Ultimate One Week Travel Route Through Java, Indonesia

Java is often overlooked in favor of Bali or the Gili Islands, but this Indonesian island is bursting with natural beauty, cultural richness, and dramatic landscapes. In just one week, you can experience misty volcanoes, ancient temples, vibrant cities, and serene rice fields. This travel route is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to see the best of Java in a limited amount of time. During this week I’ve experienced some of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen in my life. The itinerary I’ve put together here can be done in a week (I did it), but keep in mind it’s quite intense. So, if you have a bit of extra time, it might be nice to take it a little slower.

What direction to travel in?

If you’re coming from Bali, you’ll take the ferry and start in Banyuwangi. This is great, because you’ll be all the way in the east and you can make your way west. If you’re flying into Jakarta you can do it the other way around. I flew into Surabaya, from Flores, because it was the cheapest flight from there. I took the first train all the way east to Banyuwangi, so I could work my way towards Jakarta from there. If you fly into Jakarta, you can make your way east and take the ferry to Bali to continue your travels there. I’ll start this itinerary in Banyuwangi and the Ijen volcano, because that’s how I did it, but you can easily reverse this route.

7-Day Java Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Banyuwangi

You’ll take the ferry from Bali or arrive by plane or train. Take this time to prepare your tour to Mount Ijen. You’ll want to take it easy as you’ll leave just after midnight.

Day 2: Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hike + take the train to Bromo

Highlights: Blue fire phenomenon, sulfur miners, crater lake

At midnight or 1 AM, begin the hike to Mount Ijen to see the rare blue fire—caused by ignited sulfuric gas—glowing in the dark. As daylight breaks, you’ll see the stunning acidic turquoise lake inside the crater. Since you start the hike so early, it’s still morning time when you get back. So you can choose to explore more around Banyuwangi. There are several waterfalls you could visit. Or you can take the rain or a shuttle to head towards Bromo that same afternoon. I booked a shuttle bus through my hostel to get to a hostel near Mount Bromo, since I wanted to make the most of my time in Java.

Find my full guide to Kawah Ijen and the Blue fire here.

Where to stay near Ijen volcano/Banyuwangi

 

Day 3: Mount Bromo Sunrise & Travel to Malang

Highlights: Bromo sunrise, Sea of Sand, Crater of Bromo, Jodipan village in Malang

It is possible to visit Bromo without a tour, but I’d recommend joining one. Usually, I prefer to go by myself, but I quickly found out, that it would make things unnecessarily complicated. It was hard to find a scooter rental nearby and the jeeps from all the tours are everywhere! You might as well join one.

Wake up round 3 AM to drive or hike up to Penanjakan Bromo. This viewpoint is a bit higher up than the famous King Kong Hill. From either one you’ll see an absolutely unforgettable Mount Bromo sunrise. Afterward, walk across the Sea of Sand. Make sure your jeeps stops here so you can take a photo with the incredible mountainous background. Some jeeps skipped this and when straight to the parking area for the crater. Once you got your shot, continue and climb up to the smoking crater rim. People have fallen into the crater, so please be careful! We asked to continue to Malang straight after our tour. Our hostel arranged this for us.

If you still feel up to it visit the colorful villages in the afternoon. Jodipang is the most well known, but there’s also Kampung Trido on the other side of the river and the blue village.

Where to stay near Bromo?

Where to stay in Malang?

Day 4: Visit Tumpak Sewu waterfall and take the train to Yogyakarta

I’ll admit this itinerary is quite intense, as we’ve got another early morning here. I considered taking a day to relax, but I wanted to spend more time in Yogyakarta and had already seen the rainbow villages in Malang. If I could do this again, I would travel to Tumpak Sewu the day before and stay overnight. That way, you could get there first thing in the morning. Our tour left at 05:00 in the morning from Malang, but we got there around 07:30. This meant, arriving at the same time as some other tours. We were still early enough that it wasn’t so crowded that it was bothersome, but it would definitely be better to be the first one there.

Where to stay near Tumpak Sewu?

Day 5-6: Yogyakarta: Borobodur and Prambanan temple complex

There are two very famous temple complexed near Yogyakarta. Secure your tickets to Borobudur early! I tried to buy them when I arrived and realized all the best times were already sold out. This meant I couldn’t go till late morning, so I was there at the hottest time of day. I’d recommend going to Borobudur early morning. Keep in mind that it takes at least an hour to get there from Yogyakarta. We ordered a grab to get there, but you could also take a tour to watch the sunrise from Setumbu hill. It would be easiest to also take a grab to Prambanan, but there is also public transport for the city if you’d like to save money. When buying a ticket, make sure you buy the temple structure ticket, or you will not be able to climb the temple!

On your second day in Jakarta, take a batik workshop and go fabric shopping afterwards. If you have time also visit the Kraton, the royal palace (and current residence) of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Built in traditional Javanese style, the palace was founded in 1756.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

I stayed in Snooze and Kesatriyan and both were great! Snooze has more of a backpacker vibe, but also offers private rooms. It includes breakfast, is super affordable and has the sweetest most helpful staff. Kesatriyan is great if you’d like a little more luxury and quiet.

Day 7: Take the train or fly to Jakarta

My flight back was from Jakarta, so I flew back there for my flight home. If you have some extra time, take a day to explore the city!