Motorcycle Tour Indonesia - Bali & Java Plantations and Volcanoes 14 days

Day 1 Departure from Amsterdam

Today your adventure begins!

From Schiphol Airport you fly to the magical Bali in Indonesia, where a motorcycle journey full of unforgettable moments awaits you.
From tropical rice terraces to volcanic sands, from colonial plantations to deserted jungle trails - this will be no ordinary vacation, this will be a story to be told many times over.

Selamat Jalan! (Good trip)
And remember ... the real adventure begins as soon as you leave the asphalt.

Day 2 Arrival Bali Canggu

Welcome to Bali!

Upon arrival in Bali, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour guide. Then a cab van will take you to the cozy hotel in Canggu, where you can recover from the long journey.

Whether you opt for a refreshing dip in the pool or a short walk to Echo Beach to put your feet in the sea - it's time to land at a tropical pace.

Your hotel is located among the rice fields, in a quiet but central location in Canggu. In the immediate vicinity you will find cozy cafes, small boutiques and fine restaurants - perfect for discovering the first tastes of Indonesia.

Breathe deeply. Your adventure has begun.

Day 3 Canggu - Accommodation

Acclimatize and relax

After your arrival in Bali, it is time to land peacefully. Since most international flights don't arrive until the evening, this day is all about acclimatizing. No tight schedule, no obligations - just the space to recover and adopt the rhythm of the island.

We stay an extra day in the lively coastal town of Canggu, a place where relaxing effortlessly combines with an energetic atmosphere. Here you can fill the day as you wish. Perhaps you start quietly with a good cup of coffee in one of the many cafes, followed by a walk towards Echo Beach, where the sea and black lava beaches form the backdrop. Either you opt for a massage, some light exploration on the scooter, or simply an afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Canggu is known for its unique blend of surf culture, hip hotspots and tropical tranquility. Between the rice fields and palm trees you will find an international atmosphere with travelers from all over the world, but at the same time it still retains an authentic Balinese character. Precisely this combination makes it the ideal place to start this motorcycle journey through Bali and Java.

This extra day ensures that you not only physically recover from the trip, but also mentally switch to adventure already. Because starting tomorrow, the pace changes. Then you leave the coast behind and the real work begins: riding through the rugged interior of Bali, heading for muddy trails, mountain roads and unknown routes.

A quiet start, just as it should be, before the adventure breaks loose.

Day 4 - From Canggu to Munduk | First motorcycle ride through tropical Bali

The bikes are ready. The air is warm, the day is open, and today it really begins. We leave Canggu and turn almost immediately away from the crowds, inland. No long run-up - you're right in.

The first few kilometers take us on narrow roads that wind through the landscape like ribbons. Rice fields gleam in the sunlight, temples pop up unexpectedly along the road and in small villages local life looks on curiously as we pass. This is not a tourist route; this is the Bali you only experience when you drive yourself.

The asphalt soon gives way to sand and loose rocks. The bike begins to live under you, the riding becomes more technical, more playful. Dust hangs in the air as we head deeper into the island. Then suddenly the coast - a black volcanic sand beach that we ride along for a stretch, with the ocean rough beside us and the heat rising from the ground. It feels raw, pristine, almost otherworldly.

Halfway through, we stop for lunch and settle in for Babi Guling. The flavors are intense, spicy and pure - just what you need to get sharp again for what's to come.

Because after that, it gets more serious.

We move into the jungle. The trails become narrower, steeper, more slippery. This is when riding requires concentration. Curves follow in quick succession, descents demand control, and meanwhile the landscape opens up more and more. Deep valleys, green slopes and dense vegetation make this part of the ride intense and impressive at the same time.

Slowly we climb up, away from the heat of the coast. The air gets cooler, the scenery calmer. By the end of the day, we roll into the mountain village Munduk inside, tucked away in Bali's verdant north.

Here everything seems to be at a standstill for a while.

Our hotel overlooks a valley full of rice terraces and jungle. The engines are silent, but in your head the routes are still driving. With a cold drink in your hand and the sun slowly sinking behind the mountains, you really feel it:

this was only day one on the bike.

And it only gets better.

Day 5 Munduk to Licin ( Java )

From Bali to Java - the road to the volcano Kawah Ijen

After breakfast, we start the day with a beautiful drive along the winding mountain roads of Munduk, Ngadang and Aya. As the morning fog slowly lifts, we steer smoothly through the verdant highlands of central Bali. The views are grand: valleys full of rice paddies, dense jungle and the smell of spicy mountain air.

Slowly we descend toward the coast, where the ferry awaits us. In about an hour we make the crossing to the island of Java - the adventure continues in new territory.

After a local lunch, we soon leave the main road and dive into the interior of East Java. The scenery changes immediately: a patchwork of rice paddies, fertile fields, coffee bushes and banana trees surrounds us as we make our way through unexpected, winding off-road paths to the base of the famous volcano Kawah Ijen.

In this mountainous area you can see the Java of the past - farmers in thatched hats working their fields, children enthusiastically waving and occasionally you can already smell the sulfurous air of the volcano in the distance. This area is known for its coffee plantations - the famous Arabica and Robusta come from here - and the hills are dotted with fruit trees, peppers and vegetables.

In the late afternoon we reach the village of Licin, where our charming small-scale resort is located, complete with pool and mountain views. A perfect place to recover from a day full of impressions ... and recharge for what's to come tomorrow with the Bali Java motorcycle trip.

Day 6 Licin to Glenmore/Kalibaru

Along plantations, hidden paths and spiritual places

Today we wake up in the heart of Javanese nature, with the soft calls of birds, monkeys and perhaps a distant cockcrow in the background. From our lodge we have a view of the coastline of East Java, slowly enveloping itself in morning light.

After breakfast, we get back on the motorcycle and ride deep into the interior. The route winds through centuries-old colonial plantations once established during the time of Dutch rule. Coffee, rubber and sugar cane are still being cultivated here - and the atmosphere of yesteryear can still be felt everywhere. We drive along narrow asphalt lanes, gravel paths and dirt roads, right through forests and past old factory sites.

Along the way, we visit a small, local factory where cane sugar is still produced by hand. The smell of freshly cut cane and burning wood fills the air as we watch this sweet specialty being made.

Then we trek further into the jungle, to a special place hidden deep among the trees: a mystical place of worship where Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam converge. Here you can taste the spiritual melting pot that makes Indonesia so unique.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Glenmore of Kalibaru, where we stay in a cozy resort on the edge of a small river, in the middle of greenery with a swimming pool.

Day 7 Glenmore/Kalibaru to Jember

Deep into the jungle: plantations, trails and Pasar Malam

Today we soon leave behind the hustle and bustle of the main road and dive into the mountainous area of Gumitir in. The road soon turns into a network of narrow trails that wind their way through lush jungle and vast plantations. Depending on the weather, some sections can be quite challenging - muddy tracks, slippery rocks and deep gullies make this a day for the truly adventurous.

We drive past abandoned stretches of forest, where nature takes over again. The view of the valley here is breathtaking. In the distance you can see patches of fog hanging between the mountains, as we continue driving along one of the still active rubber plantations of Java. Here, rubber is still extracted and processed in the traditional way - on a small scale and with a lot of handwork.

The jungle becomes denser and the trails narrower. Eventually we reach a narrow wooden bridge that wobbles with every step and takes us across a river full of boulders. On the other side, a well-deserved lunch awaits us at a special location in the middle of nature.

After lunch, we continue our tour through a varied landscape of sugar cane fields and rubber forests, towards the lively Jember - the cultural and economic capital of East Java with more than 300,000 inhabitants. Despite its size, few Western tourists come here, which gives the city its authentic character.

In the evening, the streets come alive during the Pasar Malam - an atmospheric night market full of fresh vegetables, meat, spices and snacks. In the central park Alun Alun Sample genuine Javanese cuisine at one of the many warungs: simple, inexpensive and incredibly delicious.

Tonight we sleep in a modern hotel with a rooftop pool - a nice place to wash off the day under the starry skies of Java.

Day 8 Jember to Cemara Lawang ( Bromo volcano )

Along old railroad lines and over volcanic sands - on to the Bromo!

We leave urban Jember behind and head west. The landscape opens up with vast rice fields as far as the eye can see, interspersed with old colonial plantations where time seems to have stood still. Here you can still see the derelict railroad which was once used to transport sugar cane and other crops to the coast. We partly follow this ancient route, passing through small villages where residents wave curiously at us as we hum by.

Through winding back roads we arrive in Lumajang, a city that feels like a busy metropolis as soon as you enter the main roads - but nothing could be further from the truth. One turn left or right, and you are already among the rice terraces with the mountains in the distance.

After a local lunch, today's real adventure begins: The ascent to the Bromo, one of Indonesia's most iconic active volcanoes. Instead of the tourist route, we choose the unknown back door: a secondary road through the dense forest and rolling mountains of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

The climb up is sensational and perhaps the best part of this Bali Java motorcycle trip. The air gets fresher, the vegetation changes, and each turn reveals a new panorama of mountains, fog and jagged craters. The weather here is unpredictable - one minute you're sweating in your shirt, the next you need a sweater.

When we finally pass the highest point, we descend into a surreal landscape: the sand sea of Bromo - a volcanic no man's land measuring 8 by 10 kilometers. Here the challenge really begins: with our motorcycles we make our way through the deep, loose sand, climbing, slipping and plodding across the black plain, while the plumes of smoke from the volcano swirl in the air.

We spend the night on the edge of this volcanic spectacle, in the mountain village Cemara Lawang. Our simple but cozy hotel overlooks the smoking crater of the Bromo. The rest of the day is up to you: motorcycle rides through the lunar landscape, hiking to the crater rim, or just enjoying the view you won't see anywhere else in the world with a hot drink.

A day for the books. And this is just the beginning of East Java's roughest part.

Day 9 Cemara Lawang to Jember

Sunrise over the Bromo and off-road back to Jember

For the early risers, today there is a optional magical start to the day. At 4 a.m. you will be met with a cool 4×4 jeep picked up to drive across the black sand plain. In the dark we slowly ascend to a viewpoint at no less than 2700 meters altitude, where you can see the sun rise behind the iconic volcano Bromo and the even higher, smoking Semeru in the background.

When the first rays of sunlight illuminate the lunar landscape below you, it's like being on another planet. A moment you never forget.

Then you descend again to the sandy plain at 2000 meters altitude. Here you park the jeep and walk up the steps to the crater rim of the Bromo volcano. With luck, you can hear the deep rumble coming from the active crater as sulfur fumes swirl upward. An impressive natural spectacle up close.

After breakfast at our mountain location, we leave the plateau and drive at the north side down the mountain range. The first few kilometers are paved, but once we briefly follow the busy main road, we quickly turn off again. What follows is a mix of on- and off-road, in which we were guided by wooded hills, sleepy villages and winding roads driving. The views are rugged and green, with occasional spectacular vistas of abandoned volcanoes in the distance.

In the late afternoon, we arrive again in Jember, but this time we are staying in a very different part of the city. Our modern hotel is fully equipped: a rooftop pool, a good restaurant and comfortable rooms. Here we conclude this impressive day in style.

Day 10 Jember to Banyuwangi ( Kawah Ijen volcano )

From coffee plantations to volcano views - on the way to Banyuwangi

Today there is another wonderful ride on the program in which you'll be both over tight asphalt, bumpy paths as dirt trails drives. We meander through the varied landscape of East Java: small villages, wide valleys, and here and there a suddenly looming vista that you really want to stop for.

Through these shortcuts we reach the northern gateway to Kawah Ijen National Park, known for its sulfur crater and mysterious blue flames. Along the way, we drive through vast coffee plantations, which includes the high-quality Arabica coffee being remodeled. Major brands such as Albert Heijn and Nespresso get their beans from here. The rare and precious "Luwak coffee.", made in a unique way, originates here.

The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans sometimes literally hangs in the air as we maneuver among the coffee plants. A real treat for the senses.

At the end of the day, we arrive in Banyuwangi, where we spend the night in a luxury resort with a beautiful pool, a comprehensive spa, and everything you need to completely unwind. Enjoy a well-deserved swim, a massage or just a cold drink overlooking the green hills all around.

Day 11 Banyuwangi to Lovina ( Bali )

Back to Bali - north towards Lovina

After a full breakfast, we get on our bikes again for a short ride of about 10 minutes to the ferry that will take us back to Bali. During the crossing, you can look back one last time at the impressive Javanese volcanic landscape we are leaving behind.

As soon as we set foot on Balinese soil, we almost immediately turn toward the north of this tropical island. The ride takes us first along the green flanks of the Taman Nasional Bali Barat, where we drive through lush jungle and can occasionally see monkeys along the road. Then we meander further along the northern coastline, with to our right ever new vistas of the azure sea and in the distance the silhouette of Lombok's mighty volcano Gunung Rinjani, reaching nearly 3,800 meters into the sky.

Early in the afternoon we arrive in the area of Lovina, a friendly coastal town that has managed to retain its charm and tranquility despite the increase in tourism. The village is also home to some foreigners who have lost their hearts here - and you are going to understand that right away.

Our overnight spot is a small hotel in the middle of lovina, with pool. Take a dip, order a cold Bintang (local beer), and let your senses unwind as the sun slowly sinks into the sea. The vacation feeling? That is at its absolute peak here.

Day 12 Lovina to Sanur

Last leg - From black sands to beach feeling in Sanur

Today is the day: our last day of riding. But do not underestimate this stage - it is perhaps one of the most beautiful of the entire trip. We swing our bikes through small villages, green valleys and endless rice terraces, while the mighty contours of the Gunung Agung slowly approaching. This imposing volcano towers over 3,000 meters high above everything and is considered sacred by the Balinese.

We drive towards Kintamani, a mountain village at 1,350 meters altitude with breathtaking views of both the Gunung Agung if the Gunung Batur with its lake of the same name. And then it comes: we make a steep descent into the ancient crater, where we ride our motorcycles through the black volcanic sand - as if for a moment you were on another planet. The villages we pass here are literally inside the crater, surrounded by rugged lava formations and black stones, used locally for building traditional temples.

After a lunch overlooking the lake, we drive on toward Sanur, but not without first taking a detour via Sidemen. This region feels like a step back in time: narrow roads wind through pristine rice terraces and quiet villages where the clock seems to tick slower.

The last leg of this Bali Java motorcycle trip takes us along the main road toward the coast - shifting gears for a while, as the traffic gets busier and the city frenzy announces itself. But as soon as we enter Sanur and enter our comfortable beach hotel with swimming pool, peace returns. Here we can reminisce, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a last dinner in one of the many cozy restaurants along the beach.

An epic journey full of mountains, volcanoes, sands and hospitality comes to an end - but the memories remain.

Day 13 Sanur departure

Farewell to adventure

Unfortunately, the suitcases have to be packed again. The engines are stopped, the boots come off, and the dust from the roads is left on your clothes as well as in your memories. Fortunately, most flights do not leave until the afternoon, so there is still plenty of time to enjoy a last moment on the beach, a refreshing dip in the pool, or to stock up on some last souvenirs for home.

Our tour guide will make sure everyone arrives at the airport on time.

With a head full of impressions, new stories and perhaps a slight muscle ache from all that biking fun, we say:
Selamat jalan!
(Goodbye and have a good trip!)

Day 14 Arrival home