As far as we’re concerned, a tour of Java is one of the best ways to discover the real Indonesia. From ancient temples and lush rice paddies to impressive volcanoes such as Bromo and Ijen: Java offers a surprising mix of nature, culture and adventure. During our tour of Java, we travelled across the island by train and visited the most famous highlights. In this blog, we’re sharing our complete itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 weeks, including handy transport tips, our favourite destinations and practical information to help you plan your trip through Java.
General information on Indonesia
Are you planning a trip to Indonesia? Then be sure to check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. On our Indonesia page you will find a complete overview of all practical information.
What is the best itinerary for Java?
We explored Java in two weeks, which we thought was the perfect length of time. We had enough time not only to visit the best-known highlights, such as Yogyakarta, Malang, Bromo and Ijen, but also to spend a good week in Bali.
For most travellers, a round trip of around two weeks …making it ideal. During this time, you can visit the main highlights without having to travel on every day. Do you have more time? Then you can easily extend the itinerary to include additional destinations, such as Bandung or Karimunjawa. Further on in this blog, you’ll find alternative routes so you can choose the option that suits you best.
Tip: we’ve written a detailed blog post for almost all the destinations on this route, packed with tips and practical information.
Example of our Java itinerary: day-by-day overview
To give you a good idea of the pace of the trip, we have put together an overview of our 2-week itinerary through Java. This itinerary shows how many nights we spent in each place and will help you plan your ideal tour. Use it for inspiration and adapt it to suit your own pace and preferences!
Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta
Day 2: Jakarta
Day 3: Train to Bandung
Day 4: Bandung
Day 5: Train to Yogyakarta
Day 6: Yogyakarta
Day 7: Yogyakarta
Day 8: Yogyakarta
Day 9: Train to Malang
Day 10: Malang
Day 11: Malang
Day 12: Bromo & Ijen tour
Day 13: Bromo & Ijen tour
Day 14: Boat to Bali
Are you short on time? If so, you could simply skip Bandung and travel directly from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. If, on the other hand, you have more time, there are several destinations you can easily add to this route. Later on in this blog, we’ll show you which extensions we recommend.
Why take a tour of Java?
It might go without saying if you’re reading this blog, but we think this island deserves a bit more attention. Java is often overlooked by travellers who only visit Bali, but as far as we’re concerned, that’s a shame. It’s precisely this enormous variety that makes Java so special. You can watch the sunrise at Mount Bromo in the morning, wander through ancient temple complexes the very next day, and then travel by train right through the lush green rice fields. Not a single day of our tour felt the same.
Transport during your tour of Java
Getting around Java is incredibly easy to organise. The island has an extensive railway network, meaning you can easily reach many popular destinations by train. You can also use a private driver, the bus or Grab for shorter distances. Which way of travelling suits you best depends mainly on your budget, the time you have available and how much freedom you want.
During our tour, we mainly travelled by train. We found this not only the most relaxing way to travel, but also an enjoyable experience in its own right. For some journeys, such as to Mount Bromo and the Ijen Crater, we opted for a transfer or organised tour, as these places are less easily accessible by public transport.
1. By train (our favourite)
As far as we’re concerned, the train is the most enjoyable and comfortable way to explore Java. The trains are modern, run with surprising punctuality, and along the way you can enjoy stunning views of rice fields, villages and volcanoes. In particular, the journeys between Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Malang are easy to reach by train. We would definitely choose this option again.
During our tour, we booked almost all our train tickets via 12Go Asia. It’s incredibly easy and you get all the information straight away. You can see the departure times and the different train classes straight away, and book your tickets in just a few minutes. We usually booked them a day in advance. That way, we could be sure we’d get a seat on the train we wanted.
Tip: Are you travelling during the high season or during the Indonesian school holidays? If so, book your train tickets well in advance. Popular routes can sell out quickly. Have you already finalised your itinerary? If so, we recommend booking all your train journeys straight away.
2. By bus (the most budget-friendly option)
The bus is often the cheapest way to travel around Java and connects virtually all major cities and tourist destinations. Although, to be honest, the price difference between the bus and the train is really minimal. Bear in mind, however, that the journey often takes longer than by train and that comfort levels can vary considerably depending on the bus company.
Just like our train tickets, we booked our bus tickets easily via 12Go Asia. This platform allows you to compare different operators, departure times and prices, so you don’t have to hunt for a ticket when you get there. We found this particularly useful for routes where there are no trains. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences ourselves.
3. By driver or taxi (most luxurious)
Ideal for families or travellers who want to get from one destination to another without any hassle. A driver knows the route, knows some great places to stop along the way, and will take you wherever you want to go, 24/7. Expect to pay around ± €75 per day including petrol and accommodation for the driver. A cheaper option is to book a taxi for each journey through your accommodation or via 12Go Asia.
Tip: arrange an eSIM from Saily or Airalo, so that you always have access to Google Maps, Grab and your train or bus tickets whilst you’re out and about. With our discount code TTM10 you’ll receive a discount on your Saily eSIM.
Our itinerary through Java
Java is one of Indonesia’s most diverse islands, and in many places it still feels truly authentic. During our tour, we travelled from Jakarta to Bali and we visited bustling cities, ancient temples, impressive volcanoes and one of Indonesia’s most beautiful waterfalls. We therefore found this itinerary to be the perfect combination of culture, nature and adventure. We’ve written a detailed blog post for almost every destination. In these posts, we share our personal tips, the best sights and useful practical information. This way, you can decide for yourself which places you want to visit and how many days you want to spend in each place.
1. Jakarta
For most travellers, Jakarta is the starting point for a tour of Java. There’s a good chance you’ll arrive here at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Although Jakarta is Indonesia’s largest city, many travellers choose to stay here for just one or two nights. That’s what we did too. After a long flight, we thought it would be nice to have a rest first before travelling to Bandung by train.
Journey time from Jakarta to Bandung: approximately 30 to 45 minutes by high-speed train (excluding the journey to and from the station) or 3.5 hours by standard train.
Our favourite hotels in Jakarta
Budget
Ideal if, after a long flight, you want to stay somewhere close to the airport before your tour begins.
From €31 per night
Studio Apartment Gold Coast PIK
Flat
A modern flat in the popular Pantai Indah Kapuk neighbourhood, perfect if you’re looking for a bit more comfort and space. Please note that this is not a hotel.
From €50 per night
Ideal location
A comfortable hotel with a swimming pool in a central location, ideal for a short visit to Jakarta.
From €88 per night
Luxury
One of Jakarta’s most luxurious hotels, with stylish rooms, a stunning swimming pool and views of the skyline.
From €179 per night
2. Bandung
For many travellers, Bandung is the first real stop on a tour of Java. The city is known for its green surroundings, colonial architecture and cosy cafés. What’s more, thanks to the high-speed train, you can travel from Jakarta to Bandung in no time at all, making it a logical first destination on this route.
To be honest, Bandung wasn’t our favourite destination on Java. During our stay, we unfortunately found ourselves in a few unpleasant situations, which ultimately led us to decide to carry on to Yogyakarta a day early. At the same time, we heard lots of other travellers telling enthusiastic stories about Bandung. Because of this, we don’t think our experience was entirely representative of the city itself.
If you have the time, we’d definitely recommend giving Bandung a go. The city is a good base from which to visit, amongst other places, Kawah Putih, the tea plantations and the charming neighbourhood Braga Street. Not quite what you expected? Then you can easily carry on to your next destination.
Journey time from Bandung to Yogyakarta: approximately 6.5 to 8 hours by train.
Our favourite hotels in Bandung
Best Western Premier La Grande Bandung
Prime location
A comfortable hotel in a prime location in the centre of Bandung. Ideal if you want to stay close to Braga Street and relax by the pool after a day of sightseeing.
From €48 per night
Middle class
A modern hotel with a swimming pool and spacious rooms, just a short distance from the railway station. A great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay before continuing your journey through Java the next day.
From €44 per night
Luxury
One of the best hotels in Bandung, with spacious rooms, a stunning rooftop pool and an excellent location close to the railway station. Perfect if you want to treat yourself to a bit of extra luxury during your tour.
From €78 per night
3. Yogyakarta
For us, Yogyakarta was without a doubt one of the highlights of our tour of Java. The city is often referred to as the cultural heart of Indonesia and is the perfect base from which to visit the world-famous temples Borobudur and Prambanan. What’s more, there’s a cosy atmosphere, plenty of lovely restaurants and cafés, and enough to do to keep you entertained for a few days.
Tip: Are you short on time in Yogyakarta? Then this day trip to Borobudur (including guaranteed access to the temple complex) and Prambanan An ideal choice. It’s no surprise that this tour is one of the best-rated excursions on GetYourGuide, with a score of 4.9/5 from nearly 2,000 reviews. It allows you to see Java’s two most famous temples in a single day, without having to organise everything yourself.
We ended up staying here four days and had plenty of time to explore both Yogyakarta and the surrounding area, without feeling rushed. As far as we’re concerned, this destination is an absolute must-see on any tour of Java. Curious about all the things you can do in Yogyakarta? Then be sure to read our comprehensive blog featuring the best sights, practical tips and our favourite hotspots in Yogyakarta (coming soon).
Journey time from Yogyakarta to Malang: approximately 6.5 to 8 hours by train.
Our favourite hotels in Yogyakarta
The most popular area to stay in is Malioboro. This is the bustling heart of Yogyakarta, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance. We chose to stay in Prawirotaman, a charming neighbourhood about 3 kilometres from Malioboro. Here you’ll find plenty of lovely cafés, good restaurants and a wide range of accommodation options.
Budget
A cosy, small-scale hostel with a relaxed atmosphere and an excellent location close to the city centre. Perfect for budget travellers looking for clean and charming accommodation.
From €25 per night
Mid-range
This is where we stayed ourselves during our trip to Yogyakarta. A small-scale accommodation with a lovely swimming pool, spacious rooms and a quiet location in the charming Prawirotaman neighbourhood.
From €39 per night
Mid-range
A comfortable hotel with a large swimming pool, spacious rooms and a good location in Prawirotaman. An ideal choice if you’re looking for a few extra amenities during your stay.
From €39 per night
Boutique
A charming boutique hotel with Javanese influences, a lovely swimming pool and a peaceful location in Prawirotaman. The perfect choice if you’re looking for that little bit of extra charm.
From €31 per night
4. Malang
For many travellers, Malang is the base from which to visit the Bromo volcano and, as far as we’re concerned, a lovely stop-off! The town has a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants, and is a lovely place to unwind after the long train journey from Yogyakarta. We stayed here two nights. This meant we had plenty of time to explore the city and go on a day trip to the impressive Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve ever seen. Looking back, we’d plan this trip exactly the same way again. Whilst in Malang, we also booked the famous Bromo and Ijen tour. Curious about all the things you can do in Malang and the surrounding area? Then be sure to read our comprehensive blog (coming soon) featuring the best sights, practical tips and our favourite hotspots in Malang.
The journey time from Malang to Bromo is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on where you’re staying and whether you’re travelling by transfer or in your own vehicle.
Our favourite hotels in Malang
Budget
A simple but cosy homestay with welcoming hosts. Ideal if you’re looking for affordable accommodation before travelling on through East Java.
From €17 per night
Hostel
A cosy, small-scale hostel with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money. Perfect for backpackers and budget travellers.
From €14 per night
Mid-range
A stylish boutique hotel with a swimming pool, spacious rooms and a peaceful setting. A great choice if you’re looking for that little bit of extra comfort during your tour.
From €75 per night
Luxury
Perhaps the most special hotel in Malang. A stunning boutique hotel brimming with Indonesian art, history and character. The atmosphere alone makes a stay here a unique experience.
From €97 per night
5. Bromo & Ijen (2 days)
After our stay in Malang, we were picked up in the middle of the night to watch the sunrise at Mount Bromo. Despite the early hour, we found this to be one of the most beautiful experiences of our trip. We then drove on to Banyuwangi, where we were able to rest for a few hours before the alarm went off early again for the climb up the Ijen Crater. Here we saw the famous sulphur mine, the bright blue crater and the impressive sunrise.
The days are intense and you don’t get much sleep, but looking back, we would book this tour again without a doubt. It’s precisely the combination of two completely different volcanoes that makes this one of the absolute highlights of a tour of Java. Curious to find out what the tour involves, what to expect and what clothing you should pack? Then be sure to read our detailed blog posts about the Bromo volcano and the Ijen crater (coming soon).
Journey time to Bali: from Banyuwangi, the ferry journey to Bali takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the waiting time at the port.
Accommodation during the tour
If you opt for an organised two-day tour, accommodation is usually included. Don’t expect a luxury hotel, but rather simple accommodation where you can get a few hours’ sleep before setting off early for the Ijen crater.
Tip: would you like to combine Tumpak Sewu, Bromo and Ijen? Then this is 3-day tour from Surabaya or Malang Highly recommended. The tour has thousands of positive reviews and is also cheaper than what we paid at the time (€366.90 per person). Always check for any additional costs!
Are you planning the itinerary yourself? If so, you’re of course free to choose your own accommodation. In that case, we recommend booking a hotel in Banyuwangi to book. From here, it takes about an hour to reach the starting point of the Ijen tour, and you can set off on the climb the next morning feeling well-rested.
Budget
A simple and affordable homestay with friendly owners. Ideal if you’re just looking for a nice place to stay overnight before visiting the Ijen crater.
From €25 per night
Mid-range
A charming resort with a swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery. A great choice if you want to relax for a while after the Bromo tour before heading to Ijen.
From €68 per night
Luxury
A beautiful resort with views of the mountains and a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Perfect if you want to round off your tour of Java in complete tranquillity.
From €100 per night
Alternative itineraries for Java (1, 2 or 3 weeks)
Not everyone has two or three weeks to explore Java. Fortunately, you can easily adapt this itinerary to the time you have available. Below, we share our favourite alternatives for a tour of 1, 2 or 3 weeks, including a few destinations that, in our opinion, are definitely worth a visit if you’re staying on Java for a while.
1. Java itinerary: 1 week
Do you only have a week? If so, we recommend focusing on eastern Java. In that case, fly directly to Yogyakarta and travel via Malang to Banyuwangi. This way, you can visit Java’s most famous highlights without spending too much time travelling.
2. Two-week itinerary for Java
Do you have a bit more time? If so, then Pangandaran A wonderful addition to your tour. This former fishing village is situated on the south coast of Java, between Bandung and Yogyakarta, and is known for its beautiful beaches, the Penanjung Pangandaran National Park and the impressive Green Canyon and Green Valley. Unlike many other beach destinations, Pangandaran still feels authentic. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, cosy restaurants and plenty of nature, without the crowds you encounter in some other parts of Indonesia.
3. 3-week itinerary for Java
Do you have about three weeks to spare? If so, you can explore Java at a much more leisurely pace and add a number of wonderful destinations to your itinerary. As far as we’re concerned, Karimunjawa the most beautiful extension. This tropical archipelago lies off the north coast of Java. In addition, a stop in Pangandaran It’s also a great addition if you want to explore the south coast of Java as well. Sample itinerary for Java (3 weeks):
- Day 1 | Jakarta
- Days 2–3 | Bandung
- Days 4–5 | Pangandaran
- Days 6–9 | Yogyakarta
- Days 10–14 | Karimunjawa
- Days 15–16 | Surabaya
- Days 17–18 | Malang
- Day 19 | Tumpak Sewu
- Days 20–21 | Bromo & Ijen
- On to Bali or back to Jakarta
Frequently asked questions about a tour of Java
We’ve noticed that a tour of Java tends to raise quite a few questions. How many days do you need? What’s the best route? Is Java safe to travel around on your own? Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions based on our own experiences and the queries we’ve received on Instagram during our trip through Java.
1. What is the best itinerary for Java?
As far as we’re concerned, a tour of 2 to 3 weeks the ideal way to explore Java. This gives you plenty of time to visit the most famous highlights, such as Yogyakarta, Malang, Bromo and Ijen, without having to travel on to the next destination every day. Our route took us from Jakarta → Bandung → Yogyakarta → Malang → Bromo → Ijen → Bali. Looking back, we would follow this route almost exactly the same way again.
2. What is the most scenic route through Java?
Our favourite route runs from west to east. You start in Jakarta and finish in Banyuwangi, from where you can easily take the ferry to Bali. This route combines culture, nature, volcanoes, waterfalls and charming towns.
3. Is it best to travel from west to east, or the other way round?
We recommend from west to east to travel. Most international flights arrive in Jakarta, and from Banyuwangi you can easily cross over to Bali. This means you don’t have to travel back, and the route flows logically from one part to the next. Of course, you can also go to Bali first and then travel from east to west across Java.
4. Where should you start a tour of Java?
Most travellers start their tour in Jakarta, as this is where Java’s largest international airport is located. Are you short on time? Then you can also go straight to Yogyakarta fly and skip the western part of Java.
5. Is Java a suitable destination for a first trip to Indonesia?
Yes. Java is a great destination if you’re travelling to Indonesia for the first time. Public transport is well organised, the train services are reliable and many tourist attractions are easy to visit on your own. Do bear in mind, however, that Java is not comparable to Bali or Thailand.
6. Is Java safe to travel around on your own?
We found Java to be a safe destination, despite a few unpleasant incidents in Bandung. During our tour, we travelled independently by train, Grab, and took part in a few organised excursions. Of course, as is the case anywhere in the world, it’s wise to keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
7. What’s the easiest way to travel around Java?
As far as we’re concerned, the train the best way to explore Java. Transport links between Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Malang are excellent. To visit Bromo and Ijen, you’ll usually need to use a transfer service or book an organised excursion.
8. Do you book your train tickets in advance?
Yes, we’d definitely recommend that. We booked almost all our train tickets via 12Go Asia. It was incredibly straightforward and gave us the peace of mind that we could catch the train we wanted. Are you travelling during Indonesian public holidays or the high season? If so, book your tickets well in advance.
9. Is a hire car useful on Java?
No, not for most travellers. Given the heavy traffic and the good train connections, we didn’t feel the need for a hire car. We would therefore opt for the train, Grab, a scooter and a few organised transfers. To be honest, we’ve never hired a car in Indonesia and we still always opt for a scooter.
10. Is Grab available on Java?
Yes. In cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Malang, we regularly used Grab. It’s cheap, reliable and ideal for short journeys between your hotel and the station or a restaurant. Outside the major cities, however, you’re much less likely to be able to use Grab.
11. Is Bandung worth a visit?
That depends on what you’re looking for. To be honest, Bandung wasn’t our favourite destination, to put it mildly. During our stay, we unfortunately found ourselves in a few unpleasant situations, which led us to decide to move on sooner than planned. At the same time, we heard enthusiastic stories from many other travellers. If you have the time, we’d definitely recommend giving Bandung a go.
12. Is Yogyakarta worth a visit?
Absolutely. Yogyakarta was one of our favourite destinations on Java. The city has a lovely atmosphere and is the perfect base for visiting Borobudur and Prambanan.
13. Is Tumpak Sewu worth a visit?
Without a doubt. For us, Tumpak Sewu was one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve ever visited. The descent is quite a challenge, but as soon as you’re standing down there amongst the dozens of streams, you immediately understand why this place is so special.
14. Is a Bromo & Ijen tour worth it?
Yes. Although the tour is intense, incredibly touristy and you don’t get much sleep, we found this to be one of the absolute highlights of our tour of Java. For us, it was simply a bucket-list item!
15. Can you organise a trip to Bromo and Ijen yourself?
Yes. You can opt for a complete 2-day tour, or you can book hotels yourself in Cemoro Lawang and Banyuwangi and then book individual excursions. This gives you more freedom, but bear in mind that a two-day tour is often easier to book.
16. When is the best time to visit Java?
You can visit Java all year round, but the the dry season from April to October inclusive is generally the best time to visit. This is when you’re most likely to have clear skies at sunrise at Bromo and Ijen.
17. Can you combine Java with Bali?
Yes, and we actually recommend it. After visiting the Ijen Crater, you can easily make your way to the port of Ketapang, where you’ll catch the ferry to Bali.
18. Is Java expensive?
No. Compared to many other destinations, Java is actually very affordable. Local food, the train and hotels, in particular, are a lot cheaper here than in Bali, for example.
19. Do you need a visa for Java?
Yes, most Dutch and Belgian travellers require a visa to enter Indonesia. The current rules are subject to change, so always check this before you travel. In our comprehensive Visa blog for Indonesia We’ll explain step by step how to sort this out.
We hope this itinerary helps you plan your ideal tour of Java. Whether you have two, three or even four weeks to spare, Java is an island that never ceases to surprise. If, after reading this blog, you still have any questions about this itinerary or the destinations, please feel free to send us a message via Instagram or e-mail us at info@thousandtravelmiles.nl. For now: have lots of fun planning your adventure in Indonesia!
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