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We combined Yogyakarta with Solo (Surakarta) as they’re close to each other. Lots to do in Jogja – will you go to Prambanan as well as Borobudur? Don’t forget to see the Ramayana ballet.
+1 for both temples and the ramayana ballet. Borobudur – go for sunrise if possible. Gets hot quickly in the morning.
At Prambanan, we had school children asking us to teach or write English and taking photos with us 🙂Swap BVromo for Merapi and just do a longer, more relaxed stay in Jogja?
Swap BVromo for Merapi and just do a longer, more relaxed stay in Jogja?
Similarly, no evening flights to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
But point taken about spending the whole time there. Maybe possible to do a day trip to Bromo? (In addition to Merapi where we intend to take a jeep tour to the base and back).We didn’t go to Surabaya on our trip to Java as we didn’t fancy getting up in the middle of the night to hike up Mt Bromo to see the sunrise! It was 1980 though so even if we had gone the info might be out of date!
We combined Yogyakarta with Solo (Surakarta) as they’re close to each other. Lots to do in Jogja – will you go to Prambanan as well as Borobudur? Don’t forget to see the Ramayana ballet.
Thanks QC.
I suspect there have been one or two changes in the past 45 years!
Yeah we’ll be doing both temples on separate days when in Jogja.I’m struggling with trying to get a flight into Surabaya the same night as we arrive into Kuala Lumpur.
It seems a waste of the evening to stay in an airport hotel at KUL and fly out the next morning. The BA and the MAS flights (still deciding between them) get into KUL around 17:00 – 17:30 so I guess it will be 19:00 by the time we’ve checked into the airport hotel, dumped our bags and are ready to head into Kuala Lumpur to grab a meal – not sure it’s do’able given the 1.5 hours journey time each way.Alternative is Turkish Airlines LHR > IST > SIN > SUB which gets us there on one ticket, but it isn’t cheap: around £2.5kpp in business class one-way. Economy is about £700pp one way, but I don’t think this is the kind of journey I’d want to spend in economy.
I’ve remembered another reason we didn’t visit Mt Bromo – it was erupting!
If you are choosing between MH and BA definitely choose the former! BA cancelled our flights to KUL and we managed to get the flights rearranged on MH. Very good flight.
You wouldn’t go in to KUL for dinner – better to stay near the airport and head off early in the morning.
Thought it was all organised and everything was booked, but this morning Citilink cancelled our flight from Lombok to Bali.
It’s at the end of April
The options now seem to be Wings Air or boat. Wings Air – i know nothing about and worried it might not have the best record. Boat – was trying to avoid as heard some scary stories about the ride.
Anyone has any suggestions? Maybe recommendations of a good boat company?
Thanks
@cat , would you recommend the Madani antique villas in Ubud?
Hi @Bervios, I’m so sorry, I stopped checking back in on this thread!
In the unlikely eventuality that you haven’t already booked a hotel, I would absolutely recommend Madani Antique Villas – I absolutely loved it. I got the villa with the big kidney shaped pool, as I loved the views the best from that pool. It’s worth reading the reviews and emailing them to check when the rice harvest is, as the views from the pool will be considerably less glorious if the rice terraces are just brown, muddy ditches after harvest!
Sorry again for taking so long to reply.
Cat
Thought it was all organised and everything was booked, but this morning Citilink cancelled our flight from Lombok to Bali.
It’s at the end of April
The options now seem to be Wings Air or boat. Wings Air – i know nothing about and worried it might not have the best record. Boat – was trying to avoid as heard some scary stories about the ride.
Anyone has any suggestions? Maybe recommendations of a good boat company?
Thanks
The ferries from Lombok to Bali are fine, it’ll take just over an hour. I’ve never had a problem with them.
Similarly, no evening flights to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
But point taken about spending the whole time there. Maybe possible to do a day trip to Bromo? (In addition to Merapi where we intend to take a jeep tour to the base and back).I’d stay closer to Bromo NP (which, BTW, don’t miss it, it’s absolutely *STUNNING*), and just deal with staying for one night in less salubrious accommodation. It’s absolutely worth slumming it for a night, for the views across the caldera. We aimed to hike up to the viewpoint for dawn, but then arrived later than planned (due to walking at a glacial pace), and as a result we missed the crowds! Result!
Yogya is wonderful – I especially loved Borobudur.
Enjoy!
Similarly, no evening flights to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
But point taken about spending the whole time there. Maybe possible to do a day trip to Bromo? (In addition to Merapi where we intend to take a jeep tour to the base and back).I’d stay closer to Bromo NP (which, BTW, don’t miss it, it’s absolutely *STUNNING*), and just deal with staying for one night in less salubrious accommodation. It’s absolutely worth slumming it for a night, for the views across the caldera. We aimed to hike up to the viewpoint for dawn, but then arrived later than planned (due to walking at a glacial pace), and as a result we missed the crowds! Result!
Yogya is wonderful – I especially loved Borobudur.
Enjoy!
Thanks but I’ve changed my plan slightly as I absolutely CBA to go up the volcano and stay a few hours in a tent waiting for dawn and then having the rest of that next day ruined from being knackered.
Was talking to a relative who did this before Covid and he didn’t think it was worth the inconvenience and consequential loss of time that could have been spent on other stuff (but he didn’t specify what other stuff).So firstly, Air Asia have out of the blue restored the late evening flight from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya.
I have booked it.
I found a tour guide who is prepared to take us on a daytime trip to a waterfall and then to Bromo for *sunset*.
We will miss the last train to Yogyakarta so will stay an additional night in Surabaya.Thanks for your info though.
Thanks but I’ve changed my plan slightly as I absolutely CBA to go up the volcano and stay a few hours in a tent waiting for dawn and then having the rest of that next day ruined from being knackered.
Was talking to a relative who did this before Covid and he didn’t think it was worth the inconvenience and consequential loss of time that could have been spent on other stuff (but he didn’t specify what other stuff).So firstly, Air Asia have out of the blue restored the late evening flight from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya.
I have booked it.
I found a tour guide who is prepared to take us on a daytime trip to a waterfall and then to Bromo for *sunset*.
We will miss the last train to Yogyakarta so will stay an additional night in Surabaya.Thanks for your info though.
Bromo at sunset will be absolutely incredible too, and probably less crowded. Report back!
@cat , would you recommend the Madani antique villas in Ubud?
Hi @Bervios, I’m so sorry, I stopped checking back in on this thread!
In the unlikely eventuality that you haven’t already booked a hotel, I would absolutely recommend Madani Antique Villas – I absolutely loved it. I got the villa with the big kidney shaped pool, as I loved the views the best from that pool. It’s worth reading the reviews and emailing them to check when the rice harvest is, as the views from the pool will be considerably less glorious if the rice terraces are just brown, muddy ditches after harvest!
Sorry again for taking so long to reply.
Cat
I decided to look at Madani based on your recommendation and the only villa they have for our dates is described as ‘Family Wooden Private Pol Villa’ – do you know how that would compare to the villa you stayed in?
Also any good restaurants to walk out to or will we have to use a Grab?
@Aston100 maybe your friend wasn’t interested in culture – there was an article in the New York Times which says that Yogyakarta is a place of cultural and intellectual ferment, run by a revered royal family https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/travel/yogyakarta-indonesia.html which is behind a paywall but you can create a free login.
I decided to look at Madani based on your recommendation and the only villa they have for our dates is described as ‘Family Wooden Private Pol Villa’ – do you know how that would compare to the villa you stayed in?
Also any good restaurants to walk out to or will we have to use a Grab?
That looks lovely, but it looks like there isn’t much in the way of views from the pool area. A big part of what I loved about my villa were the incredible rice terrace views. I was in one of the one bedroom (with private pool) villas, and I specifically asked for the villa that had the kidney shaped pool, because I liked the combination of rice terrace and forest view, as it was the last villa in the row, right next to the start of the forest.
There is a restaurant – Nuandari Cafe, it was nice for the times I couldn’t be bothered to get a grab into Ubud, but mostly I got a grab to get food! BTW, note that the private pool villas are by Nusandari cafe on Google maps, at a slightly different location to the pool access villas.
Hi anyone has a recommendation for a driver in Lombok?
Was about to book my train from Surabaya to Yogyakarta when I came across this on a slightly later departure.
Looks like something from a plane. Comes with waitress service and suchlike.
It is almost 3 times the price of a regular train ticket – around £57 for the 3.5 hour journey.
Think I’ll book it for the novelty.
Do ‘suites’ like this exist on trains in other countries?
Was about to book my train from Surabaya to Yogyakarta when I came across this on a slightly later departure.
Looks like something from a plane. Comes with waitress service and suchlike.
It is almost 3 times the price of a regular train ticket – around £57 for the 3.5 hour journey.
Think I’ll book it for the novelty.
Do ‘suites’ like this exist on trains in other countries?Looks like emirates F.
Couple of options in India – Palace on wheels and Deccan odyssey.
Hi all.
Anyone been to Raja Amplat?
Looking to do lots of snorkelling – Mrs MacK can’t dive because of ear operations in the past.
Thinking both live-aboards and good hubs for excursions.
ps Does the Garuda flight from Jakarta get fully booked? Or is there a better way to get to Sorong, which seems to be the gateway.
pps With SIN and KUL the only BA gateways to the region – I think – looks like our 241 lives for another day!
Did a fabulous day trip to Ubud today with the least traffic
I have seen in years if not decades. Even time for a swift beverage
in the Four Seasons afterwards.Stopped at Goa Gajah (elephant temple) on the way: only 4 other people there – wonderful.
Did a fabulous day trip to Ubud today with the least traffic
I have seen in years if not decades. Even time for a swift beverage
in the Four Seasons afterwards.Stopped at Goa Gajah (elephant temple) on the way: only 4 other people there – wonderful.
Sounds good. Hope the traffic stays quiet when we come over.
Remind me of your itinerary?Thanks but I’ve changed my plan slightly as I absolutely CBA to go up the volcano and stay a few hours in a tent waiting for dawn and then having the rest of that next day ruined from being knackered.
Was talking to a relative who did this before Covid and he didn’t think it was worth the inconvenience and consequential loss of time that could have been spent on other stuff (but he didn’t specify what other stuff).So firstly, Air Asia have out of the blue restored the late evening flight from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya.
I have booked it.
I found a tour guide who is prepared to take us on a daytime trip to a waterfall and then to Bromo for *sunset*.
We will miss the last train to Yogyakarta so will stay an additional night in Surabaya.Thanks for your info though.
Bromo at sunset will be absolutely incredible too, and probably less crowded. Report back!
So yes it was not crowded and also very impressive.
Alas, the clouds got in the way and so we couldn’t see the sun setting.
I’m still glad I did this late in the day.
Would recommend.Did a fabulous day trip to Ubud today with the least traffic
I have seen in years if not decades. Even time for a swift beverage
in the Four Seasons afterwards.Stopped at Goa Gajah (elephant temple) on the way: only 4 other people there – wonderful.
Sounds good. Hope the traffic stays quiet when we come over.
Remind me of your itinerary?So we did Shanghai (Conrad – great for our purposes, bang in the middle of everything), Singapore (Conrad Orchard – best stay anywhere in a good while, fabulous) and I am now writing
from breakfast at the…don’t laugh….Bali Hard Rock!!! The caveat is we have an 11-yr old
and it’s without a doubt his favourite place (for now).Weather’s been great – bit of cloud and the odd shower has kept the heat down, definitely cooler than Shanghai/Singapore.
Will possibly pop down to Sanur markets tomorrow, then off to lovely Hua Hin on Thurs.
A trip report of sorts:
Flew from LHR to Kuala Lumpur KUL with BA using a companion voucher.
BA33 and BA34 were both horrible experiences. Mostly to do with crew, cleanliness and the outdated uncomfortable seats.Spent a few hours knocking around KUL terminal 2 (need to take a shuttle bus from terminal 1 / M). Lots of shops and restaurants here if like me you left you priority pass in your suitcase.
Air Asia flight to Surabaya SUB. Row 1 – unremarkable. I like Air Asia – my favourite budget airline.
3 nights at the Doubletree Surabaya. Used points initially and then switched to a cash booking at last minute (Under £50pn).
Upgraded to a large room on a high floor. Complimentary lounge access. Reasonable pool (a tad cold in the morning though).
Excellent restaurant with one of the widest selections I’ve ever seen.
Superb place and I would stay again if I ever revisit Eastern Java.Visited Madakaripura Waterfall (absolutely stunning) and went up to the summit and looked down into the crater of an active volcano – Mount Bromo. This was a first for me and an experience I’ll never forget. The area is incredible – contains a ‘sand sea’ and is within the caldera of some ancient volcano from within which Bromo and 4 of its mates have emerged.
Took a train to Yogyakarta (Jogja as everyone seemed to call it). Paid around £57 to be in a suite for the 3hrs 40 mins journey. See photo a few posts up. It looked and felt like a premium cabin on an aircraft. Closing door (floor to ceiling), waitress service, f&b, hot & cold towels, reclining seat (close to 180 degrees) etc. I actually fell asleep for a couple of hours.
6 nights at the Melia Purosani Yogyakarta.
This is one of the best value for money hotel bookings I’ve had.
Booked a ‘level’ room almost a year out with the 20% voucher and 5% app discount for about £65pn.
Used my birthday voucher and got double upgraded to a suite. I think it was over 130sqm.
Lounge was tiny and could probably hold no more than a dozen people. Luckily I never saw more than 4 others at any time.
Breakfast was really good. Pool was a bit small but temperature was nice. Customer service was amazing. On-site restaurants (especially the Chinese) were excellent.Visited places such as Borobodur Temple, Prambanan Temple (stayed for the Ramayana ballet), Mount Merapi (a very active and somewhat dangerous volcano) but unfortunately shrouded by cloud on that day (not allowed too close due to risks of eruption). Did some museums and dance performances.
Took the airport train from Yogyakarta to the new YIA airport. The train cost almost exactly £1 each. Did I forget to mention how dirt cheap everything is in Java?
Crappy Lion Air flight to Bali DPS. Worst plane I’ve been on. Filthy and almost no leg room.5 nights in Ubud in a private pool villa which was part of someone’s family compound (apparently that is a thing in Bali). Booked through AirBnB. Think it cost about £70pn inc a basic breakfast.
The wardrobe had several stealable hangers and an enormous spider guardian. The home owner took two minutes to defeat it with a broom and pure adrenaline while Mrs Aston was stood on the bed screaming (I just stayed in the pool).
I have mixed feelings about Ubud. There are definitely some outdoorsy sites to be seen, especially the rice fields/terraces, waterfalls, a couple of volcanoes and tons of temples. But the place is busy busy busy. Filled with annoying & selfish tourists, and not very walkable.
It also has the worst traffic I have ever experienced in my life, easily beating Jakarta which was the former record holder in my books. I kid you not, it took 40 minutes to drive about half a mile on one occasion, and we regretted not walking it.
There are some very good restaurants here at very reasonable prices. We ate at several and were impressed. E.g. Cascades, Mosaic, Luxe Grill, Room 4 Dessert, Arcadia.4 nights at the IC Jimbaran.
It far exceeded my expectations.
Booked with points: 32.5k pn (I kept cancelling and rebooking through the year as prices changed). Paid an additional £75pn (after a bit of haggling a few months ago) to be upgraded to a larger room with full club benefits, which were pretty decent. These included access to the amazing Club lounge and the separate club pool.
I cannot tell you enough how good we thought this place was. The club access made a difference as we had very few other people in our lounge and in our (surprisingly large) pool.
Sunset views across the beach were amazing. Seafood restaurants on the beach were great.
Didn’t really do anything here other than an obligatory trip to Uluwatu temple (underwhelming) and a dinner cruise from Benoa (very nice).
I highly recommend this place. Not overrun with ‘that’ kind of tourist. Very enjoyable experience.We found Java was incredibly cheap. Bali not as cheap, but still cheap enough. So much outdoor adventuring possibilities. I intend to return to Indonesia a few years (but probably not to Bali).
Thanks for that, I have 8 nights at the IC Bali Resort coming up. Average is 24k per night with a £90 upgrade to a Duplex Suite and full club benefits. Any recommendations along the beach for food, it’s been a while since we were there? Also, are they still offering evening club cocktails on the beach?
That’s an impressive price Strickers.
Food on the beach? I counted at least a dozen restaurants all next to each other. After checking 4 at random, they seemed to be much of a muchness in terms of food and prices.
So a week ago, we ate at the first one (immediately next to the IC). The Google reviews were plentiful and averaged I think 4.6 / 5
Table within a couple of yards of the tide. Was a good vibe.
Paid virtually peanuts for a red snapper, half a dozen prawns and some sides. Went and picked the specific fish I wanted cooking.IC cocktails on the beach?
So from what I could see, the hotel’s “Sunset Bar & Grill” had some comfortable seating on the beach, but right up against the edge of the hotel (nobody can walk behind you). I saw hotel guests with drinks there.
However, we had ours at the sunset viewpoint, at the edge of the grounds overlooking the beach and served by the club pool bar, via the call button.By the way, there was always a promotion of some sort going on for at least one of the four hotel restaurants.
We had a Teppanyaki lunch (complete with theatrics) and a Sushi dinner (which was way more than just Sushi BTW) at the Japanese place, with a 50% discount (on the food) which changed the prices from ‘very reasonable’ to ‘ridiculously good’.@Aston100 thanks for all this! Haven’t been back to Yogja for 30+ years but would love
to now little one is no longer so little, so this was inspiring.As regards Bali IC…could you walk (inland) to, say, warungs to eat/a few local shops?
And were there many/any older kids around? (granted you wouldn’t notice if not looking out
for it!). It’s also on my shortlist for next visit.For everyone’s amusement, I will get round to doing a report on our own trip to Bali,
including the Hard Rock Hotel, which was rammed with THOSE sort of tourists!!!
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