Itinerary #1: Adventure & Wonder in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Ubud, Munduk, Gili Air & Jimbaran
With three days in Java followed by one week in Bali, this 11-day Indonesia itinerary has the perfect mix of culture and relaxation—a great introduction to Indonesia. Discover the world's largest Buddhist temple and 16th-century history, take a deep dive into village life in Ubud and Munduk, then finish your trip in utmost relaxation with a stay on Gili Air and an evening on your own in Jimbaran.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Yogyakarta | Yogyakarta |
Day 2 | Sunrise at Borobudur, Tour of Java's Temples | Yogyakarta |
Day 3 | Tour Kotagede & Prambanan Temples | Yogyakarta |
Day 4 | Transfer to Ubud | Ubud |
Day 5 | Scenic Tour of Ubud | Ubud |
Day 6 | Coffee Plantation Tour | Munduk |
Day 7 | ATV Expedition to Waterfall | Munduk |
Day 8 | Transfer to Gili Air Island | Gili Air |
Day 9 | Explore the Gili Islands | Gili Air |
Day 10 | Transfer to Jimbaran | Jimbaran |
Day 11 | Depart |
Welcome to Indonesia! After landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Java, spend your first day wandering the museums and architectural delights in Yogyakarta, your base for the first three days. During your time here, soak up the Javanese culture as you explore the temples of Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut and roam the Kotagede Heritage District and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Plaosan. Next, hop on a short flight to Denpasar Airport, and transfer to Ubud, where you'll tour the beautiful Tegallalang rice fields and historic villages from a sporty convertible.
A transfer to Munduk takes you deep into the inland of Bali. Tour Munduk Moding coffee plantation, then see the landscapes from a different angle as you drive an ATV through the hills of Kayu Pandak and Devil's Rock. You'll then change gears with a two-night stay on Gili Air, known for being car-free and having an immensely laid-back atmosphere. Take a day to explore the nearby islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno by boat, then it's back to mainland Bali to spend your last night in Jimbaran before catching your flight home from Denpasar Airport. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Indonesian Temples & Culture: Yogyakarta, Turi, Ubud & Karangasem
On this temple, rice terraces, and culture-focused itinerary, you'll spend four nights on Java before flying to Bali to split your time between the beach and the culture-rich inland of the island. Each day promises new surprises as you hike Mount Merapi, spend an entire day with a Balinese family, and indulge in Indonesian cuisine.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Yogyakarta (Java) | Yogyakarta |
Day 2 | Yogyakarta Temple Tour | Yogyakarta |
Day 3 | Transfer to Turi (Java) | Turi |
Day 4 | Sunrise Trek to Mount Merapi | Turi |
Day 5 | Fly to Bali, Transfer to Ubud | Ubud |
Day 6 | Live Like a Local Near Mengwi | Ubud |
Day 7 | Explore Ubud, Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah, Batuan & Tegenungan Waterfall | Ubud |
Day 8 | White Water Rafting Adventure, Transfer to Sanur (Bali) | Sanur |
Day 9 | Transfer to Karangasem, Visit Pura Lempuyang Temple | Amlapura |
Day 10 | Amlapura Free Day | Karangasem |
Day 11 | Depart Bali |
Your trip begins in Java, with a private transfer from the airport to Yogyakarta, where you'll have the afternoon to settle in and explore the museums and art galleries dotted around the city. Spend your next day touring Kota Gede and the Sewu, Plaosan, and Prambanan temples, then transfer to Turi, with a stop by Borobudur Temple. The following morning you'll rise before dawn for a sunrise trek to Mount Merapi, then it's time to leave Java and fly to Bali.
Once you've landed, transfer to Ubud and enjoy an afternoon of checking out the Ubud Market, Pura Taman Saraswati temple, and Ubud Royal Palace, followed by a full day with a rural Balinese family near Mengwi. With another day in Ubud, you'll have time to check out the Monkey Forest and Goa Gajah, the "Cave of the Elephant," before heading to the sleepy beach town of Sanur. Soak up the rays, then finish your trip with two nights in Karangasem, exploring the temples of Pura Lempuyang and trying your hand at surfing or snorkeling until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more
Itinerary #3: Unforgettable Indonesia: Bali & the Gili Islands
Slow down and soak up the warm Balinese culture on this Indonesian itinerary, perfect for slower-paced travelers. As you spend time with a local family in Ubud, relax on the car-free Gili Islands, and take in a traditional Kecak dance in Jimbaran, you'll get a real sense of the warm hospitality Bali is so loved for.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Tanah Lot, Massage & Rice Field Walk | Tanah Lot |
Day 2 | Transfer to Ubud, Historic Temple Tour | Ubud |
Day 3 | Ubud Volkswagen Safari Tour | Ubud |
Day 4 | Balinese Cooking Class, Visit a Healer | Ubud |
Day 5 | Transfer to Padang Bai, Speedboat to Gili Air | Gili Air |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno | Gili Air |
Day 7 | Snorkel Trip to Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan | Gili Air |
Day 8 | Transfer to Uluwatu, Visit the Fish Market in Jimbaran | Uluwatu |
Day 9 | Jimbaran Sunset Cruise & Barbecue Dinner | Uluwatu |
Day 10 | Bukit Beaches, Uluwatu Temple Visit, Kecak Traditional Dance Performance | Uluwatu |
Day 11 | Transfer to Denpasar Airport & Depart |
After arriving at Denpasar Airport and transferring to Tanah Lot, you'll immediately sink into the warm Balinese hospitality with a soothing massage and relaxing walk to the village's famous sea temple. Next, transfer to Ubud, your home for three nights. You'll wander the peaceful gardens at Taman Ayun, discover the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures at Goa Gajah, and take in the magnificent temples of the region on a vintage VW convertible tour. Before departing Ubud, learn how to cook traditional Balinese dishes and discover the secrets of your past and future with a traditional Balinese healer.
On Day 5 of your Indonesia trip, a speedboat ride takes you to the pristine sandy beaches of Gili Air. Let time slip away as you spend your days between the sand and sea, watch epic sunsets, and visit the neighboring Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan islands. Next, it's back on the fast boat to Padang Bai, where a local driver will transfer you to Uluwatu. With three nights in Jimbaran, you'll have plenty of time to visit the village's famous fish market, embark on a sunset cruise, beach hop, and enjoy an evening Kecak performance before catching your flight home from the Denpasar Airport. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Explore Indonesia's Volcanoes & Temples: Yogyakarta, Surakarta, East Java & Bali
Perfect for those looking to spend their days wandering temples and climbing volcanoes, this action-packed itinerary explores the breathtaking landscapes of Java and Bali. Take in Indonesia's cultural capital of Yogyakarta, see for yourself the otherworldly craters near Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen, and top off your trip with a tour around Ubud's breathtaking rice terraces.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
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Day 1 | Arrive in Yogyakarta, Free Time & Optional Candirejo Village Tour | Yogyakarta |
Day 2 | Visit Kota Gede District & See Three Temples, Optional Ramayana Show | Yogyakarta |
Day 3 | Explore Temples & Yogyakarta Market | Yogyakarta |
Day 4 | Private Transfer to Surakarta, Stop at Mangkunegaran Palace | Surakarta (Solo) |
Day 5 | Discover Surakarta's Tea Plantations & Temples | Surakarta (Solo) |
Day 6 | Train to Mount Bromo in East Java | Mount Bromo |
Day 7 | Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo, Transfer to Kalibaru | Kalibaru |
Day 8 | Explore Kalibaru Plantations & Muncar Port, Transfer to Ijen | Mount Ijen |
Day 9 | Trek to Mount Ijen & Transfer to Ubud | Ubud |
Day 10 | Ubud VW Safari Car Tour | Ubud |
Day 11 | Depart Ubud |
Your Indonesian trip begins in Java's largest city, Yogyakarta. Unpack your bags and enjoy an evening discovering the city's vibrant culture and charming restaurants. Then over the following two days, you'll explore the temples of Sewon and Plasoan, spend an evening watching a traditional show at the Puri Wisata Theatre, and take in the magnificent Borobudur Buddhist temple and Mendut Temple. Back on the road, your driver will take you to Surakarta, known locally as Solo, where you'll embark on a hike through tea plantations and admire Mount Merapi from the terraced Cetho Temple.
The second half of your trip begins with a travel day to Mount Bromo. Opt for an early bedtime, as the following day, you'll wake up at 2 am for a Jeep tour of Mount Penanjakan and into the Sea of Sand caldera. Then, it's onto Kalibaru, famous for its coffee, rubber, cocoa, and sugar cane plantations, before a sunrise trek takes you to the top of Mount Ijen crater. After a ferry to Bali, you'll spend your last two nights in Ubud, admiring the region's temples and terraced rice fields on a VW Safari Car Tour, then catch your flight home from Denpasar Airport. Learn more
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Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other Indonesia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.