Indonesia
2 Week Itinerary
This page lays out a full day‑by‑day itinerary so you can follow the trip from start to finish without needing to piece things together yourself. Each day includes the exact places to go, how long to spend there, and the order that makes the most sense, so planning feels simple rather than overwhelming.
Alongside the itinerary, you’ll find practical trip planning details to help you get organised before you leave, including a straightforward to do list covering everything from bookings to essentials you’ll want sorted ahead of time. The page also includes direct links to the hotels, activities, and experiences mentioned, making it easy to check availability or book the same options if you want to follow the route closely. It’s designed to give you everything in one place, the structure of the trip, the prep you need beforehand, and the exact resources to make it all happen smoothly.
Route
East Java | 2 Nights
Ubud | 3 Nights
Uluwatu | 2 Nights
Nusa Penida | 2 Nights
Gili Islands | 2 Nights
Lombok | 2 Nights
OVERVIEW
This route is designed to make the most of your time in Indonesia, so you’ll only spend a couple of days in each place. The idea is to keep things moving so you can experience a mix of destinations without losing time to long stays.
You’ll still see the main highlights, visit the best spots, and get a good feel for each area, even if you’re not there for very long.
There aren’t many full rest days built in, so most days involve either exploring, travelling, or settling into a new location.
The pace is steady and intentional, it’s all about experiencing as much as you can while you’re here, without it feeling rushed or overwhelming.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This itinerary gives you a mix of adventure, culture, nature, and slow island life, taking you through some of Indonesia’s most iconic and contrasting destinations. It starts with rugged landscapes and early‑morning viewpoints, moves into Bali’s jungle calm and coastal sunsets, and ends with laid‑back island days on the Gilis. Each section of the trip has its own rhythm, making the whole journey feel varied and well‑balanced.
The adventure begins in East Java, where the scenery is dramatic and the days start early. This part of the trip is all about volcano sunrises, huge waterfalls, and raw, untouched landscapes. Mount Bromo, the Ijen crater, and places like Tumpak Sewu give you that proper “wow” factor and a sense of being far from the usual tourist trail. It’s rugged, rewarding, and sets the tone for the more relaxed parts of the journey that follow.
From East Java, the trip shifts into Bali, starting with Ubud’s jungle calm, rice terraces, temples, and slower pace. It’s the cultural heart of the island and a great place to reset after the intensity of Java. Then you move down to Uluwatu, where clifftop views, surf beaches, and golden sunsets take over. After that comes Nusa Penida, Bali’s wildest island, known for its dramatic cliffs, bright blue water, manta ray snorkelling, and famous viewpoints like Kelingking and Diamond Beach. Together, these three spots show off Bali’s nature, culture, and coastline in a really balanced way.
The Gili Islands is where everything slows right down. With no cars, sandy paths, and bikes everywhere, the Gilis are all about simple island living. Expect clear water, snorkelling with turtles, relaxed beach evenings, and a softer pace that feels like a proper wind‑down at the end of the trip. It’s the perfect contrast to the adventure‑heavy start and the busy exploring in Bali.
After Bali and the Gilis, the route moves into Lombok, where the pace becomes a mix of coastal exploring and wide‑open landscapes. Around Kuta Lombok, you’ll find rolling green hills, quiet beaches, surf spots, and viewpoints that feel far less crowded than Bali. It’s a great place to slow down, ride a scooter through the countryside, and enjoy a more local, laid‑back side of Indonesia before the final few adventures of the trip.
By the end, you’ll have moved through volcanoes, jungles, cliffs, and calm island beaches — each place offering something completely different. The itinerary naturally shifts from adventure to culture to pure downtime, giving you a trip that feels full, varied, and memorable from start to finish.
Itinerary
day 1 | travel
After landing at Surabaya Juanda International Airport, you’ll make your way through arrivals, grab your bags, and take a taxi or coach to Gun Yun House. Once you’ve checked in and had a moment to settle, you can head out for breakfast or lunch (depending or arrival time) nearby before starting your first bit of exploring.
When you’re ready, take a Grab over to the Rainbow Village to wander through the colourful alleyways where entry costs around IDR 10,000, then continue on to the Blue Village just a few minutes away. After soaking up the atmosphere and taking photos, head back to the hostel to rest, shower, and unwind after the journey. In the evening, go out for dinner at a local warung or grab something simple before calling it an early night so you’re fresh for the next day’s adventures.
Activities: Fly into Surabaya (Juanda International Airport), Rainbow Village, Blue Village
Accommodation: Gun Yun House
day 2 | East java
The day starts with the Mador Hostel tour team picking you up directly from Gun Yun House, so there’s no need to travel anywhere to begin the tour. After meeting the group and loading your bags, you’ll start the journey toward Tumpak Sewu, stopping along the way for breakfast or snacks depending on your pickup time.
Once you arrive at the waterfall area, the guides will lead you down the trail to the famous viewpoint before continuing the descent to the base of Tumpak Sewu. After exploring the waterfall and visiting Goa Tetes, you’ll hike back up and have time to rest, grab lunch, and enjoy the scenery. In the afternoon, the group heads to the nearby guesthouse where you’ll check in and relax. Dinner is usually arranged at the accommodation or a local warung, giving you a chilled evening before the early start the next morning for Mount Bromo.
Activities: Tumpak Sewu Waterall, Goa Tetes Caves
Accommodation: Mador Hostel
Day 3 | East Java
The day starts before sunrise as the tour team wakes everyone up and loads you into the 4x4 jeeps for the drive to the Mount Bromo viewpoint. After a short ride through the dark volcanic landscape, you’ll reach the viewpoint in time to watch the sky change colours over the Bromo crater which is one of the most iconic sunrises in Indonesia. Once the sun is up, the jeeps continue down to the Sea of Sand, where you’ll walk across the ash fields and climb the steps to the crater.
After exploring the area and taking photos, the group stops for breakfast before beginning the long but scenic drive toward the Ijen region. You’ll arrive at the second guesthouse in the afternoon, giving you time to rest, and have dinner before preparing for the very early start the next morning for the Ijen crater hike.
Activities: Mount Bromo
Accommodation: Mador Hostel
Day 4 | East Java & Ubud
Your final tour day begins in the early hours as the guides wake you for the Ijen crater hike. After a short drive to the trail entrance, you’ll begin the steady climb to the rim, reaching the top in time for sunrise over the bright turquoise lake. It’s worth noting that Ijen is closed on the first Friday of every month, so if your trip falls on that date, the tour will adjust the schedule or skip the hike entirely.
Once you’ve explored the crater rim and taken photos, you’ll hike back down for breakfast before starting the journey toward Bali. The tour includes your full transfer to Ubud, with a ferry crossing from Java to Bali followed by a comfortable drive inland. After checking into Sunshine Vintage Hostel and taking some time to rest, you can head out for the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset though if you’re feeling tired from the early start and long travel day, it’s completely fine to skip it and enjoy a relaxed evening instead.
Activities: Mount Ijen, Sunset Campuhan Ridge Walk
Accommodation: Sunshine Vintage Hostel
Day 5 | Ubud
Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast before heading to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where entry costs around IDR 80,000 per person. You’ll wander through shaded jungle paths, ancient temples, and moss‑covered statues while watching the macaques roam freely around the sanctuary.
After your visit, make your way north to the Tegalalang Rice Fields, which usually ask for a small IDR 10,000–20,000 donation at the entrance. Once inside, you can walk along the terraces, enjoy the views, and stop at one of the cafés overlooking the valley. After exploring the rice fields, head back to Ubud for lunch, shopping, or a slow afternoon in town. The rest of the day is flexible, giving you time to unwind or explore at your own pace.
Activities: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Fields
Accommodation: Sunshine Vintage Hostel
Day 6 | Ubud
Start the day with breakfast in Ubud before meeting your private driver, who will take you out for a relaxed waterfall hopping day. Your first stop is Tibumana Waterfall (entry IDR 20,000), a peaceful spot with an easy walk and a calm pool at the base. From there, continue to Tukad Cepung Waterfall (entry IDR 15,000–20,000), where sunlight beams through the canyon walls and creates a dramatic atmosphere.
After exploring, you can stop for lunch at a local warung or a simple café along the route. Your final waterfall is Tegenungan (entry IDR 20,000), where you can enjoy wide viewpoints or walk down to the base for a closer look. If you still have energy, your driver can take you to a viewpoint café for a drink before heading back to Ubud. In the evening, grab dinner in town or relax at your accommodation the rest of the night is completely flexible.
Activities: Tibumana Waterfall, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall
Accommodation: Sunshine Vintage Hostel
Day 7 | Ubud & Uluwatu
Your day begins before sunrise as you’re picked up for the Mount Batur hike, one of Bali’s most iconic viewpoints. After reaching the summit, you’ll watch the sun rise over the volcanic landscape and enjoy a simple breakfast before making your way back down. Once you return to Ubud, you’ll gather your things and travel south to Uluwatu, settling into Lazy Lama Hostel for the next part of your trip.
In the afternoon, head to Uluwatu Temple, where entry is around IDR 50,000. You can wander the clifftop paths, enjoy the ocean views, and explore the temple grounds before taking your seat for the Kecak Fire Dance (ticket around IDR 150,000). The performance takes place at sunset, creating an incredible backdrop as the sky turns orange over the cliffs. After the show, you can grab dinner nearby or return to the hostel to relax for the night.
Activities: Mount Batur, Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Fire Dance
Accommodation: The Lazy Lama Hostel
Day 8 | Uluwatu
Start your morning with breakfast before heading to Suluban Beach, a dramatic spot known for its cave‑like entrance and rugged cliffs. There’s no official entry fee, but you may pay a small IDR 5,000–10,000 parking fee depending on your driver. Spend a little time exploring the rock formations and viewpoints before continuing to Padang Padang Beach, which has an entry fee of around IDR 15,000. This is one of Uluwatu’s most iconic beaches, with turquoise water, soft sand, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just taking it slow for the day.
You can grab lunch from one of the small beach cafés or head up to the road for more options. Stay as long as you like, and if you’re still in the mood later, you can enjoy sunset drinks at a nearby clifftop bar before returning to Lazy Lama Hostel for a chilled evening.
Activities: Suluban Beach, Padang Padang Beach
Accommodation: The Lazy Lama Hostel
Day 9 | Uluwatu & Nusa Penida
Start the morning with breakfast in Uluwatu before heading to Sanur Harbour, where you’ll catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida (around 30–45 minutes). Once you arrive, make your way to your accommodation to check in and drop your bags, then grab a quick early lunch or snacks nearby before hiring a private driver for an afternoon on the island’s east coast.
Your first stop is Diamond Beach (entry IDR 25,000), with its bright turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic cliff‑side staircase. After enjoying the views, continue to Atuh Beach (same entrance fee), a slightly quieter bay with beautiful rock formations and a few simple warungs where you can buy drinks or a light snack. Finish the afternoon at the Rumah Pohon Treehouse viewpoint (entry IDR 25,000), where you’ll get sweeping views over the cliffs and bays below. In the evening, your driver will take you back to your accommodation, and you can head out for dinner at a nearby restaurant or at the hostel.
Activities: Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Accommodation: The Penida Project Hostel
Day 10 | Nusa Pendia
Start your morning with breakfast before joining your manta ray snorkelling tour, which usually departs around 7–8 AM. The boat will take you to Manta Point, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel with reef manta rays in their natural environment. After that, you’ll stop at either Gamat Bay or Crystal Bay, depending on sea conditions, for colourful coral and clear water. You’ll return to shore late morning.
Once you’re back, grab an early lunch at a nearby warung or café before meeting your driver for the afternoon’s west‑coast tour. Your first stop is Broken Beach (entry IDR 25,000), a natural arch overlooking bright blue water. Just next door is Angel’s Billabong, a dramatic rock pool with swirling waves below, beautiful for photos but not safe for swimming.
Finish the day at Kelingking Beach (same entry fee), one of Indonesia’s most iconic viewpoints. You can admire the cliff from above or walk partway down the steep trail if you want a closer look. After exploring, your driver will take you back to the hostel for a relaxed evening.
Activities: Manta Ray Snorkelling, Broken Beach, Angels Billabong, Kelingking Beach
Accommodation: The Penida Project Hostel
Day 11 | Nusa Penida & Gili Trawangan
Start your morning with breakfast on Nusa Penida before heading to the harbour to catch your ferry to Gili Trawangan. The journey usually takes around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the boat and sea conditions. Once you arrive on Gili Trawangan, walk to the Hostel (which is only a 10 minutes away) to check in and settle in.
After dropping your bags, hire a bicycle as it is the best way to get around Gili Trawangan since there are no cars or motorbikes on the island. Then grab some lunch at one of the beach cafés and spend the afternoon cycling along the coastal path, stopping at quiet beaches, snorkelling spots, or beach bars as you go. You can also visit the west side of the island for beautiful viewpoints and relaxed stretches of sand.
In the evening, head to one of the beachfront venues that host a free outdoor cinema most nights. Pick a beanbag, order dinner or snacks, and enjoy a chilled movie night under the stars, the perfect slow end to your first day on Gili Trawangan.
Activities: Explore Gili Trawangan (on a bike), Free Outside Sunset Cinema
Accommodation: Tipsea Turtle Hostel
Day 12 | Gili Trawangan
Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast at your hostel, then enjoy a slow start to the day, wander to the beach, grab a smoothie bowl, or cycle around the island. Instead of joining the busy morning snorkelling tours, I recommend booking a late‑afternoon trip, as it’s much quieter and you’ll often have the snorkelling spots almost to yourself.
After lunch at one of the beachfront cafés, join your boat crew and head out to the first stop: the turtle snorkelling area just off Gili Trawangan, where you can often see green sea turtles gliding through the water. Next, you’ll visit the famous Underwater Statue at Gili Meno, followed by more snorkelling around the reefs nearby. The final stop is Gili Air, where you can swim, relax on the boat, or grab a drink from a beach bar before heading back as the sun begins to set.
Return to Gili Trawangan in the early evening and grab dinner at the night market or a beachfront restaurant before heading back to Tipsea Turtle Hostel for a chilled night or heading over to the strip.
Activities: Snorkelling & Gili Islands Tour (Turtle Snorkelling, Underwater Statue, Gili Meno, Gili Air)
Accommodation: Tipsea Turtle Hostel
Day 13 | Gili Trawangan & Lombok
Start your morning with breakfast on Gili Trawangan before heading to the harbour to catch the ferry to Bangsal Harbour on Lombok. The crossing is short and straightforward. Once you arrive, take a taxi down to Kuta Lombok, which usually takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. After checking in to Tiga Spies, grab some lunch in town before hiring a motorbike which is the easiest way to explore this part of the island.
In the afternoon, ride out into the South Lombok hills, where the roads are smooth, the scenery is wide open, and the viewpoints are some of the best in the region. Stop at Fulk Café, a relaxed spot tucked into the hills with great views and cold drinks, perfect for a mid‑afternoon break.
As the day cools down, continue your ride to Bukit Merese, one of Lombok’s most beautiful sunset spots. Walk along the ridge line, find a quiet viewpoint, and watch the sky turn orange over the coastline. After sunset, head back to Kuta for dinner at one of the local restaurants before returning to the hostel for the night.
Activities: South Lombok Coastal Hill Loop, Bukit Merese Sunset
Accommodation: Tiga Spies Hostel
Day 14 | Lombok
Start your morning with breakfast in Kuta before heading out for a slow, easy beach day. You can choose from nearby spots like Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, or Kuta Beach. All great for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery. If you’re interested in surfing, Selong Belanak is one of the best beginner‑friendly beaches in Indonesia, with plenty of surf schools offering lessons or simple board rentals.
Grab lunch at a beachfront warung or café, then spend the afternoon sunbathing, reading, or hopping between beaches. If you feel like exploring, you can ride your motorbike to a few nearby viewpoints for wide coastal views.
As the day cools down, head back to Kuta for dinner at one of the local restaurants before returning to the hostel for a chilled evening.
Activities: Surfing/Sunbathing, Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, Kuta Beach
Accommodation: Tiga Spies Hostel
Day 15 | travel
Depending on your departure time, start the day with breakfast in Kuta and enjoy a slow morning before heading to the airport. If you have a few hours to spare, there are a couple of easy, nearby activities you can fit in without rushing: Tanjung Aan Beach is a calm, beautiful beach only 15–20 minutes from Kuta, perfect for a last swim or a relaxed walk. Sade Traditional Village is a quick cultural stop just 10 minutes from Kuta, where you can wander through traditional Sasak houses and learn about local weaving. Kuta Beachfront cafés are ideal if you just want a final iced coffee or brunch with a view.
After your chosen activity (or simply a relaxed morning), grab lunch in Kuta before taking a taxi to Lombok International Airport. The drive usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, it’s time to begin your journey home.
Activities: Flight to your next destination/home from Lombok (Lombok International Airport)
To do lIST
1 | Passport Check (at least 6 month until expiry)
2 | Book Flights (2)
3 | Book Accommodation (7)
4 | Book Tours & Activities
5 | Travel Insurance
6 | Indonesia 30 Day VISA
7 | International Drivers Permit (if applicable)
8 | Cash (recommend £300 / Rp7,000,000)
9 | Digital Arrival Card
10 | Book Domestic Travel (ferries & coaches)
Equipement
This brings together the core gear I’ve found genuinely useful while backpacking. Simple, reliable essentials that make travel smoother and more organised.
Over time I’ve tested different setups and learned what actually earns its place in my luggage. Here you’ll find the equipment, carry gear, and tech that consistently make life on the road easier without overcomplicating things.
Packing Lists
These packing lists come from my own time backpacking and learning what actually helps when you’re living out of a bag for a while.
Over time I’ve figured out what’s worth carrying, what isn’t, and the small habits that make packing feel less chaotic. Think of these lists as a simple foundation you can build on as you plan your own adventures.