Seven days in Indonesia sounds like a dream, right? With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering food, you'll wonder why you haven't booked this trip sooner. So buckle up, because here’s a week-long adventure that takes you from the beaches of Bali to the jungles of Sumatra, with some culinary delights in between. Get ready to tick off your bucket list!
Day 1: Arrival in Bali
Morning: Touch down at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Grab your bags, dodge a few overly enthusiastic taxi drivers, and head to your hotel in Seminyak (about 30 minutes). Check in, drop your stuff, and change into something that screams “I’m on vacation!”
Afternoon: Hit the beach! Seminyak Beach is perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and pretending you're a model. Have lunch at a beachside warung (local eatery), where you can devour some Nasi Goreng (fried rice) for about $2. If you’re feeling fancy, sip on a coconut while you work on your tan.
Evening: Take a stroll along the beach as the sun sets. After the sun is down, grab dinner at La Plancha, a colorful beach bar. The paella is to die for, and the atmosphere is just as great. Bonus: you might even make a few new friends while grabbing a drink!
Day 2: Ubud and cultural immersion
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, take a scenic drive to Ubud (about 1.5 hours) to dive into Bali’s artsy soul. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Just don’t get too close to the monkeys unless you want to lose your sunglasses.
Afternoon: Explore Ubud’s famous rice terraces. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at rice planting. It’s harder than it looks, but the views are worth it. For lunch, stop at a local café and try the Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). Yum!
Evening: Visit the Ubud Art Market for some souvenir shopping. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace. Dinner at a local restaurant? Yes, please! Try Bebek Betutu, a slow-cooked duck dish. You won’t regret it.
Day 3: Island hopping to Nusa Penida
Morning: Rise and shine! Catch an early speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida (about 45 minutes). Once you arrive, rent a scooter. Yes, you might look ridiculous, but who cares when you have Instagram to think about?
Afternoon: Head to Kelingking Beach for jaw-dropping views and a chance to feel like you're on the edge of the world. Hike down if you're feeling brave, but remember: it’s a workout. Lunch at a local warung? Yes, please—try the Mie Goreng (fried noodles).
Evening: Visit Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong for some stunning sunset views. Then take the boat back to Bali and unwind at your hotel. For dinner, find a local place with Babi Guling (suckling pig). It’s the stuff of legends.
Day 4: Travel to Yogyakarta
Morning: Fly to Yogyakarta (about 1 hour). Land, grab a taxi, and check into your hotel. Yogyakarta is known as the cultural heart of Java, so get ready for some history!
Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Borobudur Temple (1-hour drive). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. Climb to the top and revel in the views. Don’t forget your water bottle; trust me, it's a hike!
Evening: Return to Yogyakarta and explore the vibrant Malioboro Street. Grab street food for dinner; the satay and fried tofu are divine. Check out some local shops for handicrafts while you’re at it. It's basically a rite of passage.
Day 5: Exploring Yogyakarta
Morning: After breakfast, head to Kraton (the Sultan's Palace) to soak in the local culture. Take a guided tour; they know all the juicy history. Then, visit Taman Sari Water Castle, a former royal garden.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local café. Try Nasi Gudeg, a traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit. It’s sweet and savory—like a hug for your taste buds. Next, take a batik class to learn about this traditional textile-making process.
Evening: Head to a local restaurant for dinner and try the Soto (Indonesian soup). If you’re still hungry, grab some crispy fried tempeh for a late-night snack. You’ve earned it!
Day 6: Travel to Sumatra
Morning: Fly to Medan (about 1 hour). Once you land, pick up a local guide for your trip to Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world (about 4 hours by car). Enjoy the scenic drive—don’t forget to take pictures.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Toba and check into a lakeside hotel. Grab lunch at a local eatery. Try the Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) while you take in the views. It’s like a postcard come to life.
Evening: Relax by the lakeside and soak in the tranquility. Dinner at your hotel? Yes! Enjoy some local dishes. Maybe even try the spicy sambal if you're feeling brave.
Day 7: Relaxation at Lake Toba
Morning: Sleep in! You deserve it. After breakfast, rent a boat to explore Samosir Island. It’s a peaceful escape where you can visit traditional Batak villages.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant on the island. Try the traditional Batak-style grilled fish—your taste buds will thank you. Spend the afternoon swimming or just lounging by the lake.
Evening: Return to Medan in the late afternoon (4-hour drive) and prepare for your flight home. Reflect on your adventure while enjoying some last-minute snacks from the airport. You’ll need something for the plane, right? This trip will leave you craving more of Indonesia's wonders and planning your next adventure before you even land back home!
