Something I quickly learned while travelling is that for many people, Indonesia and Bali seem to mean the same thing. When someone says they’re off to Indonesia, you can be pretty sure they mean just Bali.
But Indonesia is so much more than this one, often overpriced and overcrowded, island.
After spending a month backpacking from Java to Lombok, I left feeling in awe. Not just by what I saw, but by how much more there is left to explore. With over 17,000 islands, it’s impossible to see it all in a few weeks. Trust me, you’ll leave already dreaming about your next trip back.
In this post, I’m sharing three Indonesia itinerary ideas for trips lasting 2, 3, or 4 weeks. They’re ideal for first-time visitors, or anyone who’s only been to Bali and is ready to see the real Indonesia.
You’ll chase waterfalls, hike volcanoes, and catch waves in places that feel worlds away from the usual tourist trail.
So, how long do you really need in Indonesia?
Honestly, how long have you got? Indonesia isn’t the kind of place you tick off in a week. Maybe if you want a holiday to Bali for a week, but with the size of a continent and every island offering something different, even a month feels short.
That said, most of us, unfortunately, travel with time limits. Whether you’ve got two, three, or four weeks, you can still see a lot without rushing. The key is to focus on just a few islands rather than trying to do it all. And keep reminding yourself that you can always come back for more!
This guide will help you build an Indonesia itinerary that’s realistic, exciting, and full of variety, without burning out along the way.
Before You Go: Essential Travel Tips for Indonesia
Best time to visit Indonesia:
Indonesia is warm year-round, but the dry season (May to October) is the most comfortable for travel. You’ll get clear skies and calmer seas, which is always nice when hopping between islands.
Having said that, I travelled in the middle of the rainy season (November to April) and it was still great – just expect sudden downpours and some cloudier days.
Visa info
Many nationalities can get a 30-day visa on arrival, and in most cases, you can extend it once while in Indonesia. It’s still a good idea to check the latest entry requirements before you fly—rules can change, and visa policies vary depending on your passport. If you’re from the UK (like me), you can actually apply in advance for a longer visa, which might be a better option if you’re planning to stay over a month.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
And yes, you definitely need travel insurance. Healthcare in Indonesia can be expensive, and in remote areas, even basic treatment might mean being flown to another island or country.
Whether it’s a bad case of food poisoning (yes, you can be hospitalised for that), a bad fall on a hike or the dreaded lost luggage, having insurance will save you (and your wallet) a lot more than you think.
When I first went backpacking, I did a ton of research before finally landing on SafetyWing’s Essential Plan, and I haven’t looked back since. It is ideal for trips like mine, which are short to medium-length travels with a flexible schedule. Plus, I love that it runs like a rolling subscription, so once you’re signed up, you don’t have to think about it again.
It offers a great amount of protection, with up to $250,000 for emergency medical costs (like hospital stays and urgent care), plus coverage for trip delays, lost luggage, and optional add-ons for adventure sports or stolen electronics.
For those travelling for longer, they also offer a Complete Plan for long-term travellers or digital nomads. This includes much more extensive coverage for both when you’re away and at home, including routine check-ups, mental health services, and maternity care. It’s more expensive, but worth looking into if you’re travelling full-time.
Transport tips:
Ferries, local buses, scooters, and budget flights are the backbone of getting around. On smaller islands, renting a scooter is usually the easiest way to explore. Just make sure you’ve got the right insurance, and ride carefully.
It’s easy to feel confident fast, but that’s often when accidents happen. You’ll see plenty of travellers with bandaged knees and elbows – consider it the rite of passage you really want to avoid. Go slow, wear a helmet, and expect the roads to be a bit chaotic.
For getting between islands, ferries are great for shorter routes like Bali to Lombok. But not all ferry journeys are equal. I took the ferry from Java to Bali, but honestly, I’d fly if I did it again. The Bali port is one of the worst I’ve visited for heckling – just check out the Google reviews – and the long bus ride to the main part of the island wasn’t much fun in the heat after a day of travel.
Daily cost:
Indonesia was actually one of the more expensive countries I visited in Southeast Asia. I averaged around £63 per day. This is staying in the cheapest hostels, little spending on alcohol, but it does include a three-day tour across Java and a week-long surf camp. If you’re skipping the extras and staying frugal, I’d say £45-55 per day is doable on a backpacker budget.
Your daily spend will also depend on where you go. I found Java to be much cheaper than Bali. Since I spent more time in Java, my overall costs were lower. If you’re planning to split your time differently, especially with more days in Bali, expect to spend quite a bit more.
Cash or card?
The saying “cash is king” is a saying for a reason. ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist towns, but always carry cash for ferries, food stalls, and remote spots. Cards are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, mostly in Bali, but I feel cash is still preferred.
2 Week Indonesia Itinerary
If it’s your first time in Indonesia, this 2-week route is a great intro. You’ll get a taste of the country’s beauty without packing too much in. Think stunning beaches, cliffside temples, waterfalls, snorkelling with turtles, and volcano views—plus a mix of touristy spots and quieter gems.
You’ll start in Bali, take a day trip to Nusa Penida, then head east to the Gili Islands and Lombok for a slower pace and fewer crowds.
Week 1: Bali and Nusa Penida
Start your trip by flying into Denpasar Airport (Bali). Depending on your arrival time, you might want to spend your first night in Canggu or Seminyak to rest and ease in.
💸 Budget Saving Tip: I used Skyscanner and Trip.com to find and book the cheapest flights whilst travelling Southeast Asia.
Day 1–3: Ubud
Head straight to Ubud for a lush, laid-back vibe. Wander rice terraces and chase waterfalls (Tukad Cepung and Kanto Lampo are stunners). Consider booking a day trip like this one here if you don’t have your own transport – they’re surprisingly affordable!
You can also try a yoga class, book a cooking course or do something more adventurous like river rafting if you’ve got the time.
Day 4-5: Uluwatu
Next, head south for two days in Uluwatu. Relax on beaches like Padang Padang or Bingin, explore cliffside temples, and catch the sunset from Single Fin. This is a great spot to unwind before hopping over to your next island.
Day 6-7: Nusa Penida (Day trip or overnight)
Book a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida to spend a few days exploring this beautiful island. Visit Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. Nusa Penida’s roads are rough, so go with a guide or hire a local driver if you’re not confident on a scooter.
If you’ve got time, book an incredible snorkelling trip to Mantra Point where you can swim with these beautiful creatures.
Week 2: Gili Islands and Lombok
Catch a fast boat from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan – the most popular of the three Gilis. It takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Day 8–10: Gili Trawangan (or Gili Air if you want it quieter)
Spend your days snorkelling with turtles, biking around the island, and enjoying lazy beach days. Take a snorkelling trip around all three islands and visit the famous underwater statues.
Gili T is the party island, while Gili Air is quieter but still has a bit of life. Gili Meno is super peaceful if you’re after total chill.
Day 11–14: Lombok
Take a short boat from Gili to Lombok, take a trip to Tetebatu in the centre for jungle walks and rice terraces, but spend most of your time in Kuta Lombok – one of my favourite places, this surfy beach town with stunning coastline, chilled cafés, and a more authentic feel than Bali.
3 Week Indonesia Itinerary
If you’ve got three weeks, you can really start to get out of the tourist spots and see a little more of Indonesia. This Indonesia itinerary goes beyond the usual Bali route and shows you just how diverse this country really is.
From lively volcanoes and ancient temples in Java to laid-back beach towns in Lombok and wild dragons in Komodo, this is a trip that packs in the highlights without feeling rushed.
This itinerary builds on the 2-week route but starts with Java and finishes with a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Komodo National Park*. If you’ve already read the 2-week version, feel free to skip ahead to Week 1 or Week 3, depending on where you’re picking up.
*Potential closure of Komodo National Park: Recently, the Indonesian government has announced plans for periodic closures starting mid-2025 to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem from the impacts of increasing tourism.
These closures are expected to be temporary and scheduled, rather than a complete shutdown, and there have been no further updates so far.
Week 1: Java
I have a full 10-day Java Itinerary which goes into much more detail on where to visit in Java, but for this itinerary, here is a brief overview of how you can see it in a week.
Start your trip in Yogyakarta, one of Java’s most cultural and creative cities. You can fly here easily from Jakarta, Bali, or internationally.
Day 1–3: Yogyakarta
Explore Borobudur at sunrise, visit Prambanan Temple, or descend into Jomblong Cave, spend time wandering the city’s street art lanes, cafés, and markets. It’s a great place to adjust to Java’s pace and get a feel for local life.
Also Read: Ultimate Yogyakarta Itinerary
Days 4-7: Mount Bromo,
Hop on an overnight train or bus to Malang, the best base for booking a tour to Mount Bromo. Most people do a sunrise trip—it’s cold, early, and yes, busy, but watching the volcano emerge through the mist under a pink sky is seriously worth it.
From here, head further east to Kawah Ijen, famous for its eerie blue flames and sulphur miners. It’s another early start, but standing at the crater’s edge in the dark is something you won’t forget.
To save time and hassle, I’d recommend doing what I did: book a 3-day tour that covers Bromo, one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen (trust me), and Ijen. Most tours finish at the ferry port to Bali, or can drop you in Surabaya if you’re flying. It’s a great way to see everything without having to organise every leg yourself.
Week 2: Bali and Nusa Penida
Week 2 follows a similar route to the one in the 2-week itinerary, but here’s a quick overview in case you haven’t seen that post.
Start in Ubud for temples and waterfalls, head south to Uluwatu or Canggu, depending on whether you want surf and sunsets or cafés and co-working spaces, before hopping on a ferry to Nusa Penida for those dramatic cliff views.
Week 3: Lombok and Komodo
Now it’s time to head east and explore two of Indonesia’s most exciting destinations beyond Bali.
Day 15–17: Lombok (Kuta & Tetebatu)
Start with Kuta Lombok for laid-back beach days and surfing. You’ll find quieter beaches and a more local vibe than Bali. If you want something greener, head inland to Tetebatu for rice fields, waterfalls, and scenic hikes.
Day 18–21: Komodo National Park (via Labuan Bajo)
Fly from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo. From here, book a day tour around Komodo National Park. Or, if you’re budget allows, spring for the full experience with a 3-day tour that take you around the island and to the infamous Pink Beach.
You’ll snorkel with manta rays, hike on Padar Island, and spot Komodo dragons up close.
4 Week Indonesia Itinerary
With four weeks, you’re set to explore Indonesia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. This itinerary expands on the 2- and 3-week versions, adding a final week in either Sumatra or Sulawesi. Both options offer incredible experiences, so pick the one that excites you most!
Week 1 – 3: Java, Bali and Nusa Islands, and Lombok
For the first 3 weeks of this Indonesia itinerary, follow the 3 week itinerary above. You’ll spend time exploring ancient temples, climbing volcanoes, and exploring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Week 4: Sumatra or Sulawesi
For your 4th and final week in Indonesia, I’ve given you two options depending on the vibe you’re after:
Option 1: Sumatra – Jungle Treks & Volcanic Lakes
For those in search of some truly wild wildlife, Sumatra offers unparalleled experiences.
- Berastagi: Hike up Mount Sibayak for sunrise views and visit local hot springs to unwind.
- Bukit Lawang: Embark on a jungle trek in Gunung Leuser National Park to spot wild orangutans and other wildlife.
- Lake Toba: Relax by the world’s largest volcanic lake, explore Samosir Island, and immerse yourself in Batak culture.
Travelling in Sumatra can be challenging due to its rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, but the rewards are worth it.
Carrying on from the 3 week Indonesia itinerary, you’ll first have to fly from Labuan Bajo (LBJ) to Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK). From there, catch a domestic flight to Medan (KNO) in northern Sumatra. Overall, it can take around 6-9 hours, meaning you’ll need to set aside a whole day for travelling.
Option 2: Sulawesi – remote, untouched insights and a diving paradise
If you’re intrigued by unique cultures and underwater adventures, Sulawesi is a fantastic choice.
- Tana Toraja: Discover the region’s elaborate funeral rites, traditional houses, and cliffside burial sites.
- Bunaken National Park: Dive or snorkel in one of Indonesia’s top marine parks, known for its rich biodiversity.
- Togean Islands: For off-the-beaten-path exploration, these islands offer pristine beaches and excellent diving opportunities.
Sulawesi’s attractions are spread out, so plan for longer travel times between destinations. But the ruralness and untouched beauty of this island is what make it so spectacular.
To get to Sulawesi, you’ll need to fly from Labuan Bajo (LBJ) to Bali (DPS), then catch a domestic flight to Makassar (UPG) or Manado (MDC) in Sulawesi. Makassar is the best entry point for Tana Toraja, while Manado is ideal for diving in Bunaken or the Togean Islands.
Overall, it will take around 8-10 hours with layovers, so make sure you leave a full day for travel.
The Wrap Up: Planning the Perfect Indonesia Itinerary
Spending a month backpacking through Indonesia was one of my favourite months during my time in Southeast Asia. I started out thinking I’d just be hopping between beaches – but what I got was so much more. Volcano sunrises, jungle hikes, local warungs, and early morning surfs made me feel like I was really living the dream life.
Whether you’ve only got two weeks or a full month, I hope this helps you plan your perfect Indonesia itinerary that gets you beyond the usual Bali circuit. Each island has its own rhythm, food, culture, and quirks—so try to slow down, stay flexible, and soak it all in.
Looking back, I still feel like I only scratched the surface. Indonesia is massive and full of hidden gems you won’t find on Instagram. So take this as your jumping-off point, and let your own experience shape itself along the way.
