Java Photo Workshop
August 5th - 13th 2026
Travel across the heart of Java, from centuries-old temples and traditional villages to the volcanic peaks of Bromo and Ijen, discovering the island's diverse landscapes and culture along the way.
* Only 2 Places Left *
Ready to photograph one of Indonesia's most dramatic islands?
Join me on a journey across Java, from ancient temples and hidden waterfalls to some of the country's most spectacular volcanic landscapes. We'll photograph sunrise over Borobudur, explore the smoky caldera of Mount Bromo, and hike to the rim of Kawah Ijen to watch first light illuminate its turquoise crater lake. Along the way, I'll share the techniques, creative approaches, and editing workflows I use to create compelling travel photographs.
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 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 life in the countryside and mountain scenery.
The evening is free to relax after the travel day or join an editing and review session.
Day 4: Malang
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring the Malang region, photographing local markets, colourful neighbourhoods, and nearby villages surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
This is a slower-paced day to focus on street and cultural photography and prepare us mentally for the volcano adventures ahead.
Afternoon editing or photo review session, with time to rest before heading to Tumpak Sewu the following morning.
Day 5: Tumpak Sewu
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 6: Mount Bromo
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 7: Mount Bromo to Kawah Ijen
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 8: Bangyuwangi
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 9: Kawah Ijen
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.
Pricing
Total price: $5,500 $5,000 USD
Payable today: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 2 x monthly installments
Total number of participants: 8
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9 nights of accommodation in carefully selected 3* - 5* hotels, twin sharing, with single occupancy available on request.
All on-ground transportation
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, guide 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 Indonesia
Travel insurance
Visa cost
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
Who is this workshop for?
This photography trip is limited to just 8 participants, allowing me to give each of you my full attention and help you get the most out of the experience. The small group size means I can work closely with everyone - whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your craft, or already shooting professionally. It’s a chance to learn, create, and grow in a supportive environment while photographing one of the most extraordinary countries on earth.
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.
FAQs
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All participants will need to arrive in Yogyakarta, where the workshop begins. The city is served by Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), with easy flight connections from Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. The workshop starts early on August 5th, so I recommend arriving the day before to get settled.
I’ll send details of the hotel to stay at the night before, and once the trip begins, all transport, accommodation, and logistics are taken care of.
The workshop ends in Banyuwangi, on Java’s eastern coast. From there, you can either fly directly to Jakarta or take the short ferry across to Bali (recommended for anyone continuing their travels). We can also help arrange onward travel to Bali if needed.
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Yes - comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. It should include medical coverage and trip cancellation, just in case of unexpected events.
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August is a great time to photograph Java, with dry-season conditions, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. Days are generally warm, around 20-30°C, with cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the highlands around Bromo and Ijen. The air tends to be crisp, the light soft, and visibility excellent for sunrise and landscape shoots.
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Absolutely. Many guests join solo. You’ll share a twin room with another participant unless you’d prefer a single room (available for an additional supplement).
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This trip is limited to 8 participants, keeping the group small and personal so everyone gets plenty of shooting time and guidance.
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A $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable. The remaining balance can be paid in instalments.
For more info, take a look at the full refund policy here →
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Once your deposit is paid, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the details you need, including packing lists, gear suggestions, and arrival information.
A WhatsApp group will also be created about a month before the trip so everyone can connect, ask questions, and get updates before we set off.
“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 Indonesia home for the past eight years.
Over that time, I’ve explored much of the archipelago, but Java has always stood out - an island of contrasts where ancient temples rise from misty jungles, volcanoes pierce the clouds, and life unfolds with raw energy. From the calm of dawn at Borobudur to the thunder of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Java is a place that never stops surprising me.
Whether it’s photographing age-old rituals, wandering through mountain villages, or watching sunrise over volcanic peaks, this island offers endless inspiration for any photographer. I can’t wait to experience it alongside you on my first-ever Java workshop, and to share the stories, techniques, and moments that make this island so extraordinary.
