Day 1 Surabaya★ Meeting Day
All day
丨Itinerary
Today is the all-day gathering day for the event. Tourists from all over the world will gather in Surabaya, Indonesia (free airport transfers are provided for groups of two or more). Afterwards, they will proceed to the designated meeting hotel for check-in and room assignments.
丨Itinerary Recommendations
Early arrivals can explore Jalan Pemuda on their own. This historic neighborhood in Surabaya dates back to the Dutch colonial era. Numerous Dutch colonial buildings, with their red brick, pointed roofs, and stained glass windows, embody a classic charm. Strolling through the old streets is like stepping back in time, experiencing the intersection of different eras. The vibrant old streets are rich in local culture and art. Cafés, bookstores, and handicraft shops abound, along with art exhibitions and musical performances, attracting both tourists and local artists, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Surabaya's history and culture.
About Surabaya
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the capital of East Java Province. Located southwest of the Surabaya Strait on the northeast coast of Java Island, it is an important economic, commercial, and industrial center in Indonesia, as well as one of its major ports. Known as the "City of Heroes," it boasts a wealth of historical sites and cultural attractions, including ancient mosques and museums.
How to get to Surabaya (Juanda International Airport, airport code SUB)
Currently, there are direct flights from Guangzhou to Surabaya by China Southern Airlines.
Traveling to Surabaya from other parts of the country requires transfers from Jakarta, Bali, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, etc.
Book in advance to get a discounted fare. If you buy a connecting flight, make sure there is a certain amount of time between the two flights: usually more than 3 hours, to avoid missing the flight.
Day 2 Surabaya → General Mada Waterfall → Mount Bromo
All day
丨Itinerary
After breakfast at the hotel, we departed Surabaya, first visiting General Mada Waterfall, nestled in a canyon near Mount Bromo National Park. This 200-meter-high waterfall offers a challenging and exciting river tracing journey to its base. Tourists are advised to wear raincoats and river tracing shoes, and guided by a guide, they will traverse the river all the way to the base of the waterfall. This journey allows tourists to experience the charm of nature firsthand and feel the rush and coolness of the water.
We then checked into our hotel near Mount Bromo and were driven to the Seruni Observation Deck to enjoy the sunset. As the sky darkened, we returned to our hotel, hoping to rest early to recharge for the Bromo sunrise tomorrow.
Day 3: Mount Bromo sunrise → Tengger Sand Basin → Jember
All day
丨Itinerary
At 2 a.m., we set off for Mount Bromo's Observation Deck 1. Under the night sky, Bromo was as serene and desolate as the surface of the moon. Compared to other peaks in Java, Bromo might seem like a dwarf, but its unique volcanic beauty is truly remarkable. Its steaming cone rises majestically from a sea of gray volcanic sand.
Mount Semeru, standing behind Mount Bromo, is 3,676 meters above sea level and is the highest peak on Java Island. It stands tall and majestic, like a god. If tourists are lucky, they can also see the stunning sight of the sea of clouds engulfing the village of Lawang near Mount Bromo.
After sunrise, the tourists drove to the base of Mount Bromo to cross the sand sea basin. This area is actually a massive ancient crater over 10 kilometers in diameter, a crater left behind by the eruption of Mount Tengger. Five smaller volcanoes have since formed here. Mount Batok, the extinct volcano, stands at the center of the action. The remaining four are active, and Mount Bromo, with its constant puff of smoke, is undoubtedly the most restless.
We then ascended Mount Bromo. After the photoshoot, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest until check-out at 12:00 PM. After lunch, we drove to Jember (the drive takes about 4 hours, and tourists can rest in the car). We arrived at the hotel in the evening and checked in.
Day 4 Jember → Magic Forest → Banyuwangi
All day
丨Itinerary
We'll sleep in naturally in the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head to the Magic Forest, located south of Banyuwangi. Here, the ancient trees are centuries old. Entering the Magic Forest feels like stepping back in time. The lush branches and leaves of the ancient trees spread overhead like roots, and occasional beams of light peek through the gaps, seemingly guiding the way forward. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available, and building a treehouse within would surely satisfy everyone's childhood fantasy of a secret hideaway.
After the tour, we returned to our hotel in Banyuwangi. Since we had to leave early in the morning to climb Mount Ijen, the tourists had to rest early.
About Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi is the terminus of the eastern land of Java Island. Also known as "Banyuwangi," which means fragrant water in Indonesian, it is renowned for its surfing and diving. Facing Bali across the sea, it is an important port in Indonesia. The stunning scenery of the sea and sky and the challenging extreme sports are sure to keep you coming back.
Day 5 Wainanmeng → Mount Ijen → Lovina
All day
丨Itinerary
Around 12:30 am, tourists gathered at the hotel entrance and took a bus to the foot of Yizhen Volcano.
Climbing Yizhen Volcano takes nearly two hours one way. You can choose to rent a rickshaw locally. Each rickshaw can accommodate up to one adult and one child (not included in the price, and the price fluctuates greatly during the off-season and peak season, with round-trip prices ranging from 500-800 RMB). The road to the crater is relatively easy to walk, but the road down from the crater to see the blue fire is more difficult to walk, so you need to wear suitable hiking shoes/sports shoes.
This place is like the Lonely Mountain Road in the movie "The Hobbit." Along the way, you can see the charming sulfuric acid lake and watch the local sulfuric acid miners at work. Every day, the miners carry 200 kilograms of sulfur along the cliff edge, and if they are not careful, they will fall to the bottom of the valley. In return, they earn only a dozen or twenty yuan. Tourists can admire the spectacular blue volcanic lake in the crater.
After descending the mountain, we will return to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest. In the afternoon, we will gather at the appropriate time to take the bus to the pier to take the ferry to Indonesia's popular travel destination [Bali]. After arriving in Lovina, Bali, we will drive to the hotel to check in. You can then enjoy some free time in Lovina.
Things to note
We will provide
1. Gas mask (not brand new): There is a lot of toxic gas in the crater. For personal hygiene, it is recommended to bring some alcohol disinfectant wipes/high-filtration masks.
2. Flashlight
3. Trekking poles
It is recommended that you bring your own
1. The temperature at night is around 10 degrees Celsius. It is quite cold when there is wind on the top of the mountain. It is recommended to wear a jacket or a thin down jacket with fleece
2. Hiking shoes/non-slip sports shoes: choose dark-colored and dirt-resistant styles
3. Sulfur may cause eye discomfort, please bring your own goggles if necessary
Day 6 Lovina → Uluwatu Temple → Gadluwih Rice Terraces → Tanah Lot Temple → Bali
All day
丨Itinerary
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to the Ulun Danu Temple, a semi-Hindu, semi-Buddhist temple built entirely on the water. It's a must-see in Bali, featuring as the backdrop for the 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah banknote. Its stunning scenery, often featured in postcards and photographs, is particularly tranquil under the thick fog.
Next, we'll visit Ubud, Bali, where the iconic coconut-lined rice terraces are a must-see. The Gadlui Rice Terraces are one of the island's most spectacular natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts stunning, cascading green rice paddies that wind down the hillside.
Afterwards, we headed to Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most important seaside temples, built in the 16th century. The temple sits atop a massive rock by the sea. During high tide, the rock is surrounded by water, isolating the temple from the mainland and standing alone in the water. It connects to the mainland only at low tide.
Finally we arrived at the Bali hotel and after checking in we were free to enjoy the wonderful time in Bali.
Day 7 Bali → Labuan Bajiao
All day
丨Itinerary
In the morning, you can sleep in naturally and have free time in downtown Bali. In the afternoon, you will depart for Bali Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport and fly to Komodo Labuan Pasho Airport (reference flight: Indonesia AirAsia QZ646 Bali-Komodo 15:45-17:00) (flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including 15kg baggage allowance per person).
After arriving in Labuan Basho Town, the tourists went to the restaurant for dinner and then returned to the hotel to rest.
About Komodo Island
Komodo Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, is a renowned nature reserve. Home to the unique Komodo dragon, a prehistoric creature considered the world's largest lizard, the island boasts clear waters and abundant coral, perfect for diving. The picturesque coastline, with its pink sand beaches, attracts tourists from around the world to witness this natural wonder.
Day 8 Kanawa Island → Komodo National Park → Bat Island
All day
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, we'll head to the idyllic Kawau Island for snorkeling. As our wooden boat approaches, you'll be captivated by its beauty. Here, you can snorkel freely, and even those who can't swim won't be bothered; life jackets are provided, and the instructors on board will ensure everyone's safety at all times.
At noon, we'll enjoy lunch aboard, where the unpretentious crew will meticulously prepare Indonesian cuisine. We'll then head to Komodo National Park on Rinca Island to explore Indonesia's national treasure, the Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world, reaching 3-4 meters in length and weighing up to 100 kilograms. It stuns its prey with its tail and then kills it with its teeth. It can swallow its prey whole without chewing and can survive for up to four months without food.
At sunset, we'll watch the bats fly across the sky at Bat Island. Afterward, the tourists can relax on the deck, lost in thought, while overhead, a sea of stars rises. After returning to Labuan Pasao, everyone can head back to town for food.
Day 9 Padar Island → Pink Beach → Tail Beach
All day
丨Itinerary
After breakfast at the hotel, your tour leader will lead you on a light hike to Padar Island (approximately one hour). Padar Island is a volcanic island in Komodo National Park, once home to Komodo dragons, now extinct. As you reach the summit, the stunning sight of the four bays converging will immediately come into view.
Afterward, we'll visit another highlight of this trip, the Pink Beach, where tourists can stroll along the pink sand and splash in the ocean. Indonesia boasts a unique pink beach in Southeast Asia, boasting clear water and fine sand. The beach's pink color is attributed to the abundance of red coral on the seabed. Years of erosion by the sea have created a rich pink sand, which washes onto the shore. Over time, the beach is filled with red coral sand, giving it a vibrant pink hue. Taking photos here will captivate your senses from every angle!
We then headed to the Tail Shoal, enjoying an Indonesian-style meal on board. The Shoal is actually a miniature pink island. The tail of the beach changes dramatically each year as the sea washes over it. When the water overflows, you can even see schools of white fish on the beach. Tourists can enjoy shore diving here.
Day 10 Komodo★ Disbandment Day
All day
丨Itinerary
Today is the end of our trip, and we will end our wonderful Indonesian three-island cruise in Komodo (free airport pick-up and drop-off service for registrations of 2 or more people).
Tourists who are still reluctant to leave and bid farewell with tears, please remember to fill out a follow-up review on the "China-TravelNote APP" to win vouchers. You can also post travel notes or works of art on the "China-TravelNote Community" & "China-TravelNote Photography Network" to share the wonderful memories of your trip!
