Indonesia - Java & Bali Photo Tour - full itinerary
Indonesia - and Java & Bali in particular - is a photographer’s dream come true, with its temples, volcanoes, diverse cultures, unique fauna and flora, jaw-dropping landscapes, fabulous beaches, and its mouth-watering food. Known as the emerald of the equator, it's easy to see why Indonesia is one of the world's most alluring destinations.
Our adventure begins in Borobudur, home to the world’s largest Buddhist temple, surrounded by tranquil rice paddies, jungle and volcanoes. We travel to Yogyakarta to the sprawling temple complexes of Prambanan and Candi Sewu. Next, we witness the raw nature of two contrasting volcanoes, Mount Bromo and the sulphur mines of Kawa Ijen.
Bali, the Land of the Gods, offers an array of compelling photographic opportunities. We’ll capture dolphins at sunrise, explore the vibrant artistic culture of Ubud, and end the day photographing the stunning sea temple of Tanah Lot—one of the world’s most iconic coastal landmarks, bathed in golden evening light.
The beauty of Bali arises from its stunning landscapes - primarily volcanic, its breathtaking vistas are often draped with its legendary rice paddies. The unique terracing and cultural control of the water that feeds them is deemed so beautiful that they were awarded UNESCO world heritage status.
2026 DATES ARE SHOWN BELOW
Day 1 - 2 June:
Arrival in Yogyakarta — Magelang / Borobudur
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport and taken to our heritage hotel near Borobudur temple. Nathan runs an optional pre-tour technical workshop from around 3-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course (please confirm your interest). There’s a meet ‘n’ greet with Nathan at the hotel starting at around 6pm, followed by drinks and dinner with the group.
Day 2 - 3 June:
Magelang/Borobudur — Yogyakarta
We have arranged privileged access to the Borobudur temple at sunrise. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Central Java, Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, and truly a photographer's paradise. It’s also the largest Buddhist temple in the world. At sunrise, this majestic ancient temple reveals its magnificence as the soft golden light bathes the intricate stone carvings and the surrounding mist-shrouded valleys. We capture the ethereal beauty of this moment as the sun's rays illuminate the mystical stupas, creating a mesmerising interplay between light and shadow.
As the morning unfolds, we delve into the intricate details of Borobudur's bas-reliefs, which depict intricate narratives of Buddha's teachings and ancient Javanese life. These ornate carvings offer endless opportunities to capture the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. The temple's tiered architecture allows for breathtaking panoramic views. From the upper levels, we witness the sprawling landscapes dotted with volcanic peaks and verdant rice terraces. We can also frame the majestic Mount Merapi as it stands in the distance, providing a dramatic backdrop for the temple itself.
After breakfast within the temple complex, we take a short drive to a super-friendly local market and meet the local Javanese for the first time.
Around noon we drive to Yogyakarta, check in to our hotel for lunch before visiting Candi Sewu and reaching Prambanan temple in time for sunset. We begin our journey at Candi Sewu, a remarkable 8th-century Buddhist temple complex, a true feast for the senses. We capture the intricate stone carvings, the serene atmosphere, and the interplay of light and shadow across this architectural wonder, a photographer's delight. We explore the vast complex and discover the smaller temples dedicated to various deities. We frame the temple structures against the lush greenery and serene surroundings, creating a harmonious composition that showcases the area’s architectural beauty.
Nearby, Prambanan is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a captivating destination for photographers. We capture the intricate details of the towering spires, adorned with exquisite stone carvings depicting ancient legends and mythical beings. The temple's grandeur against the backdrop of blue skies creates a striking visual contrast. As the sun begins to set, we experience the magical golden hour at Prambanan. The soft light casts a warm glow on the temple, enhancing its intricate details and creating a captivating atmosphere. We capture the interplay of light and shadow as the sun's rays illuminate the stone structures, creating stunning, ethereal compositions.
Day 3 - 4 June:
Yogyakarta — Bromo
Early this morning, we drive to Yogyakarta’s train station and depart for Mojokerto, a town located around 40km southwest of Surabaya, arriving at around 10am. From there we drive to Bromo, stopping en route to visit the magnificent Madakaripura waterfall.
Madakaripura Waterfall in East Java offers dramatic photographic opportunities with its 200-meter cascade plunging into a narrow, cathedral-like canyon surrounded by sheer rock walls. The enclosed gorge creates exceptional wide-angle compositions capturing both the waterfall's scale and intimate atmosphere, while the interplay of light filtering through mist and lush vegetation provides compelling visual elements. However, the constant spray presents technical challenges, requiring equipment protection and careful exposure management to balance the bright water against shadowed canyon walls.
We then drive farther up Mount Bromo, hoping for some hillside vistas just as the sun sets, and head to our nearby hotel for check-in after a long day.
Day 4 - 5 June:
Bromo
Located in East Java, Mount Bromo is an active volcano and a photographer's dream destination, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking landscape photography. We also explore the otherworldly landscapes of the national park, capturing the vast expanse of the volcanic desert, dotted with unique rock formations and barren stretches of ash. The contrasting textures and rugged terrain create a surreal, captivating atmosphere perfect for artistic compositions.
We have a very early start today (around 2.30 am), leaving in 4WD jeeps to reach the Penanjakan sunrise point overlooking Mount Bromo. After setting up our cameras, we enjoy hot coffee and BBQ corn, waiting to catch the first rays of light licking the tops of the volcanoes. We can frame the volcano against the clear blue sky or capture the billowing smoke as it mingles with the surrounding mist.
Shortly after sunrise, we head down to the "Sea of Sand" and ride horseback to the volcano. For those daring enough, we can climb up the face of the volcano and look inside, and yes … it is still active!
We have breakfast back at the lodge, followed by a well-deserved rest.
In the afternoon, we return to the volcano's caldera and organise a local horse rider, riding his white horse over whispering black ash, and a volcano in the background makes for great photo opportunities under controlled conditions.
Day 5 - 6 June:
Bromo — Probolinggo — Banyuwangi
After a hearty breakfast, we set off to Banyuwangi on the east coast of Java. This is a long drive, but the road is sometimes pretty and at other times interesting. As usual, we allow time to stop along the way as and when interesting opportunities present themselves. Before sunset, we arrive in good time for the serene De Djawatan Forest, where the winding trails shaded by verdant foliage create a tranquil atmosphere. We keep an eye out for the diverse array of flora and fauna that call the forest home and arrange a private shoot with a horse and cart, which, when combined with these fabulous forest trails, leaves us with cherished photographs of an authentic Banyuwangi experience.
Day 6 - 7 June:
Banyuwangi — Ijen — Banyuwangi
Mount Ijen is a mesmerising destination that offers unique photographic opportunities. After another very early start, we travel an hour and a half to the starting point for Ijen Crater, one of Indonesia's great natural wonders and a photographer's dream come true. From here, we trek for 90 minutes to the top of the sulphur mines under the guidance of experienced local guides. We have the option to be transported for most of the way in a cart if anyone is concerned about taking fairly strenuous exercise.
As the day breaks, we photograph the stunning turquoise-colored acidic lake that fills the Ijen Crater. The lake's vibrant hues against the backdrop of the rugged crater walls create a striking contrast. We catch the reflection of the surrounding landscapes in the calm waters, highlighting the tranquility and beauty of this unique volcanic formation.
Venturing further into the caldera, we photograph the sulfur miners as they work tirelessly in harsh conditions to extract sulfur from the crater. Their bright yellow baskets stand out against the barren landscapes, creating a compelling visual narrative that showcases the human element of this challenging profession.
In the afternoon, Nathan runs a Lightroom post-processing workshop looking at new developments with the software and its latest capabilities. We then take a few sunset shots before returning to the restaurant for dinner.
Day 7 - 8 June:
Ijen — Lovina (Bali)
After so many early mornings, you deserve a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Java Straits. The ferry's schedule is somewhat unpredictable, and we have a time change to deal with, but we should get to Lovina in good time to check into our beachside hotel. Lovina is a quiet town nestled along the northern coast of Bali, around five kilometers west of the city of Singaraja. It’s known for its black-sand beaches, coral reefs, and dolphins, and offers a serene and captivating setting for stunning photos.
Later in the day, we take a simple stroll from the hotel garden to the beach, enhanced by the unusual black sand and the typical Balinese fishing boats belonging to local villagers who might be preparing for some late-evening fishing. We photograph the breathtaking sunset over the beach. As the sun descends, the sky transforms into a palette of vibrant colours. The warm hues reflect on the water's surface, and the silhouettes of the traditional fishing boats create a magical and unforgettable scene.
Day 8 - 9 June:
Lovina — Kintamani
This morning, we rise early to photograph the famous Lovina sunrise. We arrange a private boat tour. If we are lucky, the soft morning light might create a serene atmosphere, allowing us to witness the grace of dolphins in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, we drive to Singaraja to stroll around our first Balinese market. Again, the locals are friendly, and we allow ourselves some time to practice dedicated street photography.
After we start driving to Kintamani, which offers stunning landscapes, volcanic vistas, and cultural treasures, including the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, providing a haven for photographers. From a great cafe we enjoy the views over Mount Batur, capturing the majestic beauty of this active volcano as it rises above the serene Lake Batur. We frame the panoramic views of the lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and the glistening lake, creating compositions that showcase the dramatic scenery. After the break, we explore the nearby area before we explore Ulun Danu Bratan and hope to see local Balinese making small offerings around the temple.
After lunch, we head to our hotel, which has a great view of Mount Agung from its terraced gardens.
Day 9 - 10 June:
Kintamani — Ubud
Before breakfast, we capture the sun rising over Mount Agung from our private gardens – hopefully a stunning sight through atmospheric mist. Breakfast is served at the restaurant at our hotel with equally good views. Afterward, we beat the crowds to Besakih. Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," and located on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is the largest and most important temple complex on the island, offering a wealth of excellent photographic opportunities.
We start at the Pura Besakih Temple, the centerpiece of the complex, where we capture the grandeur and architectural beauty of the temple's towering pagodas, intricately carved stone gates, and ornate shrines. The temple's tiered design and the surrounding lush landscapes provide a visually stunning composition. We immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambiance of Besakih as we photograph devotees engaged in their prayers and rituals. We capture the colourful offerings, the devout worshippers, and the intricate details of ceremonies taking place, reflecting the deep spirituality and cultural traditions of Bali.
After lunch we head for Dam Tukad Yeh Unda Klungkung, where we arrange a private shoot with the local villagers having fun in the water. Photographic opportunities abound at the enchanting dam, and the majestic concrete structure, surrounded by lush landscapes, serves not only as an important source of irrigation but also as a gathering place for the local community.
As we approach the dam, the sounds of laughter and splashing water will capture our attention. The children of the nearby villages have made this their own personal playground, diving into the cool, refreshing waters and frolicking along the banks. We capture the silhouettes of the children as they leap and twirl, their movements frozen in time. The vibrant hues of their clothing and the sheer delight on their faces will add a touch of vibrancy to our images.
The dam itself presents a striking contrast between the geometric lines of the concrete structure and the lush, organic foliage that surrounds it. The reflections in the still waters below further enhance the visual drama, creating a feast for the senses. As we immerse ourselves in the rhythmic pulse of life at Tukad Unda Dam, we let our cameras become extensions of our vision, capturing the essence of this picturesque destination and the joyful spirit of the local community.
From there, we continue to our hotel in Ubud. Ubud is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and artistic charm, offering a myriad of photographic opportunities. Our hotel is in the heart of the town, making it easy to explore Ubud's bustling streets and markets and to capture the colors and textures of local handicrafts, textiles, and artwork. The atmosphere and friendly locals create a lively backdrop for candid street photography.
Day 10 -11 June:
Ubud
After many very early morning departures, we enjoy a well-deserved, relaxed breakfast. Our centrally located hotel is well placed for you to explore Ubud town, which is known as a center for traditional crafts and dance. The surrounding rainforest and terraced rice paddies, dotted with Hindu temples and shrines, are among Bali’s most iconic landscapes.
After breakfast, we will visit a local Water Palace famous for its lotus ponds and capture the architectural beauty of the traditional Balinese palace, framing the ornate gates, carvings, and the peaceful gardens within the palace complex.
We then visit the iconic Monkey Forest, a sacred sanctuary inhabited by a troop of playful macaques. You can capture the interactions between the monkeys, their natural habitats, and the ancient temples within the forest. The lush greenery and ancient statues provide a unique backdrop for capturing wildlife and cultural charm.
In the late afternoon, we make private arrangements for special pre-performance portraits of local dancers, followed by front-row seats from which we photograph the traditional dance performances just outside Ubud. We capture the expressive movements, intricate costumes, and vibrant colours of the dancers, immersing ourselves in the island’s rich artistic traditions, which will include dancing over fire.
Day 11 - 12 June:
Ubud — Tabanan
Our day starts with sunrise at Tegallalang, Bali's most famous rice terrace, a paradise for photographers. We start our adventure by capturing the mesmerising patterns of the cascading rice fields as they stretch across the hillsides. The terraces create a visually striking composition and provide a colourful glimpse into Bali’s traditional agricultural practices.
We also explore the narrow pathways that wind through the rice terraces, offering different vantage points for photography. Here we can capture the interplay of light and shadow as it dances across the landscape, creating depth and texture.
We then venture farther into the countryside surrounding Tegallalang and photograph the traditional villages dotting the area. Here we witness traditional Balinese architecture and daily activities, allowing us to document the cultural heritage and the warmth of the local community through a couple of characters Nathan has gotten to know over the years.
After breakfast, we head to the glass-blowing studios at Sari Tibul, visit a coffee plantation, and then transfer to our hotel in Tabanan.
We spend the evening at Tanah Lot Temple, a rock formation located off the southern coast of Bali, and is renowned for its iconic sea temple and stunning coastal landscapes, offering a wealth of fabulous photographic opportunities. We explore the coastal landscapes surrounding Tanah Lot and capture the rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and expansive ocean views. We witness the waves crashing against the rocks, the sweeping panoramas, and the dramatic coastal formations.
Day 12 - 13 June:
Tabanan — Sanur
Early this morning, we explore the fabulous paddy fields that surround our hotel gardens, and if we are lucky, we catch the last of the harvesting. Known as the rice bowl of Bali, the vast Tabanan regency is famed for its magnificent rice paddies and pristine natural scenery. The area offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from beautiful landscapes to cultural heritage.
We explore the Tabanan countryside and photograph the traditional villages that dot the area. We capture the traditional Balinese architecture, the daily activities of the villagers, and the vibrant colours of their clothing. This offers the perfect opportunity to document the authentic cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of the local community.
We will dedicate the rest of the morning to a Lightroom review of your images. Then, around noon, we drive towards Sanur, which offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquil beaches, creating a wealth of photographic opportunities.
Later in the afternoon we drive the short distance to Jimbaran Bay where we will photograph the local fishermen bringing their catches to the market. Here we walk along the beach at sunset where they use coconut husks to barbecue fresh fish and seafood, and we can photograph the planes landing at Bali’s dramatic airport. We then drive back to Sanur to enjoy our last dinner together.
Day 13 - 14 June:
Departure from Denpasar
On our last day, we have a sunrise shoot at Sanur Beach, where traditional boats are always moored, and if we are lucky, Mount Merapi will be silhouetted in the background. We witness the vibrant sunrise as soft light bathes the landscape, and we can frame the pastel hues, the silhouettes of fishing boats, and the reflections on the water. The tranquility and calm of the early morning create a magical atmosphere perfect for capturing memorable images.
Afterward, we head back to our hotel for breakfast while enjoying the sea views and a moment of calm. The rest of the morning could be spent capturing the serene beaches of Sanur, framing the soft golden sands, the swaying palm trees, and the gentle waves of the ocean. Alternatively, we can explore the coastal paths and photograph the traditional fishing boats known as jukungs, capturing their colourful sails, weathered textures, and the fishermen preparing for their daily catch.
We then arrange for you to be transferred to the airport for your flight home, unless of course you want to spend a few more days in one of Bali’s beautiful beachfront hotels. We hope you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience, and we look forward to seeing you again.
OR: join us on our exciting back-to-back tour of Sumba & Flores.
