I’ve finally committed to visiting Java and Bali this coming May / June (2016) and am, of course, finding MUCH too much that I would like to see and do in the time available. With this thread, I am seeking some preliminary advice.

<b>Flights.</b> Because I can’t fly non-stop from the greater D.C. area to either Java or Bali, and because of the length of the flights involved, I’m trying to identify good options for breaking up the journey. I’m considering spending a few days in Singapore on the way there. I must admit that Singapore is not at the top of my travel wishlist, but I’m quite certain that I would enjoy a few days there – say 3 or 4 to get over jet lag and see some of the city’s highlights. And on the way back, I’m thinking of a very brief (2 day max) stop in Hakone, which I skipped when I visited Japan. I must admit, though, that I’m finding the search for options a bit daunting and would welcome advice or suggestions. I’ll be traveling coach and will not be using points, so I’m not constrained by airline – except that I want a reputable airline with a good performance record.

<b>Overall timing,</b> I have some flexibility, but can take no more than 28 or 30 days in all (counting flights) starting in May and ending in June. If I understand correctly, that will be early in the dry season. I believe there are major holidays in early May (the 1st and 5th in Indonesia, maybe only the 1st and 2nd in Singapore?), Waisak Day on May 21st, and Ramadan starts – I think – on June 5. So I should be looking in between those holidays? (BTW, I have decided that I will <b>not</b> try to visit Borobudur for that event.)

<b>Rough allocation of my time.</b> As always, there is far more that I would like to do than could possible be done in the time I have (sigh), but from what I’ve read so far, I’m thinking that I’ll want a minimum of 6 days in central Java (Borobudur, Prambanan, and the Dieng Plateau are priorities, along with Jogja), 2 days for Solo, 4 days for Malang and the Mt. Bromo area, and at least a week in Bali. Once I add in time for getting from place to place (including the time in Singapore and Hakone or...), I think that might take me close to my overall 30-day maximum. Do these rough estimates sound about right? Any major recommendations for revision?

<b>Interests and priorities.</b> My primary aims will be to see and experience a wide range of the culture of this amazing area – temples and palaces in a variety of styles, various performing arts, incredible scenery (including magnificent landscapes and awesome gardens), delicious foods, markets (for both food and crafts, and especially textiles), museums of art and archeology, interesting neighborhoods…. I don't think I'll lack for wonderful opportunities!

I am not a beach person (but will want at least one sunset walk on a beach in Bali), am not interested in clubbing or nightlife, and am not looking to relax (I’m sure I’ll find time for that over meals, and instead want to take full advantage of every available moment to see and do things I can’t do anywhere else).

<b>Potential limiting factors.</b> Unfortunately, I don’t deal well with heat . I’m also not a morning person, although I should be able to manage a few early starts in the days following my arrival in the area.


Many thanks in advance for your thoughts and assistance!

Kja, I think what you outlined is very realistic, reasonable, and will make for a well-paced trip.

1. From DC, the easiest options are flying west and connecting through Tokyo (United and ANA) or going east via Europe or the Persian Gulf.

2. Starting in Singapore for a few days before going to Indonesia is a good idea. There is plenty to do in the city-state (e.g. Asian Civilizations Museum, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay) even if you aren't into shopping. The food is good too.

3. You could also consider Ijen in eastern Java.

4. On Bali, if you are not really into beaches, base yourself in Ubud. There's plenty to occupy your time in a week, from Hindu temples to walks to the nearby ricefields to visiting the lakes and volcanoes to the north and east.

5. While visiting Hakone is possible either to or from Singapore and Indonesia, it may prove rather stressful, especially if you are only going to Japan for a couple of days and have luggage with you. You are talking about getting from the airport into Tokyo on a train and then transferring to Odawara and depending on where you are staying, additional modes of transportation.

Hope some of this is helpful. You will love Indonesia.

You could also fly through Soeul on Korean Air. Easy to fill the time in Singapore, and I agree about basing in Ubud, especially if you are interested in the arts. We spent a week there and could easily have stayed longer.

On Hakone, I would not recommend going there directly after flying from Indonesia to Tokyo. The trip involves several transfers and we found the trip itself tiring (we only carried a backpack for overnight - and you'll probably have an extra bag for all the stuff you'll buy in Bali).

There are more Asia board fodorites in the DC area than I ever realized. We should plan a mini GTG.

It sounds like a good plan! You will have good weather in Java & Bali in May/June. Holidays in Indonesia are fluid but I think May 5 will be the start of a long weekend and not a good time for visiting major landmarks.

Ramadan itself (as opposed to the holidays immediately following Ramadan) isn't a problem except that the atmosphere will be somewhat subdued in Java.

As I mentioned in your other thread I think you'd enjoy the Ubud Food Festival.

My choice for flights from the east coast would be Singapore airlines through Europe, especially in economy. I believe you can connect through London from DC.

I think you could use a full ten days in Bali. I'm less enthusiastic about Solo and would spend some time in the Bromo and Ijen areas.

kja,
I'm so envious! I had initially planned to visit Java/Bali in 2016 but a change of job limits the time I can now take off at one time. With the time it takes to travel and the time it takes to recuperate from jet lag, we've postponed this trip to sometime in the not-too-distant future. I can only say that now I'll have the benefit of your experience in addition to the other Fodorites whose writings have enticed me with dreams of Java and Bali!

Paule

The Java section looks pretty good to me. The only addition I would make would be, as suggested by trip planner and marmot, is to add Ijen to the Bromo part. It really was the highlight of our time in Java. It can easily incorporated into a trip from Malang. The driver can then drop you off for the ferry to northern Bali. The only downside is that the bus ride from the north to Denpasar seemed to last forever! In retrospect, I wish we had stopped a night or two in Permuteran.

Also, I would not bother with the nightime hike up Mt Ijen to see the "blue flames" - it starts at 01.30 am meaning you hike up the mountain and down into the crater in the dark, missing the amazing views. Plus people we met said the blue flames didn't make an appearance.

Malang itself is an interesting place and worth a day or two. Highly recommend taking the trip to Bromo via the Savannah rather than Probolingo. Much more scenic.

I think you have a good overall plan. If you have an interest, the temples near Blitar, Panataran, were really wonderful and the only other people there were locals, including groups of school children.

As much as we loved Hakone, I think trying to make a quick stop there on the way home might be a bit complicated.

How I love Fodorites! Thank you, one and all!

I’m glad that most of you seem to think my plan should work reasonably well and greatly appreciate the suggestions for tweaking it!

There were a few things that several of you mentioned:

<b>Hakone</b>: I had done a quick check of hyperdia, and think I can get there from Narita in less than 3 hours with either two or three transfers; as I recall, I thought the trains in Japan very manageable – even when switching between different companies. And I would leave all but an overnight bag in storage at Narita…. That said, I am taking your comments to heart. Unfortunately, most alternatives that I’ve identified seem to add substantially to the cost of the flight. My best options might be to split my time in Singapore, with brief stops there in each direction, or to stop for just one night in Tokyo. Either way, the bonus there would be freeing another day or two for Bali. I'm exploring options....

<b>Ubud</b> will definitely be core to my time in Bali – no question about that!

A visit to <b>Ijen</b> is something I’m considering. I’m not sure I could manage a sunrise visit, but maybe something later in the day? I believe I could see it from Malang and then either fly from Surabaya to Denpasar or go on to the Ketapang / Gilimanuk ferry and on by bus?

For more specific comments:

@ tripplanner001: Your suggrestions for Singapore are among the reasons I’m sure I will enjoy it. And I think I'll enjoy roaming its neighborhoods, too.

@ FromDC: I haven’t ruled Seoul out, but since I spent 4 weeks in South Korea just 2 years ago, I’m hoping to stop elsewhere on this trip.

@ marmot: Thanks again for clarifying the impact of the holidays and for directing me to the Ubud Food Festival. I understand that Solo is not everyone’s favorite, but it does sound like a place with some things I think I would enjoy -- the kraton and museums and some performing arts. Nothing is yet writ in stone, though, and I continue to look for ways to expand my time in Bali.

@ progol: I trust you will get to Indonesia one day, and I’m sure you will enjoy stunning Sicily.

@ crellston: I don’t believe I’ve seen a recommendation about which route to take from Malang to Bromo – thanks!

@ Kathie: Panataran did catch my eye: One of my guidebooks says it has the “finext examples of East Javanese architecture and sculpture” – hard to resist!

Thanks again, all! Further thoughts are, of course, welcome, and I'll post again when I nail down some of my plans.

It sounds like your planning is coming along well.

My comment on Hakone had to do with the tiny trains as you near the top. The trains are so small and so crowded that trying to get back down to return to Narita is very difficult. We ended yup taking a taxi from our hotel at Hakone to Odwara to assure we could return to Narita on time.

As for Panataran, I can only agree with your guidebook. Here are Cheryl's photos: http://www.marlandc.com/Java-2012/Ca...ataran-Blitar/

You're welcome, kja. You have the skeleton of an excellent trip already. For Ubud, consided staying at the Alam Jiwa; we loved it. If you have other questions as you start nailing things down, just ask.

With urban sprawl Yogyakarta and Solo are pretty much contiguous. You can access Solo's sites from Yogyakarta and vice versa. Neither is a particularly good walking city.

Once again, many thanks!

@ Kathie: Cheryl’s photos are awesome. What a delight it must have been to visit such a magnificent site with so few tourists!

@ tripplanner001: Thanks for the hotel recommendation! I think another Fodorite also recommended that hotel, so I will be sure to keep it in mind. And trust me – I will have MANY more questions! Please do watch for them….

@ marmot: I had no idea that Yogyakarta and Solo were so close! That certainly did not come across in my reading to date. BUT, in the spirit of truth in advertising, I’m a rare Fodorite who prefers to relocate frequently rather than to settle into a base – I like staying in different places and I seriously loathe backtracking. So I might end up with different stops at either side of this urban area despite your much appreciated comment. If I opt for the convenience of relocating to be close to the things I choose to see, at least I'll know not to expect charm. ;-)

<b>Progress.</b> I’ve ruled out Hakone – thanks all for bringing me to my senses! I’m leaning to just one night in the town of Narita – breaking the flight inot two 12-hour segments sounds so much better than facing a full-day flight at the end of a month-long trip….

Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo) are about 1.5 hours apart from city center to city center, but the area between is densely populated and one spills into the other.

@ marmot: Thanks -- that helps me understand! And it makes me even more inclined to relocate -- traveling back and forth for several hours through urban traffic is not something I relish. I will keep this information in mind when I finally book hotels, so that I am sure to seek places that closest to the things that I want to see.

Definitely do Ijen later in the day. We left The coffee plantation where most people stay at 5.30. Took around 90 mins to get there so we started the climb around 7.00 which was nice because it was still cool. 90 mins for the climb and we were at the crater rim. Another hour or so to get down to the lake and back.

As mentioned above, you can easily combine Bromo and Ijen on a tour from Malang. We got our driver to take us directly from Ijen to the Gilimanuk ferry. I think we got there around 2pm. There are luxe buses that leave for Denpasar every couple of hours and ordinary buses which leave when full. It was a long boring drive with lots of traffic but we eventual arrived in Denpasar ok and got a taxi to our B&B.

Important to get on the right ferry. The signs aren't clear. We met someone who didn't and had a nice, unscheduled 4 hour cruise along the coast of Java !

Warm Sunday greetings from Punta Arenas, Chile, to you kja -- and early congratulations on (potential) stay in our fine home of Singapore. (And thanks again on your brilliant South Korea trip report; I presently travel to Seoul ~ four times a year for work and your impressions stay with me.)

Concerning our city-state of SIN, one suggestion is the ever-evolving: yoursingapore dot com/ Numerous lodging ideas for all budgets. Should you need any assistance with my primary business travel carrier, Singapore Airlines, honoured to help.

Will have more ideas for you upon my (our) return home to Singapore later this week. (And more later on a memorable holiday in Patagonia, followed by time in a special interior region of Antarctica.)

Savour your planning, kja; happy for you. Warm wishes to you and all from Punta Arenas, Chile,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Great info, here and on sartoric’s thread – we are fortunate to benefit from all this advice!

@ crellston: I must admit that I don’t plan on going into the crater at Ijen. I read, and greatly enjoyed, your description, but I don’t currently have the stamina for that much climbing. Good info about the trip on to Bali – I will definitely pay attention to which ferry I board!

@ AskOksena: Thanks again for your kind words, Robert, and best wishes for a delightful set of experiences in Pantagonia and Antartica! I will consult the yoursingapore website and be pleased with any suggestions you choose to offer. I’ll seek rather low-end accommodations – since I use my lodging only for sleep and hygience, the things that matter to me are location, cleanliness, wi-fi access, elevator access, and at least a decent breakfast. For dinners, I’ll want a place where I can sit with some wine and some delicious food, preferrably regional cuisine. I hear great things about the food in Singapore!

On the front page of this morning's Jakarta Post. A photo of Penataran temple thronged with visitors with the following caption: "Hundreds of tourists flock to the famous Candi Penataran Hindu temple near Blitar on Sunday. Many people took advantage of the end of year holidays to visit the largest temple in East Java."

I guess they saw Kathie and Cheryl's photos.

Oh no! But I think marmot nailed it -- the photos that Cheryl took of her time there with Kathie would be the perfect advertisement for this magnificent temple complex. I must admit, though, that I'd like to see it, even if I can do so only with hordes of others. And maybe the headlines will keep some crowd-shy people away for a while? ;-)

I'm going to take the contrarian approach re. Hakone. kja, you are obviously a very experienced traveler and have experience with the Japanese train system. The route from Tokyo to Hakone can be a bit convoluted depending on where you'll be staying, but it's not difficult. Might there be advantage to putting Hakone on the front end of your trip? Jet lag for me is MUCH less traveling west vs. east. You could fly directly to Tokyo and spend that night near (is it Shinjuku?) station. Have your hotel send your luggage to your eventual Narita hotel two days later. Then early tne next morning (you'll probably be awake at 4:00 a.m. anyway), hop the train to Odawarra (I know there are express trains) and from Odawarra, you begin the Hakone transportation circuit. Switchback train, funicular and sky ride. You could probably get in 1 1/2 days of good travel this way, get in some onsen soaking and hopefully see breathtaking Fuji-san. Plan your return trip in time to get back to Narita by mid evening in order to catch your flight to Indonesia that next day.

To me, the Hakone circuit sounded more complicated that it actually was and for those who read my trip report from two years ago, will recall I did the circuit twice. My vote is to go for it and perhaps put it on the front end of your trip.