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Explore Java and Bali this time starts from July 21 to August 3, 2024. Hello everyone, this is my travel story with a couple of tourists from Switzerland. Named Stepi and Dominik and I named this adventure is explore java and bali. For this adventure starting from Jakarta to Bali. Let’s start this story, I apologize if there are any mistakes in writing. On July 20, 2024 in the morning around 8 am I left my house in Bantul for Soekarno Hatta airport in Jakarta to pick up Stephi and Dominik.
The distance from my house to the airport is approximately 600 km. And can be reached by car via the toll road for about 9 hours. But because I was not in a hurry so I took the normal road via the southern route through Bandung. In my opinion, the journey via the southern route is more beautiful. So we don’t get bored during the trip. We can stop at any time to rest or drink coffee and also eat.
There are lots of restaurants or stalls along the way. Oh i almost forgot, explore Java and Bali this time was accompanied by Hadi, to help me drive the car. Hadi is my good friend in junior high school in bantul yogyakarta. Short story we arrived in Jakarta at night around 8 pm. We decided to stay at the hotel because the pick up was in the morning.
Soon we rested at the hotel while chatting with Hadi about the program that we would be doing together explore Java and Bali with Stepi and Dominik.
Sukarno Hatta Airport
Not long after, there was a WhatsApp message from Stepi, informing us that the plane she was on was delayed for 1 day. With a heavy heart because I felt sorry for those who had booked a hotel and planned this trip a long time ago. Had to reduce 1 day of explore Java and Bali or tourist visits in Bandung. Yes, but it’s okay, we can only plan and God decides. Finally I discussed it with Hadi and we decided to stay another night near Soekarno Hatta airport, so that it would be easy to pick them up.
Short story we finally arrived at soekarno hatta airport to pick them up to explore java and bali together. Look at my face that looks shabby and old, hahaha. After waiting for a while they came out while waving to me. Saying hello we immediately started the journey of explore Java and Bali. Our conversation started in the car, about the program that we will do. We went straight to the floating market lembang bandung.
Then we continue the journey explore java bali to the hotel located in Kampung Naga Tasikmalaya West Java. During the trip from bandung to tasikmalaya through green and terraced rice fields. As well as clear and beautiful river flow. Arrived at the hotel we were late at night around 8, the atmosphere around the hotel seemed very quiet and dark. Because in naga village does not use electricity.
Previously I had booked a hotel in Kampung Naga, because if I didn’t book first, we probably wouldn’t get a room. This simple hotel made of bamboo felt very comfortable, and this was the first experience for Stepi and Dominik. Explore Java and Bali take a break to continue the next adventure.
Explore Java and Bali to Kampung Naga
That morning we started our adventure explore Java and Bali after breakfast. We hired a local guide to learn more about the information in Kampung Naga. Stepi and Dominik were very enthusiastic about touring the village there.
Kampung Naga is a traditional Sundanese village located in Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The village is known for strong adherence to the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Our guide who comes from Kampung Naga really knows about this village, we as explore Java and Bali are satisfied with the explanation given. The community of Kampung Naga lives in a simple and traditional way, with their houses made of bamboo and wood, and their daily lives are still influenced by Sundanese customs and traditions. The village is also known for beautiful natural scenery, with green rice fields and hills.
Kampung Naga is a popular tourist destination, both domestic and foreign. Visitors can learn about the Sundanese culture and traditions, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. The village is also a great place to experience the peaceful and simple life of a traditional Indonesian village. Soon when finish the tour, we the explore Java and Bali returned to the hotel to prepare and continue our journey to Yogyakarta.
During the trip from Tasikmalaya to Yogyakarta we joked together in the car. Even though they were tired, they didn’t show it but they look happy. When explore java and bali arrive at Sumpiuh Central Java, we stopped for dinner. The typical food there is duck satay with peanut sauce and curry sauce.
Java Temple Tour
The first day in Yogyakarta we explore java and Bali visiting Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Java Temple Tour is super tour packages that can be explored on the Java Island. We visit Prambanan Temple first in the morning, because at Borobudur we got session 5 tickets at 12.30. They are very enthusiastic to visit prambanan temple, they take pictures on every side of the temple, see the details of the temple reliefs. Prambanan temple is the most beautiful hindu temple in indonesia, and was named a world heritage by unesco. The majesty of prambanan temple can be seen from the height and details of its reliefs.
After enjoying Prambanan temple, we explore Java and Bali towards Borobudur temple. It takes about 2 hours from Prambanan to Borobudur temple. Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and in Indonesia, located in Magelang, Central Java. After enjoying Borobudur temple, we explore Java and Bali will return to the hotel in Yogyakarta, but first we will stop by Mendut temple, because it is on the same route as the road home.
Java Temple Trip is superior tour packages that can be explored on the Island of Java. When we arrived at the parking lot of mendut temple, they saw a chicken noodle seller and they wanted to try it but after visiting mendut temple. It turned out that Dominik is a noodle lover, after finished the chicken noodle we explore java and bali went back to the hotel to rest.
City Tour Yogyakarta with Explore Java and Bali
Today we will visit the Yogyakarta palace, Taman Sari, Pasty bird market, bicycle tour and release baby turtles at Goa Cemara beach, Bantul. We will immediately head to the Yogyakarta palace. The Sultan’s Palace (Keraton) of Yogyakarta is a palace complex located in the city of Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the seat of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family. The palace was built in the 18th century and is a fine example of Javanese architecture. It is also a center of Javanese culture, and is home to a number of museums and galleries. The palace is open to the public, and is a popular tourist destination.
The journey explore java and bali continues to Taman sari. Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, is a fascinating complex of buildings, pools, and gardens located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Built in the mid-18th century, it was once a royal garden and bathing complex for the Sultan and his family.
After finishing going around the Taman Sari complex, the Explore Java and Bali trip continued to the Pasty Bird Market. They can see directly various types of birds, poultry and reptiles. There are also bird food sellers and bird cages here. I showed them the location of the bird competition for the people of Yogyakarta and its surroundings. The competition is usually held twice a week. Various types of birds are competed here and the winner will be given a prize in the form of money. After Explore Java and Bali finished going around the bird market, we went straight to my house to do a bicycle tour and have lunch.
Village Tour and Visit Turtle Conservation
As usual, my wife has prepared lunch for us, there are chicken, vegetables, fruits and crackers. Before we continue the tour, we make a joke and chat with my wife who just met that day. That my wife ask me if she wants to join us in explore Java and Bali, so I ask their permission first. Without thinking long they agree, and Rita is happy to hear it. Soon after lunch, we go to visit Pande Besi, a place for making tempeh, tofu and four places for making shredded meat. Then the journey of explore java and bali continued to visit turtle conservation at Goa camera beach.
As a tourist services I often take guests to learn or find out more about turtle conservation on the south coast of Yogyakarta. All the guests I accompany are very enthusiastic and very happy with. Mr Fajar’s good explanations and full of knowledge about turtle conservation. I am also very proud to have friends as good activists for turtle conservation. After completing the tour at the turtle conservation, explore java and bali return to the hotel for rest.
Journey to Bromo with Explore Java and Bali
That morning, explore java and bali continued the journey to bromo via mojokerto. My wife and i left bantul yogyakarta around 4 am to mojokerto station to pick up stephi and dominik. They took the train from yogyakarta to mojokerto because they wanted to experience how to ride a train in indonesia. Besides that, it was also to save time so that it didn’t take too long to drive from yogyakarta to bromo. Short story, we met at the station and went straight to mount bromo. Before arriving at the hotel, explore java amd bali first visited madakaripura waterfall.
The location of the waterfall is in the Probolinggo East Java, same direction as mount bromo. This majestic waterfall stands tall at 200 meters, making it the second-highest waterfall in Indonesia. Surrounded by towering cliffs and verdant vegetation, Madakaripura Waterfall offers a truly breathtaking sight. The cascading water creates a misty ambiance, adding to the mystical charm of the place. Explore java and bali really enjoyed visiting here, and after finishing we immediately headed to hotel.
Sunrise at Mount Bromo
That morning we left the hotel at 2.30 am, to watch the sunrise at Penanjakan Hill. Previously I had ordered a jeep for transportation during the tour at Mount Bromo, as an experienced team of Explore Java and Bali we always give the best way to the guests. There are many places to watch the sunrise at Bromo and in my opinion the best location is at Penanjakan Hill. Stephi and Dominik were very enthusiastic, because Bromo is one of the highlight destinations on the Explore Java and Bali tour.
Finally, after passing through the up and down mountain paths, we finally arrived at Penanjakan Hill, while waiting for the sunrise to appear, we enjoyed hot tea and fried bananas. The sunrise we had been waiting for finally appeared, they were very excited to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Not long after enjoying the sunrise, we continued the Explore Java and Bali tour to Mount Bromo. On the way to Mount Bromo, we stopped first at the sea of sand to take pictures with the jeep and after that started heading to Mount Bromo.
Explore Java and Bali walks on the sea of sand to the top, passing the Poten temple, which is a temple used by the Tengger people to worship. In the Tengger community, there are many religious ceremonies that are always lively in their celebrations, one of it is Kasada. The Kasada ceremony is a religious celebration for offerings to the Almighty and ancestors. After finishing the tour on Mount Bromo, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the Tumpak Sewu waterfall in Lumajang.
Journey to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
The journey of explore java and bali from Bromo to Tumpak sewu waterfall is an adventure filled with stunning natural landscape. That morning after finishing the tour in Bromo, we took the toll road to get to Lumajang faster. The trip took about 5 hours. During the trip, Stephi and Dominik slept in the car because they were tired and lacked sleep. Before arriving at the hotel, I stopped at a warung that was always crowded with visitors.
The warung’s name was Warung Nada and I already knew the owner well, because we were both from Yogyakarta. That time, I had difficulty finding a hotel, because at that time it was the peak of the holiday season. After I chatted with the owner of Warung Nada, he offered a free room for me and my wife Rita Marita. How happy I was to get a room for free, hehee. Our journey continued to the hotel where Stephi and Dominik were staying.
Morning after finishing breakfast at the hotel, explore java and bali to the Tumpak Sewu waterfall. The distance from the hotel to the waterfall is only about 5 minutes. After arriving at the location we immediately went down a steep cliff and the path we passed was partly a river flow. There are 3 fees to enter the waterfall area, because based on the location of the area, Tumpak Sewu is included in 2 district areas.
In my opinion as explore java and bali, it is better to make one payment counter rather than having to repeatedly pay. So as not to raise many questions from visiting guests. Anyway, after arriving at Tumpak Sewu and having had enough of taking photos or videos, we continued our journey to the car park via the same route.
Land Trip to Banyuwangi
We as explore java and bali started the journey from Tumpak Sewu waterfall to Banyuwangi, but we have to stop first to the local plantation in Kalibaru. The journey from Tumpak Sewu to Kalibaru is approximately 4-5 hours by car or motorcycle. The roads are winding and steep, so it is important to be careful when driving. Along the way, we as explore java and bali was treated to stunning scenery. The road wound through lush forests, and past towering volcanoes. We the explore java and bali made several stops to take photos and videos of the incredible scenery.
After a few hours of driving, we arrived in Kalibaru. Kalibaru is a small town located in the highlands of Banyuwangi. The town is surrounded by coffee plantations, spice gardens, and lush forests. We as explore java and bali visit Ibu Harny’s plantation. Bu Harny plantation offers a unique agrotourism experience, cultivating a variety of crops such as coffee, coconut, vanilla and other. We as explore java and bali had opportunity to witness the traditional coffee processing. From how coffee beans are picked, dried, roasted and ground. After we the plantation tour, we were treated to a traditional dance performed by children’s. Soon after finishing the tour we will head to hotel in banyuwangi.
Kawah Ijen with Explore Java and Bali
We continued our adventure explore java and bali towards to banyuwangi, and because we arrived in banyuwangi at night, we went straight to the hotel to rest. We would wake up early in the morning to climb mount ijen crater. Around 1 am we left the hotel towards pal tuding, the gate of the ijen crater climbing post.
Our journey explore java and bali continued towards Lovina Bali. Before heading to the port i stopped first at a local coffee shop that has become my regular, in my opinion the taste of the coffee here is perfect, especially the arabica type. stephi and dominik were also interested in buying some coffee here. and our journey began again, using a ferry to cross the island of bali. arriving in lovina we rested at the hotel while enjoying the sunset. Oh I almost forgot, before check in at the hotel we as explore java and bali first visited the Brahma vihara Arama and Banjar hot spring.
In the morning around 6 am we headed to the beach in lovina to see dolphins and snorkel. Previously I had booked a boat to rent to go to the dolphin tour. Stephi and Dominik were very happy to do this tour, for them this was their first experience. Around 10 am the tour finished and we headed to the ulan danu beratan temple in bedugul.
From Lovina to Ubud
That afternoon, around 12 o’clock we the journey of explore Java and Bali arrived at Ulan Danu Temple in Bedugul. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, also known as Bratan Temple, is a significant water temple located on the western side of Lake Bratan in the mountainous region near Bedugul, Bali. This stunning temple complex is renowned for its picturesque setting and unique architecture.
While they were enjoying the view, I took the time to visit my brother in Bedugul named Beli Jamhur. He is a Balinese and I have known him well for a long time. Luckily I was able to meet an old friend and joke around while waiting for Stephi and Dominik to finish their tour.
The journey of explore java and bali continued to Jatiluwih rice terrace. The village is most famous for its vast expanse of emerald-green rice terraces, which cascade down the slopes of the surrounding hills, creating a mesmerizing panorama. These rice terraces, meticulously carved into the landscape over centuries, not only provide a stunning visual spectacle but also play a vital role in the local community’s agricultural practices. After enjoying Jatiluwih rice terrace, we headed to Ubud and today explore java and bali ended at Ubud center.
Explore Ubud center
This morning explore java and bali will visit the Ubud area, in the morning we will head to Campuhan to enjoy the natural scenery of Ubud which is still pristine. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. The area is home to several notable landmarks, including the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a scenic trail that winds through the lush greenery, and the Gunung Lebah Temple, a historic Hindu temple nestled amidst the tranquil landscape. Campuhan Ubud is a popular destination for those seeking tranquility, spiritual rejuvenation, and a connection with nature.
The journey of explore java and bali continued to monkey forest. The Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a natural habitat and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. It is home to a population of over 1,000 long-tailed macaques, who roam freely throughout the forest. After finished tour in this area we as explore java and bali continue to Tegenungan waterfall. This waterfall is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall located in the village of tegenungan Gianyar Regency Bali. Not long after enjoying the waterfall, we headed to another place is Elephant cave temple and after finishing explore java and bali return to hotel.
Tirta Empul – Besakih
That morning we as explore java and bali visited tirta empul, not to melukat but just to enjoy the cultural diversity in Bali. Stephi and Dominik were impressed by the various natural beauty and customs in Bali. Tirta Empul is a Balinese Hindu temple known for its sacred spring water. The temple features several bathing pools and fountains, which are believed to have healing properties.
Visitors can participate in a traditional purification ritual called “melukat” by immersing themselves in the holy water. Tirta Empul is a significant cultural and spiritual attraction in Bali, offering a unique and memorable experience for those seeking tranquility and purification. After we as explore java and bali finished visiting the temple we continue to Besakih Temple.
Besakih Temple, known as the “Mother Temple of Bali”, is a sprawling complex of Hindu temples located on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, and a must-visit for anyone interested in Balinese culture and religion.
The temple complex consists of 22 separate temples, each with its own unique history and significance. The most important temple in the complex is Pura Penataran Agung. Which is dedicated to the supreme god Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. Explore java and bali moved to Panglipuran village.
Panglipuran Village
Here Stephi and Dominik are amazed to see the cleanliness and tidiness of Panglipuran village. The village is home to traditional Balinese houses with unique architectural designs. These houses are made of natural materials such as bamboo and wood, and are adorned with intricate carvings. The people of Penglipuran have a strong sense of community and culture. They still adhere to traditional Balinese customs and beliefs, which are reflected in their daily lives.
They are enjoyed this village so much that they forgot the time. Because it was already evening and we had to continue our journey to Sidemen to check in the hotel. According to some sources, Sidemen is the second Ubud in Bali, because the scenery in Sidemen is very similar to Ubud. Because it’s been a long time since I visited Sidemen and now there are so many hotels and resorts in this area. I was a little confused looking for the way to Sidemen. Finally I turned on google maps to show the direction to the hotel, soon after that we finally arrived at the hotel. Here explore java and bali stay only one night and the next day we head to Sanur.
Journey to Sanur with Explore Java and Bali
Today we have no activities or visiting tourist attractions because today is just for relaxing and massage. Tomorrow we will visit Tanah Lot before dropping them off at the airport. This afternoon after checking out of the hotel we headed to Sanur to stay there. It so happened that the hotel they booked was on the beach, so our planing today was to enjoy Sanur Beach.
Sanur Beach, located on the eastern side of Denpasar, Bali. Popular tourist destination known for beautiful white sand, calm and shallow waters, and stunning sunrise views. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the laid-back Balinese lifestyle, with many cafes and restaurants lining the shore. Visitors can also participate in various water activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
Last Day Trip with Explore Java and Bali
After approximately 14 days together and today is the last day of the tour with Stephi and Dominik, with the slogan explore Java and Bali. So impressed with this trip, which started from Jakarta to Bali. Now we will head to tanah lot for the last destination today. Tanah lot is located in the Tabanan Regency, about 20 km from Denpasar.
That day the traffic was very busy, making my heart beat faster because I was afraid of being late to get to the airport. Finally we arrive at Tanah Lot in a good time. Tanah Lot is a rock formation of the coast of Bali. The Temple sits on a rock outcrop that is surrounded by the sea at hight tide. The Tanah lot temple was built in the 15th century by a priest named Nirartha. After we are enjoy the beauty of the Temple and souronding, we had to drive to Airport. On the way to airport we will stop at masakan padang for lunch.
The time for farewell in the Ngurah Rai Bali airport, Stephi and Dominik returned to Switzerland and I with my wife had to return to Yogyakarta. Thank you very much for everything, hopefully we can meet again another time. Anyone one to do the same tour like this can call me. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Indonesia with a Java Bali Overland Tour. This immersive journey takes you through the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of two of Indonesia’s most iconic islands. God Bless You !!
