Explore Java and East Timor Combo Tour

Sunday 27th September – Jakarta, Indonesia

• Arrive at your own leisure in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, which is well connected to major hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia.
• Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel in Jakarta. Known for its chaotic energy, sprawling traffic, and dense mix of cultures, it is a city that overwhelms and fascinates in equal measure.
• In the evening, we’ll have our pre-tour meeting at a local eatery to introduce the tour, meet your fellow travellers, and enjoy the first taste of Jakarta.
• Overnight at Whiz Hotel Cikini.

Monday 28th September – Jakarta

Morning

• We begin the day with an orientation walk through Gambir and Monas, the National Monument. This obelisk is both a symbol of Sukarno-era pride and Indonesia’s postcolonial ambition. Surrounding government buildings display the layers of Jakarta’s political history. Monas was inaugurated in 1975 by President Suharto to commemorate the struggle for independence, standing as a symbol of national pride.
• Street breakfast stop: try gado-gado (a warm mix of vegetables in peanut sauce), nasi uduk (fragrant coconut rice), or lontong sayur (rice cakes in spicy curry broth).
• Explore Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Dutch colonial Old Town, where canals, cobbled streets, and crumbling art deco facades recall a time when this port city was the heart of the Dutch East Indies.

Afternoon

• Step into the shadowy cellars of the old VOC (Dutch East India Company) headquarters, once used as a prison for political dissidents. The damp air and low stone ceilings are a reminder of colonial brutality.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics or the Museum of Jakarta History, complete with a mock guillotine and displays detailing the city’s turbulent past.
• We’ll enjoy a taste of coffee and pastries at Café Batavia, a colonial-era café featuring slow-turning fans, faded woodwork, and a menu that has remained almost unchanged since the early 20th century.
• Drinks at Jalan Jaksa, once the backpacker heart of Jakarta, now a gritty mix of neon signs, local bars, and a hint of the old city vibe.
• Overnight at Whiz Hotel Cikini.

Tuesday 29th September – Jakarta – Bandung

Morning

• Board the Argo Parahyangan executive-class train from Gambir Station at 9:25am. The train winds through the volcanic highlands and terraced rice fields, offering some of Southeast Asia’s most scenic rail views. This route follows a line first established by the Dutch in the early 20th century to connect Java’s key cities.
• Onboard snack: keripik tempeh (crunchy fermented soybean chips), and hot Kopi Tubruk, the thick, sweetened black coffee served in traditional cups.

Afternoon

• Arrive at 12:15pm in Bandung, a former colonial hill station dubbed the “Paris of Java.” The cooler climate and Dutch-era architecture make it a unique contrast to Jakarta.
• Visit Saung Angklung Udjo, a cultural music school where children perform on traditional bamboo instruments. Learn the history of angklung, its connection to local rituals, and enjoy an interactive performance.
• Explore Jalan Dago, lined with Dutch-built tea houses, art deco buildings, and small galleries showcasing Bandung’s colonial heritage and modern artistic revival.
• Drinks at a jazz café on Braga Street, a narrow avenue that has been a hub of Bandung nightlife for over a century, with retro vibes, local musicians, and a mix of students and expats.
• Overnight at Mogens Guesthouse.

Wednesday 30th September – Bandung – Yogyakarta

Morning

• Depart Bandung Station on the Lodaya Pagi Economy train at 6:30am. This early journey passes rice terraces, jungle outcrops, and volcanic ridgelines. The sunrise over Java’s mountains is breathtaking.
• Train lunch: mie goreng from the onboard kitchen or purchased at platform stops along the way. A simple yet quintessentially Javanese meal as the countryside slides by.

Afternoon

• Arrive at 1:10pm in Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural heart. The city has been a seat of Javanese royalty since the 18th century and remains a centre for art, batik, and traditional performances.
• Walk along Malioboro Street, a sensory riot of batik sellers, fried snacks, horse carts, street performers, and neon signs.
• Dinner at a colonial-era eatery near the train station. Try ayam goreng kalasan (crisp fried chicken with sambal), and gudeg (sweet jackfruit stew), alongside the ambient chatter of locals and travellers.
• Drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Lanterns glow across the skyline, students gather beneath trees by the Tugu monument, and the night hums with quiet energy.
• Overnight at Arys Hotel Yogyakarta.

Thursday 1st October – Yogyakarta

Morning

• Visit Kraton, Yogyakarta’s royal palace, which is still home to the Sultanate. Observe traditional ceremonies, palace architecture, and collections of heirlooms that have survived centuries of colonial rule.
• Explore Taman Sari, the Water Castle. Its maze of pools, tunnels, and abandoned courtyards once allowed the Sultan and concubines to bathe in privacy while moving unseen through the complex.
• Sample local snacks at Pasar Ngasem: sweet bakpia pathok and warm ginger dessert soup, wedang ronde, providing a taste of traditional Javanese sweet treats.

Afternoon

• Visit Prambanan, the 9th-century Hindu temple complex. Marvel at its towering spires, detailed stone reliefs of the Ramayana, and the sheer scale of a site that has survived centuries.
• Stop at a nearby warung for soto ayam and es cendol. Observe locals chatting, children playing, and temple-goers passing by as you taste this authentic, everyday Javanese meal.
• Drinks at a small craft beer bar in Prawirotaman. Listen to gamelan-infused background music, relax into the evening, and reflect on the day’s temple and palace explorations.
• Overnight at Arys Hotel Yogyakarta.

Friday 2nd October – Yogyakarta – Banyuwangi

Morning

• Visit Ullen Sentalu Museum in the Kaliurang highlands, one of Java’s most atmospheric cultural museums, dedicated to Javanese royal life.
• Wander through the local bird market and batik workshops, witnessing artisans at work and sampling the cacophony of sounds and colours.
• Lunch at a roadside warung with sate klathak, mutton skewers grilled over iron rods, paired with simple rice and sambal.

Afternoon

• Free time to explore Yogyakarta’s backstreets, capture street photography, or enjoy a massage at a Dutch-era spa.
• Board Wijayakusuma 158 at 6:30pm for the overnight train to Banyuwangi. Executive air-conditioned carriages with reclining seats take you east across sugarcane fields, small towns, and sleepy villages.
• Overnight on the train.

Saturday 3rd October – Banyuwangi

Morning

• Arrive at Banyuwangi at 5:20am and transfer to the guesthouse near Mount Ijen.
• Breakfast of nasi tempong: spicy rice with sambal, fried chicken, and fresh vegetables.
• Visit local markets, watch villagers selling produce, and observe the preparation of daily essentials.

Afternoon

• Explore the Osing villages to learn about the culture, daily life, and traditions of Banyuwangi’s indigenous people.
• Dinner at a seafood warung on the beach, with grilled squid, sambal prawns, and fresh young coconut.
• Drinks at the hotel bar, preparing for the midnight volcanic trek.
• Overnight at Kampoeng Joglo Ijen.

Sunday 4th October – Mount Ijen Blue Fire – Bali

Morning

• Depart from the guesthouse at 12:15am to the Mount Ijen base camp. The Ijen Crater trek takes approximately 3 hours, beginning gently and turning steep over switchbacks of volcanic rock and loose gravel. Paths can be slippery after rain. Headtorch and warm clothing are essential.
• By 1:00am, we reach the foot of Mount Ijen and begin the trek to witness the electric-blue sulphur flames, a phenomenon found only in two places in the world.
• As the first light of day creeps over the horizon, the crater comes alive. Below us, the turquoise lake glows softly in its steaming cradle. On the rim, silhouettes of sulphur miners appear, carrying heavy baskets through the smoke.
• Descend to panoramic views over the turquoise crater lake.
• Return to the guesthouse for breakfast, a hot shower and a morning nap.

Afternoon

• Transfer to the Ketapang ferry terminal, driving through coastal scenery where fishermen mend nets and coconut palms sway gently in the breeze.
• Board the ferry at 3:00pm for a 45-minute ride across the Bali Strait, a shimmering ribbon of sea that separates Java from Bali. 
• Transfer to our hotel in central Kuta.
• Farewell dinner and drinks at a beachside bar overlooking the ocean, reflecting on the volcanic, cultural, and urban landscapes explored across Java.
• Overnight at Gora Beach Inn.

Monday 5th October – Bali

• Breakfast at the hotel. 
• Pre-tour meeting held at 5:00pm at the lobby of our hotel to go over the tour itinerary and meet your fellow travellers joining
• Kuta has a reputation as Bali’s party hotspot, it might not be everyone’s long-term vibe, but it’s a lively and convenient place to kick off our adventure.
• Dinner, drinks and overnight in Kuta

Tuesday 6th October – Bali – Dili, East Timor

Morning

• After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to board Citilink flight QG500, departing at 9:30am for Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste (East Timor). Upon arrival at 12:20pm, we’ll proceed to arrange our visa on arrival, a smooth process for most nationalities.
• Meet our local guide at the airport and we’ll transfer to our beachfront accommodation, offering the perfect base to begin exploring this emerging destination.

Afternoon

• Our first visit will be to Timor Plaza for an ATM visit for those who need USD cash, and to have lunch with the many restaurants available in the food court.
• We’ll then head to the most famous landmark in all of East Timor – Cristo Rei monument. This religious monument was a gift by President Suharto of Indonesia during the brutal Indonesian Occupation. It stands 27 metres tall and resembles at the time East Timor being the 27th province of Indonesia.
• We’ll hike the scenic path up to the top from where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Dili and the surrounding coast. Today, this is one of Dili’s most popular spots for locals to gather, exercise, and enjoy their leisure time. Perfect for people watching and soaking in the atmosphere.
• After descending, we’ll head to one of Dili’s pristine beaches for a well-earned dinner and cold drinks as we watch the sunset.
• Overnight in Dili

Wednesday 7th October – Dili

Morning

• After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our guided city tour of Dili, the charming capital of Timor-Leste. We’ll pass by key landmarks including the Presidential Palace, and examples of Portuguese colonial architecture that reflect the country’s complex colonial past.
• Visit the Timor-Leste Resistance Archive and Museum – often referred to as the Timor Genocide Museum. This is one of the most powerful sites in the country, offering an emotional but essential insight into the country’s struggle for independence and the tragedies endured during Indonesian occupation.
• We’ll then head uphill to visit the World War II monument, dedicated to the Timorese who aided Australian forces during the Japanese invasion. The small on-site museum sheds light on the deep, and at times complicated, ties between Australia and Timor-Leste. There’s a small school apart of the memorial site built by the Australians which we can pop our head in and to say hello to the students.
• We’ll enjoy a refreshing coffee or juice from the hilltop café, which offers stunning panoramic views over Dili and the coastline.

Afternoon

• Lunch will be at a traditional Timorese restaurant, giving you the chance to taste authentic local cuisine
• Be given a special VIP tour of the East Timor Parliament House which includes the recently added ASEAN room, and the conference hall which is known as China Hall.
• Visit the FRETILIN Headquarters, the base of Timor-Leste’s former ruling revolutionary party. Expect a warm welcome, plenty of fist-raising, and possibly a photo op for their propaganda wall – this is classic YPT-style political tourism at its finest.
• Your tour continues with visits to sites significant to the resistance, including the former Indonesian army prison, along with various landmarks tied to the country’s war for independence.
• We’ll visit the Santa Cruz Cemetery, one of Dili’s most significant historical sites. It was here, in 1991, that Indonesian troops opened fire on peaceful Timorese protestors marching for independence. An event later known as the Santa Cruz Massacre. The tragedy was captured on film by foreign journalists, bringing global attention to East Timor’s struggle and becoming a turning point in the country’s fight for independence.
• We’ll stop by the 0.0km Timor Leste sign for a group photo, visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral which was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1989, the Santa Cruz monument and if time permits we can feed the crocodiles kept at the Special Forces Police Headquarters.
• We’ll head back to the hotel, you’ll have time for a shower and a change of clothes before we venture out to one of Dili’s famous beachfront barbecue spots. These lively open-air restaurants are where locals gather in the evenings – the food is fresh, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
• We’ll finish the night with a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade, soaking in the sea breeze and enjoying a few beers under the stars.
• Overnight at our hotel in Dili

Thursday 8th October – Dili – Com Beach

Morning

• We rise early for breakfast and begin our journey eastward aboard our private vehicle to Com Beach, making our way towards the heart of Timor-Leste.
• The drive takes approximately three hours, but we’ll break it up by making numerous stops along the way, the first being to meet and feed some incredibly tame local monkeys by the side of the road, a fun and unexpected wildlife encounter.
• Visit the Heroes and Martyrs cemetery where those who died during the struggle, and as well as veterans are buried.
• We’ll stop by a spot known as $1 Beach, a tranquil fishing cove known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. For those keen, there will be an option for a quick swim or snorkel.
• In the town of Laleia we’ll visit the Igreja De Laleia Church, built by the Portugese and distinctive due to it’s bright pink colour

Afternoon

• We’ll stop at a roadside restaurant for a buffet lunch
• Upon arrival at Com Beach, we’ll check into our simple yet peaceful beachside bungalows, set right on our very own private stretch of coastline. This is remote relaxation at its finest.
• In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a short forest hike to a hidden lake, a beautiful and serene spot nestled away from the coastline.
• As the sun sets, we’ll be treated to a home-cooked seafood dinner prepared by our local hosts.
• Afterwards, we’ll head back down to our private beach to relax with a few beers and soak up the atmosphere. If the conditions are right, keep your eyes on the water – bioluminescence often appears here, causing the sea to glow as you move through it, creating a magical, unforgettable experience.
• Overnight at beachside bungalows at Com Beach

Friday 9th October – Com Beach – Jaco Island – Baucau

Morning

• After breakfast at our beachfront accommodation, we hit the road once again, this time heading towards one of East Timor’s most breathtaking natural treasures – Jaco Island
• The drive is nothing short of spectacular, taking us through lush jungle landscapes, traditional villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. We’ll stop frequently for photos and short breaks – this region is often considered the most beautiful part of Timor-Leste.
• We’ll visit a cemetery where a King of a local village is buried and his grave is decorated with Buffalo skulls
• There’s a local famous tree that hosts fruit bats, we’ll meet the villages and snap some photos of the bats sleeping
• Upon reaching the coast, we’ll transfer by small boat to Jaco Island – an uninhabited and protected island known for its powder-white sand, turquoise waters, and total serenity. You’ll have time to explore, swim, snorkel, or just relax in what truly feels like your own deserted island paradise.

Afternoon

• After soaking in Jaco’s beauty, we return to the mainland and head to a nearby village for a freshly prepared local lunch, showcasing regional Timorese flavours.
• As the afternoon continues, we begin our return journey inland, making our way back towards Baucau. Along the way, time permitting we’ll stop at ancient caves, observe wildlife, pass local villages, all offering a glimpse into the cultural richness and natural beauty of East Timor’s eastern frontier.
• Upon arrival in Baucau, we’ll check into our hotel and stretch our legs with a short walking tour of the city’s Portuguese-influenced architecture and old town charm.
• In the evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner and drinks in town, before settling in for the night.
• Overnight in our hotel in Baucau

Saturday 10th October – Baucau – Dili

Morning

• After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our final day of exploration in Baucau, East Timor’s second-largest city and a place steeped in colonial charm and cultural authenticity.
• Our city tour includes visits to key landmarks such as the old Portuguese-era colonial buildings and the former government house, offering a glimpse into the architectural legacy of Timor’s colonial past.
• One of the highlights is a colonial-era pool fed by a natural mountain spring, where fresh water continuously flows in to keep it crystal clear.
• We then head to a somewhat unexpected highlight of the trip – Baucau’s local market. Despite being in the country’s second-largest city, the market remains remarkably traditional and underdeveloped. It’s rare to see foreign faces here, making it a fantastic opportunity to observe daily life, chat with locals, and witness East Timor in its most authentic form.
• We’ll head down to Baucau Beach to see a truly unique sight.. a tree growing atop a large boulder with a hole right through its centre. It’s an unusual natural formation, and one we’ve never seen anywhere else.
• Visit what the locals call the Japanese Caves – a network of tunnels dug into the mountains by Japanese forces during World War II to store weapons and ammunition safely from the elements. Decades later, during the Indonesian occupation, the Timorese guerrilla fighters rediscovered and used these tunnels as hideouts in their struggle for independence.

Afternoon

• After lunch in town, we begin our scenic drive back to Dili, passing through mountains, along the coast and through lush greenery along the way.
• Upon our late arrival in Dili, we’ll check back into our centrally located hotel.
• To cap off the journey, we’ll head down to the waterfront for dinner and drinks
• Overnight at hotel in Dili

Sunday 11th October – Dili – Bali, Indonesia

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• If we happened to miss any sights on our first full day in Dili, this morning will be the perfect time to catch up. It’s also a great opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping — and yes, we’ll make sure you get those fridge magnets!
• Stop back at Timor Plaza for a light lunch

Afternoon

• We then head to the airport to board Citilink flight QG501, departing Dili at 1:20pm and arriving back in Bali at 2:10pm
• Upon arrival, we’ll transfer back to our hotel in Kuta, giving you time to relax, enjoy the pool, or take a final stroll along the beach.
• In the evening, we’ll come together for one last YPT dinner and farewell drinks, marking the end of our incredible East Timor adventure – and celebrating in true Bali style.
• Overnight at hotel in Kuta

Monday 12th October – Bali

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes with YPT able to arrange all sorts of further transportation, accommodation and excursions all throughout South East Asia.