How do you decide where to go in a country with 17,000+ islands? To explore all of its vast beauty, you will need a lifetime. But, if you’re looking for an introduction that goes beyond the highlights, then this 3-week Indonesia itinerary ticks all the boxes.
From jungles to tropical beaches and rumbling volcanoes, I cover all our favorites plus some destinations we wish we visited. We saw and did so much on Bali, Java, and Lombok that we can now tell you which tourist traps to avoid and what should absolutely be on your bucket list.
In a hurry? These are my three favorite hotels in Indonesia 🛏️
The Shalimar Boutique Hotel in Malang, Java – check rates & availability here
El Tropico Boutique Hotel in Kuta, Lombok – check rates & availability here
Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa in Bangsal, Lombok – check rates & availability here
3-Week Indonesia Itinerary
Spending three weeks is not nearly enough. Wessel and I both crave to return someday soon to explore more! But if you are limited on time, like most folks with regular jobs, this 3-week Indonesia itinerary is the perfect introduction.
Day 1-3: Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is Java’s cultural capital. It is the place for temple hopping and good food. Spend the first day of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary sleeping off your jet lag and explore the Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes on the other two days. Don’t miss out on one of the only drag shows in Indonesia at Raminten, where they mix traditional Javanese and pop music. And if you have some time left, explore Javanese cuisine through a street food tour.
💡 Limited on time? This is how to spend a day in Yogyakarta.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta
There are plenty of places to stay in Yogyakarta for all types of travelers and budgets. We stayed in the romantic mid-range Adhistana Hotel, which is built around a courtyard with a pool. Travelers looking for more luxury, will want to stay at Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta, which offers rooms and meticulously designed private villas. Looking to save some money? Then stay at the simple but cozy Griya Wijilan Syariah.
Day 4: Train to Malang
The easiest way to get around Java is by train. The rail network stretches all the way from the western to the eastern tip of the island. This means, you can book comfortable seats on the 6-hour train ride from Yogyakarta to Malang. Pick first-class seats for ultimate luxury, or regular seats if you wish to save money. The train ride will take up most of your day, so sit back and enjoy the view of Java’s cities, villages and rice fields from your window.
Where to stay in Malang
Malang is full of gorgeous hotels, but our all-time favorite is the Shalimar Boutique Hotel. Not only was this hotel beautiful, with spacious rooms and an old-timer out-front, but the hostess, Maria, quickly became our new favorite person. Go to this guide if you want to read my full review on the Shalimar. Other great options are the Javanese-design hotel Hotel Tugu Malang, or the COZY Boutique Guest House.
Day 5: Explore Malang
Due to the altitude, Malang is one of the gentlest locations to visit climate-wise. Its altitude has also led to lush forests and fertile land, with the Bukit Kuneer tea plantations being one of the most popular destinations in the area. But Malang itself has plenty to explore too! Its colorful villages Jodhipan and Kampung Biru Arema cannot be missed, and the cuisine is mouth-wateringly good. We especially loved Javanine and Ka-Yah.
💡 Read this blog if you want to know where else to eat, and read this one to figure out what to do in Malang.
Day 6: Bromo Volcano
On your sixth day of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary, you’ll get up just after midnight to drive to the Bromo Volcano. Why? Because sunset is the most spectacular time to see this active volcano and its two neighbors. After sunrise, you’ll get to walk up to the crater and see the Teletubbies Mountains. I recommend booking a tour a couple of days in advance and bringing thermals and a warm jacket, as it gets cold at the top. Want to know more about what you can expect? Then read my complete guide on how to visit the Bromo Volcano.
💡 Tip! If you love volcanoes, you can extend your stay by visiting the bright blue Ijen crater as well.
Day 7: Travel to Bali
You’ll spend the second week of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary on Bali. The quickest way to get there from Malang is to book a train to Surabaya and then fly to Bali from there. If you prefer slow travel or if you’re visiting the Ijen crater as well, you can choose to take the train to Ketapang and a 30-minute ferry from there to Gilimanuk on Bali. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Rapture Surf Camp in Uluwatu.
Day 8-10: Surfing at Rapture in Uluwatu
Bali is one of the best places for both professional surfers and beginners. This is why you’ll spend 3 days of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary surfing at Rapture Surf Camp in Uluwatu. They offer extensive lessons for beginners and surf guiding for more experienced surfers. In the afternoons you’ll get to enjoy yoga classes, games and BBQ’s with the other guests and trips to Uluwatu. We loved our stay at Rapture and would recommend it to anyone visiting Bali. Still doubting whether to go surfing? Then read my full Bali surfing guide.
💡 Tip! If you don’t want to surf, or you wish to extend your stay on Bali, then skip the major towns like Canggu and explore the northern part of the island. This side sees fewer crowds and will get you closer to the actual residents instead of European immigrants.
Day 11-13: Travel to and Explore Nusa Penida
After all that hard work on the board, it’s time to travel to a more relaxed destination. From Bali, it’s just a 35-minute ferry ride to Nusa Penida. With white sandy beaches like Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay and Atuh Beach surrounded by cliffs, it’s the perfect place to chill and explore. Spend your days visiting the multiple viewpoints, waterfalls and swimming spots like Tembeling Natural Pool, or book a snorkeling expedition to swim with giant manta rays at Manta Point.
💡 Tip! Book your ferry ahead of time to skip long lines at the register.
Where to Stay on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is full of gorgeous resorts. You can stay in the wooden structures of Penida Bambu Green Suites, with an infinity pool overlooking the jungle. Or stay in the adult-only Atalaya Villas, which also has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and is located on a hill near Crystal Bay. Another great and budget-friendly option is Mambo Hill Resort. These cabins offer double rooms and yes, you guessed it, an infinity pool!
Day 14: Travel to Lombok
From Nusa Penida it’s very easy to get to Bangsal harbor on Lombok by ferry. This island will be your last stop on your 3-week Indonesia itinerary, and what a last stop! You’ll spend this week climbing a volcano, exploring rice fields, and relaxing in the island’s most vibrant city, in that order. After you arrive at the harbor, get a taxi to Sembalun, where you will stay at Bobocabins. These tiny homes have incredible views of the volcano, which you’ll face bright and early in the morning.
Where to stay near Mount Rinjani
I strongly recommend staying at Bobocabins for the camping vibe and views of the Rinjani. If you want something more akin to a hotel however, you can stay at the Rinjani Lodge. This hotel has a majestic pool, comfortable rooms and unlimited views of the mountains. If you prefer something in between, stay at Ihab Villa. These modern cabins all face the volcano and offer complementary breakfast.
Day 15-16: Mount Rinjani Hike
The Mount Rinjani hike might be challenging, but it’s equally rewarding. On day 15 of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary you’ll wake up early to start your 2-day 1-night hike. With this itinerary, you’ll hike up to the crater rim on the first day, and hike to the top of the volcano on the second day. The only way to do this, is with a guide. Although you can do the hike without a tour, this is strongly discouraged: too many people have fallen off the mountain due to lack of guidance. If you want to know more about where to book, what to bring and how to stay safe, read my full Mount Rinjani Trekking guide.
Once you returned to Sembalun on your second day, head to your next destination: the Tiu Kelep waterfall. If you booked your hike with Visit Rinjani, the drive there will be included. You can stay at one of the many guesthouses in Senaru, which is closest tot he waterfall. I recommend the Rinjani Lodge, which has a pool and spacious rooms perfect for relaxing after a tough hike.
💡 Tip! If you love hiking and want to see more of the mountain, you can also book a 3-days- 2 nights trek, which will take you past the crater lake and its hot springs.
Day 17: Tetebatu and Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Sleep in a little, but not too much as you’ll want to hike to the Tiu Kelep Waterfall before the crowds get there. Compared to the Rinjani Hike, this one will be super easy and equally gorgeous. The tall waterfall surrounded by jungle is Lombok’s main postcard. You can do it on your own, or book a guided tour with a spa treatment.
Get a taxi to Tetebatu after finishing your hike. These rice fields on Rinjani’s southern side are an idyllic place to relax after three days of hiking. If you have more time, it is worth extending your trip by a day, to spend a full day among the fields.
Where to stay in Tetebatu
Tetebatu is homestay and guest house haven and therefore such a great place to get to know residents of the region. Stay at the straw-roofed Novia Guest House or at Al Sasaki, where you get to cook Indonesian meals, hike and make music with the owners. Travelers looking for a hotel experience will want to stay at Tetebatu Flush Harmony, however. This property has not one, but two pools with views of the Rinjani!
Day 18-20: Kuta, Lombok
Kuta, Lombok – not to be confused with Kuta, Bali! – will be your final stop of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary. This relaxed beach town on Lombok’s southern tip has it all: adventure, space for cultural exchange, good food and gorgeous beaches. You’ll spend your last 3 days surfing at Selong Belanak Beach, visiting the Indigenous Sasak Village and sunbathing on Tanjung Aan Beach. To fully immerse yourself in the Kuta-experience, read my guide on things to do in and around Kuta and don’t forget to check out these stellar restaurants.
🌱 Responsible travel tip & news. In 2025, local authorities evicted over 180 local vendors, restaurants and bars from Tanjung Aan Beach. This not only led to the destruction of their carefully built businesses, but impacted the livelihoods of over a 1000 residents. According to authorities, the business-owners were using government-owned land illegally, but according to the residents, these businesses form the core of local culture and the area’s economy. While you should not go meddling in politics while you’re there, do support the residents by renting sunbeds, eating at their establishments and maybe buying a souvenir or two.
Where to stay in Kuta
We had the best time staying at the El Tropico Boutique Hotel. The rooms were incredibly beautiful, with huge beds and outdoor bathrooms, and its two pools were the center of our world after the Rinjani trek. But if you’d like to get pampered somewhere else, you can either stay at Martas Windows or Origin. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to leave Indonesia rejuvenated!
Day 21: Fly back home
It’s your last day of your 3-week Indonesia itinerary! You’ll fly home by booking a flight from Lombok International Airport. From here, you can fly to major airports in the region, like Singapore, which connect to hubs in the rest of the world.
How to extend your 3-week Indonesia itinerary?
This country is huge, which is why it’s super easy to extend your 3-week Indonesia itinerary with at least two or three more. The next time we visit, we’ll be checking out Sulawesi for the megaliths, the Mentawai islands for surfing, and Flores, Borneo and Sumatra for their wildlife. Whatever you choose to do, try to spend as much time here as you can to see all corners of Indonesia.
How to Get to Indonesia
First things first, how do you get to Indonesia? The most common mode of transportation is flying. Most major islands have international or domestic airports, making the country super accessible. I always check Skyscanner for the best prices and routes. However, if you want to make your flight even more memorable, select Singapore as an extra stop.
Those traveling overland and over water can do so from Malaysia. Catch a 6-hour ferry from Port Dickson near Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Balai on Sumatra. You could even extend your 3-week Indonesia itinerary by visiting this beautiful island. Some folks have dared the passage from the Philippines to Borneo, but this is not recommended. Piracy is a common threat in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, so you’ll be safer flying from Manila.
✈️ Extend your layover and spend some time exploring Singapore, a foodie walhalla.
Our Route
While our trip was amazing, we would have done things differently in hindsight. Some places underwhelmed us, while others were recommended by fellow travelers, which is why this itinerary differs from the trip we took. However, if you’re interested, here is our original 3-week Indonesia itinerary:
- Day 1: Singapore
- Day 2: Yogyakarta, where we were meant to spend two days, but only got one due to a delayed flight.
- Day 3-5: Malang and Bromo Volcano
- Day 6: Surabaya
- Day 7: Bangsal, Lombok
- Day 8-10: Gili Trawangan
- Day 11-13: Sembalun and Rinjani, Lombok
- Day 14-17: Kuta, Lombok
- Day 18-21: Rapture Surf Camp, Uluwatu, Bali
If we were to redo this trip, we would skip Gili T completely. The effects of mass tourism were omnipresent and did not leave much room for responsible travel. Want to know more about our experiences on the Gilis? Then read about the dark side of tourism in this article.
Another change we would make is swapping Bali and Lombok: traveling overland and via ferry instead of booking a domestic flight. Flying less is better for the planet, and this way we would have seen more of Java!
