Exotic Java and Bali

A varied and interesting tour

Nice contrast between Java (with a Muslim majority) and Bali (Hindu), which markedly shapes their character. Not sure i appreciated 4 or 5 muezzins calling me to prayer at 4am in Java, though..:0). Tour leader needs to alter his advice in Ubud: the monkey forest was entirely enjoyable, not the fearsome place he made it out to be... Also needs to advise on other highlights of Ubud, such as the Water Palace, which i discovered by myself.

This was our fourteenth trip with Explore, and once again our trip met all our expectations. Our Tour Leader Hadi was very friendly and very competent, and all arrangements went smoothly. Great variety of activities (batik-making, snorkeling, hiking, bike-riding, cooking opportunities) and wonderful sightseeing - ancient temples, beautiful scenery (terraced farmland, rice paddies, waterfalls) volcanoes (up close!) spice plantations, villages and people. Thoroughly recommend this tour.

Hadi was a fantastic tour leader! He was knowledgeable, informative and very very patient. He made the trip and was a great ambassador for Indonesia. The trip had a great variety of activities and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites. I particularly loved the trip up Mt Bromo to see inside a volcano and again to see the sunrise - a very different experience than expected but a lot of fun. The only downside was the last hotel had a major reconstruction of its restaurant which could be heard round the pool (I had an email saying it was refurbished and reopened.) It meant people moved to another hotel and split up the group which was disappointing But it was a nice hotel.

Some wonderful sights and experiences.Tour leader Pieter was excellent

Great trip from Bobobudur, through Java and Bali. Some really un-touristy places on both islands ending with uber touristy Ubud and Sanur so a good mix. Pieter our leader was amusing and knows everything there is to know. Always plenty stops for drinks and to stretch the legs on travel days .

Varied trip, mix of long travelling days and free time too. Plus an exciting combination of volcano climbing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, fantastic unexpected stay at Munduk cottages (needs more than one night). Additional stop at Colourful Village not on original itinerary was fabulous and must be included on future trips (preferably instead of the market garden stop which was nothing special). Great leader too who went above and beyond the role.