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Explore Indonesia with Xiaowen Zhuang from July 3, 2027: Borobudur, Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, the magical De Djawatan Forest, dolphin watching in Lovina and Nusa Penida.2027-07-03 · Linked trip

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Explore Indonesia with Xiaowen Zhuang from July 3, 2027: Borobudur, Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, the magical De Djawatan Forest, dolphin watching in Lovina and Nusa Penida.
BEYOND THE FRAME / FIELD JOURNAL 01

Indonesia

Explore Indonesia with Xiaowen Zhuang from July 3, 2027: Borobudur, Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, the magical De Djawatan Forest, dolphin watching in Lovina and Nusa Penida.

A photographic expedition

2027-07-03 — 2027-07-15Date timezone: Asia/Jakarta
13 days/ 12 nightsTime to create
Group size to be confirmedGroup size

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.

01

Java temples and villages

Photograph Borobudur, Prambanan and Solo, together with villages and rural scenery around Mount Sumbing.

02

Volcano mornings and waterfalls

Photograph Bromo at different times of day, then visit Tumpak Sewu and Ijen. Access and viewpoints depend on local conditions.

03

Bali and Nusa Penida

Travel from Lovina to Ubud’s terraces and Nusa Penida’s cliffs and beaches for island landscapes.

THROUGH THE LENS

The journey in pictures

Leading photographers: XAVI Zhuang →

Destination illustrations · select a photo to explore

A different way of seeing.

Portrait of XAVI Zhuang

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.

A rhythm shaped by light.

Shooting locations, accommodation and transport are subject to confirmation before departure and may change with the weather.

Photography locations, boat services and road travel may change with weather and traffic conditions.

Itinerary dates and text times without their own zone use: Asia/Jakarta。Exact times use your selected timezone; dates alone and descriptions such as “morning” are not converted.

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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief
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.

Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure brief

Where we stay

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

Getting there

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.

Know what is included.

USD 3,580.36 Original CNY 23,980 · Reference rates 2026-09-18 · Frankfurterperson, from

Platform service fee to be confirmed

Deposit USD 1,493.06 Original CNY 10,000 · Reference rates 2026-09-18 · Frankfurter / person

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.

Service fees, supplements, taxes and the final total are subject to written confirmation.

Clarity before departure.

Availability and registration

Register your interest in this trip. Departure confirmation, availability, the final total and booking conditions require confirmation with the operator.

Cancellation and breach provisions

Before departure, participants and the organizing team may sign a written travel contract or give notice terminating the trip agreement. The contract is legally binding. If termination is requested more than 30 days before departure, excluding day 30, neither party is liable for breach. Days are calculated by subtracting the date the termination notice is received from the departure date; the same calculation applies below. If the organizing team terminates the agreement, all travel fees must be refunded without deducting visa or entry-permit fees. If a participant terminates after a visa or entry permit has been processed or a flight booked, the relevant visa, entry-permit and flight cancellation charges are deducted. The organizing team must refund the travel fees within 5 working days of receiving the termination notice. If either party terminates within 30 days of departure, including day 30, the terminating party bears liability for breach. [Liability of the organizing team] If the organizing team terminates the trip agreement within 30 days of departure, including day 30, it must refund all travel fees without deducting visa, entry-permit or similar charges, and pay compensation according to the following schedule: 30 to 15 days before departure: compensation of 2% of the total trip fee; 14 to 7 days before departure: compensation of 5% of the total trip fee; 6 to 4 days before departure: compensation of 10% of the total trip fee; 3 to 1 days before departure: compensation of 15% of the total trip fee; On the departure date: compensation of 20% of the total trip fee. If this compensation does not cover the participant's actual losses, the organizing team must compensate those actual losses. The organizing team must refund the full trip fee and pay compensation within 5 working days of receipt of the cancellation notice. [Participant liability] Participants terminating the agreement within 30 days of departure must pay the organizing team a business-loss charge according to the following schedule: 30 to 15 days before departure: 5% of the total trip fee; 14 to 7 days before departure: 15% of the total trip fee; 6 to 4 days before departure: 70% of the total trip fee; 3 to 1 days before departure: 85% of the total trip fee; On the departure date: 90% of the total trip fee; If these percentages do not cover the organizing team's actual losses, the participant must compensate the actual losses, up to the total trip fee. After deducting the business-loss charge, the organizing team must refund the remaining travel fees within 5 working days of receiving the participant's cancellation notice.

Trip information

[Registration] Registration for this trip is confirmed upon receipt of the deposit. [Transport] 1. Flights booked by the organizing team are economy-class group tickets. Once issued, they cannot be endorsed to another carrier or refunded. 2. Actual flight, driving and boat travel times on the day apply. 3. Airlines and flight schedules above are for reference only. Changes to flight times may require minor itinerary adjustments; the departure notice takes precedence. [Accommodation] The amount is based on 2 people sharing 1 room. We will try to pair solo participants with another participant of the same gender. Participants who do not wish to share, or cannot be matched, must pay the single supplement for a room of their own. [Group meals] We try to choose meals suited to Chinese tastes and ensure that every guest receives an adequate portion. [Photography] 1. Photography activities follow the itinerary. In exceptional circumstances, time spent photographing each location will depend on the actual conditions that day. 2. Please read this itinerary carefully and choose a photography trip suited to your circumstances. If you give up part of the itinerary for personal reasons, including health, or request to forgo accommodation or transport, this is considered voluntary withdrawal. expenses already incurred are non-refundable. You are responsible for your personal safety while not participating in the itinerary. 3. Participants may not leave the group without permission during group photography activities, except during free time. Leaving partway through the trip is considered a breach by the participant. Unused photography activities, meals, accommodation and vehicle services are non-refundable, and the organizing team is not responsible for accidents occurring while the participant is away from the group. 4. If force majeure events such as typhoons or blizzards prevent travel according to the agreed itinerary, additional or reduced expenses following changes will be settled according to the travel agency's actual group operating expenses. [amount adjustments] the organizing team reserves the right to adjust amount if major fluctuations in international oil amount cause substantial increases in fuel surcharges. If the increase is within what we can absorb, the trip fee will not be adjusted. [Departure notice] 1. The departure notice will be sent no later than 1 day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed earlier, we will notify you as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the departure notice, the departure notice takes precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from organizing or arranging optional activities at additional expense, guests wishing to join such activities should contact the service provider themselves for information, amount and participation. If language difficulties lead you to ask a guide or tour leader for additional assistance, any paid or unpaid help is provided solely in that person's individual capacity, not on behalf of the organizing team or the local receiving agency. the organizing team has no involvement in the expenses, transaction amount or service standards of free-time activities; guests bear the outcomes themselves.

Photography credit

Selected photographs: Serene.

Fitness, equipment and conditions

Equipment and fitness requirements will be provided by the operator.

USD 3,580.36 Waitlist · person, from
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