"I want to thank you for a great experience. It was a marvelous trip that exceeded even my high expectations." (Peter K., Great Falls, VA)
Semeru volcano at night
Rakata (Krakatau) (photo: Roland Gerth)
From Krakatau to Bali
16-day study and photo tour to Java, Indonesia
Tour type
Photography tour: active volcanoes - nature & culture
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Custom and group dates
6-21 Nov 2023
15-30 May 2024
This exciting tour crosses Java from West to East and ends on Bali. Its itinerary and focus are optimized in order to provide excellent conditions and locations for photography. Your guide is one of the best available in Indonesia with excellent knowledge of locations, people and photographer's needs. If you are new to photography of volcanoes and landscapes, this is the chance to learn and improve your own photography!
The program allows generously for sufficient time to explore the most interesting landscapes of Java and its volcanoes in depth: Krakatoa and Papandayan in West Java, Merapi in Central Java, and the Tengger caldera, Bromo, Semeru and Ijen volcanoes in East Java.
Even if you are not a photographer, you will get an unforgettable and competent introduction to Java's multicolored landscapes, people and their culture.
This tour combines easy to moderate excursions with a portion of luxury. You travel to some of Java's most fascinating landscapes and meet its friendly people and their colorful culture.
Last but not least, an adventurous camp on Krakatau's tropical beach, as well as Indonesia's delicious cuisine will round out the trip.
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- The best photo locations on Java
- Expert guide with excellent knowledge of Java & Bali and photography
- Exclusive small group sizes = optimal flexibility
- All major volcanoes of Java in one tour including 2 nights on Krakatau
- Sufficient time to explore interesting locations
- Option to add Bali as flexible program
- Rain forests, waterfalls, tropical beaches, colorful lakes, deep craters, fumaroles
- Cultural highlights (Borobodur, Prambanan etc.)
- Contact to friendly local people
- Delicious food and great hotels
Krakatau to Bali (16 days Java)
Note:
Depending on weather, volcanic activity, preferences of the group etc. small variations on the actual itinerary could be necessary.
Day 1: Arrival & meeting in Jakarta
Arrival in Jakarta, transfer to downtown hotel and group dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Krakatau volcano
In the morning, a private minibus picks us up at the hotel and brings us straight to the West Coast. After a lunch and a visit to the Krakatau Volcano Observatory, we embark on a motor boat that brings us to the famous island group of Krakatau, where we will set camp on a paradise beach facing the often active Anak Krakatau volcano.
In the afternoon and evening we will climb the volcano (conditions allowing) and observe its activity.
Day 3: Full day on Krakatau
A full day to observe Krakatau, visit the island group, sail around and explore photographic opportunities.
Day 4: 2nd day on Krakatau - return to coast
Second day on Krakatau for observation / visit of Anak Krakatau. After a snorkeling break at a coral reef near Rakata Island return to West coast.
Day 5: Transfer to Garut in West Java
Transfer day: drive through West Java to the small university town Garut in West Java
Day 6-7: Papandayan + Galunggung volcano - Cipanas hot springs
Two full days in the beautiful volcanic area to explore hot springs & volcanic craters (Papandayan, Galunggung etc.).
Day 8: Scenic train ride to Yogyakarta - Prambanan Temple
An early train (first class) brings us comfortably directly to the beautiful, lively city of Yogyakarta, Central Java's capital. The ride is very scenic and takes about 7-8 hrs.
Day 9: Free day in Yogya
Opportunity to explore downtown Yogya (Sultan's Palace, water castle, museums, markets etc.). Optional fun city-tour on becak (rickshaws). Option to visit the important Hindu temples of Prambanan and to attend a Ramayana ballet performance in the evening.
Day 10: Borobodur temple and Merapi volcano
In the morning, we take time to visit the monumental temple of Borobodur, the largest Buddhist temple in Asia. Erected between 750 and 850 AD, then partly buried under volcanic mudflows from Merapi volcano around 1000 AD and again excavated starting in 1815, Borobodur counts as one of Asia's major archaeological sites. The visit to Borobodur will include a guided tour with extra time to spend in or near the complex. After lunch, we drive to the slopes of Merapi volcano where we can observe the impressive evidence of its recent eruption (e.g. the fresh deposits and destruction caused by the pyroclastic flows in June 2006).
Day 11: Flight to East Java, Tengger volcano
Short and scenic flight to Surabaya, transfer to Malang town, lunch. Enter into the Tengger caldera via an impressive route on open jeeps to enjoy the dramatic landscape of deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Day 12: Bromo volcano & Tengger caldera
Relaxed day to explore Bromo volcano and the Tengger caldera. Visit of the local volcano observatory and introduction to monitoring techniques of the volcano.
Day 13: Sunrise over the Tengger Kaldera & Transfer to Ijen volcano
Early start & jeep drive to one of the world's most spectacular sunrise viewpoints over the huge Tengger caldera. After returning to the hotel and a breakfast, we leave to the beautiful Ijen Plateau where we will stay two nights in an amazing lodge in the middle of lush gardens and rice fields, with views to Raung and Ijen volcano.
Day 14: Ijen volcano
Early start to climb Ijen volcano's crater with its impressive sulfur deposits and the turquoise crater lake. Observe the medieval-style mining operations inside the crater and learn about the processing of sulfur. Return to relax in the Ijen Lodge in the afternoon.
Day 15: Transfer to Bali - beach
After a relaxed breakfast in the stunning surroundings of the lodge, we drive to Bali, where the trip ends in a hotel on the beach of Jimbaran.
Day 16: End of tour on Bali
Your tour with us ends on Bali.
20-days itinerary including Semeru trekking
Day 1-11: as day 1-11 in normal itinerary
Day 12: First etappe on the trek to Semeru
Start the climb to Semeru through a long but moderate trek until Kalimati camp
Day 13: Climb to Semeru's summit
Strenous climb up the steep cone of Semeru for sunrise, descend and hike to second camp at a lake.
Day 14: Hike back to Ranu Pani and 4X4 transfer to Bromo
Hike back to Ranu Pani, 4x4 drive to the Tengger caldera
Day 15: Transfer to Tumpang & Tengger caldera Day
Transfer to Tumpang & Tengger caldera Day
Day 16-20: as days 12-16 in normal itinerary (Bromo - Ijen - Bali)
Tour guide
The tour will be accompanied / guided on location by one of our professional local guides in Indonesia, typically Andi or Galih. They have extensive knowledge not only about the volcanoes, but also about their country and culture.
Our guides all speak English and Indonesian, some also French.
Andi Rosadi, our famous head expedition leader in Indonesia
Physical requirements
The hikes in the program are fairly easy (maximum hiking efforts between 3 and 5 km distance, climbing of up to 500 m, total duration max. 3 hours) for everybody with good normal fitness. You should, however, be prepared for hot and humid climate typical for any tropical country.
Krakatau to Bali (16 days Java)
Note:
Depending on weather, volcanic activity, preferences of the group etc. small variations on the actual itinerary could be necessary.
Day 1
Arrival & meeting in Jakarta
Arrival in Jakarta and transfer from Jakarta International airport to a comfortable resort hotel near the airport. In the evening, we meet for group dinner in a local restaurant and discuss the program ahead.
Day 2
Transfer to Krakatau volcano
On the way to Krakatau
Camp on Krakatau in the evening
On the crater rim of Anak
In the morning, a private minibus picks us up at the hotel and brings us straight to the West Coast. After a lunch and a visit to the Krakatau Volcano Observatory, we embark on a motor boat that brings us to the famous island group of Krakatau, where we will set camp on a paradise beach facing the often active Anak Krakatau volcano.
In the afternoon and evening we will climb the volcano (conditions allowing) and observe its activity.
Day 3
Full day on Krakatau
Eruption of Anak Krakatau
Ash cloud over Anak Krakatau (c) T. Schorr
Sailing towards Anak Krakatau (c) T. Schorr
A full day to observe Krakatau, visit the island group, sail around and explore photographic opportunities.
Day 4
2nd day on Krakatau - return to coast
After a hearty breakfast on the beach and perhaps a morning swim and an optional second visit to the crater of Krakatau, we prepare to depart from Anak Krakatoa. Before we leave the caldera, we make a snorkeling stop at a coral reef near the cliffs of Rakata island is made if the sea is calm. Return to Carita and transfer back to the hotel by lunchtime. Rest of day to spend as you please. As optional program, a visit to the nearby volcanologic observation post of Krakatau is offered.
Day 5
Transfer to Garut in West Java
After an early breakfast, we leave the W cost in a private minibus and begin the 300km-long travel along a scenic route, reaching the Sundanese town of Garut in the late afternoon (total driving time: 6-8 hours). Garut is a small university town with a scenic backdrop of volcanoes, a nice climate and very pleasant ambience.
Day 6-7
Papandayan + Galunggung volcano - Cipanas hot springs
A large tree unrooted during the last eruption of Papandayan volcano (2001)
We have two full days to explore the fascinating area around the little university town of Garut, perched in a high plain between several volcanoes: Options to explore include Papandayan volcano, Galunggung and the hydrothermal area near Cipanas with its numerous hot springs.
Papandayan is a particularly rewarding excursion: it erupted spectacularly in 2001 and produced a lateral blast similar to Mt. St. Helens in 1980 which devastated the area and left a bizarre moon-like landscape: ash and block deserts, steaming craters with turquoise lakes, violently hissing fumaroles and sulphur deposits, boiling mud pools, stinking rivers of foul water in different colours, charred trees that were stripped off, un-rooted and buried by recent pyroclastic flows.
Day 8
Scenic train ride to Yogyakarta - Prambanan Temple
An early train (first class) brings us comfortably directly to the beautiful, lively city of Yogyakarta, Central Java's capital, and Java's cultural and spiritual heart. The train ride (about 7-8 hours), an intense cultural experience in itself, passes spectacular landscapes of rice fields and mighty volcanoes in the background. It is considered as one of the most beautiful train rides in Asia. Lunch is served from the train's restaurant.
Upon arrival in Yogya, the famous rickshaws will bring us to our friendly, quiet and very comfortable hotel in a central downtown location. The rest of afternoon and the evening is for you to relax at the hotel's swimming pool or start walk around and exploring the city.
Day 9
Free day in Yogya
Today is mostly free program, but you are invited to join an amusing & interesting 4-5 hour city tour on becak (the local name for rickshaws): we can visit the Kraton (the old walled city) with its Sultan's Palace, the famous bird-market, the water-castle etc... Yogya is a charming city with many and busy colourful markets,- inviting to explore near-infinite possibilities of culinary and shopping offerings, esp. local crafts such as batik, silver, wood carvings etc. In the evening, we visit Java's largest Hindu temple complex near Prambanan (ca. 1 hr from our hotel). Those who are interested could combine this with attending one of the traditional Ramayana ballet performances held out against the silhouette of the temples in the evening (if there is performance that day; otherwise, one of the following nights could be used instead).
Day 10
Borobodur temple and Merapi volcano
Borobodur temple
Merapi volcano in eruption as observed during our tour in May 2006
In the morning, we take time to visit the monumental temple of Borobodur, the largest Buddhist temple in Asia. Erected between 750 and 850 AD, then partly buried under volcanic mudflows from Merapi volcano around 1000 AD and again excavated starting in 1815, Borobodur counts as one of Asia's major archaeological sites. The visit to Borobodur will include a guided tour with extra time to spend in or near the complex. After lunch, we drive to the slopes of Merapi volcano where we can observe the impressive evidence of its recent eruption (e.g. the fresh deposits and destruction caused by the pyroclastic flows in June 2006).
Day 11
Flight to East Java, Tengger volcano
Jeep ride through the "Sand Sea" desert in the caldera of Tengger.
Horse rider in the caldera (c) T.Schorr
The volcanoes of the Tengger caldera (c) T.Schorr
In the morning, we leave Yogya and take a short but very scenic flight or a train to East Java's capital Surabaya. A minibus waits for us at the airport and we drive to the west side of the huge Tengger volcano massif where we have a good lunch in a charming restaurant. After lunch, we continue on open-roof jeeps and drive into the massif (ca. 1.5 hrs) through the most rarely, but most scenic route from the west. Standing on the jeeps gives us opportunity to enjoy the very spectacularly sculptured landscape on the way up dominated by deeply eroded steep canyons.
When we arrive on the W rim of the huge Tengger caldera, we stop to enjoy the amazing views onto the active volcano Semeru as well as the caldera floor itself with its various volcanic cones including the active cone of Bromo volcano. Then, the jeep ride continues descending into the caldera, crossing its floor and finally climbing the opposite rim where we stay in a nice bungalow hotel right perched on the edge of the caldera.
Day 12
Bromo volcano & Tengger caldera
Passing by the old volcano of Batok on the way to Bromo´s crater rim
Looking into Bromo´s large central vent from the volcano´s summit
Taking a closer look at an old lava bomb from Bromo
This day is used to further explore the Tengger caldera and to make the easy to moderate hike up to the rim of Bromo´s active crater in the centre of the large Tengger caldera. (about half a day round trip on foot from the hotel; you can also rent horses or take a jeep ride) In the afternoon we can visit the nearby volcanological observation post of Bromo and get an introduction to volcano monitoring techniques.
Day 13
Sunrise over the Tengger Kaldera & Transfer to Ijen volcano
Sunrise over the Tengger caldera
The buddist monastery
Sulfur worker at Ijen
Early start & jeep drive to one of the world's most spectacular sunrise viewpoints over the huge Tengger caldera. After returning to the hotel and a breakfast, we drive through scenic landscapes until we reach the Ijen Plateau, another large caldera where we spend the following two nights in an amazing lodge in the middle of coffee plantations and rice fields.
Day 14
Ijen volcano
Ijen's turquoise acid crater lake
Sulfur mining on Ijen´s caldera floor
Sulfur worker at Ijen
Early start to climb Ijen volcano's crater with its impressive sulfur deposits and the turquoise crater lake. Observe the medieval-style mining operations inside the crater and learn about the processing of sulfur. Return to relax in the Ijen Lodge in the afternoon.
Day 15
Transfer to Bali - beach
After a relaxed breakfast in the stunning surroundings of the lodge, we drive to Bali, where the trip ends in a hotel on the beach of Jimbaran.
Day 16
End of tour on Bali
Final day of your volcano adventure with transfer to Denpasar airport for your international flights back home (or own extension program on Bali).
20-days itinerary including Semeru trekking
Day 1-11
as day 1-11 in normal itinerary
Day 12
First etappe on the trek to Semeru
A green lake we pass on our way to Semeru
Our camp at the base of Semeru cone
An eruption from Semeru in the afternoon light
Accompanied by porters and well-equipped with food, cooking and camping gear, we will start a long (ca. 8-10 hrs), but in most parts easy trek across hills and forests to the beginning of the volcanic rocks and ash wilderness. Finally, we reach a basic campsite below the summit cone of Semeru at around 2700 m elevation. Lunch snacks on the way, and a fully cooked warm dinner at the campsite will keep our energy high.
Day 13
Climb to Semeru's summit
Group on Semeru's summit at sunrise
Eruption from Semeru from close
View onto the Tengger caldera with Bromo volcano from Semeru
After a hot tea or coffee, we start well before sunrise to start the final, but demanding climb up the very steep, loose slope of Semeru. As it gets light, the stunning spectacle of the volcano's eruptions gets slowly into sight. Finally, we will stand on Java's highest top with an incredible view over Java and Bali, with many other volcanic peaks around and below us. A bit further Semeru volcano's crater belches out its curling clouds of ash. Watching hot gas, ash and some volcanic bombs being thrown in the air that closeby is a highlight of our trip. Extreme caution, however, must be excercised while being on the summit plateau. After some time spent on or near the summit plateau, we head back to our second camp, near a lake, where we can relax.
Important note:
Every one climbing Semeru's summit should do this in his/her own full responability, which implies awareness of the volcanic risk at the summit: even during normal conditions, sudden unpredictable larger eruptions can reach the relatively safe summit plateau, and throw deadly rocks and lava bombs at climbers. During periods of heightened summit activity, the decision to limit the time on the summit to a minimum or even to give up the attempt to climb is a wise decision, which our experienced tour leader would take if deemed necessary. Despite this, there will be a rest risk, because Semeru, as all volcanoes, is unpredictable.
You should NOT go further than the summit plateau near the true summit and walk towards the active crater, even if it is tempting and only an easy stroll. Even if you see some people go up to the crater rim, don't! You will find tour "guides", tour operators and TV shows bringing you right there, but we think that the risk is unacceptable. In past and recent years people have been killed when going near the crater rim, and not on the much safer summit plateau.
Day 14
Hike back to Ranu Pani and 4X4 transfer to Bromo
4X4 jeep drive towards and into the Tengger caldera
Sunset over the Tengger caldera with smoking Bromo (left) and the silhouette of Batok volcano (right)
Steam and volcanic gasses rising up from Bromo´s central vent
We hike back to Ranu Pani where we have lunch; afterwards, an adventurous jeep drive will bring us to the village of Cemoro Lawang, crossing the sand sea of the Tengger caldera. In Cemoro Lawang we will take our rooms in a comfortable family-run hotel, located right on the edge of the caldera with spectacular views on Bromo volcano. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Day 15
Transfer to Tumpang & Tengger caldera Day
Transfer to Tumpang & Tengger caldera Day
Day 16-20
as days 12-16 in normal itinerary (Bromo - Ijen - Bali)
"I am convinced that I couldn't have found any better tour option to discover these magnificent volcanoes of Indonesia" (Aravind P. about the Volcanoes of East Java tour)
Bromo strongly degassing at sunrise, September 2016 (image: Aravind P.)
Incandescant lava at Semeru volcano after an explosive eruption, September 2016 (image: Aravind P.)
Restless mount Semeru, September 2016 (image: Aravind P.)
"Hi Tom and Ingrid,
Hope you guys are doing fine, perhaps busy with some volcanic adventures!.
I came back to Switzerland well after a great holiday in Indonesia. ...
...This was certainly a superb tour and wonderful exploration of the active volcanoes of east Java within the limits of time and possibility of all that can be done.
Galih did a great job in guiding me well throughout the trip. He was very flexible, open to requests and definitely gave a great company. More so, I enjoyed all those wonderful discussions on Volcanoes with him. It was certainly a very educative trip for me, but all the more a big event in watching a real lava rock fall/partial flow after Semeru's strombolian explosion. ... wow, what a spectacular setting!. I am now even more enthusiastic to explore more volcanoes in the future. I have some wonderful moments to remember from the entire tour. I am convinced that I couldn't have found any better tour option to discover these magnificent volcanoes of Indonesia.
Sincere thanks to the company and Galih and Ganz herzclichen Dank zu Tom and Ingrid! ...
...I now know whom to approach for serious volcanic explorations and ... I am sure to contact you guys again sometime in the future :-).
Good luck for volcano discovery!
best, Aravind"
(Aravind P. from Switzerland, about his private Volcanoes of East Java tour in September 2016)
Morning mists in the Tengger caldera with erupting Bromo in the foreground, August 2016 (photo: Chris Kay)
"Hi Tom,
Just want to let you know, that I had a trip of a lifetime, it was everything that I dreamed and even more, Galith was a great guide and we got on well, the volcanoes are out of this world, I got lots of footage, both photos and stills, I've just started producing a short holiday video with timelapses and movie footage, I will share that with you guys.
I'm looking forward to the next!"
(Chris K, UK, about the Krakatau to Bali tour of July-August 2016.
"Dear Ingrid,
I'm sitting here in a coffee bar on Kuta beach walk and fill the time
between two espressi to write these few lines about my trip.
I enjoyed it very much. Organisation, accommodation and transfers went
well. Galih was guiding with a lot of passion, competence and patience.
Especially Krakatau was one of the highlights.
Unfortunatly Ijien was closed due to vulcanic activities.
But apart from that, a wonderful trip with an excellent guide.
Thank you
(Thomas N. from Germany, on his private October 2015 which was customised with an extension to Krakatau)
a marvelous trip that exceeded even my high expectations
"Tom,
now my wife and I are at home after our From Krakatao to Bali trip and I want to thank you for a great experience. It was a marvelous trip that exceeded even my high expectations. Some comments:
a) Galih was an excellent guide both in terms of trekking volcanoes and giving us an insight into Indonesian culture.
b) The drivers, especially the first one (Danny?), was exceptional in smoothly and safely navigating the maze of cars and motorbikes.
c) My initial concerns (based on Internet comments) about the Batavia (now De Rivier) Hotel in Jakarta were misplaced. This hotel is very good for its price, and it provides comfort and a unique atmosphere. I am glad we stayed there.
d) The itinerary was thoughtfully planned and well executed. Emphasis on early morning departures for good light and diminished crowds was very appropriate.
e) Having hammocks on Krakatau was most welcome. It was much better than sleeping in the tent, and to my great surprise, there were no (or very few) mosquitoes or other biting insects.
f) On the first night we were the only tourists on Krakatau, and the morning walk up the volcano was a real pleasure. On the second (weekend) night there were already many people camping there, and the walk on the following day would not have been as pleasant. Keeping away from weekends on Krakatau is indeed very desirable.
g) The Ijen Resort was a highlight of the trip. It is one of the most beautifully located hotels we have ever encountered over many decades of world travel.
h) Although the last hotel on Bali was fine and its location did not affect us, it is not on the beach as the trip outline on the web indicates. Had we expected to have a great beach-experience, we would have been disappointed.
i) We were surprised about the few American volcano tourists. You may use us references, if you wish.
With appreciation and best wishes,
Peter"
(Peter K., about the Krakatau to Bali tour)
"The tour was excellent, exceeded all expectations." (Krakatau to Bali photo tour)
"Hi Tom,
I am finally home . The tour was excellent, exceeded all expectations. Galih made the trip very interesting and was a pleasure to know. He kept us informed on everything and every where we went. I hope to catch up with him again. Thanks for organising such a great tour, it will have lasting memories .
Cheers
Vic"
(from from Bridgetown, Australia about the Krakatau to Bali photo tour)
...all the family is very happy and we will all remember these holidays all our life...
"Hi Tom,
We have just finished our trip in Java : we enjoyed it a lot, all the family is very happy and we will all remember these holidays all our life.
Andi is very professional, very nice and did his best to make the trip interesting for our kids. My husband was very happy to take beautiful pictures. And I was happy to do some trekking on volcanoes.
I hope other families can enjoy this trip in the future.
We look forward to make another trip with Volcano Discovery,
Thank you for all the organization,
Kind regards,
Maud" (Maud S., Singapore, Volcanoes of East Java custom tour"
See also: Frederick's photos from the tour
Feedback for the tour "from Krakatoa to Bali" in August 2013
Hi VolcanoDiscovery-Team,
We have just finished our trip in Java : we enjoyed it a lot, all the family is very happy and we will all remember these holidays all our life.
Andi is very professional, very nice and did his best to make the trip interesting for our kids. My husband was very happy to take beautiful pictures. And I was happy to do some trekking on volcanoes.
I hope other families can enjoy this trip in the future.
We look forward to make another trip with Volcano Discovery,
Thank you for all the organization,
Kind regards,
Maud
Group on Bromo
"
We returned from our trip to Bromo and Ijen on Sunday evening. This is the first time now that I can sit to my computer and - believe me - my very first act is to write to you about our trip.
First off the overall opinion of my family is that this tour was one of the best in our lives. We visited many beautiful places in exceptionally good weather and with a very professional and caring tour guide Galih.
I've been living here in Indonesia for one and a half year and I've learned that timing and information handling is a bit strange here for a European. But this time it was quite different. I got immediate responses to my SMSs and emails from Galih, his planning and execution of our days were just flawless. They were very helpful to us, he explained everything in details, always adjusted the pacing of the day to our experience level, supplied us food snacks and drinks in the right time.
Keep up the great operation!!
Best regards:
Gyorgy" (Hungary, Volcanoes of East Java tour)
"Hello Tom: just got back from Java this morning. The trip was superb and I just wanted to tell you how much we appreciated Andi and Galih who stepped in when Andi became sick. Everyone has an excellent visit and learnt a great deal. Krakatua and Ijen were my personal highlights.
Best wishes Dick" (Richard H., Australia)
"
Just a quick email to say thank you for what was the most amazing tour (Volcanoes of Java) in August. Galih was an informative and helpful guide - he was incredibly knowledgeable and catered to all our needs. We were able to experience every volcano we had time for (sacrificed some sleep to fit in an extra couple!) and it was well worth it.
The highlight was most definitely seeing lava bubbling on the floor of Merapi crater - something to tick off the bucket list! I rarely go on holiday and feel such a sense of achievement at the end of it.
As a Geography teacher, this was a dream come true and would not hesitate to recommend VolcanoDiscovery to anybody - thank you so much. Both of you were incredibly helpful in your email correspondence prior to the tour and I received my gas mask well in time. I hope to travel with your company again in the future."
(Tina P., Coventry, UK)
Inside the crater of Krakatau
Sunrise from Semeru volcano
Horse-riding at Bromo
"HI Tom,
...
I just wanted to give you some feed-back on my recent trip: Volcanoes of Java: 8-24 July 2012.
My son Zakkary & I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We feel that your guide, Andi did a wonderful job and represented your company extremely well. You've got a good guy there!
Little surprises like including some beer with many meals and a T shirt are very appreciated.
I would highly recommend your company and hope, when I can find the time to perhaps use your services in Vanuatu at some stage.
Thanks once again,
David" (Australia)
Dear ###VD### Team,
after returning from Java / Bali, I'd like to send you a a quick report about our trip. Marita and I felt super well on the tour from the very first day until the end. Andi took great care of Marita and could almost read every wish from her lips. Despite her pregnancy, she could enjoy the tour and would not have liked to miss a single day. I got to know Andi as extremely caring and responsible tour guide, one who also has great competence in photography - something rare to find! His enthousiastic way to show us Indonesia and the beauty of volcanoes is contagious from the first moment and makes wanting for MORE!
Marita und I would like to thank you and your team very warmly for the great tour. As a side note, we appreciated a lot that the maximum number of participants was set to only 6, which made for a very pleasant experience of the whole trip.
Many greetings
Dietmar and Marita
"I thank you again for this fantastic trip and the enthusiasm, your service to get up early every day. This is not as a matter of course.
Claus and Anna" (Krakatau to Bali photo tour)
...what a great time we had...
"Hi Tom
We are now back from our holiday in Indonesia. Just wanted to drop you a message to say what a great time we had with Andi. The blue flames of Kawah Ijen were really a special sight to see, I'm amazed its not more nown as a tourist destination. Almost all the people we spoke to at Ijen during the day didn't know what wonders can be seen at night. Bromo was great too. Overall we had a fantastic time, many thanks. Phil H." (Volcanoes of East Java private tour)
"Hi Tom,
Just wanted to let you know what a great trip to East Java we had earlier this month. It was a fantastic trip with spectacular sights resulting in some 500+ pictures. We really enjoyed ourselves and had a great guide with Galih. Also the porters and drivers we had did a great job. We were very pleased to see that the porters not only collected our garbage but also others'. It is really quite sad to see that others just drop theirs.
Cheers, Elke and Kai" (Malaysia)
Katharina's feedback (in German) about the Krakatau to Bali tour (July 2009)
"Hallo Tobias, hallo Tom
Ich bereue nichts !!! Eine fantastische, anspruchsvolle Tour wird sich in meiner Erinnerung einprägen, als eine meiner schönsten Reisen überhaupt.
... Ich bedanke mich bei Tobias für die guten Tipps zum noch besser Fotografieren und bei Ihnen beiden für die perfekt organisierte und durch wirklich fähige Leute geführte Tour. Ich kann mir gut vorstellen, dass dies nicht die einzige bleiben wird, die ich bei VulcanoDiscovery gebucht habe. Das Gleichgewicht zwischen Anstrengung und Geniessen entspricht so ziemlich genau meinen Bedürfnissen, damit ich mich gefordert und zufrieden fühle.
Nochmals vielen Dank und die herzliche Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Katharina"
Andy's comment on the Krakatau to Bali tour (July 2009)
Antony on the boat to Rakata island near Anak Krakatau
"Dear Volcanodiscovery and my Tour Guide Andy,
I would like to thank you both for the great trip that you provided. I found
the organisation was excellent and the food at many of the restaurants was superb.
I think the highlight was Krakatoa which is really an amazing volcano, and
some of the high climbs which were very exciting. Every volcano we visited
was a bit different.
Andy is a very experienced guide, who can take you as close to any volcano
in the tour as you like as deemed safe by him. Most of all I was very
impressed with Andy's enthusiasm, he loves the volcanoes and it really shows in his own keenness to see them over and over again.
Indonesia I found overall was also very scenic. And I would encourage others
to book this tour before the masses find out about it!!
I hope that one day a tour will be offered to Sumatra and Andy can lead the way once again.
Cheers
Dr Antony V.E., Melbourne Australia."
Peter from Denmark about the Krakatau special tour:
Hello Tom. My journey home, went without problems. As i told, this visit to krakatau was the fullfilment of a life long dream for me. To see an active volcano and a famous one to. you, Doni, Marco and the others was very fine company. I liked to be together with you, it was a good experience and would like to do it again... My best gretings.
Peter"
"I have had a great time in Indonesia, enjoyed almost every minute of the trip. It was a great adventure in good company - a lot of fun. Be sure to look me up when you're next in NZ, I'll show you some local ignimbrite. Hope you like the attached pic. Cheers Jim." (Jim Cummings, NZ)
Blick in Teufels Küche" Bromo (Foto: Hanspeter Ulrich)
"Hallo Tom und Doni,
Herzlichen Dank für die unvergessliche Reise quer durch Java nach Bali! Die Organisation vom Volcanodiscovery-Team vor der Reise und die Leitung von Doni während der Tour haben bestens geklappt. Doni hat uns kompetent und mit viel Gefühl durch ein Land geführt das wir bisher nicht kannten. Er hat uns eine Menge über die wunderbare Natur und das lebensfrohe Volk Javas und Balis mit Begeisterung näher gebracht.
Nachfolgend einige der vielen Highlights:
romantisches Campieren in Sichtweite von Anak Krakatau und das Jurassic-Park Feeling der Tengger Caldera mit Bromo und Semeru zu allen Tageszeiten.
Der Besuch des Muddflow-Katastrophengebietes von Porong sowie des Schwefelabbaus im Ijen war sehr eindrücklich und hat uns auch nachdenklich gestimmt.Die langen Fahrten mit den verschiedensten Transportmitteln waren sehr abwechslungsreich. Wir genossen die schmackhaft zubereiteten indonesischen Gerichte vor allem in den kleinen Restaurants. Am langen schwarzen Strand vom weniger touristischen Nordbali hatten wir Zeit die eindrücklichen Erlebnisse der letzten 16 Tage Revue passieren zu lassen.
Das ruhig gelegene Bali Lovina Beach Cottages ist eine sehr gute Wahl. Wir werden euch auf alle Fälle weiterempfehlen und freuen uns jetzt schon auf eine nächste Reise mit Volcanodiscovery.
Eine Auswahl unserer Fotos:
http://hanspeter-ulrich.magix.net/Grüsse aus der Schweiz - Margrit und Hanspeter Ulrich"
(
Krakatau to Bali Tour)
Foto m. Kay & Andy.
[Report by Kay Estler who took part on our tour
Java´s volcanoes. ]
Hallo Tom und Tobias,
wir sind wohlbehalten von unserer Trekkingtour zu den Vulkanen Javas zurückgekehrt.
Das waren wirklich unvergessliche Eindrücke! Am meisten haben mich der Krakatau und der Semeru beeindruckt. Nach dem anstrengenden Aufstieg auf dem Plateau des Semeru zu stehen und unmittelbar daneben eine riesige Aschesäule in die Luft gehen zu sehen, war schon ein fantastisches Erlebnis! Aber auch Merapi, Kelud, Bromo und Ijen waren echt klasse. Insgesamt eine richtig super Tour, für die ich mich bei Euch noch einmal herzlich bedanken möchte.
Vor allem die Organisation vor Ort war spitze.
Unser Guide Andi hat wirklich alles im Griff gehabt. In einem Land wie Indonesien ist man eigentlich darauf eingestellt, dass es mal das eine oder andere logistische Problem gibt. Aber nicht die Spur davon, es hat alles wunderbar geklappt. Und Andi war großartig, sowohl was Organisation als auch seine Tätigkeit als Trekkingguide betrifft.
...
Nochmals danke an Euch und vielleicht bis zum nächsten Mal!
Ich werde auch wieder einen Reisebericht über die Tour schreiben und diesen auf meiner
Homepage veröffentlichen. Das dauert aber bestimmt noch eine ganze Weile. Wenn er fertig ist, gebe ich Euch Bescheid.
Viele Grüße aus Berlin
Kay Estler
"MANY THANKS again to TOM for the
incredibly wonderful trip to Krak. OK, tell him I will wait to exit Krak photos until next monday or tuesday, I will need many days to edit so many photos............ Hoping Tom is amusing of Indonesia summer, warm greetings from a very cold Trieste!! m"
(Marco Fulle, a VolcanoDiscovery Europe Team member after his tour in Nov 07 to Krakatau; his photos are now online on
www.stromboli.net at:
http://www.swisseduc.ch/stromboli/perm/krakatau/index-en.html)
Merapi at sunrise
Majestic Merapi
Me and Doni
Semeru at sunrise
Bromo volcano
Me on the rim of Ijen volcano
"Hi Tom
I would like to tell you about my Krakatoa to Bali Tour, June 07 but I dont have enough time. I would like to tell you, I had
the most magical tour of my life. To start with Doni is the most lovable, caring, and funny person I have met in many years. He looked after me like a queen making sure that everything was just the best.
Krakatoa was unbelivable, Merapi was Majestic, and Bromo beautiful. The whole beauty of Java and its people was very addictive. May I say thankyou to Doni and everyone that helped along the way, in
making my life long dream come true ...the whole trip was a very healing experience and I loved every
moment of it. Thankyou Doni for making it my Magical Java Tour....Cheers Joy Poortier Alice Springs, Australia" (
Krakatau to Bali tour, June 07)
"Doni,
Just a quick line once again to thank you for your assistance , companionship and friendship over the last two weeks. I had a
brilliant time." (B. Barker, Isle of Man,
Krakatau to Bali April '07)
Hi Doni! "Hey guys! What's up, what's up yo?!"
We're all sorry we have not written to you earlier, guess we've had enough just thinking of all our good Indonesian memories. It was really an exciting and exotic adventure for us, we are often talking about when we'll do our next trip to Indonesia. There sure will be one. And as a gesture of our gratitude, we'd love to show you Scandinavia if you're ever in Europe. ... It's really amazing how different countries and lives can be and Indonesia is probably the most interesting place all the three of us have ever visited. So, of course we've told our Scandinavian friends about the amazing trips to Bromo, Sukamade, Ijen plateau, Bali, all the towns, other places and of course our new Indonesian friends. If any of my friends want tips for Asian trips, I will without any doubts recommend them Indonesia and your guiding.
Sorry, but I don't remember your wife's and older son's name, but I do remember "little Buddha"'s name - Yoni. Anyway, say hello to them all and Manitro (hope I spelled his name correctly) from all of us. And of course Annika and Fredrik send their best wishes to you. Terima kasih for the magnificent tour and wonderful company!
//Arvid E H." (Sweden, Java custom tour)
Group of the Bromo-Semeru-Ijen tour (Sep 2006)
"Hallo Tom, seit vergangenem Freitag sind wir wieder zurück in Deutschland. Die Tour durch Java und Bali war
ein unvergessliches Erlebnis! Vielen Dank auch für die Vorbereitung dafür. Viele Grüße und alles Gute für VulcanoDiscovery, Florian" (
Bromo-Semeru-Ijen, Sep 06)
"Can you pass on my sincere thanks to Tom Pfeiffer for his
extraordinary assistance in giving us a very, very good interview on the base of Mt Merapi last week. None of us were to know how significant our interview and programme was to be, until the earthquake hit us on Saturday morning and the whole value of what we were doing increased enormously.
Elliott flew out of Jakarta on Monday morning and the tapes are going straight into editing to be made into an hour programme tentatively called "Fire Mountain" - this will then go to air world wide on Discovery very soon we hope.
Toms contribution was significant and I for one will keep your contact information in case other networks need similar expertise and talent. In return, If you can make a note of my company at
www.limage.tv in Singapore, Im freelance and available to shoot these programmes to the highest global standards for any client, in any location on earth. ... Thank you gentlemen, it was a genuine pleasure meeting you and working with you. Yours Sincerely
LAURIE K. GILBERT s.o.c.
Motion Picture Director of Photography
Film & HD Cinematographer"
"Hello Tom, ... Penelope and Elizabeth left Java last Monday, and are now half way down the coast of Vietnam. I am sure they will email you on their return to the UK in about 2 weeks but I thought I should pass on some very positive comments. They both absolutely loved Java and I am sure they will be wanting to return in the near future. They found the local people particularly friendly in marked contrast to their initial experiences in Hanoi (although things are running much more smoothly now). In one of your emails, you said that Doni was very good. In fact, that is a major understatement. Penelope ranks him EXCELLENT - not only as a volcano guide but also in making sure everything ran smoothly in camps, hotels, restaurants, etc, etc. (Elizabeth also met him on the last day). ... they both had a wonderful day going to Krakatoa with Alain - from the wonderful departure port, to the volcano climb, swim, and restaurant in the evening. In & around Yogya, they admired both temples (getting locked into one because of the time & having to climb the gate), and got to 4kms from Merapi. Also, they particularly liked the hotel at Yogya - very happy with the others, but they felt this one was special. As I say, I hope they will comment further on their return, but I would like to thank you very much for organising this trip and to thank your people on the ground for all their work. Many thanks again. Best regards Robert" (May 2006, Robert, UK)
