17-Day Indonesia Itinerary: Java, Bali, Gili Trawangan & Lombok

Day 1 – Indonesian adventure begins in the vibrant capital, Jakarta

• Arrival: Grab a local kopi and brunch at The Acre to refuel. Then, visit the Obama Statue at his former elementary school, SDN Menteng 01, where Barack Obama studied from 1969–1971 — the statue celebrates his connection to Indonesia

• Take a stroll through Menteng Park, a leafy urban escape, before exploring Pasar Santa Market, known for its vintage clothing, indie record stores, pop-up cafes, and local thrift shops

• Late afternoon: Head to the CBD district for live music, craft beer, and pizza at Beer Hall

• End the evening with cocktails at Pantja, ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and don’t miss their signature fried chicken

Day 2 – Jakarta: Culture & Cuisine

• Start your morning with a coffee at Toko Kopi, then walk through the bustling streets toward Monas (National Monument) — Indonesia’s symbol of independence

• Explore Lapangan Banteng Park and Pasar Baru, one of Jakarta’s oldest markets, known for its mix of Chinese, Indian, and Dutch influences

• Enjoy lunch at Dapur Babah Elite, an elegant restaurant serving Peranakan and traditional Indonesian cuisine in a heritage colonial setting

• Return to your hotel by tuk-tuk for a quick rest and chill on the hotel rooftop

• In the evening, head back to the CBD for dinner and drinks at Jon & Lou, known for its Italian dishes and cozy vibe.

Day 3 – Malang: Colors & Culture

• Breakfast at Emilia Bar Menteng before your mid-morning flight to Malang. Check into Hotel Tugu Malang, a museum-like boutique hotel filled with Javanese art and antiques

• Explore Jodipan’s Rainbow Village, originally a slum transformed into a colorful work of art by local students, and the nearby Blue Village (Kampung Biru Arema), painted entirely in shades of blue to honor Malang’s football club

• Sip coffee at Momos and wander through the Kayutangan Heritage Village, with colonial-era architecture and charming alleys

• Dinner at the hotel

Day 4 – Adventure Begins: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

• Early morning departure for a 3-day, 2-night adventure exploring East Java’s natural wonders

• First stop: the majestic Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, often called “Indonesia’s Niagara.” View it from above, then hike down for a breathtaking close-up experience

• Onward travel to accommodation for the evening

Day 5 – Mount Bromo Sunrise

• Wake up at 2 AM to witness sunrise over Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes

• Admire the landscape glow in golden hues from a viewpoint before getting back into the Jeeps to see into the crater

• Onward travel to accommodation for the evening

Day 6 – Ijen Crater & Bali Bound

• Depart around 11 PM (night before) for the Ijen Crater hike, to witness the surreal blue flame—a rare natural phenomenon caused by burning sulfur gases

• After sunrise, admire the turquoise lake before descending

• Travel to Gilimanuk Port, take the ferry to Bali, and continue to Pemuteran in the island’s peaceful north

• Check into your homestay and unwind by the pool with a smoothie after your Java adventurE

• Walk five minutes to Dimpli Beach Bar for late lunch—try local satay and nasi goreng with a cold Indonesian beer

• Spend the afternoon sunbathing or snorkeling

• Dinner at the homestay restaurant.

Day 7 – Pemuteran: Beach Bliss

• Relaxed beach day!

• Rent a double sunbed at Taman Sari Resort (under £1) and enjoy access to their pool and facilities

• Lunch at a beach bar and iced coffees at Kopi Kubull

• Enjoy a sunset walk and dinner at Warung Setia for authentic local dishes

Day 8 – Bali Road Trip to Ubud

• Hire a driver for the journey south to Ubud

• Stop at Gitgit Waterfallfor a short scenic walk and at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a stunning lakeside Hindu temple

• Arrive in Ubud by late afternoon and check into your hotel

• Dinner at Mr. Smash Burger for a burger fix, then drinks at Mingle Café in the heart of Ubud

Day 9 – Exploring Ubud

• Start with coffee at Anomali Coffee, then a morning yoga session or gym visit

• Morning walk via the ‘Campuhan Ridge Walk’, a lush trail through rice fields

• Stop at Tamian Café for smoothie bowls and panoramic views

• Continue to Ambar Bar at the Ritz-Carlton for cocktails with a view

• End the walk with a artisanal ice cream from Brnd

• Dinner at Warung Biah Biah, then enjoy wine and people-watching at Bacari

Day 10 – Sidemen Day Trip

• Breakfast at Koli Koli, overlooking rice terraces and plunge pools

• Explore Sidemen’s 5 km rice field loop and enjoy a tea part way admiring the views

• Return to Ubud in the evening for a traditional Balinese dance show at Ubud Palace

Day 11 – Gili Trawangan

• Early ferry to Gili Trawangan (tip: take the Ekajaya Fast Boat)

• Arrive around 11 AM and check into homestay

• Explore the island by bicycle or on foot—it’s only about 5 km around!

• Enjoy late pizza lunch at Mamma Pizza, then relax by the beach

• Watch the sunset with beers at No Name Bar

Day 12 – Snorkeling & Sea Life

• Spend the day snorkeling off TJ’s Beach on the east coast—free sunbeds if you rent snorkel gear (expect to see turtles and vibrant coral reefs)

• Coffee and dessert at Gili Coffee Roasters (try the Biscoff cheesecake!)

• Dinner and sunset views at Papaya Restaurant.

Day 13 – Lombok: Northern Escape

• Morning by the pool, then early lunch at Warung Emak before heading to Lombok via a short speedboat to Bangsal Port

• Check into a beachside homestay near Pantai Sire in the north

• Spend the afternoon snorkeling or paddle boarding

• Dinner at Kokok Pletok Restaurant at the nearby resort

Day 14 – Island Life

• Relaxed beach day. Paddle board, snorkel, or simply unwind

• Walk along the beach to Café Yoman for lunch

• Evening movie at villa with takeaway dinner.

Day 15 – Kuta, Lombok

• Morning swim before checking out and heading south to Kuta, Lombok

• Stay at Sima Hotel, featuring two large pools, a gym, and breakfast

• Lunch at Warung Bu De

• Afternoon watching windsurfers at the beach

• Evening drinks at Curfew Bar, followed by tacos at Catalina Mexicana.

Day 16 – Tanjung Aan Beach

• Beach day at Tanjung Aan Beach, famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise water

• Late afternoon at TGC (The Garden Café), an open-air space with food stalls and a lively bar

• Evening swim and sunset

• Dinner at Elamu Greek Restaurant for gyros and cocktails

Day 17 – Farewell Indonesia

Enjoy a final morning by the beach and one last warung lunch before your Indonesian adventure comes to an end.