Bali & Beyond

Bid farewell to the bustle of Surabaya and say hello to the easy-going Malang, a delightful hilltop market town in the South. Witness a mix of colonial Dutch architecture and vast volcanic landscapes as you transverse the lands by coach, before swapping to a Jeep to venture deep into the region’s Bromo Tengger Semeru Nature Park for a sunset drive you’ll never forget.

From the ‘Sea of Sand’, an expansive sheet of volcanic ash covering the foothills of Mount Bromo to the Coban Pelangi Waterfalls, these days are all about seeing the beautiful power of nature. Walk to Crater Rim and be rewarded with an exhilarating viewing experience at the very edge of Mount Bromo’s volcanic craters. Watch the sun break over the volcanic peak at sunrise, connect with locals with a walking tour through Cemoro Lawang Village and soak up the joys of Java.

Hop aboard a train set for Yogyakarta’s Tugu station in the city's heart where your next hotel awaits. Witness the vibrant streets through the eyes of a local with your expert guide as they take you on an immersive tour that delves into history, culture and the colourful public squares packed with folklore. Take part in the Masangin blindfolded bayan tree tradition that brings good fortune, try authentic Javanese street food, see the city’s charms from the back of a neon-lit becak or witness a traditional Wayang performance.

The following days are all about temples! Discover the enchanting Prambanan shrines dedicated to the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and watch a Ramayana dance performance, depicting the acclaimed Hindu epic in the 9th-century open-air theatre area. From the world’s largest Buddhist shrine, Borobudur and the picturesque Water Castle Taman Sari; to the Kraton a vast citadel of intricate facades, open-air pavilions and grand medieval walls- there are so many wonders to discover.

Enjoy breakfast before boarding the short flight to Ubud, Bali’s artistic and spiritual centre. Soothe your soul with the spiritual tranquillity of Bali as you discover ancient temples and get a taste of the island's rich culinary heritage. Take a guided stroll through terraced landscapes and jungle-side plantations to witness native fireflies and learn about their spiritual significance in Balinese folklore. The next day, explore Ubud’s street market, sample local street food, and visit the royal palace, followed by an enchanting Balinese dance performance. Travel to Tampaksiring to partake in a traditional Canang offering ceremony, visit the ancient Gunung Kawi shrines and experience a purification ritual at the sacred Pura Tirta Empul water temple. Of course, there will also be time to marvel at the traditional crafts of local artisans and visit the awe-inspiring Tegalalang rice terraces.

Looking for something special on your tour? Pack your swimsuit and get ready to live like a local as you are taken beyond the popular tourist hotspots to experience a unique perspective on rural Bali life. Today you will be welcomed into the home of a local family and shown the underground springs, the intricate 9th-century subak system, that connects five terraced farms to the regional water temples and join the family for a home-cooked meal. You can even take a dip in the river's soothing waters before making way to your last stop, Sanur.

After 10 days of cultural immersion, conclude your tour in Bali’s trendy Sanur- a small seaside town sandwiched between the Balinese capital, Denpasar, and the Indian Ocean. A wish-list retreat of white-sand beaches, shallow reefs and calm waters, whether you spend your free time here in Balinese cooking classes and yoga sessions or water sports on the waves, you’ll have plenty of choice. Soak up the lively atmosphere, indulge in luxury spa treatments, or simply relax with a cocktail as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. These chic boutiques, world-class dining, and sun-soaked beaches offer the perfect end to your Indonesian adventure.

Today your unforgettable tour comes to an end. Grab some breakfast at the resort before driving to Denpasar airport to board your flight back to the UK.