On the first day of your 2 weeks in Indonesia, you’ll probably still be dealing with jet lag and a fair bit of culture shock. Take this day to get your bearings and explore the area around your hotel or hostel. Make sure to go to bed early and get some rest as tomorrow will be an exciting day of exploring!
Indonesia’s bustling capital city has heaps of choices when it comes to accommodation. Menteng is the city’s beating pulse and the best neighborhood to stay in Jakarta. Since you’ll be close to some of the city’s best attractions, such as Merdeka Square and the National Monument, it’s the perfect base for first-time visitors.
- Luxury: The Hermitage is the crown jewel of 5-star luxury hotels in Jakarta. This gorgeous colonial-style property offers posh rooms accompanied by all the amenities you would ever need during this first bit of your Indonesia itinerary. See prices and availability here.
- Mid-range: Those who don’t want to sacrifice style over price should check-in at the Novotel. It’s a great mid-range option with clean, modern rooms. What’s more, the epic pool is a great place to cool down after a day out exploring Jakarta’s bustling streets. Check rates and availability here.
- Budget: Konko Hostel is a uber-cool hostel right in the heart of Menteng, and offers easy access to the city’s best hangouts. Both dorms and private rooms are available, making it easy to choose a space that’s right for you. Check rates and availability here.
Day 2: Go Sightseeing in Jakarta
Jakarta is a busy city, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Use this day to see some of the most important sights around the city.
In the early morning, take a taxi to the Jakarta National Monument (MONAS). It represents the Indonesian struggle for independence and has a museum for visitors to learn about the country’s history. A ticket costs only IDR 15,000 (roughly $1), and you’ll have the best views of the city from the top of the monument.
Not too far from here is the Glodok Chinatown Market, which is a great place to escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the busy streets of Jakarta. Join this great walking tour to explore all its nooks and crannies.
Finish off your day at Jalan Jaksa, Jakarta’s backpacker street, with a cold beer.
Day 3: Take the train to Yogyakarta
Leave Jakarta behind and take an executive train to the beautiful city of Yogyakarta. While the journey takes around 6 hours and costs $20, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Java’s incredible scenery. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of volcanoes and rice fields.
Since Indonesian trains are very safe and clean, you can relax or even sleep if you need some rest.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta
- Luxury: If you’re looking for a posh hotel with beautiful rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an onsite spa, then Jambuluwuk Malioboro Hotel is just the place for you. Since the hotel is not directly on Malioboro Street itself, it’s a great place to get away from the crowds while still being close enough to all the action! See rates and availability here.
- Mid-range: Gaia Cosmo Hotel is a beautiful 4-star concept hotel close to Yogyakarta’s famous Malioboro Road,. With clean, modern rooms and friendly staff, it’s the perfect choice for midrange travelers looking for something a bit more upscale at exceptional rates. Check prices and availability here.
- Budget: Liberta Malioboro is a funky 2-star hotel. Don’t let the simple interiors fool you, because each room offers plenty of space and is exceptionally clean. Besides being one of the best-rated budget hotels in Malioboro, there’s also a beautiful pool in the cute courtyard. See rates and availability here.
Day 4: Explore Yogyakarta
There is a lot to do in Yogyakarta. While this 2-week Indonesia itinerary definitely won’t give you enough time to see everything, you can still enjoy some of the best parts of the city.
Walk along the famous Malioboro Street, where you’ll find the best street food in all of Java. Then, visit the historic Fort Vredeburg, a remnant of Dutch colonial times. Afterward, admire the old water palace and its incredible underground mosque.
In the evening, don’t miss the Alun Alun Square which is the best place to sample street food. A popular activity here is to a rent small, fluorescent car to drive around the yard. Don’t forget to try some of the famous Nasi Goreng, Indonesian fried rice.
Day 5: Visit Borobudur
Seeing the sunrise at Borobudur Temple is an absolute must-do when you visit Yogyakarta. You’ll have to get up early to get to the temple in time, but it’ll be worth it. Don’t forget to bring a jacket as the mornings can get chilly. You’ll be amazed by the incredible sunrise at this mysterious Asian temple with volcanoes as a backdrop.
Next, hire an offroad jeep to take you around Mount Merapi, Java’s notorious volcano. After lunch, head to Prambanan Temple, which is almost as famous as Borobudur. Many visitors like to stay here until sunset, which is a spectacular sight.
If you want to see all three sights without the hassle of planning a thing, this full-day tour is your best bet.
Day 6: Take a plane to Bali
On your 6th day of this 2-week Indonesia itinerary, you’re finally heading to Bali. This is a tourist favorite with so many things to do that you’ll never be bored.
The island is quite large, so picking a place to stay can feel overwhelming. As a first-time visitor, try to book a hotel or hostel close to either Canggu or Seminyak, which are some of the most popular areas for tourists.
Oh, and travel tip – Bali is the perfect place to rent a scooter if you know how to ride one. It’ll make getting around a lot easier.
Where to stay in Seminyak
Seminyak is a lively area in Bali brimming with hipster hangouts, trendy cafes, cool beach clubs, and lots to keep you busy. It’s also really easy to explore the rest of Bali from there, making it a great base for this leg of your 2 weeks Indonesia itinerary.
- Luxury: Alila Seminyak is unquestionably one of the best luxury hotels in Seminyak. It comes with all the mod cons you would expect from a 5-star resort. The best part? It’s located right on the beach! See prices and availability here.
- Mid-Range: If you’re looking for something upscale without the hefty price tag, Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak is just the place for you. The hotel is located right in the heart of Seminyak, so you’ll be close to lots of shops and restaurants. Besides the gorgeous rooms, the stunning rooftop pool is just the place to unwind after a day exploring Bali’s best attractions. See prices or availability here.
- Budget: Grandma’s Plus Hotel is the perfect base for travelers looking for a funky place to stay at backpacker rates. The hotel features an intimate setting with comfortably-sized rooms and is located less than 5 minutes walk from the beach. On top of that, it’s a great Instagrammable hotel in Bali! Don’t miss sipping a cocktail at the gorgeous pool! Check rates and availability here.
Day 7: Relax at the Beach
After a quick lunch in a local “warung” (a tiny restaurant), take some time to explore Kuta’s side streets filled with souvenir shops and little cafes. Take your scooter (or a taxi) to the Tanah Lot temple for sunset. This temple sits on a cliff in the ocean and is one of Bali’s most magical places.
Finish off your day with a few drinks in one of the many beach bars in Canggu.
Day 8: Go to Ubud
Enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which takes you through some beautiful rice fields. For lunch, head to the Ubud Market, which is also a great spot for souvenir shopping. Make sure to add a visit to the Monkey Forest to your list of things to do in Ubud, Indonesia. This sanctuary houses thousands of wild monkeys in a large park with multiple temples.
Spend your afternoon visiting all the beautiful waterfalls in Ubud, such as the Tegenungan Waterfall. If you’re feeling sweaty from a long day of exploring, you can even go for a swim here.
Once you’re back from your day trip, get ready for a night in one of Bali’s most popular rooftop clubs, the LXXY. They offer an all-you-can-eat BBQ with free-flow drinks every night.
Day 9: Explore Uluwatu
If you prefer something less-touristy, head over to beautiful Thomas Beach. Suluban Beach is another gem. The view is simply incredible here and it’s a great place to watch the changing skies while enjoying a luxury dinner at one of the many beach clubs.
- Mid-range: If you’re looking for something upmarket at surprisingly affordable rates, you don’t need to look further than Pinkcoco. The hotel features luxurious rooms with lots of space and gorgeous pink interiors. In fact, you couldn’t find a more Instagrammable hotel even if you tried! There’s also a beautiful pool where you can sip cocktails poolside, an onsite spa, and of course a cool beach bar where you can catch the famous Gili T sunset every evening! Check rates and availability here.
- Budget: Budget or solo travelers looking for a cheap stay without sacrificing comfort will find Mad Monkey an excellent option. It’s a cool hostel featuring a huge outdoor pool where it’s easy to make new friends. The best part, they have various room options such as dorms, private huts, and even teepees, so it’s really easy to still enjoy a bit of privacy. Check prices and availability here.
Day 12: Swim with turtles
There are many incredible things to do in Gili T. But arguably, the best way to spend your first day on this gorgeous island is by the beach. This island is famous for its green sea turtles, which you can spot right from the beach. Rent some snorkeling equipment from one of the vendors by the main road and go for a swim in the shallow area close to Turtle Point. You’re almost guaranteed to encounter sea turtles right there. Always remember to be respectful and never touch a wild sea turtle or swim too close to it.
After lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach, take some time to explore Gili Trawangan. Rent a bike from your accommodation and cycle around the island, which takes less than an hour. Along the way, take some photos at the famous Gili T swings or have a freshly-cracked coconut by the beach.
In the evening, go out for a few beers and experience Gili Trawangan’s famous nightlife. There is always live music around the main road and many bars and small clubs to try out.
Day 13: Day Trip to Gili Air
On your last day in Gili Trawangan, take the early morning boat to neighboring Gili Air. This island is a bit smaller and less crowded. Cycle around the island and enjoy the secluded beaches and beautiful views of the coast of Lombok. Rent a Stand-Up-Paddle board for only a few dollars and see some of the incredible underwater life Gili Air has to offer.
Take the last boat back to Gili Trawangan and enjoy a full seafood BBQ dinner on the beach for your final evening.
Day 14: Head home
On your final day in Indonesia, book tickets for a boat to either take you back to Bali or to Lombok, both of which have an international airport from where you can catch your flight back home.
