JAVA RAIL ADVENTURE

Day 1: Welcome to Jakarta!

Selamat Siang and Welcome to Jakarta! 

Get ready – this is Indonesia’s full-throttle capital city. Don’t fret though, our team is ready and waiting to pick you up at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Even better, the adventure begins this afternoon! If you’re not instantly charmed by Jakarta, don’t worry too much. Your guide will help you look beyond the city’s overwhelming nature to reveal the cultural and historical layers. 

You’ll wander through Jakarta’s Chinatown, a tangle of lanterns with a fiery red temple at its centre. And after your introductory jaunt concludes, come together with the MagRail gang at a charming local restaurant housed in the remains of an original Dutch colonial building. Tomorrow is your first taste of Indonesia’s trains!

ACCOMMODATION: Artotel Jakarta (or similar)
INCLUDED: Dinner

Day 2: Bandung

Wave goodbye to Jakarta and its frenzy as the train rolls into the countryside. You’ll feel a stark difference in temperature as you step off your trusty ‘steed’ after a three-hour journey to the city of Bandung. Perched on a high plateau, away from the smogginess of the capital, Bandung was nicknamed the ‘Paris of Java’ for its beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets. Shake hands with the city through a walking tour with a local guide who will bring untold stories of the past alive for you. 

Your hotel is a sanctuary of the Art Deco era with an equally interesting past. Once a Japanese-occupied building, it eventually became the office of the International Red Cross in 1945. Take the time to admire its storied hallways… but you’ll want to make sure you get some rest – day three has your longest train journey of the entire trip!

ACCOMMODATION: Savoy Homann (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Bandung to Yogyakarta

Thanks to your early morning breakfast box, you’ll be well-fed and ready to hit the tracks at a brisk 7:40 am this morning. While you might be rubbing the sleep from your eyes, we promise that this early wake up call is worth it. It’s a six-hour journey in a modern train with comfy seats and plush amenities, but through your window is a whole other world of neon-green rice paddies, local farmers tending their fields and puddles of sky between it all. 

The ancient city of Yogyakarta is your destination today. As you step off the train you’ll be swept up in the city’s distinct mix of cultures. This is the heart of Java. Come together as a happy clan this evening to recount the adventures of the day! Can you believe it’s only day three and you’ve already experienced so much?

ACCOMMODATION: Gallery Prawirotaman (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Yogyakarta

With the wind in your hair you’ll take to the dusty streets of Yogyakarta the local way this morning – by becak. Also known as a cycle rickshaw, this is one of the most traditional ways to get around town. 

Watch Yogyakarta unfurl into palaces that were once home to sultans, and craft markets overflowing with batik prints and other artisanal wares. Munch on local snacks along the route, like Bakpia Pathok or Geplak, handpicked by your guide who’s been enjoying these treats their entire life. Find reprieve at your hotel this evening where you might want to soak those wandering feet in the pool for a while.

ACCOMMODATION: Gallery Prawirotaman (or similar)
INCLUDED:  Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Borobudur 

It’s day five and it’s time to switch it up with a new set of wheels! The train simply can’t reach the jungles that you’re headed to today so it’s time to drive. Borobudur awaits in the misty shadow of volcanoes, an archaeological site littered with thousands of stone stupas, each hiding a statue of Buddha inside. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, deserted for centuries, and a true testament to its construction with earthquakes threatening to topple it any day. 

The afternoon reveals the region’s traditional way of life at a pottery village where families are busy practising their craft. Also known as gerabah, over 80 percent of locals use techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years. 

Losari is the final destination for the day and dinner is just steps away from your front door this evening.

ACCOMMODATION: Kayum Arum Resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 6: Ambarawa Railway Museum

It’s breakfast-to-go once more on Day 6 – because you’ve got a sunrise to catch! Rawa Pening, a local lake used for fishing, offers a wonderful view as the sun climbs high into the sky… volcanoes looming in the distance. 

The Ambarawa Railway Museum is your other focus today and we’ve reserved a special departure of a train so you can ride along the remaining line that was once used to haul teak out of the jungle! Enjoy the rural life unfold outside as you chug through Javanese villages and plantations. If it weren’t for the cameras, you could easily pretend you had stepped back in time.

Spend the evening as you please, in the secluded peace of your resort.

ACCOMMODATION: Kayum Arum Resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch

A Cup of Java

Have you ever wondered where the phrase, ‘cup of Java’ came from? Enter a tango between Indonesia’s fertile fields and the Dutch penchant for plantations. Proximity to the equator mixed with cool mountain air and volcanic soil provided the perfect growing conditions for coffee beans as the Dutch soon found out after planting their first trees in the 1600s. That’s right, coffee isn’t actually native to Indonesia! But boy does it thrive here. As one of the largest producers of coffee in the world – fourth largest in fact – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sip locally-grown –  at roadside stands, in modern cafes and while gazing out the train window.

Day 7: Surakarta 

Welcome to Surakarta, affectionately referred to by locals as Solo. This small-ish city is often overshadowed by big sister, Yogyakarta, but you’ll dive right into the heart of this lesser-known gem, which is just a short drive from Ambarawa. What you’ll be witnessing along the way as you drive deeper into Java – this is the Indonesia you just can’t see if you fly! 

Saddle up to authentic Solo dishes for dinner – like Nasi Liwet or Tengkleng – all a celebration of the herbs and locally grown spices. You deserve a feast after exploring the town’s nooks and crannies and you need to fuel up for another unique train experience tomorrow.

ACCOMMODATION: Royal Surakarta Heritage (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 8: Steam Locomotive Through Solo

Can you hear the distinct sound of a steam engine in the distance? Its iconic whoosh of hot air and squealing whistle are calling you. Spend the afternoon aboard the Jaladara Steam Locomotive, as it winds its way through Solo’s city streets. And because you’ll only be 12 MagRailers, we’ve opened up the ride to a local community group. Welcome them aboard – you’ll be experiencing a new joy of trains through their own exuberance before you know it!

But first you’ll start where evolution began, through a meet up with a Prehistoric Archaeology specialist at the Sangiran Museum.

ACCOMMODATION: Royal Surakarta Heritage (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Mount Bromo

Today’s early-ish morning is practice for tomorrow – a journey to the edge of an active volcano. Grab brekkie-to-go and enjoy views out the train window for the next few hours to Mojokerto, then it’s a road transfer to Bromo. An almost ominous feeling may well up inside you with your first glimpses of this mysterious volcano, looming closer and closer. 

Your quirky accommodation tonight, the Lava View Lodge (hehe!), has almost-lunar views of the ashen plain across to Bromo. Dinner is in-house and it’s early to bed tonight. As visions of the mysterious Mount Bromo dance in your head it might be hard to sleep, but you’ll certainly want to get some shut-eye – alarms will be ringing at 2 am! Trust us, we wouldn’t wake you at this heinous hour if it wasn’t for something truly incredible.

ACCOMMODATION: Lava View Lodge (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Sunrise on Mount Bromo

An optional experience for the true earlybirds today. At 2am, you’re going to hop into a 4WD Jeep to reach a panoramic vantage point just in time for sunrise behind Mount Bromo. Then, it’s time to see the caldera – up close and personal! Your jeep can only go so far so then you’ll transfer to horseback and be led by a local (no riding experience necessary!) Then, if you’re game for a view into the crater, there’s 253 steps to the rim. 

Your early morning efforts are soon to be rewarded with a yummy breakfast and some downtime back at the Lodge. The next stop? Kalibaru. It’s been a big day so kick back and take some time to reflect this evening after you arrive at the eco resort.

ACCOMMODATION: Kalibaru Cottage, VIP room (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Kalibaru

From the ashen plains of Mount Bromo to the humid, palm-fringed plantations of Kalibaru, you’ll see why this is one of the most fertile areas of Indonesia today. The volcanic soil produces loads of exotic products like coffee, cocoa, palm sugar and dragon fruit. Think ‘Garden of Eden’, only more fertile. At a visit to one of the plantations, you’ll have the chance to taste chocolate ground straight from cacao using antique machinery, and fresh, piping-hot coffee. 

After lunch, it’s back to the resort for a refreshing plunge in the pool, or – even better – a sigh-inducing massage. Experience the joy of searching for your dinner tonight amidst the nearby local restaurants… or you can always ask your guide for their favourite spot!

ACCOMMODATION: Kalibaru Cottage, VIP room (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12: Ubud

It’s day 12 and today marks a pivotal moment in your Indonesian adventures. You’re headed to another island entirely – Bali, Island of the Gods! With three different modes of transportation on the docket today, this journey will certainly be one for the memories. Once your safe passage is blessed at the local temple, you’ll be well on your way. Train, ferry and road trip are all in store, a pilgrimage punctuated by lunch, right in the middle of rice paddies!

Accommodation tonight is a quiet sanctuary, tucked away from the tumult of downtown Ubud.

ACCOMMODATION: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 13: Balinese Culture

This is the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment you’ve been waiting for. Soak in the peace of Balinese culture today for your well-earned post-Java rest. You won’t hit the streets until 10 am, so take that time to luxuriate a bit at the resort. Try your hardest not to fill up on the new-to-you tropical fruits for breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a Balinese cooking class for lunch! Sauteé alongside your hosts, Dewa and Jero, in their family garden compound. 

No visit to Bali is complete without a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. If you’re nervous around these little guys, find solace in knowing that as long as you don’t have any food or sparkly jewellery, they’re likely to leave you alone. Tonight is a celebration of your journey through ancient temples, shiny cities and the vine-choked jungles of Indonesia – all by train. Make a toast with your fellow MagRailers and now, new friends!

ACCOMMODATION: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Farewell Friends

Gather around the breakfast table one last time for a heartfelt, ‘Until we meet again!’ Don’t worry about arranging for transfer back to the airport, your guide has it covered and you can thoroughly enjoy your last glimpses of Indonesia before you take to the skies.

INCLUDED: Breakfast