We’ve already explored Bali, eastern Java, and its volcanoes back in 2013, and we’d love to return to Java to discover other spots that aren’t so "mainstream." There’ll be three of us—a couple and our 25-year-old son. We love nature, small towns, villages, beautiful landscapes, and a bit of beach time... We’re used to backpacking around Southeast Asia. Any tips for exploring some great spots in Java in a coherent way, with 3 or 4 bases for a 3-week trip from late June to mid-July? We don’t want to revisit Bromo or Ijen (they seem way too crowded compared to 2013), and we might swing by Djogja but won’t redo Borobudur or Prambanan (same issue...). Looking forward to your tips! Thanks 🙂
Arrival in Jakarta,
Cirebon, 3 nights
stopover in Jepara, 1 night
Karimunjawa, 4 nights
(Magelang) Nepal Van Java*, 2 nights
(Yogyakarta) overnight bus or train to Bandung, 1 night
Bandung and surroundings, 4 nights
Bogor, 2 nights
Access + Ujung Kulon National Park, 4 nights
Jakarta, 1 night if needed
Thanks so much for these ideas! I think we’ll land in Singapore and take domestic flights to get as close as possible to the places we’re interested in. I’m planning to arrive via Malang or Surabaya and head back to Singapore from Jakarta. Does that sound like a good plan?
From Singapore, you can easily reach Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang, and of course Jakarta.
For an interesting route starting from Surabaya, I’d recommend heading down to Malang and exploring the area, without necessarily going all the way to Bromo if you want to avoid the crowds.
Next, continue to Blitar to discover the region’s temples, mountain landscapes, and surrounding plantations.
From there, take the train to Solo (Surakarta), a city often overlooked by travelers but definitely worth a visit. It’s also a great starting point for exploring some pretty mysterious temples like Candi Sewu and Candi Sukuh.
You can then head to Yogyakarta, which will serve as a stopover before exploring the Dieng Plateau.
To wrap up the trip, a beach stopover in the Karimunjawa Islands can be a beautiful conclusion. Just pass through Semarang, where you can optionally detour to the Gedong Songo temples, located at altitude.
Semarang can then serve as your exit point from Java to return to Singapore
Solo (Surakarta), a city often overlooked by travelers but definitely worth a visit. It’s also a great starting point for discovering some rather mysterious temples like Candi Sewu and Candi Sukuh.
You can then head to Yogyakarta, which serves as a stopover before exploring the Dieng Plateau.
To wrap up the trip, a beach getaway to the Karimunjawa Islands can be a wonderful conclusion. Just pass through Semarang.
Following up on our previous exchange above, to avoid placing Karimunjawa at the end of the trip, you could take a train from Solo to Semarang after Solo, then head to Karimunjawa before returning to Semarang to continue west (via Yogya or not).
Since the Dieng Plateau isn’t any farther from Semarang than from Yogya, it might be possible to visit it from Semarang, but I’m not sure how feasible that is.
Or even do a multi-day route: Semarang-Dieng Plateau-(Wonosobo and Magelang)-Nepal Van Java-Yogya.
Totally doable. It’s all about choosing between pragmatism and what you’re in the mood for!
There’s a direct train between Solo and Semarang, and if there’s no train after that, you can book a Gojek/Grab and pick your preferred direction at a very reasonable cost—especially if there are three of you sharing a car!
Yeah, yeah, I know Singapore isn’t in Indonesia 😉
It’s just to have a start and end point that makes it pretty easy to fly to different Indonesian islands.
Singapore is becoming increasingly popular for international flight costs from Europe... with alternatives to airlines that make a stop in the Arabian Gulf.
The Dieng Plateau, Malang, and Karimunjawa are on our list :-)
What about Bandung and its surroundings? Worth it, or are there much better options elsewhere? And Bogor? Tumpak Sewu and the area around Malang?
Bogor is known for two reasons:
- its botanical garden, which is worth a half-day visit
- its close enough proximity to Jakarta to avoid spending a night there before or after a flight. There’s an airport bus line between Jkt and Bogor.
But I mentioned it because you can also take a bus from Bogor to the starting point of Ujung Kulon National Park via a connection in Rangkasbitung, avoiding the stifling Jakarta.
And Bandung and its surroundings?
There are day hikes to do in its surrounding national parks, including volcanoes, botanical gardens, and tea plantations—especially toward Cibodas and the Puncak Pass (avoid going there on weekends).
Thanks for the info...
In the end, we’ll arrive in Jakarta early in the morning, and we’re thinking of heading straight to Bogor to relax after the trip and explore the national parks nearby. But you’re saying we can visit Ujung Kulon National Park from Bogor? Awesome! Do you have any tips on that? The discussions I’ve found on the forum about it are over ten years old... The downside is that we’d end up all the way west on the island, and then to visit other places (Karimunjawa, Dieng, etc.), we’d have to backtrack or head back toward Jakarta, right? We’re just starting to plan our route, and we’re not booking much in advance, which gives us some flexibility once we’re there.
Thanks if you’ve got any more ideas or suggestions...
Don’t plan on visiting the park as a day trip from Bogor—you’ll quickly see why with what follows.
Since you’re now arriving via Jakarta, geographically it makes more sense to start with the park rather than going to Bogor first and then visiting Ujung Kulon N.P. before heading east. It’s better to begin with the park by taking a bus from Jakarta’s Kalideres bus terminal to the town of Labuan.
In Labuan:
-Either you hire an agency that handles all the logistics for visiting the park (mandatory guide, cook, tents, entrance fee, transport to the park entrance, and even boat rental depending on which part of the park you want to explore).
-Or you take transport to Tamanjaya (barely more than one per day) and organize everything yourself once there. The guide (mandatory) you find on-site can help you out.
Plan for at least 3 days/2 nights* to see part of the park, longer if you want to explore multiple areas.
*Plus the night(s) in Labuan and/or Tamanjaya.
Malaria is present in the park.
After your visit, return to Labuan and take a bus to Bogor to continue your itinerary eastward.
Thanks!
It doesn’t seem easy to get to that park 🙁
We’ll think about it some more... We’re still tempted by Bogor, the Dieng Plateau, Bandung, Pangandaran, and Karimunjawa. We’ve already visited Jogja but wouldn’t mind revisiting Merapi... Any ideas or suggestions on those?
We’re hesitating between a loop from Jakarta to Jakarta and a west-to-east route ending in Malang before a flight from Surabaya to Jakarta.
As for access to the islands, I read that there’s no longer a connection from Semarang but there is one from Jepara. Can you confirm?
You can also book an agency before you leave—they’ll take care of you from Jakarta, but like all services booked from abroad, it’ll be more expensive.
We’re still tempted by Bogor, the Dieng Plateau, Bandung, Pangandaran, and Karimunjawa.
The Dieng Plateau isn’t between Bogor and Bandung.
and a west-to-east route ending in Malang before a flight from Surabaya to Jakarta.
In mid-July, there are 3 daily flights from Malang to Jakarta CGK—1 with Citilink and 2 with Batik Air—as well as 2 daily flights from Malang to Jakarta HLP with Batik Air.
As for access to the islands, I read that there’s no longer a connection from Semarang but there is one from Jepara. Can you confirm?
I don’t know about departures from Semarang. From Jepara, it’s 6 times a week.
I’ll repeat my advice not to leave these islands for the very end of your itinerary.
If needed, a tourist shuttle leaves Yogyakarta late in the evening to arrive in Jepara in time for the morning boat. Check Day Trans, but there may be other companies.
Oh, your project sounds great! Honestly, Java is far from being exhausted even after hitting the big classics. So, I’ll share what I picked up while backpacking there a few years ago.
Personally, I’d recommend focusing on the central-western part, like between Bandung and Cilacap. Bandung itself is cool—way less crowded than the volcanic hotspots. You’ve got some nice mountains around, crater lakes... I spent two solid days there without any regrets. From what I remember, there are decent treks, and the vibe is way less touristy.
The *really* underrated spot is the Pangandaran region on the south coast. Basically, a chill beach town with cliffs, caves, and super laid-back locals. Back in 2015, I met a French backpacking family there who’d stayed for four days straight. It’s around 20-30€ a night for a nice guesthouse.
For your 3-week itinerary, I’d suggest something like: Bandung (4-5 days) → Pangandaran (4 days) → Djogja (skip the temples this time—get lost in the surrounding villages or go hiking) → and finish on an island like Karimunjawa. Double-check if it’s still accessible, but it was packed with potential back then. Hardly any tourists at the time.
Honestly, late June is perfect timing—it’s dry. Budget-wise, plan for around 15-20€ per day for decent accommodation outside peak seasons. Travel by train between cities; it’s an adventure in itself.
Here are my tips! Any questions about any of these spots?
Flo — Expat Bangkok depuis 2019 · Thaïlande, Vietnam, Cambodge, Bali · Je réponds sur le budget, les visas et la logistique terrain
Thanks for these ideas—we’re still brainstorming, but the current situation is holding us back a bit...
We’re thinking of trying Bogor (for the national parks), Pangandaran (which looks really nice!), Djoja, then Karimunjawa and Bandung on the way back to Jakarta.
We’d love to see so much more, but we’re telling ourselves there’s no point in rushing—we’ll discover plenty of things once we’re there anyway!
Any favorites or must-visit spots?
Thanks again!
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Bonjour ,
nous sommes actuellement à Mai chau et demain nous reprenons la route pour Hanoi afin de monter vers Ba Ha et Sapa .
Pas vraiment de programme attitré depuis notre arrivée nous avons déjà fait la baie d'Halong terrestre et maritime.
J'ai 2 jours libres avant d'aller sur Bac Ha et Sapa .
Avez vous des conseils ?
Merci et au plaisir de vous lire .
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled.
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary.
We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1**
Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2**
Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3**
Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4**
Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5**
Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6**
Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7**
Sidemen
**Day 8**
Sidemen
**Day 9**
Sidemen
**Day 10**
Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11**
Gili Air
**Day 12**
Gili Air
**Day 13**
Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14**
Ubud
**Day 15**
Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family?
Does it feel too packed or well-balanced?
Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
