7 days itinerary of Java

😎 Day 1

Arrive in Yogyakarta and feel the city’s unique energy right away. Start your day with a visit to 📍Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.

In the afternoon, take a stroll down 📍Malioboro Street, a lively hub filled with bustling markets, colorful souvenirs, and street performers showcasing local talent. It’s the perfect place to dive into the vibrant culture of the city and pick up a few unique mementos.

Afterward, continue your exploration on foot through the charming streets of Yogyakarta. Wander at your own pace, soak in the sights and sounds of the city, and maybe pause at a cozy café for a cool drink or a bite to eat. There’s no hurry—just let the rhythm of the city guide you as you enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Finish your first day in Yogyakarta with a relaxing evening, perhaps wandering through the nearby alleys to catch the local vibe.

When we started exploring the city, we had a strange experience. A large group of locals approached us, wanting to take photos with us. We felt like celebrities! It was such an odd feeling. So, if you're planning to visit and happen to have blonde hair, be prepared for something similar!

😎 Day 2

Today, start early and make your way to 📍Borobudur Temple. Watching the sunrise here is truly magical as the mist clears and reveals the massive, ancient structure. The views are worth the early wake-up call, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area.

Later, make your way to 📍Taman Sari Water Castle, the old royal bathing complex. It’s a peaceful place with stunning architecture and a great spot for photos.

End your day with a quiet evening—maybe take a moment to sit back and enjoy the sunset at 📍Ratu Boko Temple, a smaller site with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

😎 Day 3

Start your day with a bus or train ride to 📍Malang, which will take about 6 hours. It’s a long journey, but the scenic views along the way will make it worth it. The direct trains or buses are comfortable, and it’s a good chance to relax while you make your way to this cool and charming city in East Java.

Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and take a well-deserved break. After that, head out to explore 📍Jodipan Colorful Village. This vibrant neighborhood, painted in every color of the rainbow, is a fun and photogenic spot to wander around. Take your time snapping colorful photos and soaking in the artsy vibe of this unique place.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the nearby areas or just relaxing in the cool Malang air. You can stroll around the Alun-Alun Malang or visit a nearby parks.

By evening, you’ll have plenty of time to rest up and get ready for the next adventure.

😎 Day 4

Today’s a big one! Hire a local guide and head to 📍Tumpak Sewu Waterfall—a stunning, lesser-known gem in East Java. The journey there involves a bit of a hike, but it’s totally worth it. The waterfall is massive and surrounded by lush forest, making for some truly jaw-dropping views.

You can spend a few hours here taking in the beauty of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature. If you’re into photography, this spot is a dream.

Afterwards, you can grab a moment of rest at a local spot nearby. It’s a good chance to refuel and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.

Head back to Malang in the afternoon and enjoy your rest of your day by exploring local cafes and restaurants.

Now for the easy part: Instead of planning everything yourself, book a tour from Malang to Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen. These tours typically include accommodation, transfers, and guides, which makes the whole experience much smoother and less stressful. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to these iconic spots with everything organized for you. This way, you don’t have to worry about logistics—just enjoy the adventure!

😎 Day 5

Today is an early start! Leave Malang around 2-3 AM to make it to 📍Mount Bromo for one of the most iconic sunrises in Indonesia. You’ll head to 📍Penanjakan Viewpoint to catch the first light over the volcanic landscape. The views of the sun rising behind Bromo, with its ash plume and surrounding terrain, are absolutely stunning.

Be prepared, though—this viewpoint can get quite crowded, especially at sunrise, so it’s best to arrive early to grab a good spot. Also, it’s incredibly cold in the morning, so make sure to bundle up! If you didn’t pack enough warm layers, you can rent a jacket from the locals nearby to keep cozy while you watch the breathtaking sunrise unfold.

Once the sun is up, make your way down to the 📍Bromo Crater. Be prepared for a short but slightly challenging hike to the rim. Walking alongside an active volcano is truly something out of this world—the landscape is otherworldly, and the smell of sulfur in the air adds to the raw, primal feeling of being so close to the heart of the earth.

After all that excitement, take a moment to relax and enjoy the landscape before making your way back to your accommodation for a well-deserved nap.

After catching up on some sleep, head over to 📍 Banyuwangi. It’s a chill little town where you can wander around, take a stroll along the beach, and just enjoy the slower pace,  grab a bite, then crash early to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures!

😎 Day 6

Today’s another early start, but this one is for an unforgettable experience at 📍Kawah Ijen. You’ll begin the hike around 1-2 AM to catch the blue fire phenomenon—an incredible natural display caused by burning sulfur. The blue fire is rare and mesmerizing, and witnessing it will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip.

When we were there, unfortunately, there was no blue fire—something about the conditions just didn’t align that night, and we were pretty bummed about it. But even without the blue flames, the experience was still one of the most incredible of my life. The hike itself, the crater, and the surreal atmosphere of being near an active volcano at night were all unforgettable.

Take the time to explore the Kawah Ijen Crater itself. The turquoise acid lake in the center is striking, surrounded by the craggy volcanic terrain. It’s an absolutely surreal landscape.

😎 Day 7

After an action-packed week, your last day in Java is all about winding down in Banyuwangi. This quiet coastal town is the perfect spot to relax before you head off to your next destination.

Spend the day at one of the local beaches—📍Pulau Merah is a great option if you’re in the mood for a more peaceful setting. The beach is known for its stunning red-hued sand and laid-back atmosphere.

After a relaxed day at the beach, when you're ready to leave, getting to Bali is super easy from Banyuwangi. You can hop on a bus from Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk, the port in Bali, which takes just about an hour.