Java, the most populated island in the world with over 150 million inhabitants, is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The combination of its stunning nature and rich culture makes it an ideal destination. Let yourself be inspired by this itinerary of Java with children and discover why this island is an unforgettable destination.
Java Island captivates the imagination, for although it is only an hour away from Bali by ferry, the difference could not be greater. Apart from a few highlights, you won’t find the large mass tourism here. Nor the hyper-modern villas and eateries. Nor the tour agencies on the corner of the street. No, in Java it’s just a little different.
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How do you get there?
International
Java has no less than five international airports, of which Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta is the most well-known. There are usually good connections to this airport from Schiphol Airport.
From Bali
If you’re in Bali, you can easily reach East Java by taking a ferry in Gilimanuk. The ferry ride only takes an hour and costs you less than €1.
From Sumatra
You can take a ferry from Bakauheni Port (1 hour) or a multi-day ferry lasting 60 hours from Belawan Port near Medan to Tanjung Priok in Jakarta. The latter can be booked through Pelni.
From Medan or Padang, there are also domestic flights to various major cities in Java such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or Surabaya.
Days 1-3: Three-Day Tour: Ijen, Tumpak Sewu, and Bromo
We start our journey with a crossing from Bali. We head to Banyuwangi where we will be picked up at night for our trek to Ijen.
Start your adventure in Java with one of the most adventurous and spectacular tours we’ve ever done. Together with the waterfalls of Tumpak Sewu and the Bromo volcano, Ijen offers breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and adrenaline.
Read more: Three-day tour: Ijen, Tumpak Sewu and Bromo
Days 4-5: Malang
Your three-day tour through East Java concludes in Malang. There you can walk through the most colorful neighborhoods of Indonesia and discover lesser-known places such as the Coban Rondo waterfall and the Wonosari tea plantation.
Read more: What to do in Malang?
Days 6-11: Yogyakarta
A train ride takes you about six hours from Malang to Yogyakarta. Tickets can be purchased through 12go or Tiket.
Yogyakarta quickly became one of our favorite cities in Asia. It is a vibrant city with a lot of culture, beautiful buildings, and within biking distance to the countryside.
Read more: Things to do in Yogyakarta
Days 12-13: Bandung
A train ride takes us six hours from Yogyakarta to Bandung, the capital of West Java and a less touristy city.
There is one well-known street full of restaurants, cafes, and art. You can clearly see Dutch influences in the names of the buildings, but also on the menu. Bitterballen, yes please.
The next day, we head to the theme park The Great Asia Afrika, located half an hour outside the city. In a matter of hours, you feel as though you’ve traveled from Korea to Egypt to India.
From Bandung, there are also various other excursions to take, such as a trip to the White Crater, mud baths, and tea plantations.
Day 14: Jakarta
A relatively short train ride takes us from Bandung to Jakarta. I had little expectation of this city beforehand, which tourists apparently prefer to skip rather than visit.
We pay a visit to the old town and seek out shade in the Wayang Museum (shadow puppet theater). Additionally, the boys venture to the haunted house.
Next, we visit a shopping center where we enjoy a nice expensive meal in a German brasserie and do a bit of shopping.
And that brings an end to our two-week tour of Java.
Got inspired to visit Java with children? Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a message.