Java & Bali, Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia!

Blessed with diverse landscapes from its pristine beaches to smoldering volcanoes and dense jungles, Indonesia has something for everyone.

Java is Indonesia’s main island and home to the country’s cultural and artistic capital, Yogyakarta.  Visit Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and learn about the history of Yogyakarta with a visit the Sultan's Palace.

Indonesia’s smallest island, Bali, rank’s atop most travelers’ bucket lists.  The island adheres to traditional Balinese Hinduism and makes for an extremely unique cultural visit. Explore the peacefulness of temples and rice paddies on the island commonly referred to as “the island of gods”.  

Duration: 10 days & 9 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) at 2:00 pm

Finish: Trip ends at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) at 11:00 am

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 10 days & 9 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotel rooms
• 9 breakfasts & 4 dinners
• Tour Prambanan Temple complex
• Explore the Palace of Yogyakarta
• View the Tamansari Water Castle
• Walking tour through Yogyakarta
• Air-conditioned train ride from Yogyakarta to Mojokerto
• Experience Madakaripura Waterfall
• Sunrise volcano hiking experience at Mount Bromo
• Domestic flight from Surabaya, Java to Denpasar, Bali
• Tegallang Rice Terraces
• Campuhan Ridge walk and Village Tour
• Visit to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple
• Surfing lessons in Canggu
• Visit to Tanah Lot temple
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to Yogyakarta, Java and from Bali.
Taxis & public transportation, and optional activities are not included.

• Walking among the 500 temples at Prambanan temple complex
• Standing at the base of the 600-foot Madakaripura Waterfall
• Viewing into the crater of an active volcano at Mount Bromo
• Walking among the Tegallang Rice Terraces
• Being welcomed into a local Balinese compound
• Learning to surf in Canggu

Come to Indonesia and explore a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, arts, and foods.

On this trip you will discover two islands in this archipelago, Java and Bali.  Roam the alleyways of the cultural hubs of both Yogyakarta and Ubud, taste authentic Indonesian cuisine, and visit ancient temples.

There are activities like hiking and surfing.  The hikes range from easy walks through plantations and rice paddies, to trekking up a volcano to see the sunrise.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 14 max, average 12

-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities.  Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful though not required to enjoy the trip.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Breakfasts will be served at your hotel.  Dinners are enjoyed in local restaurants.

Indonesian cuisine is based on fresh spices and herbs, full of rich flavors, and often described as savory, hot, and spicy.  The diversity of Indonesian cuisine is a product of the nation’s own ancient recipes influenced by the distinct cultures of each region.

In Indonesia, they say it is not a real meal without rice.  Hence, rice is the main ingredient of an Indonesian diet.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

• Bread, egg, sausage, bacon, chicken, fish, fried rice, steamed rice, vegetables, pancake, fruit, juice, coffee or tea.
  

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

• Steamed or fried rice, fried noodles
• vegetables, tempe, salad
• Chicken, beef, tofu

You will be traveling by private and public ground transportation throughout the duration of your trip. 

There is an included domestic flight from Surabaya, Java to Denpasar, Bali (checked luggage allowance of 20 kg)

• Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)
• Private ground transportation to most activities (Included)
• Public train from Yogyakarta to Mojokerto (Included)
• Public domestic flight from Java to Bali (Included)
• Public transportation around Yogyakarta and Ubud (Not Included)
• Optional activities do not include transportation.
  

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with at least $200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
‍

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

‍We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

‍We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Flexible

Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill where clean drinking water is available.
• Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
• Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
• Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.
  

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

The included domestic flight from Surabaya, Java to Denpasar, Bali has a checked luggage allowance of 44 lbs (20 kg).

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

IMPORTANT:   Bring a two prong 220 volt power adaptor to charge your electronics.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Indonesia beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

Check the Center for Disease Control for any recommended inoculations. Required vaccines should go through CDC, recommended vaccines should be through your doctor.

Mosquito borne viruses exist in most of Southeast Asia.  Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

We suggest bringing $350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

At restaurants, there is a 10% tax + 5% service charge. If you pay with a card, some places will charge an additional 3% charge. Further tipping for wait staff is appropriate in the case of excellent service. When in doubt, ask your Trip Leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens please consider registering with the State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Indonesia’s tropical monsoon climate has two distinct seasons: dry (between May to September) and wet (between October to April).

Most trips will be traveling during the dry season, but the more prepared you are for your trip the better.

Dry Season of May to September

• Average high is 88°F
• Average low is 80°F
  

Wet Season of October to April‍

• Average high is 90°F
• Average low is 78°F

Indonesia has a tropical, humid climate. This trip involves a lot of movement throughout the day and you will sweat.

During your time in Indonesia, please dress conservatively (no shoulders or mid-drifts showing) when walking around local neighborhoods and markets.

POINTING: The index finger is not used to point at things or people as it’s considered rude.  Indonesian people, instead, use their palms or thumbs when gesturing or pointing.

TEMPLES: When entering homes or temples (sometimes even hotel rooms), leave your footwear outside the premises.  Homes and temples are sacred and wearing footwear is considered dirty, and is a form of disrespect in these sacred places. When entering a Hindu temple, wear a sarong with a sash. If you do not own one, they usually rent them out at the front of a temple. Make sure your upper body is not too exposed either. Upon leaving the temple, it is also nice to leave the temple a donation.

MEALS: Balinese prefer to eat their meals in silence as a sign of respect to the nourishment that the meal is giving them.  Do not be offended if a Balinese person sits away from you during a meal.

SIDEWALKS: Be mindful of where you walk as, every morning, Balinese people leave offerings on the sidewalks outside of homes and businesses. These offerings consist of palm leaves with flowers and herbs.  It is considered rude and offensive if you happen to step on one.

THE HEAD: In Indonesian culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body and it is believed that the soul lives in the head. Avoid touching another person’s head or placing your hands, or any other objects, over the head.

LOUNGING: When lounging, don’t put your feet up on a table showing the bottoms of your feet. It is considered to be very rude.

Key Phrases in Balinese

• Hello -- Swastiastu
• Thank you -- Suksma
• You’re welcome -- Suksma mewali
• I'm hungry -- Saya lapar
• Goodbye -- Om santi santi

Tipping Customs

In Indonesia, it is not expected to leave a tip. It's obviously greatly appreciated if you do, however it won't be considered as rude if you don't.  

At many restaurants there is a 5-10% service charge already added to the bill, so be sure to double-check when paying.

Here are some common guidelines to follow:

• Restaurant server = 2-5% of the bill.  Be sure to give directly to the person.
• Hotel staff = $2-4 for the duration of you stay
• Spa service = $2 per hour
• Tour guides (non-U30X activity leaders) = $5-10 at the end of the tour

Trip leader: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around $3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

The activities below will be paid in Indonesian Rupiah. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.

In Java:

• Due to the short nature of our stay in Java, there will not be time to offer optional activities.
  

In Bali:

• Balinese Cooking Class:  $30 USD
  Want a chance to try your hand at cooking authentic Balinese dishes under the supervision of our excellent local chefs?  Your accommodation in Pemuteran offers cooking classes where you get to eat what you cook!

• The Yoga Barn: $10 USD
  A spiritual oasis in the middle of Ubud, this center aims to provide a relaxed and inspiring environment for the nourishment of body, mind and soul through daily classes, workshops and retreats in yoga, dance, meditation, Ayurveda, detox, breath work, and various other healing modalities.

• Bali Swing: $33 USD
  Everyone loves a great swing but who has ever swung out over the canopy of a jungle? The Bali Swing offers travelers 5 different options from a leisurely swing to a high adrenaline rush where you need to be harnessed in. A perfect place to grab an amazing photo for your social media while enjoying a cold drink and a nice view of the valley.
• Tirta Empul Temple: $2 USD entrance fee / up to $20 USD private transportation
  Tirta Empul is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water. An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. In the Balinese language, Tirta Empul loosely translated means water gushing from the earth, which for this reason Tirta Empul is regarded as a holy spring. 
• Tegenungan Waterfall:  $2 USD entrance fee / up to $20 USD private transportation
  Pose for photos or take a dip in the clean, freshwater pool at this 50-foot waterfall.  Visitors have the option to hike up the stairs to the top of the waterfall to peak over the edge for an additional fee.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Hotel recommendations near Yogyakarta International Airport

• Cordia Hotel Yogyakarta (3 stars).

Hotel recommendations in Yogyakarta City

• Greenhost Boutique Hotel (3 stars).
• Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel (4 stars).

Hotel recommendations in South Bali

• Hotel Ayana
• Away Bali Legian Camakila Hotel (4 stars).
  

Come with us to Thailand!

Check out these popular posts on Travel Hacking from our Award Winning Blog!

‍Score Your First Free Flight & Increase Your Credit Score

Ultimate Guide to get Free Flights Through Credit Card Rewards

Find Cheap Flights & Save Money

Know Before You Go

8 Ways to Make Travel Affordable

Ultimate Guide to Choosing Flights

To avoid missing out on special offers and community updates from Under30Experiences, get our newsletter here.