We are planning a trip (about 2 weeks) travelling from Bandung to Bali - just after tips and ideas. Thought we might have 5 days in Bandung and similar in Yogyakarta - interested in seeing Mt Bromo also, but basically we are open to all ideas.
Kids travel well (have taken them to SEA almost every year, but obviously interested in how difficult the travel in Java is. Were thinking of the train between Bandung and Yogya and maybe even further than that. Or maybe even we hire a car with driver???? Would love to hear from anyone who has done similar with little ones (or even without them!) I speak basic Indonesian and we've seen a bit of Indonesia before. Will finish up with two very gentle weeks in Bali, so a little adventure in the middle would possibly be ok.
Hi there
I took my 11yo to Java in January and posted a trip report after I got back. Here is the link if you are interested in reading it:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2015756
In Bandung, your kids would probably enjoy the angklung performance at Saung Angklung Udjo. Highlights for my daughter were also strawberry picking at Ciwedey, hot spring pools near Lembang and visiting a school.
IN Yogya, my daughter really liked the Ramayana ballet (but this might go a bit late at night for your two). There are also puppets at the Kraton during the day. Riding around town in a becak is also fun for kids.
We caught the train from Jakarta to Bandung one way and an airport shuttle going back but flew to Yogya as it was quite cheap with just the two of us. I think the train would be fine though. If getting a car and driver, someone on here quoted me RP 500,000 for a 7 hour drive (Bandung to Pangandaran) so that gives you a bit of an idea.
We didn't go to Bali this trip but did when she was younger. that time we stayed at Udayana Eco Lodge, somewhere in Ubud and Kubu Bali at Candidasa. Highlights for her in Bali were the legong dancers and the elephant sanctuary.
Happy to answer any questions. I am in Australia too.
Hi
Hey, great part of the world you are visiting. Your kids will love it!
If you are getting a driver and going to Bromo, why don't you go to Ijen Crater? It's a bit of a walk to get there but an amazing place. You could overnight at the nearby coffee plantation, basic but so so friendly. I'm afraid I can't remember the name now as it was few years ago I was there. The BBC news website have just done a photo journo piece on iIjen you could look at too.
And I'm sure you have already thought about this but the fumes coming out of both Bromo and Ijen are toxic and there are slight safety issues to be aware of (no fences, odd spews, occasional deathly gas clouds). Most people have no probs though and you can ask locals for the current situ, just thinking your kiddos might be a bit more sensitive than us adults.
You could go from Ijen to Bali quite easily via ferry and road, especially if you have a driver.
Have a great time :)
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