10 Day Indonesia Itinerary

Indonesia is more than just a destination, it's a collection of worlds rolled into one country with over 17,000 islands, each with its own story to tell. With fiery volcanoes and serene rice paddies to pink sand beaches and ancient temples, Indonesia seems to epitomize the setting for an adventure novel. Only this time, you’re the one writing the story.

When I finally booked my trip, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Java’s smoldering Mount Bromo at sunrise? Unreal. Bali’s quiet corners of Ubud, where time slows down among the rice terraces? Peaceful bliss. And Komodo National Park? Let’s just say I wasn’t ready to see actual dragons. Every day, Indonesia surprised me — whether it was a view so stunning I forgot to take a photo or a plate of mie goreng so perfect it left me questioning why I’d been eating instant noodles for years.

Here’s the thing about Indonesia: you can’t “do it all.” This is a country of contrasts — high-energy cities next to tranquil beaches, ancient ruins rising out of thick jungles, and bustling markets around the corner from quiet temples. My 10 days barely scratched the surface, but it was the perfect introduction to this incredible country.

If you’re dreaming of epic hikes, world-class snorkeling, and enough good food to make you forget about your diet, this itinerary has you covered. Over 10 days, you’ll explore Java’s volcanic landscapes, lose yourself in Bali’s culture, and venture out to the wild islands of Komodo. Pack light, leave room for the unexpected, and prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget. 

About this Indonesia itinerary for first timers

Next, we'll get to the most interesting part with you - a detailed breakdown of my 10-day Indonesia itinerary. Planning a trip to Indonesia for the first time, I managed to cover all the best places to visit in Indonesia in my opinion. From the cultural center of Ubud to the volcanic landscapes of Java and the pristine Komodo Islands, each day will build on the previous one to give you a true taste of Indonesia's charm and diversity.

Here’s a breakdown of this Indonesia itinerary for 10 days:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bali – straight to Ubud.
• Day 2: Discovering Ubud’s cultural treasures.
• Day 3: Ubud – hidden gems and natural beauty.
• Day 4: Flight to Yogyakarta.
• Day 5: Borobudur and Prambanan.
• Day 6: Mount Bromo.
• Day 7: Travel to Labuan Bajo, gateway to Komodo National Park.
• Day 8: Komodo Island and Pink Beach.
• Day 9: Padar Island and snorkeling at Manta Point.
• Day 10: Departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Bali – straight to Ubud

I decided to start my itinerary from the most sensational island in Indonesia, Bali. Landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport, my advice is not to linger in the crowded beach towns near the airport, but instead rush to Ubud. This town is a 90-minute drive from the airport and is without exaggeration the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. Surrounded by peaceful rice paddies, I was already in the mood for the trip.

Once I checked into my guesthouse, I spent the afternoon strolling through Ubud Palace, where ornate Balinese architecture offers a first glimpse into the island’s traditions. Just across the street was the bustling Ubud market, selling handmade jewelry, wooden carvings and colorful textiles - so if you're thinking of bringing souvenirs to your loved ones I suggest at least taking a look at the range. 

As I was quite tired after the road, I decided to take it easy today and have dinner and relax at the hotel. I stopped by a small warung (local eatery) where my choice was nasi campur - a delicious combination of rice, vegetables and flavorful meat.

Where to stay in Ubud

Personally, I stayed near Ubud Palace as I wanted to be in the center of the action. However, if you want less noise and more privacy, choose accommodation on the outskirts of town, as a bonus here you will see rice paddies stretching as far as the horizon.

Day 2: Discovering Ubud’s cultural treasures

It's not until you're on the ground that you realize the magic of Ubud lies in the balance of bustling markets, tranquil temples and stunning scenery. Today I decided to take a break from the noisy part and started the day with a sunrise walk along the Kampuhan Ridge. Here, the quiet trail winds through lush greenery and offers panoramic views of Bali's jungle-covered hills.

Next, my path took me to the Sacred Monkey Forest, a lush sanctuary filled with ancient temples, moss-covered statues, and of course, the highlight of the program - cheeky monkeys. I want to give you a tip, watch your sunglasses and phones, just distract yourself for a second and you will only have to watch the monkey running away with your belongings. It was because of these charming but mischievous creatures that I had to make another trip to the Ubud market to buy new sunglasses.

After recovering from my contact with the monkeys I went for lunch at a cafe overlooking the rice terraces of Tegallalang, one of Bali's most iconic landscapes. In the afternoon I explored Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), an ancient temple complex with intricate carvings, and ended the day with a performance of traditional Balinese dance in town.

Day 3: Ubud – hidden gems and natural beauty

On my last day in Ubud, I tried to cover the remaining best things to do in Bali. My morning began at Tirta Empul, one of Bali's best temples where locals perform purification rituals in sacred pools. Watching the steady stream of worshippers dipping their heads in the holy water is deeply soothing.

From there, I visited Tegenungan Waterfall, surrounded by lush jungle and perfect for a refreshing swim. For a more tranquil experience, the Canto Lampo Waterfall is just a short drive away, with tiered cascades and a calming atmosphere.

Although I was tempted to stay in the hotel, I didn't give up and in the afternoon I attended a Balinese cooking class where I learned how to prepare traditional dishes such as mie goreng and sate lilit. While "learned" may be a strong word, cutting fresh ingredients and mixing spices in an open-air kitchen was the perfect way to end my stay in Ubud.

Day 4: Flight to Yogyakarta

Leaving behind Bali’s serene rice paddies and tranquil temples, I caught a morning flight to Yogyakarta, often called "Jogja" by locals. The contrast between Bali’s laid-back vibe and Jogja’s vibrant energy hit me as soon as I arrived. The streets buzzed with motorbikes, street food carts, and vendors shouting from colorful market stalls: it was chaotic but in the best way possible.

After checking into my hotel, I dove straight into the action on Malioboro Street, the beating heart of Yogyakarta. Rows of stalls sold everything from intricate batik textiles to hand-carved wooden souvenirs. The smell of satay grilling over charcoal fires wafted through the air, making it impossible not to stop for a quick bite. I also tried bakpia, a sweet pastry stuffed with mung bean, it’s a Jogja specialty, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

In the evening, I visited the Taman Sari Water Castle, once a royal garden and bathing complex. Wandering through its maze-like tunnels and crumbling pools felt like stepping back in time, especially as a soft golden light settled over the ruins. Dinner that night was a plate of gudeg, a sweet and savory jackfruit stew served with rice and crispy chicken: a dish so flavorful, it instantly became one of my favorites.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

Stay near the city center, close to Malioboro Street, for easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Alternatively, the Prawirotaman area is quieter and home to boutique hotels and cafés.

Day 5: Borobudur and Prambanan

Today brought many surprises and amazing experiences that I'll be talking about long after I get home. First of all I went to Borobudur, the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. To be honest, I'm not a fan of early rises, but today it was worth it. Although I am not an overly spiritual person, watching the sunrise over the temple's intricate stupas while the mist swirled in the surrounding jungle awakened something in me. The temple itself is enormous, and I also took time to walk around its circular terraces to reflect on the emotions that surged within me here.

However, it was not the time to relax. After a quick lunch, I headed to the next item on my today's program: Prambanan, a huge Hindu temple complex known for its towering spires and intricate stone carvings. While Borobudur charmed me with its tranquility, the design and detailed architecture of Prambanan was a worthy contrast and quenched my thirst for grandiosity and was the crowning moment of this day trip.

Day 6: Mount Bromo

Unfortunately today it was time to say goodbye to Yogyakarta, which had given me an invaluable spiritual experience, and head to Surabaya, the gateway to Mount Bromo. From Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport, I arranged a private car to Cemoro Lawang, the closest village to Mount Bromo. The drive took about three to four hours, winding through rural villages and lush hillsides. If you’re traveling solo, shared minivans are another option, but they can be slower and less comfortable.

By mid-afternoon, I arrived in Cemoro Lawang and settled into a simple guesthouse with a magnificent view of the Tengger caldera. The crisp mountain air and dramatic backdrop of Mount Bromo seemed to hint that something special was in store for me.

I spent the rest of the day resting and mentally preparing myself for the next point on my Indonesia itinerary. I'll be honest, I had some doubts about my decision to take an early morning tour to Bromo the next day, but there was no way around it. An early morning wake-up call was just around the corner, so I arranged an early night to get as much rest as possible.

Where to stay near Mount Bromo

I advise you, as I did, to choose the village of Cemoro Lawang - it is the most convenient base, with simple guesthouses with unrivaled views of the volcano.

Day 7: Sunrise at Mount Bromo and travel to Labuan Bajo

The day started early — 3 AM to be exact — with a knock on my door. I wrapped up (it gets surprisingly cold at this altitude) and climbed into the jeep provided by my guesthouse for a bumpy ride across the Sea of Sand. The pre-dawn sky was studded with stars, and the anticipation of sunrise heightened the excitement.

Soon we reached King Kong Hill, the most popular viewpoint, just in time to see the sky transform. As the first rays of light hit the landscape, I saw an otherworldly sight: the smoking crater of Bromo volcano, the jagged shape of Mount Batok and the Tengger caldera stretching as far as the eye could see.  Looking at this truly ethereal view I remembered my worries about this trip, which now only brought a smile, the early rise was fully justified.

By late morning, I returned to Cemoro Lawang for a quick breakfast, then began the journey back to Surabaya’s airport. The drive took about four hours, and after lunch I traveled to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.

Arriving in Labuan Bajo in the early evening, I checked into my lodging, and although I was tempted to go straight to bed after an almost sleepless night, I devoted a couple of hours to walking around the small port town to get my thoughts in order.

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo

I stayed near the harbor where most tours to Komodo National Park depart from. The area is also convenient for finding restaurants, cafes and booking boat trips. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, I suggest you look for accommodations on the outskirts of town where there are boutique lodges and resorts, many of which have stunning ocean views.

Day 8: Komodo Island and Pink Beach

The final two days of my Indonesia itinerary for 10 days were saved for the best. I had already resigned myself to the fact that I would only sleep at home, so I set off early in the morning for a boat ride from Labuan Bajo harbor to Komodo National Park. Sleepy I watched as we sailed past rugged islands surrounded by turquoise waters, but by the time we arrived at Komodo Island, I was fully prepared to see the famous Komodo dragons.

Upon arriving at the island, our guide gave us a brief safety briefing and then led us along a marked trail. Soon I spotted one of these massive creatures resting in the shadows. Watching its slow, deliberate movements was both fascinating and a little unnerving - these predators are no joke. Our guide talked about their hunting habits and unique biology, making the encounter even more memorable.

After leaving Komodo Island, we headed to Pink Beach, named for the soft pink sand formed by crushed coral. Snorkeling here was like swimming in a giant aquarium - the brightly colored coral reefs were teeming with tropical fish, and I even spotted a sea turtle swimming below. For those who prefer to stay on the shore, Pink Beach is also perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surreal scenery.

As the day drew to a close, the boat ride back to Labuan Bajo was the final highlight: a breathtaking sunset over the harbor.

Day 9: Padar Island and snorkeling at Manta Point

Today like the previous day started early in the morning with another boat ride from Labuan Bajo - this time to the stunning Padar Island. After a short but steep climb, I made it to the viewpoint, and although I was a little exhausted, let me tell you - it's worth every step. I thought there was little to impress me after Borobudur and Prambanan, but at one point I heard the guide calling me back to the boat and realized I had just lost track of time looking at the scenery.

We then traveled to Manta Point, which our guide said is famous for random encounters with giant manta rays. We had the opportunity to swim off the boat, and as soon as I dove into the crystal clear water, I was surrounded by schools of colorful fish and colorful coral formations, yet I came back slightly disappointed: I never got to see the infamous manta rays.

By late afternoon we were back in Labuan Bajo, where I ended the day with fresh seafood at one of the harbor-side restaurants. Sitting in the restaurant and looking out over the harbor I savored all the adventures I had experienced, but at the same time sadly realized, tomorrow it was time to head home.

Day 10: Departure

On my last day, I returned to Bali to fly home. Ten days flew by like a blink of an eye, but it felt like I had lived a whole life completely different from my own. Looking out the window of the plane, I clearly understood that I would definitely come back. Indonesia's stunning diversity - from rice paddies and volcanoes to dragons and coral reefs - captured my heart forever.

Is 10 days enough for Indonesia?

I’ll be honest — 10 days in Indonesia barely scratches the surface. With over 17,000 islands, it’s impossible to see everything, but 10 days is enough to experience a mix of its highlights. For my trip, I focused on Bali, Java, and Komodo National Park, which gave me a good balance of culture, natural beauty, and adventure.

In 10 days, I had time to explore the lush rice paddies and serene temples of Ubud, watch the sun rise over the volcanic landscape of Mount Bromo and swim in the turquoise waters of Komodo. Sure, I could have spent weeks diving on Raja Ampat Island or vacationing in the Gili Islands, but prioritizing key experiences made my trip fulfilling.

The key is smart planning. Stick to 2–3 regions to avoid wasting time on long travel days. If you love nature and adventure, Java’s volcanoes and Komodo’s islands are perfect. For a mix of culture, beaches, and relaxation, Bali is unbeatable.

10 days gave me a taste of Indonesia’s diversity and left me craving more, which, honestly, is the best way to end any trip. I’ll definitely be back someday to explore the parts I missed!

Which is the best month to visit Indonesia?

Indonesia is a year-round destination, but if you want the best weather, visit during the dry season (April to October). I planned my trip for May, and it was perfect — sunny skies, dry trekking paths, and calm seas for island-hopping.

Bali in May was lush and peaceful, with clear views of Ubud’s rice terraces. On Java, the trails up Mount Bromo were dry, which made the sunrise hike much easier. Plus, May meant fewer crowds compared to the peak months of July and August.

The rainy season (November to March) isn’t a total dealbreaker, though. While some regions experience heavy rain, it’s a quieter time to explore Bali’s temples or Yogyakarta’s cultural gems. Just expect occasional downpours, and avoid trekking in areas like Mount Bromo, as trails can get muddy.

For me, May delivered the best of everything — beautiful weather, fewer tourists, and crystal-clear views everywhere I went. If you’re planning a trip, it’s hard to beat late spring or early summer.

How much does it cost to go to Indonesia?

Indonesia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations I’ve ever visited. For my 10-day trip, I spent around $1,500, which included flights, accommodations, tours, and food — and I didn’t hold back on experiences.

Domestic flights within Indonesia (like from Bali to Yogyakarta or Labuan Bajo) were surprisingly cheap, costing about $50–100 per flight. Accommodations ranged from $20 per night for basic guesthouses to $50–70 for mid-range hotels.

Food was incredibly affordable — meals at local warungs (small eateries) cost just $2–5, while dining at nicer restaurants rarely exceeded $15. Even tours, like the full-day Komodo Island boat trip, were reasonable at around $100.

Transportation between sites was another manageable expense. Hiring a private driver in Bali or Java was around $50 per day, and group tours or shared transport options were even cheaper.

If you’re traveling on a backpacker budget, you could easily spend less than $1,000. Indonesia offers incredible value without compromising on experiences.

How to get around Indonesia?

Getting around Indonesia takes some planning, but it’s part of the adventure. With so many islands, you’ll rely on a mix of domestic flights, boats, and ground transportation.

For longer distances, like from Bali to Yogyakarta or Labuan Bajo, I booked domestic flights on airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air. They were affordable, with flights costing $50–100 and taking only 1–2 hours.

On the ground, hiring a private driver was a lifesaver, especially in Bali and Java, where public transport can be unreliable. Drivers are relatively affordable (around $50/day) and let you explore at your own pace.

In Bali, I also rented a scooter to get around Ubud and the surrounding rice paddies — it’s a fun and cheap option if you’re comfortable driving in chaotic traffic. Just don’t forget your helmet!

For island-hopping, fast boats are your best bet, especially around Bali, the Gili Islands, or Nusa Penida. In Komodo National Park, I joined a guided boat tour to explore the islands.

Traveling across Indonesia takes time, but the variety of landscapes and experiences makes every journey worth it.

How to get to Indonesia

Getting to Indonesia was easier than I expected. Most international flights arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali or Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. I flew into Bali, which made sense for my Indonesia itinerary since I was starting in Ubud.

From the US or Europe, you’ll likely have a layover in hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Doha. My flight from New York included a stop in Singapore, and the connections were smooth. If you’re flying from Australia, you’ll have plenty of direct options to Bali.

Once you’re in Indonesia, domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances between islands. For example, I flew from Bali to Yogyakarta and later from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo, both of which were quick and affordable.

If you’re focusing on just one region, like Bali, flying into Denpasar (Ngurah Rai) is ideal. For Java’s cultural treasures, Yogyakarta is a good alternative entry point.

Indonesia may seem far, but with the variety of flight routes and connections, it’s easier to reach than you think.

Which part of Indonesia is most beautiful?

This is a tough one — Indonesia is stunning everywhere you look. For me, it’s a tie between Komodo National Park and Bali’s lush interior.

Komodo National Park feels like stepping into another world. Sailing past rugged islands, snorkeling at Manta Point, and hiking to Padar Island’s iconic viewpoint were some of the most jaw-dropping experiences of my trip. The pink sand at Pink Beach and the majestic Komodo dragons made it feel even more otherworldly.

Bali, on the other hand, is a different kind of beauty. The rice terraces in Ubud are like something out of a painting, with their emerald-green steps cascading down the hillsides. Then there are the serene temples, which blend spirituality and stunning architecture.

If you love underwater adventures, don’t skip Raja Ampat or the Gili Islands — though I didn’t have time to visit, I’ve heard they’re unbeatable for diving.

Each region offers its own unique beauty, so it depends on what you’re looking for — wild landscapes, cultural treasures, or underwater wonders.