10 days in Indonesia — sample itineraries

A trip to Indonesia can be a once in a lifetime experience — all the more reason to make sure you make the most of your itinerary. To ensure you maximise your trip, we consulted with our travel experts at Rough Guides. They've crafted three sample 10-day Indonesia itineraries to inspire your journey through this massive archipelago.

Trip #1: Java and Lombok - culture and beaches
Trip #2: Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches
Trip #3: Nature in Borneo and relaxation in Riau
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Trip #1: Java and Lombok - culture and beaches

This 10-day Indonesia itinerary starts in Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before diving into the vibrant city life on the first day.

On the second day, you’ll explore the historic Kraton and the beautiful Taman Sari. In the evening, you’ll take street food tour, sampling the local cuisine.

The third day is spent visiting temples: specifically Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon temples, followed by a mesmerizing Ramayana ballet performance..

The fourth day takes you on a scenic train journey to Malang. Along the way, you'll stop at the UNESCO-listed Trowulan archaeological site.

The fifth day kicks off with a pre-dawn adventure to Mount Bromo. Watching the sunrise over these stunning landscapes (a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity).

Tua Pek Kong Temple in Batam island © Shutterstock

In Malang on the sixth day, you'll join a local cooking workshop to learn the secrets of Indonesian cuisine. Afterwards, tour the city by becak (a traditional pedicab) before continuing on to Surabaya.

The seventh day is a cultural feast in Surabaya. You'll tour Chinatown, the Red Bridge, and Kampung Arab, wrapping up the day with a visit to the vibrant Pasar Pabean Spice Market.

On the eighth day, you'll fly to South Lombok to relax on its pristine beaches. Enjoy the white sands and clear waters, perfect for a day of unwinding.

The ninth day offers an island-hopping adventure to Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis. It's a paradise for snorkeling and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Your final day, the tenth day, is for relaxation. Take it easy and enjoy your last moments in Indonesia before your departure flight. Read more.

Sea turtle sanctuary in Gili Meno island, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

See the breakdown of this 10 days Indonesia itinerary:

Day 1

Welcome to Indonesia! Transfer to your hotel
Land in Yogyakarta
Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 2

Yogyakarta city tour
Visit the Kraton, the spiritual and royal center of Yogyakarta.
Discover the Taman Sari, also known as "the water tower," the palace of relaxation and meditation of the sultans.
Evening street food tour
Eat at traditional push carts and enjoy your meal while sitting on a carpet under a tent along the street.

Day 3

Temple tour
Visit Borobudur, the world's biggest Buddhist temple.
Explore Mendut Temple, home to a 3-meter high statue of Buddha.
Continue to Pawon Temple, designed as a place to keep King Indra's weapon and containing a Buddha statue.
Ramayana ballet: experience the Javanese style, culture, and music through this local adaptation of the Indian epic.

Day 4

Transfer from Yogyakarta to Malang by train.
Stop at Trowulan, an archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore temples, tombs, a bathing place, and evidence of dense population during the 14th to 15th centuries.
Don't miss Candi Bajang Ratu and Candi Tikus.

Day 5

Sunrise at Mount Bromo
Wake up at 2 am and depart by jeep to the top of Mount Penanjakan.
Observe the morning mist evaporating, revealing a breathtaking view of Mount Bromo and Semeru.
Descend by jeep and begin your short trek to Mount Bromo.

Day 6

Transfer from Malang to Surabaya
Visit a local workshop to cook traditional East Javanese meals and learn about traditional cooking tools.
Take a becak city tour of Malang, discovering markets and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Continue your journey to Surabaya.

Day 7

Surabaya city tour
Morning sightseeing around Surabaya with your local tour guide and driver.
Walk around the lively streets of Chinatown and see the famous Red Bridge.
Visit Kampung Arab, explore Pasar Pabean Spice Market, and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Surabaya airport for your flight to Lombok.

Day 8

Explore the beaches of South Lombok
Enjoy bright white sand, and crystal clear water.

Day 9

Check out of your hotel.
Transfer to Tawun Harbor and cross the sea with a local fishing boat.
Explore Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis, snorkeling around the islands and sunbathing on Gili Kedis.
Return to your hotel.

Day 10

Relax at the hotel
Transfer to your flight

Add Merapi to your Indonesia itinerary © Shutterstock

Trip #2: Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

This 10 day itinerary begins in Seminyak on the first day, where you'll settle into your accommodation and try in local delights like Nasi Goreng while exploring the nearby shops.

On the second day, take it easy with leisure time to unwind by the pool or enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Double Six Beach.

Day three is spent with a scenic day trip to Bedugul and Tanah Lot. You'll visit the majestic Taman Ayun Temple, the serene Ulundanu Temple at Beratan Lake, and the picturesque Jatiluwih rice terraces. Cap off the day with a breathtaking sunset at Tanah Lot temple.

Returning to Seminyak on the fourth day, relax by the beach and soak in the laid-back vibes before heading to the cultural hub of Bali, Ubud.

Fort Belgica With Banda Neira ocean, Indonesia © Shutterstock

On day five you’ll discover the ancient Goa Gajah cave, experience the sacred waters of Tirta Empul temple, and take in the stunning vistas of Kintamani. You’ll have time to visit the iconic Tegalalang rice terraces, Ubud Monkey Forest, and the historic Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace.

Days six and seven are yours to enjoy leisurely in Ubud. Whether you're shopping for local crafts, indulging in spa treatments, or simply relaxing amidst the serene rice fields.

On the eighth day, transfer to Nusa Dua for a day of pure relaxation on its pristine beaches. In the evening, head to Uluwatu Temple for dramatic sunset views and an Kecak Dance performance against the backdrop of the ocean.

Days nine and ten are yours to enjoy at your leisure. Whether you choose to unwind on the beach,or venture out for more sightseeing, these final days in Bali are yours to savor. Read more.

Maluku, part of the best Indonesian Islands

Maluku, a great add on to any itinerary in Indonesia © Shutterstock