Central & East Java to Bali.

Indonesia | Oct 6 - Oct 15, 2026

We had a wonderful time with our Yogyakarta guide and driver, Dilla &Parlan. Seeing Borobudur and Prambanan was a highlight of our trip and they made getting to both fun and easy to see.

The travel from Yogyakarta to Bromo and Ijen could have been overwhelming given the distance but our guide/driver Aldo was the best. His excellent English, sense of humor and being an all around fun person made the time go quickly. The hotels and regions we stayed at for the hikes were beautiful. Our Bromo guide Teguh was the best guide we had during the trip. We’d heard about the possible crowds at Bromo but with his guidance felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. And he always knew how to get the best photo to capture the beauty. The region around Ijen is stunning filled with terraced rice fields and coffee plantations.

Snorkeling in northern Bali at Menjangan Island was spectacular- incredible corals, endless fish and sea turtles. The drive from north Bali to south was fascinating and possibly some of the steepest roads I’ve ever seen. Pecatu (Uluwatu) is beautiful being high up on the cliffs with amazing views. Really enjoyed relaxing and recharging here.

Hotel Reviews

Teras Hotel Ijen Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi

Beautifully designed building in a lovely setting.

Authenticity & Character

Location

The terraced rice fields surrounding the hotel are beautiful.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection

YOGYAKARTA

Great location, well appointed with a lovely pool and helpful friendly staff. Breakfast was great and one of the most extensive we’ve very seen. Our room overlooking the pool was perfect.

Authenticity & Character

Historic character

Location

Near Malioboro Street and great coffee options in walking distance.

Staff

Very nice and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Jiwa Jawa Bromo

Beautiful location and grounds. The gallery was also lovely.

Authenticity & Character

The grounds are very well maintained and nice to wander in.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Menjangan Dynasty Resort

Lovely beach setting with great snorkeling access. Buildings are beautiful and the layout of the space is great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Front desk staff were lovely and helpful. The food service staff were a bit forgetful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

VANARA Resort & Spa

Pecatu

Incredible buildings with beautiful designed rooms/ villas and the view is spectacular. The restaurant and breakfasts were some of the best food we had in Indonesia- I’m still thinking of the lovely breakfasts. Staff were incredibly kind and thoughtful- always helpful and anticipating your needs. We had an early checkout and they offered breakfast to go which was so perfect.

Authenticity & Character

Villas are designed to capture the views and with great attention to detail. The afternoon snacks in the room are also lovely.

Location

The view over the cliff to the ocean was incredible during the day but even better at sunset. Don’t be surprised by the drive in- it is a bit out of the way but completely worth it.

Staff

The staff were always kind, attentive and helpful. The resort uses texting rather than landline phones - which I didn’t know how I’d feel about but it works great and isn’t at all obtrusive. Also, because the restaurant is so highly regarded and the location so amazing people come to have drinks and dinner but the staff quietly gives preference to those staying at the hotel- which is lovely.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Visit Taman Sari Water Palace

Yogyakarta

Interesting to see but small and not much information. Did also enjoy the shadow puppet makers stall outside the exit- truly incredible to see the process.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dilla explained the space well but there isn’t much left to the building.

Transport