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Meru towers of the Pura Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi, Bali

Luxury train journey from Java to Bali

Seven to ten days overland from Yogyakarta to Bali, with Borobudur, Surabaya, Ijen Crater, expert guides and fine hotels along the way.

  • 7 to 10 days

  • Yogyakarta to Bali

  • May to September

  • Borobudur, a UNESCO site

Across Java to Bali, slowly

Travel overland through rice paddies, volcanoes and centuries of heritage, with expert guides at every stop and hand-picked hotels at the end of each day.

The route begins in Yogyakarta, crosses Central Java via Semarang to Surabaya, and reaches Banyuwangi on Java’s eastern tip before you cross to Bali, Ubud and the Tegalalang rice terraces.

Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud, Bali

On board and ashore

Central Java’s terraced paddies and volcanoes roll past the panoramic windows, with stops at Semarang’s colonial old town and the mountain temples of Gedong Songo.

  • Spacious seating and panoramic windows
  • Gourmet dining, including Javanese dishes
  • Dedicated butler service on board
  • Guided tours in Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Bali
  • Hand-picked luxury hotels throughout
  • Private dining, spa treatments and cultural activities
Five travellers in sarongs jumping at the Lempuyang temple gate, East Bali

Stops along the route

Three very different faces of Java.

Stupas on the upper terrace of Borobudur at dawn

Yogyakarta

Base for 9th-century Borobudur, plus crafts on lively Malioboro street.

Colonial facade of the House of Sampoerna, Surabaya

Surabaya

House of Sampoerna, Pasar Atom market and a thriving coffee scene.

Turquoise acid lake and sulphur smoke in Ijen Crater

Ijen Crater, Banyuwangi

Blue flames and a turquoise acidic crater lake on Java’s eastern tip.

When to travel

Dry-season weather keeps the views clear the whole way.

Dry season, May to September

Ideal weather for outdoor visits, with little rain to spoil the scenery.

Yogyakarta Art Festival

An annual arts festival held in the dry season.

Sekaten

Yogyakarta’s festival marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Where to stay

Hotels chosen for comfort and location.

Amanjiwo, near Borobudur

Exceptional service close to the temple, in the Javanese countryside.

Ayana Resort, Bali

Clifftop spa with ocean views and sunset dinners over Jimbaran Bay.

Bali’s spiritual side

Arrive in Bali and its temples, dance and art are everywhere. Guided visits explain the history and meaning of each site.

  • Uluwatu and Tanah Lot

    Two of Bali’s best-known sea temples, with traditional performances.

  • Ubud

    Galleries, workshops and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

  • Jatiluwih rice terraces

    A UNESCO site where you learn traditional Balinese farming.

Uluwatu Temple on its clifftop, Bali

Questions about the journey

Quick answers before you message us.

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When is the best time for this train journey?

The dry season, from May to September, when the weather is ideal for travel and outdoor activities.

How long does the whole journey take?

Typically 7 to 10 days, with time to explore the key cultural sites and enjoy the hotels and services along the way.

What are the highlights of the package?

Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guided tours in Surabaya and Bali, luxury hotels, gourmet dining and exclusive cultural activities.

More private journeys

Combine the rail journey with another experience.

Couple with champagne on the deck of a white motor yacht

Superyacht island hopping

Crewed yacht charters from Bali to Komodo and Raja Ampat.

From USD 15,000 per week

Aerial view of Mount Batur and Mount Agung at sunrise, Bali

Ready to travel from Java to Bali?

Tell us your dates and how many are travelling. We shape the route, hotels and guides around you.

Plan on WhatsApp
Plan on WhatsApp