Compare Cycling Indonesia's Islands by Exodus Travels vs Indonesia - Sumatra & Java 2018 by Rockjumper Birding
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | days |
| Price From | $ 3,420 | $ 62,500,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 0 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | There are 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and three dinners included. Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes enlivened with ingredients such as cloves, chilies, coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but other meats are also common. Peanut-based dishes are also common on Indonesian tables (if you have a peanut allergy, make sure to inform us beforehand and to inform your tour leader). Food is often spicy but you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is available in Ubud and Canggu, though it is well worth trying the local cuisine. Quite often, tea or water is drunk with a meal. Beer is often not cold and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary. On some days, we have a packed lunch as we cycle. Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood, so if you are vegetarian please be clear and state you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Snacks and local fruit are provided when cycling but you may want to bring your own snacks from home too. | N/A |
| Description |
Active volcanoes tower over paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Villages and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along paved roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels, we explore quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java, uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells.Cycle through rural Bali and eastern Java on roads and dirt tracks |
We start our tour on the island of Java, one of the most densely populated places on our planet. This is a land of great beauty, dominated by towering volcanos whose forests support important watersheds for the fertile rice fields, which cover almost every square inch of the lowlands. Nevertheless, Java still supports some wonderful forests and we will explore the best of these. From our hotel we will make a short excursion to a tiny swamp on the very edge of the teeming metropolis of Jakarta for Sunda Coucal and Cerulean Kingfisher. Next we take in the famous Gunung Gede – Pangrang National Park, better known to birders as Cibodas. Here we will wander enchanting pathways and trails through some of Java’s least disturbed montane forests in our search for a long, long list of endemics and specialties such Javan Fulvetta endemic Spotted Crocias – a fantastic vocalist, Sunda Warbler, Indigo Flycatcher, endemic Mees’s White-eye and the exquisite endemic White-flanked (or Kuhl’s) Sunbird. A short hop from Jakarta takes us to the island of Sumatra, a vast, wild island that is surprisingly poorly explored and yet supports a fabulous range of habitats. We will range from the bird and mammal rich lowlands of Way Kambas National Park to the volcanic slopes of Gunung (Mt) Kerinci, Sumatra’s highest mountain. The lowland forests harbour a mouth-watering list of species including several very little known and/or endangered species such as the globally endangered White-winged Duck and Crested Fireback – quite common here. Way Kambas is arguably THE best place in all of SE Asia to seek out nocturnal birds and mammals; and we hope to find Large, Gould’s and Sunda Frogmouths, Malaysian Eared and Bonaparte’s Nightjars, (the latter is currently only known from this site) in addition to a remarkable suite of owls. From Way Kambas we will make our way to the enormous Kerinci National Park, which occupies a vast chunk of Sumatra’s Barisan Ranges. We will bird the slopes of Gunung Kerinci in the midst of some of THE most exquisite forests on our planet. To be sure, the birding is not easy, however, the rewards are fabulous and include such rare endemics as Bronze-tailed Peacock-Pheasant, Salvadori’s Pheasant, Red-billed Partridge, the incomparable Schneider’s Pitta, Sumatran Trogon, Brown-winged and Shiny Whistling Thrush, and if we are incredibly fortunate, Sumatran Cochoa. All of the locations we visit in Sumatra afford superb opportunities to see some very special mammals and reptiles including Tiger, Sunda Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Sun Bear, Asian Elephant, Siamang and a host of other wonderful primates. |
Day 1 Start Ubud
You can arrive at any time today. The bustling town of Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali, set among the hills and paddies of the island interior. This afternoon, we have time to relax and explore the temples, shops and cafes in town, though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There is a briefing this evening with your leader about the trip. Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages/Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort (or similar)
Day 2 Cycle through paddies, villages and temples
We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud, across rice fields, villages and temples. After arriving to the Tampaksiring village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese come to bathe in sacred waters at least once a year in a cleansing ritual dedicated to Vishnu. The final leg takes us along backroads to the lesser known temple of Pengukur-Ukur, where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud. Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Day 3 Cycle to Batur volcano; afternoon mountain bike descent
Starting with a ride along rice terraces, we continue by slowly climbing up the road to the Kintamani plantations area and beyond to the crater rim of Batur volcano. This is a tough climb so, after about 12.5mi (20km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging, this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle, which can take you up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting, we get stunning views of one of the bigger volcanic lakes in Bali. After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to the base of the volcano where our hotel is located. You then have the option to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon off-road cycling on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses a lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the otherworldly moonscapes it has created. Accommodation: Segara Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Ride to Ponjok Batu Temple and Lovina coast
After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur caldera, we start cycling up and down hills along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards the northwest coast of Bali. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar and Kubu, we observe the everyday life of local people. We enjoy a refreshment on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone. Finally, we pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in Lovina. From here, it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul. Accommodation: Strawberry Hill Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 A day of cycling, monkey forests, twin lakes, Buddhist monasteries and hot springs
Our day starts with a short ride up to Monkey Forest (it is possible to take a transfer to the top of the hill). From here, we enjoy a view of a twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across the north coast. We visit the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, Bhrama Arama Vihara, and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs, where we can relax in the open-air pools. After lunch, we cycle along the coast to our beachfront hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free. Accommodation: Adi Assri Beach Cottage (or similar)
Day 6 Pedal to the harbour; snorkel around Menjangan Island; transfer to Java
After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour, we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning Deer Island, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso. Accommodation: Ijen View Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano; optional sunset hike
Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920ft (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially broken paved roads. We take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery, and have a light lunch en route. We regroup after about 12.5mi (20km) before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle as it is definitely harder than normal for an Activity Level 3 (Moderate) graded trip. Of course, it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle further up if needed. The support vehicle is available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous. On the way, we stop to visit one of the largest coffee plantations in Indonesia before ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here, we spend the night in a local homestay with basic amenities within a colonial building on a coffee plantation. Accommodation: Jampit Catimor homestay
Day 8 Early morning trek to the crater rim; later cycle off the volcano to Ketapang
Getting up very early, while it is still dark, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and, as we hike in the dark, we should be able to see blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater. After sunrise, we have time to enjoy views of the lake, which is 655ft (200m) deep and filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulphur blocks weighing up to 155lb (70kg) out of the crater. Please note that poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater. After returning to camp, we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning. Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Cycle through jungle and plantations to the fishing village at Meru Betiri National Park
Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and head into the jungle. Our rainforest trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface through coffee, cacao and rubber plantations. We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we can see the day’s catch being unloaded. We camp on the beach tonight. Camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers. Accommodation: Camping
Day 10 Ride along jungle trails to the beach at Pulau Merah; free time to relax on the beach; transfer to Ketapang
On our final day of cycling, we continue along jungle trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. We visit Green Bay along the way, with views of another hidden beach in East Java. Today’s final ride is mostly on flat elevation with a few rolling hills. We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time, where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel in Ketapang, where we spend our last night on Java. Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Transfer by ferry and bus back to Bali to Canggu
After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive for 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on Bali. From here, it is about a four-hour drive (with a lunch stop) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
Day 12 Free day to relax on the beach or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak
Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days of cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations. The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water. Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)
Day 13 End Canggu
The trip ends this morning after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip Gili extension, where white sands and turquoise seas provide the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled cycling adventure.
