How to spend 10 days in Indonesia: travel 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.

See our other Indonesia itineraries: | 7 days | 14 days |

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

Discover more of Bali with:

• 5-day itineraries
• 7-day itineraries
• 10-day itineraries 
• 14-day itineraries
• 3-week itineraries

Itinerary overview

See the breakdown of this 10 days Indonesia itinerary:

Day 1

• Welcome to Bali! Transfer to your hotel
• Transfer to Alila Seminyak.
• Try Nasi Goreng or explore local shops.

Day 2

• Day at leisure
• Lounge by the pool or beach.
• Explore Double Six Beach or Seminyak's bustling roads.

Day 3

• Day trip to Bedugul and Tanah Lot
• Visit Taman Ayun Temple.
• Explore Ulundanu Temple and Beratan Lake.
• Visit Jatiluwih rice terraces.
• See Tanah Lot temple for sunset.

Day 4

• Morning at leisure in Seminyak
• Relax by the beach
• Transfer from Seminyak to Ubud
• Drive time: 60-90 minutes.

Day 5

• Temples, mountains & rice fields - day trip to Kintamani
• Visit Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’.
• Explore Tirta Empul temple.
• Enjoy scenic views in Kintamani and Tegalalang rice terraces.
• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest and Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace.

Day 6

• Day at leisure in Ubud
• Relax at the spa or explore Ubud.

Day 7

• Morning at leisure in Ubud
• Shopping or strolling in Ubud.
• Transfer from Ubud to Nusa Dua
• Drive time: 60-90 minutes.

Day 8

• Morning at leisure in Nusa Dua
• Relax at the hotel or beach.
• Uluwatu temple and Kecak Dance
• Visit Uluwatu Temple for sunset views.
• Enjoy the Kecak Dance performance.

Day 9

• Day at leisure in Nusa Dua
• Relax at the hotel spa or explore independently.

Day 10

• Goodbye Bali - transfer to the airport
• Day at leisure until your departure.
• Transfer to Bali International Airport for your onward flight.

Top tip:  If you find planning and booking your next trip overwhelming, let our tailor-made trip service take care of it for you.

Trip #3: Nature in Borneo and relaxation in Riau

Experience the best of both worlds with this unique 10 day Indonesia itinerary. Your journey begins in Jakarta on the first day, where you'll settle into your hotel upon arrival.

On the second day, after a hearty breakfast, you'll catch a flight to Borneo for a river cruise. Step aboard a private cabin river boat and drift through lush rainforests along the Rungan River. Spend the day leisurely exploring, kayaking, and soaking in the jungle's evening ambiance with an onboard dinner.

Day three continues upriver to Nyaru Menten, where you'll visit the BOS Orangutan Foundation Centre to learn about vital conservation efforts. Enjoy lunch onboard before a visit to Kanarkan village, where you'll meet the Dayak Ngaju tribe and experience their rich culture.

The fourth day brings a canoe ride to Kaja Island for orangutan sightings and village walks, then return to Jakarta in the evening.

Day five you’ll travel to Batam Island by flight, setting the stage for a luxurious stay at Telunas Resort on the sixth day. Indulge in sea villas, unwind by infinity pools, and partake in various activities surrounded by breathtaking views.

The seventh and eighth days are yours to enjoy leisurely at Telunas Resort, taking full advantage of resort amenities and soaking in the serene surroundings.

On the ninth day, relax and rejuvenate before departing on the tenth day for Singapore. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, head to the ferry terminal for a scenic ride to Harbour Front. Read more.

Itinerary overview

See the breakdown of this 10 days Indonesia itinerary:

Day 1

• Welcome to Indonesia
• Arrival at Jakarta terminal
• Transfer to the hotel
• Spend the rest of the day at your leisure

Day 2

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Borneo
• Transfer to private cabin on a river boat upon arrival
• River cruise through the 3rd biggest rainforest in the world
• Leisurely cruise along the river to the provincial capital
• Evening activities including kayaking
• Dinner on board surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle

Day 3

• Continue journey up the Rungan River
• Visit Nyaru Menten (one of the Bapallas Islands)
• Meet biologists and volunteers at the BOS Orangutan Foundation Centre
• Lunch on board
• Cruise to the small river village of Kanarkan
• Visit the Dayak Ngaju tribe village, escorted by village elders
• Dinner on board the boat

Day 4

• Breakfast on board
• Early morning canoe ride to Kaja Island (orangutan pre-release island)
• Visit black water lakes
• Stroll around local villages
• Lunch on board
• Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight back to Jakarta
• Spend the night in Jakarta

Day 5

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to the airport for a flight to Batam Island (part of the Riau Archipelago)

Day 6

• Arrival at Batam Island
• Transfer to Telunas Resort
• Enjoy the resort's natural island paradise
• Resort comforts including sea villas with wide-angle sea views, infinity pool, massage services, and sea and land activities

Day 7

• Leisure day

Day 8

• Wake up in sea villa with spectacular views
• Enjoy the infinity pool, massage on the veranda, and various activities
• Delight in the hotel's meal options

Day 9

• Enjoy another day of leisure activities and relaxation

Day 10

• Departure to Singapore
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the ferry terminal
• Catch a boat to the Harbour Front in Singapore

Top tip: If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next big trip, see our other existing Indonesia itineraries for ideas.

Ready for your dream trip to Indonesia?

Ready to explore Indonesia? You can skip the hours of research it takes to plan the perfect trip and instead leave it to our local travel experts. Our trips are completely customizable and come with support 24/7 during your adventure. Here are some of our Indonesia itineraries for inspiration:

• The best of Bali (14 days): Experience the full spectrum of Bali, from its modern-day attractions to its traditional roots, on this comprehensive 14-day trip.
• Culture, volcanoes and dragons (14 days): Combine several islands on one trip: Bali, Flores, and Komodo, for a diverse cultural and natural adventure.
• Unknown Java and Bali (14 days): A fast-paced itinerary featuring highlights such as the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, sunrises at Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen, and a journey to Bali.