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Java, Bali and Lombok
  • Sharon Miller
  • Sharon Miller

Java, Bali and Lombok

G Adventures Best of Indonesia Trip with guide Vera and travel mates Jen, Alice, Karen, Laurie, Margaret , John, Christine, Christopher, Phil, Karina, Franzi, Evelyne, Phillip, Carlos, Adriana, Gordon, Megan, Maria and Verna. Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 24, 2025
    Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia

    April 24, 2025 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We took the limousine bus to the airport (2 hours), as it is quite far from the city and flew Korean Air (6.5 hours) from Soeul to Jakarta today. Service and food were wonderful. We did a movie marathon to pass the time and I watched an electrifying Billy Joel Concert that had me rocking out in my seat, Into the Wild, and Here. It was a balmy 31 degrees when we landed at 8pm. Shorts weather for sure for the next 3 weeks!Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Jakarta/Bandung

    April 25, 2025, South China Sea ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    We met our group of 11 eclectic, well seasoned travellers this morning and set off for a brief guided tour of Jakarta, visiting the former Batavia area, remnants of the colonial past, and took a stroll through the Sunda Kelapa Harbour. The first thing we had to adjust to was the number of mopeds and motorcycles weaving through the dense traffic. There is a heavy Dutch influence in the architecture and there are many canals throughout the city. Poverty is evident and many people are selling goods on the streets. The Sundra Kelapa Harbour, once the main port of the Sunda Kingdom, is now a bustling port full of Makassar schooners. We departed for Bandung in the afternoon where we had the opportunity to see a Udjo performance featuring the Angklung orchestra, resonating traditional melodies created by children shaking bamboo instruments, dancers from 6 different Indonesian provinces, a 15 minute Wayang Golek performance by a puppeteer and musical performances on other types of bamboo instruments, such as Calung, Gembyung, Tarawangsa, Jentreng, Suling (Flute) and Karinding. It was so much fun when we were given the opportunity to play Angklung and dance together with the children and other performers. 2nd day in Indonesian and we have already acquired a new skill!Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Bandung- Jogia

    April 26, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    We rose early to catch the 6:30am train to Jogia. It was a very picturesque 7 hour journey as we saw farmers planting the rice crops and lots of little villages along the way. Our guide arranged a fresh hot lunch to be delivered to the train at midday from one of the villages. So yummy. In the afternoon we had a chance to go to the gym and swim at the outdoor pool before heading out to explore on foot. We visited a BATIK gallery and learned how both clothing and paintings are made and I even got to try tracing the lines of a design with a hot wax. utensil. We then hopped on a motorcycle rickshaw to take a tour around the main square. Fun fact is that October 2nd is commemorated as National Batik day in Indonesia.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Borobudur Buddhist Temple Excursion

    April 27, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    This morning we visited Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the stunning artistic and architectural marvel that it is. We admired the intricate carvings on the first 9 levels, and came away with a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture here. We also learned about its interesting history and restoration; the site lay undiscovered under layers of volcanic ash until 1815, when the Governor of Java ordered the area to be cleared. The temple represents distinct levels of Buddhist cosmology; Kamadhatu, located at the base symbolizes the “the world of desire”,, where humans are bound by their wants. Rapadhatu, “the realm of forms”, where individuals strive to detach from desires. Finally, Arupadhutu, the topmost level, represents the “formless world”, where enlightenment/ transcendence is achieved. This is symbolized by the central stupa and 72 surrounding stupas.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Prambanan Hindu Temple Excursion

    April 27, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    This afternoon we ventured to the Prambanan Hindu temple complex and wandered through the remains of some 244 temples, with 6 large ones towering out of the rubble. Built between the eighth and tenth century, it is the largest Hindu temple complex in Java and one of the most outstanding works of Hindu art, particularly the Shiva temple. The Roro Jongrang temple complex consists of 3 main temples, each representing an important Hindu God. Siva is in the middle, Brahma, to the left and Trimurti to the right. Each contains important statues. Restoration of the site is an ongoing project.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Free Day in Jogia

    April 28, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    We took full advantage of our free day today to complete a workout at the gym, followed by a 75 minute Javanese massage, a walk to the Tempo of Gelato for a special cold treat, a trip to the grocery store for fruit and snacks for the bus tomorrow, sending out our laundry to be done, going on an afternoon bike ride into the countryside and taking in a local dance show , Ramayana, in the evening. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary enjoying a romantic dinner at the City Grill down the street where we were treated like royalty.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Ramayana Dance Show

    April 28, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    The Ramayana ballet is a visualization and representation of the epic Ramayana saga that tells the tale of Prince Rama in a highly stylized dance art form. It is performed without dialogue and combines music, dance and drama. We were completely mesmerized by the performance.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Java to Ngadas

    April 29, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We journeyed by bus for 7 hours today across the agricultural heartland of Java to Ngadas, a village in the scenic Mt. Bromo region. We overnighted here with a local family to experience a G Adventures supported community homestay and learned about the local culture, customs and traditions from our hosts. We also had a very nice walking tour with our local guide Elok, to explore the village and watch the sun set over the beautiful hillside crops such as cabbage, spring onions and potatoes. The Tengger people of this village, population 1700, live in harmony with regard to religion and respect and jointly celebrate each others traditions. Before turning in for the night we were briefed of tomorrow’s sunrise event at Mt. Bromo. Can’t wait!Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Sunrise at Mt. Bromo

    April 30, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Happy 65th birthday to me today and what a magical day it was. We left our cozy homestay at 2:30am, travelling by Jeep, to navigate through the darkness on the narrow windy hillside roads to get to the sunrise viewpoint. At times there were three jeeps abreast plus pedestrians and motorcycles on a road barely wide enough to accommodate a single vehicle, so we abandoned the vehicle and driver and walked the rest of the way up. We all made it and it was totally worth the effort. We were blessed with a beautiful sunrise, and a magnificent view of Mt. Bromo from 2,200 meters above sea level. What goes up must eventually come down which was another ordeal that seemed to baffle logic but our jeep caught up with us about 2kms down from the top after we set off walking due to a total gridlock of vehicles. At 6am we had a roadside picnic breakfast of a Nutella and banana sandwich and then continued on to the base of the crater and walked up to the rim to view the inside and see where the people of Muslim faith make theIr offerings and sometimes toss live chickens or sheep into the volcano to give thanks for their blessings.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    An Indonesian Circumcision Party/Parade

    April 30, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Dancing horses are ridden by boys, in colourful costumes, and wearing makeup. This is what manhood looks like in Indonesia. There is a live band marching with the horses, crowds are dancing, a feast is prepared and gifts are given. The boy is given a parade to help him take his mind off the painful event and to help him celebrate his transition from boyhood to manhood. Many Muslims wait until the around age 7 or even later, before puberty. We witnessed the “kuda renggong” circumcision parade which started around mid day today and it was quite a celebration. The garishly costumed horses danced, bobbed and wove to the music. The entire town took part. This ceremony brings deep meaning to the parents but can carry a hefty price tag, costing up to $1,500 USD. It is said to bring them peace as it means they are successful as a parent and most little boys ask for this ceremony since they are old enough to talk.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    A Special Birthday Supper

    April 30, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Our final destination today was Malang where we were reunited with our bus which could not follow us to Ngasas as the roads were too narrow, steep and winding. Yesterday we were transferred to private vehicles to get to and from the Bromo region. Our guide, Vera, best guide ever, arranged to have my birthday dinner at the most famous restaurants in Malang, Restaurant Melati by Tugu Hotel. After our delicious dinner, I was presented with a double chocolate cake and fruit platter to share with everyone and then we were given a private tour of the property. Terima Kasmiri (thank you) G Adventures and our entire group for sharing this milestone birthday with me and for making it extra special.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Arrival in Bali

    May 1, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We caught a quick 50 minute flight from Surabaya to Denpasar this morning, arriving in Bali mid afternoon at our resort. A leisurely swim at the pool outside our room refreshed us. It is a lot more touristy than Java but looks like tons of fun. Check out Gilles’ dance moves. He is almost a local. We are losing 4 group members tomorrow but gaining 8 new ones. Looking forward to meeting them all.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Biking by the Beach in Bali

    May 2, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We had a free day in Bali today so we rented bikes and rode up and down the path along the beach for several hours. There were a lot of interesting things to see and I enjoyed dipping my toes in the ocean and cooling off by eating some refreshing gelato. We also spent some time at the Icon Bali mall where Gilles got a sauve hair cut and we purchased outfits for the upcoming Rachel’s Kids Garden Party. For added excitement there was an island wide power outage from 4pm, but it did not interrupt our dinner plans as the restaurant put out candles and we used our flashlights on our phones to navigate to the table. Service was business as usual with the exception of no blender drinks and no food cooked in oven. Power returned around 10:30 pm at which time we were fast asleep. There is a special Hindu celebration happening this week, Galungan & Kuningan, and there are many offerings being given everywhere to mark the time when the ancestral spirits are visiting the earth. The date is calculated according to the 210 day Balinese Pawukon calendar.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Janiluwih Rice Terraces

    May 3, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We left Sanur this morning destined for Munduk. Our first stop was the Jariluwih Rice Terraces where trekked around for 1.5 hours, enjoying the views and learning about the areas history and the different types of rice , such as white, red and brown and the various other crops such as vanilla bean, coconut, bananas, sugar cane, cocoa, coffee and various herbs and spices. We continued on from there to enjoy lunch at the Lake Danu Brayan Temple. This captivating floating temple, founded by the King of Menghan in the 17th century, is one of Bali’s most important and most photographed temples. Lastly we walked to the Munduk Waterfall before checking into our homestay in Munduk where we watched the sunset from our balcony.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Holy Hot Springs

    May 4, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We are in Bali at the prettiest time of year due to the very important Hindu celebrations that are going on. 90 percent of people in Bali practice Balinese Hinduism. All of the streets are lined with bamboo poles which are decorated with coconut leaves, even the tiny alleyways, and every home, car and motorcycle is decorated too. A common practice on a Sunday is for families to visit the holy hot springs. Wanting to live like the locals we too were anxious to relax in warm mineral waters to soothe tired muscles and ease worries away. Our guide, era, told us that it would reverse 10 years of aging. Well, it was an experience, probably just not one I would ever want to repeat! The lime green water was full of sulfur and the bottom and sides were rather slippery from slime. The local people were very excited to see us all there though and kept smiling and gesturing for us to go under the spouting water to get a back massage. So sweet!Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Balinese Experience in Bulian Village

    May 4, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    After the hot springs, we headed to Bulian Village where we enjoyed an Balinese Experience which included a welcome fresh coconut water in the shell welcome drink, followed by a buffet lunch with local Balinese dishes, a superb dance show with 3 different stories being played out, dressing up in traditional costume for both men and women, making a basic offering with coconut leaves, bamboo, flowers and grasses, receiving a blessing and then walking to the temple in town to pray together. So many people took part to give us a very memorable experience and we were taught a great deal more about local customs and traditions, directly from the source of the providers. It was a very unique experience which we all gave great thanks to have been able to participate in. In Hinduism, happiness is reached by focusing on 3 aspects; your relationship with God, your relationships with other humans and your relationship with nature. They also practice balance in their offerings; those on the ground are for the bad spirits and the offerings placed up higher are for the good spirits. We left the village mid afternoon and headed for Kintamani where we are staying near Mt. Batur for one very short night.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Sunrise Hike to Top of Mt. Batur

    May 5, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We rose at 3am to catch our ride to meet our rangers at the trailhead of the hike to the top of Mt. Batur to catch the sunrise and enjoy a lunch of hard boiled eggs cooked in the steam from the volcano. We trudged through the dark for close to 2 hours and secured a good spot to catch the sunrise. Once their was light we were able to explore the rest of the mountain/volcano before descending. We enjoyed some homemade mung bean cookies and hot chocolate before starting out, a small breakfast of boiled eggs, bread and cheese at the top and a full buffet breakfast once back at the hotel. Thank goodness we are active enough to burn off all those calories. After we were showered and packed we climbed aboard the bus again and headed to the G Adventures supported Bali Community Lunch Program. This initiative supports and assists people living with disabilities in Bali to find independence and meaningful employment through training in the hospitality sector. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The food and the entertainment were great and it felt good to make a contribution towards such an important initiative of G Adventures and witness the difference it is making in the lives of those who are receiving the support.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Agro Farm and Traditional Balinese House

    May 5, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We are heading to Ubud today but to break up the journey we made a stop an agro farm where the family grows many spices such as cinnamon and ginger and others used in local cooking, coffee, cocoa, vanilla beans, chilies, and coffee which is hand roasted and crushed. We had a complimentary tasting of 10 different coffee and teas which they produce. You could also buy a cup of the famous Indonesian Catpoocinno (officially called Lusaka ) which is made from coffee beans that a certain type of cat like animal called a civet eats, and the beans breakdown and are fermented in their stomach and then pooped out. The poop is gathered up and boiled and then the clean beans are roasted. It is one of the most expensive coffees in the world and Carrie’s high snob appeal. We were encouraged to bring some home for our friends but I just wouldn’t do it! The tour and explanation of how a traditional Balinese compound is organized and why, was very interesting.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Bali Community Lunch Program

    May 5, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    The G Adventures supported Bali Community Lunch Program supports and assists people living with disabilities in Bali to find independence and meaningful employment through training in the hospitality sector. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The food and the entertainment were great and it felt good to make a contribution towards such an important initiative of G Adventures and witness the difference it is making in the lives of those who are receiving the support.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    White Water Rafting in Ubud

    May 6, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    On Gilles’ suggestion we took a whitewater rafting tour down the Ayung river for 1.5 hours. First we had to navigate down 550 stairs in the jungle in our bare feet. As annoying as that was, once we made it to the river, it made for absolutely stunning scenery as the trees towered above us, and at times, over us, as we rafted through the rapids and over rocks and into other boats! It was great fun and Gilles started to relax by the half way point. There were magnificent carvings on the trees along the banks, an abundance of large and small waterfalls which provided a refreshing shower and absolutely breathtaking scenery along the entire route. Highly recommended! So proud of Gilles for going outside his comfort zone and giving it a try. He is embracing all kinds of opportunities that he has worked so hard to enjoy. 💕🥰😍Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler
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    Ubud Palace

    May 6, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    The Puri Saren Agung/ Ubud Palace, formerly home to the royal family, is one of the most ornately decorated places on the island of Bali. It represents Balinese culture and artistic heritage, with the Palace itself being a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture. The palace is also known for hosting traditional Dance performances and serving as a cultural center. The formal dress code to enter is a purple sarong and belted jacket. During your walkabout here you are invited to pose as royalty, so we did!Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Saraswati Temple

    May 6, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Saraswati Temple Kingdom of Ubud is dedicated to honour the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art. It is decorated with many fine carvings. Many tourists come to see its charm but mostly for purposes of worship.Read more

  • Sharon MillerJava, Bali and LombokTraveler

    Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

    May 6, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    The sacred monkey forest is home to a large group of long tailed macaques living in a semi wild environment. It includes 3 temples and a number of sacred trees and ponds. The philosophy of the reserve is to seek spiritual and physical well being by achieving harmony at three levels - Tri Hita Karana. Visiting this forest was a lovely tranquil way to end our free day.Read more

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