Contents
Day 1-4: Jakarta – Big City Kickoff
Start your itinerary in Indonesia in Jakarta. Dive straight into the loud and busy energy of Indonesia. From street food to history, you’ll find everything here, and it’s the perfect way to ease into your backpacking trip before heading off to quieter spots.
Top Activities To Do in Jakarta
- Explore Kota Tua: The old town with colonial architecture, museums, and cafes.
- National Monument (Monas): A quick history lesson and a great view of the city from the top.
- Street Food Crawl: Try Nasi Goreng, Sate Ayam, and Martabak from street vendors—delicious and cheap.
- Nightlife in Kemang: A good mix of bars and nightlife to start your trip off right.
How long to stay: 4 days
Get into the feel of Jakarta’s hustle and bustle before heading into nature.
Day 5-7: Yogyakarta – Culture and Temples
Take an hour flight from Jakarta. Feeling adventurous? Take the train (8-9 hours) for some scenic views of Java. Think of a laid-back vibe, packed with culture—temples and an artsy atmosphere await you here. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and soak up some history.
Top Activities To Do in Yogyakarta
- Borobudur Temple: One of the world’s biggest Buddhist temples. Go early for the sunrise—it’s magical.
- Prambanan Temple: A massive Hindu temple complex that’s equally impressive.
- Taman Sari Water Castle: This old royal palace is great for wandering around and taking photos.
- Malioboro Street: Great for cheap street food and shopping for souvenirs.
How long to stay: 3 days
Enough time to see the temples and get a feel for the cultural side of Indonesia.
Day 8-10: Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater – Volcano Adventures
Time to head to East Java for the epic landscapes of Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater. Just a short flight away from Yogyakarta is Surabaya. You’ll then need to arrange a transfer to Mount Bromo or join a tour. These volcanoes are bucket-list destinations that deserve a spot on your itinerary in Indonesia. You’ll be hiking through the night and watching sunrises that you’ll remember forever.
Top Activities To Do in Bromo & Ijen
- Mount Bromo Sunrise: Hike early to catch the sunrise over this iconic volcano. The views are worth the early start.
- Ijen Crater: Hike at night to see the blue flames caused by sulfuric gas and witness something you’ve never seen before.
- Explore Bromo’s Sea of Sand: Be awed by this otherworldly volcanic landscape.
How long to stay: 3 days
Enough time to hike both volcanoes and take in the incredible views.
Day 11-15: Bali – Beaches, Surf, and Culture
Next stop, Bali! Only takes a quick 1.5-hour flight from Surabaya. Bali is every backpacker’s favorite. Surfing? Relaxing on the beach? Or exploring temples? Bali’s got you covered. Split your time between Ubud and Canggu for the best mix of culture and beach vibes.
Top Activities To Do in Bali
- Surf in Canggu: Ride the waves at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach.
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces: For sure, you’ve seen this on your travel feed! Why not experience wandering around these famous rice terraces near Ubud?
- Ubud Monkey Forest: It’s fun to explore, just keep an eye on your stuff—the monkeys are sneaky!
- Tanah Lot Temple: Witness the beauty of this temple on the coast during sunset.
How long to stay: 5 days
Split between Ubud and Canggu to get a good mix of surf, culture, and relaxation.
Day 16-18: Nusa Lembongan – Island Chill
Take a short boat ride to Nusa Lembongan for some serious chill time. If you want some downtime, this little island is your haven. Whether you want to snorkel, explore the beaches, or just relax in a hammock, there’s always something for you to enjoy.
Top Activities To Do in Nusa Lembongan
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays: Explore under the seas and swim with these gentle giants.
- Devil’s Tear: Watch huge waves crash against the cliffs—bring your camera.
- Dream Beach: A quiet, beautiful beach perfect for unwinding.
- Scooter Around the Island: Renting a scooter is the best way to explore Lembongan’s hidden corners.
How long to stay: 3 days
Few days here will give you time to recharge and get ready for the next adventure.
Need a hand in planning? Check out this ultimate guide to Nusa Lembongan.
Day 19-22: Gili Trawangan – The Party Island
From Nusa Lembongan, take a fast boat to Gili Trawangan. It’s a bit of a journey (2-3 hours) but worth it. Gili Trawangan is where you go to party and enjoy the beach life. This little island is car-free, so it’s all about cycling, beach bars, and chilled-out vibes. Days are for snorkeling, nights are for beach parties.
Top Activities To Do in Gili Trawangan
- Scuba Diving: The reefs around Gili T are full of sea life, and you’re almost certain to encounter amazing underwater creatures. Grab your swimwear and discover scuba diving.
- Beachfront Bars: Don’t miss out on the laid-back bars and the best beachfront parties you’ll ever attend.
- Bike Around the Island: Cycling around is one of the best ways to fully explore the island.
- Sunset Swing: Take that classic Gili T swing photo at sunset.
How long to stay: 4 days
Enough time to party, relax, and explore this fun little island. Want more adventure? Check out this list of fun activities to do in Gili T.
Day 23-26: Kuta Lombok – Surf and Chill
After Gili T, take a short boat ride to Kuta Lombok. It is Bali’s quieter cousin. This is the place to be if you want to spend days surfing and chilling on uncrowded beaches.
Top Activities To Do in Kuta Lombok
- Surf at Selong Belanak: This beach has great waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
- Mawun Beach: A quieter, hidden gem of a beach, perfect for a lazy day.
- Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls: Take a day trip to these stunning waterfalls for a swim in its refreshing waters.
- Kuta Beach: Grab a drink and watch the sunset over Kuta’s beach—total bliss.
How long to stay: 4 days
You’ll have plenty of time to surf, explore, and unwind in this relaxed surf town. Got more time? Check out these unmissable activities for your Lombok itinerary.
Day 27-30: Flores & Komodo National Park – Finish Strong
Fly from Lombok to Labuan Bajo (on Flores). It’s a short 1.5-hour flight. End your trip on a high note with a visit to Komodo National Park. Flores is the gateway to Komodo, where you’ll see the famous dragons, explore beautiful islands, and dive or snorkel in crystal-clear water.
Top Activities To Do in Flores & Komodo
- See the Komodo Dragons: Huge lizards? Yes, they exist. Visit Komodo or Rinca Island to witness them in the wild.
- Pink Beach: Pink sand? Yep, you heard that right. An amazing spot for snorkeling too.
- Padar Island Hike: Hike to the top of Padar Island for jaw-dropping views of the surrounding islands.
- Diving or Snorkeling: Komodo’s coral reefs are some of the best in the world—don’t miss it.
How long to stay: 4 days
A perfect finale for your Indonesian adventure, with incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Travel Tips for Backpackers
- Book Domestic Flights Early: Flights between islands fill up fast, so book ahead to snag good prices.
- Pack Light: You’ll be moving around a lot, so pack as light as possible.
- Carry Cash: Some islands don’t have many ATMs, so always have enough cash on hand for transport and accommodation.
- Stay Hydrated: Indonesia is hot and humid, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
- Learn Some Bahasa Indonesia: Even basic words like “terima kasih” (thank you) or “tolong” (please) can go a long way, especially in smaller villages. Here’s a full guide on useful Indonesian phrases for travelers.
Your Passport to Adventure is Ready
After 30 days of exploring temples, volcanoes, beaches, and islands, you’ll be leaving Indonesia with memories that will last a lifetime. From the chaos of Jakarta to the peaceful beaches of Komodo, this itinerary in Indonesia covers the best of what the country has to offer. Whether it’s culture, adventure, or just relaxing on the beach, Indonesia has something for everyone. Safe travels!
More Itinerary Guides To Check Out
One Month Backpacking Indonesia Itinerary for Solo Travelers – by BucketListly Blog
Backpacking Indonesia Travel Guide – by Mind The Travel
Indonesia: Our Itinerary for 3 or 4 Weeks – by Sommertage
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