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Indonesia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

The verdant mountains and volcanoes in the lush landscapes of Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest island country. Home to over 261 million people, it boasts stunning landscapes, incredible beaches, amazing food, and affordable prices.

While most people just visit Bali, backpacking further afield in the country is an underrated activity. With so much on offer, it can take months to see everything because there is just so much to see and do here: hectic and chaotic cityscapes, cool white sand beaches, and violent volcanoes. Indonesia has it all.

And it’s easy to visit Indonesia on a budget too. It’s extremely inexpensive and your money goes far here.

While most travelers fly to Bali and visit the Gili Islands or head to Lombok, I encourage you to try to get to the less touristy destinations and off the beaten path. Find dragons in Flores, go hiking, see the historic ruins of Java, and go to Sumatra. You’ll find even cheaper prices and far fewer crowds once you escape the digital nomad hub of Bali.

This Indonesia travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this island paradise!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Indonesia

Click Here for Destination Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in indonesia.

A women swimming with a sea turtle underwater in the Gili Islands, Indonesia

1. Relax in Bali

Bali is probably the most famous of Indonesia’s islands. Although often crowded with travelers, there is no escaping the fact that this place is beautiful. Try some surfing at Bingin Beach or visit the Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, which is truly stunning to behold. Make sure you see some traditional Balinese dancing in Ubud too. You can also join a yoga retreat pretty much anywhere on the island and cooking classes are also plentiful and make for a great souvenir.

2. Dive in the Gili Islands

For a true sense of an island paradise, head to the Gili Islands . There are excellent (and cheap) scuba and snorkel facilities as well as great nightlife on Gili Trawangan. These islands are super popular with backpackers thanks to their super cheap accommodation and food, party scene, and stunning beaches for lazing around all day.

3. Admire Borobudur

Borobudur is a the world’s biggest Buddhist temple complex, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries. With 2,672 reliefs meant to highlight Buddhist teachings, it’s made from blocks of volcanic rock. Each level is supposed to describe the stages of life. It is said you can’t move on to the top until you discover the meaning of each relief. Admission for foreign adults is around 380,000 IDR.

4. See Komodo dragons

The subject of more nature documentaries than any other lizard, the Komodo dragon is a force to be reckoned with. Komodo National Park, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the only place to see the world’s largest lizard in the wild, which grows up to 10 feet long and weighs over 135 kilograms (300 pounds). Admission is 150,000 IDR during the week, with prices rising to 250,000 IDR on Sundays and holidays (just note that there are additional fees for other activities including ranger fees, hiking fees, diving fees, and so on). The only way to really visit Komodo National Park is on a tour since the islands are over an hour away from Labuan Bajo port on Flores Island.

5. Visit Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park covers a total of 800 square kilometers (308 square miles) at the center of East Java and is the largest volcanic region in the province. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life from the top of Mount Bromo or Mount Semeru. The easiest way to get here is from Probolinggo, through the village of Ngadisari. Although it doesn’t take long to get to the summit (around 45 minutes up a sandy slope) and access to the trail is free, a number of tour operators run guided trips through the park, which includes transport to and from the park.

Other Things to See and Do in Indonesia

1. explore hindi prambanan.

There are 244 temples at this 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the central compound being the main attraction. There are eight minor temples and eight major temples here, with the tallest being 45 meters (150 feet) — which is actually taller than Borobudur. Located in Yogyakarta, there’s a lot to see, so schedule a full day here (it’s the second-largest temple complex in Southeast Asia, after Angkor Wat). Admission is around 380,000 IDR.

2. Wander Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital is a large, bustling city with a population of over 10 million. You could easily spend a few days here as there is a lot to see. Admire Istana Merdeka, the presidential palace (visitors are not allowed inside); see the Monas Tower, a symbol of Indonesia’s independence; check out Ancol Beach; visit the National Museum, and go shopping at the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market. For a moment of calm, people-watch from one of the cafes overlooking Fatahillah Square in the Old Batavia, the Dutch Quarter, where you can take in the historic architecture as you take in the local pace of life.

3. Snorkel or dive in Bunaken

The Bunaken National Marine Park is located in the Bay of Manado and it’s where you want to go if diving or snorkeling is your thing. These deep waters offer fantastic visibility and some of the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Keep an eye out for tuna, sharks, rays, turtles, sea snakes, and more. Entry to the marine park is 50,000 IDR per person, though children under 10 enter free.

4. Broaden your taste buds

Indonesia is home to 17,000 islands and over 260 million people. The country is brimming with diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. If you want some idea of how diverse this place is, there are over 700 languages spoken here! This diversity is very much reflected in the food. Javanese, Sundanese, Padang, and Balinese food are just some of your options. Hit the markets, participate in cooking classes, or take food tours to get a taste of what the country has to offer. Your tastebuds will thank you!

5. Visit Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s cultural hub and is a much less industrial city compared to Jakarta. There is an interesting blend of old customs with modern living here (the region still has a sultan/monarchy). It’s a hip place filled with street art, galleries, cafes, great nightlife, and a strong arts community. Yogyakarta is also a good jumping-off point for exploring the popular and picturesque Borobudur and Prambanan sites.

6. See the orangutans in Sumatra

A mysterious and rare primate, the orangutan finds its habitat on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A visit to see these primates is a moving experience. And, given the rapid deforestation and fires in the area, you probably want to do this sooner rather than later as these animals are gravely endangered. If you go, make sure you’re traveling with an eco-friendly tour company. Reputable companies don’t let you get in close contact with the animals, as the risk of disease is too high. Even a common cold can knock out a baby orangutan. Nevertheless, seeing these majestic animals is an amazing and life-changing experience. Week-long guided treks cost around 20,000,000 IDR per person.

7. Experience village life in Kalibaru

Kalibaru is a small village on the southeastern side of Java. It’s quiet, secluded, and a great place to tour one of the many plantations (cacao, coffee, dragon fruit, rubber, and spices, among others) in the area on your way to or from Bali. It’s not as well-visited as many other places in Indonesia, meaning you can escape the crowds and get a chance to experience what local life is really like. You can stay here after a trip to Mount Bromo, or just visit on a day trip.

8. See the Bogor Botanical Gardens

Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) outside of Jakarta, the Bogor Botanical Gardens have over 200 acres of land and 15,000 species of plants and trees. The gardens are a lovely spot in which to lose yourself for a couple of hours with a book and some snacks. Admission is around 26,000 IDR. There is a commuter train between Bogor and Jakarta with a stop right next to the gardens.

9. See the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

These are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, and yet not many people make the trek here. They’re located about 90 minutes from Ubud, and then you have to hike through a banana plantation to reach the falls. It’s worth it as there are several sets of falls to explore. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit!

10. Explore the megaliths in Bada Valley

Near Lore Lindu National Park are 400 ancient stone megaliths scattered around the hills. No one really knows the origins of these structures, but they’re thought to be over 5,000 years old. No settlement remains or tools were ever found in the area. It’s best to hire a local guide here as the megaliths are not easy to find.

11. Visit the House of Danar Hadi

The House of Danar Hadi in Surakarta (Central Java) is considered one of the world’s best batik museums, with a handpicked selection of favorites from the owner’s collection of 11,000 pieces (batik is a cloth-dyeing method from Java). You have to take a tour to see it all, but it’s worth it. There are lots of antique and royal items on display. They also have batik demonstrations showcasing how these detailed pieces are made. Admission is 35,000 IDR.

12. See the lakes in Kelimutu National Park

Kelimutu National Park, on the island of Flores, is renowned for its tri-colored crater lakes. The crater lakes have continuously changed color over the years, likely due to the mineral makeup in the water. Sometimes they’re green, black, brown, red, blue, etc. The lakes are very sacred among the locals, who believe that they’re the final resting spots of departed souls. Moni is the closest town to the lakes; from there you can take public transportation to the park. Admission to the park is 150,000 IDR.

  For more information on specific destinations in Indonesia, check out these guides:

  • Bali Travel Guide
  • Gili Islands Travel Guide

Indonesia Travel Costs

The lush green rice fields of Bali, Indonesia surrounded by towering jungle

Accommodation – A bed in a dorm hostel dorm can cost as little as 55,000 IDR but most places are closer to 100,000 IDR. For a private double room, prices start around 175,000 IDR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels offer self-catering facilities and free breakfast.

Most budget hotels begin at 300,000 IDR per night for a double room that usually includes free Wi-Fi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 400,000 IDR per night.

Airbnb is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from around 300,000 IDR per night. For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 400,000 IDR per night. Book early, however, or prices can double.

If you’re booking through Booking.com, keep in mind that many of the listings are actually homestays and private residences.

Since hostels and homestays are so cheap, camping is not very common unless you’re on a guided trek.

Food – Food in Indonesia is heavily influenced by a number of cultures, most notably Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Lots of dishes have a rice (nasi) or noodle (mie) base and, in some cases, that’s the whole dish, such as with nasi ayam (chicken rice). Be sure to try the Balinese take on satay (where the meat is minced and wrapped on skewers) and babi guling , a delicious suckling pig that is roasted for hours. Another popular choice is oxtail soup. Be mindful that the food here can be a little spicy.

The food here is extremely cheap by Western standards, with street food costing under 10,000 IDR. It’s also delicious in part because much of it is based on fresh spices and herbs. Expect rice and noodle-based dishes such as nasi goreng (stir-fried rice with chicken, egg, and vegetables) and mie goreng (a spicy fried noodle dish with garlic, onion, meat, egg, and vegetables) as well as gado gado (comprising of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, sometimes egg, and peanut sauce), and lots of satay.

For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, expect to pay around 25,000 IDR. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with table service, prices start at 125,000 IDR per person. Western food is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at under 100,000 IDR for a meal. For the cheapest food and a fun experience, head to the night markets.

Fast food like Mcdonald’s costs around 50,000 IDR for a combo meal. A beer at the bar costs around 30,000 IDR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs between 450,000-500,000 IDR. However, food in the country is very cheap and I would encourage you to eat out as often as possible as kitchens are hard to come by!

Backpacking Indonesia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 425,000 IDR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, rent a bicycle to get around, and do mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the beach. If you plan on drinking, add another 30,000-60,000 IDR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,100,000 IDR per day, you can eat out at more restaurants, stay in a budget hotel or a private hostel room, rent a scooter to get around, drink more, enjoy some massages, and go diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,350,000 IDR or more per day, you can stay at a nicer hotel or villa, take taxis or private minivans to get around, eat Western food, drink more, and do any adventure activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, however. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in IDR.

Indonesia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Indonesia is super affordable, it’s also easy to splash out here (especially in Bali). To help you save money, here are some specific ways you can keep your spending down while you’re here:

  • Eat on the street – You can pick up tasty local fare for under 10,000 IDR. Street-side snacks, soups, and noodles are super affordable and super tasty.
  • Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain with sellers as most of the time the prices they quote aren’t the prices you end up paying if you bargain!
  • Drink cheap – Save money on alcohol by heading to the local happy hours (or just buying your drinks at a local store instead of the bar). This is the cheapest way to drink!
  • Book online in advance – If you’re planning on hitting up some of Indonesia’s most popular destinations, such as Bali, it’s actually cheaper to book your accommodations (and sometimes tours) online in advance rather than showing up and trying to strike a deal.
  • Pay bus attendants directly – When you’re taking an intercity bus, don’t purchase a ticket from a ticket window. It’s cheaper to pay directly on the bus.
  • Rent a bike – In many places, such as Bali and Gili, you can easily get around on two wheels. Rent a bike for as little as 40,000 IDR per day. It’s a great way to get around on the cheap.
  • Take taxis – Taxis are essential for getting around in some parts of Indonesia, and they can be cheap. Just make sure the driver puts the meter on before you depart (or agree on a price before you get in).
  • Bring a filtered water bottle – Indonesia has a ton of plastic waste. It has so much that a lot of it just gets burned. You’ll see — and smell — it during your visit. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save both money and the environment. I personally like Lifestraw .

Where to Stay in Indonesia

Looking for a place to stay during your trip? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Indonesia:

  • PADI Backpackers House (Ubud)
  • Kememai Hostel (Ubud)
  • Warung Coco Hostel (Kuta)
  • Tribal Bali (Canggu)
  • Gili Beach Bum (Gili Trawangan)
  • My Mate’s Place (Gili Trawangan)
  • Wonderloft Hostel (Jakarta)

How to Get Around Indonesia

The ancient and iconic temple of Borobudur in beautiful Indonesia

Public transportation – Public buses aren’t really used for city transport except on Java. There’s an extensive network in Jakarta, known as the Transjakarta Busway. Fares cost 3,500-9,000 IDR for any destination in the network. You have to pay with a card that costs 40,000 IDR (it comes with a 20,000 IDR credit) from station ticketing offices.

Otherwise, most people get around by becak , a three-wheeled pedal or motor-powered cart. You should negotiate your fare before you get in; ask your hotel/hostel staff for up-to-date price estimates.

Taxis are also affordable, and they’re metered in major cities. Bluebird Taxis is available in most places, and they’re the most dependable company for metered taxis and English-speaking drivers. There’s a smartphone app that makes it really easy to order taxis. The starting rate is around 7,500 IDR and then 5,300 IDR per kilometer.

Grab (an Uber offspring) is a household name in Southeast Asia. It is convenient but sometimes costs even more than a taxi. Gojek is a similar option. Be forewarned: if you order a Grab or Gojek, you might wind up on the back of a motorbike.

Ferry – For traveling between islands, ferries start around 15,000 IDR for a ticket from East Java to West Bali, and the rates go up from there for other routes. Bali to the Gili Islands is 175,000 IDR (one way) on a speedboat.

While it’s not necessary to book in advance it’s a good idea to do so during peak season or on more popular routes. You can buy tickets on the ferry company’s website or via a ticket agent like 12go.asia.

Bus – Buses are the main way for locals and tourists to get around Indonesia. It’s a good idea to book your long-distance tickets in advance, especially if you want an air-conditioned ride. You can buy a ticket from a travel agent, or visit the bus terminal. Your accommodation may also be able to arrange your transportation.

A 12-hour journey on a bus costs around 170,000 IDR. A short journey, like the one from Kuta Beach to Ubud, is less than 80,000 IDR and takes one hour.

If your ride is a shorter one, you might end up on a bemos (mini-bus). In this case, negotiate your fare beforehand.

Train – In Indonesia, the cities of Java are well linked by train, including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo), and Banyuwangi (the ferry terminal for Bali). Economy class from Jakarta to Surabaya takes 10.5 hours and costs about 190,000 IDR, while an 8-hour executive class trip can cost from 620,000 IDR. Surabaya to Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo) takes 2-3 hours and costs 27,000 IDR for economy or 240,000 IDR for executive class. Surabaya to Banyuwangi (for Bali) takes 6-7 hours and costs as little as 56,000 IDR for economy or 235,000 IDR for executive class. You can reserve your tickets at tiket.com.

Flying – Garuda Indonesia is the country’s main airline offering international service as well as domestic flights. Lion Air and AirAsia also offer plenty of domestic routes, although Lion Air’s safety record is spotty and I wouldn’t advise traveling with them.

Flights between Jakarta and Bali start around 900,000 IDR each way, while Jakarta to Lombok starts around 1,200,000 IDR. Lombok to Bali is around 1,100,000 IDR. However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel and is only recommended if you have limited time.

When to Go to Indonesia

Indonesia has just two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Dry season lasts from May to September while the rainy season occurs from October to April. The average daily temperature year-round is 28°C (80°F).

Overall, the best time of year to visit is between May and September when it’s dry and sunny. It’s still pleasant to visit during the rainy season, however, as rainfall usually comes as fast and intense downpours that only last a few hours.

The Nusa Tenggara region is more affected by the wet season which may sometimes result in flooding. The wet season may also be a problem if you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Indonesia, as muddy roads can sometimes keep you from getting around.

In Bali and Kalimantan, the extremes between seasons aren’t drastic. The dry season is the best time to climb the volcanoes, and the best time to dive is from April to September. (If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!)

How to Stay Safe in Indonesia

Indonesia is a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Indonesia. It’s most common on public transit as it’s easy for thieves to grab your wallet or purse when you’re distracted by all the chaos around you. Staying alert and securing your valuables is the best way to prevent petty theft.

Credit card fraud is also common in Indonesia. To avoid this, it’s always best to pay with cash when possible. To avoid getting your information stolen at an ATM, enter a reputable bank to withdraw money from there.

There are a lot of small scams around the island and you can read about how to avoid these common travel scams here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). The country is big and, while generally safe, there are certain spots you’ll want to stay more vigilant in. There are countless solo female travel blogs out there that can give you specific information on how to stay safe.

Earthquakes are common in Indonesia, owing to its location on the Ring of Fire (it experiences more earthquakes than any other country). Make sure you know where your exits are during an emergency. Also, download an offline map and languages translation pack in case you need it during an emergency situation where you don’t have mobile data/Wi-Fi.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Indonesia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Indonesia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Indonesia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

A Visitor’s Guide to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

A Visitor’s Guide to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Kuta Beach: The Worst Place in Bali

Kuta Beach: The Worst Place in Bali

How to Visit Borobudur in Indonesia

How to Visit Borobudur in Indonesia

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  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary to Bali, Java & Flores

Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary to Bali, Java & Flores

Indonesia, an immense country existing out of 17.000+ islands. A 3-week Indonesia route shows you the stunning diversity of this country. Waterfalls , volcanoes, stunning beaches, architecture, cultures, and delicious food. Feel welcomed by the open-minded Indonesian people. These are the highlights you should see on a 3-week Indonesia trip.

A 3-week Indonesia Travel Guide

This 3-week itinerary through Indonesia is a day-by-day route taking you to the highlights of East Java , Bali , and Flores. Feel free to add more days if you have the time, and note that each day includes a link to a detailed article about that location.

indonesia route java bali flores yogyakarta borobudur

Day 1 – 2: Yogyakarta, Java

The hippest city of Java, Yogyakarta, is a great start to your route through Indonesia. Visit Indonesia’s largest Hindu complex, Prambanan, the underground mosque, and Borobudur. Yogyakarta has an international airport and is connected to many transit airports like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore . Discover all the best things to do in Yogyakarta here .

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

The guesthouses and hotels in Yogyakarta are available in all kinds of price ranges. Hostels go anywhere from 5 USD – 30 USD per night. Where guesthouses and hotels in Yogyakarta will start from 12 USD a night, including breakfast.

Hotels in Yogyakarta 😴

Snooze

Day 3: Train to Malang

Take the early morning express train from Yogyakarta to Malang. It is an 8-hour comfortable train ride that takes you on a scenic route along with small villages & vast rice fields. The express train to Malang is the best way to travel between these cities.

More about: Train from Yogyakarta to Malang

indonesia route java bali flores malioboro train

Day 4 – 5: Malang, Java

The higher located city of Malang has a much more comfortable climate. Malang is one of the more surprising locations on your Indonesia route due to its beautiful waterfalls like Coban Putri, Coban Rondo, and Tumpak Sewu , green tea plantations, and the rainbow city Jodipan in Malang , which is a former slum area painted to attract visitors.

About Malang: Things to do in Malang

Where to Stay in Malang

Malang offers hotels and guesthouses in any kind of price category. But the only place we really can recommend to everyone is Griyo Sultan Agung Guest House. The train station is a 3-minute walk away, and the colored village is just 5 minutes.

Hotels in Malang 😴

Griyo Sultan Agung

Day 6: Bromo, Java

Start day 6 with an incredible sunrise over the active Bromo Volcano . Now, don’t forget to bring something warm because it will be freezing cold before sunrise. Luckily, this is the only cold place on your Indonesia route.

Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary to Bali, Java & Flores

To get there, you could either leave Malang in the afternoon of day 5 and stay in Bromo village or get out back at midnight on day 6 and drive from Malang. Bromo hotel recommendation:  Pagupon Hotel

Must Read: Bromo and IJen tour

indonesia route java bali flores bromo tour jeep

Day 7: Ijen Crater, Java

Visit the Ijen crater in the middle of the night to see the ‘blue fire’ and the sunrise over the aqua blue crater lake. The hike to the top is pretty steep, which makes it quite challenging; however, the view on the crater makes it up to you!

Read more about: Ijen Crater tour

indonesia route java bali flores ijen view

It’s time to follow your Indonesia route to the island of gods; Bali! From the Ijen crater, it is 30 minutes to the harbor where the ferry is waiting for you. Once in Bali, it takes 3 hours to reach Canggu.

indonesia route java bali flores ijen sunrise

Day 8 – 10: Seminyak or Canggu

Seminyak and Canggu are two fantastic towns popular for its surfing, beach clubs, and an incredible choice of restaurants. Take a day to relax and recover because you just did two sunrise mornings on Java. The beach, a coconut, delicious food, and the nearby rice fields will make sure you recover well.

Read: Things to do in Seminyak or Canggu Guide

Where to Stay in Canggu and Seminyak

For Canggu, the most central places are Batu Bolong and Berawa, where there are loads of great cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs close by, as well as great surf spots.

Hotels in Canggu 😴

Amar Boutique Hotel

In Seminyak, stay around Jalan Kayu Aya, also known as ‘Eat Street’, for its great variety of restaurants. This street is also just a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Hotels in Seminyak 😴

The Legian

Day 11 – 14: Ubud, Bali

Next up is the art village Ubud. The area is popular because of the surrounding rice fields, waterfalls, yoga retreats, and Ubud Art Market. Both Tegalalang rice fields and the Monkey Forest in Ubud are things you have to see on your Bali Route .

See: Best Things To Do in Ubud, Bali

Where to Stay in Ubud

Stay in the center of Ubud, where you are close to all the main tourist spots, shops, and restaurants. If you are looking for something a little more rural, there are some great accommodation options close to the rice terraces.

Hotels in Ubud 😴

Kayon Jungle Resort

Day 15 – 16: Nusa Penida, Bali

Incredible white sandy beaches and 200-meter high cliff drops; Nusa Penida is one of the most stunning places on your route through Indonesia. Visit the T-Rex head Kelingking and hike down to one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches: Diamond Beach . Nusa Penida is stunning!

yande bali friend tour

Arrange a taxi + boat transfer from Ubud. It takes about two to three hours to reach Penida Island. On your last night, make your way back to Kuta, Bali, and spend the night near the airport. Book a return flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo tomorrow you are heading to Komodo National Park .

Read: Nusa Penida Trip

Where to Stay on Nusa Penida

The accommodations on Nusa Penida vary from homestays and guesthouses to beautiful bungalows. You can stay anywhere on the island as it only takes an hour to cross from one side to the other.

Hotels in Nusa Penida 😴

Ped Cottage

Day 17: Labuan Bajo, Flores

Labuan Bajo is a little port town on Flores island. It is the entrance to UNESCO labeled Komodo National Park , home of the Komodo Dragon. Labuan Bajo itself has not much to offer so use it as a stopover before you head on a boat into the park. The flight to Labuan Bajo from Bali only takes 45 minutes.

Things to do Komodo Islands

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo

There are lots of things to do in Labuan Bajo, so aim to spend at least one night here if you can. It’s a small town, and you are able to walk around in 30 minutes, which means most accommodation options will locate you close to all the main bars and cafes. Alternatively, choose one of the relaxing beach resorts which are a bit further out of the center.

Hotels in Labuan Bajo 😴

Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas

Day 18 – 20: Komodo Islands, the highlight of your route through Indonesia

Close-off your 3 weeks in Indonesia with the best part; a 3-day boat trip in Komodo National Park. The park is world-famous for diving and snorkeling where you can expect to see manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, small sharks, and millions of colorful fish. The hiking paths are mind-blowing and don’t forget about the pink beaches, yes pink!

Komodo Islands trip

komodo islands flores

Day 21: Back to Bali – Fly out

Fly back to Bali and spend your last day along the Bali coastline. We recommend you to spend this time either in Canggu or Uluwatu .

Canggu hotel recommendation: Calmtree Bungalows

Getting around Indonesia

The islands in this Indonesia Route, Bali, Java, and Komodo National Park, are all well connected. Travel easily with a backpack or suitcase via trains, planes, or car. In populated areas, you can also use transport services like Go-Jek.

things to do canggu bali

You can easily arrange transport from your current location in Indonesia. However, we recommend booking your flights in advance.

Java & Bali Transport

Contact our friend Yande below if you are looking for car transport and make sure to tell him you found him through our Salt in our Hair.

indonesia route java bali flores driver yande

When to visit Indonesia

May until October are the best months to visit Indonesia. There is a year-round temperature of 28°C, and although the wet season is between October & April, it can feel a lot warmer. The wet season is not as bad as it sounds. It is a daily heavy and short rainfall, some days cloudy but some days beautiful weather.

indonesia route java bali flores pink beach

How much does Indonesia cost?

Your budget for a 3-week Indonesia route depends on where you stay and eat. A stay at a guesthouse ranges from 6 – 35 USD a night, depending on the popularity of your location. This is similar for eating; Indonesian food ranges from 1 – 3 USD per meal, whereas Western food can go anywhere from 3 – 15 USD per meal.

Costs of Traveling in Indonesia

Travel on a budget in Indonesia, from $220 − $290 USD weekly per person, mid-range $400 − $590 USD, and high-end from $570 − $850 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

  • Hotels: $30 − $100 USD Check available hotels
  • Hostels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hostels
  • Transport: $10 − $15 USD Book public transport
  • Food: $10 − $15 USD
  • Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

  • Find Hotels via Booking.com
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  • Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
  • Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
  • Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

11 Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta

9 best things to do in malang, java, 13 things to do in komodo, flores.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hi, thanks for the detailed information on the Indonesia tour! We are planning to visit Indonesia in August for 4 weeks, but want to fly from Jakarta (both flights). After we travel to Komodo, what would you say is the best way to get back to Jakarta? (maybe even with some days in between to have a relaxed time before going on the big fly home). Thanks a lot in advance! All the best, Jonas :)

Hi Jonas! Once you get to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores (often the beginning or end of Komodo Island tours), you can fly back to Jakarta from there. It’s worth exploring Flores for a few days, relaxing in town. Though a different experience, Jakarta also has a couple of nice areas with good food and relaxing hotels. Hope that helps!

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Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

Indonesia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Indonesia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Indonesia is a mesmerizing archipelago of diverse cultures, natural wonders, and breathtaking landscapes.

With over 17,000 islands stretching across Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

From the ancient temples of Java to the pristine beaches of Bali, and the lush rainforests of Borneo to the vibrant markets of Jakarta, this country offers a rich tapestry of adventures for every traveler.

Indonesia is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern influences. Its cultural heritage is as diverse as its geography, with over 300 ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously.

From the majestic Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the intricate carvings of the Prambanan Temple, Indonesia’s ancient temples stand as testaments to its glorious past. Witnessing traditional ceremonies and vibrant festivals, such as the elaborate processions during Balinese Hindu celebrations, provides a glimpse into the nation’s spiritual and cultural roots.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by Indonesia’s stunning landscapes. The archipelago is home to several national parks, each offering a unique ecosystem and incredible biodiversity. For instance, Komodo National Park is famous for its eponymous dragons, the largest lizards on Earth, while the tropical rainforests of Sumatra are home to orangutans, tigers, and elephants.

Bali, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” is a destination that captivates visitors with its beauty and spirituality. Known for its iconic rice terraces, lush jungles, and stunning beaches, Bali offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure.

Discover hidden waterfalls, hike up volcanic peaks, or partake in yoga and meditation retreats that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the island’s unique artistic heritage, witnessing traditional dance performances and exploring local art galleries.

Indonesia’s culinary scene is a gastronomic delight, with a wide array of flavors and influences. Indulge in the fiery spices of Padang cuisine, savor the aromatic flavors of Javanese dishes, or feast on fresh seafood in coastal regions.

The vibrant street food culture beckons with its tantalizing aromas and mouthwatering delicacies, offering a true taste of Indonesia’s culinary diversity.

The warmth and friendliness of the Indonesian people are legendary. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the remote villages of Flores, you’ll be greeted with smiles and genuine hospitality.

Engaging with the locals and learning about their way of life adds a deeper dimension to your travel experience, fostering connections that will stay with you long after you leave.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Indonesia in Asia .

Note: This guide to Indonesia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Indonesia travel guide

Bali Travel Tips

Indonesia map.

Use this map of Indonesia to get started with your travel planning:

Indonesia map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above Indonesia travel map.

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Bali Solo Travel: How To Have An Amazing Time When Visiting Bali Alone

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12 Best Flower Baths In Bali

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Best & Worst Time To Travel To Bali

monkey at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sactuary in Ubud, Bali

7 Day Bali Itinerary (With Map!)

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Mount Agung Trekking: The Ultimate Guide

monkey eating at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali

3 Day Ubud Itinerary (With Map!)

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2-Week Bali Itinerary (Super Detailed!)

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15 Best Surf & Yoga Retreats In Bali, Indonesia

Manuaba Waterfall near Ubud, Bali

15 Best Waterfalls Near Ubud, Bali (With Map!)

Asia Travel Tips

Traveling to Asia ? This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip!

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Top 10 Vacation Destinations In Asia

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5 Amazing Ways Solo Travel In Southeast Asia Changed Me

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Top Indonesia Tours

Enjoy the best of Indonesia travel and tours through the following experiences.

  • ️Nusa Penida by Private Boat: Snorkel, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour (from Kota Denpasar, Bali)
  • Best of Ubud: Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, Rice Terrace & Art Villages (from Ubud, Bali)
  • ️Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots – Private & All-Inclusive (from Tanjung Benoa, Bali)
  • 1-Day Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour (from Surabaya or Malang, East Java)
  • Highlights of Jakarta City Tours (from Jakarta, West Java)

Click here for a full list of Indonesia tours .

Indonesia Hotels

Click here to browse the best hotels in Indonesia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It’s currently set to Ubud, Bali, though you can easily change it to your destination of choice:

Indonesia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Indonesian tour. When visiting Indonesia — or any other destination in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Indonesia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Indonesia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Indonesia .

Q) What is the best month to travel to Indonesia?

Ultimately, the best month to travel to Indonesia depends on your personal preferences and the specific activities and destinations you have in mind. If you’re primarily interested in beach activities and outdoor adventures, the dry season (May to September) is generally more favorable. However, if you’re flexible and prepared for occasional rain showers, Indonesia’s natural beauty and cultural experiences can be enjoyed year-round.

Q) How many days in Indonesia is enough?

For a visit focused on popular tourist destinations like Bali and its surrounding islands like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, a minimum of 5 to 7 days would allow you to experience the highlights, including iconic temples, stunning beaches, and cultural sites.

Q) Is it safe to travel to Indonesia?

According to Travel Safe-Abroad , there is a medium safety risk when visiting Indonesia.

Q) Is Indonesia expensive or cheap?

Indonesia is generally considered an affordable destination for travelers. The cost of living in Indonesia is lower compared to many Western countries, which makes it a budget-friendly choice for tourists. However, the prices can vary depending on the region you visit and the level of comfort and luxury you seek.

Q) How much does a trip to Indonesia cost?

Overall, a basic daily budget for a backpacker or budget traveler in Indonesia can range from $30 to $50, which would cover accommodation, food, transportation, and some activities. For mid-range travelers, a daily budget of $50 to $100 should provide more comfortable accommodation, dining at mid-range restaurants, and additional activities. Luxury travelers should budget upwards of $100 per day or more, depending on their desired level of comfort and indulgence.

Q) Can you drink tap water in Indonesia?

In general, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Indonesia. The quality of tap water can vary across different regions and cities, and it may not meet the standards for safe consumption.

What would you add to this Indonesia travel guide?

trip to Indonesia

8 Days in Indonesia: A Travel Itinerary From Jakarta to Bali

indonesia in travel

Indonesia might induce a bit of analysis paralysis in even the most experienced traveler—after all, the archipelago has over 17,000 islands—but the beginning Indonesia traveler can get the most out of their visit by limiting their trip to the two neighboring islands of Java and Bali.

Java is one of the most densely populated islands in Southeast Asia , and its long heritage of indigenous Javanese culture makes the place a must-see for any traveler visiting the region. Our itinerary's Java leg will include stays in  Jakarta (Indonesia's bustling, engorged capital) and Yogyakarta (a center for Javanese culture) before jetting over to Bali just over the Bali Strait.

Our Bali leg will involve a day in South Bali , before taking a short drive up to Central Bali and Ubud , where you can experience the indigenous Balinese culture at its proudest and most refined.

However, before undertaking any trip to Indonesia, you should review the following travel basics:

  • Indonesia travel information : Learn all about Indonesia's visa requirements, currency, and safety guidelines for foreign travelers.​
  • Money and money changers in Bali : Learn about the local currency, how to change dollars and pounds to the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), and where to have your foreign currency exchanged while on the island of Bali.​
  • Drug laws in Bali and the rest of Indonesia: Drug possession and trafficking in Bali and the rest of Indonesia can get you in deep trouble so it's wise to understand the laws.

Day 1: Jakarta's Historical Sites

On your first day, you'll fly into the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Nicknamed the "Big Durian,” this sprawling megalopolis covers over 290 square miles in the western part of Java. Once you've checked into your hotel, either in Central Jakarta or in North Jakarta—budget travelers will love the cheap and plentiful budget hotels in Jakarta—your tour of the "Big Durian" can begin.

Jakarta's reputation as a polluted, traffic-choked city has, unfortunately, preceded it, but nobody should miss the chance to tour this unique city. Jakarta is an interesting study in Indonesia's modern history, as it used to be the center of the Dutch colonial presence in the "East Indies,” as Indonesia was called at the time, and entered the postwar years under the sway of the charismatic but ultimately doomed President Sukarno. The Dutch colonizers and the strongman that replaced them shaped Jakarta's most popular landmarks.

Visitors should start with a visit to Fatahillah Square in the north of the city, the crumbling former Dutch colonial capital. The vast square used to be a venue for public executions, while the former statehouse behind it is now a museum dedicated to Indonesia's colonial history.

Next, move south to Central Jakarta, and you travel in time from the 19th to the 20th century, where Indonesia's first president Sukarno solidified his place in Indonesia's history with several notable buildings.

The Monas (short for "national monument" in Indonesian) towers over Central Jakarta, the navel of a plaza that is itself surrounded by government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Book a tour to the very top of the Monas to get a bird's eye view of Central Jakarta. Then, just a short distance away, you can visit Istiqlal Mosque —the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, whose size is very appropriate for the biggest Islamic nation in the region.

Make a retail detour to Jalan Surabaya Antique Market , where you can look over a treasure trove of Indonesian antiques, old shadow puppets, salvaged ship parts, used luggage, and vinyl LPs, before finishing off your day with a visit to a Padang restaurant , where you can try a vast range of Indonesian dishes served on little plates, along with all the rice you can eat.

Day 2: Bandung

Head to just a little south of the city of Jakarta is the city of Bandung , another Dutch-immigrant-created town nestled among mountains along a river basin. You should be able to drive or take a bus between the two fairly quickly, but we recommend departing early on your second day to make the most of the daylight hours.

Bandung is highly influenced by Dutch visitors who had hoped to make the city the new capital of the nation. This immediately inspired an influx of residents when it was first established, which eventually resulted in the creation of the sprawling city full of fine dining, European-inspired custom boutiques, and arts and cultural spots visitors enjoy today.

Once you arrive in Bandung, you can head over to Tangkuban Perahu, a volcano just north of the city (pictured above). Although the last time this volcano erupted was in 2013, the volcano is still considered active and you should check before planning a visit to this beautiful location.

After the volcano, you’ll not want to miss checking out some of the many, many tea plantations in and around the city of Bandung, most of which have existed and been in use since the Dutch immigrants first tried to claim power over the region.

You’ll then want to make it back into the city before nightfall to check into your hotel—we recommend the Dusun Bambu’s Room Facilities—and grab a bite to eat at any number of great restaurants in the area—ask your hotel concierge or consult TripAdvisor’s list of “Best Places to Eat in Bandung” to plan your dinner or simply wander around until something suits your tastes.

Day 3: Bandung

Whether or not you decide to stay at the Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park, you’ll want to make your way there to start off your second day in Bandung to fully immerse yourself in Sudanese culture in a fun and environmentally friendly eco-tourism spot.

Here, you’ll be able to dine in a birdcage-inspired restaurant held aloft on stilts or in any number of great Sudanese establishments. Fun for the whole family includes rowing around on the waterfront, riding horses, petting rabbits, or playing on the uniquely designed kid’s playground.

You can easily spend the whole day at Dusun Bambu, but we recommend moving on to explore another great cultural venue: Saung Angklung Udjo, a one-stop workshop that teaches children of all ages about the music and culture of Indonesia. Here, you can experience a live concert, or even learn to play one of the traditional instruments taught at this unique center for art and culture.

Once you’ve finished with Saung Angklung Udjo, we recommend getting another great meal from one of Bandung’s many great restaurants before heading back to the hotel and calling it an early night—you’ll need to be awake quite early for another day of travel on day four of your trek. 

Day 4: Borobudur & Prambanan

Early in the morning, board a bus or a hired car to take you to the massive Buddhist mandala known as Borobudur, more than an hour's drive from Yogyakarta. The walkways leading up to the top levels are decorated with 2,672 relief panels that tell stories of the Buddha's life and traditional Buddhist parables.

After you return from Borobudur, spend the noontime hours chasing the shade and pursuing retail therapy in Yogyakarta: buying silver at Kota Gede or watch batik being made in many workshops across the city, prior to buying your favorite swatches.

Not far from Yogyakarta's city borders, you can visit Candi Prambanan, an ancient Hindu temple complex that keeps coming back from the dead—several earthquakes have shaken the temple apart, but the local government keeps putting the pieces back together.

After exploring the temple grounds, book a seat to watch the Ramayana dance performance at Prambanan, performed on an open-air stage in front of the majestically-lit Prambanan temples.

Day 5: Yogyakarta's Kraton

First things first: You'll want to visit the very center of Yogyakarta, the Kraton , an expansive palace compound that is the home of Indonesia's only ruling Sultan, Hamengkubuwono IX.

Yogyakarta's social, cultural, and spiritual life revolves around the Sultan and his palace: Daily Javanese entertainments take place at the palace's Bangsal Sri Manganti pavilion, and the massive Alun-Alun Utara field north of the main residential area of the palace hosts the yearly Pasar Malam (night market) that accompanies the Sekaten , a week-long celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth.

Exploring the Kraton will take about two hours to complete; afterward, you can explore the museums and tourist attractions around the Kraton, which are all accessible via becak (Yogyakarta's rickshaws) from the palace gates.

Start with a lunch of gudeg at Sentra Gudeg Wijilan , a clump of eateries located east of Alun-Alun Utara along Jalan Wijilan. Gudeg is Yogyakarta's signature dish: a jackfruit-based savory preparation served hot with rice, crispy beef skin, and hard-boiled egg.

Afterward, explore the other attractions nearby: the Museum Kereta , which collects the Sultan's 23 ornate carriages; the Taman Sari, a former swimming, and bathing complex built for the Sultan's use; and Masjid Gede Kauman , Yogyakarta's Westminster Abbey equivalent, immediately across the Alun-Alun Utara.

Day 5: South Bali

Fly in early from Yogyakarta to Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport (compare prices on flights from Adisucipto Airport in Yogyakarta to Ngurah Rai in Bali) to get a head start on the Bali leg of our Indonesia itinerary.

For your first night, stay in South Bali, the tourist epicenter of the island. You have plenty of accommodations to choose from in these parts.

There's plenty to do within an hour's drive of your South Bali resort, but for your first day, we suggest you hit the following spots:

  • Visit the world's biggest statue of Vishnu (as yet unfinished) at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
  • Go shopping at one of South Bali's many shopping centers.
  • Drive all the way to Pura Luhur Uluwatu and watch the area's Kecak and fire dance .
  • On the way back from Uluwatu, stop by Jimbaran, Bali to dine right on the beach.

Day 6: Central Bali

Early in the morning, take the hour-and-a-half drive up from South Bali to Ubud in Central Bali, where Bali's magnificent culture lives a charmed life. As you arrive, make sure you have your accommodations lined up.

In the daytime, check out the many art galleries & museums in Ubud, and see why Ubud's reputation as an art and culture hub is so richly deserved. The Museum Puri Lukisan presents modern 20th-century artwork produced by native Balinese while the Blanco Renaissance Museum showcases artwork created by an expatriate artist whose creative juices ran wild as he settled into Ubud.

Before 12-noon strikes, queue up at the Warung Ibu Oka to secure a table early; this open-air restaurant serves babi guling , or Balinese roast pig, for an extremely small number of diners every day. The restaurant is only open for lunch and closes as soon as the last pig is chopped up and served.

From Warung Ibu Oka, walk down Jalan Monkey Forest to do an afternoon tour of Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest at the very end of the road, at the bottom of the slope. The forest and temples within will take about an hour or two to see in full.

Afterward, trudge back up to the Ubud town center to watch a traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace; the performances in town re-enact classic Hindu legends, performed by dancers in colorful, traditional costumes.

Day 7: Taking it Easy in Ubud

After the excitement of the past few days, it's now time to take it easy—and where better to kick back than infamously laid-back Ubud?

Ubud's many spas and meditation centers perform all types of Eastern and Western wellness techniques, from massage to reiki healing to acupuncture to herbal medicine.

Your last day in Ubud is also a great time to sample Ubud's shopping scene: Beginning from the Ubud Art Market across the street from the royal palace (pictured above), you can explore the many boutiques, shops, and stalls radiating from the center of Ubud to the periphery. Jalan Monkey Forest, in particular, has plenty of interesting upscale shopping finds .

Day 8: Tanjung Benoa

For your return engagement to South Bali, go to the eastern part and stay in Tanjung Benoa, the aquasports center of the island. The beach off Tanjung Benoa is no good for surfing, but it's encouraged a more laid-back tourist scene compared to more hectic Kuta on the other side of the island. Spend the morning learning a new aquasport, then tuck in at one of the restaurants in Tanjung Benoa before enjoying a spa break at the Thalasso Bali Spa.

In the evening, catch the Devdan performance at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, to see Indonesia's rich dance heritage condensed into a single, spectacular two-hour show: An excellent way to end your long week in Indonesia.

3 Weeks in Indonesia: A Fully Loaded Itinerary

Ten Unforgettable Bandung, Indonesia Experiences

Top Things to Do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Bali's Regions & Beaches, Decoded

The Top 15 Things to Do in Indonesia

Top Things to Do in Jakarta

The Yogyakarta Kraton, Central Java, Indonesia

10 Best Things to Do in South Bali

Bali Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Guide to Bali's Watersports Hotspot Tanjung Benoa

8 Top Cultural and Natural Explorations to Discover in East Bali

Art Galleries & Museums in Ubud, Bali

Climbing Mount Batur in Bali, Indonesia

How to Cope When a Tsunami Strikes Bali

The 10 Best Restaurants in Bali

Torn Tackies Travel Blog

The Perfect 3 Week Indonesia Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

Lush landscapes. Pristine beaches. Friendly locals. Indonesia is one of the most magnificent destinations in the world!

If you’re planning your Indonesia itinerary and looking for the best things to do in 3 weeks, you’ve come to the right place.

I spent over 12 months in the country and ventured from the volcanoes in Java to the rice terraces in Bali. I backpacked my way overland from Lombok to Sumbawa then to Flores and finally, Sumba Island.

But with only 3 weeks in Indonesia, you won’t have enough time to do everything!

So, to help you craft the perfect trip, this Indonesia travel itinerary will take you to those magnificent landmarks you won’t want to miss. It’s a great balance of adventure and culture for first-time visitors and can be easily customized into a 2 week or 1 month itinerary for Indonesia.

Diamond Beach Nusa Penida

Quick Navigation

How many days in Indonesia

You’ll need at least 3 weeks in Indonesia (or more)! The country is massive and with over 17 000 islands, there are endless amounts of things to do and see.

But not everyone has time on their side, so you need to decide where your priorities lie.

Are you planning a backpacking itinerary for Indonesia? Do you want to travel slowly? Are you in search of natural attractions or cultural sights?

Snorkeling in Komodo National park

When is the best month to plan your trip to Indonesia

April to October are the best months to visit Indonesia. This is the dry season so you can expect warm sunny days with little to no rain.

The peak tourist season runs from July to September. There are larger crowds and higher prices during these months.

If you’re planning your Indonesia itinerary for December to March, you can expect a fair bit of rainfall. This is the rainy season after all, and it also gets extremely humid during these months.

If you’re backpacking Indonesia or doing lots of hiking, island hopping and outdoor activities, then I recommend avoiding travel during the rainy season.

Bali Indonesia sunsets

3 week Indonesia itinerary Summary

Below is a summary of where to go in Indonesia. This includes island hopping and seeing all the top attractions.

  • Day 1 – 3: Seminyak, Bali
  • Day 4 – 5: Ubud, Bali
  • Day 6 – 7: Gili Islands, Lombok
  • Day 8 – 9: Kuta, Lombok
  • Day 10 – 13: Komodo National Park, Flores
  • Day 14 -15: Uluwatu, Bali
  • Day 16-20: Optional (Java, Bali or Flores)
  • Day 21: Fly home

Indonesia itinerary: Where to go, eat, play, and stay

This 3 week Indonesia itinerary starts on the Island of the Gods, Bali!

You’ll spend 6 days exploring the best of Bali , from the beaches to the rice fields.

You’ll then hop on a ferry and head east to Lombok.

Here you’ll soak up the sun on the Gili Islands before making your way to the mainland of Lombok. You’ll choose between climbing an active volcano, exploring hidden waterfalls, or sipping on cocktails on the beaches.

After 10 days in Bali and Lombok, you’ll catch a flight from Lombok to Flores Island, the home of Komodo National Park.

Flores is my favorite island and something that should be included in every Indonesia itinerary.

Finally, your last 4 days in Indonesia are up for debate! You can either venture off the beaten path in Bali or Flores or hike Mount Bromo in Java.

I’ll leave that decision up to you.

Rice terraces in Bali

Day 1: Start your Indonesia itinerary in Bali

It’s best to start your Indonesia itinerary in Bali as the tropical island vibes will quickly get you into holiday mode!

On the first day of your 3 weeks in Indonesia, you should keep your schedule empty. After a long flight, the last thing you’ll want is to spend more time in a car driving to all the main attractions.

Instead, beat the jetlag by exploring the area around your hotel or by sipping on cocktails on the beach.

How to spend 3 weeks in Indonesia

Where to stay in Bali

During this Indonesia 3 week itinerary, you’ll be staying at 3 different places in Bali . The first of those is Seminyak.

Why Seminyak? Because it’s a lively area with some of the best beach clubs, trendy cafes, and fun markets in all of Bali.

It’s the perfect introduction to the island – plus is pretty close to the airport!

Luxury: Enjoy beachfront views and 5* service at W Bali Seminyak . This hotel is hard to beat and the location could not be better. If you’re planning your honeymoon or romantic getaway, this is the perfect place to stay.

Mid-range: If you want personal space in your own private villa, look no further than Mayaloka Villas . Set amidst a lush tropical garden in the quieter side of Seminyak, you’ll have your own pool and luxury open-plan living.

Budget: Sleepwell Seminyak is a great place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget. With large private rooms, air-conditioning, and breakfast included, you get a lot of bang for your buck when staying here.

Day 2: Seminyak

It’s day 2 and you should be ready and rearing to go!

Today, you’ll stay close to Seminyak and Canggu, exploring the coastline and bustling streets.

Canggu itinerary Bali

Things to do in Seminyak or Canggu

Hit a beach club. I love Finns Beach Club! With a swim-up bar in a pool overlooking the ocean, there’s no better place to celebrate life. Other popular beach clubs include Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta, Mrs. Sippy, and more!

Day trip to Canggu. Just 30 minutes from Seminyak is the digital nomad capital of Bali, Canggu! Many people choose to include Canggu in their Bali travel route as it’s a great place to learn to surf and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Relax at Double Six Beach. Double 6 Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bali. Bear in mind that the coastline here isn’t as pristine as the beaches in Uluwatu. But that’s ok because you’ll be going to Uluwatu a bit later in this Indonesia itinerary.

Sunset at La Plancha. You can’t miss La Planch at Double 6 Beach! Here’s where you’ll find the colorful beanbags and umbrellas. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and the vibe is awesome.

Visit Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot is a Hindu temple found in the sea north of Seminyak. During low tide, visitors can access the temple from the mainland.

Go shopping. Seminyak boasts some of the best shopping in Bali.

Indonesia itinerary

Day 3: Ubud

On your 3rd day in Indonesia, you’ll head to Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali.

Unlike the popular areas along the coast, Ubud’s main attraction lies in its lush surroundings that ooze tranquility and peacefulness.

Best Things To Do in Ubud Bali

Where to stay in Ubud

If you’re planning an Indonesia backpacking itinerary, I suggest you stay in central Ubud, near Monkey Forest Road. Ubud is a small village bustling with tourists and everything is within walking distance or a quick taxi ride away.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay, you can’t go wrong with picking a place near Campuhan Ridge Walk or the neighboring villages of Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning, all of which offer quaint bungalows with views of the rice paddies.

Luxury: The Kayon Jungle Resort sure lives up to its name! The infinity pools which overlook the jungle paired with spacious Balinese-inspired rooms, make this the best place to stay in Ubud if you’re looking to live in luxury.

Mid-range: Byasa Ubud is surrounded by rice paddies and is the perfect place to spend your time in Ubud. Situated in a quieter neighborhood, you’re guaranteed a remote escape if you stay here.

Budget: Surya Bagus Homestay is ideally located near the center of Ubud and is all you need if you’re traveling on a budget. The private room comes with a complimentary breakfast and the friendly owners will ensure you have a memorable stay in Ubud.

Things to do in Ubud

Take the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Campuhan Ridge Walk starts in the heart of Ubud and passes through rice fields and villages. It’s a leisurely nature walk that takes about 2 hours to complete and covers 9 km in total.

Visit Ubud Monkey Forest. Home to over 600 mischievous monkeys and 120 different species of trees, you’ll find the Ubud Monkey Forest right in the center of bustling Ubud.

Indulge in all the food. Ubud has some of the most delicious Indonesian cuisines, so be sure to visit one of the many local restaurants.

The perfect Indonesia itinerary for 3 weeks

Day 4: Ubud

Today will be your first day trip from Ubud where you’ll visit towering waterfalls, lush forests, and ancient temples.

I recommend getting a private driver for the day

Things to do

Visit a rice field. Tegalalang Rice Terrace – the most famous of all rice fields in Bali, if not the whole of Indonesia! The Tegalalang Rice Terrace lies to the north of Ubud and is the source of those iconic photos you see all over social media. Jatiluwih Rice Field is slightly further and not nearly as crowded

Explore a waterfall. Leke Leke is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali and is close to Jatiluwig Rice Terrace. If you’re looking for something closer to Ubud, Tegenungan is also a popular choice.

Visit a temple. There are several temples close to Ubud. The Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple is one of the most famous, but you may also want to check out Goa Gajah (The Elephant Temple).

Lunch in the rice fields. During your day trip, ask your driver for a restaurant recommendation. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants offering sprawling views of the rice fields below.

Go for a massage. After a busy day of exploring, there’s no better way to relax than by going for a massage. You’ll probably go for quite a few during your time in Indonesia as they’re so affordable. Where else will you pay less than $10 for a full body massage!

Tip: Ubud is truly a magical place. If you had more than 3 weeks in Indonesia, I would recommend spending an extra night in Ubud. You will then have time to go river rafting and explore more waterfalls.

hiking Mount Batur in Ubud

Day 5: Ubud to Gili islands

Day 5 of your Indonesia itinerary is going to be a long day (if you decide to climb Mount Batur) !

You’ll be heading to the Gili islands, a trio of spectacular islands located off the coast of Lombok. It’s just what you’re going to need after a busy few days of exploring Ubud and Seminyak.

But before you do that, I recommend that you climb Mount Batur . This is a sunrise hike to the top of an active volcano close to Ubud. You should be back at your hotel by 10 am, just in time to have a quick shower before going to Padang Bai Harbour.

To get to Gili Islands, you’ll hop on a fast ferry which will take 2 hours to reach the Gilis. Then it’s time to soak up the sun and relish in the island vibes!

Things to do in Indonesia

Where to stay in the Gili Islands: Gili T, Gili Meno, or Gili Air?

All three of the Gili islands are tiny and there are no motorized vehicles allowed on any of them.

Gili Trawangan is the biggest and most developed of the three islands. It attracts a backpacker crowd and is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of a bustling vibe. In contrast, Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest island. Gili Air is a good mix between the two!

For this 3 week Indonesia itinerary, I recommend that you stay in Gili Trawangan.

Luxury: Looking for your dream island home? Majo Private Villas is for you! The tastefully decorated rooms are paired with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring lots of natural light. With a gorgeous outdoor living area and private pool, this place oozes luxury.

Mid-range: The staff at Kaleydo Villas make this one of the best places to stay in Gili Trawangan. Start your day off strong with a complimentary breakfast from your very own porch and cool off in the large pool after.

Budget: Jimador’s Homestay is one of the cheapest places to stay on the island but it has everything you need for a peaceful sleep including a large double bed, air-conditioning, free wi-fi, and a private bathroom.

Things to do on day 5

Cycle around the island. The only way to get around Gili T is by foot or bicycle. As a result, the Gilis are best explored by bike. There are many hidden paths leading to untouched corners of the island and you can visit all of them in less than an hour.

Find a sunset spot. The best way to end your first day on Gili Trawangan is by watching the sunset from the western side of the island. The beach bars here are often bustling with tourists and offer live music. This is also where you’ll find the famous Gili T swings.

Visit the Night Market. This Gili T night market is located off the main road near the harbor. The food is absolutely delicious, and great value for money. The market is open daily from 6-10 pm.

Gili Islands from above

Day 6: Gili Islands

Go snorkeling with turtles. Turtles are often seen in the shallow waters close to Turtle Point and you don’t need to swim out too far to encounter them. Snorkeling equipment can be rented from one of the many vendors near the beach.

Find underwater statues. The underwater statues are without a doubt the biggest attraction near the Gili Islands. The 48 life-size human sculptures are located just off the shore of Gili Meno.

Go scuba diving. The Gili’s are known for their vibrant underwater life which attracts beginner and experienced divers alike. With over 20 dive sites, great visibility, and turtles galore, scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Gili Trawangan.

Explore the other islands. Gili Meno and Gili Air are both a short 15 min boat trip from Gili Trawangan. You can spend the day soaking up the sun on one of their many beaches or exploring the island by bike.

There’s a lot more you can do around the Gilis! For more activities, check out my post on the best things to do in Gili Trawangan.

turtles in Gili Trawangan

Day 7: Gili Islands to Lombok

And so, your 3 week Indonesia itinerary continues.

This time you’re on a quick ferry ride from the Gili Islands to Lombok. This is one of the most underrated islands in Indonesia and is a good mix of untouched beauty meets creature comforts.

It’s best to get an early start to your day. To get from the Gili Islands to Lombok, you’ll hop on a 15 minute fast ferry to Bangsal Harbour, Lombok.

After reaching Lombok, you’ll get a driver and make your way down south to Kuta, Lombok with a few exciting stops along the way.

Tip: I haven’t included Mount Rinjani hike on this Indonesia travel guide? Why? Because it’s a 3D2N hike and quite expensive. If you’re an adventure traveler who’s up for the challenge, I recommend you head to Senaru after arriving in Lombok. This is the starting point of the Mount Rinjani hike.

Best places to visit Indonesia

Where to stay in Lombok

Many people choose to stay in Sengiggi on the west coast of Lombok. Given that you only have 3 weeks in Indonesia, I recommend that you skip Sengiggi and head straight to Kuta, Lombok which is a 2-hour drive from the harbor.

But don’t confuse Kuta in Lombok with Kuta in Bali. They are two very different places.

Kuta, Lombok is the main hub for backpackers, honeymooners, and solo travelers. While it’s a small village, you’ll enjoy a great selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodation options.

Luxury: Segara Lombok may not be in Kuta itself, but it’s right on the beach which is even better if you’re looking for an ocean escape. With its outdoor showers, minimalist design, and seafront views, Segara Lombok is the perfect place to stay on the island.

Mid-Range: Rascals Hotel is a trendy hotel in the heart of Kuta, Lombok. You could spend all day here relaxing in the lounges alongside the pool. It’s within walking distance of the main street where you’ll find an array of restaurants and shops.

Budget: Galus Homestay is just the place to stay if you’re traveling on a tight budget. You’ll receive a warm Indonesian welcome from the hosts who are extremely kind and caring.

Things to do in Lombok

Visit Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls. These are the most incredible waterfalls I’ve ever seen! You’ll pass them on the way from the harbor to Kuta so there’s no excuse not to see them!

Laze on Tanjung Aan Beach. After you’ve checked into your accommodation in Kuta Lombok, rent a scooter and head to Tanjung Aan Beach, one of the best beaches in Lombok.

Sunset at Merese Hill. Alongside Tanjung Aan Beach lies Merese Hill which is a great place to watch the sunset.

Best waterfalls indonesia

Day 8: Kuta, Lombok

On day 8 of your Indonesia Itinerary, you’ll go on a scooter mission to find some of the best beaches in Lombok. Personally, I felt that the beaches here are way better than those in Bali so it’s really worth checking them out!

Things to do in Kuta, lombok

Go beach hopping. My faves are Mawun Beach and Selong Belanak which are both west of Kuta, Lombok. Here you’ll find the bluest water and soft white sand!

Learn to surf. Selong Belanak is a great beach to learn how to surf. The beach is lined with surf shacks where you can rent boards or organize a surf lesson. There are also sunbeds to laze on, and several warungs where you can buy fresh coconuts, beer, or food.

Views at Shu Restaurant. On your way back from the beaches, stop at Shu restaurant which offers one of the best views over Kuta Beach.

Things to do in Kuta Lombok

Day 9: Lombok to Flores Island (Komodo Islands)

On day 9 of your Indonesia itinerary, we’re heading to Flores! This is my favorite island and the highlight of my Indonesia trip.

I spent 2 weeks doing a Flores overland trip and while you won’t be able to fit that all in during this trip, you can see some of the highlights! These include the world-famous Komodo Dragons, manta rays, pink beaches, and epic viewpoints.

To get from Lombok to Flores, you’ll take a short flight from the airport in Kuta, Lombok to Labuan Bajo which is the gateway to Komodo National Park.

Komodo Islands liveaboard boat indonesia

Where to stay in Flores

It’s best to stay somewhere close to the Labuan Bajo harbor. This area is bustling with tourists and offers a great variety of food options.

Luxury: If you’re looking for something more private (and more luxurious), you’ll love Villa Domanik . Set on a hillside with panoramic views over the Labuan Bajo port, it’s the perfect base for couples or those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Mid-range: Seaesta Komodo Hotel is the perfect place to spend your first night in Labuan Bajo. Not only is it situated in a prime location, but the views from the rooftop pool are also pretty epic! With shared dorm rooms and private ensuite alternatives, it’s a great option for all travelers.

Things to do in Labuan Bajo

I hate to break it to you, but Labuan Bajo isn’t too exciting! You’ll spend the night here before and after your liveaboard trip but that’s about it.

The best way to explore the Komodo Islands is on a liveaboard boat. Why? Because the national park is quite far from the mainland.

It takes just less than 3 hours to commute from Labuan Bajo to Komodo National Park. So while you can do a day trip, you’ll spend most of the day boating to and from the islands, leaving you very little time to explore.

Scuba diving Indonesia

Komodo liveaboard options

Because of just how big Komodo National Park is, I recommend booking a 2N 3D liveaboard. This is what I did and you can read all about my liveaboard experience here.

Below are a few things that will be included in your liveaboard trip.

  • Komodo Dragon sighting at Rinca Island
  • Climbing Padar Island
  • Snorkeling at pink beach
  • Swimming with Manta Rays at Manta Point
  • Sunset from Gili Lawa

If you’re scuba diving certified, I highly recommend Dive Komodo’s liveaboard. Other snorkeling options include Wanderpus and Travass.

Rinca Island in Komodo National Park

Day 10-11: Komodo Liveaboard

Day 12: return to lubuan bajo.

You’ll return from your liveaboard trip late in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, there are no flights from Labuan Bajo to Bali after 4 pm. But this is also a good thing as it gives you time to rest and recover after spending 3 days on the water!

Day 13: Komodo Islands to Uluwatu, Bali

You still have a week left of your Indonesia itinerary, and today you’ll fly back to Bali to visit Uluwatu.

Because you’ll need to fly to Bali anyway and Uluwatu is yet another must-visit destination in Bali.

With its dramatic coastline, stunning beaches , and local vibes, Uluwatu is the one place where many people wish they could stay longer.

Book an early flight from Labuan Bajo to Bali so that you have a full day to explore Uluwatu.

Bali itinerary for 3 weeks

Where to stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu lies in the far east of Bali, in the Bukit Peninsula. It spans a large distance consisting of 6 districts, each with its own unique charm. Unlike other areas in Bali, you could spend a few days here and still not see all the neighborhoods in the area.

As a first-time visitor to Uluwatu, you’ll love Bingin. If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, then Padang Padang is a better option as it’s more centrally located.

I recommend that you read my Uluwatu accommodation guide to find the perfect area for you.

Luxury: The Anantara Uluwatu Resort is absolutely incredible – wait until you see the rooms. I spent two days here and didn’t leave the resort! With private access to the beach, and an infinity pool overlooking Impossibles surf break, this is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and sip on a cocktail or two!

Mid-range: In search of boho vibes in a tropical paradise? Hari Indah Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Bingin Beach. The rooms are stunning and every detail is taken into consideration.

Budget: If you’re traveling on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on accommodation, Wira Homestay & Spa is where you should stay in Uluwatu. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll be treated to a large private room with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and a communal pool.

Things to do in Uluwatu

Visit the beaches. The beaches in Uluwatu are the best you’ll find in Bali. While there are more than 12 to choose from, Padang Padang Beach and Suluban Beach are more conveniently located so visit these 2 today and the rest tomorrow.

Watch the surfers at Uluwatu surf break. This is a world-famous wave for only those experienced surfers. Ulu’s is also the best place to watch the sunset! There are scores of warungs lining the cliffs – Give Single Fin a skip and walk down the stairs to find a local spot.

Watch Kecak Fire Show at Uluwatu Temple. This famous temple sits on the edge of a cliff with dramatic views of the crashing waves beneath. Pair this with the Kecak Fire Show, a local dance and musical performance.

Indonesia bucket list

Day 14: Uluwatu

Today you’ll explore more of Uluwatu. I recommend renting a scooter for the day or organizing a private driver.

Check out the Balangan Viewpoint. Not only is Balangan Beach the best beach in Uluwatu, but it also has an iconic viewpoint that Instagrammers will love.

Seafood BBQ at Bingin. Enjoy a sunset swim and take your pick from the massive seafood spread on Bingin Beach.

Go to a beach club. If you thought the beach bars in Seminyak were awesome, just wait until you see what Uluwatu has to offer. My top picks are Sunday’s Beach Club and Karma Kandara.

Beaches in Uluwatu indonesia

Day 15-20: Uluwatu and beyond

You’re on day 15 of your Indonesia itinerary and with only a few days left, you can take your pick of how you end your trip.

What I’ve detailed above at the must-dos on any Indonesia itinerary, no matter how much time you have.

Here are my recommendations for other things to do.

Option 1: Explore the Kelimutu Crater Lakes in Flores

Time needed: 2 nights

After your liveaboard in the Komodo National Park, take a quick flight from Labuan Bajo to Ende in Flores to see the Kelimutu Crater Lakes.

Ende is the main city near the smaller village of Moni. Moni is home to the stunning Kelimutu Lakes and the entire area off the beaten track. If you’re looking for raw and real experiences in Indonesia, be sure to visit the Kelimutu Crater Lakes before flying back to Bali.

Kelimutu Crater Lakes Indonesia

Option 2: Visit Mount Bromo in Java

Forming part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Mount Bromo is one of the best-known peaks of Indonesia. At almost 2,330 meters high, its summit isn’t as tall as some of the others in the range, but it attracts the highest number of hikers.

To get to Mount Bromo, you will need to fly from Bali to Surabaya on East Java. You then have the option of doing a day tour from Surabaya to Mount Bromo, which is a 2-hour drive away. Or you can take a bus (or train) and stay at Probolinggo which is the gateway to Mount Bromo.

Hiking Mount Bromo on 3 week Indonesia itinerary

Option 2: Nusa Penida, Bali

If you’ve got your heart set on seeing more Bali landmarks, then spend 2 days in Nusa Penida where you can visit the famous Ketiling Beach, Angels Billabong, Crystal Bay as well as Broken Beach.

You can also visit Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali as it’s a short boat trip away.

Option 3: Munduk, Bali

This itinerary for Indonesia takes you to many seaside locations. But if you’re looking for lush forests, coffee plantations, and waterfalls, then Munduk is a great addition.

Munduk lies toward the northern part of Bali and offers a cooler climate and fewer tourists compared to those areas down south.

Sunset in Munduk Bali

Day 21: The end of your 3 weeks in Indonesia

Today’s the last day of your Indonesia itinerary. Make sure you’re staying in the same area as the airport as there can be traffic or ferry delays.

What to pack for Indonesia

Bali has a tropical climate and you need to pack for this. Also, remember to pack lightly. If you’re following my recommended Indonesia travel route, you’ll be moving around quite a bit. here are a few must-haves

  • A backpack: Don’t bring hard luggage if you’re traveling between islands.
  • Trainers: Hiking shoes aren’t necessary, but be sure to bring a good pair of trainers for all the walking you’ll be doing.
  • A light jacket: Although it will be hot, bring a light jacket to wear in the mornings, on boat trips, and for your flight.

Here’s my comprehensive Indonesia packing list which includes everything you need to pack (and leave at home)!

Indonesia itinerary packing list

Is Indonesia expensive to visit

No, Indonesia is extremely affordable. You can easily get by on $50 per day! The flight and ferry costs are also really affordable.

Do I need a visa for Indonesia

Previously, if you were spending 3 weeks in Indonesia, you wouldn’t need a visa to visit the country.

This has now changed!

All travelers need to pay for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which costs IDR 500 000 ($35 USD). This 30-day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days.

You can pay in cash using USD, AUD, GBP and Euro. Alternatively, Visa or Mastercard payments are also accepted.

Going off the beaten track in Indonesia

Frequently Asked Questions

Best time to visit indonesia.

The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season from April to October.

How long to spend in Indonesia

If you want to visit a few islands, I recommend planning a 2 to 4 week Indonesia trip itinerary.

Final thoughts on 3 weeks Indonesia itinerary

Planning the perfect Indonesia itinerary is no easy task! With so many amazing attractions, you’re going to have to make a few compromises.

From my personal experience, this guide includes the best of Indonesia and I have no doubt that after your visit, it won’t be long before you return.

Have you traveled to South East Asia? What destinations would you recommend for the perfect Indonesia itinerary for 3 weeks? Let me know in the comments section below!

Looking for more Indonesia travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!

  • Living in Bali: Pros And Cons of Island Life
  • Comprehensive Guide to Renting a Scooter in Bali
  • 7 Incredible Bali Hidden Gems
  • 26 Things I Wish I Knew About Backpacking Indonesia
  • The Ultimate Bali Packing List

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Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

Where to stay in Seoul for first time visitors: Best areas, hotels and more

Living in bali: pros and cons of island life [from an expat], 2 thoughts on “the perfect 3 week indonesia itinerary: best places to visit in indonesia”.

Hello Carryn, Thank you for this itinerary! it has been super helpful for me, I am planning my first solo trip, but I have a few questions for you:

– Did you book all your hotels before arriving there or can we do it there last minute? – Did you have to book any of the attraction with anticipation? – How is the security there (considering we are both females and I will be by my own)

I really hope to hear from you soon, Best Regards, Fernanda

Hi Fernanda, I’m so excited for your trip!

– I booked accommodation last minute (a day or 2 prior) through Booking.com . I recommend you do the same as you may have slight changes to your itinerary, depending on the people you meet (or the weather). If you’re short on time and you have a fixed itinerary, you could book in advance, but it’s not necessary (unless you’re really particular about where you stay) – Yes, I booked my Komodo islands boat trip about a week before, but for other tours, such as Mount Batur, Kelimutu Crater Lakes, day trips etc, I booked a day or two in advance. – I felt very safe in Indonesia and never had to watch my back. The locals are so friendly and helpful. Of course, there’s always the chance of petty theft, especially in Bali. So keep your valuables close, but you don’t have to worry about violent crime in the country.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Enjoy your trip!

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24 Best Things To Do In Indonesia

Indonesia is a wild and wonderful country of 17,000 islands, and many of the best things to do in Indonesia are off the beaten path.

Everyone goes to Bali , which is an amazing island (don’t get me wrong!), but it’s been suffering from overtourism and overdevelopment for years.

If you branch out to the other islands in Indonesia , you can see smoking volcanoes, sulfur lakes, pink sand beaches , tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, and so much more.

Since Indonesia is my second home (and my wife’s actual home!), we’ve been privileged to do a bunch of exploring in this beautiful country, including some of the most far flung Indonesian islands.

Without further ado, here is our list of some of the best things to do in Indonesia!

Contents hide Best Things To Do In Indonesia 1. Get In Nature 2. Climb The Volcanoes 3. Visit The Waterfalls 4. Watch The Wildlife 5. See The Volcanic Lakes 6. Explore A Cave 7. Go Diving & Snorkeling 8. Relax On The Beaches 9. Visit A Lighthouse 10. Stroll The Terraces 11. Trek A Rainforest 12. Go Island Hopping 13. Walk On A Sandbar 14. Get Lost In Paradise 15. Meet The Locals 16. Experience The Cultures 17. Visit The Landmarks 18. Tour The Temples 19. Enjoy Indonesian Food 20. Shop For Souvenirs 21. Wear The Local Dress 22. Watch The Sunrise 23. Watch The Sunset 24. Find The Hidden Gems More Things To Do In Indonesia When Is The Best Time To Visit?  

Best Things To Do In Indonesia

1. get in nature.

Indonesia is one of those countries where if you’re not exploring the outdoors, you’re doing it wrong.

Don’t waste any time in the cities, just get in nature as soon as possible! Of course you have the islands and beaches, but there are also all kinds of other scenery in Indonesia too.

From Sumatra to Papua, you can find a wide variety of lakes, mountains, rainforests, giant boulders, sand dunes, and more.

Indonesia has some colorful blue lakes that are absolutely stunning. These include the Paisu Pok Lake in Banggai Sulawesi, Labuan Cermin in Kalimantan, and the smaller Danau Kaco in Sumatra.

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Lake Toba is the biggest volcanic lake in the world

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

The giant granite boulders of Belitung

2. Climb The Volcanoes

Indonesia has 400 volcanoes, and up to 130 of them are active — more than any other country in the world.

Most of the volcanoes in Indonesia are open to tourists for hiking, and at some of them (like Mount Bromo in Java) you can even walk up to the edge of the smoking crater!

This is hands down one of the best things to do in Indonesia! In Bali, the most popular volcano to hike is Mount Batur for sunrise, or if you really want a challenge you can climb Mount Agung .

Two other amazing volcano hikes elsewhere in Indonesia are Mount Rinjani in Lombok and Mount Dukono in Maluku, although both of these can be pretty challenging.

Read More: Best Hikes In Indonesia

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Mount Bromo in Java

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

The smoking Bromo crater

3. Visit The Waterfalls

Pretty much every island in Indonesia has at least a few stunning waterfalls if you do a bit of exploring.

A lot of the best waterfalls in Indonesia are located in Sumatra and Java, but even the smaller islands like Bali and Lombok have some great ones too.

A great place to chase waterfalls in Indonesia is at the Ciletuh Geopark in West Java, which is a UNESCO-designated geopark loaded with nice waterfalls. It’s reachable by driving a half day from Jakarta, and there are some nice places to stay near the waterfalls.

One of the tallest falls in Indonesia is the Ponot Waterfall in North Sumatra, which is a giant 3-step waterfall near the famous Lake Toba, and it has a height of more than 250 meters (820 feet)!

Read More: Best Waterfalls In Indonesia

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Curug Cimarinjung Waterfall in West Java

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Sipiso Piso Waterfall is one of the most famous in Sumatra

4. Watch The Wildlife

Indonesia has almost 20 percent of the world’s animal species, so there’s a lot of endemic wildlife to see here that can’t be found anywhere else.

You can watch the world’s biggest lizards on Komodo Island , bug-eyed tarsiers at the Tangkoko Reserve in Sulawesi, wild orangutans at Bukit Lawang in Sumatra, and of course the famous macaques at the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali.

Wildlife watching is definitely one of the best things to do in Indonesia!

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

The Komodo island is the only place in the world where you can see wild Komodo dragons

Siau Island Tarsier Pulau Siau Sulawesi Indonesia

A little bug eyed Tarsier in Siau Island , Sulawesi

Sumatran Orangutan at Bukit Lawang Indonesia

Orangutan viewing at Bukit Lawang is a highlight of Sumatra

5. See The Volcanic Lakes

Where you have volcanoes, you also have plenty of volcanic lakes and hot springs!

Some of the hot springs are suitable for swimming, and others make for fantastic photos. The most famous volcanic lake in Indonesia is probably the Kawah Ijen crater in East Java, which is pretty close to Bali.

Two other great spots to check out are Kawah Putih in West Java, and the three lakes of Mount Kelimutu in Flores.

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Kawah Putih is a surreal and exotic looking lake in West Java

Kawah Ijen Gas Mask Volcano Mount Ijen Crater Lake Blue Fire Banyuwangi Indonesia

Masked up at the Kawah Ijen crater lake in East Java.

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Kelimutu National Park in Flores has no less than three volcanic lakes!

6. Explore A Cave

Limestone mountains are common in many parts of Indonesia, so that means there are lots of spectacular caves too.

You can explore a sparkling limestone cave at Rammang Rammang in Sulawesi, or swim in a blue pool at the Rangko Cave in Flores. Meanwhile in Tana Toraja , caves of this sort are still being used as ceremonial tombs today.

One of the prehistoric caves in Sulawesi even has the world’s oldest known cave art made by humans, which we found completely fascinating!

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Goa Rangko Cave in Flores

Goa Kunang Kunang Rammang

Fireflies Cave in Sulawesi

7. Go Diving & Snorkeling

Indonesia is part of the Coral Triangle, a tropical ocean wonderland with most of the world’s coral and fish species.

Needless to say, it’s a great place to go diving or snorkeling, and you can see all kinds of rare fish, colorful corals, sea turtles, manta rays, and if you’re lucky you may even get to swim with a whale shark!

We’ve had great success snorkeling in pretty much every part of Indonesia, but our top pick would probably be Belitung island in south Sumatra.

Belitung island snorkeler in Indonesia

Snorkeling in Belitung

Belitung snorkeling

Fish and coral in Indonesia are some of the best

8. Relax On The Beaches

When people think of nice beaches in Asia, they think Maldives or Thailand , not Indonesia.

Indonesia beaches are fantastic, but they tend to be underrated because a lot of the really good ones are hiding in remote places without easy access. On the bright side, that means you’re more likely to have them to yourself!

With some exploring, what you’ll find are the most amazing white sand beaches, dazzling pink beaches , and black volcanic beaches, along with top quality surf spots, and occasionally some very photogenic cliffs, boulders, and shipwrecks.

Read More: Best Beaches In Indonesia

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Red Sand Beach at Labengki Island

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Komodo has several pink beaches with bright pink sand and turquoise water

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Tanjung Tinggi Beach in Belitung

9. Visit A Lighthouse

Lighthouses are probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think of Indonesia, but it does have a few nice ones.

Two great examples are the colonial Dutch lighthouse on Lengkuas Island in Belitung , and the local built lighthouse on Pulau Karang in Sumatra.

lengkuas palms

Lengkuas island lighthouse in Belitung

lighthouse belitung drone

Drone pic of the Lengkuas lighthouse

10. Stroll The Terraces

Bali is famous for its green rice terraces , but you can also see scenic crop terraces all over Java, Lombok, and many other islands.

Check out the Dieng Plateau in central Java, or the steep Majalengka terraces in West Java!

Best Things To Do In Indonesia Terasering Panyaweuyan Majalengka West Java Indonesia

Endless green terraces of Majalengka in West Java

Best Things To Do In Indonesia What To Do In The Islands

Dieng Plateau in central Java

11. Trek A Rainforest

Indonesia has some of the world’s most important rainforests, and sadly a lot of them are critically endangered because of rampant deforestation to make way for palm oil plantations.

Rainforest tourism is one way to give the locals more financial incentive to protect these places. Aside from the animals, which are amazing, you can also see giant banyan trees and the world’s biggest flowers .

The most popular place to do rainforest trekking in Indonesia is at the Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, and there are a bunch of other good spots scattered across Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo).

Sulawesi island in Indonesia

Tangkoko Nature Reserve in Sulawesi

Giant banyan tree in Bali

Giant banyan tree in Bali

12. Go Island Hopping

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, so get to hopping!

Some of our favorite places to get on a boat and go island hopping are Komodo , Belitung , Bali, and Lombok, but really you can do this pretty much anywhere in Indonesia.

In Komodo or Raja Ampat, you can even stay on a comfy liveaboard boat and spend several days roaming the seas to your heart’s content.

Read More: Best Islands In Indonesia

Belitung island in Indonesia

Batu Berlayar island in Belitung

Padar Island Indonesia Komodo Day Trip From Labuan Bajo

The famous Padar Island view in Komodo National Park

13. Walk On A Sandbar

Another neat experience you can enjoy in island countries like Indonesia is to walk on a sandbar at low tide.

These are like little islands of white sand suspended in the middle of the ocean, and you can usually only walk on them for a few hours before they slowly disappear into the ocean as the tide goes up again.

You can find sandbars all over Indonesia, but two well known ones are Gili Pasir in Lombok, and Taka Makassar in Komodo.

Pulau Pasir Sandbar Belitung

Sandbar in Belitung

Belitung island in Indonesia

Perfect white sand

14. Get Lost In Paradise

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a remote tropical island all to yourself, with a primitive bungalow and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see, Indonesia’s got what you seek!

The best places to unwind, disconnect from WiFi, and live the Robinson Crusoe lifestyle are found in some of the small paradise islands near Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Raja Ampat. Check out Mentawai or the Banyak Islands , for example.

On Nusa Penida island (near Bali), you can even stay the night in a treehouse !

Beautiful beach at Pulau Banyak Islands Indonesia

The Banyak Islands are full of paradise beaches like this one

Nusa Penida island in Bali

Nusa Penida treehouse in Bali

15. Meet The Locals

Indonesian people are the nicest! I even married one !

The country has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world, and we’ve stayed in homestays all over Indonesia without any worry. The people are really friendly and welcoming.

If you travel outside of Bali, especially in remote parts of Java or Sulawesi, you’ll probably get lots of funny photo requests from the locals excited to see a rare ‘bule’ (foreigner).

Souvenir beach seller

Friendly beach seller in Sanur Bali . This guy paints wooden eggs with amazing detail.

Toraja people and kids

Toraja kids

16. Experience The Cultures

For every island and province in Indonesia, there’s a unique culture to go with it.

Some of the top cultural destinations in the country are Sumba, Tana Toraja (one of the world’s most unusual cultures), Wae Rebo (a remote mountain village in Flores), and of course Bali.

Bali may be touristy, but it still has a lot of great culture to soak up. The Balinese language, dress, traditions, and architecture are still very intact and haven’t changed too much since Bali became popular with foreigners.

Torajan women in traditional dress

Tanah Toraja traditional dress

Bali culture

Stone dragon bridge in Bali

17. Visit The Landmarks

Two of the best landmarks to see are Borobudur Temple, which is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, and Prambanan Temple , which looks kind of like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia .

They’re both located in Yogyakarta city in central Java, and Borobudur is a popular spot for sunrise.

For natural landmarks, check out Bali’s famous Kelingking Cliff , or the iconic Padar Island viewpoint in Komodo.

prambanan

Prambanan is one of Indonesia’s best landmarks

Kelingking Beach Cliff Point in Nusa Penida Bali

The famous Kelingking Cliff in Nusa Penida island

18. Tour The Temples

Most of Indonesia’s photogenic temples are located in Bali.

A few iconic Balinese temples you should check out are Uluwatu , Tanah Lot , and Ulun Danu Beratan .

In Java, the temples have been reconstructed from their old ruins (like Angkor Wat ), but they’re still pretty fascinating. The best Hindu temples in Java are located in the Yogyakarta area.

Floating lake temple at Pura Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul, Bali

This pagoda on the lake is one of Bali’s most iconic temples

Candi Sewu Temple in Prambanan Java

Sewu Temple in Java

19. Enjoy Indonesian Food

Indonesia has a lot of great food, and the dishes are similar to what you might find in Malaysia and Singapore .

Some good things to try are Satay Ayam (chicken skewers), Rendang Sapi (spicy beef curry), Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Martabak (omelette pancake), and for dessert Pisang Goreng (fried bananas).

Don’t expect to find hardly any Western food outside of Bali (except for the occasional Pizza Hut or KFC in big cities), but that’s okay. You’ll probably fall in love with the local food, and it’s cheap!

Indonesian Food

Indonesian food is one of the great things about visiting (© Adobe)

20. Shop For Souvenirs

Bali is the best place to do your souvenir shopping in Indonesia.

There’s a wide variety of nice handmade crafts like wood carvings, paintings, and rattan bags, and you can find the usual souvenirs like keychains and fridge magnets. Bali is also known for coffee beans, spices, oils, lace, ceramics, and silverworks.

Souvenir shopping is not really a thing in other parts of Indonesia since there’s not as much of a market for it, although we picked up some neat shirts in the Komodo National Park .

Bali paintings

Ubud Art Market in Bali

Balinese Wood Carvings

Balinese Wood Carvings

21. Wear The Local Dress

For a really fun and unique photo op, you can wear the traditional dress in Bali and do a photoshoot at a palace or villa. The locals don’t mind this at all, and actually enjoy seeing foreigners appreciate their culture.

In Bali, it’s normal for the local Balinese couples to wear these elaborate costumes for their prewedding photos and such. Foreigners (including tourists) are also welcome to do the same, if they like! Just be respectful, of course.

My wife Intan is Balinese, so when we got married we wore a simple Balinese outfit for our prewedding ceremony, and then did a more elaborate dress-up and photo shoot at a later date, complete with fancy gold crowns and a big flowing dress for Intan. It was fun to look like the king and queen of Bali for a day.

Our costumes and makeup were done by Cahya Dewi Salon , and our pictures were done by Wikanka Photography . The pricing was very reasonable! They let us choose two great locations for the photoshoot, and then helped us strike the right poses for the camera. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable things we’ve done in Indonesia.

In the other Indonesian islands, wearing the local dress like this isn’t common, and you’re not likely to ever have that opportunity unless you marry a local, in which case you’d be expected to dress up in the local style for your wedding ceremony. Every tribe in Indonesia has its own unique traditional dress, and all of the designs are nice.

Indonesian Costumes Clothing Traditional Dress

22. Watch The Sunrise

A tropical sunrise is hard to beat, and there are a lot of great sunrise watching spots scattered across the Indonesian islands.

My first sunrise in Indonesia was at Sanur Beach in Bali , where the combination of a cool morning breeze, birds chirping, fishermen wading out on the reef, and the Mount Agung volcano in the distance was just plain magic.

In Indonesia, hiking a volcano for sunrise is popular too. Usually this means hiking during the night so you can reach the summit just in time to see a spectacular sunrise display at the top of the mountain.

Sanur Beach Sunrise

Sanur Beach is one of the most popular sunrise spots in Bali

Sunrise on Sikunir hill

Sikunir sunrise in Java, with the Sundoro volcano in the background.

23. Watch The Sunset

For every sunrise there’s a sunset, and Indonesia has lots of great places to see it.

Our favorite sunset spot in Bali is Amed Beach , but we’ve also seen some amazing sunsets in Java, Sulawesi, and other places.

Pick an island, head west for the evening, and enjoy the photo ops!

Yeh Leh Beach Sunset

Yeh Leh beach sunset

Pantai Kastela Beach Sunset Ternate Maluku

Crazy colors at Kastela Beach in Ternate

24. Find The Hidden Gems

We’ve spent years exploring the Indonesian islands , and still barely scratched the surface.

There are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this wild and wonderful country of 17,000 islands. Many of the best things to do in Indonesia are off the beaten path.

If you want a hint, start looking in Maluku, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. All of these islands have many, many spectacular scenic places that have never been seen by foreigners yet.

Sombori Raja Ampat view

Sombori Island

More Things To Do In Indonesia

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best things to do in Indonesia!

I’ve barely scratched the surface here, and the list is always growing as we experience more of what to do in Indonesia and its many wonderful islands.

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out my complete Indonesia Travel Guide for more tips, info, and photos of what to do in Indonesia!  

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

The best time to visit Indonesia depends on what you’re looking for:

☁ Rainy season runs from November to April. The weather during the day can be hot and humid, at 32 to 35 °C (90 to 95 °F), but it’s less crowded during this time, and the rain is mostly at night. Waterfalls come alive, and the landscapes are bright green.

☀ Dry season runs from May to August. The temperatures are milder and cooler, and it’s more breezy and sunny. This is the nicest weather, and it’s perfect for hiking, island hopping, and some of the best things to do in Indonesia. It’s also the high season, so it’s generally more crowded with tourists.

Happy travels! Regardless of when you decide to visit Wonderful Indonesia, you’re sure to see some spectacular sights!  

  • Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands – Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
  • Best Hikes In Indonesia – Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls
  • Indonesia Waterfall Guide – Best Waterfalls In Indonesia
  • Indonesia Beach Guide – Best Beaches In Indonesia
  • Indonesia Travel Guide – Tips, Info, & Photos

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Very Informative Article Thanks a lot

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Fantastic. I like your post and I shared it to my social Networks!

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Fantastic guide on Indonesia’s hidden gems! Thanks for sharing these insights and encouraging a deeper exploration of this amazing country!

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The Ideal Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months

04/17/2018 by Kristin Addis 8 Comments

From 2 weeks to 2 months, this is an epic Indonesia itinerary that will help you make the most out of your time in Indonesia! Both itineraries will make sure you have the opportunity to explore the islands, mountains, and some off the beaten path spots | Be My Travel Muse | Indonesia travel tips | Southeast Asia

When the sun rose over the volcano caldera, lighting up the sky in shades of orange, pink, and yellow, it illuminated the electric blue lake and the blue flames of the volcano faded into the light. I looked at the French guy next to me, whom I’d met during the hike up with the stars, and we smiled in unison. That moment would feature on the highlight reel of my life.

This wasn’t the first time an experience in Indonesia would make that reel. There were the Manta rays in the water, the orangutans swinging through the trees and the friendly people who all made me realize, there’s something magnetic about Indonesia. It’s so much more than just Bali.

The first time I visited Indonesia I budgeted six weeks thinking that would surely be enough to see all of the things that I wanted to see. I quickly came to realize that Indonesia is huge and that each island has its own unique food, culture, language, and often its own religion as well. Therefore each island is a destination in itself where one could spend months or years.

I say this not to discourage, but rather to help create some realistic expectations for your Indonesia itinerary. There are literally thousands of islands in the world’s fourth most populated country spanning close to 2 million square kilometers (over 735k square miles).

With that in mind here are some itinerary suggestions for 2 weeks to 2 months in Indonesia:

2 Weeks in Indonesia:

If you only have two or fewer weeks, I strongly suggest picking one or two regions and doing them justice, like only Lombok and Bali, or only Flores and Raja Ampat. Each are so special in their own way and in such a big country, it could otherwise feel like all you’re doing is rushing and moving around. Here’s a great option:

Days 1-4: Sumatra

indonesia itinerary

Fly into Medan and take a bus bound for Bukit Lawang. This will take most of the afternoon. Avoid Medan, really, there’s nothing to see there.

Book a day trek into the jungle to see the Orangutans. These are best organized with guides who grew up in the jungle and know how to track the Orangutans without offering them food. Spend a day in Bukit Lawang before or after and inner tube down the river, enjoying the company of the incredibly friendly locals.

Bus back to Medan and fly out to Bali.

Days 5-10: Bali & Nusa Islands

indonesia itinerary

While most visitors to Indonesia flock to Bali, I tend to avoid it since the traffic can be hectic and many of the areas are Westernized, which I like to avoid when I travel. That said, Ubud and Canggu are traveler favorites and Keramas is a personal favorite of mine, and since Bali is so easy to fly into, consider spending a couple of days in one or the other before moving onto the Nusa Islands.

Take a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan or Penida and spend 3 days exploring these lovely islands – visit gorgeous beaches, snorkel with Manta rays, learn to surf, or chill at one of the many beachfront pools and cafes. From Lembongan, it’s easy to ride a motorbike over the bridge to Ceningan for a day trip, or consider staying on Ceningan for a more laid-back vibe. This is popular with surfers as well and boasts much smaller crowds than Bali. Click here for the perfect Nusa Islands itinerary.

Days 11-14: Lombok

indonesia itinerary

Just a 2-hour fast boat over from the Nusa islands, or a short flight over from Bali, Lombok is yet again wildly different from the other islands you would have experienced with this itinerary, and well worth experiencing. Lombok is much quieter, more rural, and rugged.

You’ll have to make some choices here between the Gili islands just off the coast, trekking the Rinjani volcano, which usually takes 3 days and 2 nights, or heading down south to Kuta for some gorgeous beaches and surfing. There are also incredible waterfalls all over Lombok to check out. The adventure there can be endless. This guide can help you pick and choose which activities on the island call to you the most.

indonesia itinerary

That’s one of many possible adventures for 2 weeks in Indonesia, though if you keep reading, you can pick and choose more options below.

indonesia in travel

First Name:

1 month in Indonesia

You’ve got a full month in Indonesia – fantastic! You can take a bit more time in each place and rush around a little bit less. I also highly suggest adding diving into your itinerary, as Indonesia has some of the best in the world, truly!

Repeat the 2-week itinerary, but give yourself more time in each place and expand it to 21 days, spending extra time in Sumatra and adding in Pulau Weh for a quiet, secluded island or Lake Tobah to stay on an island within a lake within an island (say that ten times fast), or spending more time on Lombok so that you can enjoy the beaches, do the Rinjani trek, see the waterfalls, and spend some time on the Gili islands .

indonesia itinerary

From there, this itinerary can go one of two ways – the diving route or the volcano route. If you’re into diving:

Days 22-30: East Java

indonesia itinerary

If you go this route, reverse Lombok and Bali and fly into Lombok from Medan, Sumatra. Spend time enjoying Lombok, then fly or boat to Bali and after a few days there, head to the Ubung bus terminal and buy an onward ticket to Bondowoso, ferry included. Traveling to the base of Kawah Ijen will take most of the day.

Once on Java, we’ll head to Kawah Ijen, the experience I referenced in the opening of this post, which still ranks at the top of my list over five years of travels and adventures later. Kawah Ijen is famous for its blue flames and the amazingly strong sulfur miners who carry loads up and down the volcano all day and night. Hike in with the stars to see the flames and watch the sunrise from the crater rim. More on how to do it independently of a tour here.

Next, take a bus to Surabaya via Probolinggo and onwards to Cemoro Lawang to trek or drive to the Bromo volcano for sunrise – one of the most famous volcanos in Indonesia. More on how to do that here.

indonesia itinerary

From there, bus back down to Surabaya and bus or train to Yogyakarta to see the Borobudur temple. This temple was built in the 9th century and represents a mix of Buddhism and ancestor worship. It’s a unique temple in Java that you won’t see a match for in the rest of Southeast Asia. From there, fly out of Yogyakarta home or to your next destination.

Days 22-30: Komodo

indonesia itinerary

It’s hard to beat Indonesia when it comes to diving and though there are many places with fantastic dive spots, Komodo and Raja Ampat reign supreme.

Komodo is a bit cheaper and easier to get to, flying into Flores and hopping onto a dive boat from there. The corals are fantastic, Manta rays are regularly sighted, and the scenery is gorgeous as well. Plus, you get to see the famous Komodo dragon on Rinca, the island pictured above.

Komodo’s main season is April through December, though you can dive there year round. If you’re in Indonesia during the rainy season, consider spending a bit less time in Bali, or cutting out Sumatra, and spending 11 days to two weeks in Raja Ampat, flying into Sorong, West Papua. While it’s possible to get on a dive boat in Komodo for just three or six days, most dive trips in Raja Ampat are longer, and it does tend to be more expensive. That said, the abundance and diversity of fish is mind-blowing, and the corals are varied, plentiful, and vibrant. Plus, the islands are incredible too. It’s easily one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.  Read more on diving in Raja Ampat here.

indonesia itinerary

Note that both Komodo and Raja Ampat have notoriously strong currents and are better suited to divers with some experience. You should have at least your advanced open water before getting on a dive boat in either place. Nitrox is advised.

2 Months in Indonesia

With two months in Indonesia you can take a bit more time in each place, planning ahead much less and opting to spend extra days or even a week here and there in the places that call to you the most.

For this itinerary I suggest allowing for more fluidity, with a few key things planned out in advance such as flights and diving.

Week one: Sumatra

Spend more time in the jungles, on Lake Tobah, or on Pulau Weh. To truly head off the beaten path, head south on this giant island and explore the jungles.

Weeks two through four: Bali, the Nusa Islands, and Lombok

indonesia itinerary

Given how much there is to do on and around Lombok and Bali, slow down, take a bit more time to explore, and take yoga classes, go for hikes on the volcanoes, learn to surf, attend a retreat, or just park in a bamboo bungalow for a week and hang at the beach.

It’s easy to slow down and spend a good chunk of time in this area. My particular favorites are the mainland of Lombok, particularly Kuta’s beaches , and the Nusa islands .

Week five: Sumbawa or East Java

indonesia itinerary

Explore the volcanoes and temples of East Java, or go the other direction and check out Sumbawa, a truly off the beaten path gem that’s perfect for beach bums and especially surfers.

For a wave that has almost nobody else on it, a beach with only a few huts, and the type of tourist who tends to stay for 2-3 months on just this beach, look no further than Sumbawa. This is the next hidden paradise that almost nobody knows about. This is the spot that is only starting to get on the radar of surfers in the know. To get there, the easiest method is a boat with Ozone Adventure from Kuta Lombok.

Weeks six through eight: Diving in Raja Ampat or Komodo

indonesia itinerary

If you’re a diver, then you absolutely must experience Komodo, Raja Ampat, or both. These are easily the best spots for diving in Indonesia and each has the small stuff, the big stuff, and incredible corals. Scroll up to the one-month itinerary for more information on how to get to each and who to book dives with.

With that, you will have had an incredible trip in Indonesia, both in the popular places and in plenty of off the beaten path spots as well. It’s the perfect mix in a country that delivers high value for your money and has great food and friendly people to boot.

Keep in mind this itinerary still only covers a small part of a huge country. There’s also Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumba, West Java, West Timor, and so many more! After the four months I’ve spent traveling around Indonesia I still feel I’ve barely scratched the surface, and my list just keeps getting longer!

What are some of your favorite places in Indonesia?

From 2 weeks to 2 months, this is an epic Indonesia itinerary that will help you make the most out of your time in Indonesia! Both itineraries will make sure you have the opportunity to explore the islands, mountains, and some off the beaten path spots | Be My Travel Muse | Indonesia travel tips | Southeast Asia

READ NEXT: A guide to Indonesia: Currency exchange rates, more posts, and budgeting guides

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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04/17/2018 at 7:04 am

What a great summary of what you have learned and discovered over your 5+ years of traveling at this locale. If anyone talks with me about traveling to Indonesia, I will send them over to this post. Also, this was very well written, you clearly put some effort on this and it shows!

Dominique | dominiquetravels.com says

04/19/2018 at 12:10 pm

Great itineraries! I’ve never been to Indonesia, and I doubt I’ll go there for longer than 3 weeks at a time so the first itinerary sounds perfect to me! Diving with manta rays would be a dream 🙂

Sara Vozel says

05/09/2018 at 11:11 pm

Great guide! Will definitely be using this when we are in Indonesia!!

Mackenzie says

12/12/2018 at 8:14 am

This guide has helped me shape my itinerary to Indonesia in April and I am so excited! I am doing 6 days at a retreat in Canggu, and then have 6 days to spend in Ubud, Gili Air, Nusa islands, or some combination. Would you recommend splitting the time or just choosing one?

Kristin says

12/12/2018 at 9:02 am

I might pick just one set of islands as well as Ubud. The Nusa islands get the slight edge over the Gilis for me 🙂

03/01/2019 at 8:45 am

If you start from Jakarta, then take a train or bus to Bandung to see kawah putih, then to Yogyakarta to see prambanan and borobudur temple, have some fun in cave pindul, after that go to jepara by bus to go to Karimunjawa Island to have snorkling, go to east java trakking to kawah ijen, baluran, menjangan, go to nusa penida bali, next go to lombok island to see gili and the pink beach, then sailing komodo tour in labuan bajo, after that have an overland tour in flores, go to sumba island and Timor Leste.

Sophie says

06/18/2019 at 6:40 pm

I’ve been researching Indonesia and your website has been very useful—thank you! I had a quick question—did you take anti-malaria pills when you went east of Bali (Nusa Islands, Lombok, Komodo Island, etc.)?

I see that the CDC lists Lombok, for example, as low risk. I was just curious what you did, given your robust experience/time in the area, and as a female traveler:)

06/19/2019 at 9:14 am

I have never taken anti-Malarials in Southeast Asia. I do in Mozambique and other countries where the strains are particularly lethal. However that’s just my preference and I don’t want to give advice on whether one should or should not. You can still get Malaria in Southeast Asia, and also Dengue, I just don’t want to be taking those pills for that long.

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ULTIMATE INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE: STEP-BY-STEP ITINERARY PLAN

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WHAT TO SEE IN INDONESIA? BEST ISLANDS TO VISIT IN INDONESIA? BEST TRAVEL PLAN FOR INDONESIA?

Indonesia is home to more than 18,000 islands and 270 millions people. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination among tourists due to the cheap local food and affordable accommodation.

Planning a trip to Indonesia is already challenging enough since you have to choose which islands to visit, how to get there, when is the best time to visit it, etc.

To help you prepare for the journey of your lifetime, we’ve put together a brief travel guide that highlights all you need to know to travel to Indonesia.

1. Determine Your Itinerary

Planning a trip to Indonesia

To start with, you can find unique itineraries here and explore Indonesia at its finest by booking an Indonesia cruise. This kind of cruise is best for anyone who wants to explore distant destinations and enjoy the diversity of cultures, traditions, and customs.

Plus, you will have the itinerary planned from day one. If you are visiting Indonesia for the first time, this could best way to start! It will avoid the headache of all the planning and preparations.

2. Choose Which Islands To Visit

Carefully select what you want to see during your trip to Indonesia. It’s important to determine in advance which islands you will visit and how you will get there. Here are several suggestions from our side:

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Bali is best known for its beautiful Hindu temples , rice terraces, and traditional arts. It’s a popular destination among tourists due to the breathtaking beaches and authentic temple art. If you want to experience Bali at its best, we recommend visiting Lovina, an area filled with small fishing villages and green rice terraces.

READ: 10 MOST INCREDIBLE HOTELS IN BALI

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Lombok is an island located close to Bali in Indonesia. This island is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying the beautiful beaches. Indeed the island attracts less tourists than Bali, so you will have more chances to have some beautiful places all for yourself!

READ: 18 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE IN LOMBOK

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Sumatra is one of the less-visited islands in Indonesia and undoubtedly one of the best. It’s known for its volcanic lakes, wild jungles, and orang-utans. In Sumatra you will witness the beauty of the exotic wildlife and untamed jungle life.

Along the shores of Toba and Mininjau, you can take a short hike or visit the neighboring island of Java.

Komodo Islands

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Komodo Islands are the home of the legendary K omodo Dragons , incredible creatures that are direct descendants of the dinosaurs and the closest visually similar to them.

These islands are also known for their snorkeling and scuba diving spots, as well for their marine biodiversity.

3. Consider Options That Fit Your Budget

Planning a trip to Indonesia

The next step is to determine your budget and check whether the options you had in mind will fit your budget.

First of all, you need to search for the most affordable flight options and have in mind the average price. We recommend to check the cheapest options here .

4. Learn More About Indonesia

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Since you will be visiting an exotic and distant country, it’s recommended that you learn more about their customs and have an idea of the closest cities, bus lines, currency, food, and visa requirements.

To make your experience more enjoyable, you can even learn some Indonesian phrases.

And regarding the health requirements, always carry wet wipes and antibacterial hand washes with you, use sun protection regularly, drink plenty of water and take insect repellent with you.

5. Check The Safety Measures

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Indonesia is relatively safe, so you can travel freely without worrying about your safety and whereabouts.

However, be aware of pickpocketing and street crime , especially in busy areas.

6. Travel Essentials

Planning a trip to Indonesia

Before you embark on an Indonesian adventure, there are a few things to know.

First of all, you might need a visa to visit Indonesia, so make sure you check the requirements.

Take enough cash with you because some places might not accept cards. Bring pocket wifi or buy an eSim card since you might not always have a reliable internet connection in public spaces. You can buy very cheap eSim card here .

Make sure to pack plug types C and F adapters, or consider a universal travel adapter as a substitute.

Last but not least, purchase travel insurance to ensure your belongings are safe.

Are You Ready?

Now the main question is – Are you ready to make your trip the adventure of a lifetime?

Hopefully, we’ve helped you plan your trip a bit better. And if you are still not sure whether you want to visit Indonesia, keep researching all the amazing things you can see in this wonderful country. The above video will give you a glimpse of what to expect during a trip to Indonesia.

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We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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Asia , Indonesia , Itineraries · November 25, 2020

Perfect 2 Weeks Indonesia Itinerary: Best Places to Visit

If you want to visit Indonesia for 2 weeks and have no idea where to start, this post is for you. Plan the perfect trip with this 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary, including all the best things to do and top tourist spots.

The “Emerald of the Equator” has everything a traveler could ever want – from stunning beaches and ancient temples to delicious street food and plenty to keep you busy. But with a myriad of places to go and see, planning the perfect itinerary in Indonesia can be overwhelming.

To help you find Indonesia’s best landmarks , this Indonesia travel itinerary for 2 weeks will take you from the capital Jakarta to the historic city of Yogyakarta and its famous Buddhist temple, Borobudur, all the way to Bali .

All in all, this route will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.

Traveling on a budget? Here are 21 tips on how to save money in Indonesia .

Borobudur Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Indonesia.

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Indonesia 2 Week Itinerary Travel Essentials

While it’s relatively easy to explore Indonesia, there are a few things to know before setting foot in this fascinating country. 

  • You might need a visa to visit Indonesia. See if you need one  here . 
  • Indonesia’s currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and 1 USD can get you roughly 16,000 rupiahs. While most touristy places accept cards, take enough cash with you when traveling off the grid. 
  • Although most public spaces have wifi, these connections aren’t always the most reliable.  Grab a 4G Sim card  for pickup at the airport or this eSIM for Indonesia for a stress-free trip.  
  • Unless you’re from the UK or South Africa, make sure to pack a travel adapter for your 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary.. Indonesia uses  plug types C and   F,  with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. This international travel plug  is a great option. Moreover, it comes with four USB ports and works in over 200 countries. 
  • Remember to get travel insurance for your dream trip to Indonesia. I use (and recommend) SafetyWing .

broken beach nusa penida bali

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Indonesia: Quick Overview 

  • Indonesia Day 1-2 : Start your Indonesia itinerary in Jakarta | Jakarta National Monument >> Batavia >> Glodok Chinatown Market >> Jalan Jaksa.
  • Day 3-5 : Hop on a train to Yogyakarta | Malioboro Street >> Vredeburg Fort >>Borobudur Temple >> Mount Merapi. 
  • Indonesia Day 6-10 : Fly out to Bali | Seminyak >> Canggu >> Kuta >> Ubud >>  Uluwatu Temple >> Nusa Penida.
  • Day 11-1 4: Head out to the Gili Islands.

How long should you stay in Indonesia

Indonesia is a large country consisting of thousands of islands full of beautiful places to visit and tourist spots to explore. And to be honest, you could spend months here and still have things left on your Indonesia bucket list!

However, spending 2 weeks in Indonesia is the perfect time-frame to get a feeling of what the country is like and will allow ample time to visit some of the most popular places. 

With that said, if you can, extend your trip to 3 or 4 weeks to get a chance to explore other areas such as Borneo, Komodo, Raja Ampat, or even more of Java. 

Make sure to explore the underwater world on your Indonesia itinerary.

When is the Best Time to Visit Indonesia 

Indonesia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which runs  from April to October . During these months, the weather is ideal for swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and exploring all of Indonesia’s best attractions. June to Septembe r is the peak tourist season, so if you must visit during these months, expect higher prices and lots of tourists. 

In contrast, the wet season runs  from November to March . It’s not the worst time to visit the country but prepare for frequent downpours. It’s best to avoid visiting Indonesia in January as this month sees up to 402mm in rainfall. 

An Epic 2 Weeks Indonesia Itinerary: What to Do and Where to Go in Indonesia

This 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary includes one of the best things to do in Java, the country’s most populous area. You’ll start your trip in Jakarta, the nation’s capital, where you can enjoy some sightseeing and really immerse yourself in the local culture.

Next, a train will take you across the country to the famous artists’ city, Yogyakarta. Once there, you’ll get to try some of Indonesia’s best street food and see the world-famous temple Borobudur.

After spending your first week of this Indonesia itinerary in cities, you’ll head to Bali, arguably the best island in the entire country. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches, cultural experiences, and wildlife.

After a quick visit to some of Bali’s neighboring islands and the beautiful beaches of Nusa Penida , you’ll conclude your 2-week itinerary for Indonesia in Gili Trawangan swimming with green sea turtles.

Day 1: Start your Indonesia itinerary in Jakarta

On the first day of your 2 weeks in Indonesia, you’ll probably still be dealing with jet lag and a fair bit of culture shock. Take this day to get your bearings and explore the area around your hotel or hostel. Make sure to go to bed early and get some rest as tomorrow will be an exciting day of exploring!

indonesia in travel

Where to Stay in Jakarta

Indonesia’s bustling capital city has heaps of choices when it comes to accommodation. Menteng is the city’s beating pulse and the best neighborhood to stay in Jakarta. Since you’ll be close to some of the city’s best attractions, such as Merdeka Square and the National Monument, it’s the perfect base for first-time visitors. 

  • Luxury: The Hermitage is the crown jewel of 5-star luxury hotels in Jakarta. This gorgeous colonial-style property offers posh rooms accompanied by all the amenities you would ever need during this first bit of your Indonesia itinerary. See prices and availability here .
  • Mid-range: Those who don’t want to sacrifice style over price should check-in at the Novotel . It’s a great mid-range option with clean, modern rooms. What’s more, the epic pool is a great place to cool down after a day out exploring Jakarta’s bustling streets. Check rates and availability here .
  • Budget:   Konko Hostel  is a uber-cool hostel right in the heart of Menteng, and offers easy access to the city’s best hangouts. Both dorms and private rooms are available, making it easy to choose a space that’s right for you.  Check rates and availability here . 

Day 2: Go Sightseeing in Jakarta

Jakarta is a busy city, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Use this day to see some of the most important sights around the city.

In the early morning, take a taxi to the Jakarta National Monument (MONAS). It represents the Indonesian struggle for independence and has a museum for visitors to learn about the country’s history. A ticket costs only IDR 15,000 (roughly $1), and you’ll have the best views of the city from the top of the monument.

indonesia in travel

Afterward, head to Jakarta’s old town, Batavia , to admire some of the colonial architecture. This is also a great spot for lunch. If you aren’t comfortable visiting the area independently, this guided tour is a great way to learn a little about the old town’s history and see its best bits.

Not too far from here is the Glodok Chinatown Market , which is a great place to escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the busy streets of Jakarta. Join this great walking tour to explore all its nooks and crannies.

Finish off your day at Jalan Jaksa , Jakarta’s backpacker street, with a cold beer.

Recommended Jakarta tours

Day 3: take the train to yogyakarta.

Leave Jakarta behind and take an executive train to the beautiful city of Yogyakarta. While the journey takes around 6 hours and costs $20, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Java’s incredible scenery. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of volcanoes and rice fields.

Since Indonesian trains are very safe and clean, you can relax or even sleep if you need some rest.

river and mountains along the train ride from Jakarta to Yogyakarta

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

There are many cool places to stay in Yogyakarta, but it’s best to stay close to the city center to maximize your time. If you can, stay near Malioboro Street. That way, you’ll be within walking distance to tons of restaurants, shops, and the city’s best nightlife spots.  

  • Luxury:  If you’re looking for a posh hotel with beautiful rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an onsite spa, then Jambuluwuk Malioboro Hotel  is just the place for you. Since the hotel is not directly on Malioboro Street itself, it’s a great place to get away from the crowds while still being close enough to all the action!  See rates and availability here . 
  • Mid-range: Gaia Cosmo Hotel is a beautiful 4-star concept hotel close to Yogyakarta’s famous Malioboro Road,. With clean, modern rooms and friendly staff, it’s the perfect choice for midrange travelers looking for something a bit more upscale at exceptional rates. Check prices and availability here.
  • Budget:   Liberta Malioboro  is a funky 2-star hotel. Don’t let the simple interiors fool you, because each room offers plenty of space and is exceptionally clean. Besides being one of the best-rated budget hotels in Malioboro, there’s also a beautiful pool in the cute courtyard.  See rates and availability here .

Day 4: Explore Yogyakarta

There is a lot to do in Yogyakarta. While this 2-week Indonesia itinerary definitely won’t give you enough time to see everything, you can still enjoy some of the best parts of the city. 

Walk along the famous Malioboro Street , where you’ll find the best street food in all of Java. Then, visit the historic Fort Vredeburg , a remnant of Dutch colonial times. Afterward, admire the old water palace and its incredible underground mosque.

In the evening, don’t miss the Alun Alun Square which is the best place to sample street food. A popular activity here is to a rent small, fluorescent car to drive around the yard. Don’t forget to try some of the famous Nasi Goreng, Indonesian fried rice.

Recommended Tours in Yogyakarta

Day 5: visit borobudur.

Seeing the sunrise at Borobudur Temple is an absolute must-do when you visit Yogyakarta. You’ll have to get up early to get to the temple in time, but it’ll be worth it. Don’t forget to bring a jacket as the mornings can get chilly. You’ll be amazed by the incredible sunrise at this mysterious Asian temple with volcanoes as a backdrop.

Next, hire an offroad jeep to take you around Mount Merapi , Java’s notorious volcano. After lunch, head to Prambanan Temple , which is almost as famous as Borobudur. Many visitors like to stay here until sunset, which is a spectacular sight.

If you want to see all three sights without the hassle of planning a thing, this full-day tour is your best bet.

Borobudur Temple at sunrise

Day 6: Take a plane to Bali

On your 6th day of this 2-week Indonesia itinerary, you’re finally heading to Bali. This is a tourist favorite with so many things to do that you’ll never be bored. 

The island is quite large, so picking a place to stay can feel overwhelming. As a first-time visitor, try to book a hotel or hostel close to either Canggu or Seminyak, which are some of the most popular areas for tourists.

Oh, and travel tip – Bali is the perfect place to rent a scooter if you know how to ride one. It’ll make getting around a lot easier.

leke leke waterfall bali indonesia itinerary

Where to stay in Seminyak

Seminyak is a lively area in Bali brimming with hipster hangouts, trendy cafes, cool beach clubs, and lots to keep you busy. It’s also really easy to explore the rest of Bali from there, making it a great base for this leg of your 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary. 

  • Luxury:  Alila Seminyak  is unquestionably one of the best luxury hotels in Seminyak. It comes with all the mod cons you would expect from a 5-star resort. The best part? It’s located right on the beach!  See prices and availability here .  
  • Mid-Range:  If you’re looking for something upscale without the hefty price tag,  Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak is just the place for you. The hotel is located right in the heart of Seminyak, so you’ll be close to lots of shops and restaurants. Besides the gorgeous rooms, the stunning rooftop pool is just the place to unwind after a day exploring Bali’s best attractions.  See prices or availability here.
  • Budget:   Grandma’s Plus Hotel  is the perfect base for travelers looking for a funky place to stay at backpacker rates. The hotel features an intimate setting with comfortably-sized rooms and is located less than 5 minutes walk from the beach. On top of that, it’s a great Instagrammable hotel in Bali! Don’t miss sipping a cocktail at the gorgeous pool!  Check rates and availability here. 

Day 7: Relax at the Beach

On your first day in Bali, you should take it easy. Spend your day at the beach in Canggu or Seminyak , and learn how to surf . Bali has excellent surf conditions for beginners, so everyone can learn to stand on the board on their first day, even with no experience.

After a quick lunch in a local “warung” (a tiny restaurant), take some time to explore Kuta’s side streets filled with souvenir shops and little cafes. Take your scooter (or a taxi) to the Tanah Lot temple for sunset. This temple sits on a cliff in the ocean and is one of Bali’s most magical places.

Finish off your day with a few drinks in one of the many beach bars in Canggu.

seminyak beach bali

Recommended Tours in Bali

Day 8: go to ubud.

Ubud is a beautiful little town in central Bali known for its rice terraces, artisanal products, calm atmosphere, gorgeous resorts , and great food scene . If you go in the morning, you’ll be able to escape traffic and make it to Ubud in under an hour. There are public buses available, but the easiest way to get to Ubud is to rent a scooter and drive yourself.

Enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk , which takes you through some beautiful rice fields. For lunch, head to the Ubud Market , which is also a great spot for souvenir shopping. Make sure to add a visit to the Monkey Forest to your list of things to do in Ubud , Indonesia. This sanctuary houses thousands of wild monkeys in a large park with multiple temples.

Spend your afternoon visiting all the beautiful waterfalls in Ubud , such as the Tegenungan Waterfall . If you’re feeling sweaty from a long day of exploring, you can even go for a swim here.

Once you’re back from your day trip, get ready for a night in one of Bali’s most popular rooftop clubs, the LXXY . They offer an all-you-can-eat BBQ with free-flow drinks every night. 

campuhan ridge walk ubud

Day 9: Explore Uluwatu

Today you’re exploring Bali’s southern corners. Take your scooter down to Uluwatu, which boasts an incredible shoreline with steep cliffs and white-sand beaches . Visit Balangan Beach , Bingin Beach and Dreamland Beach for some of the best views and scenery. Make it a priority to visit the famous Uluwatu Temple , which is one of the most well-known attractions in all of Bali. The temple is one of the best places to catch an iconic sunset in Bali and it’s easy to join a guided tour .

If you prefer something less-touristy, head over to beautiful Thomas Beach . Suluban Beach is another gem. The view is simply incredible here and it’s a great place to watch the changing skies while enjoying a luxury dinner at one of the many beach clubs.

beach club Uluwatu bali

Day 10: Day Trip to Nusa Penida

On your last day in Bali, you’ll have to get up early to catch a fast boat to the neighboring island of Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is sometimes described as “Bali 30 years ago.” There is little infrastructure, but some of the island’s best spots are still largely undiscovered by tourists. Add places like Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, Kelingking Beach , and Diamond Beach to your list of things to do in Nusa Penida . These are some of the best beaches on this 2-week itinerary and in all of Indonesia. All in all, Nusa Penida is an absolute highlight of any trip to Bali!

kelingking beach Nusa Penida bali

Recommended Nusa Penida Tours

Day 11: take a boat to the gili islands.

On day 11 of your 2 weeks in Indonesia, this itinerary takes you to Gili Trawangan, one of the three Gili Islands. The boat journey will take you a few hours, but it will be more than worth it. Read my guide on how to get to the Gilis from Bali . Alternatively, grab a fast boat from Nusa Penida or Bali to Gili T here to save time.

Gili Trawangan is tiny, and there is no motorized traffic on the island. The best way to get around is either by bike or by horse-drawn carriage. Spend your first evening on Gili Trawangan in a beach bar enjoying the beautiful view off the coast of Bali.

gili island beach indonesia

Best Gili T Accommodation

For its tiny size, Gili T surprisingly has many accommodation options! You’ll find cheaper hotels and hostels inland, but to really experience island life at its best, stay at one of the beachfront hotels or resorts instead.

  • Luxury:  Wake up in paradise every day with a stay at  Gili Eco Villas Resort . This gorgeous hotel offers a relaxing experience and is located mere steps from some of Gili T’s best snorkeling and diving spots. What’s more, the rooms feature beautiful, bright interiors with lots of traditional finishes. Of course, the private beach and glimmering pool are added cherries on the top!  See rates and availability here .
  • Mid-range: If you’re looking for something upmarket at surprisingly affordable rates, you don’t need to look further than Pinkcoco . The hotel features luxurious rooms with lots of space and gorgeous pink interiors. In fact, you couldn’t find a more Instagrammable hotel even if you tried! There’s also a beautiful pool where you can sip cocktails poolside, an onsite spa, and of course a cool beach bar where you can catch the famous Gili T sunset every evening! Check rates and availability here .
  • Budget:  Budget or solo travelers looking for a cheap stay without sacrificing comfort will find  Mad Monkey  an excellent option. It’s a cool hostel featuring a huge outdoor pool where it’s easy to make new friends. The best part, they have various room options such as dorms, private huts, and even teepees, so it’s really easy to still enjoy a bit of privacy.  Check prices and availability here .  

Day 12: Swim with turtles

There are many incredible things to do in Gili T . But arguably, the best way to spend your first day on this gorgeous island is by the beach. This island is famous for its green sea turtles, which you can spot right from the beach. Rent some snorkeling equipment from one of the vendors by the main road and go for a swim in the shallow area close to Turtle Point . You’re almost guaranteed to encounter sea turtles right there. Always remember to be respectful and never touch a wild sea turtle or swim too close to it.

After lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach, take some time to explore Gili Trawangan. Rent a bike from your accommodation and cycle around the island, which takes less than an hour. Along the way, take some photos at the famous Gili T swings or have a freshly-cracked coconut by the beach.

In the evening, go out for a few beers and experience Gili Trawangan’s famous nightlife. There is always live music around the main road and many bars and small clubs to try out.

Gili Islands Indonesia

Day 13: Day Trip to Gili Air

On your last day in Gili Trawangan, take the early morning boat to neighboring Gili Air . This island is a bit smaller and less crowded. Cycle around the island and enjoy the secluded beaches and beautiful views of the coast of Lombok. Rent a Stand-Up-Paddle board for only a few dollars and see some of the incredible underwater life Gili Air has to offer.

Take the last boat back to Gili Trawangan and enjoy a full seafood BBQ dinner on the beach for your final evening.

Day 14: Head home

On your final day in Indonesia, book tickets for a boat to either take you back to Bali or to Lombok, both of which have an international airport from where you can catch your flight back home.

2 Weeks Indonesia Itinerary in Conclusion

As you can see, there are a plethora of beautiful places to visit in Indonesia! Spending 2 weeks in Indonesia will give you a well-rounded glimpse of what to do and see, but to be honest, you’ll only scratch the surface of this stunning South East Asian archipelago!

That wraps up this epic Indonesia travel itinerary. Do you have any advice for fellow travelers planning a 2-week stay? Feel free to share you top tips, best places to visit, things to do, and everything in between below!

If you enjoyed this Indonesia 2 week itinerary, please pin it.

Planning an Indonesia itinerary and not sure what to do? Follow this epic 2 weeks Indonesia travel itinerary that takes you from Jakarta's bustling streets to Yogyakarta's temples and volcanoes to Bali's pristine beaches, lush jungles, and nearby islands! Indonesia Itinerary | 2 week Indonesia itinerary | Indonesia itinerary 10 days | Indonesia travel beautiful places | Indonesia travel guide | Indonesia places to visit | Indonesia things to do | Bali | Jakarta | Yogyakarta | Nusa Penida | Gili Islands

About the Author: Victoria Heinz gives practical travel information for trips from all around the world, including Indonesia on her gorgeous blog,  Guide Your Travel . She shares all the things she wishes she knew before traveling and enjoys teaching others how to travel on a budget. 

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Thomas beach uluwatu bali

May 28, 2021 at

Hi, a bit confused. You say the dry season is from April to September, but then say the wet season is from MArch to November…which includes those “dry” months. Is this a typo?

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May 30, 2021 at

Whoops! Thanks for pointing that out, Bekki! It was indeed a typo – the dry season is from April to October, and the wet season is from November to March.

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October 13, 2022 at

Hi, how does one get from Yogyakarta/Borobudur to Bali? Can you provide some information about flights, what pricing looks like, and best methods to book? Thank you!

October 17, 2022 at

Hi Jane, the easiest way to get from Yogyakarta to Bali is to fly. Flights are cheap and only take 1h30. Alternatively, you can also take a train and ferry but it will take much longer. I’m not a travel agent, so I suggest you do a quick Google search to get a better idea of pricing tailored to your exact dates. I personally use Skyscanner to compare flights and 12GoAsia or Klook to look for trains/ferries.

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Ultimate Indonesia 10 Days Travel Itinerary – best places to visit in Indonesia with chill and adventure (on 3 islands!)

Explore the best places to visit in Indonesia and make the most of your stay with this Indonesia 10-day travel itinerary covering the adventurous activities in Java, the lush greenery of Bali, and relaxing beaches in Gili islands.

Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary, best places to visit in Indonesia

Indonesia is a diverse country. It has exciting activities for adventure lovers, stunning temples for every architecture fan, and everyone looking for a relaxing time will find it by the sea. If you want to combine the colorful marine life, lush jungles, rich culture of Bali, and pristine beaches of Gili Islands, together with climbing an active volcano and discovering the hardest job in the world – this Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary is just for you. If you are wondering where to stay in Bali , I have you covered.

The map with the exact locations of the places at the bottom of the post.

Swings in Gili Air, Indonesia

This post might contain affiliate links. More details here .

Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary – best places to visit in indonesia.

There are a lot of places to visit in Indonesia in 10 days, and below I cover the best ones. 

Day 1 – arriving in Bali

I recommend starting or ending in Bali – even with many tourists, the island is always worth visiting. To get the most out of the short time in Bali, I recommend taking some 2 or 3-day tours, that would take care of all the transport and logistics, such as this one “Three Day Island Tour “, covering the main attractions.

If you have a bit more time and energy to organize things on your own, I share my tips below.

Depending on where in the world you come from, the flight to Bali might be a long and exhausting one. Spend the first day relaxing and getting your energy back. A good option is to visit the white sand beaches of Jimbaran and try the best seafood. The place gets very busy in the evening and the top tables with a romantic view can get booked very quickly.

Tip: If you come around lunchtime, you will have the whole beach for yourself and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

This day tour covers the main points on the south coast of Bali, including a seafood dinner in Jimbaran. See the island’s most iconic temple, Tanah Lot, admire Suluban Beach’s picturesque caves, and enjoy an optional Kecak show – check the tour here .

You can find nice accommodation in the area or, like us, move closer to Ubud, where you can enjoy the freshness of the jungle. Deciding on where to stay in Ubud might be a bit challenging, because of different areas and your interests, but here are a few suggestions.

Where to stay in Ubud:

  • Luxury: Alila Ubud – a beautiful hotel located in the middle of the jungle with a wonderful infinity pool. We stayed there for my birthday in a traditional bungalow and loved it! Check availability and the best prices here.
  • Mid-range: Villa D’Bisma – hotel with outdoor pool, overlooking the rice terraces, located close to the Ubud Monkey Forest. We even had a visit from monkeys there.
  • Budget:  – bungalows with terraces as a budget option in Ubud Sila Urip Guest House (dormitory beds) – lush garden and relaxing terrace, great to mingle with other travelers Bali Backpackers Hostel (dormitory beds) – the best value for money, comfy beds, and friendly staff

Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary - Jimbaran beach Bali

Read more: How to plan a perfect trip to Asia

Day 2 – get a bali feel.

Explore Ubud town and its surroundings. You can rent a motorbike, get a driver, walk around the places in town, or take a highly rated small group guided tour, including Ubud, and Tanah Lot .

In the evening make sure to go to the traditional Bali dance performance, it’s so worth it. 

Before that, book a next-day trip to the Gili islands. This can be easily done by one of the many tour providers, whose offices are located on the main street in Ubud. Walk around and compare prices. We got our return trip from Ubud to Gili Air for 500k IDR.

For more luxury trips, including a night at a beachfront resort, you can take a private 2-day tour from Bali and explore all 3 Gili Islands on a private boat cruise with time to swim and snorkel.

Balinese dance performance - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 3 – time for Gili islands

Spend your morning walking around Ubud market and some beautiful temples. Have breakfast by Pura Taman Saraswati, a temple overlooking the pond with lilies, before the bus departure to the Gili islands. The van will take you to Padang Bai, where the speedboats to Gili Islands leave from. You will arrive at Gili Island in the afternoon. We chose to stay on the peaceful Gili Air, but the boat goes to all three of the islands, so you can choose a different one. In the evening, have a leisurely dinner by the beach and watch a stunning sunset.

Where to stay in Gili Air:

  • Luxury: PinkCoco Gili Air – exceptional resort located just by the beach. The view of the sea from the rooms and pink accents in the stylish interior. Check the best prices here.
  • Midrange: Nanas Homestay – beautiful cottages with your own terrace, hammock, and yummy Indonesian breakfast. Check availability.
  • Budget:  Beranda Ecolodge – a beautiful hostel with a traditional Indonesian setting, outdoor swimming pools, and a garden. Bunk beds in shared rooms and all the rooms have a balcony or terrace. Check availability here.

Pura Taman Saraswati - best places to visit in Indonesia - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 4 – explore the underwater paradise

I recommend you wake up early enough to catch the best sunrise, that you can possibly imagine. The views over to Lombok’s highest volcano – Mt. Rinjani, mist rising from the valleys, and pink fluffy clouds covering the sky, will take your breath away.

After sunrise, you can get a typical Indonesian breakfast in one of the cafes or if you’re staying in the Airbnb/hostel, it would normally be included in the price.

A great way to spend the rest of the morning is to go on a snorkeling trip – swimming with turtles and admiring the colorful fish and coral. The boats usually depart by 10:00 am and are back by 14:30 pm. They will take you to all three Gili islands and the best snorkeling spots, including Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, where you can have lunch by the sea.  The price for the trip (not including lunch) is around 100k IDR per person.

There are also private tours that you can take from Bali, that include private snorkeling tour from the boat, such as this one “Private 3-Day Gili Islands Tour with Snorkeling”.

After returning, you can catch a yoga session or chill by the beach. The island is tiny, so it’s great just to walk around it, trying to find all the famous (and highly Instagrammable) swings. If you are lucky you can even spot the huge lizards, that belong to the same family as famous Komodo dragons.

Don’t miss the interior of the island, as this is where the local people live. Try some local street food called “Bakso” – meatballs with spicy sauce. In the evening treat yourself to a cocktail by the beach under the stars.

Turtle swimming, Gili Islands, Indonesia - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary-best places to visit in Indonesia

Day 5 – back to Bali

You can spend your last morning in Gili Air snorkeling by the shore or enjoying the beautiful views from the beach before jumping on a speedboat, that will take you back to Bali. If you have more time, you can spend it around Padang Bai and go to the Blue Lagoon.

From there you can head north-east towards Amed and finish the Bali loop by going to Pemuteran on the north (our days 6 & 7), or head back to Ubud and take your way from there. You can also try some other interesting experiences in Bali.

Initially, we had plans to go to Amed, but because of the high risk of the volcano eruption the whole area was closed off, so we needed to change our plans.

If you decide to go back to Ubud, the driver might drop you off close to the Monkey forest , so you can visit it on the way. With a bit more time, it’s a good idea to include a Campuhan Ridge Walk, which boasts gorgeous hillside views. This walking tour includes the Ubud Monkey Forest, a Campuhan Ridge Walk, the water temple of Saraswati, and Ubud Palace.

In the evening, organize your next-day trip to Munduk with a trip through some must-see places in Bali. The driver with a drop-off in Munduk cost us 650k IDR per car for 2 people, which seemed like a reasonable price. Make sure you agree on the exact stops before.

Two monkeys in the Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Read more: Tips for traveling light – ultimate packing list for a trip to Indonesia

Day 6 – bali interior.

Be prepared for an exciting day full of sightseeing and ever-changing scenery.

If you would like to visit all the major sites in one day but come back to the same location afterward, this tour lasts 10 hours and includes temples, rice fields, and Bali’s best sunset.

Below was our plan for this day, leaving at 7 a.m .

  • Bali Rice terraces  – beautiful green terraces with growing rice. 
  • Pura Gunung Kawi  – a temple with stone carvings 
  • Pura Tirta Empul – the holy w ater temple
  • Geopark Global UNESCO Batur – View the Mount Batur v olcano and stop for lunch. We also visited the geological institute in town. If you have one more day you could extend your stay in the area and go down the villages around the volcano and Lake Batur or climb the mountain in the morning for the sunrise.
  • Pura Tegeh Kahuripan (Pura Puncak Penulisan) – a local temple located on top of the highest hill. To get to the top you need to walk several flights of stairs, but it’s worth it!
  • The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple   – a picturesque temple complex of significant importance, located by the lake  – is the one that you can see on all the postcards and guidebook covers.
  • Twin Lakes and the viewpoints – handmade platforms, swings, nests, and many more, where you can take the perfect Instagram picture 😉 W e were a couple of minutes late and the platforms were closed, so if you want to take those cool photos, make sure to get there a bit earlier.
  • Entry gate to the golf course – because it’s cool! The famous gate is the Handara Golf Course gate – an entrance to the Resort and Golf Course.
  • Munduk – a green village in the hills with beautiful waterfalls nearby, that’s where you can experience real Bali countryside

Where to stay in Bali, Munduk:

  • Luxury: Nadira Bali Resort & Villa – an outdoor pool and beautiful villas with an amazing views. Check availability.
  • Midrange: Lesong Hotel and Restaurant – this hotel has an incredible location, in the middle of the rice fields. You will feel a real Bali spirit while staying there. Check availability.
  • Budget: Made Oka Homestay and Warung – amazing view of the valley and the hills around. Great breakfast (included). Check availability here.

Rice terraces, Bali - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 7 – Munduk waterfalls

In the morning visit the stunning Munduk waterfalls. The hike should take you around 2-3 hours and you can visit a few nice places. Leave early to have them all to yourself. Entry to waterfalls is 10k IDR. 

Arrange the car to go to Pemuteran with a few stops on the way. The price for the car is set by the local tourist agency and is 350k IDR (for the end of 2017).

On the way we visited:

  • Banjar hot springs  – Holy hot springs, Entrance 20k IDR
  • Brahmavihara-Arama – the only Buddhist temple in Bali, Free entrance

Arrive at Pemuteran, and go afternoon snorkeling just off the beach. Visit Turtle Hatchery in Pemuteran with cute baby turtles.

In the evening take a walk or a ride (we hitch-hiked) to the nearby Pura Pabean temple for the sunset with monkeys and wonderful views of Java. 

Where to stay in Pemuteran:

  • Suka Sari cottages – an outdoor bathroom, private terrace, and swimming pool. Close to the beach. Check availability here.

Munduk view to the hills around, Bali - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Read more: Singapore in 24 hours – what to visit in one day in Singapore

Day 8 – pemuteran, black beach, and off to java.

Spend the morning at the beach, snorkeling in the famous Reef project.

In the afternoon take a bemo (local bus) to Gilimanuk to catch the ferry to East Java. The ferry doesn’t take long, but may sometimes wait on the water for an extended period (ours did).

In Java, you will arrive in Banyuwangi, which is a base for climbing the Ijen volcano . Check out the best way to do the Ijen hike with or without a tour and travel to the volcano for the sunrise. We were planning to just get a driver and do a climb ourselves, but we met an Indonesian guy who offered us the whole package (including the guide, masks, and visit to the waterfall and coffee plantations) for a much better price. Go to sleep early so you can wake up for the hike! 

In case you want to go back to Bali and do Ijen as a day tour , this overnight trip from Bali to Mount Ijen has great reviews .

Sunrise in Pemuteran, black beach - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 9 – Ijen, the blue flames, and the most dangerous job in the world

Wake up in the middle of the night to get to the Ijen volcano around 1-2 a.m. The earlier the better, but you might have a hard time convincing the drivers to depart early, especially with other passengers.

Climb the Ijen volcano (75 minutes one way), and go down the crater (30 minutes ) to watch the famous blue flames. Watch the sunrise and talk to the miners who work in the active sulfur mine carrying 90 kg up the crater and down the mountain, sometimes only in flip-flops! This place is a real eye-opener and it’s very worth seeing. More details, together with the full guide to the Ijen hike here .

After the climb, we went to visit the nearby waterfall and coffee plantations as a part of the tour. After that, go back to town, catch a few hours of sleep, and get an afternoon train to Probolinggo (I recommend booking in advance).

Ijen Blue flames - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 10 – climbing the active volcano

Wake up early and find a bus going from Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang, which is the base of Mount Bromo – an active volcano. The journey takes a couple of hours and the bemos only leave when they are full (or if you pay for the empty seats).

After arriving in Cemoro Lawang, you can go and explore the area. We climbed the Bromo crater in the afternoon with no crowds and no need to pay for it. For more details about the Mount Bromo hike click here .

Go to sleep early as you need to wake up at night in time for another sunrise.

Are you looking to do this trip but from Bali? This Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater’s Blue Fire 3-Day Tour covers both volcanoes and then brings you back to Bali.

Bromo volcano, East Java - best places to visit in Indonesia

Read more: How to travel more with a full-time job

*Day 11 – Sunrise above Bromo and departure

Wake up around 1 a.m. and walk to one of the viewing points. That’s a way of watching Mount Bromo sunrise for free, instead of the organized tour – and I highly recommend this way. The number of cars that were going to one spot chosen by the tour companies was INSANE. There are several viewing spots and they get crowded, so try to arrive there early. You can read more about Mount Bromo hike with no crowds here.

After the sunrise, go back to the hotel and catch a bus back to Probolinggo. From there get a train to Surabaya.

In Surabaya make your way to the airport where you can fly to Jakarta and catch the flight back home (or to the next destination). 

*The 11th day can be skipped and the sunrise can be done on the previous day if you catch the morning train from  Banyuwangi (Ijen base) to Probolinggo instead of the afternoon one. It requires less sleeping time, but it’s doable.

Sunrise Bromo - best places to visit in Indonesia

What to pack for the Indonesia trip

  • Suncream – I use this suncream as it has great protection, good skincare, and is perfect for kids and adults on the face and body. It is also reef-safe!
  • Sunglasses – The sun in Indonesia is strong and you need to protect your eyes. Check UV sunglasses at a good price here.
  • Hat or a scarf for sun protection – you don’t want to get headaches from too much sun. Check prices and models here.
  • Hiking shoes for volcanoes–  Merrell   has good hiking shoes.   Check the price and models here.
  • Reusable water bottle or Filter bottle– save plastic and fill in the small reusable bottle from bigger water bottles. I often use insulated bottles like this one to keep the drink hot or cold for a long time. If you don’t have access to refilling water, then you can use a water bottle with a filter like LifeStraw to have clean water on the go. Check the price here .
  • Small  day backpack
  • Camera with landscape lens – I use  Fuji X-E1   and  Samyang 12mm , which I used to capture photos in this post.
  • Waterproof action camera – I don’t have GoPro, but a cheaper version of it, and it does a good job – AKASO EK7000 . Great for underwater shots and anything adventure-related – Check price.
  • Light jacket/jumper 

Map for the Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Posted: 2018, Updated: 2023

What do you think about our Indonesia 10-day itinerary? What else would you add to it? Would you take something out? Let me know in the comments!

Like it? Pin it!

Ultimate 10 days (or more) Indonesia travel itinerary, find the beautiful places to visit in Indonesia, Indonesia travel itinerary, Indonesia Bucket list, Bali, Java, Gili islands #indonesia #bali #giliislands #giliair #java #ijen #bromo

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40 thoughts on “ Ultimate Indonesia 10 Days Travel Itinerary – best places to visit in Indonesia with chill and adventure (on 3 islands!) ”

Thanks for a very detailed guide! 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to have the opportunity to travel to different countries more! So far I have only been to 3! I guess that’s more than most 🙂 Indonesia looks beautiful! I will refer to this post when I visit!

3 is definitely a good start, and the numbers don’t matter anyway, you can travel in your own country and be happy about it and this is what matters the most 🙂 Indonesia is worth a visit though, so maybe you can do it yours 4th 😉

This is so informative & would be so helpful for those traveling around Indonesia! Great post!

Thanks, Dani!

Bali has been number one on my bucket list for so long – I have finally arrived in Australia so I am so so close to Bali hopefully I can tick it off by the end of the year!! So many beautiful images, The Ijen volcano looks incredible, Indonesia looks like an amazing adventure!!

Bali is great, but I highly recommend going a bit beyond it too and explore other islands in Indonesia, they all have so much to offer! I hope you’ll be able to visit it 🙂

So useful! I’m going to Indonesia in 3 weeks and have a few unscheduled days! The Ijen volcano trip looks so interesting… I need to figure out if that’s feasible for me!

Have fun! I’m sure you’re gonna love it 🙂

Fantastic guide! Definitely pinning it for later when I actually find time to go there.

Thank you! I hope you will find time soon – it’s worth it!

Such beautiful photos! I went to Indonesia and really hated Denpasar but I LOVED Ubud and would go back there in a heartbeat. I should add a few more of these places for the next time I go back!

I avoided Denpasar and Kuta, because of those reasons, and I had really good time in Bali 🙂

Great itinerary and such gorgeous photos! Would love to explore more of Indonesia, so far we’ve only made it to Bali. Pinning for a future trip!

Thank you! Those are places that can be visited on short trips from Bali too, so worth giving them a go 🙂

I am a first time Indonesian traveler. I love this itinerary but I had questions about traveling around the country. How did you get around bali? Also, is it affordable to take taxis from place to place or would you recommend another method to get around that’s affordable?

Also, I was looking into a day trip to Komodo Island do you know if it is possible to add a day to this itinerary for an 11 day trip? Or do you have any recommendations to make a day trip to komodo island possible?

I love your blog! Thanks so much for your help.

Hi Scarlett, thanks for coming by! To go around Bali, there are several options, with the most popular being motorbikes (only if you know how to drive) and taxis or even cheaper Uber/Grab (an Asian Uber). We decided to get a car with a driver, as in our itinerary we were not coming back to the same location, but going north and then to East Java instead. It worked out the best for us. So it depends on your plans, you can try motorbike or Uber/Grab as those are the cheapest. The public transport exists but it’s not very reliable and to cover bigger distances you’d need to change several times. We used it to go from Pemuteran to the ferry for example – it’s written in the post.

We were thinking about Komodo island too, but in my opinion, 1 day is not enough, as there is so much to see in the area. You’d need to fly out in the evening to be ready for the boat for the next morning and then schedule your return after you come back from the trip. It is doable but rushed and expensive. You could skip Gili islands/East Java and do it instead, but it’s up to you (and cheap flight tickets ;)). We also saw massive lizards from Komodo family on Gili Air 🙂

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you so much for responding! And for being so informative. One last question, I was considering a private driver too where did you go to hire one? Or are there any websites you would recommend for a driver? Thanks so much again.

We found one in Ubud, we were just going around and asking in the tourist offices and taxi drivers. They have different prices and you often need to negotiate 😉 But I’m sure you will find someone even last minute. I had some contacts to another driver from my friend but it was hard to reach him, so we decided to go with someone we found on the street – it’s also good to meet the driver before the trip, so you can see how well his English is and agree on the details 🙂 Good luck!

A really informative post! Just curious as to why you decided to skip Lombok?

Thanks, we didn’t have time for Lombok unfortunately and we decided it was not worth it going there just for 1 or 2 days, as there is so much to see. I’d love to climb the volcano there though 🙂

It’s such a bummer you missed out on Amed. I live in Bali and my partner is from Amed. I was in Amed at th time when people were evacuated from the volcano TO Amed. The roads were never closed to Amed and we found out that the drivers in Ubud and other areas were telling people the roads were closed even though they weren’t (we presumed to keep them spending in their areas/ or possibly misinformation).

Oh no, that’s a shame. Hopefully, I’ll make it there next time!

As I read the itinerary I was wondering if there any day trips/ tours available from gili air to different sites in lombok?

I think there is a boat from Gili Air to Lombok and I am sure that there are some excursions organized too. But I don’t know more details, as we didn’t have time for it, so we didn’t look 🙂

You just Amazing. Thank’s for write this. i hope you can be my travelmates one day here in Indonesia.

Glad you like it! 😉

Look like you spend a lot of time bringing this guide up. Indonesia is one in travel list. Great story.

We just came back from Bali 🙂 For our next trip we want to visit the Volcano like you did!

Thanks for this post!

I can highly recommend it 🙂

Do you have an idea of the daily expenses on a low budget profile? And was there any cool beach good for surfing along the way on your itinerary? Thanks

Hi, If you use public transport (tricky in Bali though), eat street food and stay in hostels, then you can travel on very low budget. Street food costs from $0.5-$3 and it’s very filling. You can find local hostels from as low as $2 – you can find a lot of them on booking, just sort by price: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?region=835&aid=1293006&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 I don’t surf, so I am not sure about the exact spots, but I know that south of Bali is popular for surfing and the waves in Jimbaran beach were very strong, when I was there.

Wow! This looks like an amazing Intenerary and perfect for a solo traveler.

Thanks, Marie!

Your literary is so informative, do u think you can mail it to me plz. Amazing photos, i wonder who took your pics!!! ?

Thank you! You can get itinerary in pdf when you sign up on the newsletter – sign up is in the post 🙂

I am trying to plan a trip to Indonesia and was wondering how much your trip cost for the 10 days doing all the activities, food, stay, travel, etc. cost!

Hi Sarah, It’s hard to estimate the general cost as everyone has a different travelling style – you can do it on the cheap staying in the hostels, eating local food in small street food stands and not taking any organized tours, or you can spend a lot of money staying in the resorts, eating in the restaurants with the best view and traveling in a private car. So it really depends 🙂 Good luck!

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Update January 10, 2024

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Indonesia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, indonesia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to  terrorism and natural disasters.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not travel to:

  • The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.

Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent.  Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 

Indonesia’s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Indonesia.  

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. 
  • Visit the websites for  Badan Geologi  (Indonesian Geological Agency, Indonesian language only) for the latest information from the Government of Indonesia on current natural disasters.
  • Review the  CDC’s suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters.
  • Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times. 
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
  • Follow the Department of State Facebook  and Twitter .  Follow the U.S. Embassy Jakarta on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
  • Review the Country Security Report  for Indonesia.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Central Papua and Highland Papua– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Central Papua and Highland Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas.

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Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

  • Global Polio January 05, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Indonesia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Indonesia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

  • Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
  • Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
  • Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

  • Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
  • Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Indonesia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Indonesia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Indonesia poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Indonesia are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Indonesia who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Indonesia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Indonesia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Indonesia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

  • Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

  • Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

  • Mosquito bite
  • Avoid Bug Bites
  • Mosquito bite
  • An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

  • Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
  • Avoid domestic and wild poultry
  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Indonesia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Indonesia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Indonesia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Indonesia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Indonesia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Indonesia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Indonesia may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Indonesia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Indonesia, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Indonesia .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Indonesia.

  • Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
  • LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Indonesia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
  • Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
  • You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
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Weather in Bali in April

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • bali-weather-april-travel-tips

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 22.03.2024

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Bali comes alive in April under bright, clear skies. The magical Indonesian island starts calling out adventurers around this time, with its ideal weather conditions inviting them to take in its diverse landscape and cultural treasures with a lot fewer crowds and at great values. And now, read on to learn about the weather in Bali in April and how to pack accordingly for your trip in this spring month.

  • Is April a good month to visit Bali?

Temperatures in Bali in April

  • What about the crowd & cost?

How rainy is Bali in April?

What to see in bali in april, is april a good month to visit bali .

April is an excellent month in the Bali calendar—it combines little of everything: ideal weather and manageable tourist numbers. Full dry season hit Bali by April , featuring much sunnier days and very little rain.

Such a climate shift means a world of endless possibilities when it comes to the outdoor explorations. Whether you're going snorkelling and diving into the crystal-clear waters, catching waves when surfing, or taking in the expanse of the rice terraces in Sidemen and grandeur of the temples , there's something here for the nature lover. 

In April, the tourist flow hasn't yet reached the peak, so one can explore hotspots in Bali, like Ubud , Canggu , Mount Agung , Uluwatu Temple, and beaches in Nusa Dua with even more intimacy. The time also gives flexibility to plan day or dining spontaneously without thinking about waiting long or booking much in advance. April on Bali promises adventures that are as rich as they are personal. 

Rough Guides tip : ready for the journey of your lifetime? Explore our curated Bali itineraries .

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock

The warm April Bali weather is perfect for spending days at the beach , enjoying the natural beauty and cultural colours of the island.

Expect warm temps ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F) under the sun. Compared to the beaches, the water within and around would be very nice for swimming, with an approximate sea temp of 29°C (84°F). Hence, dive right in. 

Bali in April is a paradise for those looking to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.

Rough Guides tip : not sure about Bali? Check out the best Indonesian islands .

What about the crowd & cost? 

By April, the visitor numbers will have increased, and the weather will start signalling the peak of the dry season. However, it is still far from being as crowded as in the high season months of July and August or holiday months like December .  

Also, this time of the year, the charges for accommodation and flights are way cheaper than the peak season; thus, it is cheaper to have a wilderness adventure during this time.

The temperatures are warming up, and the rainy season is already out of the calendar. In the season of drought, April receives very little rain , and it happens to be a very excellent month to travel to Bali. 

Only a few drizzles can be found occasionally—mostly light, just meant to clear the air from the heat. A light raincoat or an umbrella could be packed, but there's not going to be any heavy-duty one required for your trip.

Rough Guides tip : the rainy season in Bali runs from October to February.  

terrace-rice-field-ubud-bali-indonesia

Tegallalang rice terraces in Ubud © Shutterstock

Bali in April is vibrant, offering a plethora of sights and experiences:

Celebrate Galungan

Witness the celebration of the beginning of Galungan's festival, where Dharma wins over Adharma, and now the bamboo poles look perfectly alive and decorated all over the island.

Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

View the sunset at the Tanah Lot Temple, one of the essential sea temples among many that dot the coastline in Bali. The setting offshore combines with the golden hues at sunset to give an ultimate postcard view of it from the temple.

Wander through rice fields

Wander through the verdant rice fields, including a visit to the serene Sidemen valley. This area is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offering a glimpse into Bali's agricultural heartland. 

Sidemen in Bali, one of the best Indonesian islands

My view on Sidemen rice paddies in April

Tirta Empul Temple

Bathe in the holy waters of Tirta Empul, where a temple was established for a spring of holy water. Bathe and purify one's body in a ritual at the serene ambiance of the temple.

Arts and Culture

Explore the richness of Balinese artistic wholesomeness. Check out the Ubud art market, selling handicrafts, and don't miss traditional performances in the evening showing off Bali's rich cultural heritage.

April blooms in Bali—a perfect cultural affair, perfect weather, and a lot of fun without the masses. Ideal for the adventure seekers of Bali's splendid mix of natural beauty and cultural riches.

Ties Lagraauw

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

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Travel advice for Indonesia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Indonesia

  • Culture and Etiquette in Indonesia
  • Eating and drinking in Indonesia
  • Getting around Indonesia: Transportation Tips
  • How to get to Indonesia
  • Travel Tips Indonesia for planning and on the go
  • Best time to visit Indonesia

Find even more inspiration for 44 here

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali © Shutterstock

Ready to travel and discover Indonesia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

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Escape Long Immigration Queue with Autogate System at These 2 International Airports in Indonesia

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Two international airports in Indonesia, namely Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) Airport in Tangerang and I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali have implemented autogate systems. Autogate integrates Face Recognition technology with Border Control Management (BCM) to support immigration supervision at the crossings.

A total of 78 autogates at Soetta Airport have been operational since January 2024. Meanwhile, at Ngurah Rai Airport, 30 Autogates have also been operational since March 2024.

What is an autogate?

indonesia in travel

Photo:  imigrasisoekarnohatta.kemenkumham.go.id

Autogate is an immigration inspection facility through automatic crossing gates for every foreign national (WNA) and Indonesian citizen (WNI) entering or leaving Indonesia. With autogate, immigration inspections become faster, easier, and more practical without compromising security.

To pass through an autogate, it is necessary to undergo passport and fingerprint scanning procedures available on the autogate equipment.

How to register?

Foreign nationals must use an electronic passport and have a visa, such as Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) or Electronic Visa (e-Visa), applied for through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website.

For nationals of the 10 visa-free countries (ASEAN member countries), it is mandatory to register a BVK application at  evisa.imigrasi.go.id . Foreigners can also scan the barcode around the airport and register through the available link to pass through the autogate.

Meanwhile, for Indonesian citizens (WNI), the autogate machine can be used by holders of electronic passports as well as regular or non-electronic passports.

How to enter?

indonesia in travel

Photo:  bali-airport.com

Prepare your passport, if using a passport cover, please remove it first to facilitate the passport scanning process. 

Place the passport biodata page on the scan machine.

Wait until the scanning process is complete and the autogate entry door opens.

Please enter and stand at the designated point on the autogate.

Perform biometric verification as instructed on the autogate screen. The authentication process consists of fingerprint and facial scanning.

Please wait until the verification process is complete and the autogate exit door opens.

Process is complete. You can now continue your journey.

With the autogate facility, international arrival and departure immigration checks involving facial and fingerprint photo capture only take around 35-60 seconds per person. This way, queues won't be too long.

So, for those of you planning to visit Indonesia (especially Jakarta and Bali), the immigration inspection process will be faster. So you can quickly head to your destination vacation spot. For more information, please check  here . For other tourism policy updates in Indonesia, follow  @wonderfulindonesia  on Instagram.

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Visit our other website

This is the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. The contents listed on this website are intended for informational purposes rather than commercial. Any displayed sale is meant as a token of partnership and will always redirect you to our partners' sites.

indonesia in travel

The best time to visit Indonesia

Nov 28, 2023 • 5 min read

Kids playing with a kite at Tabanan village, Bali

With 17,500 islands to choose from, there's always somewhere to go in Indonesia at any time of year © Marc Dozier / Getty Images

In the good old days, Indonesia had only two uncomplicated seasons: wet and dry. But then climate change teamed up with El Nino and La Niña to turn the weather upside down.

These days, with unpredictable weather conditions, it can be a little trickier to say exactly where to go for perfect weather, but we think there's never a bad time to visit Indonesia.

Of course, there are more factors in play than just the weather. Many travelers are more interested in the best time to catch a perfect wave, climb a volcano, or hang out with orangutans and whale sharks . And for some, it's all about beach parties and colorful festivals or avoiding the crowds. There’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Whether you're here for the surf or the sand, the jungles, or fabulous festivals, here’s our guide on the best times to visit Indonesia.

Little surf girl - young surfer learn to ride on surfboard with instructor at surfing school in Bali

The high season (July–August, Christmas & New Year's Eve) is the best time for great weather and beach parties

Peak season in Indonesia falls during the sweet spot of July and August when perfect sunny weather coincides with the European summer holidays and the Australian winter, bringing a surge of tourism across the archipelago. If you don’t mind the crowds, it’s a lively time to visit. Bali and Lombok are especially pumping, with packed beaches and bars. This is also the prime time for trekking, surfing, diving, and outdoor wilderness adventures in most areas, with the exception of West Papua and Maluku , which see heavy rains in July and August.

But with all the fun comes the downside of crowded surf breaks, crammed tourist attractions, swarming trails, and nightmarish traffic, not to mention soaring room rates and airfares. To avoid paying the highest rates, you’ll need to pre-book months in advance. The Christmas holidays are another time when you can expect tourism and prices to ramp up, but there's more rain and humidity. 

An orangutan hanging in a tree covering its mouth in the wilds of Indonesia

The shoulder season (March–June & September–November) is the best time for natural encounters

With its winning combo of superb weather, reduced tourist numbers, and lower prices, the shoulder season periods at either end of the peak season are our favorite times to visit Indonesia. Though you may get some rain (especially towards March and November), you’re more likely to see nothing but glorious sunshine.

Everything seems to click at this time. The waves are pumping, orangutans are out feeding in the jungles of Sumatra and Kalimantan and divers head out in search of big-name visitors such as whale sharks and mola mola (sunfish), which gather from June to September. The shoulder seasons are also great times for scaling Indonesia’s volcanoes, bringing optional trekking conditions without the throngs of tourists.

So what are the downsides of shoulder season? Well, occasionally you’ll get some smoke haze pollution from farmers burning off fields and areas of cleared forest in Sumatra and Kalimantan from September to November. If you have any respiratory issues, this is something you'll need to take into consideration.

A man looking out from Gili Lawa in Komodo National Park

The low season (January–February) is the best time for bargain prices

Ah, the wet season – two words tourists never want to hear, especially those hoping for sun, surf, and sand. However, while Indonesia is undeniably humid at this time, and your hair is likely to get a little frizzy, the rainy season doesn’t mean it’s going to bucket down for the entirety of your trip. Instead, expect short, intense downpours, before the blue skies reappear and the sun starts shining again like it never happened.

During the wet months, tourist numbers plummet, which brings a more relaxed vibe and discounts across the board. Traveling off-season is a great time to immerse yourself in local culture and visit temples across Java and Bali without the usual crush of tourists. It’s not a good time if you’re planning on hiking, with most volcanoes off-limits from December to March. Orangutans and other wildlife can also be harder to spot in the rainy months.

If you’re seeking somewhere less rainy, West Papua and Maluku have their dry season at this time of year. If you’re into hiking to remote villages or diving into the unparalleled reefs of Raja Ampat , these are the best months to visit. Not only is the ocean calm but visibility is crystal clear, offering perfect conditions for exploring this spectacular underwater world.

Silhouette of a woman relaxing in a hammock on a beach during sunset. 

Let's zoom in – when’s the best time to visit Bali?

For many tourists, Indonesia means Bali , and there are definitely optimum times to visit this legendary holiday island. Things are just about perfect at either end of the peak tourist season, from May to June, and throughout September. Not only can you enjoy sublime beach weather, legendary waves, stunning volcano treks, thundering waterfalls, yoga retreats , and fascinating Hindu culture, but you’ll also get to experience it all without the jostling crowds. As an added plus, you won't have to worry about booking months in advance, and you can save money compared to peak season prices.

Will traveling in the rainy season ruin my vacation?

If you’re after a chilled-out holiday and enjoy getting a good deal, then a rainy season trip to Indonesia is well worth considering. Sure, you’ll get some downpours from December to February – some of them heavy – but that doesn’t mean it’s going to rain around the clock. Instead, expect a few hours of rain, often in the afternoon, before the blue skies reappear and you can be back by the pool, cocktail in hand. However, if you’ve got your heart set on trekking, diving, surfing, and wildlife encounters, it's best to schedule your trip during the busier, drier months from April to October.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated November 2023

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A plane was flying with 159 onboard. Then both pilots fell asleep.

indonesia in travel

Two pilots of an aircraft carrying 157 other people fell asleep midflight, causing the plane to veer off its designated path, according to a preliminary report by Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee.

The pilots were operating a Batik Air flight on Jan. 25 when they both fell asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes, the report said . The plane, carrying 153 passengers and four crew members, had left Kendari, in the southeast of the island of Sulawesi, and was headed to Jakarta, a two-hour and 35-minute flight.

The report did not identify the pilots, only describing the pilot in command as a 32-year-old Indonesian and the second in command as a 28-year-old Indonesian. Both had been deemed fit to fly, having passed health checks and returned negative tests for alcohol, the report said.

When the flight reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, about 30 minutes after departure, the pilot in command asked the deputy for permission to rest, which was granted. The pilot in command fell asleep and woke just under an hour later.

The pilot in command then asked his cockpit mate whether he wanted to sleep, but the second in command declined, according to the report, so the first pilot continued to sleep while the deputy remained in control of the aircraft.

After making contact with Jakarta’s area control center, the second pilot “inadvertently fell asleep,” the report said, noting that when the control center later attempted to contact the pilots, it did not receive a response.

“Several attempts to contact BTK6723 had been made by the Jakarta ACC including asking other pilots to call the BTK6723,” the report said. “None of the calls were responded to by the BTK6723 pilots.”

Twenty-eight minutes after the last recorded transmission from the second pilot, the first pilot woke up “and was aware that the aircraft was not on the correct flight path,” the report said. The pilot put the flight back on track, and the plane went on to land at Jakarta, the report said.

Passengers and employees aboard the flight were unharmed, and there was no damage to the plane, the report said.

According to the report, the second pilot had been taking care of his 1-month-old twins at home, was struggling with sleep and had moved residences the day before the flight.

The Transportation Ministry “strongly reprimands” Batik Air over the incident, said Indonesia’s civil aviation director, Maria Kristi Endah Murni, according to Agence France-Presse .

“We will carry out an investigation and review of the night flight operation in Indonesia related with Fatigue Risk Management for Batik Air and all flight operators,” she said in a statement.

AFP reported, citing a Batik Air statement, that the two pilots had been “temporarily suspended.” Batik Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.

Around the world, the airline industry has long grappled with the issue of fatigue among staff members, particularly pilots and cabin crew members.

A survey conducted in July among 6,893 pilots in Europe by an aviation safety consultancy for the European Cockpit Association found that 3 out of 4 pilots fell asleep while flying a plane in the month before the survey.

In 2022, the managing director of Wizz Air faced backlash from unions and pilot representatives after he urged fatigued staffers to go the “extra mile” amid shortages, Sky News reported .

In August, The Washington Post reported that U.S. federal authorities had investigated nearly 5,000 pilots suspected of falsifying their medical records to conceal that they were receiving benefits for mental health disorders and other serious conditions that could classify them as unfit to fly.

5,000 pilots suspected of hiding major health issues. Most are still flying.

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Go2 Indonesia 17+

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Go2 Ride Sharing is now in Indonesia! Ride sharing allows us to bring you the lowest cost transportation in Indonesia. You can rent a Go2 electric motorbike for a cost as low as 3 cents per minute! Go2’s electric motorbikes are quick, quiet and cool, and controlled entirely by the Go2 app! Simply: - Download the app - Top up your account with as little as $0.90 using Wing, ABA or Visa/Mastercard - Select a motorbike near you - Tap ‘Turn On’ in the app to start the motorbike - Tap ‘End Ride’ when you’re done Go2 – easy, low cost and safe. Ride sharing as it should be.

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Orlando Sentinel

Boeing CEO to exit in broad management shakeup…

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Boeing CEO to exit in broad management shakeup as manufacturing issues plague storied plane maker

FILE – Then-Nielsen Company CEO David Calhoun, center, watches progress...

FILE – Then-Nielsen Company CEO David Calhoun, center, watches progress as he waits for the company’s IPO to begin trading, Jan. 26, 2011, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Calhoun will be stepping down at the end of the year from the top job at Boeing, which is under pressure from major airlines wanting to know how the company plans to fix problems in the manufacturing of its planes. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

A Medford Jet Center worker walks under a United Boeing...

A Medford Jet Center worker walks under a United Boeing 737-824 that landed at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport from San Francisco with a missing panel Friday, March 15, 2024, in Medford, Ore. (Andy Atkinson/Rogue Valley Times via AP)

By DAVID KOENIG (AP Airlines Writer)

Boeing CEO David Calhoun will step down from the embattled plane maker at the end of the year as part of a broad management shakeup Monday after a series of mishaps at one of America’s iconic manufacturers.

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing’s commercial airplanes unit, will retire immediately. Stephanie Pope, the company’s chief operating officer for less than three months, has taken over leadership of the key division.

The company said board Chairman Lawrence Kellner, a former airline chief, won’t stand for re-election in May and will be replaced by a former Qualcomm CEO.

Boeing has been under intense pressure since early January, when a panel blew off a brand-new Alaska Airlines 737 Max. Investigators say bolts that help keep the panel in place were missing after repair work at the Boeing factory.

The Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up its scrutiny of the company, including putting a limit on production of 737s. An FAA audit of Boeing’s 737 factory near Seattle gave the company failing grades on nearly three dozen aspects of production. Boeing has until late May to give FAA a plan for improvement.

Airline executives have expressed their frustration with the company, and even minor incidents involving Boeing jets have attracted extra attention.

Scrutiny of the company has reached its highest level since two Boeing 737 Max jets crashed in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia. In all, the crashes killed 346 people.

In a note Monday to employees, Calhoun, 67, called the Alaska Airlines blowout a “watershed moment for Boeing.” that requires a ”total commitment to safety and quality at every level of our company.”

“The eyes of the world are on us, and I know we will come through this moment a better company, building on all the learnings we accumulated as we worked together to rebuild Boeing over the last number of years,” he said.

Boeing’s most significant effort to improve quality has been the opening of discussions about bringing Spirit AeroSystems, which builds fuselages for the Max and many parts for that and other Boeing planes, back into the company.

Mistakes made at Spirit, which Boeing spun off nearly 20 years ago, have compounded the company’s problems. Bringing the work of key supplier Spirit back in-house would, in theory, give Boeing more control over the quality of manufacturing key airplane components.

Calhoun said the two companies are making progress in talks “and it’s very important.”

Calhoun said the decision to leave was his. Calhoun had been a Boeing director since 2009 when he became CEO in January 2020, replacing Dennis Muilenburg, who was fired in the aftermath of the Max crashes. In 2021, Boeing’s board raised the mandatory retirement age for CEO to keep Calhoun in the job.

Calhoun oversaw the Max’s return to service after a worldwide grounding that lasted nearly two years, and orders for the plane quickly picked up. Since then, however, a series of manufacturing flaws have delayed deliveries of new 737s and larger 787 Dreamliners to airlines, forcing the carriers to reduce growth plans.

Boeing has not filed its proxy statement for 2023, but previous filings show that Calhoun received compensation valued at more than $64.6 million from 2020 through 2022. Almost all of it was in the form of stock awards, options and bonuses.

Boeing, based in Arlington, Virginia, has lost more than $23 billion since Calhoun took over, although most of that is residual damage from the two crashes. Boeing shares have fallen more than 40% in that time – 24% since the Alaska incident, through trading on Friday.

Last week, Chief Financial Officer Brian West warned that the company burned between $4 billion and $4.5 billion more cash than it expected in the first quarter as it slowed down airplane production after the Alaska Airlines accident.

The company tapped former Qualcomm CEO Steven Mollenkopf to become the new board chairman and lead the search for Calhoun’s replacement.

The growing pressure on Boeing took some of the surprise out of Monday’s news. Citi analyst Jason Gursky called the shakeup “both predictable and thoughtful.”

Some analysts had viewed the fast-rising Pope a likely successor to Calhoun. Gursky said her move to lead commercial airplanes opened the way for an outsider to become CEO.

Pope, 51, was promoted to Boeing chief operating officer only in January. Before that, she was president and CEO of Boeing’s services business, where she dealt with both airline and military customers, and she was chief financial officer of the airplanes division before that.

Richard Aboulafia, a longtime aerospace analyst and now a consultant at AeroDynamic Advisory, said the management shakeup “is likely to be a pivotal moment in Boeing’s history, and probably a very positive one,” but the outcome depends on the next CEO. He said Patrick Shanahan — a former Boeing executive and acting U.S. Defense secretary during the Trump administration who has led Spirit AeroSystems since last fall — would be a “great choice.”

Cai von Rumohr, aerospace analyst at Cowen, said the management changes are “a partial step toward changing its culture to underscore safety and rebuild investor confidence in the company.” He said the fact that Calhoun gave more than eight months’ notice will help the Boeing board make “a considered decision” instead of “a knee-jerk reaction.”

The CEO of Irish airline Ryanair, a major Boeing customer, welcomed the management changes, including the replacement of Deal at the head of commercial airplanes. Michael O’Leary said in a video posted on X that Deal did a good job at Boeing sales, “but he’s not the person to turn around the operation in Seattle, and that’s where most of the problems have been in recent years.”

Shares of The Boeing Co. rose about 1% in afternoon trading.

AP Business Writer Michelle Chapman contributed to this report from New York.

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COMMENTS

  1. The Official Website of Indonesia Tourism

    The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy introduced InDOnesia CARE, a symbol of support for Indonesia's strong effort in implementing the cleanliness, health, safety, and environment protocols across the tourism industry as mandatory precautions. All to assure travelers that InDOnesia CARE for your safety, health, hygiene and comfort.

  2. The 10 best places to visit in Indonesia

    Most visitors hire liveaboard boats to travel up the Sekonyer River to feeding stations in the rainforest and Camp Leakey, the iconic rehabilitation center deep in the jungle where these auburn-haired 'men of the forest' live out a serene, semi-wild existence. 3. Raja Ampat, West Papua.

  3. 15 things to know before going to Indonesia

    If you're looking for culture, activities, wildlife or sheer adventure, Indonesia is one of the richest countries in the world. With an estimated 13,466 islands, it's a whopper too. But Indonesia beyond Bali and Lombok (and the Gili Islands) remains largely unknown to many travelers.To pick just one example, Sumatra (80 times the size of Bali) is almost a world in itself.

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    Indonesia. Asia. This beguiling nation of over 17,000 islands is home to a huge diversity of adventures to choose from - Indonesia's sheer range of experiences is hard to beat.

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    Travel to Indonesia. This wonderful country is hard to beat. Home to more than 17,000 tropical islands, Indonesia has it all! Whether you're looking to surf the untouched beaches in the Mentawai Islands, join a yoga retreat in Bali, explore the cultural heritage of Yogyakarta, or take in the mind-blowing biodiversity in Borneo, there is everything you could wish for on your vacation in ...

  6. Indonesia Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Indonesia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources. These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  7. Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary (Bali, Java & Flores)

    Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary to Bali, Java & Flores. Indonesia, an immense country existing out of 17.000+ islands. A 3-week Indonesia route shows you the stunning diversity of this country. Waterfalls, volcanoes, stunning beaches, architecture, cultures, and delicious food. Feel welcomed by the open-minded Indonesian people.

  8. Indonesia Travel Guide

    Indonesia Travel Guide FAQ. Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Indonesia.. Q) What is the best month to travel to Indonesia? Ultimately, the best month to travel to Indonesia depends on your personal preferences and the specific activities and destinations you have in mind.

  9. Indonesia Travel Guide

    Read our Indonesia travel guide for everything you need to know before you go. Indonesia travel facts; Size: The Indonesian archipelago covers a lot of ground, with 17,000-plus islands spread over 5200km between Asia and Australia. Population: 255 million - and the world's largest Muslim population.

  10. 8 Days in Indonesia: A Travel Itinerary From Jakarta to Bali

    Indonesia might induce a bit of analysis paralysis in even the most experienced traveler—after all, the archipelago has over 17,000 islands—but the beginning Indonesia traveler can get the most out of their visit by limiting their trip to the two neighboring islands of Java and Bali.. Java is one of the most densely populated islands in Southeast Asia, and its long heritage of indigenous ...

  11. The PERFECT 3 Week Indonesia Itinerary: Where to Go, Stay, and Play

    3 week Indonesia itinerary Summary. Below is a summary of where to go in Indonesia. This includes island hopping and seeing all the top attractions. Day 1 - 3: Seminyak, Bali. Day 4 - 5: Ubud, Bali. Day 6 - 7: Gili Islands, Lombok. Day 8 - 9: Kuta, Lombok. Day 10 - 13: Komodo National Park, Flores.

  12. 24 Best Things To Do In Indonesia • The World Travel Guy

    3. Visit The Waterfalls. Pretty much every island in Indonesia has at least a few stunning waterfalls if you do a bit of exploring. A lot of the best waterfalls in Indonesia are located in Sumatra and Java, but even the smaller islands like Bali and Lombok have some great ones too.. A great place to chase waterfalls in Indonesia is at the Ciletuh Geopark in West Java, which is a UNESCO ...

  13. The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months

    Days 11-14: Lombok. Mt. Rinjani: So unique and impressive. Just a 2-hour fast boat over from the Nusa islands, or a short flight over from Bali, Lombok is yet again wildly different from the other islands you would have experienced with this itinerary, and well worth experiencing. Lombok is much quieter, more rural, and rugged.

  14. ULTIMATE INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE: STEP-BY-STEP ITINERARY PLAN

    To help you prepare for the journey of your lifetime, we've put together a brief travel guide that highlights all you need to know to travel to Indonesia. 1. Determine Your Itinerary. To start with, you can find unique itineraries here and explore Indonesia at its finest by booking an Indonesia cruise. This kind of cruise is best for anyone ...

  15. Perfect 2 Weeks Indonesia Itinerary: Best Places to Visit

    Unless you're from the UK or South Africa, make sure to pack a travel adapter for your 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary.. Indonesia uses plug types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. This international travel plug is a great option. Moreover, it comes with four USB ports and works in over 200 countries.

  16. 11 best things to do in Indonesia

    Plan your trip around these 11 things to do. 1. Walk with dragons in Komodo National Park. The Unesco-protected Komodo National Park is literally the domain of living dragons, Indonesia's apex super-predators. Rinca Island (just east of Komodo) - smaller but more densely populated with particularly aggressive dragons - is one of the most ...

  17. Ultimate Indonesia 10 Days Travel Itinerary

    Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary - best places to visit in Indonesia. There are a lot of places to visit in Indonesia in 10 days, and below I cover the best ones. Day 1 - arriving in Bali. I recommend starting or ending in Bali - even with many tourists, the island is always worth visiting.

  18. Indonesia Travel Tips

    Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually two-pin round plugs. To avoid the hassle of having to buy new adapters for everywhere you go, we recommend picking up a Universal Travel Adaptor before you leave. Visa: In Indonesia, 169 countries can now obtain a visa on arrival.

  19. Indonesia International Travel Information

    Indonesia's revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Indonesia.

  20. 9 Days in Indonesia

    Day 8. Bukittinggi Free Day. Bukittinggi. Day 9. Transfer to Padang, Depart. Begin your trip with a day in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital and largest city of over 10 million residents. Visit the Salamat Datang (" Welcome ") Monument and take in the magnificent mosque of Istiqlal.

  21. Indonesia Travel Advisory

    Indonesia's revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Indonesia.

  22. Indonesia

    If your travel plans in Indonesia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first ...

  23. Weather in Bali in April

    Temperatures in Bali in April. The warm April Bali weather is perfect for spending days at the beach, enjoying the natural beauty and cultural colours of the island.. Expect warm temps ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F) under the sun. Compared to the beaches, the water within and around would be very nice for swimming, with an approximate sea temp of 29°C (84°F).

  24. Escape Long Immigration Queue with Autogate System ...

    Two international airports in Indonesia, namely Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) Airport in Tangerang and I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali have implemented autogate systems. Autogate integrates Face Recognition technology with Border Control Management (BCM) to support immigration supervision at the crossings.

  25. The best time to visit Indonesia

    The shoulder season (March-June & September-November) is the best time for natural encounters. With its winning combo of superb weather, reduced tourist numbers, and lower prices, the shoulder season periods at either end of the peak season are our favorite times to visit Indonesia. Though you may get some rain (especially towards March and ...

  26. Pilots fall asleep during Batik Air flight in Indonesia, veer off path

    The pilots were asleep for 28 minutes during the Batik Air flight in Indonesia, a preliminary report from the country's National Transportation Safety Committee said.

  27. ‎Go2 Indonesia on the App Store

    ‎Go2 Ride Sharing is now in Indonesia! Ride sharing allows us to bring you the lowest cost transportation in Indonesia. You can rent a Go2 electric motorbike for a cost as low as 3 cents per minute! Go2's electric motorbikes are quick, quiet and cool, and controlled entirely by the Go2 app! Simply…

  28. Congratulations to Indonesian President-Elect Subianto

    PRESS STATEMENT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State March 20, 2024. We extend our sincere congratulations to Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto on his victory and once again applaud the Indonesian people for their robust turnout and commitment to democracy and the rule of law.. The United States and Indonesia are celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relationship grounded in ...

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    province, Indonesia. It is a modern industrial city contrasting markedly with the surrounding hinterland where Papuan tribes live a subsistence lifestyle. The vast majority of Jayapurans are transmigrants fr om western Indonesia who control most of the industry and economics of the region. Leaving the city behind, guest will travel to the ...