Indonesia beckons with more than just scenic beaches. It's a land of rich culture, lively festivals, old temples, and thrilling landscapes. This three-week itinerary is made to give you a deep dive into the heart of Indonesia's most celebrated islands. These include Java, Bali, and Flores. Each has unique experiences that speak to adventure-seekers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers. I have visited them all more than once and with every visit I fell more in love with this place!
Week 1: Central & East Java
Day 1 – 2: Yogyakarta
Begin in Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java. This vibrant city is the perfect starting point to delve into Indonesia's rich history. Discover the ancient temple of Borobudur. It's the world's largest Buddhist temple. It's best to visit at sunrise. The morning light bathes its stone reliefs in a golden glow. Spend your afternoon at Prambanan. Explore the majestic Hindu temple complex. It's known for its tall, pointed architecture and grace. Wander through the bustling streets of the city, visiting local artisans and sampling traditional Javanese cuisine. In the evening, watch a performance of the Ramayana ballet. It's an epic story told in dance. The ballet is performed against a backdrop of the lit Prambanan temples.
Find the best guided tours here
Day 3: Travel to Malang
Catch the early train from Yogyakarta to Malang, an 8-hour journey offering picturesque views of Java's rural landscapes. If you go by drive you can stop on the way to Malang or even explore the Jomblang Cave in the early morning with a guided tour (book in advance!). Malang, with its cooler climate, is a reprieve from the tropical heat. Known for its Dutch colonial architecture and colorful flower markets, the city is a blend of cultural history and natural beauty.
Day 4 – 5: Malang
Spend the first day exploring the historical sites in Malang, such as the Malang Temples and the Eng An Kiong Chinese temple, before taking a stroll through the Jodipan Colorful Village, an art project turned tourism highlight. Dedicate the next day to visit the waterfalls around Malang. Start with Coban Rondo, set amidst lush forests, it's a perfect spot for a leisurely hike. Then, venture to Tumpak Sewu, located between Malang and Lumajang. Tumpak Sewu is a stunning tiered waterfall. It offers awe-inspiring views, especially from the viewpoint. There, you can see its scale and the surrounding gorge. Stay overnight to start the day with the waterfall tour early before heading towards Bromo.
I recommend booking the 3 days tour directly with your guide or here.
Day 6: Mount Bromo
Experience the majestic Mount Bromo. Begin your day early with a jeep ride to the viewpoint to catch one of Indonesia’s most iconic sunrises, overlooking the Tengger caldera. Don't miss out on the iconic fried bananas and hot tea before the sunrise. After sunrise, trek to the rim of the Bromo crater, a surreal landscape often shrouded in mist, offering a sense of walking on the clouds. You'll return back to the town and maybe you want to take a short nap or directly continue your trip towards Ijen & napping in the car.
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Day 7: Ijen Crater
Travel to Ijen Crater, known for its striking blue fire, visible only at night. Your tour usually includes an accommodation in Banyuwangi which is a lovely town to grab some good, early dinner. The hike to Ijen crater starts around 2-3AM and involves a demanding trek up the mountain, guided by the glow of your guides' lamps and the stars. At the top, watch the mesmerizing blue flames and wait for the dawn to reveal the acidic lake’s electric turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. You can choose to walk town to the crater and see the blue fire form nearby or stay on the top and walk to the sunrise point.
Your guide will eventually bring you back to the accommodation (8AM). Take a rest, have breakfast and then you might continue your trip from Ketapang to Gilimanuk (Bali). The ferry takes about 1h and is a very convenient way to continue your trip. Your Bali driver can actually pick you up and drop you off at the desired destination like Canggu.
Week 2: Bali and Nusa Penida
Day 8 – 10: Seminyak or Canggu
After the demanding hikes from the previous days you might want to take it a bit slower. Relax in Bali’s trendy towns of Seminyak or Canggu. Enjoy the sophisticated vibe of Seminyak with its upscale boutiques, spas, and dining options. Alternatively, soak in the laid-back atmosphere of Canggu, famous for its surf breaks and vibrant café culture. Both locations offer a perfect mix of beach relaxation and cultural experiences, such as visiting local temples and participating in a Balinese cooking class. No matter if you are more the yogi or the surfer I'm sure you'll love the vibe in both of the towns.
Day 11 – 14: Ubud
Head inland to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Ubud is surrounded by rainforests and terraced rice paddies, dotted with Hindu temples and shrines. Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex, stroll through the bustling Ubud Market, and visit the majestic Royal Palace. Spend a day cycling through the countryside or trying your hand at a traditional craft in one of the many workshops offered in the area. Ubud is also a great hub for exploring a few of the waterfalls like Tibumana or Canto Lampo which make your jungle adventure just perfectly refreshing. Take a Grab or rent your motorcyle for these perfect day trips for Ubud.
Day 15 – 16: Nusa Penida
Explore the rugged island of Nusa Penida. Take a boat from Bali. Ideally spend about two days visiting the breathtaking sites. They include Kelingking Beach, known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff, and the enchanting Angel's Billabong. Nusa Penida offers dramatic landscapes and stunning coastal views, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Week 3: Komodo National Park & Flores
Day 17: Labuan Bajo
Fly to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park. This small port town offers a charming introduction to Flores. It has many local seafood restaurants and beautiful sunset views from the hills. Prepare for your upcoming adventure into the national park by exploring the town’s vibrant markets and quiet beaches.
Day 18 – 20: Komodo National Park
Embark on a multi-day boat tour of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit islands inhabited by the famous Komodo dragons, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and relax on secluded pink sand beaches. The park’s rich marine biodiversity makes it one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the world. Here you can find many tours
Day 21: Return to Bali
Conclude your Indonesian adventure by returning to Bali. Spend your last day unwinding in a beachfront café in Uluwatu, reflecting on the journey of a lifetime.
How to Get to Indonesia
International Airports
Indonesia is well-connected by international airports, with the main entry points being Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. These airports offer numerous flights from major cities worldwide, making Indonesia easily accessible.
Best Airlines
Consider booking with airlines known for excellent service such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways for long-haul flights. For budget-friendly options, AirAsia and Jetstar offer competitive rates from various Asian hubs. Book here
How to Travel Around Indonesia
Domestic Flights
Due to the vast spread of islands, domestic flights are a quick and efficient way to travel between major destinations like Jakarta, Bali, and Labuan Bajo. Airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air provide extensive domestic routes. Book here
Ferries and Boats
For island hopping, especially in areas like the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, reliable ferry services are essential. Local operators like BlueWater Express offer fast boats which are a convenient option for shorter distances.
Local Transportation
In cities, opt for app-based taxis like Gojek or Grab for convenient and safe travel. For a more local experience, traditional bajajs and becaks are fun, albeit slower, alternatives.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Peak Season
The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit most Indonesian regions, offering sunny days ideal for beach activities and hiking. Bali and Java, in particular, see peak tourist activity from June to August.
Off-Peak Travel
For fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder months of March and November. The weather is still pleasant, and you'll have more opportunities to engage with local cultures without the peak season rush.
Accommodation Options
You'll have a wide range of accommodation options in Indonesia and I love booking mine always through booking.com in order to keep my bookings in one place and get a reliable source of reviews and ratings. Here you'll find some of my favourite go to places:
Java
Yogyakarta: The Phoenix Hotel by Sofitel offers a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities.
Malang: Ibis Styles Malang, centrally located and great standard amenities.
Bromo & Ijen: For those places you have to expect a very basic mountain stay. Usually you will get them included in your tour package.
Bali
Seminyak: Kresna by the Sea, a tropically designed luxury home with beautiful suites.
Ubud: Mahayoga Ubuda Prvate Pool Villa & Spa are secluded Villa with various pretty units to stay at.
Canggu: Leafy Home Canggu is one of the many incredibly pretty designed homes in Canggu.
Nusa Penida
Penida Bambu Green Villas: Offers traditional bamboo villas with modern comforts, ideal for an immersive island experience. Book here
Flores and Komodo
Labuan Bajo: Ayana Komodo Resort, boasting pristine beachfront and exquisite dining options. perfect getaway for your adventures.
Komodo National Park: Overnight on a phinisi boat, which provides a unique way to experience the area and see more of the remote islands.
The itinerary is three weeks long. It goes through Indonesia. It offers a deep dive into the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences that define this vast group of islands. From the ancient temples of Java to the dynamic beaches of Bali and the prehistoric allure of Komodo, each destination provides a unique story and adventure that's sure to enrich every traveler’s spirit. If you have more time or prefer to skip parts of it in order to stay longer in one place - go for it! Indonesia is vast and even after coming back for many times, there is never enough time to see all the fantastic places. This 3 weeks itinerary gives you a good start but I'm sure you want to come back for more :)
