Epic Bangkok to Kuta: Beaches, Forests & Volcanoes

Now's the time to explore Bangkok, Bali, and Sumatra on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Fall asleep to jungle sounds in Khao Sok National Park, dive headfirst into street food flavours in Kuala Lumpur's night market, and watch the sun rise atop the clouds on Mt Bromo. With days spent on sunny beaches, and evenings full of friends and city nightlife, 40 days of Southeast Asia excitement won't seem like nearly enough.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time and welcome to Thailand's famous capital - Bangkok!

This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!

Day 2 Bangkok/Surat Thani
Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.

Day 3 Surat Thani/Khao Sok
See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, enjoy free time. Opt to go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.

This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.

Day 4 Khao Sok/Koh Samui
Your next stop is just a ferry ride away. Today, explore Ko Samui Island's beauty by catching the sunset at Chaweng Beach before eating your weight in street food at the night market. For your big night out, head to a popular beach bar, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate life-changing adventures, and dance the night away.

Day 5 Koh Samui
Take a scenic day trip to pristine Ang Thong National Marine Park. As a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands, the views here are unforgettable — perfect for making friends back home jealous. Try to spot all the different kinds of marine life and explore above the water by foot or below the water by snorkel. Be forewarned: it might take you all day to take in all this beauty.

Day 6 Koh Samui/George Town
Gear up for a long day of travel. Ferry back to the mainland and continue by private vehicle to cross the border into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang.

Day 7 George Town
Get a full day in Penang. Explore the busy streets and check out the colourful famous street art. Trust us: they make for a great backdrop!

Day 8 George Town/Chenderoh Lake
Learn about local culture (especially how to properly tie a sarong!) at this island homestay, nestled in the middle of a beautiful lake. Tonight, relax as you take in the scenery and connect with the family that runs this homestay.

Day 9 Chenderoh Lake/Cameron Highlands
Enjoy slightly cooler temperatures in the Cameron Highlands. Here, explore the well-marked trails through the lush tropical forest, visit a tea plantation, or search for the rafflesia: the world's largest flower.

Day 10 Cameron Highlands/Kuala Lumpur
Today is yours to take on. Walk around and explore, but don't skip trying the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak — a traditional rice dish made with coconut milk and pandan leaf.

Once the sun sets, see another side to the city as you stop by the famous Petronas Towers (which light up at night) before checking out the local nightlife.

Day 11 Kuala Lumpur
You've got the whole day for exploring. Head out of town to visit the famous Batu Caves or the Orang Alsi Museum. Later tonight, head to some rooftop bars for drinks and dancing, or stop by the night market and find some flavours you never knew existed.

Built in 1928 as a fresh market for locals, and revamped in the 1980s as an outlet for all Malaysian handicrafts, the night market is a local institution. Make sure you don't miss it.

Day 12 Kuala Lumpur/Melaka
Take to the canals by boat, and see a different side of this old port town. Stop for some famous chicken rice at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah in Chinatown. Locals love it here; they often line up for hours to get a taste.

The streets of Chinatown (also known as Jonker Walk) are also lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. Explore the many temples, churches, mosques, museums, and forts.

Day 13 Melaka/Singapore
Head to Singapore today, where you can use your free time to see that famous skyline by boat or eat so much street food, you can barely walk. For a peek into the city-state's past life, wander the old streets of Little India and Chinatown.

Day 14 Singapore/Medan
Fly to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. Stroll around the city and try to spot the Dutch influence in some of its old buildings.

Day 15 Medan/Tangkahan
Wake up with a morning tour of Medan. After, drive through the jungle to the small community of Tangkahan. Here, you can go hiking, dip into the nearby river or hot spring, or try the local delicacy dubbed "jungle food."

Day 16 Tangkahan/Bukit Lawang
Hold on tight — today's ride might be a little bumpy. Once you arrive in Bukit Lawang, located close to Gunung Leuser National Park, visit the local spice garden or relax with some fresh coconut.

Day 17 Bukit Lawang
Spend the day freely exploring this unique rural region. Venture into the jungle, if you'd like the chance to spot wildlife (like the elusive orangutan!) on a trek. Gunung Leuser National Park is also home to a handful of hanging bridges — great spots for some lush-looking photos.

Day 18 Bukit Lawang/Berastagi
Settle in and enjoy the scenic ride to Berastagi, a picturesque mountain and market town next to a looming volcano. Get to know the place on an orientation walk. Later, spend the afternoon as you wish with time to stop by the market or relax at the local hot spring.

Day 19 Berastagi
Today is yours to discover all Berastagi has to offer. Hike the volcano Mt Sibayak, take in the golden Buddhist temple Taman Alam Lumbini, or stay put and keep getting to know the town.

Day 20 Berastagi/Samosir Island
Head to Samosir Island where the world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba, awaits. Chill out and swim in the warm waters or get a taste of local life by visiting the nearby Batak villages.

Day 21 Samosir Island
Samosir Island is your oyster today, so get out and explore. Spend the day at Sipiso Piso Waterfall (one of the tallest falls in Indonesia) or Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung, a spot famous for swings, selfies, and stellar views.

Day 22 Samosir Island/Padangsidempuan
Wind through beautiful scenery on this travel day, stopping at the bustling city of Padang Sidempuan for the night. Immerse yourself in the nightlife or relax at Sipoholon Sulphur Hot Springs.

Day 23 Padangsidempuan/Bukittinggi
It's another travel day, dotted with stops for lunch, local spice gardens, and perhaps some pictures at Aek Sijonih Waterfalls. Get acquainted with Bukittingi on a brief orientation walk on arrival.

Day 24 Bukittinggi
Today's a free day. Go see Sianok Canyon, the Japanese Caves built during World War II, or Pagaruyung Palace, one of the biggest and most beautiful in west Sumatra.

Day 25 Bukittinggi/Padang
Head to Padang and settle in at your beachside hotel before trying some of the cuisine this city is most famous for. Beef rendang (a tender dry beef curry) is found all over Sumatra, but it's at its best in its home city.

Day 26 Padang
Make the most of your final full day in Padang paradise. Check out the nearby islands for unspoiled beaches and turquoise blue waters. For your big night out, venture to a unique upcycled beer garden, enjoy a drink on us, and celebrate all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with new friends.

Day 27 Padang/Jakarta
Board a plane and soar to Jakarta, Indonesia's massive capital, and your starting point for exploring the island of Java.

Day 28 Jakarta/Cianjur
Ride to Cianjur and let the scenery guide you to some serenity. Floating villages, tea plantations, rice paddies, and a night at a local homestay —this side of paradise is looking mighty fine.

Day 29 Cianjur/Bandung
Get to know the city of Bandung today. After an orientation walk, get free time to visit charming Braga Street for its shopping and cafés, or see the Angklung Music Orchestra and hear the angklung, a traditional instrument made of bamboo pipes, live.

Day 30 Bandung/Yogyakarta
Watch the world go by on a scenic train ride to Yogyakarta. Once you arrive, and if you're not feeling too beat, check out Sosrowijayan and Prawirotaman Streets for unwinding with drinks and local eats.

Day 31 Yogyakarta
There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 32 Yogyakarta
There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 33 Yogyakarta/Ngadas
Take the scenic route to Ngadas via private vehicle. Here, you'll spend the evening at a local G Adventures-supported community homestay.

Get a taste of local culture with a home-cooked dinner and time with a community leader to learn about the region's unique customs and history.

Day 34 Desa Ngadas/Bromo
Today's for reaching new heights. Start the day with a trek along the Ancestor Trail to Mt Bromo, led by a local guide trained through the G Adventures-supported capacity building program. Then get a chance to hike to the volcano's crater (and take some pictures!) before going on to the hotel.

Day 35 Bromo/Red Island
Skip sleeping in today for a pre-dawn hike across the Sea of Sand to Mt Bromo, where you can catch a final glimpse of the moon before the sunrise. Stop to breathe it all in before you head to a beachside surf camp.

On your way to Mt Bromo, catch a breath and see the local Buddhist Tenggerese giving offerings to the Supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa.

Day 36 Red Island
Wake up and catch a wave on a morning surf lesson, then take the rest of the day to explore the nearby fishing village, surf some more, or rest easy in a beachside hammock.

Day 37 Red Island/Pemuteran
Head back to Bali for a chill day of relaxing on the beach. Sit back, grab a drink, and soak up some sunshine. This is the place for it.

Day 38 Pemuteran
No need to say goodbye to the beach just yet — it's another day of chilling out in Bali. If you'd like, break up the beachside naps with a snorkelling trip.

Day 39 Pemuteran/Kuta
Take it easy this morning before we cross rich tropical jungle and idyllic rice fields on the ride to Kuta. Catch up on sleep on the drive over — you're going to need it for your big night out tonight. Spend the evening getting to know Legian Street, the legendary party street. Grab a drink on us and dance the night away!

Day 40 Kuta
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as this tour comes to an end. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way.