We spent a total of 10-Days in East Java, and have created the perfect itinerary for anyone else who plans on visiting. This itinerary includes all of our favourite spots, and each destination is as uniquely beautiful and intriguing as the next. You can either start your East Java route in Surabaya and finish in Bali, or start in Bali and finish in Surabaya. We chose to start in Surabaya, and flew into the international airport from Kuala Lumpur. The following route can easily be completed in reverse. Here is our 10-Day East Java Itinerary.
QUICK GUIDE
How to Get Around East Java
Day 1 Surabaya
Day 2 Malang
Day 3 Jodipan Colourful Village
Day 4 Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Day 5 Cemoro Lawang
Day 6 Sunrise on Mt Bromo
Day 7 Banyuwangi
Day 8 Red Island
Day 9 Mt Ijen Trek
Day 10 Tabuhan Island
Banyuwangi to Bali Transport
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HOW TO GET AROUND EAST JAVA
The train system in East Java was surprisingly comfortable and efficient. We only used the train between Probolinggo and Banyuwangi. However, from our experience, we would recommend using the trains as the main mode of transportation to get to each new destination. We have included the train timetables between each destination throughout this itinerary.
OUR 10-DAY EAST JAVA ITINERARY:
DAY 1 – SURABAYA
On Day 1 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary we arrived in Surabaya, the capital of East Java. We decided to spend only one night in Surabaya before hitting the road the next day. We didn’t get a chance to explore this city, but that didn’t bother us, as we were eager to explore all the unique and natural wonders of this beautiful island.
WHERE TO STAY IN SURABAYA
Hotel Accommodation
Hotel Kampi Surabaya – This hotel is the top rated accommodation in the city. Mainly for the top location and the affordable price. 3-Star Accommodation with on-site restaurant and cute little touches around the hotel.
Hostel Accommodation
Tab Capsule Hostel – We love capsule hostels! This one in particular, as each capsule feels like you are in a space ship! It’s a super cool experience everyone should enjoy!
Homestay Accommodation
Velozip Homestay – We always prefer staying in homestays, not only for the authentic experience and affordable rates, but because we know we are supporting a local business. Velozip Homestay is the best-reviewed homestay in Surabaya!
CHECK OUT OTHER HOTEL DEALS IN SURABAYA HERE
DAY 2 – MALANG
Day 2 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary was spent travelling to the city of Malang. Our original plan was to only stay 1 night in Malang. However, when we arrived it was raining all afternoon, so we decided to stay an extra 2 more nights. The main reason most people visit Malang is to see the colourful village of Jodipan or use the city as a base for their time in East Java. Therefore, it is worth staying at least 2-3 nights. Getting around the city is easy with taxis or Grab. To reach Malang, you can either take the train from Surabaya or Probolinggo.
SURABAYA TO MALANG TRANSPORT
The train ride from Surabaya to Malang is roughly 2 hours, and leaves 4 times per day. Be sure to get there early to not miss them. Click HERE for the transport information from Surabaya to Malang.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALANG
Hotel Accommodation
The Shalimar Boutique Hotel – This hotel is a gorgeous boutique style accommodation with many facilities and elegant decor.
Hostel Accommodation
MADOR Malang Dorm Hostel – MADOR Hostel offers a variety of room options to male and female only dorms, private rooms and quadruple rooms. This is the best rated hostel in Malang.
Homestay Accommodation
INNI Homestay – We always prefer staying in homestays, not only for the authentic experience and affordable rates, but because we know we are supporting a local business. INNI Homestay offers free bicycle rental to use around the city and breakfast.
CHECK OUT OTHER HOTEL DEALS IN MALANG HERE
DAY 3 – JODIPAN COLOURFUL VILLAGE
On Day 3 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary we decided to visit the colourful village of Jodipan. Jodipan used to be a slum area of Malang, but a group of university students took on an assignment to bring the village back to life with a splash of colour. They hoped that it would attract tourists to visit, and you bet it did! Around every corner is a new mural painted on a wall or unique piece of recycled artwork hanging from above. There are 2 sections of the village, each side of the river, and to enter each village costs 3K IDR (30c AUD). Across the road is the Blue Village (a village literally painted all blue) called Kampung Biru Arema, which is also 3K IDR (30c AUD) to enter.
DAY 4 – TUMPAK SEWU WATERFALL
On Day 4 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary we visited Tumpak Sewu Waterfall from Malang, which was only a 1.5 – 2 hour drive there – but 3 hours to get back in traffic. We spent a few hours at the panoramic viewpoint to witness this incredible waterfall from above. Tumpak Sewu translated to English means “one thousand falls”, and it was probably the most beautiful waterfall on Java, if not Indonesia. The pictures speak for themselves. You can easily include this destination into a day tour with Jodipan Colourful Village like the one below.
Klook.comFIND OUT MORE: Travel Guide to Tumpak Sewu in East Java
DAY 5 – CEMORO LAWANG
Day 5 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary was spent travelling from Malang to Cemoro Lawang Village. This is where we would base ourselves for the sunrise jeep tour up Mt Bromo. However, it is also popular to take a sunrise jeep tour from Malang to Mt Bromo. Although, this would mean you would need to leave Malang at around midnight. Nonetheless, the jeep ride back to Malang would be scenic and beautiful, as you will get to see the Ngadas Village, drive over the sea of sand and visit Coban Petangi Waterfall. These locations are only accessible by jeep.
BOOK A MALANG TO MT BROMO TOUR BELOW
Klook.comTo reach Cemoro Lawang from Malang by train, you will need to catch a train to Probolinggo Station. There is no public transport in Cemoro Lawang, so you can organise a private driver or shared van with other travellers from Probolinggo station to Cemoro Lawang. The town is 1.5-2 hours from Probolinggo and there will be many drivers at the train station you can ask for a ride. We paid 350K IDR ($35 AUD) for a whole car between Cemoro Lawang and Probolinggo Station. As you enter Cemoro Lawang village you will need to pay 200K IDR ($20 AUD) as you will be entering the Mt Bromo National Park. It’s also important to note that ATMs are scarce in Cemoro Lawang, so it will pay to bring plenty of cash with you.
MALANG TO PROBOLINGGO TRANSPORT
The train ride from Malang to Probolinggo station is roughly 3 hours and leaves four times a day, with some trains stopping once for an interchange. Click HERE to see the transport information from Malang to Probolinggo.
WHERE TO STAY IN CEMORO LAWANG
Hotel Accommodation
Jiwa Jawa Resort – This 4-star resort offers private rooms with a terrace and garden. They also offer continental breakfast and shuttle services to make your arrival and departure smooth as possible.
Hostel Accommodation
Whiz Capsule Hostel – Another Unique capsule hostel resembling a space ship, but this time they have a pool! This place is actually located in Probolinggo. They also offer private rooms for those wanting privacy, but the capsules do have a private space with aircon, lighting and outlets.
Homestay Accommodation
Otix Guesthouse – We stayed at Otix Guesthouse in Cemoro Lawang town. This cute guest house included private rooms, a great location in the middle of town and a rooftop deck with views of the breathtaking mountains and farm land.
FIND OTHER HOTEL DEALS NEAR CEMORO LAWANG HERE
DAY 6 – MT BROMO SUNRISE TOUR
Day 6 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary was spent waking up early to witness the sunrise over Mt Bromo. Once in Cemoro Lawang, there are countless drivers with Jeeps that will take you on a sunrise tour to Mt Bromo. We paid a driver we met at the entrance 450K IDR ($45 AUD) for both of us. However, he wasn’t a guide, he just simply drove us to the destination and waited in the car.
FIND OUT MORE: Travel Guide to Mt Bromo in East Java
DAY 7 – BANYUWANGI
After an early sunrise mission to Mt Bromo, we caught the train from Probolinggo Station to Banyuwangi. Another option could be to stay an extra night in Cemoro Lawang and visit Madakaipura Waterfall not far out of town. While in Cemoro Lawang, you can organise shared transport to Probolinggo Station through your accommodation. The train ticket from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi was 120K IDR ($12 AUD). It is a 4-hour trip and you will arrive at Karungasem Station. In Banyuwangi, we stayed at one of our favourite homestays in Indonesia, Banana Homestay. Banyuwangi was where we would base ourselves for the next 4 nights.
PROBOLINGGO TO BANYUWANGI TRANSPORT
The train ride from Probolinggo Station to Banyuwangi was a pleasant 4 hour ride. The train leaves 6 times per day, and you will need to get off at Karangasem Station. Click HERE for travel information from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANYUWANGI
Hotel Accommodation
ILLIRA Hotel – This 4-Star Hotel is mesmerising with buffet and A la carte breakfasts, on-site restaurant, pool and city views. Each room has a private balcony, bathroom and bar.
Villa Accommodation
Villa Solong – This villa is located right on the beachfront, with a beautiful green grass and garden overlooking the ocean right at the door step. They even have an outdoor pool to relax in after your adventurous day.
Homestay Accommodation
Banana Homestay – We cannot recommend Banana Homestay enough. It felt like we were not only guests in their home, but part of the family. We shared a family dinner one night and they helped organise all our tours, even offering free transfers and pick-ups from the train and ferry. This is the only place you should stay in Banyuwangi!
CHECK OUT OTHER HOTEL DEALS IN BANYUWANGI HERE
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DAY 8 – RED ISLAND
Day 8 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary was spent relaxing on the beach at Red Island. We paid our homestay 200K IDR ($20 AUD) for a day trip to Red Island (2.5 hours one way). Another option is to stay in Red Island for 1-2 nights so you can visit the other beaches in the area, such as Mustika Beach, Wedi Ireng Beach (only accessible by boat from Mustika Beach) and Sukamade Beach in the National Park.
On the way to Red Island from Banyuwangi it is also worth a quick stop at the De Djawatan Forest to see the incredible tall trees, swings and tree houses, as it’s only 7500 IDR (75c AUD) to enter. One you arrive at Red Island, you will need to pay the entrance fee of 10K IDR ($1 AUD) and if you wish to use a sunbed it will take you back 20K IDR ($2 AUD) for one hour. You can’t miss the tall islet off the shore that gives this place its name, due to the red colour of the dirt and rocks. Red island is a long stretch of beach, which is popular amongst surfers of all abilities.
DAY 9 – MT IJEN TREK
Day 9 of our 10-Day East Java Itinerary was another early rise for the unique and eye-opening Mt Ijen Trek. We spent the day before at Red Island, and quickly came home for dinner and rested for a few hours as we were expecting to be picked up from our homestay at midnight that same day. We organised our tour through Banana Homestay, which cost us 270K IDR ($27 AUD) per person for the ticket, guide, mask and a waterfall stop afterwards. Mt Ijen has been one of the most overwhelming and distinctive experiences on our travels through Indonesia.
FIND OUT MORE: Travel Guide to Mt Ijen in East Java
Klook.comDAY 10 – TABUHAN ISLAND
Our last day of our 10-day East Java Itinerary was spent relaxing and snorkelling on Tabuhan Island. We were dropped off at Bangsring where we could rent a boat that would take us to Tabuhan Island. We rented the boat for 500K IDR ($50 AUD) that we split between 3 people and also rented some snorkels for 25K IDR ($2.50 AUD) each. However, the boat can fit up to 10 people (which would make it much cheaper). It was a 30-minute boat ride out to the island and we could spend as long as we wanted out there, so we made sure we brought snacks and water with us.
Tabuhan Island is a small island with no inhabitants, just some small huts you can relax under for shade. We grabbed some snorkels and explored the marine life just off the beach, it was truly a great spot to relax and swim after an adventurous few days. However, like most beaches in Indonesia, the shoreline was littered with washed up trash of thongs, bottles, clothes, plastic wrappers, packaging and fishing equipment. As devastating as it is, it is the reality to visiting underdeveloped countries. So, instead of moaning about it, we decided to pick up a bag of trash to take back with us.
Another option is to combine this trip with Menjangan Island. Menjangan Island is a little further away and is part of the West Bali National Park. We didn’t make it here, but have heard that the reef is great for snorkelling.
BANYUWANGI TO BALI TRANSPORT
The ferry from Banyuwangi to Bali is incredibly cheap and short. We were dropped off at the Ketapang ferry terminal, where the ferries leave every 15 minutes. The ferry ride only takes 1 hour and will cost a passenger 5K IDR (50c AUD) for a ticket. The ferry arrives in Gilimanuk on the Bali mainland where you can catch a public bus to Denpasar (roughly 4-5 hours for 100K IDR ($10 AUD)).
Click HERE for the Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk ferry information.
FINAL NOTE ON OUR 10-DAY EAST JAVA ITINERARY
Our 10-day East Java itinerary covered the best there is to see and do on this part of the island, as we experienced a taste of everything. From volcanoes, 4X4 adventures, the best waterfall we have ever seen, beaches and islands and a unique and colourful village – East Java has it all!
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