Compare Highlight Tour: Best of Indonesia by Bravo Asia Tours vs Indonesia Adventure: Java & Bali by G Adventures

Day 1: Medan
Arrival in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra. You will be transferred to your hotel in Medan. Overnight in Medan.

Day 2: Medan - Bohorok
After a short city tour of Medan with a visit of the Maimoon palace, colonial post office and black domed Mesjid Raya (Grand Mosque) we depart to Bohorok/Bukit Lawang, where you will find the orang utan rehabilitation centre in Gunung Leuser National Park. Afternoon free program for tubing on the river. It is great and fun or simply relaxing along the river. Overnight in Bohorok.

Day 3: Bohorok
Today you will start with a trekking trip with a local guide in the National Park for 3 hours This is one of the largest national parks in the world, containing over 800,000 hectares of virgin rainforest. The park is home to the Orang Utans, gibbons, tigers, elephants and the last of the Sumatran rhino. You are likely to see Orang Utans, and perhaps Gibbons but tigers, elephants and rhino are very rare to be seen. At the beginning or at the end of the trekking you will visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center where formerly captive apes are re-introduced into the wild. Watch the feedings of them in their natural environment. In the afternoon there is free time to make walks in the area, relax on the veranda of your hotel or let yourself float by inner tube down the river. Overnight in Bohorok.

Day 4: Bohorok
Free at leisure in the morning, In the afternoon you will arrive in the cool and picturesque hill town Berastagi (1300m) the setting is dominated by the two volcanoes: Sinabung and Sibayak. Visit the local market where you will find lots of tropical fruits! Overnight in Bohorok.

Day 5: Bohorok - Berastagi - Lake Toba
Via the plantation route you follow your way to the island Samosir situated in the centre of Lake Toba, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Southeast Asia. Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction. On the way you will stop at a Traditional Karo batak Village, Simalungun King’s Palace and the Si Piso Piso waterfall. In the afternoon you cross Lake Toba with the local ferry to Samosir. Your hotel is pleasantly situated along the lake. Overnight on Samosir Island.

Day 6: Lake Toba
IT is very pleasant to enjoy a day on Toba lake and make a boat trip to Tomok, Ambarita and Simanindo, where you will see traditional Batak houses, as well as graves and tombs in Tomok, stone chairs in Ambarita and traditional Batak dancing in Simanindo. Overnight by Lake Toba.

Day 7: Lake Toba - Medan
In the morning we cross the lake again and drive back to Medan. (travel time approximately 4 hours). Overnight in Medan.

Day 8: Medan - Jakarta - Yogyakarta
Today you will catch the flight to Yogyakarta via Jakarta, the cultural heart of Java. Upon arrival at Yogjakarta Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Yogjakarta.

Day 9: Yogyakarta
Many opportunities today; take a city tour with a cycle rickshaw (becak) to explore the Sultan's Palace which is located in the heart of old city. The huge palace of the Sultans of Yogyakarta is actually the centre of a small walled city within the city. Over 25,000 people live within the greater Kraton compound, which its own market, shops, batik and silver cottage industries, school and mosques. Then on to Sono-Budoyo Museum, the pick of Yogya's museums and go to the nearby water castle Taman Sari, a splendid pleasure park of palace, pools and waterways of the Sultan and his entourage to enjoy. In the evening you can attend a performance of the classic Ramayana dance and theatre. Overnight in Yogjakarta.

Day 10: Yogyakarta - Borobudur
After your Sumatra trip, you will have a free program this morning. Afternoon, visit to this awe-inspiring World Heritage Site of Borobudur. Built in the 8th century, this stunning artistic and architectural marvel lay undiscovered until 1815. You also will visit the nearby Pawon temple, which is in the middle of a typical village, and Mendut temple with its magnificent statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight in Yogjakarta.

Day 11: Yogyakarta - Prambanan - Solo
Start your Java overland tour with a short distance to Solo. On the way, you will visit the famous Prambanan temples.You will check in at the hotel in Solo by midday. The afternoon you can visit the Sultan’s palace. Here a local guide will show you around. At walking distance from the Sultan’s palace there is the Batik Museum Danar Hadi. A guide will lead you to the 11 rooms with all kind of Batik. At the end and in the back of the museum you see about 200 people working in a big hall processing the batik textiles using different techniques. In the evening there are great dining opportunities in the city, or at the village centre around the Alun Alun. Each day there are Theatre performances of Wayang Orang in the Sriwedari theatre. Since the Indonesians know the story by heart they can follow it from any point during the performance.Overnight in Solo.

Day 12: Solo - Malang
You will continue your overland tour to Malang. You will arrive in the afternoon at the cool and old-colonial city of Malang. Overnight in Malang.

Day 13: Malang - Bromo
Morning is free to explore Malang town on your own. In the early afternoon, you travel via Probolinggo to the Gunung Bromo Volcano. Your hotel is in or nearby Cemoro Lawang, situated spectacularly on the edge of the Tengger crater. The ascent of the volcano is usually the highlight of every visit to Java. You can watch the sunset at spectacular Bromo. Overnight in Bromo.

Day 14: Bromo - Kalibaru
An early rise will ensure you have enough time for the jeep ride to the sunrise viewpoint up above. Cross the sea of sand' and climb 246 steps upwards to the cone of Mt Bromo, and in the morning light you will see flames and smoke rising from the crater; a fantastic view, made even better when the slowly rising sun reveals an amazing moon-like landscape. After this adventure you head back to your hotel for breakfast and continue to Kalibaru, where you stay the night in beautifully situated bungalows surrounded by coffee, cacao and rubber plantations. Overnight in Kalibaru.

Day 15: Kalibaru - Lovina
Drive along the north coast of East Java to Banyuwangi, Java’s east coast port. Here you’ll be fascinated by locals diving into the water off high construction poles to fetch the coins dropped into the water by passengers. A short boat trip with the local ferry will then bring you to Bali, the fabled Island of Gods and Demons. Overnight in Lovina.

Day 16: Lovina
A day with lots of options. If you want to see dolphins, prepare to get up early, and go out on the sea by small boat. Very often the dolphins will show you their jumping skills. Or for excellent snorkeling and diving head to Menjangan (Deer) island, part of the West Bali National Park. Or take a step back in time and visit the old Colonial houses or the only Buddhist temple there is on Bali. The warm springs of Banjar, finally, are also worth to visit. Overnight in Lovina.

Day 17: Lovina - Ubud
First you visit the Gitgit Waterfall and proceed onto Bratan Mountain Lake, which is situated at a height of 1240 meters. The Pura Ulun Danu temple in this lake is said to be home of the Danu goddess, who is responsible for the water distribution to Bali’s many rice terraces. Overnight in Ubud.

Day 18: Ubud
A wide range of optional excursions is possible for exploring Ubud and its surroundings. Interesting temples and palaces as the Elephant Cave, Tampak Siring or the famous Pura Besakih (the mother temple) and Kintamani are only a few of the interesting sights to visit. Trekkings around Ubud’s rice fields, white water rafting and spa treatments are also available. Interesting dance performances in former palaces or temple ceremonies are worth a visit, too! And last but not least, the many galleries in and around Ubud offer all handicrafts and arts. Overnight in Ubud.

Day 19: Ubud - Denpasar
Transfer to the airport for your departure from Denpasar.

Day 1 Jakarta

Arrive at any time. For your first night out with the group and CEO, visit a favourite Jakarta outdoor bar restaurant. Get to know your fellow travellers over drinks and local delicacies as you take in the bustling capital. Have a toast to new adventures and friends!

Day 2 Jakarta/Bandung

Ride to Bandung and let the scenery guide you to some serenity. Floating villages, tea plantations, rice paddies, and hot springs —this side of paradise is looking mighty fine.

Day 3 Bandung

Spend the day with your group Ciater Tea Plantation. Try different teas and enjoy lunch looking out on the rice paddies. Hike to a waterfall and relax in the hot springs.

Day 4 Bandung/Yogyakarta

Watch the world go by on a scenic train ride to Yogyakarta. Once you arrive, and if you're not feeling too beat, check out Sosrowijayan and Prawirotaman Streets for unwinding with drinks and local eats.

Day 5 Yogyakarta

There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 6 Yogyakarta

There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 7 Yogyakarta/Ngadas

Take the scenic route to Ngadas via private vehicle. Here, you'll spend the evening at a local G Adventures-supported community homestay. Get a taste of local culture with a home-cooked dinner and time with a community leader to learn about the region's unique customs and history.

Day 8 Desa Ngadas/Bromo

Today's for reaching new heights. Start the day with a trek along the Ancestor Trail to Mt Bromo, led by a local guide trained through the G Adventures-supported capacity building program. Then get a chance to hike to the volcano's crater (and take some pictures!) before going on to the hotel.

Day 9 Bromo/Red Island

Skip sleeping in today for a pre-dawn hike across the Sea of Sand to Mt Bromo, where you can catch a final glimpse of the moon before the sunrise. Stop to breathe it all in before you head to a beachside surf camp. On your way to Mt Bromo, catch a breath and see the local Buddhist Tenggerese giving offerings to the Supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa.

Day 10 Red Island

Wake up and catch a wave on a morning surf lesson, then take the rest of the day to explore the nearby fishing village, surf some more, or rest easy in a beachside hammock.

Day 11 Red Island/Pemuteran

Head back to Bali for a chill day of relaxing on the beach. Sit back, grab a drink, and soak up some sunshine. This is the place for it.

Day 12 Pemuteran

No need to say goodbye to the beach just yet — it's another day of chilling out in Bali. If you'd like, break up the beachside naps with a snorkelling trip.

Day 13 Pemuteran/Kuta

Take it easy this morning before we cross rich tropical jungle and idyllic rice fields on the ride to Kuta. Catch up on sleep on the drive over — you're going to need it for your big night out tonight. Spend the evening getting to know Legian Street, the legendary party street. Grab a drink on us and dance the night away!

Day 14 Kuta

Today, take it easy in beachside Kuta. Take a surf lesson (which you can book ahead of time), relax on the beach, or head to one of the nearby towns. Tonight, take in the town's nightlife on the dancefloor or by the waves at a beachside bar.

Learn to surf by pre-booking the Half Day Surf Class extra when booking your tour.

Day 15 Kuta/Kubutambahan

It's off to Kubutambahan today. Breathe in the beautiful scenery before stopping for lunch en route at the G Adventures supported Bali Community Training Lunch Program. Tonight, soak in the views and lush jungle vibes at a charming guesthouse, located in a Balinese village. Start your night by watching the sunset over the lush landscape.

Day 16 Kubutambahan

Get ready to liven up your tastebuds with a Balinese cooking lesson. After, you can trek around the village, visit a waterfall, swim in a natural spring, or stop by a nearby dragon fruit farm.

Day 17 Kubutambahan/Ubud

This morning's free for you to explore or relax. Later, check out Ubud and visit the picturesque Gitgit Waterfall or Pura Taman Saraswati, a Balinese Hindu temple with stunning lotus ponds. Both spots are perfect for photo ops!

Day 18 Ubud

Today is full of possibilities. Stop by the monkey forest, a sanctuary for the long-tailed Balinese monkey, before checking out more of Ubud. Take a yoga class, relax with a massage, try babi guling (whole roast suckling pig), visit the holy springs of Tirta Empul to cleanse your body and spirit, and be sure to save some room for some delicious healthy eats — they're abundant here. Tonight, wrap up your time in Ubud with a traditional Kecak dance performance.

Day 19 Ubud/Gili Trawangan

It's off to the beautifully laid-back island of Gili Trawangan today. Slow it all down with relaxing at a beachfront bar, stopping for photos at the Gili Trawangan swing, and — best of all — enjoying walking around freely (the island doesn't allow motorized vehicles). The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Day 20 Gili Trawangan

Spend another day in paradise. Explore the island by bicycle, or just kick back on the beach. Don't forget to catch your last marvelous sunset of the trip on the west side of the island, before celebrating the end of an amazing journey with your fellow travellers for your big night out.

Day 21 Gili Trawangan

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way.

Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bali? Book the Bali Express post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.

Add the “Bali Express: Gili Trawangan to Kuta” to your adventure and make your way back to Bali with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty post-tour Extra includes a fast boat and land transfer to get you back to Kuta. Onward flights from Denpasar airport must not depart earlier than 20:00 on departure day when booking this extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.