Two weeks in Indonesia is like diving into a treasure chest filled with everything from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, and the occasional monkey stealing your snacks. You’ll want to make the most of your time in this diverse archipelago, so let’s break down how to fill your itinerary with unforgettable experiences. Grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive in!
Week one: Bali and beyond
Start your adventure in Bali, the island that probably has more Instagram influencers than actual residents. Spend about five days here to soak in the sun and the culture. You can’t skip Ubud, the heart of Balinese art and culture.
- Days 1-2: Ubud
- Morning: Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), take a taxi to Ubud (1-1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Watch your belongings—those little furballs are sneaky.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local warung. Try Nasi Campur, a beautiful mess of flavors on your plate.
- Day 3: Rice terraces and more
- Morning: Head to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Don’t forget to take that classic jumping shot.
- Afternoon: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes. Spoiler: There will be a lot of chopping.
- Evening: Relax with a Balinese massage. You’ve earned it after all that chopping.
- Days 4-5: Seminyak
- Morning: Travel to Seminyak (1 hour). Check in and hit the beach.
- Afternoon: Chill at Potato Head Beach Club, sipping cocktails and pretending you’re a celebrity.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant dining scene. Try some seafood at a beachside restaurant.
After your Bali bliss, it’s time to head to Lombok, a lesser-known paradise that’s just a boat ride away. Spend about three days here soaking up the sun and enjoying the quieter vibe.
- Days 6-8: Lombok
- Morning: Take a fast boat from Bali to Lombok (about 2.5 hours). Arrive and settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit Kuta Beach for some surf lessons. If you fall, just pretend you meant to do that.
- Evening: Check out local eateries in Kuta. Don’t miss the grilled fish—your taste buds will thank you.
Week two: Java and beyond
Now it’s time to hop over to Java, where the cities are bustling, and the volcanoes are magnificent. Spend about five days here, starting in Yogyakarta.
- Days 9-11: Yogyakarta
- Morning: Fly from Lombok to Yogyakarta (1 hour). Check in and recharge.
- Afternoon: Visit the Sultan’s Palace. Feel free to ask a million questions about the royal family.
- Evening: Try street food at Malioboro Street. Grab some Gudeg, a dish made with jackfruit. It’s delicious and confusing.
- Day 12: Borobudur and Prambanan
- Morning: Take a sunrise tour of Borobudur. It’s a massive Buddhist temple and a great reason to wake up early.
- Afternoon: Visit Prambanan, a stunning Hindu temple complex. Try not to get lost; those towers can be tricky.
- Evening: Head back to Yogyakarta for dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Finally, wrap up your Indonesian journey with a couple of days in Jakarta. It’s a bustling city filled with shopping, dining, and a bit of chaos. Spend the last three days here to experience the urban life.
- Days 13-14: Jakarta
- Morning: Fly from Yogyakarta to Jakarta (1 hour). Check in and hit the ground running.
- Afternoon: Explore the National Monument and the surrounding park. Climb to the top for a view of the city.
- Evening: Dine in the trendy neighborhood of Kemang. Try some local dishes or international cuisine. You deserve it after all that adventure.
Two weeks in Indonesia can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s a whirlwind filled with beauty, culture, and food that’ll make your taste buds dance. From the beaches of Bali to the temples of Java, this adventure is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories and a million photos to scroll through. So, pack your bags and your sense of humor—it’s going to be a wild ride!
