East Java-Natural Wonders
8 Days/7 Nights
Overview
The easternmost hemisphere of Java Island offers not only rich culture and ancient history but also magical natural wonders. Walk on the land of Java to discover the colorful remnants of the Majapahit empire, the symbol of resistance of Javanese who tried to seize over the new republic, the inspiring artisan village of present times, until the heart-stopping natural beauty.
Tour at a Glance
Day 01 Arrival at Surabaya / Afternoon Historical Tour / Overnight Surabaya
Day 02 Transfer to Malang / Kampung Warna-Warni / Overnight Malang
Day 03 Malang Tour and Temple / Overnight Malang
Day 04 Tumpak Sewu Waterfall / Overnight Bromo
Day 05 Sunrise Bromo Savannah Picnic / Overnight Bromo
Day 06 Transfer to Pasuruan or Probolinggo / Train to Banyuwangi / Overnight Ijen
Day 07 Ijen Trekking / Afternoon Village and Terrace Walk / Dinner / Overnight Ijen
Day 08 Visit Jagir Waterfall / Ferry to Bali / Transfer to South Bali Hotel or Denpasar Airport
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Surabaya – Afternoon Historical Tour
Upon arrival in Surabaya, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the historic Majapahit Hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, you will learn more about Indonesia’s youngest past during a Historical Hotel Tour with afternoon tea. Originally built in 1910 by the famous Sarkies brothers, Hotel Majapahit is a classic landmark institution filled with national pride, where history blends with romance and elegance. At the end of WWII, on 19th September 1945 pro-nationalist Indonesian youth revolutionaries stormed the room 33 where the Dutch Occupation had set their temporary headquarters and demanded an explanation of the raising of the Dutch flag on the hotel’s roof mast.
After the independence of Indonesia was declared on 17th August 1945, the revolutionaries did not want to see their newly independent country returning to colonialism, so they rushed to the hotel’s roof and tore down the blue strip of the Dutch flag to retain the red and white parts, identifying the colours of the Indonesian flag known today. The hotel was then temporarily renamed Hotel Merdeka or Hotel Independence.
Approximate distances:
- From Surabaya Airport to hotel: 27km / 45 minutes
Meal included: Afternoon Tea
Accommodation: Majapahit Heritage Hotel (Classic Room)
Day 02: Transfer to Malang – Kampung Warna Warni
Raise early in the morning to check out from the hotel and head onwards to Malang, where you will visit Jodipan Village, which until 2016 was a slum area on the verge of eviction. The living conditions in the village were so inhumane that the local government had decided to give up the whole village and relocate all residents. It was at that time when a group of students from a Malang University suggested to give Jodipan a new look with a splash of color in hope to attract tourists.
A collaboration was formed with a local paint distributor who donated 3 tons of paint, local artists and painters were gathered and together with the village residents and Indonesian Air Force troops they started to transform previously atrocious corners into beautiful backdrops for gorgeous pictures.
Kampung Warna-Warni, “colourful hometown” as the village is nick-named today, is divided into two parts separated by the Brantas River. While initially only the houses along the south bank were painted, in 2017 also the opposite side was completed and is known as “Kampung Tridi”, as it specializes in epic 3D-paintings. Both parts of the village have related to a new pedestrian bridge crossing the river and feature brightly colored walls, artistic touches, and decorations like colored umbrellas, masks, hats or traditional Javanese Wayang Shadow Puppets showcased next to present-day characters known from animated Hollywood movies. This multicoloured change also painted a sense of hope and optimism to the villagers as the environment changed and economy started to grow.
Upon arrival at the village, you will be welcomed by the “Rukun Warga”, the head of the village, who will be happy to provide you with deeper insights about this unusual transformation while you enjoy a tea or coffee with snacks in one of the local cafes overlooking the colourful village. You will stroll through the narrow winding roads and reach the artist’s studio of Jodipan, where you will have the opportunity to sit with the artists and experience how to produce simple artwork like a painted stone with a movie character or a nice bowl with a complete 3D design, depending on your skills.
You will not only leave with a self-made piece of art home with you, but also extensive memories of the friendly people in this flashy village, which has successfully proven that even without any big funding the standard of living can be significantly improved just by a strong local community with some creative minds.
Afterwards transfer to the nearby Tugu Hotel for check-in. In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Kampung Warna Warni: 98 km / 2 hours
- From Kampung Warna Warni to hotel: 1km / 5 minutes
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tugu Malang – Superior Deluxe
Day 03: Malang Tour and Temple
Today’s sightseeing tour starts with a visit the Hindu-Buddhist Jajaghu temple in the village of Jago to the east of Malang. In the days when Indonesia was part of the archipelago empire called Majapahit, a poetic eulogy called the Negarakertagama was written in homage to one of the ancient kings, Hayam Wuruk. The eulogy contained many descriptions of temples, palaces, and ceremonies and the Negarakertagama has become an important source of historical research into the ancient cultures and religious backgrounds to temples such as Jajaghu. Even the meaning of the name, Jajaghu, is revealed. It means grandeur or sacred place. Principally Buddhist, the temple also embraces elements of Hinduism in keeping with the syncretic fusion of modern Balinese Hindu-Buddhism.
We then move on to visit the temple at Sumberawan. Strictly speaking, this is not a temple. It’s a stupa, a Buddhist shrine usually built to commemorate a revered Buddhist monk and house his mortal remains. The Sumberawan stupa was discovered in a deteriorated state in 1904 and has since been partially but sympathetically renovated. The stupa is the only true Buddhist stupa in East Java and is believed to date back to the time of the Majapahit Sinhasari kingdom: 1222 – 1292 CE. Somewhat unusually, the stupa had no stairway up to the small room at the top wherein should lie the relics of the Buddhist holy man.
No relics were found however, and the speculation is that the stupa was built more as a place of worship and meditation, or possibly in honour of a visit by the Majapahit king, King Hayam Wuruk, in 1359. The stupa is mentioned in the Negarakertagama and referred to as Kasurangganan temple. On your return to Malang, you will walk through the Pasar Bunga (Flower Market). As you weave your way through Pasar Bunga’s maze of small alleys, you will be accompanied by the sounds of the many different and colourful birds for sale: parakeets, cockatoos, budgerigars (imported), java eagles, owls and even bats and tree squirrels and, of course, exotic cages and bags and bags of birdseed. In the Bird Market you will also find many other animals and even tropical fish.
Finish your day with late lunch and a real treat: home-made preservative-free ice cream and other culinary delights at the Dutch-built Toko Oen café restaurant, probably the most famous cake and ice-cream shop in Malang. If you are there on a quiet day, sit in the corner and soak up the ambience of the place while listening to old world Dutch and Indonesian music.
Approximate duration of the visits:
- Malang Tour and Temple: 4 hours
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Jajaghu Temple: 17km / 40 minutes
- From Jajaghu Temple to Sumberawan Temple: 28km / 1hour
- From Sumberawan Temple to Toko Oen: 18km / 1 hour
- From Toko Oen to hotel: 2km / 10 minutes
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tugu Malang – Superior Deluxe
Day 04: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
This morning after breakfast, checkout, and drive along a scenic road heading to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. Arriving at the parking area, you will take a short walk on the designated path leading you to the viewpoint. From the viewpoint, be prepared to be in awe as you scan your surrounding panorama. The drape of water falls from edge of valley with the height of around 500 meters above sea level and the thickened mist creates ethereal atmosphere. Proceed onwards to your hotel in Bromo area for check-in and overnight. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Approximate duration of the visits:
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: 1,5 hours
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: 64km / 2.5 hours
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfall to hotel: 98km / 3,5 hours
Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Plataran Bromo – Deluxe Room
Day 05: Sunrise Bromo Savannah Picnic
With its huge crater and almost mystical-like scenery in all directions, Mount Bromo and its surrounds are stunning beyond question.
Sunrise is the most magical time to view the entire Bromo landscape but this does involve a very early morning start of around 3am as you will travel by private 4WD-jeep from Plataran Bromo to the rim of Mount Penanjakan in time for dawn.
From the viewpoint at 2.770 meters asl you will enjoy unobstructed ethereal views over the active Bromo crater and the Tengger massif with the towering Mount Semeru as backdrop at 3.676 meters Java’s highest mountain and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia with small eruptions happening approximately every 20 minutes.
After (hopefully) witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will return to your jeep and descend the steep slopes back down to the bottom of the Tengger Caldera and then cross the Sea of Sand until you reach a verdant savannah – a truly idyllic setting for an al fresco breakfast.
Here a blanket laid-out on the grass awaits you to enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast while you take in nature’s epic beauty and delve into the magical landscape of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Once finished your breakfast, you will drive back to Mt. Bromo itself. A short walk (*) through the sea of sand passing the Pura Luhur Poten Hindu temple will bring you to the base of Mt. Bromo.
The final climb of approximately 250 steps to the rim of the crater is definitely worth the effort and you will be rewarded with yet more incredible vistas into the active crater.
(*) For an additional cost (payable locally) it is possible to cross the sea of sand by horseback
Approximate duration of the visits:
- Sunrise Bromo Savannah Picnic: 5 hours
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Plataran Bromo – Deluxe Room
Day 06: Transfer to Pasuruan or Probolinggo – Train to Banyuwangi
Enjoy your last breakfast in Bromo, before your driver will pick you up to transfer you to Pasuruan train station to board on a train to Banyuwangi.
Arriving at Banyuwangi train station after a five-hour train ride, you will be guided to transfer to the resort in Ijen where you spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Suggested train schedules:
- Pasuruan – Banyuwangi: Mutiara Timur Siang (Executive Class), 09.57 – 15.10
- Probolinggo – Banyuwangi: Mutiara Timur (Executive Class), 11.35 – 15.29
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Pasuruan train station: 48km / 1.5 hours
- From Banyuwangi train station to hotel: 15km / 35 minutes
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Ijen Resort – Resort Deluxe
Day 07: Ijen Trekking – Afternoon Village and Terrace Walk
Wake before sunrise and head out by 4WD vehicle on the exciting journey to Ijen Crater. Part of the Ijen Plateau, a dramatic region of volcanic activity, the scenery is incredibly diverse as you proceed past rural villages and plantations and drive through tropical rainforest, all in a relatively short space of time.
From the Park Ranger’s post there is a 90-minute hike on foot to the actual crater lake. The views from the top are extraordinary and the lake itself is a wonderful aqua blue colour.
Evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere, and it is interesting to observe the local miners as they descend into the crater and re-emerge sometime later with baskets full of yellow crystalline sulphur deposits, sometime transporting up to 80kg at a time.
After ample time to appreciate the setting, it is time to retrace the journey and return to your hotel in time for breakfast, rest and relax.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided two hour walk around the villages and rice terraces of Ijen. Starting off from the hotel, you will have the best chance of seeing local life, if you’re lucky see the farmers working in the fields. You can discuss various options and routes with your guide making them aware of any interests you may have. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Approximate duration of the visits:
- Ijen Trekking: 3.5 hours
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Mt. Ijen: 32 km / 1.5 hours
Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ijen Resort – Resort Deluxe
Day 08: Visit Jagir Waterfall – Ferry to Bali – Transfer to South Bali
After having your last breakfast, get ready to check out from your hotel and transfer to Jagir Waterfall. Nestled within lush greenery, the waterfall is fed by natural springs, resulting in crystal-clear and cool water cascading down multiple streams. It is easily accessible and offers a serene environment, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography. You can also enjoy a quick swim in the refreshing pools or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings before it is time to retrace the journey as you drive to Ketapang harbour to board the ferry that takes you to Bali Island.
Upon arrival at Gilimanuk harbour in Bali, you will be greeted and transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to move onward to your hotel in South Bali area (own booked).
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Jagir Waterfall: 10km / 30 minutes
- From Jagir Waterfall to Ketapang harbour: 16 km / 35 minutes
- From Gilimanuk harbour to hotel: 137 km / 4 hours
Accommodation: None
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
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