Bali and Beyond

Bali and Beyond

Java and Bali’s island vistas form the backdrop for an exploration of Indonesia's cultural landmarks, natural glories and charming local communities.

Sustainability and conservation are front of mind across this small-group journey around Java and Bali’s most ancient sites and secluded communities. Kick off your time in Java, travelling from lively Surabaya to the hilltop town, Malang, where you’ll explore the region’s Dutch colonial heritage on Ijen Boulevard. An evening drive into Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park follows with opportunities to witness Mount Bromo, and its famous ‘Sea of Sands’ at sunset.

With an early rise the next day, you can admire the park’s volcanic peaks at sunrise ahead of a visit to rural Cemoro Lawang. Discover Central Java’s rich religious heritage with a stop at the majestic Borobudur Temple, before taking in the terraced farms of Candirejo. Time spent in historic Yogyakarta promises opportunities to engage with local customs and see the sights from the back of a becak (cycle-drawn carriage) and lively Alun-Alun Kidul (South Plaza).

See Indonesia’s Hindu traditions brought to life during a final excursion to Java’s Prambanan Temple, culminating in a Ramayana ballet performance. Next, leave Java for Bali with a flight to Ubud and immerse yourself in the town’s Hindu shrines, vibrant markets and magnificent palace.

Embrace the meaning of the island’s Tri Hita Karana traditions with a guided walk in search of native fireflies and learn about the conservation efforts. A day spent in the hospitality of a family highlights innovative farming methods and home-grown ingredients with a traditional wood-fired lunch. After a week’s exploration of Java and Bali’s wonders, both natural and man-made, complete your tour with a relaxing three-day escape to the golden seafront stretches of coastal Sanur.

What's Included:

• 13 nights’ accommodation in four or five-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Surabaya (1 night), Bromo (2), Yogyakarta (3), Ubud (3) and Sanur (4), plus two nights aboard the aircraft
• 13 breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner
• Tour of Malang
• Sunset visit to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and the ‘Sea of Sand’
• Sunrise visit to Mount Bromo
• Tour of Cemoro Lawang village
• ‘Fun way to live like locals’ excursion
• Visit to Borobudur Temple
• Trip to Candirejo
• Becak tour of Yogyakarta
• Guided fireflies walk
• Tour of Tampaksiring
• Trips to Ubud market and Ubud Palace
• Balinese dance performance
• ‘Happy local family’ excursion with lunch
• Internal flight from Yogyakarta to Denpasar
• Return flights to Surabaya and from Denpasar
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach or train transfers throughout and 4x4 travel on excursions
• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager 

Highlights:

• Take in Java’s memorable scenery with a drive around Tumpang’s dramatic waterfalls and dense jungle stretches
• Watch Mount Bromo transform in the different light, with scenic Jeep drives at sunrise and sunset around its spectacular volcanic landscapes
• Marvel at the Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist religious site in the world, and visit the nearby village of Candirejo
• Witness the wonder of Ubud and Tampaksiring’s ancient Hindu temples and burial grounds, and partake in a ceremony in their sacred baths
• Get a taste for life in Java’s sprawling centres with visits to lively Surabaya and the laid-back market town of Malang
• Discover the rural lifestyles of Cemoro Lawang village
• Explore Yogyakarta’s most impressive landmarks from the comfort of a traditional becak (cycle-drawn carriage)
• Embrace Balinese culture with a guided walk in search of native fireflies as you learn about the conservation efforts made by locals
• Call at the imposing Hindu temple, Prambanan, and opt to watch an evening ballet performance depicting a religious epic
• Feast your senses on the sights and scents of Ubud’s lively markets & watch a Balinese dance performance in its ornate palace complex
• Recharge with a relaxing three days at leisure on Sanur’s pristine coastal stretches
• Uncover the intricate systems that help Bali’s farmers turn the terrain to their advantage and enjoy a traditional wood-fired meal
• Trace Bali’s scenic mountain trails on an optional Jeep tour in search of rare Salak (snake fruit) plantations

Day 1: Fly to Thailand

Begin your holiday with an overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Day at leisure

Arrive in Bangkok, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Spend your afternoon relaxing and enjoying the hotel's facilities, or head out to begin exploring the city.

Day 3: Included floating markets and Bangkok city tour

Immerse yourself in Thai culture, on a full-day sightseeing tour. Your first stop will be the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak. Watch as the locals buy fresh produce from the traders on the boats, then head back into Bangkok for a guided tour. See the Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha, as well as the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha.

Day 4: Day at leisure or optional River Kwai excursion

Relax in Bangkok, or perhaps join today's optional River Kwai and the Death Railway excursion. Travel by train, through a fascinating landscape of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations and into the Thai jungle, to Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi. Enjoy lunch, and visit Kanchanaburi's beautifully-tended war cemeteries as well as the various museums connected with this area's tragic WWII history, the construction of the Death Railway and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.

Day 5: Travel from Thailand to Cambodia

An early start sees you journey, through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, to the border at Psar Phrum, where you'll cross into Cambodia. Formalities completed, you'll begin the second part of your adventure with the short journey to the elegant French colonial city of Battambang.

Day 6: Travel from Battambang to Siem Reap

Today you'll travel to Wat Ek Phnom, a pre-Angkor Period temple situated on the banks of the Sandker River. Later, you'll visit the Cambodia Peace Gallery where you'll learn about Cambodia’s journey from war towards peace reconciliation. Continue to the colourful market town of Siem Reap, home to the archaeological Angkor National Museum and your gateway to the incredible temple complex of Angkor Thom.

Day 7: Visit to Kok Sanke community

Today, you’ll be driven to the Kok Sangke community to visit the home of a local family who’ll make you several traditional Khmer desserts. You’ll then learn about the village’s sustainable farming techniques, visit a community centre, which teaches local farmers about eco-friendly farming methods, see some nearby farms, and have lunch before travelling to Wat Luang Proleung and the village of Kampong Khleang.

Day 8: Included Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and Ankor Wat excursion

Discover the four vast stone heads and countless carved faces of the Bayon, which stands in the heart of the 'lost city' of Angkor Thom, today.

Angkor Thom was the greatest citadel of the Khmer Empire that ruled half of South East Asia for nearly 600 years, and its ruined boulevards and gateways cover a vast area to the north of Siem Reap. And yet it is not the highlight of this landscape littered with great ruins. That title goes to Angkor Wat. The world's largest religious building, with its five great towers and 1000-metre-long carved bas-relief, is dazzling and unforgettable. Expect to return to your hotel awed and amazed by everything you've seen.

Day 9: Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Journey to Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, a French colonial treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong River, which exudes dusty, faded glory, except in its stupendous Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda of priceless Buddhist artefacts.

Day 10: Included Tuol Sleng Museum visit and Mekong boat trip to Vietnam

Spend a thought-provoking morning at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the Pol Pot years and the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Wat Phnom Temple before you board the fast boat along the Mekong River to feel the wind on your face on a thrilling boat ride into Vietnam.

Day 11: Included Nui Sam visit and travel to Can Tho

Your day begins with a visit to the holy mountain of Nui Sam. Studded with pagodas and temples, the mountain offers visitors stunning views over the Mekong Delta, which awaits you today. You'll stay overnight in the university town of Can Tho, with its colourful floating markets, busy working harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda, Muniwangsyaram.

Day 12: Travel from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscape of rice paddies, flat-bottomed boats, fruit trees and bougainvillea, peopled by farmers in conical hats and dotted with floating markets. Take a fascinating boat ride to the floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Be, before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, this evening, for a two-night stay.

Day 13: included Cu Chi Tunnels excursion and Ho Chi Minh City Tour

The remarkable Cu Chi tunnel complex provides a poignant reminder of the country's recent history. This 200 km underground labyrinth was used by the Viet Cong as a base, and now serves as a national memorial for those who lost their lives in the conflict.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City a guided tour will reveal its fascinating mix of French colonial history and modern Vietnamese life. Highlights include the grand General Post Office, the Reunification Hall on the site of the former President's Palace, the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha, and (time permitting) the War Remnants Museum.

Your day ends with a celebratory farewell dinner: the perfect opportunity to look back on your holiday and relive the many highlights.

Day 14: Spend your final day relaxing poolside or exploring Ho Chi Minh City a little further, before you transfer to the airport, in the afternoon, for your flight back to the UK.

Spend your final day relaxing poolside or exploring Ho Chi Minh City a little further, before you transfer to the airport, in the afternoon, for your flight back to the UK.

Day 15: Arrive back in the UK

You'll touch down in the UK, today, after an overnight flight and an unforgettable tour of South East Asia.