📍My journey from Jakarta to Gili T.
In this guide I’ll walk you through my route from Jakarta to Gili T to ensure some amazing spots in Indonesia are a part of your next adventure.
Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture and is the cheapest city to fly into in Indonesia (Skyscanner).
There’s a few notable spots in Jakarta such as the National Museum of Indonesia and the National Monument. However, the journey east to Bali is long.
In fact, it’s approximately 1,177.5 km. I’d recommend taking the cheap flight into Jakarta and making your way east!
Stop 1 : Yogyakarta
To get from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the 12 hour bus is a good option.
*Be warned, there is a TV on the bus playing Indonesian music loudly on repeat for the entire duration of the journey. Make sure to pack headphones and or earplugs*.
Yogyakarta is home to the 8th century Prambanan Temple Compounds.
The UNESCO world heritage sight is the largest Hindu temple sight in Indonesia and second largest in SE Asia (after Angkor Wat).
The complex, dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva has 240 temples. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Stop 2: Borobudur Temple
From Yogyakarta, you don’t want to miss visiting Borobudur Temple.
Built between 778 and 850 CE, this UNESCO World Heritage Sight is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Borobudur temple is built with 2 million cubic feet of gray volcanic stone, enclosing a small hill.
This monument was buried under volcanic ash for nearly a thousand years until Dutch archaeologists brought it back to life in the early 20th century.
Each of its levels represent a step on the spiritual journey toward enlightenment.
The 5km path begins at the eastern stairway, and pilgrims walk clockwise around each level.
You have to wear special slippers around the temple so hopefully you’re lucky with the weather (my feet got very wet).
Stop 3: Jodipan
It’s time to leave Yogyakarta and head to Malang in East Java. I’d recommend taking the overnight train for a scenic sunrise view of Malang.
Jodipan is three colorful villages that you’ll probably first see from the train!
Once a slum on the brink of demolition, this area was transformed in 2016 when local university students teamed up with the Air Force to give it a vibrant makeover.
Now known as the “Rainbow Village”, the “Blue Village” and the “3D Arts Village” Jodipan’s vivid colors have turned it into a must-visit spot for tourists in Java.
Stop 4: Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, named after the Hindu creator god Brahma, is a spiritually significant active volcano in East Java.
It is located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
I’d recommend visiting on a sunrise tour.
The tour includes a jeep ride up and then short walk to Mount Penanjakan, followed by a trek across the “Sea of Sand” to the volcano’s crater.
The crater itself has a very intense eggy smell so I suggest wearing a mask.
Stop 5: Tumpak Sewu
Tumpak Sewu, or “a thousand waterfalls,” is a jaw-dropping 120-meter-tall waterfall in Sidomulyo, East Java.
The trek down involves slippery bamboo stairs and rocky paths, crossing two rivers—one with a bridge and one with just a rope. You are already treading a fine line between adventure and danger so leave your flips flops back at the hostel!
Also expect to get absolutely soaked once you reach the waterfall- a waterproof camera case/bag certainly wouldn’t hurt.
To get to this must see spot in Sidomulyo, I would recommend hiring a driver from Yogyakarta.
Stop 6: Mount Ijen
Mount Ijen, located in East Java, is renowned for having the biggest acid lake globally and for being one of only two places in the world where you can see blue fire.
Mount Ijen is located in Banyuwangi. Due to time pressure on my 30 day visa, I booked a taxi for the 7.5 hour journey east, however trains are also an option.
I booked a Kawa Ijen tour, which included collection at midnight from my hostel. As well as 7am drop off back at the hostel, just in time to head straight to Canggu the next day!
The rocky 3km trail hike takes around 1.5 hours so you will need suitable footwear.
Ijen is one of the last remaining active sulphur mines globally and miners can be seen working, often without masks.
The midnight trek provided the best stargazing I have ever experienced with an unbelievably clear view of the Milky Way.
Tours usually provide gas masks due to the sulphur – which I would recommend wearing. The smell is still pretty prominent!
I experienced some low blood sugar on the hike up, so make sure to have snacks/supplies on you.
There are wheelbarrow ‘taxis’ available from local miners if needed.
Unfortunately, the blue fire was reported ‘high risk’ just before my tour so it wasn’t safe to see it. However, as the sun rose over the acid lake, the trek up (and back down) was worth it.
*It is important to regularly check safety updates as to whether Mount Ijen can be visited*.
Stop 7: Bali
There are so many beautiful and interesting sights in Bali.
For parties, fitness and delicious health food cafes… head to Canggu.
If you’re looking for yoga, rice fields and a more authentic Bali…head to Ubud.
For beautiful beaches and bouldering down a huge rock…head to Nusa Penida.
Stop 8: Gili Islands
If you’re looking for island vibes, beach bars and smoothie bowls…head to Gili T.
For baby turtles and cool snorkelling…head to Gili Meno.
For more cool snorkelling..head to Gili Air.
During my trip, I covered Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands in 10 days. Whilst I was able to see everything, I would recommend spending longer in Bali to make the most out of your experience!
My time spent travelling in Indonesia is a lifetime travel highlight.
To see a short summary of my trip head to @highs_lows_hypos on Instagram or @highslowshypos on TikTok!
Highs, Lows & Hypos 
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