The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary 2025: 1 Week in Java vs. 3 Weeks Island Hopping

Last Updated: June 20, 2025 | By Online Visa Indonesia

Indonesia is vast. With over 17,000 islands, planning a route can be overwhelming. Do you stick to the temples of Java, or chase dragons in Komodo?

Whether you have a tight 7-day schedule or a leisurely 3 weeks, we have crafted two perfect itineraries based on logistics, culture, and adventure.

Map: The Overland Route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta (Java)

This route is perfect for first-timers who want a mix of history, volcanoes, and beaches without exhausting travel times.

• Day 1: Jakarta Arrival & History

  Morning: Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta (CGK). Take a Blue Bird taxi to your hotel in Menteng or Thamrin.

  Afternoon: Visit the National Monument (Monas) for city views. Head north to Kota Tua (Old Town) to see Dutch colonial architecture and rent a colorful bicycle at Fatahillah Square.

  Evening: Dinner at the iconic Cafe Batavia for a nostalgic colonial atmosphere.

• Day 2: The Train to Yogyakarta

  Morning: Board the Taksaka or Argo Dwipangga train from Gambir Station (approx. 7 hours). Enjoy stunning views of emerald rice paddies and volcanic peaks.

  Afternoon: Arrive in Yogyakarta. Check into a boutique heritage hotel near Malioboro.

  Evening: Street food tour on Malioboro Street. Try the famous Gudeg (sweet jackfruit stew) and experience the lively night market.

• Day 3: Borobudur Sunrise

  03:30 AM: Early wake-up for the drive to Magelang.

  Morning: Watch the sunrise over Borobudur Temple (UNESCO), the world's largest Buddhist monument. Explore the intricate stone reliefs.

  Afternoon: Visit the smaller Mendut Temple or take a village cycling tour in Candirejo to see local farming life.

• Day 4: Royal Culture & Prambanan

  Morning: Visit the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and the Taman Sari Water Castle.

  Afternoon: Head to Prambanan Temple (Hindu) towards sunset. The silhouette of the spires against the setting sun is magical.

  Evening: Watch the Ramayana Ballet performance at the open-air theater near Prambanan.

• Day 5: Journey to the Volcano

  All Day: Travel to East Java. You can take a train to Surabaya/Malang and then a private driver to Cemoro Lawang village. Prepare for a chilly night on the crater rim.

• Day 6: Mount Bromo & Fly to Bali

  03:00 AM: Jeep tour to King Kong Hill for the iconic sunrise view over Mount Bromo, Batok, and Semeru.

  Morning: Hike across the "Sea of Sand" and climb the stairs to peer into the smoking crater.

  Afternoon: Drive back to Surabaya Airport (SUB) and catch a flight to Bali (DPS).

  Evening: Check into a villa in Seminyak or Uluwatu. Sunset drinks at Single Fin or Potato Head.

• Day 7: Bali Bliss

  Morning: Relax at the beach or take a surf lesson.

  Afternoon: Visit Uluwatu Temple perched on a 70m high cliff.

  Evening: Watch the mesmerizing Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, followed by a fresh seafood dinner on the sand at Jimbaran Bay.

Map: Island Hopping from Bali to Komodo National Park

For those with more time, this route takes you beyond the tourist trail into the wilder side of Indonesia.

• Day 1-4: Ubud (Cultural Heart)

  Day 1: Arrive DPS. Transfer to Ubud. Relax at Monkey Forest.

  Day 2: Sunrise walk at Campuhan Ridge. Visit Tirta Empul Water Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

  Day 3: Yoga class at Yoga Barn. Afternoon trip to Tibumana Waterfall.

  Day 4: Day trip north to Bedugul (Ulun Danu Beratan Temple) and Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces.

• Day 5-7: Nusa Penida Adventure

  Day 5: Fast boat from Sanur to Penida. West trip: Kelingking Beach (T-Rex shape) and Broken Beach.

  Day 6: Snorkeling tour to Manta Point (swim with Manta Rays) and Gamat Bay.

  Day 7: East trip: Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. Return to harbor for boat to Bali/Lombok.

• Day 8-11: Lombok (Surf & Culture)

  Day 8: Ferry to Bangsal, taxi to Kuta Lombok.

  Day 9: Beginner surf lesson at Selong Belanak. Sunset at Bukit Merese.

  Day 10: Visit traditional Sasak Village (Sade) to see weaving. Relax at Tanjung Aan.

  Day 11: Drive north to Senaru. Easy trek to Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls.

• Day 12-15: Gili Islands Chill

  Day 12: Boat to Gili Trawangan. No cars here! Rent a bicycle and cycle the island perimeter.

  Day 13: Snorkel with turtles right off the beach. Enjoy the night market seafood BBQ.

  Day 14: Island hop to Gili Air for a quieter vibe or Gili Meno to see the underwater statues.

  Day 15: Relax morning. Prepare for the boat expedition.

• Day 16-19: Komodo Boat Expedition

  Day 16: Board the liveaboard (Lombok to Flores). Stop at Moyo Island for jungle waterfall trekking.

  Day 17: Satonda Island to see the saltwater lake. Overnight sailing.

  Day 18: Sunrise hike at Gili Laba. Snorkel at Manta Point. Visit the famous Pink Beach.

  Day 19: Visit Komodo Island or Rinca to see the Komodo Dragons. Hike Padar Island for the iconic view. Arrive Labuan Bajo.

• Day 20: Labuan Bajo

  Relax in Labuan Bajo harbor town. Visit the fish market. Sunset drinks at Paradise Bar.

• Day 21: Departure

  Fly from Labuan Bajo (LBJ) back to Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) for your international connection.

3. Cost Breakdown (Estimates)

FAQ - Itinerary Planning