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If you’re lucky enough to spend one month in Indonesia, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Most travelers only visit Bali, but one month is more than enough time to see some other islands that make Indonesia so diverse and special (and spoiler alert: it only gets better!). There is something for everyone, from jungles and beaches to temples and waterfalls. The one-month Indonesia itinerary will take you to Bali, Lombok, and Komodo on a journey to see world-class nature, beaches, wildlife, temples, and more.
Indonesia Itinerary: FAQs
Why should I travel to Indonesia?
You’ve surely heard of Bali, a tropical island that skyrocketed to travel fame because of its temples, yoga classes, surf, beaches, and jungle. But Indonesia has so much else to offer beyond Bali, and it only gets better! This Indonesia itinerary will take you to the bucket list spots in Bali that make it so beloved, plus two more areas that fly under the radar – Lombok and Komodo.
Indonesia is the perfect place for beach-lovers, surfers, yogis, hikers, snorkelers, divers, and culture enthusiasts. It’s a destination full of adventure, nature, and cultural discovery as you discover jungles, oceans, beaches, volcanoes, temples, and more. It’s also affordable, especially in the areas outside of Bali. There are so many islands to choose from as Indonesia is a huge country, but this Indonesia itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and backpackers.
Lucky enough to be on a Southeast Asia backpacking trip? Check out my 3-6 month route, including this Indonesia itinerary!
When to travel to Indonesia?
The best time to travel to Indonesia is during the dry season, from May to September. During this time, there are sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. Almost all of this Indonesia itinerary is outside, meaning comfortable and dry conditions are more than ideal. Activities such as hiking, snorkeling, diving, and surfing just aren’t the same in rainy conditions. However, be prepared that this is also the high season for tourists, meaning bigger crowds and costs.
Where should I go in Indonesia?
Indonesia is huge, so how can you possibly choose where to go with limited time? This Indonesia itinerary suggests that with one month, you visit Bali, Lombok, and Komodo. Not only will you see the stunning sights that make Bali so popular, but you’ll also explore off the beaten path to see Indonesia’s stunning nature, beaches, culture, and wildlife. This is the perfect route for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and backpackers.
If you have even more time, or if you’ve been to Bali before, you can check out destinations like Java for culture, Raja Ampat for marine life, and Sumatra for wildlife.
How to book the best hotels and hostels in Indonesia?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Indonesia is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Southeast Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception. Book your Indonesia accommodations on Agoda today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! I’ve linked the best hotels and hostels through Agoda and Hostelworld for each destination on this Indonesia itinerary. As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at these suggested properties. Properties marked with “$$$” are 4 or 5-star luxury properties, “$$” are 3 and 4-star mid-range hotels, and “$” are hostels.
How to book the best activities and excursions in Indonesia?
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Indonesia are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
How to get around Indonesia?
This Indonesia itinerary specifies exactly how to get from place to place. To get in between islands in Indonesia, you’ll have to take a boat or fly. To get around once you’re on an island, it’s easiest to take taxis. In most areas, you can call a Grab or Gojek, Indonesia’s versions of Uber. If you’re a solo traveler, there is a motorbike option that’s much cheaper (and more fun!) but only accommodates one passenger.
However, there are some places where Grab and Gojek aren’t allowed and you’ll have to take a local taxi, which is more expensive. Public transportation isn’t a thing in the areas on this Indonesia itinerary, so while taxis are generally affordable, budget for local transportation costing more than you might expect.
How long do I need in Indonesia?
How long do you have? The longer, the better! Indonesia is huge, yet many travelers come for a short time and stick to Bali. If you have more than 10 days, it’s well worth seeing Indonesia beyond Bali. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Bali, but I absolutely loved everything else I saw. You’ll need at least four weeks for this Indonesia itinerary that will take you to three major areas: Bali, Lombok, and Komodo. If you want to venture even further to experience the culture of Java, the orangutans of Sumatra, or more, you’ll need five to six weeks.
Is Indonesia good for solo travelers?
Yes! Indonesia is a great choice for solo travelers, including women. I can’t think of an easier place in Asia to get around and meet people than Bali, and the other areas in Indonesia are similarly easy (although Bali is the easiest because of how touristy it is). This Indonesia itinerary starts in Bali where you can get your footing and adjust to solo travel in a place that’s extremely easy to navigate. Then it takes you to Lombok and Komodo, which will be just as easy once you’re settled in.
I never felt unsafe, but you should always take standard safety precautions. Many local workers asked if I was alone, to which I always lied and had a story about a friend waiting for me. Never admit you’re alone to strangers, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your belongings close, and you’ll have a great time.
Bali, Indonesia is one of my top picks for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!
Indonesia Itinerary
This Indonesia itinerary is exactly 4 weeks long, but you can easily slow it down and add in time to account for travel, rest, or extra days. I’ve tried to add in dedicated time to rest so you don’t get burnt out, but you might want more or less chill time. If you’re going to extend your time somewhere, I’d suggest Gili Trawangan, Kuta Lombok, or Uluwatu. These are the places where I met many backpackers who kept extending their stays, and I totally understand why!
Canggu: 3 days
Where to stay: $$$: Amandaya Canggu, $$: Komala Homestay, $: The Farm Hostel
A note about Canggu: People either love or hate it. I recommend researching Canggu before deciding how long you want to spend there. I suggest three days because most people I met stayed for that long and were satisfied, myself included. There isn’t much to do during the day, and most people visit for the nightlife. This wasn’t reason for me to stay more than three days, but some people love it and stay longer.
Day 1
Welcome to Bali! Your first day of this Bali itinerary can be as mellow as you need, depending on your energy level. I recommend spending all day relaxing by a pool, either at your accommodation or at a beach club like Finn’s. Finn’s is Bali’s most famous beach club, and it can be chill or lively depending on the time and events. You can relax by the pool, order fancy drinks, and enjoy the beach views. If you’re on a budget, keep in mind that most areas have minimum spends.
In the evening, head to Tanah Lot for sunset. Here you can find two temples, one on a cliff and one on a rocky island. Both are very scenic, especially as the sky turns shades of orange and pink in the background.
Day 2
Start your day with one of Canggu’s super Instagramable brunches. I love Shady Shack, a vegetarian restaurant with a huge, delicious menu in an aesthetic setting. Afterwards, check out the Love Anchor market where vendors sell handmade items that are perfect for souvenirs. These items are more expensive than outside of the market, so if you see something you like, you could always try to find it in a less touristy place for a lower price tag. It’s still a cute place to look around, whether you buy something or not.
In the afternoon, you can head to the pool or check out the beach (although Canggu’s beaches aren’t the cleanest). You’ll want to rest up, because tonight you’re experiencing Canggu’s famous nightlife! Depending on the day of the week, there are different places that host parties. I was in Canggu on a Monday, which is the night that everyone heads to Luigi’s for pizza, drinks, and dancing. Monday is a great night to party in Canggu, but every night is lively. Just ask your accommodation where the party is that night.
Day 3
Enjoy a slow last morning in Canggu and maybe one last aesthetic brunch before you take a 2.5-3 hour taxi to Munduk in the afternoon. Arrive by early evening, with time to settle in before you walk or scooter to the Munduk Rice Terrace about an hour before sunset. Explore the path around the rice terraces while taking in the gorgeous sunset views. Afterwards, enjoy a beautiful dinner among the rice terraces at nearby Warung Enjoy Cafe 3. Rest up tonight, because you’re trekking to waterfalls tomorrow!
Munduk: 2 days
Read more: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MUNDUK
Where to stay: $: Aditya Homestay
Day 4
Today, you’ll spend the day hiking through the jungle and seeing some of Bali’s best waterfalls. I recommend starting the Munduk Waterfall Trek in the morning to avoid hiking at the warmest time of the day. Take your time trekking through the jungle and discovering four amazing waterfalls, many of which you can swim in!
In the evening, get a well-earned dinner at one of the many local Warungs that have fantastic views of the sunset. Warung Genitri, Warung Heaven, and Warung Classic are great options.
Day 5
On your last day in Munduk, you’ll explore a little outside of the village area. Hire a driver or rent a scooter to start your morning at Ulun Danu Beratan, the lake temple. The earlier the better to avoid crowds. On the way, you can take a quick photo stop at the Twin Lake Viewpoint. Then, choose two or three waterfalls in the nearby area, such as Banyumala for twin falls, Banyu Wana Amertha for four falls in one, or Aling Aling for cliff jumping.
In the afternoon, take a 2-hour taxi to Ubud and settle in for the night.
If you’re on a budget, Perama Tour offers an affordable shuttle bus between Munduk and Ubud at 1:30 every afternoon. It takes two hours. I had a good experience on this exact route.
Ubud: 4 days
Where to stay: $$$: Byasa Ubud, $$: Puri Garden, $: Sunshine Vintage House
Day 6
Wake up early today to go to Pura Tirta Empul, a Hindu temple with holy spring water where you can take part in a ritual purification. The ritual is such a special thing to experience, but you don’t want to make the mistake of showing up too late when it becomes overcrowded with tourists. It opens at 7am, and I wouldn’t arrive much later!
Wear a swimsuit, as you’ll have to rent a sarong to wear on top during the ritual. If you don’t know what to do, just copy the people in front of you or ask a local. A heads up for women: they ask that you don’t visit the temple if you’re on your period.
After your temple visit, head to Cretya Ubud, a day club set among the rice terraces. You can spend all afternoon here lounging by the pool, getting an iconic swing picture, or eating at their restaurant with a stunning view. Entrance is just 50,000 IDR (~$3) but some areas have minimum spends, so I’d look on the website in advance to plan your visit.
Head back for an early night, because you’ll be waking up EARLY early tomorrow…
Day 7
And by early, I mean around 2am! But don’t worry, it’ll be worth it to experience sunrise from an active volcano. Trekking or Jeep-ing to the summit of Mt. Batur for sunrise is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll be picked up from Ubud for the 1.5 hour drive around 2am, and then you’ll trek about 2 hours to the top. Or, you can opt to ride to the top in a an open-top Jeep.
You can book your Mt. Batur excursion here with plenty of add-on options to customize your perfect trip.
In the afternoon, it’s the perfect time to take it easy and experience Ubud’s chill vibe. You can take a yoga class at the world-famous Yoga Barn, or get a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. There’s so many choices for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 8
Today, discover the hidden gems of East Bali! Many tourists don’t make it to East Bali, making it less crowded and more pristine. Visit stunning temples like the water temple Tirta Gangga and the bat cave temple Goa Lawah, or explore the remote rice fields of Sideman or pristine Virgin Beach. You can rent a car or motorbike to explore on your own, or hire a driver to take you to the best sites with invaluable local knowledge.
Day 9
Spend your final day in Ubud by exploring the city center. Spot monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest (just keep your space and follow all the rules, as they’re used to humans and will steal your things!), shop at the Ubud Art Market, and explore Ubud Palace. In the evening, walk along the Campuhan Ridge Trail, a short and easy trail that’s especially scenic at golden hour.
Nusa Lembongan: 3 days
Read more: TOP THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
Where to stay: $$$: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa, $$: Helly’s Secret Garden Cottage, $: Mad Monkey Nusa Lembongan
Day 10
In the morning, take a 1-1.5 hour taxi to Sanur where you can catch a 30-minute fast ferry to Nusa Lembongan. Some ferry companies have terrible reviews, but I booked with DStars Fast Ferry and had a very smooth, timely journey.
On your first day in Nusa Lembongan, get to know the island and its smaller neighbor Nusa Ceningan. Rent a scooter and take off to the significant points around both islands, including Secret Beach, Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point, Devil’s Tear, and Dream Beach. Then find your favorite beach and relax there for a bit before catching the sunset.
Day 11
Today, you’ll head off to the biggest and most Instagram-famous Nusa island, Nusa Penida. I recommend joining a group tour from Nusa Lembongan, which will include the short boat ride and a driver to navigate the tricky roads for you (and usually be your photographer, too!). You can choose an East, West, or both tour depending on which sights you want to see. It will take all day, but you should be back in time for another great sunset.
Day 12
We might be saving the best for last, as today you’re off to snorkel or dive with the manta rays. Most snorkel tours include additional stops to see turtles and flourishing reefs. If you’re diving, you can choose some additional dive sites to try to see the mora mora.
You’re likely returning too late to take the ferry to Gili Trawangan, so spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset.
Overwhelmed by planning your Indonesia trip?
Let me help! With years of experience traveling across Asia, I design custom itineraries that take the stress out of planning. From surf towns in Lombok to hidden beaches in Bali and unforgettable Komodo boat tours, I’ll help you book the right stays, activities, and transportation to make your trip effortlessly unforgettable.
Let’s start planning your custom Indonesia itinerary today!
Gili Trawangan: 4 days
Read more: TRAVEL GUIDE & THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN
Where to stay: $$$: Quma Hotel, $$: Abdi Hotel, $: Tipsea Turtle
Day 13
Today, you’ll take the 2-3 hour ferry from Nusa Lembongan to Gili Trawangan (AKA Gili T). This route is notorious for extremely rough journeys, so take seasickness medication if you’re worried. Many ferry companies aren’t known to prioritize safety and comfort, but I can highly recommend Ekajaya Fast Ferry, which regularly gets good reviews while every other company doesn’t.
When you arrive to Gili T, take the rest of the day to get settled and have some much-needed R&R.
Day 14
On your first full day in Gili Trawangan, you should meet its resident turtles! Join a snorkeling tour (as mentioned above, I highly recommend going private) and spend the day immersed in the beauty of the underwater world. If you still have energy left after the tour, get ready for a night out to see what the hype is about!
Day 15
Today’s the perfect day to day trip to Gili Meno or Gili Air and see what the chiller, quieter Gili Islands are like. You’ll have plenty of time to relax on the beach, bike around, and get a feel for island. If you only have time for one other island, I recommend Gili Air because there’s more to explore there. Be sure to try Mama Pizza while you’re there, which is infamous in the backpacker world. Buy your fast ferry tickets here for an affordable, easy journey.
Head back to Sunset Beach in Gili Trawangan in time for sunset. If you’re up for it, head out for another night on the town.
Day 16
On your last morning in Gili Trawangan, you have two choices: go snorkeling at Turtle Point or go diving. Either way, you’ll get to see more of the island’s thriving marine life, which I can personally never get enough of.
In the afternoon, rent a bike and ride around the island. The ride itself takes less than an hour, but I recommend stopping anywhere that interests you. You can find a nice beach to chill or swim at and enjoy your last afternoon in paradise.
Kuta Lombok: 4 days
Read more: BEST THINGS TO DO IN KUTA LOMBOK
Where to stay: $$$: Neptune Studios (Adults Only), $$: Mana Eco Retreat and Yoga, $: Yuli’s Homestay
Day 17
Today is another travel day from Gili T to Kuta Lombok. First, you’ll take a quick 30-minute ferry from Gili T to Bangsal Pier, where you can get a 2-hour taxi to Kuta Lombok. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or settling in.
Day 18
Start your time in Kuta Lombok off strong with a surf session or surf lesson! Rent a scooter and head to your beach of choice based on your skill level. You can easily find an affordable teacher waiting for you at the beach. You can also find one in central Kuta Lombok if you want help with choosing a spot or transportation.
After surfing in the morning, spend some time well-deserved time relaxing on the beach. In the evening, head to Bukit Merese for a beautiful sunset.
Day 19
Today, you’ll go snorkeling to save the sharks. Join a day trip with Project Hiu to swim in Lombok’s thriving reefs while learning about the shark fishing industry and shark conservation efforts. Alternatively, take a rest day and enjoy Kuta Lombok’s beautiful beaches and cafes.
Day 20
You’ll want to get up early today to beat the crowds to Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls. I recommend arriving no later than 9:30, meaning you should hit the road from Kuta around 8. Or, you can join a guided tour that will also leave early in the morning.
After spending a few hours exploring the falls, you’ll get back to Kuta Lombok in the early afternoon. On the way back, you’ll pass directly by Sade Village, a traditional Sasak Village where you can stop for cultural insight into the native Lombok people. For the rest of the afternoon, you can chill on the beach, do yoga, get a massage, or check out one of Kuta’s many great cafes.
Labuan Bajo/Komodo National Park: 4 days
Day 21
Today, you’ll leave Lombok to travel to Komodo National Park. You have two options: take the 4-day boat trip from Lombok to Komodo, or fly to Labuan Bajo and take the 3-day boat trip. Most backpackers opt to take the boat trip from Lombok as it saves the cost of a flight, but I chose to fly to Labuan Bajo and do the trip from there. This reduced the time sailing and I ended up on a much nicer boat. If you want to stay with the budget backpacker crowd, enjoy party vibes, and don’t mind sleeping on the deck with everyone, then go with the Lombok to Komodo boat trip. If you prefer less sailing time, a smaller but still social crowd, and nicer living and sleeping arrangements, go with the Komodo-only boat trip.
Today will either be day 1 of your boat trip from Lombok to Komodo, or a travel day to fly from Lombok to Labuan Bajo.
Days 22-24
The next few days will be spent seeing nature, wildlife, and beaches from a liveaboard. Whether you’re on the 4 or 3-day excursion, you’ll see the highlights of Komodo National Park including wild Komodo dragons, pink beach, and the Instagram-famous Padar Island. This was the highlight of my entire Indonesia itinerary and I cannot recommend it enough!
In the afternoon on day 24, your boat trip will end in Labuan Bajo. Catch a late afternoon or evening flight back to Bali, then take the 1-hour taxi to Uluwatu.
Uluwatu: 4 days
Read more: TOP THINGS TO DO IN ULUWATU
Where to stay: $$$: Kaila Bingin, $$: WIRA Homestay, $: Lala Homestay Bingin
If you’re visiting Uluwatu on a weekend: Make sure to check out the weekend markets! The Uluwatu Artisans Market pops up at Seed Bingin on Saturdays and Hatch on Sundays. Local artisans sell handcrafted goods like clothes, swimsuits, jewelry, candles, home decor, and more.
Day 25
You can’t visit Uluwatu without experiencing its gorgeous cliff-lined beaches. Whether you’re a surfer or a beach bum, spend the morning at one of Uluwatu’s best beaches, like Suluban, Nyang Nyang, Balangan, or Melasti. These are my favorites that are a little less discovered, but other beaches like Padang Padang and Dreamland are good options too, if you don’t mind the crowds.
Make sure to be back from the beach and ready to go to Uluwatu Temple an hour before sunset. This stunning temple is set on a cliff with dramatic ocean views that are especially gorgeous at sunset, when the sky turns vibrant shades of pink and orange. If you want to experience a traditional Balinese performance, you can join the Kecak Fire and Dance Show at 6:00 or 7:00pm. Buy a ticket in advance here for a discount and a guaranteed spot, as this is the most popular place to see the Kecak Show in Bali and it does often sell out.
Days 26-27
What better way to start a morning in Uluwatu than by experiencing an iconic Bali brunch? There are tons of options for delicious, aesthetic brunch, but I recommend Chela for its impressive bamboo structure or Joy Cafe and Bakery for its yummy menu. Before brunch, you might want to try a yoga class at Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center or a workout at Bambu Fitness. Or simply sleep in or get in another beach or surf session. Whatever you don’t choose to do today, you can do tomorrow!
In the evening, head to one of Bali’s infamous beach clubs. Check out my full list of Uluwatu beach club recommendations here so you can choose which one sounds most up your alley. The vibe you want can change which beach club you head to and when, so do some research in advance. The most popular beach club is Single Fin, especially on Sundays when it hosts one of the biggest parties in Uluwatu. During the day, it’s laid-back with gorgeous views of Suluban Beach and the surf breaks. If you want to take part in the iconic “Single Fin Sundays”, adjust this Indonesia itinerary so you’re in Uluwatu on a Sunday!
Day 28
Have a chill last day in Bali by spending the morning at the beach, either surfing or relaxing. If you have a late flight out of Bali, as most international flights depart late, this is the perfect afternoon to get a massage. You can unwind before your travels and best of all, many spas offer showers that are perfect if you’ve already checked out of your hotel. I had a great Balinese massage (and shower after) at The Grey Spa.
One month in beautiful Indonesia will pass in the blink of an eye with this Indonesia itinerary. From the jungles of Bali and the beaches of Lombok to jaw-dropping Komodo National Park, you’ll discover the tourist sites that are popular for good reason while also exploring off the beaten path. You’ll be planning your next trip back to Indonesia before you even leave the country.
Keep reading:
- Bali Itinerary: 2 weeks of adventure, relaxation, and nature
- 8 things to do in Uluwatu: Travel guide to Bali’s beach paradise
- Munduk, Bali: A complete guide to the island’s hidden gem
- Nusa Lembongan, Bali: Top things to do & itinerary
- Gili Trawangan: Complete travel guide & the best things to do
- Kuta Lombok: Best things to do in beach & surf paradise
- Best places to solo travel in Asia as a woman
- Vietnam Itinerary: 3-4 weeks for backpackers and solo travelers
- 3 week Philippines itinerary
- Solo female travel in the Philippines: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Thailand Itinerary: The perfect 2+ weeks for first-timers
- Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- The best islands in Thailand: Top 3 tropical escapes
- Malaysia itinerary: 10 days of culture, city, beach, & nature
- 3 day Singapore itinerary & travel guide
- Solo female travel in Singapore: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- How much does a New Zealand trip cost? Budget traveler’s guide
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