The Ultimate Java Itinerary for 7 Days from Bali

The Ultimate Java Itinerary for 7 Days from Bali

Are you visiting Java Island for the first time and looking for the perfect 1 week Java, Indonesia Itinerary?

1 week in Java is not enough to discover the whole island. But you can see the most visited places, and at least you’ll have a reason to return to Indonesia.

We’ve put together a detailed Central & East Java Itinerary for 7 days, covering all of Java’s main attractions and some hidden gems.

You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your one-week Java Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Java, Indonesia?

Java is an island located in Indonesia between Sumatra and Bali. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located on the northwest coast of Java.

How to Get to Java from Bali

Getting to Java Island may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to Java from Bali by ferry or plane.

The plane is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Java!

Java has several airports. There are many international flights from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and domestic flights from other parts of Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Bali.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Indonesia.

From Bali, you can fly to Java from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS).

The flight takes just 1-1.5 hours, and plane tickets start from 30-40 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Java, Indonesia.

If you follow our Java Itinerary, the easiest way to get to Java from Bali is by ferry. We have a detailed post on how to get to Java with all the information you need.

Best Time to Visit Java

Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

Java is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Java is during the dry season, from May to October.

The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the Java attractions.

Java Island has a tropical climate, hot and humid, and the average temperature is 27°C all year round. However, we recommend you pack warm clothes for the Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcano tour.

The busiest time to visit Java is between July and August.

The rainy season in Java runs from November to April. We did this Java Itinerary in May.

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

See also → Things to Do in Java

Java Itinerary: Central and East Java Route

You can easily modify our Java Travel Itinerary to extend or reduce the days.

Day 1: Arrive in Banyuwangi – East Java Itinerary

Welcome to Java! We hope you had a great ferry journey and are ready to explore Java Island.

Banyuwangi is the perfect place to start your East Java Itinerary. Depending on when you arrive in Banyuwangi, you can choose to start exploring the town or relax at the accommodation.

We rented a motorbike for the next day. After that, we checked into a hotel where we could sleep for a few hours before the trek. Then, at midnight, we started our tour by motorbike to Mount Ijen Volcano.

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Make the most of your experience by visiting the Ijen and Mt Bromo volcanoes on a 3-day tour from Bali.

How to Get to Banyuwangi from Bali

The easiest way to get from Bali to Java is to travel from Gilimanuk Harbour to the Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi.

The ferry departs approximately every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So there is no need to book in advance!

The boat ticket is only 13,000 IDR (0.85 USD) per person, and the journey takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Once you arrive at Ketapang Ferry Port, you can reach Banyuwangi in about 20 minutes by taxi.

Recommended post → How to Get from Bali to Java

Day 2: Mount Ijen Crater Tour – A highlight of your Java Itinerary

Mount Ijen hike is a must-do in Indonesia, so you can’t miss it on your Java Itinerary. Kawah Ijen is an active volcano in East Java, and on your tour, you can see the world’s largest acidic lake and the famous Blue Fire.

The public transport in Banyuwangi is limited, so the best way to reach the Kawah Ijen Volcano is to rent a motorbike or join an organized tour.

The journey takes about 1 hour from Banyuwangi to Mount Ijen. If you want to see the famous Blue Fire, we recommend you arrive at 1 AM.

Important note
Due to volcanic activity, you can only start hiking at 4 AM, and it is not allowed to descend to the lake. Therefore, the natural phenomenon of electric Blue Flame at Kawah Ijen is unfortunately not visible. You should check for up-to-date information before you travel!

Once you arrive, you can buy your entrance ticket and rent a headlamp, gas mask, or warm clothes. It takes 1.5-2 hours to get from the parking lot to the Mount Ijen Crater Rim.

If you don’t want to do the Kawah Ijen hike independently, we recommend booking your tour via GetYourGuide.

Banyuwangi

After the tour, have breakfast, return to your accommodation, and spend the day relaxing. But if time is limited, you can continue your Java Itinerary and travel to Malang by private driver or taxi.

The trains only run in the early morning hours between Banyuwangi and Malang, so we recommend traveling onwards the next day. Book your train tickets HERE.

We decided to relax and spent 2 nights in Banyuwangi.

Read the full post → How to Climb Kawah Ijen Volcano

Where to Stay in Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi is a town in East Java and the gateway to the Ijen volcano for hikers.

If you want to make the most of your trek, you can camp at the Kawah Ijen. The camping fee is just 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD).

You can spend 1-2 days in Banyuwangi, these are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Banyuwangi, East Java

• Mid-Range: Aston Banyuwangi Hotel or eL Hotel Banyuwangi
• Budget: Banana Homestay

Day 3: Travel to Malang and Visit Jodipan Colorful Village

Good morning! It’s time to continue your East Java Itinerary! Check out from your accommodation and travel by train to Malang.

The distance between Banyuwangi and Malang is 305 km, and the travel time is approximately 7 hours. As the journey is long, we recommend you bring water and some snacks.

From Banyuwangi to Malang, train tickets start from 62,000 IDR (4 USD) per person. The train is the cheapest way to travel in the Java itinerary.

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You can easily buy train tickets at the Ketapang railway station, but we recommend booking online with 12Go!

Since you will arrive in Malang in the early afternoon, you will have enough time to walk around the Jodipan Colorful Village and visit the Blue Village.

Hungry? Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants in Malang.

As the village of Jodipan is not so crowded, you can visit at any time of day and explore the streets, find the best photo spots, and talk with locals.

From Jodipan, you can easily get to the Blue Village on the other side of the bridge. Plan at least 2-3 hours to explore the Rainbow and Blue Village.

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If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.

Keep reading →Things to Do in Malang

Day 4: Take a Day Trip to Mount Bromo – A popular place on your Java Itinerary

A visit to Mount Bromo Volcano is the highlight of every Java Itinerary, and you can easily take a day trip from Malang to Mount Bromo.

Mt Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, and on your tour, you can see the beautiful sunrise and take the epic crater rim walk.

Group tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, jeep ride, entrance fee, and breakfast. Pick-up time usually starts at midnight! Book your Mount Bromo sunrise tour via Viator.

Depending on traffic, the journey time from Malang to Mount Bromo takes 2-2.5 hours.

Once you arrive at the jeep parking lot, you can walk to the Penanjakan Bromo viewpoint, where most people watch the sunrise.

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Get the most out of your day trip and book a Mount Bromo sunrise and Madakaripura Waterfall tour HERE.

Recommended post → Mount Bromo Guide with Best Viewpoints

Day 5: Visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Are you looking for the best things to do near Malang, Java? Tumpak Sewu is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia and a highlight on your East Java Itinerary.

Tumpak Sewu translates from the Javanese language to mean “Thousand Waterfalls” and is 120 meters high.

The best way to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is to join a day trip from Malang.

Depending on traffic, the journey time from Malang to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall takes 2-3 hours.

From the parking lot, you can reach the impressive viewpoint in about 10 minutes and enjoy a fantastic view of the waterfall.

After that, a challenging hike leads to the waterfall, and depending on your fitness level, the tour takes at least 45 minutes.

Book a multi-day tour, including Mount Bromo and the Kawah Ijen.

Read the full post → Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Guide

Where to Stay in Malang

If you plan to visit Bromo Volcano and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Malang is the best base. These are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Malang, East Java

• Luxury: The Shalimar Boutique Hotel
• Mid-Range: Harris Hotel or Hotel Tugu Malang
• Budget: Ibis Styles Malang

Day 6: Travel to Yogyakarta – A featured destination in the Java Itinerary

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Java Itinerary! Check out from your accommodation and travel by train to Yogyakarta, Central Java.

The best and most comfortable way to get from Malang to Yogyakarta is by train. The journey time is approximately 6-7 hours, and depending on the type of ticket, train tickets start from 230,000 IDR (15 USD) per person.

Book your train tickets.

Alternatively, you can travel by night bus, but the journey takes at least 12 hours. Damri bus tickets start from 15 USD per person.

Once you arrive in Yogyakarta, start exploring the city’s attractions. Visit the Taman Sari Water Castle & Underground Mosque and walk through the famous Malioboro Street.

You can explore Malioboro Street independently or join a guided walking and food tour in Yogyakarta.

Malioboro is the perfect place to shop, eat, and offer fantastic photo opportunities. The Taman Sari Water Palace is just a 10-minute drive from the famous Malioboro Road and is easily accessible. Plan to spend 1-2 hours around Taman Sari.

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Add an extra day to your Central Java Itinerary and take a day trip to Jomblang Cave.

Day 7: Visit Borobudur and Prambanan Temple

Most people will only do the East Java route, skipping Central Java, but in our opinion, visiting the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur is a must-see in the Java Itinerary.

The best way to visit Prambanan & Borobudur Temple is to join a day trip from Yogyakarta.

Important note
At the moment, the Borobudur and Prambanan temples are closed every Monday, so check for up-to-date information before you travel!

We recommend watching the sunrise at the Borobudur Temple and combining your visit with the magnificent Prambanan Temple at sunset. Prambanan Temple is just a 1.5-hour drive from Borobudur.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. The three main temples are dedicated to the most important Hindu gods, like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Shiva’s shrine is the tallest at 47 meters and offers the most beautiful scenery.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world! Buddhists and many tourists come from all over the world to visit this important pilgrimage place.

Book the best Borobudur Sunrise and Prambanan tour through GetYourGuide, where you can get great prices.

See also → Yogyakarta Guide

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

Although Yogyakarta is a popular tourist destination in Java, accommodation options are available for all budgets.

The city has good restaurants and great places to shop. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Yogyakarta, Central Java

• Luxury: The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
• Mid-Range: The Victoria Hotel Yogyakarta
• Budget: Java Villas Boutique Hotel & Resto

Day 8: Combine your Java Itinerary with Lombok or leave Java

We hope you enjoyed your Java, Indonesia Itinerary! But it’s time to leave Java and travel back to Bali or visit Lombok.

The easiest way to get from Yogyakarta to Bali is to take a short domestic flight. The flight takes just 1.5 hours, and plane tickets start from 40 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.

Yogyakarta has an International Airport, the Yogyakarta Kulon Progo International Airport (airport code YIA). The distance between Yogyakarta Airport and the city center is 47 km, and the travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Bali, Indonesia.

Alternatively, you can fly directly from Yogyakarta to Lombok. The journey takes just 1.5 hours, and tickets start from 90 USD (without luggage) per person.

Come to Lombok and visit the epic beaches, go snorkeling or surfing, see the stunning waterfalls, and if you’re looking for an adventurous activity, hike the famous hiking trails.

Recommended post → 2 Weeks in Lombok

Java Travel Guide: FAQ about Java Itinerary

Is Java Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, we loved exploring Java!

The island of Java is home to beautiful temples, breathtaking waterfalls, volcanoes, tea plantations, and friendly Javanese people.

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You can also start your Java Itinerary in Central Java by flying from Bali to Yogyakarta Airport (airport code YIA).

Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Indonesia and apply for an e-visa online.

Is it Safe to Travel to Java Island?

Yes, Java is generally safe. However, always keep an eye on your valuables and beware of pickpockets!

Make sure you have travel insurance! If you rent a motorbike, drive carefully, always wear a helmet, and avoid driving at night!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How to Get Around Java

The best way to get around on your Java Itinerary is by train and rent a motorbike. On Java Island, trains are modern, cheap, and comfortable. Book your train tickets HERE.

We recommend travel between cities by train, and within the towns rent a motorbike and explore the sights at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or join an organized tour to reach the sights.

How many Days do You Need in Java?

Most people spend 7 days to explore Java on their first visit.

But if you can, we recommend spending at least 10 days on the island and exploring the best places at your own pace.

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Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

Central & East Java Itinerary Map

We hope our 1 week Java Travel Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Indonesia. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

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