Surabaya to Bali 9-Day Tour: My Honest Review
Planning a trip from Surabaya to Bali? You might be looking at the ‘Surabaya to Bali All-Inclusive 9-Day Tour with a Local Guide’. So, let’s get into a relaxed look at what you can expect, breaking down all the bits and pieces to help you figure out if this tour is for you.
First Impressions and Expectations
The brochure shows those classic Bali scenes: bright blue waters, fancy temples, and happy locals. It gets you dreaming about island paradise. I was just hoping for a break from the usual routine, something smooth with maybe a taste of Indonesian culture, that’s all. Nine days seemed plenty, enough time to really take everything at an unhurried speed.
All-inclusive sounds very attractive, doesn’t it? Basically, you get to sit back as someone takes care of all the headaches. But of course, this also comes with a certain assumption, that is, fewer choices for the sake of ease. With a ‘Local Guide,’ I was hoping that we would gain entry to things that go beyond just the usual spots for tourists and learn little stories you might not hear elsewhere.
A Day-by-Day Account
Day 1: Surabaya Arrival
Touchdown in Surabaya was simple enough. A driver waited with a sign; handy after a long flight! The hotel that night was acceptable but nothing to get thrilled about. Anyway, a solid place to crash and gather your energy.
Day 2: Exploring Surabaya
We checked out some local spots around Surabaya, too, such as the House of Sampoerna. A local guide filled us in on some stories, yet sometimes it felt a little too rehearsed. That said, Surabaya actually has some quite nice historical buildings, if you care to have a look around, which might come as a surprise.
Day 3: Train to Banyuwangi
A comfy train ride toward Banyuwangi. The scenery began turning into lovely countryside views. The train was rather clean, and watching Java go by outside the window was almost meditative.
Day 4: Ijen Crater
Getting up very early is part of going to Ijen. The climb can be rather tough, but trust me, the electric blue fire down in the crater makes it worthwhile. Take a decent mask; the sulfur fumes have quite a bite.
Day 5: Ferry to Bali and Relaxing in Pemuteran
A short ferry hop from Java over to Bali. Pemuteran is lovely! It’s quieter when you contrast it to the busy areas in southern Bali. Snorkeling around Menjangan Island was good; crystal clear waters filled with marine life.
Day 6: North Bali Exploration
North Bali’s less touristy vibe was quite attractive. We visited places, too, such as the Gitgit Waterfall and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. It’s interesting to discover temples alongside the lakes; just a lovely serene break.
Day 7: Ubud Cultural Heart
Off to Ubud! This place is full of art and health spots. We attended a Balinese dance show and wandered the Ubud Market. Maybe a little cliché, but so full of vivid colors and energy.
Day 8: South Bali Beaches
Headed south to places such as Nusa Dua. These beaches are what you think of regarding Bali postcards. Plenty of water sports if that is what you enjoy, or just chilling in the sun.
Day 9: Departure
Sadly, time to head home. Transportation to the airport went just as planned. Leaving with a bunch of pictures and perhaps some chill vibes from Bali.
The Good, the Bad, and the Pretty Good
So, let’s be clear. What worked well? The logistics, almost totally. Transportation happened just as planned, and having hotels lined up saved stress. The local guides did have facts, although sometimes their delivery felt less than totally genuine. Ijen Crater, hands down, became the tour high point—an awesome experience. Pemuteran and North Bali showed some quieter, really nice parts of Bali.
Some aspects may be tweaked a bit. A few hotels lacked atmosphere; maybe some with character would enhance the tour. Time allocations in a couple of locations, say Surabaya and Nusa Dua, could arguably have been shortened. A little greater “off-the-beaten-path” exploration could provide additional depth to the cultural components.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
If you want a hassle-free peek into Java and Bali highlights without stress about planning, this tour is often acceptable. Those new to independent travel in Indonesia or short on vacation time will like this method. It suits someone looking to experience highlights and relax rather than dig in completely. Do you like a reasonably easy trip with various attractions, or just like to observe rather than totally engage? If yes, go ahead.
Cost-Effectiveness: What Do You Really Get?
The price reflects comfort and ease. Doing it on your own, using trains and arranging things locally, definitely saves money. However, remember the value placed on smooth transfers, pre-arranged lodging, and bypassing potential language challenges. This tour becomes fairly affordable if ease and peace of mind take precedence.
Compare this trip to the total cost should you attempt planning each bit on your own, and see just how much time and effort are saved. What appears costly at first glance may offer acceptable value, since your vacation time becomes truly that.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
The ‘Surabaya to Bali All-Inclusive 9-Day Tour with a Local Guide’ comes with advantages and disadvantages, so it seems. If convenience tops the list, this trip is a great answer. Perhaps, those in search of strong cultural connections or who shun organized activity should weigh up those needs cautiously.
For me? It had been nice to just drift along and view those spots without headaches. Yet, next trip? I may add some unscheduled days or look at going more locally into locations like East Java. Would I suggest it? Sure, but recognize what you trade in ease over total immersive cultural moments.
Recommendations Based On This Journey
Okay, so depending on who you are as a traveler, you might want some fine tuning of a package tour like this, let’s break that down a little more.
For the culture buff
Perhaps, find opportunities for workshops – be it making crafts or trying local instruments, or find some casual conversations with locals and take them slow instead of packing three temples into half a day. Look further afield than just Ubud if you can – small villages can deliver really neat glimpses of Balinese culture that are beyond the regular tourist route.
For the adventure seeker
Try extending your stay at Ijen. You can explore further hikes in the area beyond just the crater itself, since East Java’s mountainous area can really provide some memorable treks, plus it keeps you out of very well trodden ground too.
For the budget conscious
Maybe consider picking the tour operator’s accommodation. Sometimes ‘all-inclusive’ has some options to pick your class of lodgings. And let’s be frank, those hotel swimming pools don’t exactly have anything to do with East Java or Bali’s cultures. You can save a fair amount by finding good value and very well rated lodgings instead. And definitely try the local eats… beyond hotel buffet breakfasts, that is.
FAQs About This Tour
Is the Ijen Crater climb manageable for someone with average fitness?
Likely yes. Still, anticipate a rather steep climb and rocky ground. Take your time, put on decent footwear, and, also maybe think about using trekking poles.
Are meals included?
Typically, yeah, many tours do provide many meals, most likely breakfasts plus chosen lunches or dinners. Just be certain; confirm with the tour provider specifically.
Can I extend my stay at the end of the tour in Bali?
Absolutely. Tour people tend to prove flexible. Maybe book that after the tour ends in advance to make certain transport needs happen without any problems.
How much free time do I have?
Tours fill schedules out, sure. That said, anticipate times to explore by yourself. Check with trip planners, just so you understand activity balance vs your independence desires.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Fairly perhaps. Very young kid travel gets tricky, notably Ijen given its challenging climb. Confirm that stuff suits everyone involved regarding activity levels and long travel hours.
What’s the visa situation with Indonesia?
Some nationalities may get free entry visas for like, 30 days. Some countries, just so you know, might have to get a visa ahead of time or maybe, upon arrival, very much depending where your passport comes from, eh? Look at checking Indonesia’s latest visa stuff, just to make certain you are covered.
What kinda currency will I need to get?
The tour uses Indonesian Rupiah. Sure, quite often tour groups take money. Yet getting a little bit from a cash machine if you just arrive is so simple when it comes to getting little treats at small spots.
Any tips on respecting local customs, alright?
Dressing decently especially when one is at temples is always useful. Oh, just check before taking photos of people, and you know, using the right hand to either give things or when accepting things is useful too, usually.
Any chance to get phone access along the trip?
Yep. Local SIMs can turn out so cheap if you use lots of info; tour groups or accommodation access may supply complimentary Wi-Fi. Consider local plans. In that case, you save roaming costs if you intend uploading plenty of pics, typically.
About language roadblocks – any insights, basically?
Tour members speak pretty acceptable English in some touristy sections. Java has more Bahasa Indonesian language emphasis. Trying a handful of Indonesian greetings can get greeted quite cheerfully, too, actually.