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Java Workshop 2026
June 26th - July 3rd
Explore Java’s untamed beauty: active volcanoes, sacred temples, and powerful waterfalls.
* 8 spaces available *
Ready to photograph one of Indonesia’s most dramatic islands?
Join me on my first-ever Java workshop, a journey from ancient temples to volcanic peaks and waterfalls. We’ll photograph sunrise over Borobudur, explore the smoky caldera of Mount Bromo, and hike to the rim of Kawah Ijen for sunrise above its turquoise crater lake. Between shoots, we’ll capture daily village life and refine our photography and editing techniques to tell stronger visual stories.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Borobudur + Prambanan
Our first morning begins at Borobudur, one of the most iconic temples in Asia. We’ll photograph sunrise from a beautiful vantage point overlooking the misty valley, capturing the temple’s silhouette as soft morning light breaks through the haze.
In the afternoon, we visit Prambanan Temple, where we’ll photograph the complex as golden light falls on its towering spires. This session is perfect for practicing composition and working with warm evening tones.
If the skies are promising, we’ll stay out for sunset at Ratu Boko, which offers sweeping views across the plains and distant volcanoes.
Day 2: Goa Jomblang + Yogyakarta
After breakfast, we travel south to Goa Jomblang, one of Java’s most striking natural locations. Around late morning, we descend into the sinkhole to photograph the famous light beams as they pour dramatically through the cave opening - a surreal and unforgettable experience.
We return to Yogyakarta for a relaxed city photo walk, exploring traditional markets, narrow lanes, and heritage areas to capture scenes of daily life and street activity.
Day 3: Nepal Van Java
We set off early towards the mountain village of Nepal van Java, a community built dramatically along the slopes of Mount Sumbing. The morning light here is perfect for capturing layered village scenes, colourful rooftops, and farmers working on steep terraces.
After our morning shoot and breakfast, we continue the journey east towards Malang, breaking up the drive with occasional stops to photograph daily roadside life and mountain scenery.
The evening is free to relax after the travel day or join an informal editing and review session.
Day 4: Kintamani
We begin the scenic drive from Malang towards Tumpak Sewu, one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking waterfalls. The journey winds through small villages and lush countryside before we descend to the viewpoint, where we’ll photograph the curtain-like falls cascading into the gorge below - a highlight for any photographer visiting Java.
After lunch, we make our way north towards Probolinggo, our base for exploring Mount Bromo the following day. The route offers a glimpse into rural life in East Java, with plenty of opportunities to stop for spontaneous photo moments along the way.
Evening at leisure to rest and prepare for the early start ahead.
Day 5: Rice Terraces + Temples
Before dawn, we set out by jeep to one of the classic viewpoints overlooking Mount Bromo and the Tengger caldera. As the first light hits the volcanic landscape, we’ll photograph the shifting colours, layers of mist, and smoking crater below - one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sunrise scenes.
After sunrise, we descend to explore the Sea of Sand, capturing local Tenggerese horsemen, volcanic textures, and the vast open landscapes that surround the crater.
Return to the hotel to rest for the rest of the afternoon - you’re going to need it!
Day 5: Rice Terraces + Temples
We rise early for an optional second sunrise shoot from a new viewpoint overlooking Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru. The morning light here offers a completely different feel to the previous day, with soft tones and low mist drifting through the caldera.
After breakfast, we pack up and begin the journey east towards Banyuwangi, the gateway to Kawah Ijen. The drive takes us through changing rural landscapes, offering the chance for a few spontaneous photo stops along the way.
Day 6: Kelingking Beach
After several early mornings, today is a slower-paced day to rest and recharge before our final sunrise shoot.
For those who’d like to keep shooting, we’ll explore nearby rice terraces and small villages around the Ijen region, capturing scenes of local life, farming activity, and the surrounding mountain scenery in soft afternoon light.
Afternoon free for rest, editing, or image review.
Day 7: Seaweed Farmers
We start before dawn for the hike up Kawah Ijen, reaching the crater rim in time to photograph sunrise over the turquoise lake below. As light fills the valley, we’ll document the sulphur miners at work and the dramatic volcanic scenery that makes this one of Indonesia’s most unique landscapes.
After descending, we return to the hotel for breakfast and some well-earned rest.
Depending on onward travel plans, we’ll arrange transfers to Banyuwangi Airport for domestic flights or the ferry terminal for those continuing to Bali.
Day 8: Nusa Penida
On our final morning, we’ll head out for a relaxed photowalk, taking a few last photos together, before breakfast on the beach.
Around midday, we’ll take the fast boat back to Bali, a chance to reflect on the week and say our goodbyes as a group.
Once back on the island, our drivers can drop you at the airport for your flight or take you on to your next destination if you’re continuing your journey in Bali.
Pricing
Total price: $5,750 USD (normally $6,000)
Payable today: $750 to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 5 x $750 monthly installments
Total number of participants: 8
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
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7 nights of accommodation in carefully selected 3* & 4* hotels, twin sharing, with single occupancy available on request.
All on-ground transportation (private cars with drivers, return boat to Penida, private boat day trip to Lembongan).
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
Dedicated local guides and fixer for the entire journey.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering beginner to advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
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Your flights to and from Bali
Travel insurance
Visa cost
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Psst... Beginners welcome!
My photography trips are limited to just 8 participants to ensure I can give each of you my full attention and help you make the most of the experience. This intimate setting allows me to work closely with every participant, regardless of skill level. If you're a beginner, this workshop offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn in the field, develop your skills, and grow in a supportive and personalized environment.
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself…
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Drone (not necessary but highly recommended)
Laptop for editing sessions
Visa Information
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for many countries. The cost is 500,000 IDR, payable upon arrival, and the visa is valid for 30 days. An extension of 30 days is also available for an additional fee if desired. Click here to check if your country is eligible for VOA.
Indonesia also offers an e-VOA that you can apply for before your trip. Refer to the link above for more details.
“Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!”
Hey, I’m Jord
I’m a full-time travel and landscape photographer from the UK, and I’ve been fortunate to call Bali home for the past eight years.
In that time, I’ve ridden tens of thousands of miles across the island on my motorbike, searching out hidden corners, quiet villages, and unique vantage points that most visitors never get to see. These rides have led me to countless encounters with Balinese culture - from early-morning temple ceremonies and smoky incense-filled processions, to evenings spent watching light fall across rice terraces and towering volcanoes.
Whether it’s documenting age-old traditions, wandering through ancient villages, or simply pausing on a palm-lined beach, Bali continues to inspire me every single day. I can’t wait to share these experiences, and the stories behind them, with you on this journey through the island I’m lucky enough to call home.
