Also read –201 things to be considered before booking a Bali holiday package in 2021?

Is it possible to combine Bali and Java in an Itinerary ? Well ‘ in a way its absolutely possible but depends on the trip budget and time you have to spend .

Java is a volcanic island of Indonesia between Sumatra and Bali. This geographic and economic centre of Indonesia is home to more than half of its population. The Java Island of Indonesia proudly holds the plush city Jakarta, the capital city of the country.

Can Java be combined with Bali tour Package ?

also read – can Komodo island be combined with Bali

Let us understand it geographically first

Distance between Bali and Java ?

Java is almost around 700 kms away from Bali if you will travel by road ! I will take 11-13hours depending on the conditions of the infrastructure in Indonesia .

Other possible way is travel via flight from Nagurai Airport Bali to Java which will make you reach the destination in 1.45 hours .

Places to see in Java Island

  1. Goa Jomblang
  2. Karimunjawa Island
  3. Rainbow Village
  4. Kalibiru National Park
  5. Malang
  6. Merapi Volcano
  7. Bandung
  8. Dieng Plateau
  9. Borobudur Temple

Goa Jomblang

Goa Jomblang in Java Island

Goa Jomblang in the Gunung Kidul Area of Java Island is a famous cave. Located an hour away from the city, the cavern is 60 metres down the side of the cliff. From here, you enter a cave system, surrounded by forest. The Grubug Cave is the main cave in this site. The hole on the top of the rock formation lets the sunlight stream into the dark cave, creating a spectacular effect.

Karimunjawa Island

Karimunjawa Island in java Island

Karimunjawa Archipelago has the best beaches in Java. This is interesting as there are around 27 tropical islands off the coast of Semarang, most of which are inhabited. Rent a boat and head to this beach paradise in Java.

Rainbow Village

Rainbow Village , Java Island

Kampung Pelangi meaning Rainbow Village in Indonesian is a part of Semarang. This area has recently emerged as a tourist attraction in the Java Island. The village was a collection of about 200 homes on a hillside, above a river. The locals wanted to draw more tourists to the area so the entire village was painted in vibrant rainbow colors. Now this small dot on the Java Island map is attracting a huge number of tourists from around the world.

Kalibiru National Park

Kalibiru National Park is one of the popular tourist places in Java Island. The dense green forest, the water reservoir and the array of mountains in the backdrop make the most exotic scenic view. The picturesque viewpoint in the park is popular among the Instagramers. You can climb the trees through ladders to reach and stand on the rustic wooden platforms to get the breathtaking views. Who knows, you may even spot some wild animals and birds specific to Java Island area.

Malang

Malang, a city in the east Java, has a relaxed atmosphere and gives out ancient Dutch vibes. Located between Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo, the city has a distinctive combination of scenic beauty. Malang has a number of little temples and shrines dotting the city. It is also majorly covered with green paddy fields.

Merapi Volcano

Merapi Volcano , Java Island

Indonesia is a country which has a large number of active volcanoes. Mount Merapi is one of the most dreaded volcanoes of Indonesia. This famous volcano had erupted in 2010 and is still active. Though it is one of the easiest hikes in Java, you can only trek here when it’s declared safe by the authorities.

Bandung

Bandung city is counted in one of the top shopping destinations in Indonesia on the domestic market. But it is one also the most underrated city when it comes to shopping. The place has huge range of factory outlets that sell the latest fashions. Bandung offers a wide range of clothing options to match your taste and budget. Bandung also has great eateries for you to explore Indonesian cuisine.

Dieng Plateau

Sitting at an altitude of 2,100meters is Dieng Plateau, one of the best places to visit in Java Island. For those who want to visit the pilgrim places in Java Island, Dieng it is. There a many Buddhist temples in the vicinity. During your hike up to the plateau, you will come across many pools with spring water and hot springs.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur temple is one of the most popular attractions in Indonesia and the largest Buddhist temple in the world . Located in the Central Java, this temple consists of a large Buddhist temple complex. Built in the 9th century, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has astonishing 72 sculpted figures of Buddha. Borobudur can be easily reached on a day trip from the nearest city of Yogyakarta. This site is a boosting element when it comes to Java Island tourism.

Places to see in Bali

  1. Tanah Lot Temple
  2. Uluwatu Temple
  3. Besakih Temple
  4. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
  5. Ubud Monkey Forest
  6. Ubud Art Forest
  7. Kintamani
  8. Bali Safari and Marine Park

Tanah Lot Temple

 It is among the island’s most iconic temples, positioned on top of a rock and surrounded by the waves of the open sea that constantly crash against its base. The temple is scenic by day against the blue ocean and sky, but the scene is most dramatic during sunsets with its silhouette creating one of Bali’s picture postcard images.

Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea, and it’s also among Bali’s key sea temples. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines and visitors’ leisure facilities such as shops, a cultural park where regular dance performances are shown regularly, restaurants where you can enjoy a sunset dinner with the memorable view

Uluwatu Temple

It is one of Bali’s most important sea temples, positioned on a tall cliff edge on the island’s southwestern Bukit peninsula. By day, you can take in the picturesque seascape from over the temple’s walls and cliff borders and occasionally spot grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding forests.

In the late afternoon, you can wait for the dramatic sunsets, or book early for a spot at the open-air amphitheatre nearby, where Kecak fire dances are performed with the sunset and ocean as an exotic backdrop. The waves below the cliff and the temple are hailed as among Bali’s best and internationally-known surf spots

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple , Java island

The ‘mother temple’ of Bali, sits on the south-western slope of Mount Agung – Bali’s tallest peak. Besakih is the largest of all temple complexes in Bali, comprising 18 separate sanctuaries that each belong to different caste groups. They surround a central complex with 3 main temples that are dedicated to the Hindu trinity, namely Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but as yet remains unvested. There are at least 70 ceremonies or religious celebrations held each year here, as each shrine has its own anniversary. The best visiting times are in the early mornings and in the evenings when the temple complex is much quieter.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The rice terraces of Tegallalang offer one of the best views that you can take in while up in Ubud. The village of Tegallalang is just up north from the main Ubud centre. Along the main road of Jalan Raya Tegallalang, there are roadside stalls and art shops offering items and curios of all kinds, together with small restaurants offering lunch or dinner with the great view over the deep and lush valley.

The Tegallalang rice terraces spread down below and to the far opposite side of the valley. Besides enjoying the view from up high, you can also go down and follow the trail through the rice fields to greet farmers and enjoy the paddies from up close.

Ubud Monkey Forest

It is a natural forest sanctuary that’s home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. Officially the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, it is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions and the site is well-preserved thanks to a community-based management program. The forest is within easy walking distance from Ubud’s town centre.

Besides watching playful monkeys in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, lazing along pathways or feeding on bananas, you can take cool walks along paved pathways through the leafy nutmeg forest. Beautiful ancient temples with eerie guardian statues covered in moss also call the monkey forest their home.

Ubud Art Market

It is one of the landmarks in central Ubud, conveniently just across the road from the Ubud Royal Palace. The market has countless small shops that are run by local vendors who sell a wide range of items such as beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets and hats, statues, kites and many other locally sourced and handcrafted goods.

Most of the goods found at the Ubud Market are made in the neighbouring villages of Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan. Naturally, bargaining is essential. The Ubud market starred briefly in the Hollywood movie Eat Pray Love, which shows a scene with actress Julia Roberts strolling through the stalls which are bustling with activity in real life.

Kintamani

Iti is a mountain village in central Bali that’s home to Mount Batur, which is Bali’s second tallest peak, and the Batur caldera lake. The village is located in the Karangasem regency in east Bali and is a popular spot for sightseeing thanks to vantage points such as Penelokan, which aptly means ‘scenic stopover’. Penelokan is the best site for panoramic views, with Batur’s rugged features of dark lava slopes and black molten rocks in view.

The still-active Mount Batur volcano erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape. It’s popular among mountain hikers, with the early sunrises from the ridges being its highlight.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

Bali Safari and Marine Park , java island

It is Bali’s largest animal theme park, home to over 60 species roaming within enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris take visitors on tours ‘around the world’ with animals from different continents, and there are animal talent shows held regularly in an open stage. A different section is dedicated to aquatic animals, with aquariums holding exotic fish specimens such as piranhas.

After enjoying the safari bus rides, families travelling with children can have a blast together at an adjacent water park and a park filled with a variety of amusement park rides. The park is also home to Bali Theatre, which shows the modern Bali Agung shows at scheduled showtimes.

Also Read – Tourist places to see in Sumatra Island Indonesia ? , Is it safe to travel to Bali after COVID?

The conclusive remarks will be that Both Java and Bali can be combined in an itinerary given you have a budget and time accordingly .At least a trip of 10-15 days is required to cover both the island properly

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