Jakarta to Ubud
Trip Code: TISE
Why we love it
Cycle through the backcountry of Yogyakarta – a world of flower-studded fields and friendly locals, this cultural centre is one of South East Asia’s standouts., Take a guided walk through the jungle and rice paddies of Seloliman Nature Reserve, then sit back, relax and soak up the ambience under the stars in a local guest house., Climb Mt Bromo in the early hours of the morning. If the conditions are right, you'll be rewarded with a dazzling view over mist-laden volcanoes., Explore Bandung – a city of contrasts – and feast on delicious street food in this unofficial food capital. Sit down in a 100-year-old café for a local cuppa, hike around volcanic craters, then soak your weary muscles in the hot springs., Balance out all of the activity and adventure with plenty of time to chill out away from the crowds at beachside paradise of Pemuteran on Bali’s less-visited north coast.
Is this trip right for me?
Java is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and this trip covers a lot of ground. Travel times can be long, and delays are common. Where suitable, you'll travel by train instead of drive, which will make the journey more comfortable. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
It's important not to make your bags too heavy, as you will be expected to carry them onto and off trains, and walk them short distances. Porters are available in most stations at an extra charge.
This trip involves a fair amount of hiking and cycling. A good level of fitness will help you to get the most out of this trip. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Dress standards in Java are more conservative than in other areas of Indonesia. Show your respect by covering your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. It's a great idea to bring your own sarong or purchase one on your way.
Accommodation at Seloliman Nature Reserve and near Mt Bromo is in basic guesthouses. Set on the edge of a tropical forest the Seloliman Reserve embraces philosophies of environmental education, and we are sure you will get a good night’s sleep.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out our Best of Indonesia (TISSC) trip.
Important information
1. In order to book the train tickets on this trip we require your full passport details at time of booking, or at the latest 45 days prior to travel. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket or alternative transport costs.
2. A single supplement is bookable subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Days 8 and 9 where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information’
What to bring/pack
What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. It will also be easier for jumping on and off small boats. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip.
ESSENTIALS
- Day pack: for carrying essentials when exploring destinations.
- Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling.
For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Perhaps carry a scarf or sarong for these visits. Modest and covering clothing is also preferable in Java, which is more conservative in general than neighbouring Bali.
- Walking shoes or hiking boots with a good grip: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended for city and countryside walks, and are necessary for included cycling activities. Surfaces can sometimes be slippery for the climb for mountain climbs, so shoes with good grip are preferable.
- Sandals/flip flops/shoes that can get wet: For the Green Canyon tour you will walk through a shallow river. Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof jacket (particularly if travelling from October until March)
- Warm layers (it can get cooler at Mt Bromo due to the elevation).
- Headtorch/hand held torch/flashlight: for the Mt Bromo climb you will be commencing before sunrise
- Swimming costume
- Water bottle – some hotels may have filtered drinking water to refill your bottle.
RECOMMENDED
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as, mild pain killers, adhesive bandages and electrolytes.
- Camera with spare batteries/charger/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however these are a good backup.
- Electrical adapter plug
- Hand sanitizer
- Money belt or pouch
OPTIONAL
- A good book, a journal and music player
- Playing cards
- Travel washing line and Bio-degradable washing detergent
MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS:
Due to luggage restrictions on the trains in Java, bags must be 20 kilograms or under and within the dimensions of 70cm long x 48cm wide x 30 cm deep. Charges for luggage in excess of 20 kilograms are IDR10 000 per kilo. You will need to pay for any excess luggage. We recommend taking a backpack or small wheeled suitcase for the train travel on this trip.
Physical rating
Joining your group
Yello Harmoni Jakarta, Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 6, DKI Jakarta 10120, Jakarta, Java, INDONESIA
Yello Hotel is situated in Hayam Wuruk, near Jakarta's main train station. It is 1.3 km from National Museum of Indonesia and 1.4 km from National Monument Park. Travellers have the option to dine at the on-site restaurant. Modern rooms at this property are decorated with bright wall art and quirky decorations. The rooms are equipped with a TV with cable channels. Travellers enjoy private bathrooms fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine and shops at the property.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
If you have booked an airport transfer please make your way to the Golden Bird counter where your driver will be organised to take you to your hotel
• For arrival on international terminal 2D, the Golden Bird counter is on your left side.
• For arrival on international terminal 3, the Golden Bird counter is on the right side after the ATM center.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 2F, the Golden Bird lounge is on your left side.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 3 Ultimate, the Golden Bird counter is on the left side of the automatic exit door nearby gate 4 and 5.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 1A/1B/1C, the Golden Bird counter is on the right side of the arrival gate.
Please approach the lounge and give the duty officer your name. The office will then arrange your driver and car to your hotel.
If your flight number has been changed or you are arriving on a different flight number please call GOLDEN BIRD and let them know which flight number you will be arriving on.
24-hour number +62 21 5591 2899
If the above number is busy please try calling +62 21 5591 1332 and +62 21 7944 444
Alternatively, taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you emerge from immigration you will pass an indoor counter for official public taxis - please go to this counter to get a taxi. Expect to pay around 250,000 IDR – the meter will not be turned on. There are also road tolls that need to be paid of between 30,000 – 40,000 IDR. The trip takes approx. one hour, though it can take longer during peak hours.
It is also possible to take the DAMRI shuttle bus from the airport. There is a DAMRI bus counter in each terminal and the cost is 30,000 to Gambir station. From Gambir station you can take a metered taxi for around 30,000 to the hotel.
Finishing your trip
Nick’s Pension Hotel, JL. BISMA NO.32, UBUD,, Centre of Ubud, Ubud, 80571, INDONESIA, Phone: +62 361975636
Nick's Pension Hotel is a traditionally decorated haven nestled amidst lush landscaped surrounds. All rooms are fan cooled and equipped with mini bars, telephones and Internet facilities. Bathrooms are adjoined to the rooms. There is also a restaurant, lounge area and swimming pool.
Alternate Finish Point
The hotel can help you book a taxi from Ubud to the airport. Expect to pay about IDR550,000. It takes up to one and a half hours to get to Ubud from the airport.
Departure transfers are available - please enquire at time of booking.
Normal check out time is 11am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 13
Lunches included: 2
Dinners included: 1
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
INDONESIAN FOOD:
Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/
VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/
Climate & seasonal information
FLOODS & MUDSLIDES:
Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs.
VOLCANOES:
Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent eruptions have been:
- Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice.
- Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities.
EARTHQUAKES:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent earthquakes have been:
- Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time.
NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR :
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 11th March 2024, and 29th March 2025
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507
Accommodations
Transportation
TRAVEL IN JAVA
Java is one of the most one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and we cover a large distance on this trip. Where suitable we travel by train to make the journey more comfortable but on some days we will be taking road transport. Travel times can be long, and traffic can be heavy and slow, especially over holiday periods. You will be expected to carry your own bags onto and off trains, and for short distances (porters are available in most stations at an extra charge).
TRANSPORT IN BALI:
In Bali we travel by private minivan in order to access more remote areas such as Bedugul, and for safety on the busy and narrow Balinese roads. Depending on the size of your group you may be split over multiple vans and your leader will alternate between the vehicles throughout the journey.