The Indonesia Itinerary Thread (Travel itinerary for Indonesia)

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago that offers a huge variety of experiences that you could explore the country endlessly! From the busy streets of Jakarta to the serene beaches of Bali and beyond, Indonesia is one of the best countries to visit in South East Asia. This Indonesia Itinerary thread is all about sharing itineraries and recommendations for exploring Indonesia. Here is a sample itinerary for a four day visit to Indonesia:

Of course, the list below is an indicative itinerary for someone who is short on time and cannot visit Indonesia for more number of days in one visit. Due to the large size of the country, it would be best to explore for two weeks with one week for Bali alone. For itineraries for Bali, see discussions by travellers here: >>insert link to Bali Itinerary thread<<

Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta

  • Morning: Arrive in Jakarta and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax.
  • Afternoon:** Visit the iconic National Monument (Monas) to learn about Indonesia’s history and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck.
  • Evening:** Explore the vibrant scenes at Kota Tua, Jakarta’s old town, known for its Dutch colonial buildings and bustling cafes.

Day 2: Cultural Discoveries in Jakarta

  • Morning: Tour the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, and the Jakarta Cathedral, showcasing religious harmony.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural park that displays traditional houses from across Indonesia.
  • Evening: Experience Jakarta’s nightlife and dining at SCBD or Senopati areas, known for their upscale restaurants and bars.

Day 3: Travel to Bali

  • Morning: Fly to Bali early in the morning. Check into your hotel in Ubud.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Ubud Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex with many long-tailed macaques. Spend a few hours at the Ubud Art market and enjoy a walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk before sunset.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace or catch a Kecak show at sunset.

Day 4: Exploring Bali’s Natural Beauty

  • Morning: Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces for stunning views of terrace farms and walk through the paddies in the early morning mist. Visit the Tirtha Empul temple for a purification ceremony.
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Tegenungan Waterfall or Suwat Waterfall. Then explore the artisan villages nearby known for silver crafts, woodcarvings, and paintings such as the famous Penglipuran Village
  • Evening: Prepare for departure or enjoy a serene Bali sunset at Uluwatu Temple in south Bali.

If you have been to Indonesia on a good itinerary, share it here as a response/comment on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Indonesia.

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Great itinerary! If someone looking for a bit more adventure, consider adding a day trip to Komodo Island for some incredible snorkeling or diving with manta rays. Also, exploring Lombok or the Gili Islands might be worth it. They offer beautiful beaches and a quieter vibe compared to Bali.

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