THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Travel from Yogyakarta’s temples and villages through Bromo, Tumpak Sewu and Ijen, then on to Bali and Nusa Penida for volcanoes, terraces, waterfalls and coastlines.
Java temples and villages
Photograph Borobudur, Prambanan and Solo, together with villages and rural scenery around Mount Sumbing.
Volcano mornings and waterfalls
Photograph Bromo at different times of day, then visit Tumpak Sewu and Ijen. Access and viewpoints depend on local conditions.
Bali and Nusa Penida
Travel from Lovina to Ubud’s terraces and Nusa Penida’s cliffs and beaches for island landscapes.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Jul 3 · Asia/JakartaArrive in Yogyakarta–Borobudur
Arrive in Yogyakarta, transfer according to the confirmed flight and stay near Borobudur.
Accommodation:Hotel near Borobudur
DAY 02Jul 4 · Asia/JakartaMount Sumbing–Java villages–Prambanan
Rise in the morning to photograph sunrise at Mount Sumbing and nearby villages, then visit Kedung Kayang Waterfall. Water plunges from basalt cliffs into a deep pool, raising pearl-like spray. Sunlight through gaps in the forest weaves a wavering halo around the falls. Volcanoes, terraces, and waterfalls compose Central Java's earthly trio, moving between stillness and grandeur. After lunch, travel to Prambanan, prepare to photograph, and wait for sunset. In golden dusk, Prambanan becomes a magnificent painting steeped in time. As the setting sun wraps ancient stone temples in amber light, intricate Ramayana reliefs seem to awaken on their walls. In the distance, Mount Merapi's outline appears through dusk, joining the layered temple towers nearby in a grand dialogue between earth and sky. The shutter records not only a miracle of Javanese architecture but a dynasty's silent story across a thousand years.
Accommodation:Borobudur area; hotel to confirm
DAY 03Jul 5 · Asia/JakartaBorobudur–Solo
Rise early and head to a high viewpoint opposite Borobudur to photograph the temple amid dense forest, with famous Mount Merapi in the distance. Morning mist veils the temple and the surrounding forest is mysterious and quiet. After breakfast, visit Borobudur to photograph its morning scenery. Then travel to Solo and visit the Surakarta mosque. Through your lens, capture intricate Javanese carving and timeless Islamic geometry, including the harmonious combination of traditional multi-tiered tajug roofs and geometric patterns. Explore the mosque's architectural beauty and Surakarta's inclusiveness as an ancient cultural capital. The old mosque holds a tranquil Javanese spirit; in this thousand-year-old royal city, encounter its stillness and splendor.
Accommodation:Solo; hotel to confirm
DAY 04Jul 6 · Asia/JakartaSolo palace–Bromo
In Indonesia's cultural heart of Solo, or Surakarta, Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat still protects the ancient spirit of Javanese royalty. Established in the 18th century, this palace is both the sultan's residence and a living museum, every stone inscribed with Javanese civilization's elegance and mystery. Drive to the hotel in Bromo. At Lava View, face the volcanic cone directly with unobstructed views of sulfurous smoke billowing from the crater.
Accommodation:Lava View, Bromo; to confirm
DAY 05Jul 7 · Asia/JakartaBromo viewpoints and sunset
Photograph Bromo from King Kong Hill in the morning and return to volcanic landscapes in evening light. The fire-dance location, permission and availability require confirmation.
Accommodation:Accommodation in the Bromo area
DAY 06Jul 8 · Asia/JakartaBromo sunrise–Tumpak Sewu area
Photograph volcanic sunrise again in the morning and wait for a sea of clouds. Capture the first sunlight's warm tones on the cone against cool clouds. From above, photograph the volcanoes amid moving clouds, revealing the earth's structure. Stand on the 'boat among clouds' and wait for an epic dialogue between volcano and light.
Accommodation:Guesthouse near Tumpak Sewu
DAY 07Jul 9 · Asia/JakartaSemeru village–Tumpak Sewu–Banyuwangi
Photograph village and volcanic landscapes around Semeru in the morning, then explore Tumpak Sewu’s waterfalls and canyon. Continue to Banyuwangi, with an estimated seven-to-eight-hour drive; timing depends on local conditions.
Accommodation:Banyuwangi hotel
DAY 08Jul 10 · Asia/JakartaForest photography near Banyuwangi
Photograph the enormous tangled trunks and hanging vines of century-old banyans to evoke Fangorn Forest from The Lord of the Rings. Use morning mist or the evening Tyndall effect to let light pierce the canopy in mysterious beams. Enter Java's 'Middle-earth': when mist wraps thousand-year-old trees and vines hang like elven harps, the forest needs only a hobbit to recreate the legend perfectly.
Accommodation:Banyuwangi hotel
DAY 09Jul 11 · Asia/JakartaIjen–Lovina, Bali
Visit the Ijen area early for crater and sunrise photography as access allows. Confirm access limits, blue-fire viewing and aerial photography permissions. Travel by ferry from Banyuwangi to Bali and continue to Lovina.
Accommodation:Lovina; hotel to confirm
DAY 10Jul 12 · Asia/JakartaLovina boat excursion–Ubud
Take a boat at sunrise to see dolphins. Lovina is both a superb sunrise viewpoint and a dream destination for dolphin watching.
Accommodation:Ubud hotel
DAY 11Jul 13 · Asia/JakartaUbud terraces–Nusa Penida
Photograph Ubud’s villages, local life and Tegallalang terraces in the morning, then travel by boat to Nusa Penida and check in.
Accommodation:Nusa Penida hotel
DAY 12Jul 14 · Asia/JakartaNusa Penida cliffs and beaches
Photograph the areas around Kelingking, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach and the treehouse viewpoints. Confirm exact viewpoints and aerial photography arrangements.
Accommodation:Nusa Penida; hotel to confirm
DAY 13Jul 15 · Asia/JakartaNusa Penida–Bali Airport
Return from Nusa Penida to Bali for the airport transfer according to the confirmed flight. Confirm the boat-to-flight connection.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- IncludedLocal Chinese-speaking guide fees;
- ExcludedDriver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Transport
- IncludedAll ground transportation throughout;
- ExcludedAll airfare and taxes throughout;
- ExcludedHuman-powered cart fees for ascending and descending Ijen;
Travel details and reference schedules
The following flights are references, not confirmed group bookings. Confirm departure and transfers before booking. The instructor's outbound and return flights are: Outbound: July 3: Hong Kong–Jakarta GA863/09:40/13:25 July 3: Jakarta–Yogyakarta GA202/16:00/17:20 Return: July 15: Bali Ngurah Rai–Hong Kong CX784/16:15/21:25 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. Flight numbers and times differ between the daily schedule and transport notes. Confirm the correct services; the above are references only.
Photography
- Java temples and villages
- Volcano mornings and waterfalls
- Bali and Nusa Penida
Photography details
Java temples and villages Photograph Borobudur, Prambanan and Solo, together with villages and rural scenery around Mount Sumbing. Volcano mornings and waterfalls Photograph Bromo at different times of day, then visit Tumpak Sewu and Ijen. Access and viewpoints depend on local conditions. Bali and Nusa Penida Travel from Lovina to Ubud’s terraces and Nusa Penida’s cliffs and beaches for island landscapes. Java temples and villages Volcano mornings and waterfalls Bali and Nusa Penida Included · Accommodation for 2 nights in five-star hotels, 7 nights in four-star hotels, and 3 nights in distinctive hotels nearest photography locations (special note: 1 night in a three-star guesthouse at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall; at Bromo, the closest two-star guesthouse is used for 2 nights to avoid a midnight departure. Facilities are limited; you may bring a sleeping bag. Thank you for your understanding); Included · Initial admission fees for photography attractions throughout; Included · Instructor: photography guidance and services from the accompanying instructor throughout.
Accommodation
- 12 nights
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- ExcludedSingle supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: Hotel near Borobudur Day 2: Borobudur area; hotel to confirm Day 3: Solo; hotel to confirm Day 4: Lava View, Bromo; to confirm Day 5: Accommodation in the Bromo area Day 6: Guesthouse near Tumpak Sewu Day 7: Banyuwangi hotel Day 8: Banyuwangi hotel Day 9: Lovina; hotel to confirm Day 10: Ubud hotel Day 11: Nusa Penida hotel Day 12: Nusa Penida; hotel to confirm Day 1 · 2027-07-03 Hotel near Borobudur Day 2 · 2027-07-04 Borobudur area; hotel to confirm Day 3 · 2027-07-05 Solo; hotel to confirm Day 4 · 2027-07-06 Lava View, Bromo; to confirm Day 5 · 2027-07-07 Accommodation in the Bromo area Day 6 · 2027-07-08 Guesthouse near Tumpak Sewu Day 7 · 2027-07-09 Banyuwangi hotel Day 8 · 2027-07-10 Banyuwangi hotel Day 9 · 2027-07-11 Lovina; hotel to confirm Day 10 · 2027-07-12 Ubud hotel Day 11 · 2027-07-13 Nusa Penida hotel Day 12 · 2027-07-14 Nusa Penida; hotel to confirm 12 nights Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Included · Accommodation for 2 nights in five-star hotels, 7 nights in four-star hotels, and 3 nights in distinctive hotels nearest photography locations (special note: 1 night in a three-star guesthouse at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall; at Bromo, the closest two-star guesthouse is used for 2 nights to avoid a midnight departure. Facilities are limited; you may bring a sleeping bag. Thank you for your understanding); Excluded · Single supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator. Excluded · Tips for hotel porters, restaurant servers, and others are paid separately;
Meals
- IncludedAll listed meal arrangements throughout;
- IncludedDrinking water daily; waste is not permitted;
- ExcludedTips for hotel porters, restaurant servers, and others are paid separately;
Visa
- ExcludedIndonesian visa; assistance is available and requirements should be confirmed with the operator.
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Accommodation for 2 nights in five-star hotels, 7 nights in four-star hotels, and 3 nights in distinctive hotels nearest photography locations (special note: 1 night in a three-star guesthouse at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall; at Bromo, the closest two-star guesthouse is used for 2 nights to avoid a midnight departure. Facilities are limited; you may bring a sleeping bag. Thank you for your understanding);
All listed meal arrangements throughout;
All ground transportation throughout;
Local Chinese-speaking guide fees;
Initial admission fees for photography attractions throughout;
Complimentary travel accident insurance;
No scheduled shopping-store visits throughout (independent browsing and shopping are welcome);
Drinking water daily; waste is not permitted;
Instructor: photography guidance and services from the accompanying instructor throughout.
Not included
All airfare and taxes throughout;
Indonesian visa; assistance is available and requirements should be confirmed with the operator.
Human-powered cart fees for ascending and descending Ijen;
Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Single supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Tips for hotel porters, restaurant servers, and others are paid separately;
Additional visa, accommodation, meal and transport expenses caused by disasters, war, strikes, flight disruption or visa delays are settled according to actual expenditure.
Any other additional expenses not expressly listed under inclusions;
Invoice-related taxes are additional; confirm the applicable amount with the operator.
Other personal expenses not mentioned.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Photography credit
Selected photographs: Serene.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Photography locations, boat services and road travel may change with weather and traffic conditions.
Itinerary dates use Asia/Jakarta. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.