waterways travel indonesia

BALI / G-LAND

• Bobby’s G-Land Surf Camp

CAROLINE ISLANDS

• Pohnpei Surf Club :: Western Pacific
• Safari Surf School – Nosara
• Safari Surf Tour – Nosara
• Ecuador Surf Tours

EL SALVADOR

• Miraflores Surf Lodge
• Hotel Los Mangos
• Casa de Mar Hotel
• Namotu Island Resort
• Waidroka Bay Surf Resort
• Matanivusi Surf Resort
• Cobalt Day Charter
• Horizon II Yacht Charter
• Ocean Oasis Yacht Charter
• Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
• Sibon Jaya Yacht Charter
• Melaleuca Yacht Charter
• Sibon Baru Yacht Charter
• Macaronis Surf Resort
• Kandui Villas
• Huatulco :: Infinity Surf Resorts
• Sinaloa :: Cardon Resort
• Salina Cruz :: Punta Conejo Resort
• Salina Cruz :: Punta Escondida Surf Tours
• Two Brothers Surf Resort

NORTH SUMATRA

• Aura Surf Resort
• Surfing Village
• The Seriti Surf Yacht
• Red Frog Bungalows

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

• PNG Explorer
• Chicama Surf Resort

ROTE / TIMOR

• Nemberala Beach Resort
• Salani Surf Resort

SOUTH AFRICA

• Jeffrey’s Bay

Request Details

Contact Info

350 5th Ave, Floor 64, Austin, TX, 78718

+123 456 7896

[email protected]

We eat, drink and sleep surf

About waterways travel.

What a long great trip it’s been going back to March of 1994 when WaterWays Travel started in a small office in Van Nuys California. In the early years the notion of organized international surf travel was new – with little to no competition. Each destination we launched was relatively new to the surfing community at large. Over time the world has become a smaller place with the internet, modern surf forecasting and social media pushing the limits of exploration.

Surfers still dream of getting away from their daily lives and reconnecting with their surfing roots. This may be on a solo trip, a trip with some friends, a trip with the girlfriend/wife – boyfriend/husband or increasingly a trip with the entire family. There is nothing better than winding down the day feeling tired, sun drenched and satisfied: surfed out, well fed and ready for bed to dream dreams that could be reality the next day.

The WaterWays approach to choosing destinations, locations and local operators also remains unchanged. Every location and operation in the WaterWays menu has been thoroughly checked out over all the seasons. WaterWays employees spend part of the year checking out each destination in detail: from the comfort of the beds, to that weird end section on the reef to the speed of the wireless Internet service. There are a lot of travel options and operations to choose from and WaterWays only chooses the most reputable, based on our own experience and the feedback from others. WaterWays employees specialize in different parts of the globe, but all have the information and experience available to assure they recommend the right place at the right time to passengers looking to turn their day dreams into dream days.

From all of us at WaterWays, thank you for your business and we look forward to working with each of you soon.

Sean Murphy

Hobbies (other than surfing):

Raising Orchids / Gardening in general

Favorite Restaurant

Pearl Dragon Pacific Palisades

Favorite Destination (or Favorite Wave):

Tavarua-Restaurants / Nemberala – Nemberala Left

Where were you born / Where you live now:

Pasadena California / Pacific Palisades CA

Travel Goals: (trip you haven’t been on yet)

Solomon Islands

What year you started at Waterways (and current role)

1994/President

Schooling History

Corpus Christi Grade School Pacific Palisades Palisades High School Santa Monica City Collage Humboldt State –BS: Business Degree – Emphasis in Accounting and Finance 3 Years Public Accounting 3 years Private Accounting Started WaterWays 1994 Owned and operated multiple live aboard charter boats. Developed two surf resorts from ground up – Salani Surf Resort & Nemberala Beach Resort

• Rock climbing

Anything Mexican

Long Beach Born & Raised / Living in Los Angeles Proper

(trip you haven’t been on yet): Chicama Peru, Bocas Del Toro, go back to Samoa

2009 Director of Operations

UCSC undergrad Economics mainly went to surf the right points ha.

Yakima / Washington

Southern France/Northern Italy

2001 / Fiji Reservations

Bryan Pohlman

LA County / C urrently residing in El Segundo since 2010

BP but growing up it was Pokey

South Africa (J-Bay) and back to P-Pass

2013 with 16 previous years in Surf Travel Industry / Tavarua Island Reservations

UCLA undergrad History.  Thought I was going to be a teacher and then got into travel industry and never looked back.

Cris Loomis

Old Venice Point Loma

Salani and a couple places between Salina Cruz and Huatulco

Ocean Beach/Point Loma

Too many to name

2007 – 2010 and back in 2023 after way too long of a break – Central/South America, Mexico, & Samoa

Majored in making mistakes and minored in learning from them.

Wendy Headlee

• Horseback Riding

Glendale, CA  / Sherman Oaks, CA

Return to Maldives

Sean’s first employee (May 1994) – Office Manager and Air Specialist

Now Defunct California College of Travel

Find Your Spot

Discover waterways.

The 10 best places to visit in Indonesia

Dec 10, 2023 • 7 min read

Indonesia is how you've always imagined Asia – jungles, rice terraces, beaches, coral reefs and volcanoes © Martin Puddy / Getty Images

Few destinations can beat Indonesia  in terms of variety.

One day, you're strolling beneath the glistening skyscrapers of a modern city; the next, you're in a traditional hilltop village scoffing down steaming gado-gado (tofu, tempeh, vegetables slathered in a creamy peanut sauce).

From climbing the freezing-cold summit of a puffing volcano to beating through tropical rainforests in search of orangutans or tigers, Indonesia offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure. Where else can you salute the sun at sunrise and then surf a world-class barrel back to a virgin beach at sunset?

Roughly half of all international tourists land in Bali , but the nation is so much more than this one enticing island. From Java , Sumatra and Sulawesi to the frontier islands of West Papua (shared with Papua New Guinea) and Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), here are the top places to visit on a trip to Indonesia.

1. Jakarta, Java

Best city for art and history .

There’s no better place to get to grips with this vast and complex nation of 273 million people than its capital, Jakarta . Home to more than 10 million residents, it’s chaotic, traffic-clogged and sprawls over nearly 700 sq km (270 sq miles). It’s also home to the nation’s finest restaurants, wildest nightclubs and best museums.

Take time to browse the collections in the Museum Nasional (for history), Galeri Nasional (for classical art) and MACAN (for modern and contemporary art). From the Dutch colonial buildings of the Kota Tua neighborhood to the modern skyrises of the Golden Triangle, the city is both a study in contrasts and a crossroads of cultures, classes and cuisines.

2. Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan, Borneo

Best place to see orangutans.

If you want to see orangutans, the island of Borneo is the last place on earth (other than a few spots in neighboring Sumatra) where these great apes still thrive. Travelers looking for surefire sightings of orangutans head to Tanjung Puting National Park , a coastal tropical swamp forest that looks today like much of southern Borneo looked a few decades ago.

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

Best place for snorkeling and diving.

Raja Ampat was once an under-the-radar destination visited only by intrepid scuba divers, but the whispers about this enticing island group have now reached a fever pitch. Off the coast of West Papua, the archipelago is a picture-perfect vision of paradise. Its lumpy green isles are blanketed in rainforests, dotted with languid lagoons and surrounded by warm turquoise seas at the vibrant heart of the Coral Triangle – an area of ocean with some of the greatest marine biodiversity on earth.

Raja Ampat's prismatic birds-of-paradise, which dance through the trees each morning at sunrise, informed the theory of evolution through natural selection, first developed by Charles Darwin’s less-appreciated contemporary, Alfred Russel Wallace. The British naturalist's restored hut is a popular attraction on the island of Gam. In addition to the dive lodges on Waigeo and Misool, many visitors sleep in homestays on virgin beaches, offering a chance to learn more about West Papua's distinctive culture.

4. Ubud, Bali

Best city for wellness and culture.

Rice paddies tumble down palm-lined hills, gamelan music fills the air, and floral offerings fill the streets in Bali’s most alluring (and on-trend) city, Ubud . By day, you can take a motorcycle out to the Monkey Forest for simian encounters, pop into the Yoga Barn for an ashtanga session, ogle the art at the Agung Rai Museum or shop for word-class beauty products, woodcarvings and batik textiles downtown. After dark, many people attend evening performances at local temples, where visitors are hypnotized by the beauty of courtly Legong ballets or wild Kecak fire dancing. Be careful! Many foreigners come to Ubud for a few days and end up staying a few years.

5. Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara

Best place for surprising wildlife encounters.

Dragons really do roam the earth at this sprawling national park , covering the three arid islands – Komodo, Padar and Rinca – that provide shelter for the world’s largest lizards. Komodo dragons are ancient-looking creatures that can grow up to 3m in length and weigh up to 70kg. Sadly, there are fewer than 1400 of these fork-tongued giants left in the wild. The chance to see them lures thousands of visitors each year, many of whom arrive on a boat tour en route from Lombok to Flores , stopping along the way to snorkel or dive off the coast of Sumbawa .

6. Borobudur and Yogyakarta, Java

Best place for indonesian history.

Peru has Machu Picchu, Cambodia has Angkor Wat, and Indonesia has Borobudur , a nine-tiered temple from the 9th century that clocks in as the largest Buddhist structure in the world. Emblazoned across its walls are some 2672 intricately-carved bas relief panels featuring Buddhist legends and scenes of daily life in Java, as well as 72 distinctive, perforated stupas and more than 500 Buddha statues.

This colossal World Heritage Site lies amid sprawling rice paddies near Yogyakarta , an important education center and a hub for classical Javanese art forms, including batik-making, wayang puppetry and silversmithing. Yogya, as the city is known locally, is fiercely independent and still headed by a resident sultan, whose walled palace complex is the city’s top attraction.

7. Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

Best place for cultural traditions.

The jungle-clad hills and rugged granite cliffs of Tana Toraja would be enough of a lure for most places, but the big draw of the central highlands of Sulawesi is the Torajan people themselves. The inhabitants of this fascinating region maintain traditions that mark them apart from other Indonesians, living in villages of elaborately decorated houses with intricately carved walls and boat-shaped roofs.

Many rituals here revolve around death and the afterlife. The bodies of the deceased remain in the homes (and lives) of their relatives for months or even years after they pass – for Torajans, death is viewed as a gradual and social process, and locals are generally comfortable sharing these unusual traditions with visitors.

8. Kerinci Valley, Sumatra

Best place for hiking.

Southeast Asia’s tallest volcano, Gunung Kerinci – a 3805m (12,484ft) monster – lords over this remote highland valley on Sumatra , which has become one of Indonesia’s top spots for adventure travel. You can climb to the summit of this active volcano, swim beneath cascading waterfalls or search dense jungles for gibbons and langur monkeys.

Much of the land here is protected as Kerinci Seblat National Park, which is two times the size of Bali and protects more forest than all of Costa Rica’s national parks combined. At 13,791 sq km (5325 sq miles), Kerinci Seblat is the last large refuge for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, which survives here in greater numbers than anywhere else on the planet.

9. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Java

Best place for beautiful indonesian views.

You don’t have to look far in Indonesia to find a volcano, but Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java contains a whopping five volcanoes right next to each other. These conical peaks are dotted around a lunar landscape that has sprung from the ancient Tengger caldera.

The most striking site is smoldering Gunung Bromo, which rises 2329m (7641ft) out of a crater that is almost 10km (6 miles) across, surrounded by the nation’s only erg (dune sea). Most visitors time the trek to the summit to arrive at dawn to view the crater and volcanoes at their ethereal best.

10. The Gili Islands, Lombok

Best place for beach parties.

These tiny dollops of coral and sand off the coast of Lombok carry an outsized reputation thanks to their crystalline turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, ambitious vegan and health food restaurants, renowned freediving schools and epic beach parties. The Gilis started out as a boho backpacker destination, but the islands now cater to all types of travelers, with everything from backstreet hostels to luxurious beachfront cabanas (beach huts). 

Gili Trawangan (aka ‘Gili T’) is the largest and most developed of the islands, with a main drag that heaves with shops, massage parlors and cafes. Gili Meno is the smallest and most traditional island, while Gili Air offers the best of both worlds and is a lively hub for yoga tourism.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated December 2023

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Surf travel destinations, surf travel destinations, surf trips, surfing trips, surf trip options, surfing in mexico.

Take a surf trip down to Mexico to experience the culture, lifestyle, and splendid waves. WaterWays Travel specializes in the Mazatlán area and Salina Cruz region in the south. Mexico is packed with long points, powerful, hollow beachbreaks-it's all here.

Salina Cruz :: Punta Conejo Resort

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Punta Conejo Resort was created with the vision to provide a unique and tranquil ocean front resort

Prices Starting at $1100

Salina cruz :: punta escondida surf tours.

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This could be the last best place in Mexico: Eighty miles of nearly virginal coastline with one epic

Prices Starting at $850

Sinaloa :: cardon resort.

Cardon Adventure Resort offers beach front accommodations and is perfectly situated within walking

Prices Starting at $1495

Surfing in costa rica.

Costa Rica exports a lot of coffee, bananas and microprocessors, and most importantly, Costa Rica imports a lot of swell. With varieties of Point Breaks, Beach Breaks, and reefs, Costa Rica is a destination that you would want to reach. And that makes Costa Rica’s surf-lavished coastlines among the country’s most valuable natural resources.

Playa Negra Surf Tours

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The big variety of surf suitable for every level of ability from beginner to superstar is one of the

Prices Starting at $2175

Surfing in el salvador.

The Republic of El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America bordered by Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north, Nicaragua to the east and 320 miles of Pacific Ocean to the South. With an array of point breaks, beach breaks, and reefs, El Salvador is known for a few of the worlds most famous surf spots.

Miraflores Surf Lodge

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El Salvador

Positioned on the hillside just south of the point at Las Flores, Miraflores has a spectacular view of

Prices Starting at $200

Hotel los mangos.

The newly built Hotel Los Mangos is located on the bluff directly overlooking the perfect peeling waves

Prices Starting at $457

Casa de mar hotel.

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Casa de Mar Hotel, is directly in front of the break at El Sunzal, about a 30-minute drive southwest

Prices Starting at $609

Surfing in panama.

Take a tropical trip down to Panama to enjoy the warm weathers and waves. WaterWays specializes in the Bocas del Toro region in the Caribbean and the Veraguas region on the Pacific side of the country.

Red Frog Bungalows

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Red Frog Bungalows is located on Bastimentos Island, home to Red Frog Beach, one of the most beautiful

Prices Starting at $160

Surfing in ecuador / galapagos.

Are you sick of surfing in jam-packed spots and going home with only a few good rides? Just when you thought the whole world was as crowded as Lower Trestles or Sebastian Inlet, along comes Ecuador: miles of wave-lashed coastline hiding between Colombia and Peru that the surf world has overlooked. Take a trip down to the coast of Ecuador to enjoy a spot to yourself and have an "Endless Summer."

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Ecuador / Galapagos

Volcanic islands 700 miles out to sea and directly on the equator, in thepath of north swells from the

Prices Starting at $803

Ecuador surf tours.

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When it comes to surfing in Ecuador and Northern Peru our man Roberto Baquerizo on the Ground knows

Prices Starting at $900

Surfing in papua new guinea, png explorer.

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Papua New Guinea

PNG Surfaris are the premier live-aboard surf charter operators in PNG and range through all the island

Prices Starting at $

Surfing in fiji.

Surfing in Fiji. Fiji is a world-renowned surf trip destination, famous for breaks on the mainland and islands alike. The fijian surf trip destinations of Tavarua Island and Namotu Island attract world tour surfing events. Surf trips to Tavarua Fiji and surf trips to Namotu Fiji are both Fijian surfing trips you can take with Waterways Surf Adventures.

Namotu Island Resort

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Water, water everywhere but what really sets Namotu apart is the service and the atmosphere. You can

Prices Starting at $2080

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The Mother of all world-class surf resorts, Tavarua should be experienced at least once by anyone who

Prices Starting at $3699

Waidroka bay surf resort.

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The Waidroka Bay Surf and Dive Resort offers comfortable amenities for surfers and divers who don’t

Prices Starting at $1085

Matanivusi surf resort.

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Matanivusi Surf Resort is an eco-friendly enclave built specifically to accommodate surfers – and

Prices Starting at $315

Surfing in samoa.

Surfing in Samoa. Samoa gets waves all year. Both Samoan islands of Upolo and Savaii attract swell all year round with world class reefs. Surf trips to Savaii Samoa and surf trips to Upolo Samoa are both Samoan surfing trips you can take with Waterways Surf Adventures.

Salani Surf Resort

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Salani Surf Resort is for travelers looking to experience the best of Samoa’s surf, heartwarming

Prices Starting at $92

Surfing in nicaragua.

Take a surf trip to Nicaragua. Located between El Salvador to the north and Costa Rica to the south, Nicaragua is one of Surfline's "Best Bets" for surf travel from anywhere in the US. The water temperature in Nicaragua is warm so you will be able to surf all day. And if you make your way to Nicaragua, the chances are that you are going to get barreled – a lot.

Two Brothers Surf Resort

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Two Brothers is situated in the center of Popoyo where guests have easy access to well over a dozen

Prices Starting at $999

Surfing in peru.

Take a surf trip down to Peru to enjoy many of the features that all surfers seek for. Peru has the four S’s covered in abundance: Swell, Surf spots, Solitude and Seafood. These are the S words that surfers like best, and while Peru is a country that is on the surf travel map, the third largest country in South America is still Terra Incognita to most surfers.

Olas Peru Surf Travel

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Located in Los Organos, Bungalows Playa Blanca puts you halfway between the Peruvian Pipeline at Cabo

Prices Starting at $515

Pico alto surf camp.

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A trip to Pico Alto International Surf Camp is all about value, maximizing your wave to cost

Prices Starting at $250

Chicama surf resort.

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The Chicama experience is not what you expected and more than you expect. To catch this left point

Prices Starting at $53

Surfing in tahiti.

Looking for tropical weathers, beautiful landscapes and swells? Tahiti is one of many islands in the Society group, the Society archipelago is itself one of several island groups in French Polynesia which includes the Marquesas and the Tuamotus.

Moorea Surf Inn

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The setting is epic, the beds are comfortable, the hospitality is French Polynesian, but the two things

Prices Starting at $135

Surfing in south africa.

With over 1700 miles of Indian and Atlantic Ocean coastline, South Africa's surf potential may never be fully tapped. African surfari offers a greater variety of waves than other entire continents. Introduce yourself to new cultures, waves, and barrels..

Durban/Mozambique

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South Africa

African Surfaris is a Durban-based outfit which combines surfaris along the KwaZulu/Natal coast and

Prices Starting at $1250

Jeffrey's bay.

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J Bay is one of the top ten most perfect waves on the planet. You’ve dreamed about J Bay, seen a

Prices Starting at $760

Surfing in dominican republic.

Travel down to the Dominican Republic to chill, adventure and discover hidden surf spots. The entire Caribbean and the D.R. in particular is rich with whispers of lost treasure and secret surf spots. Like Puerto Rico, Barbados and the other islands of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic gets waves all year around.

DR Surf Tours

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Dominican Republic

The rugged Northern coastline of the Dominican Republic offers 300 miles of exposure to North Atlantic

Prices Starting at $499

Surfing in bali / g-land.

Most surfers are familiar with the exotic waves of Bali. Overflowing with rich history, good food, beautiful destinations and the swell, Bali is every surfers dream. Bali is the mystical Island of 1000 Temples - and hundreds of waves. Some of the names are familiar - Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin, Kuta, Sanur - and for good reason. No region in Indonesia has a broader variety of world-class waves that are so easily accessible.

La Walon Bungalows

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Bali / G-Land

La Walon is within walking distance of Kuta Beach. Think of Ocean Beach in San Francisco: miles and

Prices Starting at $50

Puri uluwatu resort.

Puri Uluwatu Villas is situated atop the low hills of Uluwatu Village. With a private path down to the

Prices Starting at $99

Discovery kartika.

The Kartika Plaza Hotel is the perfect place to stay for surfers wanting to get into the Bali thing.

Prices Starting at $158

Bobby's g-land surf camp.

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Bobby’s surf camp is an outpost of civilization, safety and sanitary sanity in a jungle that is often

Prices Starting at $325

Surfing in rote / timor.

Get away from tourist packed spots and take a surf trip down to Rote. Rote is a small island in the Nusa Tengarra region of Indonesia, southwest of Timor and a very different world away from the increasingly overrun surfing areas of Bali, Sumatra and the Maldives.

Nemberala Beach Resort

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Rote / Timor

On the southwest face of Rote, the Nemberala Beach Resort is offering thoroughly modern tropical

Prices Starting at $170

Surfing in lombok / sumbawa.

The Indonesian archipelago is loaded with perfect surf from one end to the other – from the northern top of Simulue Island all the way around to Timor. Take a surf trip down to Lombok/ Sumbawa to experience endless spots to surf.

Dreamweaver Yacht Charter

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Lombok / Sumbawa

Dreamweaver is an 80-foot surf exploration vehicle that leaves Bali on regular, 7 night/8 day runs to

Prices Starting at $1040

Surfing in marshall islands, beran island.

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Marshall Islands

A typical atoll sand island, about 45 acres, covered in coconut palms and substantial hardwood trees,

Surfing in Mentawai

Looking to experience a little bit of everything on your surf trip? The Mentawai islands are the real deal! Like trout fishing in Montana, powder skiing in British Columbia, the women of Rio de Janeiro and Rincon on a giant west swell, the Mentawai are one of those places that live up to the hype.

Sibon Jaya Yacht Charter

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Sibon Jaya is luxurious 70-foot aluminum powered catamaran, which offers speed, stability, smooth

Prices Starting at $2790

Samudra biru yacht charter.

The Samudra Biru is consistently in the right place and the right time for optimum surf

Prices Starting at $2925

Melaleuca yacht charter.

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Eighty feet long and built in Sibolga, North Sumatra in 2007, Melaleuca is a custom-built surf explorer

Prices Starting at $2200

Aileoita yacht charter.

Seventy feet long with a roomy, 15-foot beam, Aileoita was purpose-built from the keel up in 2005 with

Prices Starting at $3350

Sibon baru yacht charter.

Bohemian Baru is a fresh, 2011-built, 62-foot aluminum catamaran powered by two Daewoo 220 HP engines

Macaronis Surf Resort

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The epic waves of the South Mentawai and the traditional Indonesian hospitality framed in the very best

Prices Starting at $240

Kandui villas.

Whether you choose to surf the world’s best waves, or just relax and enjoy yourself, Kandui Villas®

Prices Starting at $265

Surfing in north sumatra.

This region north of the Mentawai is holding world-class surf in the Telo Islands, the Banyaks, and the Hinakos. With crystal clear water and amazing barrels, who wouldn't want to surf here?

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North Sumatra

Horizon II is a 78-foot, purpose-built surf cruiser that has spent the last few years probing the

Prices Starting at $2895

Aura surf resort.

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Aura Surf Resort is the only resort on the island to have a wave directly at its doorstep without any

Surfing Village

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Boasting 18+ incredible and completely different world class waves within reach and 3 of them located

Prices Starting at $3000

Surfing in maldives.

Maldives is still fairly unknown to the surfing community and if you'd like to come back to share new stories to your fellow surfers, Maldives is the spot to go to. The Maldives is a fairly recent surf discovery made in 1973 by Australians Tony Hinde and Mark Scanlon. Three hundred and fifty miles southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldivian atolls are a fantasy of perfect surf breaking in turquoise waters along coral reefs that are mostly unknown to the outside world.

Horizon II Yacht Charter

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Prices Starting at $2089

Ocean oasis yacht charter.

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Ocean Oasis is a Fast Attack Surf Exploration Yacht Formerly Known as Horizon III....

Prices Starting at $2799

Cinnamon dhonveli maldives.

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a not a surf resort, it’s a four-star resort that caters to surfers

Prices Starting at $968

Surfing in caroline islands, pohnpei surf club :: western pacific.

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Caroline Islands

Prices starting at $199, type of trip, lefts vs rights, water tempature.

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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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)!

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.

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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Indonesia Waterways

Factbook > Countries > Indonesia > Transportation

Waterways: 21,579 km (2011)

Definition: This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and other inland bodies of water.

Source: CIA World Factbook - This page was last updated on Saturday, September 18, 2021

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Indonesia Cruises & Tours

10 best indonesia cruises & tours for 2024-2025, magical bali, indonesia limited cross: raja ampat to spice islands, indonesia - bali & komodo national park cruise, undiscovered paradise, indonesia ambon and spice islands cruise, indonesia limited cross: spice islands to flores, best of bali & lombok, seatrek the east indies on a spice island exploration, the east indies on a spice island exploration, wildlife wonders of indonesia, top 10 cruises to bali for 2024-2025, 10 best luxury indonesia cruises for 2024-2025, top 10 indonesia hotels for 2024-2025, como uma ubud, fm7 resort hotel, como shambhala estate, belmond jimbaran puri, hotel victoria river view, tugu lombok, melia purosani yogyakarta, plataran bromo, 8 best small cruise ships to indonesia for 2024-2025, get inspired to travel to indonesia, spectacular bali resorts, small ship cruises, indonesia travel guide & cruise tips.

• Banda Neira – As part of the Banda Islands, this volcanic archipelago is teeming with wildlife just waiting to be explored.
• Jayapura -  Take a step into simplicity in this largely isolated part of Indonesia, where many modern comforts are scarce, though the regional culture is rich.
• Bali -  The departure point for several cruises, it is also home to the charming "Island of the Gods."
• Bunaken Marine Park -  Snorkel & dive your way along these protected reefs that are home to hundreds of fish and beautiful soft corals.
• Raja Ampat -  A veritable paradise for bird lovers and snorkelers, there are more than 1,200 species of fish, 75% of the known coral species in the world, and many endemic birds.
• Asmat – See a native tribe & witness their way of life up close, as you hike and explore this tropical region by zodiac.

Highlights of Indonesia

Best time to visit indonesia, top things to do in bali, bali beaches, geography of indonesia, wildlife in indonesia, fun facts about indonesia.

• Indonesia is an archipelago nation that claims over 17,500 islands.
• A large part of the country is on the island of Borneo, which Indonesia shares with Brunei and Malaysia.
• The world's most populous island is in Indonesia - Java has 130 million people, which is 60 percent of the country's population.
• Indonesia uses the Rupiah currency.
• The two main sports are soccer and, interestingly, badminton.
• In the 19th century, it was also referred to as the Dutch East Indies, and the name Indonesia has both Latin and Greek roots.

Best Indonesia Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• Ponant   promises you unforgettable moments aboard its sleek and intimately sized cruise yachts, all of which sail under the French flag. Discover the region's diverse scenery, ancient temples, cultural landmarks, lush plant life, idyllic beaches, and desert island on the  Paul Gauguin . 
• Sea Trek Sailing Adventures   offers many of the creature comforts of the modern world, with its two wooden pinisi ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina , part of a beautiful, centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boat-building now classified as a UNESCO cultural heritage. Embark on a snorkeling   and sailing adventure in Indonesia .  See coral reefs, birdwatch, and search for rare birds and animals.
• Aqua Expeditions   provide   specially-curated experiences and an engaging 1:1 guest to guide ratio. Its boutique expedition vessels offer personalized service, spacious private and entertaining spaces, and tailor-made excursions. Presenting a brand-new cruise experience in the pristine east Indonesian archipelago,  Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat.
• Aurora Expeditions   is an Australian-based company   that   pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica. On the 132-guest  Sylvia Earle  cruise Raja Ampat, the jewel of West Papua. This area of Indonesia is part of what is called The Coral Triangle. 
• Coral Expeditions   has operated Australian flagged small-ship expedition cruises to remote locations in Australia and beyond for over 35 years. Voyage beyond the famous Komodo Dragons and volcanic Krakatoa and discover the Indonesian Island's remarkable cultural and natural heritage aboard the  Coral Adventurer .
• Silversea Cruises   offers an all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising across 900+ fascinating destinations. Silver Explorer takes you through the lesser-known parts of the southern hemisphere from Bali's shores  Silver Explorer  takes you through the lesser-known aspects of the southern hemisphere to exotically named places such as Komodo, Makassar, and Jayapura. 
• Heritage Expeditions   have been   ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world's best-kept secrets. This expedition to Indonesia aboard Heritage Adventurer offers numerous opportunities to spot once-in-a-lifetime species and experience rare wildlife encounters on remote and unknown islands for botanists, birders, and nature lovers alike.  Heritage Adventurer  provides numerous opportunities to spot once-in-a-lifetime species and experience rare wildlife encounters on remote and unknown islands.

Indonesia Travel FAQs

Indonesia travel reviews & stories, traveling southeast asia, southeast asia is forever in my heart - bali - 2019/2020, top indonesia travel destinations.

• Ambon Island
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Indonesia Trips by Activity

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Indonesia Cruises

Why Cruise Indonesia?

Regally draped across the Equator like an ermine mantle, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, a majestic sprawl of some 17,500 paradisiacal islands home to all manner of endemic wildlife and natural wonders. Dramatic volcanic landscapes submerge into sapphire blue surf, crystalline seas home to graceful whale sharks and nomadic sea-gypsies, filled with vibrant coral reefs fostering marine habitats of untold biodiversity. This alluring archipelago, once the inspiration for Wallace’s theory of natural selection, is now a sublime playground for Indonesia cruise trips and increasingly popular private yacht charters .

Set sail on one of our luxury small ship cruises in Indonesia , from traditional Pinisi schooners to superior scuba diving liveaboards and even oceangoing super-yachts, and visit some of the planet’s most pristine, remote and beautiful areas. Visit breathtaking Bali and the pink sands of the Komodo National Park – the habitat of the legendary Komodo Dragon – or follow the historic trade winds en route to the famous Spice Islands . Discover the glittering jewels of the ‘ Coral Triangle ‘ – the islands of Wayag in Raja Ampat and resplendent birds-of-paradise of West Papua – or venture deep into the jungle-fringed rivers of Indonesian Borneo to glimpse orangutans in the wild aboard a traditional Kalimantan riverboat.

Our hand-picked portfolio of Indonesian boats has been carefully chosen to include remarkable expedition vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers in the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.

Oracle Yacht

Alila Purnama

Mutiara Laut

Celestia Yacht

Ombak Putih

Ocean Pure 1

Indonesia Destinations

Komodo National Park Cruises

Raja Ampat & West Papua Cruises

Spice Islands Cruises

Bali Cruises

Borneo Cruises

Indonesia experiences.

Luxury Cruises

Family Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Honeymoon Cruises

Solo Cruises

Diving Cruises

Charter Cruises

Private charters.

For couples, families or groups seeking the ultimate exclusivity, an Indonesia yacht charter provides a private escape to explore paradise, with an entire crew to cater to your every need, and allows for activities to be more tailored to your desires.

Cruise Packages

Our custom Indonesia tours seamlessly combine expedition cruises with bespoke island tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-selling Indonesia vacations below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Indonesia Wildlife Holiday

21-day tour from $9,525 usd.

Bali & Komodo Island

14-day tour from $7,250 usd, travel guide.

Want to know more about small-ship cruising in Indonesia? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Indonesia travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

The 7 Best Things To Do In Indonesia

Interesting Facts About Bali, Indonesia

Coral Triangle

Total Solar Eclipse Cruise 2023

A Brief History Of The Spice Islands

Komodo Dragon Facts

Do i need a visa to travel to indonesia.

You do not need a visa to enter Indonesia if you plan to stay for less than 30 days. However, you do need a valid passport. You may also need to confirm ahead with your airline that you will be allowed to board without showing proof of a visa.

Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Or Malaria Tablets Ahead Of Travel?

Before traveling to Indonesia, you may wish to start taking malaria tablets. Depending on your plans and what part of the country you will be visiting, you may need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, or yellow fever.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss In Indonesia?

One of the most popular places in Indonesia is Bali. But there are dozens of other sites that you can’t miss! If you love animals, Komodo National Park is a must. Here, you can see the fascinating Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, found nowhere else in the world.

What Is The Local Cuisine Like?

Indonesia is a great place to try foods that you’re not likely to find in the West. Traditional Indonesian cuisine was heavily influenced by the ancient Spice Trade, a feature that has lasted to the modern day. Don’t miss trying tumpeng, the national dish featuring rice, vegetables, and meat.

Is Indonesia Safe?

Indonesia is one of the most popular tourism spots in Southeast Asia. The country is considered very safe. The exception are certain regions that have experienced recent civil unrest. However, most vacation spots are unlikely to be dangerous places to visit.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Indonesia?

The best time of year to visit Indonesia is May, June, and September. These are the beginning and end of the dry season. You will experience beautiful, clear days while avoiding the crowds and high temperatures of the peak tourist season.

Is Indonesia A Good Family Destination?

Indonesia is a great destination for a family vacation. In addition to the many beaches, there are also countless historical and cultural sites worth visiting. Bali is a common tourist destination for families , but there are other suitable spots around the country, and many family-friendly cruises .

Is Indonesia A Good Honeymoon Destination?

Indonesia is a wonderful honeymoon destination for every kind of couple. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach, take a breathtaking cruise, or hit the trail and explore, there is something in Indonesia for everybody. One thing is certain: it will be an unforgettable trip.

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DIVE Magazine

Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine

Ten best places to dive in Indonesia

25 November 2021 6 minutes

Indonesia regularly tops DIVE’s annual travel awards – here’s our selection of Indonesia’s best diving spots from a vast archipelago which is made up of more than 17,500 islands that stretch over an area more than 5,000km in length 

1) Pulau Weh, Sumatra; 2) Sangalaki, East Kalimantan; 3) Bunaken Marine Park, Sulawesi; 4) Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi; 5) Raja Ampat, West Papua; 6) Ambon, Maluku; 7) Wakatobi,  Sulawesi; 8) Alor – Lesser Sunda Islands; 9) Komodo National Park, Flores and 10) Lembongan, Bali

1) Pulau Weh – Sumatra

2) sangalaki – east kalimantan, 3) bunaken marine park – north sulawesi, 4) lembeh – north sulawesi, 5) raja ampat – west papua, 6) ambon bay – maluku, 7) wakatobi – southern sulawesi, 8) alor – lesser sunda islands, 9) komodo national park – flores, 10) lembongan – bali.

This volcanic island at the northern-most point of the Indonesian archipelago at the tip of the vast island of Sumatra is where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific. It has a wonderful range of diving with more sites regularly being discovered and while it is not as well known and the infrastructure is not as developed as some areas, it has a wild, untouched vibe. A bit like Bunaken 30 years ago. Best to visit during the April to November dry season. 

This is one of the world’s top spots to dive with mantas. Visibility can be a problem during the rainy season (November to March), but for the rest of the year, you can immerse yourself in manta madness in the shallow waters around this isolated reef off the east coast of Borneo. Full moons are best and you can be surrounded by more than 20 of these wonderful fish feeding near the surface and using a number of cleaning stations. Also worth checking out the freshwater jellyfish lakes on nearby islands for another unique immersive experience.

The islands of Bunaken and Siladen are off the city of Manado on the northern tip of Sulawesi. They are surrounded by high-energy walls and rolling coral gardens which have some of the most exhilarating drift dives through forests of soft and hard coral and crowds of reef fish. Turtles abound and sharks, eagle rays and other pelagic predators all revel in this protected zone. You can stay in the resorts surrounding Manado and enjoy a 45-minute commute out to the reefs, but far better is to stay in the small but wonderful dive hotels on either  Siladen  or Bunaken.

Two hours’ drive and a short boat ride from the North Sulawesi capital Manado is the island of Lembeh, and the associated straits between island and mainland are renowned for their amazing muck diving. A large percentage of the critters you will find there will be unique to the region and, in fact, you may not realise that some of them are actually living creatures until the guide points them out. Most of the dive sites are only a short boat ride from your resort of choice and slack currents, shallow water and the colourful sea life contrasted against the black sand make Lembeh a macro photographer’s paradise. Diving is year round, but peak time for critters is probably July and August.

Raja Ampat – ‘the four kings’ is an archipelago of more than 1,500 small islands of which Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo are the largest. According to some marine biologists, Raja Ampat may be the most biodiverse marine habitat in the world with over 1,500 species of fish and 550 types of coral – around 75 per cent of all known species. From sharks and mantas, dugongs and leatherback turtles to the minuscule pygmy seahorse and fish in some of the largest schools found in the oceans, Raja Ampat has to be top of the list for diving in Indonesia – if not the world.

Ambon Bay is fast becoming one of muck diving top destinations with underwater photographers ticking off blue-ringed octopus, wonderpus, flamboyant cuttlefish, rhinopias and mating mandarin fish. There are some reasonable reefs and walls to the eastern side of this long protected bay and the  Duke of Sparta a short boat ride out is a world-class wreck that has hardly been explored.

Wakatobi is an extremely isolated dive resort in the heart of the Tukangbesi archipelago off the southern tip of Sulawesi. You fly in on a light aircraft and can explore some of the most pristine reefs on the planet from the luxury of a purpose-built dive hotel. The house reef is a world-class dive in its own rights and there are nearly 40 other stunning sites to explore. This is an underwater photographer’s paradise with some of the most vibrant and biodiverse reefs on the planet. Dynamite fishing and other dubious practices had taken their toll over the years and the amount of large pelagic life might not compare with other areas but growing conservation awareness is improving that and the sheer quality and beauty of the reefs more than compensates.

The island of Alor is towards the remote eastern end of the Indonesian islands. Best dived from a liveaboard for that reason, the location remains mostly unspoilt by human activity and offers a wide diversity of wildlife and diving. Schools of hammerheads are frequently sighted, as are pilot whales and dolphins. Currents on the reef can be strong and so some experience is required, but there are sheltered spots which, due to the volcanic nature of the island and the resulting black sandy sea bottom makes Alor an excellent place for both muck-diving with macro lenses and wide-angle shots of the bigger stuff. Diving is year-round but the best is from September to November when the currents are at their strongest.

Komodo National Park, designated a World Heritage Site in 1991 by UNESCO, is most famous for the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest lizard and endemic resident of the island, but the marine diversity, like most of Indonesia, is also spectacular. The park includes the lesser-known Padar and Rinca and 26 smaller islands, and affords divers the opportunity to explore different marine environments. The northern regions of the park, filled with bright coral and cruising reef sharks, are generally warmer and clearer than the south, where cold upwellings drive nutrients towards the surface leading to a decrease in visibility but an increase in mantas!

Nusa Lembongan is one of three islands approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Sanur harbour in Bali. Most of the diving actually takes place around the larger island of Nusa Penida, famous for sightings of the southern mola at Crystal Bay and the resident population of reef manta at feeding and cleaning stations along the southern coastline. The islands are prone to large swell and big currents, although by and large they are fairly easy to manage – even for novices – through good diving practice and sound dive centre planning. Although the islands can be dived on a day trip from Bali, it’s much better to make the journey to Lembongan to take advantage of the earlier access to the dive sites. Aside from the manta and occasional visits from other large pelagic, there is plenty of macro for the keen-eyed photographer, it’s just not always easy to stay in the same place long enough to photograph them!

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The Ideal Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months

04/17/2018 by Kristin Addis 8 Comments

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.