Compare Cycling Indonesia's Islands by Exodus Travels vs Java & Bali, Indonesia by Under30Experiences
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,420 | $ 1,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 160 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | There are 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and three dinners included. Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes enlivened with ingredients such as cloves, chilies, coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but other meats are also common. Peanut-based dishes are also common on Indonesian tables (if you have a peanut allergy, make sure to inform us beforehand and to inform your tour leader). Food is often spicy but you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is available in Ubud and Canggu, though it is well worth trying the local cuisine. Quite often, tea or water is drunk with a meal. Beer is often not cold and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary. On some days, we have a packed lunch as we cycle. Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood, so if you are vegetarian please be clear and state you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Snacks and local fruit are provided when cycling but you may want to bring your own snacks from home too. |
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, & 6 dinners |
| Description |
Active volcanoes tower over paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Villages and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along paved roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels, we explore quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java, uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells.Cycle through rural Bali and eastern Java on roads and dirt tracks |
Blessed with diverse landscapes from its pristine beaches to smoldering volcanoes and dense jungles, Indonesia has something for everyone. Java is Indonesia’s main island and home to the country’s cultural and artistic capital, Yogyakarta. Visit two of Indonesia’s most famed archeological sites, the ninth century Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur and Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Indonesia’s smallest island, Bali, rank’s atop most travelers’ bucket lists. The island adheres to traditional Balinese Hinduism and makes for an extremely unique cultural visit. Explore the peacefulness of temples and rice paddies on the island commonly referred to as “the island of gods”. Walking through Prambanan temple complex |
Day 1 Start Ubud
You can arrive at any time today. The bustling town of Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali, set among the hills and paddies of the island interior. This afternoon, we have time to relax and explore the temples, shops and cafes in town, though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There is a briefing this evening with your leader about the trip. Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages/Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort (or similar)
Day 2 Cycle through paddies, villages and temples
We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud, across rice fields, villages and temples. After arriving to the Tampaksiring village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese come to bathe in sacred waters at least once a year in a cleansing ritual dedicated to Vishnu. The final leg takes us along backroads to the lesser known temple of Pengukur-Ukur, where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud. Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Day 3 Cycle to Batur volcano; afternoon mountain bike descent
Starting with a ride along rice terraces, we continue by slowly climbing up the road to the Kintamani plantations area and beyond to the crater rim of Batur volcano. This is a tough climb so, after about 12.5mi (20km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging, this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle, which can take you up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting, we get stunning views of one of the bigger volcanic lakes in Bali. After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to the base of the volcano where our hotel is located. You then have the option to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon off-road cycling on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses a lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the otherworldly moonscapes it has created. Accommodation: Segara Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Ride to Ponjok Batu Temple and Lovina coast
After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur caldera, we start cycling up and down hills along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards the northwest coast of Bali. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar and Kubu, we observe the everyday life of local people. We enjoy a refreshment on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone. Finally, we pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in Lovina. From here, it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul. Accommodation: Strawberry Hill Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 A day of cycling, monkey forests, twin lakes, Buddhist monasteries and hot springs
Our day starts with a short ride up to Monkey Forest (it is possible to take a transfer to the top of the hill). From here, we enjoy a view of a twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across the north coast. We visit the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, Bhrama Arama Vihara, and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs, where we can relax in the open-air pools. After lunch, we cycle along the coast to our beachfront hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free. Accommodation: Adi Assri Beach Cottage (or similar)
Day 6 Pedal to the harbour; snorkel around Menjangan Island; transfer to Java
After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour, we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning Deer Island, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso. Accommodation: Ijen View Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano; optional sunset hike
Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920ft (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially broken paved roads. We take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery, and have a light lunch en route. We regroup after about 12.5mi (20km) before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle as it is definitely harder than normal for an Activity Level 3 (Moderate) graded trip. Of course, it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle further up if needed. The support vehicle is available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous. On the way, we stop to visit one of the largest coffee plantations in Indonesia before ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here, we spend the night in a local homestay with basic amenities within a colonial building on a coffee plantation. Accommodation: Jampit Catimor homestay
Day 8 Early morning trek to the crater rim; later cycle off the volcano to Ketapang
Getting up very early, while it is still dark, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and, as we hike in the dark, we should be able to see blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater. After sunrise, we have time to enjoy views of the lake, which is 655ft (200m) deep and filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulphur blocks weighing up to 155lb (70kg) out of the crater. Please note that poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater. After returning to camp, we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning. Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Cycle through jungle and plantations to the fishing village at Meru Betiri National Park
Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and head into the jungle. Our rainforest trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface through coffee, cacao and rubber plantations. We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we can see the day’s catch being unloaded. We camp on the beach tonight. Camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers. Accommodation: Camping
Day 10 Ride along jungle trails to the beach at Pulau Merah; free time to relax on the beach; transfer to Ketapang
On our final day of cycling, we continue along jungle trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. We visit Green Bay along the way, with views of another hidden beach in East Java. Today’s final ride is mostly on flat elevation with a few rolling hills. We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time, where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel in Ketapang, where we spend our last night on Java. Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Transfer by ferry and bus back to Bali to Canggu
After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive for 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on Bali. From here, it is about a four-hour drive (with a lunch stop) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
Day 12 Free day to relax on the beach or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak
Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days of cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations. The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water. Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
Day 13 End Canggu
The trip ends this morning after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip Gili extension, where white sands and turquoise seas provide the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled cycling adventure.
Day 1
Welcome to Indonesia!
Arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) and take included transportation to your hotel located in Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural capital.
Walk amongst the 500 temples dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu god, at the Prambanan temple complex. Watch the sunset blaze over the temples before feasting on an included Indonesian dinner.
Enjoy a performance of Ramayana ballet, a representation of an ancient Indian poem in which Prince Rama attempts to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of a demon king, aided by an army of monkeys.
Day 2
Culture of Yogyakarta
Visit Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and admire the intricately decorated stone carvings depicting the life of Buddha.
Learn about Javanese culture on a tour through the Palace of Yogyakarta, the seat of the reigning Sultan, and explore the impressive gardens at the Tamansari Water Castle.
In the evening, partake in a guided walking tour through the city and taste Yogyakarta’s iconic dish, Gudeg, a curry dish made from jackfruit.
Day 3
Train Ride to Malang
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a train ride through the beautiful Indonesian countryside. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenery.
Arrive to the former Dutch colonial town of Malang, located in the highlands of East Java. Walk the mansion lined streets, admire local street art, and step out of your comfort zone to taste authentic Indonesian street food.
Head out with your new group of friends for an included meal underneath the city lights.
Day 4
Waterfalls and a Rainbow Village
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head to the jungle to experience the 275-foot Coban Rondo Waterfall. Take in the lush green scenery and splash around in the nearby tropical river.
Wander through the narrow streets of Jodipan village where each house is painted in bright colors resembling a rainbow.
Settle in for the evening at the base of Mount Bromo and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s incredible adventure.
Day 5
Sunrise Volcano Hike
Ever wonder what the inside of an active volcano looks like? Today is your day!
Rise early to see the sunrise revealing the moon-like landscape of Mount Bromo as smoke emanates from the volcano. Trek across the “Sea of Sand” and climb the 246 steps for a view into the crater.
Drive through the beautiful foothills of the Gumitir Valley making your way to the remote town of Kalibaru--a little town surrounded by plantations. Settle into your boutique cottages and relax in the cool mountain air.
Day 6
Plantations and on to Bali!
Tour local plantations and learn how rubber is processed, coffee is dried, and cacao is fermented. Taste local snacks like fried bananas and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Take a ferry across the Java Strait to the west coast of Bali! Travel to the charming coastal village of Pemuteran, one of Bali’s hidden gems.
Gather with your friends to enjoy the sunset and feasting on traditional Balinese cuisine. Nestle into your accommodations, which will be your home away from home for the next two nights.
Day 7
Snorkeling a coral reef
After breakfast, cruise the open waters on a private boat to the island of Menjangan.
Swim in the turquoise clear water, view tropical fish like angelfish and clownfish, and explore the stunning underwater scenery of the well-preserved coral reefs of Bali Barat National Park.
Return to the mainland in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening to discover the local nightlife or join an optional Indonesian cooking class.
Day 8
Pemuteran to Ubud
Appreciate the charming Balinese countryside as you head to the artistic and cultural town of Ubud.
Make a pit stop to walk through clove and coffee plantations in the hilltop village of Munduk followed by a visit to some hidden waterfalls.
Visit the vast expanses of terraced, green rice paddies at Jatiluwih, one of Bali’s iconic destinations. Arrive at Ubud in the evening and enjoy a free night to explore this artsy little town.
Day 9
Ubud Countryside Cycling
Explore Ubud’s network of backstreets, villages, and rice fields on a countryside bicycle tour.
After working up an appetite, choose from one of several health conscious cafes for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop in the local markets and art galleries in the downtown area.
Gather together with your friends for your farewell dinner and enjoy a final night out in Ubud.
Day 10
Relaxation and departure
Reflect on your Indonesian experience over breakfast and make plans to keep in touch with your new community of travel friends.
Take the included transportation to Ngurah Rai International Airport for your flight back home or continue the journey on your own and explore more of Bali.
