HomeAsiaSouth East AsiaIndonesia2 Weeks Java, Indonesia Itinerary – Solo DIY Travel Tips By Marcos Detourist on November 12, 2012I explored Indonesia for two weeks during my three-week backpacking trip early this year. Considering this huge country trumps even the Philippines in terms of archipelagic size, I wanted to take careful thought with my itinerary.I knew two weeks would only be enough time to see a glimpse of what Indonesia offered. It was tempting to do a jam-packed “amazing race” trip to cover as many bases. On the other hand, I didn’t want to overwhelm myself skimming through too many destinations.I ended up planning a visit to only one island, Java Island. If I got the sudden urge (or have enough time) to visit another island, I told myself I can decide during the actual trip.JakartaSeeing Jakarta on Google Maps, I had my initial reservations. I remember how scared I was visiting Manila on my own for the first time. Jakarta is even bigger than Manila in terms of population and conurbation. Even today, I get the jitters whenever I explore (Metro) Manila outside the vicinity of an LRT/MRT station. Jakarta doesn’t have a light rail system, which means I have to figure out a way to move around using its extensive bus transit network.I hopped on an evening flight from Kota Kinabalu to Jakarta. Seeing the endless sprawl of Jakarta’s night lights confirmed that it was indeed one extraordinarily huge city. Flying over 28 million inhabitants of Greater Jakarta’s massive urban sprawl Arriving late, taking the local bus, and finding a hostel after dark, I was prepared to exhaust all the street-smarts and backpacking skills that I learned during my past travels.While I was on my actual exploration of Jakarta, I discovered that getting around was not as hard or taxing as I thought. I spent my one full day walking, mostly, along the streets and canals lined with grand Dutch-colonial buildings in Old Batavia / Kota area.High walls of restored Dutch warehouses and the chaos of Old Jakarta’s market area.Along the canals of Old Batavia, once envisioned as a tropical AmsterdamNight traffic along Jalan Thamrin, one of Jakarta’s major business and shopping strip.YogyakartaI couldn’t wait to finally start exploring Yogyakarta, my main destination in Indonesia.I wanted to get lost in the hidden passages of the Water Castle (Kraton), marvel at the spires of Prambanan Temple complex, take a journey to the pinnacle of Borobodur temple, and of course, soak up as much of Javanese culture. Aerial view of Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta) International Airport on my flight from Jakarta to YogyakartaLocal tourists display their leaping feats at the underground mosque in YogyakartaSilhouette of Prambanan Temple spires with Merapi Volcano during duskSolace for the whole of three seconds near the main dome of Borobodur Temple Bird’s eye view of Borobudur Temple from the high lofts of AmanjiwoNgadas, East JavaOn my way to Mount Bromo in East Java, I took an overnight train to Malang (my first long distance train ride) and ventured to the highland village of Ngadas.I discovered Ngadas when I was researching about alternate routes to Mount Bromo. There wasn’t a lot of information online on how to do the traverse, I only knew only that it was possible and the mountain views there were exceptionally amazing. Indeed it was!Veggie farms covering entire mountain tops of Ngadas on my way to Mount BromoI spent one night in a homestay before attempting a hike to Cemoro Lawang, the main jump-off point to the crater of Mount Bromo.I met many heartwarming friendly locals. I loved that this route was borderline off the grid. I finally got to escape the tourist frenzy in Yogyakarta :)In fact, most locals thought I was Indonesian at first glance … or before I started talking. I had to learn a couple of words and phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, which was useful when taking non-touristy local transport. My most used sentences were “Saya tidak bisa berbicara bahasa Indonesio. Saya Dari Philippines.” Translated as “I can’t speak Indonesian. I’m from the Philippines.”Devouring a hearty soup of Bakso while enjoying the relaxing highland views of NgadasIt was the height of the summer heat when I left the Philippines. I assumed Indonesia would share the same weather since it was geographically close to home.I didn’t expect it would rain too often during my trip. I eventually figured out that Java island and much of Indonesia lie at the opposite side of the equator. The climate cycle of the dry and wet season was reversed.Braving the thick mist on my hike from Ngadas to Mount BromoI woke up to a wet misty morning in Ngadas. I was definitely having doubts pushing through with the 17km (3-hour) hike across remote mountainous areas laden with active volcanoes. I was alone, wet, and cold. Not to mention visibility was limited to several meters and I was carrying my backpack.I could have actually looked for a motorcycle driver for hire, who can take me straight to a cozy room in Cemoro Lawang. I listened intently to my instincts, my “adventurer self” was shouting that I go for it. I had a good gut feeling about it. Hey, it’s not everyday that I get the chance to go on a crazy and potentially epic adventure.Mount Bromo – Cemoro Lawang15-minutes into the hike, one motorcycle driver passed by. He offered a free ride all the way to Cemoro Lawang, I was beyond grateful. When we passed by “the savannah” at the backside of Mount Bromo, I was caught breathless. I told him to drop me off there so I can experience trekking through the beautifully arid scenery and take my own pace to capture the moment in pictures.The Savannah hidden at the backside caldera of Mount Bromo Braving the sea of sand desert-like terrain at the foot of Mount BromoThe whole time I was in the vicinity of Mount Bromo. I didn’t get to see the divine spectacle of the sun rising past the five volcanoes at the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Each morning, I was greeted with too much clouds cover. It would’ve made my trip perfect but that’s what I get for traveling during low/rainy season.Hindu temple, Pura Luhur Poten, dwarfed by the steaming crater of Mount BromoLife-threatening photo ops at Mount Bromo craterFinally, a taste of java in Java Island, IndonesiaBaluran National Park, East JavaOriginally, I wanted to see another nearby volcano, Mount Ijen, famed for its picturesque turquoise-colored acid crater lake. Unfortunately, it was closed to tourists due to high volcanic activity at the time.Bali was a couple of hours land travel + 1-hour ferry ride away. Crossing over was very tempting but with 4 days left before my flight out of Indonesia, I thought it was too little time to really immerse myself in what Bali had to offer. I decided to reserve it for another trip.I found myself roughing it out for three days at Baluran National Park in East Java. Like Ngadas, it was relatively off-the-grid to foreign tourists (even to locals, as I was told).I was hooked after seeing a photo of its savannah. Unlike the one near Bromo, this one is located in a vast area teeming with wildlife, and diverse flora.I enjoyed stalking the wild animals the most :) I fulfilled one of my deep desires of feeling like I was in a NatGeo show. Stalking a herd of wild deer at Baluran National ParkThriving in adversity. Cute bird finds safety surrounded by a thorn tree.Hanging with resident beach bums at Baluran National ParkSurabaya, East JavaI made my way to Surabaya in East Java to catch an onward flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.When I look back on my time spent in Surabaya, its motorcycle filled streets definitely comes to mind first. It was the hardest street crossings that I’ve done in my life. The traffic just never stops. Even crossing two lane roads was a major challenge. Speeding Motorcycle filled streets of Surabaya in East Java, IndonesiaOn my walking tour of Surabaya, I got to see lots of grand heritage buildings lined up charmingly beside peaceful canals. The city used to be an important Dutch-colonial trading center.Riverside colonial buildings of Surabaya CityTime stops as pigeon flies past Surabaya’s old buildingsTwo weeks wasn’t even enough to explore most of Java Island. I’m definitely coming back to Indonesia for more! Java Island, Indonesia two-week (14 days) itinerary I’ll be posting more journals, photos, guides, and detailed itineraries later. In the meantime, here’s a rundown of my backpacking trip to Indonesia.Jakarta Kota Kinabalu to Jakarta Flight Jakarta Old Batavia Jalan ThamrinYogyakarta Jakarta to Yogyakarta Flight Yogyakarta Water Castle (Taman Sari) Yogyakarta Backpacker district: Gang I & II of Jalan Sosrowijayan Borobudur Temple complex Prambanan Temple complexMount Bromo Overnight train to Malang Ngadas homestay Ngadas to Mount Bromo / Cemoro Lawang hike Mount Bromo / Cemoro LawangBaluran National Park, East Java Bondowoso Detour Mount Bromo to Baluran Baluran National ParkSurabaya, East Java Baluran to Surabaya night travel Surabaya Walking Tour Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur flightUpdate: I posted my DIY travel notes from this trip at Java, Indonesia Itinerary: Jakarta, Yogyagarta, Bromo and East Java.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!3 Weeks Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia ItineraryTwo Weeks Java, Indonesia Itinerary — Jakarta, Yogyagarta,…3 Weeks Sabah (Borneo), Brunei & Indonesia Itinerary - Solo…Stalking Wildlife at Baluran National Park, Java Island,…Adventure trip to the enchanted Isla de Gigantes in Carles…Ambot-ah Travel Season 2012 PreviewComments Sky|Boundfortwo.com saysNovember 12, 2012 at 5:20 pmWow! I love that Life threatening Pic of you in Mt. Bromo, felt so surreal. I wish I have that luxury of time to explore the Indonesian Archipelago. Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:23 pmThanks Sky. Yes, surreal. It was scary but worth the risk for a photo :) ian saysNovember 12, 2012 at 5:38 pmthat underground mosque looks so familiar…parang yung nasa movie na war of the titans ba yun… parang ganun yung movie about thysius yun eh… will wait for more =) Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:24 pmHehe. Thanks for dropping by ian :) Febry Fawzi saysNovember 12, 2012 at 8:13 pmEven I never visited Surabaya. hahaha but your photos are amazing, cool! Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:24 pmThanks Febry. Surabaya is near Jakarta anyways, easy to visit if you wanted. Rick saysMay 7, 2017 at 12:24 amIt’s a “BLOODY LONG WALK” Harly L. Marcuap saysNovember 12, 2012 at 10:20 pmBakso… so delicious… :) Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:25 pmI totally agree. It’s my favorite Indonesian dish. Leizel saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:20 pmamazing pictures and travel…can’t wait to see the other articles.. i love the temples and heritage sites.. :D Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:25 pmThanks Leizel! Louie saysNovember 14, 2012 at 12:57 amwow…amazing images marc…dali na lng may show ka sa Nat Geo…hehe Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 5:59 pmLOL. I wish! janet saysNovember 18, 2012 at 12:11 amwow! awesome photos as usual! i never thought Indonesia was this amazing! :D Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:12 pmIt was and I only scratched the surface (visiting only one island out of 14,000++). Thanks janet! bertN saysNovember 19, 2012 at 9:45 pmAre there no crosswalks in Surabaya? Or they are just too far apart? Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:28 pmI encountered a few crosswalks but, yeah, they were too far apart. Some intersections had a traffic aid guiding the motorists. They didn’t make the traffic stop when they saw me attempting to cross the street. They just blew their whistle while signaling me to cross. I eventually learned to cross when I saw how the locals did it… just walk normally and let the motorcycles avoid you. I encountered one crosswalk, which had the traffic lights for pedestrians (where you can push a button for the traffic to stop). Only one the whole time I was walking around the city. paul | walkflypinoy.com saysNovember 20, 2012 at 10:43 pmi frakin’ love the photos! damn. indonesia is the only ASEAN country i have not yet set foot it. this post makes a great, a very great case for heading there next year. would love to pick your brain about the logistics via email at some point. ;) Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:28 pmThanks paul. Fire away :) Wends of Journeys and Travels saysDecember 4, 2012 at 9:23 amI and Marky plans to go to Yogyakarta and Jakarta next year Marcos and this post is helpful. I love the way you weave your post into one great fabric of experiences and the photos, superbly taken. So few bloggers impresses me much on their craft, in both the lens and the pen and I am proud to say, you ace them.Impressive :) Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:43 pmCool naman! You always make me smile every time you leave comments on my blog. Thank you for that, doc :) Putri saysMarch 21, 2013 at 12:37 pmHi Marcos… I love reading your blog. Btw, I’m indonesian and i’ve spent 3 years of my life live in makati city :) Sayang when you came to indonesia you didn’t go to lombok and komodo island. Many beautiful place there. Next time when you come to indonesia, you should go to lombok and komodo. Mark | kurtzky saysJune 21, 2013 at 2:17 pmHi Marcos! I’m drafting my 7-day Java itinerary. Don’t know if it’s feasible but this blog post is helpful. Persuasive photos as always. I’ll try to squeeze in 7 days all the places that interest me. :) Marcos saysJune 26, 2013 at 1:43 pmThanks Mark. You could see a lot of places already with 7 days in Java. Have a safe trip! Trav saysJuly 14, 2013 at 4:07 pmGreat write-up dude. I’m planning on a trip through Bali and Java next year. Great insight! Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:45 pmEnjoy your trip! I’d love to visit Bali, haven’t been there yet :) Tessa saysFebruary 6, 2017 at 12:32 pmThanks for the great tips! I have three weeks in Indonesia so I am hoping to do Java and Lombok! I love that you included off the beaten path destinations. Your pictures get me excited for me trip! :)Cheers! Tessa http://www.wildandwandering.net Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Sky|Boundfortwo.com saysNovember 12, 2012 at 5:20 pmWow! I love that Life threatening Pic of you in Mt. Bromo, felt so surreal. I wish I have that luxury of time to explore the Indonesian Archipelago.
Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:23 pmThanks Sky. Yes, surreal. It was scary but worth the risk for a photo :)
ian saysNovember 12, 2012 at 5:38 pmthat underground mosque looks so familiar…parang yung nasa movie na war of the titans ba yun… parang ganun yung movie about thysius yun eh… will wait for more =)
Febry Fawzi saysNovember 12, 2012 at 8:13 pmEven I never visited Surabaya. hahaha but your photos are amazing, cool!
Marcos saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:24 pmThanks Febry. Surabaya is near Jakarta anyways, easy to visit if you wanted.
Leizel saysNovember 13, 2012 at 5:20 pmamazing pictures and travel…can’t wait to see the other articles.. i love the temples and heritage sites.. :D
Louie saysNovember 14, 2012 at 12:57 amwow…amazing images marc…dali na lng may show ka sa Nat Geo…hehe
janet saysNovember 18, 2012 at 12:11 amwow! awesome photos as usual! i never thought Indonesia was this amazing! :D
Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:12 pmIt was and I only scratched the surface (visiting only one island out of 14,000++). Thanks janet!
bertN saysNovember 19, 2012 at 9:45 pmAre there no crosswalks in Surabaya? Or they are just too far apart?
Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:28 pmI encountered a few crosswalks but, yeah, they were too far apart. Some intersections had a traffic aid guiding the motorists. They didn’t make the traffic stop when they saw me attempting to cross the street. They just blew their whistle while signaling me to cross. I eventually learned to cross when I saw how the locals did it… just walk normally and let the motorcycles avoid you. I encountered one crosswalk, which had the traffic lights for pedestrians (where you can push a button for the traffic to stop). Only one the whole time I was walking around the city.
paul | walkflypinoy.com saysNovember 20, 2012 at 10:43 pmi frakin’ love the photos! damn. indonesia is the only ASEAN country i have not yet set foot it. this post makes a great, a very great case for heading there next year. would love to pick your brain about the logistics via email at some point. ;)
Wends of Journeys and Travels saysDecember 4, 2012 at 9:23 amI and Marky plans to go to Yogyakarta and Jakarta next year Marcos and this post is helpful. I love the way you weave your post into one great fabric of experiences and the photos, superbly taken. So few bloggers impresses me much on their craft, in both the lens and the pen and I am proud to say, you ace them.Impressive :)
Marcos saysDecember 4, 2012 at 6:43 pmCool naman! You always make me smile every time you leave comments on my blog. Thank you for that, doc :)
Putri saysMarch 21, 2013 at 12:37 pmHi Marcos… I love reading your blog. Btw, I’m indonesian and i’ve spent 3 years of my life live in makati city :) Sayang when you came to indonesia you didn’t go to lombok and komodo island. Many beautiful place there. Next time when you come to indonesia, you should go to lombok and komodo.
Mark | kurtzky saysJune 21, 2013 at 2:17 pmHi Marcos! I’m drafting my 7-day Java itinerary. Don’t know if it’s feasible but this blog post is helpful. Persuasive photos as always. I’ll try to squeeze in 7 days all the places that interest me. :)
Marcos saysJune 26, 2013 at 1:43 pmThanks Mark. You could see a lot of places already with 7 days in Java. Have a safe trip!
Trav saysJuly 14, 2013 at 4:07 pmGreat write-up dude. I’m planning on a trip through Bali and Java next year. Great insight!
Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:45 pmEnjoy your trip! I’d love to visit Bali, haven’t been there yet :)
Tessa saysFebruary 6, 2017 at 12:32 pmThanks for the great tips! I have three weeks in Indonesia so I am hoping to do Java and Lombok! I love that you included off the beaten path destinations. Your pictures get me excited for me trip! :)Cheers! Tessa http://www.wildandwandering.net