Francis is a biker always venturing out on the road to uncover new routes with as much passion as he has telling stories. He is an enthusiast and knows our itineraries like the back of his hand.
Riding atop a legendary motorcycle, the Royal Enfield, you will travel for more than 850 miles between Bali and Java. Once you leave behind Ubud, you embark on a discovery of Indonesia’s traditions and natural marvels. You will quickly leave behind Bali, its rice terraces, its dense and lush jungles, its Hindu temples to discover Java’s coffee plantations, wild, untouched beaches and mythical volcanoes: Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen. Upon returning to Bali after the Javanese adventure, you will enjoy crystalline waters and the gentle life in the Island of Gods.
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to Ubud, Bali’s cultural and artistic centre. You will check in at the hotel and have a free day to explore Ubud or do as you please. Ubud is believed to be the most magical town in Bali, with its daily dance shows, shops and art galleries.
This morning, your tour leader introduces you to your new steed: the Royal Enfield. The tour starts gently to the west of Ubud where we discover Bali’s wealth of natural resources. We ride on small roads through typical villages and stop at Sangeh Monkey Forest, home to a Hindu temple and pilfering monkeys, before heading to Jatiluwih rice paddies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, after crossing several rice paddies far off the tourist track, we reach Belimbing, a region on the slopes of Mount Batukaru.
We’re going to sleep on Java Island tonight! We take a fantastic road for around 30 miles, which leads us to Bali’s north coast. We cruise along the coastal road to Gilimanuk where the ferry to Java awaits. After a 90-minute ferry crossing, we disembark on Indonesia’s largest island: Java. Just 18 miles to go before we reach our stop for the night at the foot of the Kawah Ijen volcano.
This morning, we set off at sunrise to head for Paltuding, at almost 2000 m altitude, and take a 2-mile hike up Mount Ijen (approx. 90 minutes). From the rim of the crater, we’ll witness the first sunrays of the day unveiling astounding views of the world’s largest acid lake. We’ll also meet many sulphur collectors on our way. After a well-deserved lunch, we leave for Jember, riding on small, little-used roads through beautiful coffee plantations.
We continue west and take in the Javan landscapes, observing the cultural differences it has with Bali. The last 30 miles pushes us up to an altitude of 2,000 m, passing through authentic villages blessed by the volcanic land. This leg comes to an end just steps away from Bromo volcano, where we have some lunch and can spend the afternoon exploring.
We leave very early to catch a breathtaking view of the volcanoes in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru national park at daybreak. We then go down into the famous “sea of sand”, dominated by Mount Bromo’s smoking crater. We pass through surreal lunar landscape for some miles, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. For many of us, this first taste of riding on volcanic sand is bound to make us feel apprehensive to start with, but we'll soon experience an exhilarating, addictive feeling of freedom! We finish this leg on a desert road that runs alongside the Indian Ocean until we reach Papuma (standard hotel).
Completely off the beaten track, we take the small roads surrounding Meru Betiri national park. Entering the national park along a rocky track in the depths of virgin forest is out of this world. We finally reach Sukamade and our basic but welcoming guesthouse, where we enjoy a traditional meal. As night falls, we go to a virgin beach to see if we can spot the turtles that lay their eggs here all year round.
An early start this morning to go back to the beach and release one-day-old turtles. Then we ride the last of our country roads as we head for coastal Banyuwangi where we take the ferry back to Bali island and become reacquainted with traffic. After 18 miles along the coast, we reach Pemuteran, a seaside village, where we stop for two nights.
We leave the bikes for a well-deserved rest today. In the morning, you can go to Menjangan Island, a protected marine reserve with exceptional coral reefs. You can choose between a scuba diving tour or a snorkelling session. In the afternoon, we go back to the Balinese coast and relax by the pool before enjoying grilled fish on the beach.
You will really discover the treasures that the heart of Bali has to offer on this stretch. We ride along the far east coast for around 25 miles before heading south towards the rugged inland. In the middle of the tropical jungle, Mount Batur suddenly appears before us: a great place to stop for some lunch. Lastly, we descend towards the small coastal village Amed in the southeast of the island.
Our last day riding the small, magical Balinese country roads. On the way back to the city, we stop at Amlapura market and take a break in Pakudui, a charming village known for its woodcarvings, an ancient Balinese tradition. Once in Ubud, you will have the time to do some shopping, relax by the pool at your hotel or roam around the city’s art galleries.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy a few more hours in Ubud. You will be transferred to the international airport.
A private vehicle transfers you to Sanur, a coastal town in the south of Bali. Your stay is set aside for relaxing next to the Indian Ocean.
On board on your private boat with an English-speaking guide : cruising to Rinca Island, sailing to Kalong Island and Gili Laba Island. You go trekking with a ranger and spot some more of the famous Komodo dragons. Snorkelling among colourful fish in this magical setting is also planned. Dinners and nights on the boat.
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