1-Week Java Itinerary: Temples, Waterfalls, & Volcanoes

Java, the most populous island in Indonesia, boasts some of the world’s most stunning volcanic landscapes. When planning your Indonesia adventure, make sure to include Central Java and East Java in your itinerary.

The steaming craters of Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen are popular tourist attractions in Java, but the island also offers lush jungles, ancient temples, and numerous waterfalls to explore.

This one-week itinerary for East Java will lead you through the must-see highlights of Java that we experienced during our initial journey in the region, starting in Central Java and concluding in western Bali.

1-Week Java Itinerary: Temples, Waterfalls, & Volcanoes

If you’re planning a trip to East Java and want to make the most of your time, this 1-week itinerary will guide you through some of the region’s most stunning attractions. From ancient temples to breathtaking waterfalls and majestic volcanoes, East Java has it all.

Day 1: Surabaya – Malang

Your journey starts in Surabaya, East Java’s capital city. From there, make your way to Malang, a charming town known for its cool climate and colonial architecture. Spend the day exploring Malang’s historic streets and sampling local delicacies.

Day 2: Mount Bromo

Wake up early to embark on an unforgettable sunrise hike to Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes. Marvel at the spectacular views from the crater rim before descending to the Sea of Sand below.

Day 3: Ijen Crater

Head to Ijen Crater, home to the world’s largest acidic lake and famous for its mesmerizing blue flames. Trek to the crater’s edge and witness the miners harvesting sulfur, creating a surreal scene against the backdrop of the turquoise lake.

Day 4: Banyuwangi – Baluran National Park

Travel to Banyuwangi and explore Baluran National Park, a hidden gem teeming with wildlife and pristine landscapes. Embark on a safari tour to spot exotic animals such as deer, peacocks, and monkeys amid lush savannah grasslands.

Day 5: Madakaripura Waterfall – Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Visit Madakaripura Waterfall, a majestic cascade nestled within a lush gorge. Continue to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, a towering beauty surrounded by emerald greenery. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these stunning waterfalls.

Day 6: Malang – Jodipan Village

Return to Malang and explore the vibrant Jodipan Village, known for its colorful houses and art installations. Stroll through the narrow alleyways adorned with vibrant murals and soak in the eclectic atmosphere of this charming neighborhood.

Day 7: Apple Plantation – Batu Town

Visit an apple plantation in Batu Town and savor fresh fruit straight from the orchard. Explore the town’s quaint streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops before bidding farewell to the enchanting landscapes of East Java.

1-Week Java Itinerary: Temples, Waterfalls, & Volcanoes

Explore the wonders of East Java with this adventurous 1-week itinerary that takes you through ancient temples, breathtaking waterfalls, and majestic volcanoes. Discover the beauty and culture of this diverse region as you embark on an unforgettable journey filled with history, natural wonders, and stunning landscapes.

Where To Start

The Java itinerary commences in Yogyakarta, located in central Java, Indonesia.

Begin by flying to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), which is well-served by several budget airlines known for their good reputations. AirAsia frequently operates flights from Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Yogyakarta for about 1 million Rupiah ($70 USD), or from Bali (DPS) for as low as 600k Rupiah ($40).

For flight options to Yogyakarta, you can check out Skyscanner for convenient booking.

If preferred, you can also do the itinerary in reverse by starting with the Bali ferry journey and concluding in Yogyakarta. The overall process remains largely similar!

Day 1: Dieng Plateau

Commence your exploration of Java by embarking on a full-day excursion to Dieng Plateau, located in the volcanic highlands to the west of Yogyakarta. Depart from the town early in the morning to reach the plateau in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise from Sikunir hill.

Following the sunrise spectacle, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes featuring sulfuric lakes, hill terraces, steaming hot springs, and some of the ancient temples that have stood the test of time on Java.

Day 2: Prambanan & Borobudur Temples

On the second day of the itinerary, visitors will explore the magnificent Prambanan and Borobudur Temples in Java, Indonesia. These ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Prambanan Temple

Discover Prambanan Temple, a collection of impressive Hindu temple remains located near Yogyakarta city in central Java. While not as renowned as Borobudur, this site is personally preferred due to its unique charm.

Borobudur Temple

Proceed to Borobudur, a significant Buddhist temple from the 9th century located a bit further away from Yogya, known for being the largest Buddhist temple globally. It is worth noting that you can interchange the visits to Borobudur and Prambanan on this day if you wish to witness the sunrise at Borobudur.

Day 3: Train To Malang

Catch the train departing at 7:45 AM from Yogyakarta Stasiun to Malang.

Expect an 8-hour train journey costing 170k Rupiah (~$12 USD) per person. Purchase your tickets online through Tiket.com or the KAI website, and present your e-ticket at the station.

The train ride stands out as one of the highlights of my trip. It offers comfort, beautiful scenery, and an enjoyable experience with amenities like air conditioning, meals, and stunning views of the Java countryside.

Day 4: Exploring the Waterfalls in Malang

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Commence your day at the breathtaking Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, known as the most impressive waterfall in Indonesia. To capture the best lighting for your photos, it is recommended to visit early in the morning. The waterfall is located approximately a 2-hour drive from Malang, so plan to start your journey very early to make the most of your visit!

Kabut Pelangi Waterfall

After visiting Tumpak Sewu, continue driving east for about 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the trail leading to Kabut Pelangi Waterfall. Despite a 45-minute hike, the grandeur of this waterfall makes it a must-see attraction!

Kapas Biru Waterfall

After visiting Kabut Pelangi, continue driving east for about 10 minutes until you reach the starting point of the trail leading to Kapas Biru Waterfall. The hike to reach this waterfall is relatively short, taking only around 30 minutes, but the view of the waterfall at the end is truly breathtaking.

Day 5: Exploring Coban Pelangi and Journey to Mount Bromo

On the fifth day of the journey, the itinerary includes a visit to Coban Pelangi waterfall followed by a scenic drive to Mount Bromo. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Coban Pelangi and then embark on a picturesque journey towards the majestic Mount Bromo.

Coban Pelangi Waterfall

Before heading to Bromo, consider visiting the picturesque Coban Pelangi Waterfall. Tucked away in the mountains, this hidden gem is just an hour’s drive east of Malang.

Drive From Malang To Mount Bromo

Embark on a journey from Malang to Cemoro Lawang, the village situated near Mount Bromo. Despite the relatively short distance of 130 kilometers (80 miles), expect the drive to take over 3 hours. It’s advisable to retire early to ensure you’re ready for the Bromo experience!

Mount Bromo stands as a key highlight of the East Java itinerary, warranting a full and immersive exploration.

Day 6: Witnessing the Sunrise at Mount Bromo and Traveling to Banyuwangi

Mount Bromo Sunrise

Start your day early to trek or drive to the sunrise location overlooking Mount Bromo. Witnessing the steaming volcanic craters during sunrise is a memorable experience that will stay with you forever.

Driving From Bromo to Banyuwangi

Embark on a journey from Bromo to Ijen, with the recommendation of staying at a nearby homestay. Covering a distance of 230 kilometers (140 miles), this drive typically lasts for over 6 hours.

Day 7: Exploring Kawah Ijen Crater and Taking the Ferry to Bali

Kawah Ijen Crater

Start your day early to embark on a challenging hike to the Ijen Crater. The journey requires an early start to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing blue fire phenomenon (optional) or to arrive during the golden hour for stunning photo opportunities.

Ferry To Bali

Travel from Java to Bali by ferry from Ketapang. The journey typically lasts 30-60 minutes and costs around 8k Rupiah per person, which is less than one US Dollar, especially if you are not bringing a vehicle along.

Upon arrival in Bali, you have the option to arrange for a private driver in advance to greet you at the port, which is recommended. Alternatively, you can negotiate for transportation services upon arrival. Keep in mind that there may be an additional fee for drivers in this area, as the port is quite a distance from the main tourist spots in Bali, and it falls outside many drivers’ usual service zones.

Embrace the beauty of Bali as your exciting journey unfolds!

Optimal Timing for Java Travel

The prime period to explore Java is between April and November, characterized by sunnier and drier weather.

From November to April, Java experiences the rainy season. While visiting during this time is feasible, it may not be the most suitable choice for viewing waterfalls or witnessing stunning sunrises.

Our Trusted Driver in East Java

Upon reaching Malang on Day 3, we secured the services of a driver from Zaini Transport for the duration of our trip. He expertly guided us to various waterfalls highlighted in our East Java itinerary, including Mount Bromo and Ijen, culminating in a smooth drop-off at the Bali ferry terminal.

Our driver’s daily rate in Malang stood at 400k Rupiah plus petrol expenses, totaling 620k Rupiah ($44 USD) for a fulfilling day trip encompassing three picturesque waterfalls in Lumajang, before returning to the comfort of Malang. Despite a slightly higher rate for the Bromo/Ijen leg of the journey, it remained the most cost-effective option available.

Known as Dayat, our driver exhibited punctuality and an exceptional familiarity with the region, ensuring seamless navigation to the waterfalls and other key attractions as per our East Java itinerary. We highly recommend his services, offering a budget-friendly alternative to comprehensive tour packages!