Indonesia Itinerary
Indonesia is a fascinating travel destination in Southeast Asia that seamlessly combines breathtaking natural landscapes, exhilarating adventures, and tranquil relaxation opportunities. This 18-day Indonesia travel itinerary covers iconic locations such as Bali, Lombok, Bromo, Ijen, and Komodo National Park. Look out for detailed breakdowns of each day in the guide below!
Day 1: Arrival in Bali
Start your Indonesia trip in Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods." After landing at Denpasar Airport at 10:30 PM, we headed directly to Uluwatu Wave House. Exhausted from our journey, we checked in and went straight to bed, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited.
Flight: Sydney to Denpasar, landing at 10:30 PM.
Accommodation: Uluwatu Wave House.
Activities: Travel and rest.
Day 2: Surf, Beach, and Party in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a must-visit destination for surfers and beach lovers. We rented scooters from the accommodation and headed to Uluwatu's scenic beaches for breakfast and a swim beneath the iconic cliffs. The afternoon was spent unwinding at a beach bar, enjoying cocktails with ocean views. As the sun set, Uluwatu’s vibrant nightlife took center stage, rounding off an unforgettable day.
Morning: Surfing at a local beach (10-minute drive).
Afternoon: Relaxing at a beach bar.
Evening: Exploring Uluwatu’s nightlife.
Day 3: Journey to Bromo
We began with a 1-hour transfer to Denpasar Airport for a 2-hour flight to Surabaya. Upon arrival, a pre-arranged transfer drove us 3 hours to our accommodation, ARTOTEL Cabin Bromo, where we settled in for the night to prepare for the following day’s adventure.
Transport: 1-hour drive to the airport, 2-hour flight, 3-hour transfer.
Accommodation: ARTOTEL Cabin Bromo.
Highlights: Scenic journey through East Java.
Day 4: Sunrise at Mt. Bromo
We woke at 3:00 AM for a sunrise tour of Mt. Bromo, a 1-hour drive from our accommodation. The early wake-up was worth it for the stunning volcanic landscape bathed in the morning light. After returning to our hotel, we rented scooters to explore the nearby village and ventured into the caldera for incredible photos. We ended the day with a peaceful sunset over the crater.
Morning: Sunrise at Mt. Bromo (1-hour drive).
Afternoon: Exploring the village and caldera by scooter.
Evening: Sunset over the crater.
Day 5: Journey to Ijen
A 2-hour transfer brought us to Probolinggo train station, where we boarded a scenic 2-hour train ride to Ijen. Along the way, we enjoyed views of lush countryside. Once we arrived, a pre-arranged transfer took us to Ijen Resort & Villas, where we rested and prepared for the next day’s adventure.
Transport: 2-hour transfer, 2-hour train ride.
Accommodation: Ijen Resort & Villas.
Highlights: Scenic train ride and tranquil accommodations.
Day 6: Exploring Ijen Crater
An early start took us to the base of Ijen Crater after a 45-minute drive. The 2-hour hike to the summit was challenging but rewarding, with the mesmerizing blue flames and a breathtaking sunrise awaiting us at the top. We spent the rest of the day unwinding back at the resort.
Morning: Trek to Ijen Crater (45-minute drive, 2-hour hike).
Afternoon: Relaxation at the resort.
Highlights: Blue flames and stunning sunrise views.
Day 7: Travel from Bali to Lombok
This was a big travel day! We started with a hotel transfer to Ketapang port, followed by a public ferry to Gilimanuk. From there, a private driver navigated us through Bali traffic to Padangbai port, where we caught the last fast ferry to Lombok. At Bangsal Port, we hopped in a Didi to reach our accommodation.
Transport: Multiple transfers via car, ferry, and fast boat.
Highlights: Scenic travel and navigating tight schedules.
Day 8–10: Exploring Lombok
We joined a Lombok Loop Tour, hopping on scooters with drivers who guided us around the island’s highlights. These three days were packed with scenic rides, hidden gems, and unforgettable local experiences. If your into hiking Mount Rinjani is a must! It was the perfect way to discover the island’s natural beauty and culture.
Transport: Scooter rides with local drivers.
Activities: Lombok Loop Tour, exploring beaches and villages.
Highlights: Scenic rides and cultural immersion.
Day 11–14: Selong Beach and Relaxation
We traveled to Selong Beach via hotel transfer and checked into Sempiak Seaside Resort. These days were dedicated to unwinding, with scooter rides to nearby beaches, surfing, and soaking up the serene coastal atmosphere. It was a perfect escape.
Transport: Hotel transfer to Selong Beach.
Accommodation: Sempiak Seaside Resort.
Activities: Scooter hire, surfing, and relaxation.
Highlights: Exploring pristine beaches and unwinding.
Day 15: Travel to Labuan Bajo
Another big travel day saw us transferring to Lombok International Airport for a flight to Denpasar, followed by a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo. Once there, we stocked up on supplies for our upcoming boat tour.
Transport: Flights from Lombok to Denpasar to Labuan Bajo.
Activities: Travel and preparation.
Highlights: Preparing for the Komodo adventure.
Day 16–18: Komodo National Park Boat Tour
These three days were spent exploring Komodo National Park on a boat tour. Activities included snorkeling vibrant reefs, hiking Padar Island, and encountering Komodo dragons. Each night, we slept under starry skies aboard the boat, waking to serene island views. This was truly the highlight of our trip.
Activities: Island-hopping, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife encounters.
Transport: Boat tour with overnight stays.
Highlights: Pink Beach, Padar Island, and Komodo dragons.
Day 18–19: Final Resort Stay and Return to Sydney
Our last day was spent at Menjaga Bay, relaxing in a luxurious overwater bungalow. It was the perfect way to reflect on our journey. On Day 19, we began our travels back home to Sydney, wrapping up an unforgettable Indonesian adventure.
Accommodation: Overwater bungalow at Menjaga Bay.
Activities: Relaxation and travel home.
Highlights: Peaceful finale to an incredible trip.
This 18-day Indonesia itinerary perfectly balanced adventure and relaxation, offering a mix of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and serene getaways. From the lush rice terraces of Bali to the pink sands of Komodo’s beaches, every moment was unforgettable. If you're planning your own Indonesia trip, use this itinerary as inspiration and let us know your favorite destinations in the comments below! 🌴✨
Comments