Bali & East Java in 12 days

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8. March 2021

Bali & East Java in 12 days - Travel planning:

For the round trip Bali & East Java from Beijing , I planned a total of 12 days. After intensive research, I contacted a friend of mine from Indonesia, who also lives and works in Beijing, to check the travel plans for feasibility and adjust them if necessary. After the final preparation, I was able to get an English-speaking driver organized by my colleague, who led the tour including pick-up from the airport in Denpasar on Bali.

From Beijing, Denpasar Airport on the Indonesian island of Bali can be reached in around 7 hours by plane.

I took the trip in late September to early October to avoid the national holidays in China. The rainy season in Bali actually starts in October, but the weather was excellent and the temperatures very pleasant.

Nevertheless, warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are a must for climbing the volcanoes in the east of the island of Java. In particular, the path to the Ijen volcano, where the hike to the crater begins at around 1 a.m., can be damp and slippery at times. At the latest, however, the descent into the crater, to the local sulfur mine, is impossible without appropriate footwear.

It is also advisable to have head or hand lamps with appropriate replacement batteries in your luggage. Charcoal tablets or a remedy for an upset stomach should also not be missing in your luggage. Anyone visiting Indonesia for the first time runs the risk of getting to know the “Bali Belly”, a kind of gastrointestinal virus that can quickly destroy a fixed travel plan.

Arrival in Denpasar on the island of Bali:

The arrival in Denpasar on the island of Bali was in the evening, so after being picked up by the driver we went directly to the hotel near the airport.

The accommodation “The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali”:

For the first and last two nights, the choice fell on the accommodation "The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali". The hotel is located directly at the beach and is only about one kilometer away from the airport, making it ideal for avoiding long drives to and from the airport on arrival and departure.

Tropical palm trees surround a cozy terrace with seating that overlooks the sandy beach and the ocean.

There are two wooden swings on the beach, while in the background, boats bob on the blue water and people stroll along the shore.

A light-colored wooden deck with a cozy sofa, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful plants under a bright blue sky.

A breakfast plate with an omelet, tomato, cucumber, a slice of pizza, and yogurt, with coffee and milk next to it on a wooden table.

An inviting pool area with green water, surrounded by lush plants, a beach umbrella, and stylish seating.

An elegant hotel room with warm lighting, gray curtains, a modern sitting area, and a TV on a stylish sideboard.

A modern hotel bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, a large vanity, and a patterned tile backsplash.

The hotel is relatively large, the rooms are clean and nothing is missing. If you want, you can reserve a room with a terrace, garden and private pool. The breakfast buffet is excellent and offers everything your heart desires. Excellent, Indonesian coffee included.

The journey from Denpasar in Bali to Banyuwangi in Java:

A traditional Balinese stone gate with ornate statues, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky.

A Balinese temple made of dark stone with a tiered roof and an ornately decorated columned gate, with a blooming frangipani tree in front of it.

After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, the five-hour drive from Denpasar passing the Tanah Lot temple complex to the ferry terminal in Gilimanuk began. From there we used the ferry to Banyuwangi on Java.

The sea temple Tanah Lot:

People stroll through the monumental gate adorned with golden statues, while a colorful stall offers fresh fruit and the sea is visible in the distance.

People are exploring a rocky coastline covered in green algae, with a temple in the background, as waves crash against the rocks.

An impressive coastal cliff with a temple, surrounded by lush greenery and visitors, under bright sunshine and a clear sky.

On the way we had a stop at the sea temple Tannah Lot. This temple, built on a rock in front of the sea, is completely surrounded by the sea at high tide. At low tide, however, it can be viewed without any problems and offers an impressive appearance. Allegedly there are more temples than residents in Bali, as almost every Balinese has their own small temple integrated into their home.

After visiting the sea temple Tanah Lot, the journey continued along the sea and through a forest area inhabited by monkeys towards Gilimanuk.

An ornately designed stone archway with dragon motifs spanning a street, surrounded by palm trees and flowering plants.

As a greeting and farewell, a huge gate adorned with dragons spans the street near the port of Gilimanuk.

The crossing from Bali to Java:

The ferry crossing from Bali to Java is a real adventure. The rocking ride on one of the car ferries takes around 45 minutes.

A colorful passenger ship is sailing on the blue water; in the background, gentle mountains can be seen beneath a clear sky.

A ferry crosses the strait between Bali and Java in the golden light, with a volcano rising above the coast in the background.

The best thing to be destructed from the swing on the ferry is to take a look on the breathtaking volcanic landscape of Java or enjoy a cool drink on board.

After arriving at the port of Ketapang, the drive takes about half an hour to the accommodation in Banyuwangi.

The accommodation “Grand Harvest Resort & Villas” in Banyuwangi:

Banjuwangi is the starting point for the hike to the Ijen volcano. The accommodation "Grand Harvest Resort & Villas”Is about a 20-minute drive from the parking at the foot of the Ijen. The hotel is therefore ideal for starting the hike to the blue fire of the sulfur mine around midnight.

A bright hotel room with a large bed, a colorful mural, and minimalist decor in neutral tones.

The rooms of the accommodation are less luxurious than the Anvaya Beach Resort, but with everything that is necessary. In addition, the rooms are very spacious for one or two nights.

During the day, the hotel complex, which is located in the middle of rice terraces, offers a wonderful view to the Ijen and its neighboring mountains.

A delicious breakfast buffet is available for refreshment after the return of the hike, swimming pools and bars are available as well.

Two floors of a modern building surrounded by green grass and palm trees under a bright blue sky.

A tropical landscape with palm trees, a red pavilion, and two majestic mountains beneath a brilliant blue sky.

The volcano Ijen and its subsidiary volcano are seldom so cloudless and clear. It was very lucky that the weather was so perfect, because it even rained slightly the evening before the hike.

The hike to the crater lake of the Gunung Ijen volcano:

As agreed, the time to get up was punctually at 11:30 p.m. At midnight it was time to leave for the Ijen.

A grinning man wearing a headlamp is holding a glass of a dark beverage in a rustic setting at night.

Three pictures in black frames hang on a yellow wall, while an analog clock displays the time.

Two woven baskets filled with yellow objects hang from a stick over a dark crevice.

When we arrived at the parking lot we had an Indonesian coffee to wake up. 1:00 a.m., what an unusual time to drink coffee. Then, accompanied by a mountain guide, we went up to the crater and further into the crater to the edge of the sulfur mine, where the blue fire of the burning sulfur can be seen.

On the way, you repeatedly come across the workers who break down the sulfur and transport it out of the crater in baskets weighing up to 100 kilograms per basket.

A bluish light shines through the thick fog, while a person stands nearby holding a camera.

Four people wearing headlamps are standing in a dark cave, while a bluish light shines down from the ceiling.

Two people wearing headlamps explore a foggy, yellowish-green volcanic landscape beneath flashes of lightning in the sky.

A misty background surrounds glowing blue flames rising from a rugged, moss-covered surface.

The blue fire of the Ijen is unique in the world. The world's largest sulfur mine is located in the crater, where the sulfur is still extracted in very strong manual work and transported over the edge of the crater into the valley.

Even without the weight of the sulfur, the hike to the blue fire is relatively strenuous and should not be underestimated. The blue fire can be seen until shortly before sunrise, after which it gives way to the yellow of the sulfur and the turquoise of the crater lake.

A view from above of the turquoise crater lake of Mount Ijen, from which yellowish sulfur smoke rises.

As soon as daylight illuminates the lake, it shines in dark turquoise. A gigantic column of smoke rises from the sulfur mine and it is only in daylight that you really realize why you should wear respiratory masks here. As soon as daylight illuminates the lake, it shines in dark turquoise. A gigantic column of smoke rises from the sulfur mine and it is only in daylight that you really realize why you should wear respiratory masks here.

Two men are sitting on yellowish, sulfur-rich ground, surrounded by a smoky mountain landscape.

A porter carries two baskets of yellow sulfur rock down the steep path of Mount Ijen on Java.

During the break and at work - the sulfur miners on the crater rim of Gunung Ijen.

Green mountain slopes surround a volcanic crater with rugged rock formations as the morning sun gently rises.

A view across forested volcanic cones and vast plateaus in the morning light, with more mountain ranges on the horizon.

Before the sun has risen over the last mountain tops, the descent into the valley is due. At dawn, the view of the surrounding volcanoes is simply fantastic.

After arriving at the hotel, it was time to have breakfast. Afterwards, catching up on sleep was the order of the day until noon.

The Kalibendo coffee plantation with coffee roastery and the Kalibendo waterfall:

After “sleeping in” and having lunch, a trip to Kalibendo was on the program. Here you can take a nice walk passing a coffee plantation with a roastery and a waterfall in the jungle. The tour is ideal for loosening up your legs after the strain of the night.

Two boys in traditional Balinese clothing are standing, smiling, on a narrow street, surrounded by lush greenery.

On the way to Kalibendo, two boys who had just left school willingly have themselves photographed in their traditional Indonesian school uniform.

Two motorcycles carrying large bundles of plants are riding along a paved road, surrounded by colorful flowers and rustic buildings.

A small waterfall flows over a wooden barrier, while foaming water flows into a tranquil pond surrounded by green plants.

The Kalibendo coffee roastery. The colored water in the stream behind the roasting facility clearly shows that people are busy working here. Washing the roasted beans gives the stream its coffee-brown color.

A narrow bamboo path winds through a lush, blooming landscape to a small stream surrounded by trees and plants.

A clear stream flows through a lush green landscape, surrounded by dense trees and colorful plants.

After a fresh cup of coffee straight from the plantation, the walk to the Kalibendo waterfall began. This can be reached after a relaxed 30 minute walk through the jungle of East Java.

A hand-carved wooden sign reading “Like a Jungle” stands along a jungle trail next to a small stream.

A lush, green landscape featuring a wooden platform situated next to a waterfall and a small body of water, surrounded by dense vegetation.

The path to the waterfall leads through fascinating, tropical vegetation, the hike is pure recreation and relaxation.

A tranquil river flows through a green landscape dotted with colorful flowers, with a covered wooden deck in the background.

A narrow waterfall plunges through dense jungle into a tranquil, rock-lined pool.

Along small picnic-pavilons, the path continues along the stream. At the end of the trail you finally reach the Kalibendo waterfall. Then we went back to our accommodation for dinner.

Drive to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park:

The next morning there was a six-hour drive to the Gunung Bromo volcano. This is located in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. On the way there there was a short stop at the outflow of the Ijen crater lake.

Clear water reflects the surrounding rocks and trees, while a gentle waterfall flows in the background.

Green plant frames surround a dry, gentle hilly landscape with forested mountains and a clear, blue sky.

A rural scene featuring a white, Asian-style building surrounded by green trees and rolling hills under a clear sky.

One last look at Gunung Ijen before continuing towards Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park.

Arrival at Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park:

When we arrived at Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, it was almost dark. After checking in at the hotel the observation of the Milky Way was on the program before going back to the accommodation.

The silhouette of Mount Bromo stands out against a dramatic evening sky, with trails of light from vehicles winding through the sea of sand.

The nighttime atmosphere at Mount Bromo, with trails of light from vehicles in the dark sea of sand and a bright light on the horizon.

A clear night sky with countless twinkling stars and the Milky Way, while a volcano glows in the background.

It was a fascinating and majestic sight to see the Milky Way galaxy over the glowing Semeru volcano. For the next morning it is planned to watch the sunrise over the caldera.

The sky stayed clear overnight and so there was an unforgettable sunrise from the viewpoint Kingkong Hill over the entire Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. In the afternoon, it was time to rest and it was planned to watch the sunset at the Mentingen Hill viewpoint, 500 meters away from the hotel.

Unfortunately, the weather at sunset didn't really play along and thick fog came in, preventing any view of the sun. After dinner it was time to go to bed early again, because for the next morning after sunrise, the ascent of Bromo and the return trip to Bali were on the agenda.

The hike to the crater of the Gunung Bromo volcano:

Shortly after sunrise the next morning there was a unique view from the hotel over the caldera towards the Gunung Bromo volcano. The previous evening's fog filled the entire pool. The Bromo gave smoke signals in the background.

Before breakfast, before the fog had cleared, we took the jeep over the ash field towards the Gunung Bromo volcano. The last kilometer is either on foot or on horseback to the crater.

A row of colorful SUVs stands on sandy ground; in the background, you can see rolling hills and fog.

A vast, sandy expanse dotted with footprints and the occasional person, surrounded by rolling hills and a clear sky.

Although it was an absolute dream day, there were occasional stormy gusts, a dust mask and sunglasses are highly recommended here. Sturdy, high shoes are advantageous if you don't want to have to constantly empty the volcanic ash from your shoes.

A steep stone staircase lined with railings leads numerous visitors up to the rim of the Bromo volcano.

A vast crater with steep, rugged walls, from which steam rises, under a clear, blue sky with few clouds.

The ascent to the crater leads over a narrow, steep and ash-covered staircase. Once at the top you can see the mighty crater of Bromo, which makes a noise like a jet taking off.

A dust devil swirls across the gray, arid landscape, surrounded by rolling, forested mountains beneath a clear blue sky.

After visiting the crater and hiking through the ash desert of Gunung Bromo, we went back to the hotel for breakfast. After checking out, the approximately 6-hour drive back to the island of Bali was announced.

Back in Bali - the Mimpi Resort Menjangan:

Right on time for dinner, we arrived at the next destination, where the hotel Mimpi Resort Menjangan was booked. Actually, a diving excursion was planned for the next day. However, it had to be postponed because of the aforementioned Bali Bellis. As a result, this day was practically a day of rest in the hotel complex.

A green door in a garden with lush plants and a stone-paved path, surrounded by tropical vegetation.

A cozy bedroom with a bed, surrounded by a white mosquito net, warm lighting, and a rustic thatched roof.

The hotel complex alone offers enough to fill several days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed directly at the water, a bath in a hot spring, which is partly connected to the rooms, or a massage with spa make the time entertaining.

Lush gardens surround a cluster of elegant, thatched-roof villas, featuring flowering shrubs and a small pond.

A picturesque coastal landscape with clear water, surrounded by lush greenery and small boats moored at a dock.

From the hotel you can also undertake diving trips to one of the most beautiful diving areas in Bali - if you want and your health plays along.

In the afternoon it was time to check out again and the journey continued towards Munduk.

There was good coffee on the way and a visit to the Munduk waterfall was planned.

A narrow path paved with dirt and stones winds through lush green vegetation to an inviting café marked by a wooden sign.

A tall, narrow waterfall plunges between densely overgrown, moss-covered rock faces into a small stream.

The accommodation Puri Lumbung Cottages in Munduk:

The tour continued towards Munduk. The goal was the accommodation Puri Lumbung Cottages in Munduk.

Traditional Balinese wooden houses surrounded by lush vegetation, a small pond, and flowering plants under a clear sky.

Green rice paddies and traditional houses are surrounded by lush trees, while long shadows are cast by the sun.

The small huts of the property are scattered in the middle of the beautifully landscaped rice terraces. An excellent breakfast is included. The on-site restaurant also offers excellent lunches and dinners.

A tropical landscape with lush palm trees and vibrant greenery, as the sun sets on the horizon in soft hues.

A rustic, well-lit restaurant with plants and a red flag stands on a winding road in the twilight.

After checking in, it was just the right time to take a stroll around the area to watch the sun set and darken. The next morning, after breakfast and checking out, a hike through the jungle of Bali was planned.

A tropical garden with a sign overgrown with roots that reads “Welcome to the Jungle,” surrounded by colorful flowers and palm trees.

A clear lake reflects the surrounding green forests, while traditional Balinese temples are visible in the background.

Once you have crossed the tropical jungle, you come to Lake Danau Tamblingan. From there you take a small boat to the Hindu temple Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, a small temple complex right at the lake.

A clear blue lake surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills beneath a bright blue sky.

Then we went on by car, along the green lakes to the temple complex Pura Ulun Danau Beratan, one of the most famous temple complexes in Bali. On the way, from above Lake Danau Buyan, you have a fantastic view over the lakes. Gunung Agung volcano can be seen in the background when the weather is clear.

The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Water Temple, with its multi-tiered pagoda roofs, stands on the lakeshore; bright red flowers bloom in the foreground.

A picturesque temple complex with several pagoda-like towers, surrounded by blooming gardens and a tranquil body of water, set against a mountainous backdrop.

The temple complex Pura Ulun Danau Beratan is located on the shores of Lake Danau Beratan and for me, not only because of its popularity, but much more because of its location with the mountain panorama in the background, it is one of the most beautiful temples on the island of Bali.

The accommodation Kamandalu Ubud:

The next destination was Ubud, where the accommodation Kamandalu Ubud was reserved.

An elegant room with a cozy sofa, colorful pillows, a stylish table, and soft lighting beneath a thatched roof.

A covered outdoor bed with white pillows in a lit thatched-roof pavilion at night.

An inviting pool area with palm trees, traditional Balinese buildings, and lounge chairs under a clear blue sky.

The Kamandalu Ubud is also a fantastic hotel to relax and enjoy. There are restaurants with excellent food by the hotel's pool. An excellent breakfast is also offered. If you want, you can have your food served in the water in a separate pool.

Sights in and around Ubud:

A magnificent Balinese temple with intricately decorated stone facades and a stone staircase, set against a clear sky.

An intricately carved stone arched gate with guardian statues, through which vehicles enter a plaza.

The Ubud area has quite a few attractions to offer. Among other things, the historic Ubud Palace is architecturally a real eye-catcher. If you want, you can buy traditional Indonesian souvenirs at the Ubud Market.

People are relaxing in a pool of clear water, surrounded by green trees and traditional yellow umbrellas.

Spiritually it continues at the Tampak Siring water temple. Here you can wash your body in crystal clear spring water - of course only if you wear traditional prayer clothes.

Aerial view of a Balinese village with traditional temple roofs, surrounded by tropical vegetation and mountains in the background.

Two women in traditional clothing are walking down a stone staircase, surrounded by green countryside and Balinese architecture.

Traditional Balinese temples with ornate thatched roofs and colorful decorations, surrounded by tropical vegetation.

A visit to an old Balinese village was less religious, but just as culturally interesting. To see how the residents used to and still live here is impressive. Each of the houses has its own temple integrated into the property. Here it becomes clear how important religion is in Bali.

Green hills covered in dense forests, with two majestic volcanoes in the background beneath a clear blue sky.

A person on a swing looks out at a breathtaking mountain landscape with volcanoes and a clear blue sky.

The route continued via Kintamani, from where you have a wonderful view of the Gunung Agung and Gunung Batur, the active volcanoes of Bali, to the rice terrace of Tegallalang.

Green, terraced rice paddies with palm trees and a winding stream; in the background, a swing ride on the hillside.

Visitors enjoy a zipline ride over terraced rice paddies, surrounded by tall palm trees and lush green vegetation.

A tasting selection of fourteen small cups of various coffees and teas on a wooden table with a view of the jungle.

Surrounded by tropical forest, overgrown with palm trees, the Tegallalang rice terrace is located in hilly terrain. If you dare to try the famous Bali Swing, a swing over the rice fields, fastened between palm trees. At the end of the day, visitors can enjoy a culinary tasting of local coffee products. After the coffee tasting we went back to Kuta for the last two nights in the accommodation “The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali”.

The southern peninsula of Bali:

A tour around the southern peninsula of Bali was planned for the penultimate day. In the morning the postponed dive was made up, then the individual sights of the peninsula were visited.

Diving in Bali - a fascinating experience

A diver with equipment hovers above a sunken shipwreck, surrounded by rising air bubbles.

After breakfast at the Anvaya Beach Resort, the tour began in the direction of the southern peninsula of Bali, the Nusa Dua and the first stage goal was the catch-up dive at Tanjung Benoa Beach.

A diver in a wetsuit, surrounded by colorful fish, swims over the sandy seabed in clear water.

Two clownfish swim among the long, white tentacles of a sea anemone in clear, blue water.

Even for absolute newbies, it is a great experience, a real adventure, to experience the underwater world up close and to see the biodiversity of the oceans with your own eyes. In addition, you quickly realize that diving is a pretty strenuous sport.

Sightseeing on Bali's small south peninsula

The monumental Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue rises high above a rocky hill against a blue sky.

After the dive, the next sight, the GWK statue, was on the plan. For me personally, a destination that you don't necessarily have to have on your travel plan. The GWK statue is the symbol of Bali, a statue similar to the Statue of Liberty of New York. Viewing was not possible at the time of my visit. Perhaps the interior of the statue offers more than it appears from the outside.

A sunny beach with golden sand, surrounded by green trees, where people relax under beach umbrellas and swim in the water.

A hidden cove with rocky cliffs and a fine sandy beach, where visitors are relaxing and a man is taking a selfie.

In the afternoon the tour led to Padang Padang Beach, a small, beautiful beach below rocky cliffs. Not too crowded and a nice place to linger and listen to the sound of the sea. After the break on the beach, the last sight of the trip was on the program. The temple complex of Uluwatu.

Colorful bougainvillea blooms at the edge of a cliff that slopes gently down to the sparkling sea, beneath a clear, blue sky.

Colorful bougainvillea blooms in front of a cliff, behind which traditional Balinese architecture and a bright blue sky are visible.

The temple complex of Uluwatu is also a temple in traditional Balinese style. What makes it special is its location, relatively exposed on the steep coast in the extreme southwest of Bali. You should especially watch out for the wild monkeys, who will dispute everything that is not safely stowed away.

The last day, day of departure:

The last day was at leisure, with no fixed program. In the morning there was time to have breakfast and relax in the hotel and the luggage was prepared for the return flight in the evening.

A spotted civet (luwak) sits curiously on a metal cage in a store.

In the afternoon we went shopping. Coincidentally, in one of the nearby malls there were still some Luwaks, crawling cats that are used for the production of the expensive Luwak coffee, to be seen.

Red beach umbrellas line the beach, while people relax in colorful chairs under the palm trees.

A surfer is carrying his surfboard over his head along the beach, while other surfers are in the water in the background.

Then it was time to relax and stroll along the beaches from Kuta Beach up to Double Six Beach.

Silhouettes of people on the beach against a bright orange sunset, reflected in the wet sand.

There was a fantastic sunset to see before we went back to the airport after dinner and the flight back to Beijing took off.

Conclusion:

Bali & East Java in 12 days was a dream. The first days in Java were really exhausting with the tour of the volcanic landscapes. Nevertheless, the impressions made up for the hardships.

More quiet and more relaxed, thanks in part to the impeccable hotels, Bali continued with cultural, spiritual and culinary highlights. Rounded off and embedded in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and nature, the trip was an unforgettable experience, also thanks to the perfect pre-organization.

You could well and gladly extend the duration to 14 days or even three weeks, but this trip far exceeded my expectations.

This report is part of my series Southeast Asia travel reports – there you will find an overview of all countries.

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