From 10 days to One Month!

Indonesia is as diverse as it is vast. In this sprawling archipelago you can experience misty rainforests, rumbling volcanoes, deserted islands and tumbling waterfalls. And that’s before we even mention the unique wildlife, epic surf, fabulous hiking and world-class diving.

It would take a lifetime to explore this wonderful group of islands (you’ve probably heard that there are more than 17,000 of them!). So, trying to decide where to start can be a bit daunting, but worry not. We’ve outlined three fantastic itineraries to help you make the most of your time in Indo, whether you have 10 days, a month or more (you lucky thing!).

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3 Incredible Itineraries for Indonesia 

However long you have to explore Indonesia, a visit to this incredible country is sure to be both surprising and inspiring. (You’ll be planning your return before you’ve even left!) Below are three options, ranging from 10 days to one month, that take in the most popular highlights.

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10-Day Indonesia Itinerary – The Hit List 📸🧘🌴

With ten days you can see a few of the most iconic destinations on Bali and its smaller islands.

🏖️ Day 1–3: Canggu, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Bali Full Moon Guest House

Skip overtouristed Kuta and upscale Seminyak and head straight for Canggu, around an hour from Bali’s international airport. While Canggu is still very busy, it has more of a traveller/digital nomad feel than Kuta, which has succumbed to the party holiday vibe. If you want to stay somewhere slightly quieter, base yourself in the next neighbourhood, Pererenan. 

Top things to do in Canggu:

• Spend the day (and night) at a beach club. Bali is famous for its wealth of luxurious beach clubs, including Atlas, the largest in the world! Spend the day sipping cocktails next to the beachside pool before partying the night away. A few of the best in Canggu are FINNS, The Lawn and La Brisa.
• Hit the surf. Canggu has diverse breaks, so there are spots for learners and experienced surfers alike.
• Watch the sunset. Bali sunsets hit differently. Grab a spot on the beach or a drink at a beach club and watch the sky light up.
• Sweat it out in a sauna. Bali has some world-class gyms that are worth a peek for their recovery suites alone, even if you’re not a gym bunny. (Think saunas, steam rooms, ice baths and pools!)
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple. One of the island’s most famous temples is just a short scooter drive from Canggu.
• Eat some world-class cuisine. Canggu has a thriving international food scene, and the best part is that it’s very affordable. Pererenan in particular has made a name for itself as a foodie hotspot.

🧘 Day 4–6: Ubud, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Kuna Bali

Take the short journey to Ubud (1 hour by Grab/taxi), Bali’s cultural heartland. Situated inland, Ubud is known for its lush surrounding rice fields and as a centre for spirituality and wellness.

Top things to do in Ubud:

• Practice yoga. Ubud is all about channelling your inner hippie, and taking a yoga class is a great place to start. You’ll be spoilt for choice, but the Yoga Barn is a firm favourite.
• Engage in wellness. Whether you want to indulge in a Balinese massage or try out a sound healing class, ecstatic dance or laughter therapy, Ubud has a wealth of wellness offerings.  
• Wander through the rice fields. Ubud’s charm is in its location — set among Bali’s lush rice fields. The most famous are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a short drive outside town. However, Kajen Rice Field is walkable from Ubud centre and also offers a peaceful and scenic experience. 
• Swim in a waterfall. There are several picturesque waterfalls dotted around the Ubud countryside, many of which have pools that are perfect for taking a refreshing dip. Check out Goa Rang Reng, Tibumana or Taman Sari.

🌴 Day 7–9: Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Batang Golden Hills (Penida) or Hokita Home Stay (Lembongan)

Sitting just off the southeast coast of Bali are three small islands: Nusa Penida, the much smaller Nusa Lembongan, and tiny Nusa Ceningan. For rugged scenery and relatively undeveloped landscapes, Nusa Penida is popular with daytrippers. Spend a couple of nights to uncover its beauty at less busy hours! Nearby Nusa Lembongan has a laid-back island feel with beautiful beaches, a couple of beach clubs and a few decent surf breaks just offshore.

Top things to do in the Nusa islands:

• Discover the beaches. Both islands are blessed with stunning beaches. Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach has become famous for ‘that’ view of the t-rex-shaped headland. Jungutbatu Beach on Nusa Lembongan is a sweeping white-sand paradise, and Dream Beach is a hidden little bay that’s aptly named.
• Go snorkelling or diving. The underwater world is equally stunning off Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Lucky divers may even spot manta rays.
• Hit the waves or the trails. Surfers may prefer Nusa Lembongan, which is known for its surf breaks, including the ominously named Lacerations, Shipwrecks and Razors! (Playgrounds is the most friendly option.) Over on Nusa Penida, the island’s natural landscape is crossed with hiking trails waiting to be explored.

🛥️ Day 10: Return to Bali for Onward Travel

You’ll need to allow a day to get back to mainland Bali to take your onward/homebound flight. The journey can be surprisingly long given the short distance (welcome to Southeast Asia!)

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Two-Week Indonesia Itinerary – Diving, Surfing and Partying 🤿🏄🍻

This two-week option takes in some of Indonesia’s best and most accessible surf spots, as well as top diving/snorkelling destinations. Most of these places are well known for their nightlife too!

🏄 Day 1–3: Canggu, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Tribal Bali

Begin your trip with a few days in buzzing Canggu. If you’re a surfing newbie, why not check out one of the island’s surf camps.

Top things to do in Canggu:

• Catch some rides at Echo Beach. Perhaps Canggu’s premier surf spot, Echo Beach offers several breaks for different abilities but one of the best is Echo Beach Left. It’s also perfectly positioned opposite a string of beachfront bars and cafes, so it’s also a great spectator spot!
• Head to Kedungu for surf and sunset. A 30-minute scooter ride outside of Canggu, Kedungu Beach is a slightly quieter spot to catch some rides. And the cliffs that rise up from the beach are a perfect sunset spot — grab a drink from one of the local bars and pull up a beanbag.
• Party at Old Mans. An good party spot a stone’s throw from Batu Bolong Beach.

🌊 Day 4–6: Uluwatu, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Gatsby Hotel Hostel

Head south to the Bukit Peninsula to explore Uluwatu. Spend your days catching epic waves and your nights at one of the many party spots.

Top things to do in Uluwatu:

• Enjoy the rides! Bali’s best surf spots can be found around Uluwatu, including Impossibles, Dreamland and Padang Padang to name a few. Beginners, don’t fear, there’re spots for learners too, including Baby Padang.
• Have a sundowner at Single Fin. Grab a beer, enjoy the sunset and watch the pro surfers demonstrate how it’s done!
• Discover Bali’s best beaches. The Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the Island of Gods’ superior sands. Don’t miss Bingin Beach, Dreamland and Padang Padang (of Eat, Pray, Love fame).
• Visit Uluwatu Temple. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the temple in Uluwatu is one of the most iconic in Bali. The Kecak Fire Dance show performed there nightly is also worth seeing.

🤿 Day 7–10: Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, Lombok

Recommended accommodation: Trawangan Oasis (Gili T) or Begadang (Gili Air)

Travel to Gili Trawangan (usually referred to as Gili T), known for its lively atmosphere and party scene. If you want a more relaxed time, try tiny chilled Gili Air instead. Part of a trio of islands (the third is Gili Meno), these small isles sit off the north coast of Lombok and are accessible by boat from Bali.

Top things to do in the Gilis:

• Live the beach life. Laze on the beach by day (Bingtangs optional) and party on the sand by night.
• Snorkel or dive with turtles. The Gili islands are the perfect destination to go snorkelling or diving among pristine coral. You’re almost guaranteed to see some graceful sea turtles. 
• Explore the island on foot or by bicycle. Both islands are ripe for exploration on two feet or two wheels. Drag yourself away from the beach and go exploring.
• Clock onto island time. Time seems to slow down in Southeast Asia, especially on the islands. Embrace island time and enjoy the slow life.

🌴 Day 11–14: Kuta, Lombok

Recommended accommodation: Mengalung Bungalows

Bali’s sister island, Lombok, retains the laidback charm of Bali’s yesteryear (although change is happening fast!). Relatively undeveloped, Lombok provides a slice of paradise with its jungled and waterfall-dotted interior, active volcano ripe for hiking, and plentiful surf breaks for all levels. A former fishing village turned surfer hotspot, Kuta is the beating heart of Lombok. Perfectly positioned for accessing all the island’s best waves, it’s a thriving hub that grows more popular by the day.

Top things to do in Kuta:

• Enjoy a drink or two. Kuta is the place on Lombok to meet other travellers and grab a beer, whether that’s at Rasta Bar, Surfer’s Bar, Turtle Bar or one of the quieter cocktail spots.
• Check out the swell. Lombok’s southern shoreline receives the same awesome swell that blesses Bali, but here the lineups are less crowded. There are also several mellow breaks that are ideal for learners and longboarders. The island also has a growing surf camp scene.
• Take a day trip to Tetebatu. Lombok’s interior remains mostly off the tourist trail. If you’re looking for some local life, take a trip to Tetebatu and discover some of the island’s jungle trails and waterfalls along the way.
• Discover the beaches. Hire a scooter and take a drive west along the coast from Lombok. Here you’ll find some beautiful beaches, such as Mawun and Selong Belanak. The scenery en route isn’t too bad either!
• Snorkel or dive in the Secret Gilis. Much less visited than the three Gilis off the north coast, the Secret Gilis are one of the best places to go snorkelling or diving in Lombok.
• Hike Mount Rinjani. Given the time constraints, this last point will probably only appeal to the most avid hikers. However, for the keen beans, the 3 or 4-day hike up Mount Rinjani is an exhilarating experience. 

Lombok’s international airport is just 25 minutes from Kuta, providing easy access for return or onward travel.

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One-Month Indonesia Itinerary – Nature, Culture and Wildlife 🏞️🛕🦧

If you have a month, you can explore some of Indonesia’s spectacular natural landscapes and encounter endemic wildlife. Plus, there’s ample time for cultural experiences too.

🏙️ Day 1: Medan, Sumatra

The city of Medan is a logical entry point to Sumatra, although there’s not much to detain travellers. You’ll find flights to Medan from cities across the region. (Sadly the ferry that previously ran between Medan and Penang, Malaysia is no longer in operation.) Grab some food at one of the local hawker centres and then arrange onward transport to Bukit Lawang.

🦧 Day 2–4: Bukit Luwang, Sumatra

Recommended tour: Orangutan Eco Jungle Trekking

Start your wildlife adventure in Bukit Lawang, best known for the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Top things to do in Bukit Lawang:

• Go jungle trekking for the chance to spot orangutans in the wild. The two-day-one-night option is the most popular.

🌿 Day 5–7: Berastagi, Sumatra

Recommended accommodation: Kaesa Homestay

Venture into the highlands to experience Sumatra at its most rural.

Top things to do in Berastagi:

• Hike up Mount Sibayak for sunrise. Summiting a volcano is a must-do activity in Indonesia, and watching the sunrise from the peak is an unforgettable experience.
• Recharge in the hot springs. Give your trek-tired muscles some TLC with a soak in the hot springs.
• Visit Sipiso-Piso waterfall. One of the highest waterfalls in the country, the falls tumble a spectacular 120 metres.
• Sample the fresh produce. Visit one of the markets to savour some of the locally grown fruit and veg — don’t miss the passionfruit!

🏊 Day 8–10: Lake Toba, Sumatra 

Recommended accommodation: Matraville Homestay

Move on to Lake Toba, the biggest volcanic crater lake on Earth and home to the Batak people.

Top things to do at Lake Toba:

• Visit Tomok Village. Located on Samosir Island in the middle of the lake, Tomok is a great place to learn about Batak culture.
• Get out on the lake. Go swimming or kayaking and enjoy the incredible surroundings of Lake Toba.
• Explore Samosir Island on foot. Try out some of the hiking trails around the island and immerse yourself in Indonesian nature.

✈️ Day 11: Travel to Jakarta, Java

Fly from Lake Toba (Raja Sisingamangaraja XII International Airport) to Jakarta (around 2 hours). If you have time, venture out to the capital’s Dutch quarter, Old Batavia.

☕ Day 12–13: Bandung, Java

Recommended accommodation: Mogens Guesthouse

A few hours from the capital by train, Bandung is known as ‘The Paris of Java’.

Top things to do in Bandung:

• Admire the architecture. Stroll through the streets to soak up the views of the colonial architecture.
• Explore the countryside. Bandung is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes covered in lush tea plantations and dotted with waterfalls and hot springs.
• Wander through Braga Street (Jalan Braga). Take time to enjoy the cafés, restaurants and art galleries.

🛕 Day 14–16: Yogyakarta, Java

Recommended accommodation: Snooze

Take the train to the digital nomad capital of Java, Yogyakarta (aka Jogja), well-known for its rich cultural heritage.

Top things to do in Jogja:

• Learn about history at Fort Vredeburg Museum. This fort-turned-museum tells the story of Indonesian independence from colonial rule.
• Discover the city’s royal residences. The Kraton Palace is the home of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and open to visitors, while the Water Castle is a former royal garden.
• Visit two spectacular temples. Prambanan is an exquisite Hindu temple complex, and nearby Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world!
• Watch a Ramayana Ballet performance. The ballet, which takes place in the dramatic setting of Prambanan Temple, tells the story of the book of Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic.

🌋 Day 17–19: Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen, Java

Recommended tour: Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen Adventure

Explore the jaw-dropping natural wonders of East Java. While the popular sites can be visited independently, a tour makes things much easier.

Top things to do in East Java:

• Marvel at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. If time allows, make a detour to these thundering falls.
• Watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a truly breathtaking volcanic landscape and should not be missed! 
• Witness the blue flames at Kawah Ijen. The acidic lake on Mount Ijen is the best place on the planet to see the blue flame phenomenon. 

🪷 Day 20–22: Ubud, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Wayan Guest House

Unwind from your Javanese adventures in Ubud, wandering the rice fields and experiencing some wellness treatments.

Top things to do in Ubud:

• Visit some temples. Skip the overtouristed Pura Tirta Empul in favour of quieter and more dramatic temple complexes, such as Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu and Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi. The Water Palace in the centre of Ubud, with its pretty lotus-filled ponds, is worth a visit too.
• Walk through the monkey forest. If you want to get up close to Bali’s monkeys, you can find over a thousand of them in the monkey forest!

🏞️ Day 23–25: Munduk, Bali

Recommended accommodation: Aris Homestay

Enjoy the island’s quieter side by retreating to the north. Munduk is a great base for venturing out into the Balinese countryside.

Top things to do in Munduk:

• Admire Ulun Danu Temple. The lakeside temple is located in the most picturesque setting.
• Find some waterfalls. Bali’s interior is awash with gorgeous, gushing waterfalls, many within easy reach of Munduk.
• Savour the quiet life. Slow down and take life at island pace for a couple of days.

🦎 Day 26–29: Labuan Bajo and Komodo, Flores

Recommended accommodation: Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel 

Set your sights on the magical island of Flores and the Komodo National Park. From Bali, there are two choices. You can travel to Lombok (by plane or boat) to take the backpacker-favourite Lombok to Flores boat trip, a four-day seafaring adventure that sails through incredible Indonesian scenery and the Komodo National Park before ending in Labuan Bajo on Flores.

If the thought of days at sea makes you green around the gills, take a short flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. From here, you can take a one-day speedboat tour to the national park and spend the remaining days exploring Flores. 

Top things to do in Komodo and Labuan Bajo:

• Walk with dragons. A hike on either Komodo Island or Rinca Island allows visitors to spot the world’s largest lizards, which are endemic to the islands.
• Hike to Padar Island viewpoint. Padar Island is one of the main stops on Komodo National Park tours. The short hike to the highest point is rewarded with brilliant vistas.
• Uncover traditional cultures. Melo Village, close to Labuan Bajo, allows visitors to experience the Manggaraian culture and witness the Caci, a traditional fighting dance.
• Cool off in a waterfall. Cunca Rami or Cunca Wulang waterfalls make for a refreshing trip from Labuan Bajo.
• Visit a viewpoint. There are half a dozen viewpoints in and around Labuan Bajo, each offering mesmerising views. Time your visit for sunrise or sunset for a particularly memorable experience. 

✈️ Day 30: Return to Bali

Travel back to Bali, whose airport is well connected to hubs across the region and beyond.

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