yourselves for an early morning Bromo excursion tomorrow.

Be prepared for varied road conditions and plan your fuel stops. This drive will take you through diverse landscapes of Java. It's advisable to reach your destination before dark.

Check into Hotel & Dinner

Arrive at your accommodation near Probolinggo or in Cemoro Lawang (the village closest to Bromo) and check in.

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and get an early night's sleep in preparation for the Mount Bromo sunrise.

Accommodations in Cemoro Lawang are generally more basic but offer proximity to Bromo. Probolinggo offers more options.

Mount Bromo Sunrise Trek

Start before dawn to reach the viewpoint (e.

g., Penanjakan) for a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru. Afterwards, cross the 'Sea of Sand' to climb to the crater rim of Mount Bromo for incredible panoramic views. (Note: This is in Asia/Jakarta timezone)

Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes, and bring a headlamp. The climb to the crater rim can be dusty. Local guides can be hired on-site, or you can self-guide to the crater rim after parking. Park entrance fee required.

Breakfast in Cemoro Lawang

Enjoy a well-deserved local breakfast in Cemoro Lawang village after your Bromo adventure, before starting your drive.

Many small warungs (local eateries) offer simple, hearty Indonesian breakfast options.

Scenic Drive to Ijen Crater Region

Embark on a picturesque drive from the Bromo area towards Banyuwangi, the gateway to Ijen Crater. The journey offers diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastal views. (Note: This is in Asia/Jakarta timezone)

Pack snacks and drinks for the journey. Stop at local villages or viewpoints for breaks. Be prepared for varying road conditions.

Check-in to Eco-Resort

Check into your selected eco-resort or boutique hotel in the Banyuwangi area, and settle in for the evening.

Choose a resort that allows for an early check-out and provides a packed breakfast if you plan for the Ijen blue fire trek.

Relaxed Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your resort or a local restaurant, preparing for another early start tomorrow.

Ijen Crater Blue Fire Trek

Embark on an unforgettable trek to Ijen Crater, famous for its mesmerizing blue flames (visible before sunrise) and the stunning turquoise acidic lake.

Witness sulfur miners at work in a truly unique and challenging environment. (Note: This is in Asia/Jakarta timezone)

A local guide is mandatory for the blue fire trek. Gas masks are highly recommended due to sulfur fumes. Wear warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, and bring water. Booking for a guide is essential.

Breakfast & Check-out

Return to your accommodation for a quick breakfast and check out, preparing for your journey to Bali.

Drive to Ketapang Ferry Terminal

Short drive to the Ketapang Ferry Terminal in Banyuwangi.

Ferry to Gilimanuk, Bali

Take the public ferry across the Bali Strait from Ketapang (Java) to Gilimanuk (Bali).

The crossing offers scenic views. (Note: Upon arrival in Bali, the timezone shifts forward by 1 hour to Asia/Makassar)

Ferries run frequently throughout the day. You will drive your rental car onto the ferry. Purchase tickets at the terminal. Be aware of local vendors on board.

Drive to Southern Bali (Jimbaran/Uluwatu)

Upon arrival in Gilimanuk, drive your rental car to the southern Bali region, aiming for Jimbaran or Uluwatu to enjoy beautiful beaches and resorts.

(Note: This is in Asia/Makassar timezone)

The drive across Bali can be busy. Take breaks as needed. Your journey will conclude at your first Bali accommodation.

Check-in Movenpick Resort & Spa

Check into the Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali and settle into your luxurious surroundings.

Enjoy the resort's facilities, perhaps a refreshing dip in the pool after your long journey.

Seafood Dinner in Jimbaran

Experience a famous Jimbaran Bay seafood dinner.

Choose your fresh catch cooked to perfection right on the beach.

Relax at Pantai Pandawa

Enjoy the pristine white sands and clear blue waters of Pantai Pandawa, often called 'Secret Beach' due to its hidden location behind towering cliffs.

Relax on sun loungers, swim, or try kayaking. There are small warungs for snacks and drinks.

Lunch near Uluwatu

Savor a delicious lunch at a restaurant with stunning cliffside views overlooking the ocean in the Uluwatu area.

Explore Uluwatu Temple

Visit the majestic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean.

Admire the intricate Balinese architecture and enjoy the dramatic ocean views.

Beware of the mischievous monkeys around the temple. Keep your belongings secure. Sarongs are provided at the entrance for respectful dress.

Kecak Fire Dance Performance

Witness the iconic Kecak Fire Dance, an enthralling Balinese cultural performance, held at the Uluwatu cliff edge during sunset.

Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as shows often sell out. Arrive early for good seats and to catch the sunset backdrop.

Romantic Cliffside Dinner

Indulge in a romantic dinner at a restaurant with panoramic ocean views, celebrating your journey.

Ubud Monkey Forest Visit

Wander through the sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, an enchanting jungle inhabited by playful long-tailed macaques and ancient temples.

Keep a respectful distance from the monkeys and secure all loose items. Do not feed them. Enjoy the lush surroundings and ancient banyan trees.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Admire the iconic, emerald-green Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing traditional Balinese irrigation systems.

Consider taking a short trek down into the valley for closer views. There are numerous swings and photo opportunities. Modest entrance fee.

Lunch in Ubud

Enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch at one of Ubud's many organic cafes or traditional Balinese restaurants.

Explore Ubud Art Market

Browse the vibrant Ubud Art Market, a treasure trove of handicrafts, textiles, paintings, and souvenirs. Practice your bargaining skills!

Perfect place to pick up unique Balinese gifts and mementos. Remember to negotiate prices.

Optional ATV Bali Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, embark on an ATV adventure through Bali's jungles, rice fields, and traditional villages.

Book in advance. Guides will provide safety instructions and lead the way. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

Dinner in Ubud

Savor your final dinner in Ubud, perhaps at a restaurant offering traditional Balinese cuisine or a fusion experience.

Leisurely Morning & Resort Amenities

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your beautiful resort.

Take a final swim, have a leisurely breakfast, or simply soak in the peaceful ambiance.

Optional Balinese Spa Treatment

Indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage or spa treatment at your resort or a local spa, a perfect way to unwind before your journey home.

Book your preferred treatment in advance.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final memorable lunch in Ubud, reflecting on your incredible Indonesian road trip.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Do some last-minute shopping for unique souvenirs or gifts to remember your trip.

Drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Drive your rental car to Denpasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport for your departure.

Allow ample time for traffic and car return.