java
Exotic Java…
A land of deep mystery, molten earth, and living spirit. The most populated island on Earth—yet it holds space for silence, and sacredness,
Here, ancient mystic beliefs like Kejawèn still breathe through the forests and temples, whispering their wisdom across the volcanic peaks of the Ring of Fire. Java is where folklore dances with the present, where devotion to the Sultanate and the old regencies still shapes daily life.
I’ve been journeying through Java for over 15 years, and every visit opens new layers of wonder. The culture is rich, the landscapes spellbinding—and the food? Pure poetry. Jogjakarta, the snack capital of Indonesia, is a feast for all the senses.
To stand before an active volcano, to feel its pulse beneath your feet, is to remember the raw, untamed power of nature. And in Central Java, art is not just observed—it’s lived, breathed, and woven into every corner of the city and countryside alike.
Java isn’t just a destination—it’s an invitation.
To listen. To taste. To remember something ancient in yourself.
Will you come?
Day One. Surabaya
​
Today we catch an early flight to Surabaya in East Java.
From here we are picked up, and driven to Gunung Bromo. We have time to explore this incredibly beautiful village on the rim of an active volcano. After dinner to bed early, ready for an early start.
Day Two. Gunung Bromo
Up at 2 am catch jeep to the sunrise vantage point . We then wait for the spectacular sunrise over a very impressive volcanoe .
Breakfast, then if your up to it, we can
go for a walk across the sea of sands.
Drive Back to surabaya and catch a train to Jogjakarta, 4 hours away.
Check in to our amazing Villa ..
Day Three. Jogjakarta
After our huge couple of days we will need time to rest.. In house massage, should help this. in the after noon we will be visited by a Javanese princess Rati, who will take us all through a Rawuntin ceremony, Purification and many prayers and blessings. Afterwards we will feast on Nasi Tumpeng a delicious feast made by Rati, with all the best intentions and blessings.
Day Four.
Kraton palace and Kota Gede
In the morning after a hearty local breakfast we will visit the Sultans palace for a fully guided tour of the building, performance arts, culture and mythos of this amazing place. After wards we will visit the water palace, where sultans of old, took their concubines. Followed by a walk through compounds to the architecturally incredible underground mosque. After lunch we will head to Kota Gede, the old city to immerse and visit the cemetery of Javanese royalty. Followed by a visit to the snack market .. have I mentioned Javanese snacks..
Day five. Parangtrittis beach
This morning we will go on a guided tour, to explore a traditional market and learn about local Jamu (herbal health shots), with a few other interesting things thrown in.
In the afternoon we will head to Parangtrittis beach, to watch an amazing sunset . Here we will also learn about the mythos of the Javanese sea goddess Nyi Riro Kidul, and her important role in Javanese culture, we will have some time to reflect at her epitaph.
On the way back to villa we will stop for dinner at a local night market
Day Six. Borobodour temple
Up early and a 1 hour drive to be first in line to experience the wonder of Borobodour in the cool of the morning . We will have a guided tour to learn the history and significance of this incredible Buddhist monument. on the way back to Jogja we will visit Sendang Sono a holy pilgrimage place for people of Christian faith. the energy here is incredible.
Day Seven. Prambanan temple
This morning we will visit Beautiful Prambanan Temple to learn about its mysterious history, and rebuilding. Wow what a story! Followed by shopping in the afternoon at the best fixed price shop, in Jogjakarta. Delicious food at one of our most favourite Indonesian restaurants follows.
Day Eight. Rest and Spa
Today we will visit a local traditional spa for boreh, (Scrub) and traditional Javanese massage. We will have time if you want to partake in a few more treatments.
Late lunch and rest, time to swim, sleep or explore our local area in Bantul
on the outskirts of Jogja.
Our last meal will be my favourite place for some yummy local food.
we fly back to Bali early tomorrow.
Our Home in Jogjakarta
Villa Lawang Ijo lies in a back street, on the edge of the rice fields of Bantul, on the outskirts of Jogjakarta.
It is a sanctuary of quiet, cool, breezy, and green. A massive ornately carved Joglo is the centre of large living area .
A giant day bed and many couches fill the room lots of space to chill. 5 bedrooms surround an amazing pool.
The architecture is distinctly Javanese. Furnished with stunning Indonesian wooden antiques and lots of plants .
Art lines the walls, perfect examples of the incredible artistic culture that is Jogja. All bedrooms have outdoor bathrooms, comfy beds with hot showers. The staff are fabulous catering for everything we need. the breakfasts are incredible morsels of Javanese traditional cuisines. Yummy local food is just out the front door with several choices with in a ten minute walk. we love our home in Jogja and are looking forward to sharing it with you.
Cost $4994 Aud
Dates 12 to 19 August 2026
Inclusions
all transport, planes from Bali, trains and car and food
all activities, entrances
accomodation
Not included
Flights to Bali
Shopping money
Other spa treatments
Alchohol
Travel insurance
Minimum people 3
Maximum 5
please read my cancellation policy,
and T and Cs
