Ten days in Indonesia may seem like a long time until you map it out. The flight from Jakarta to Raja Ampat is not as short as that from London to Istanbul. The journeys that work have one rule: no more than two regions, and they must be traversed by a single flight or an overland route which would also serve as sightseeing.
Before You Build the Route
Count Your Real Days
It’s not day one if a flight lands during the night at 11pm. Remove evenings of arrival, mornings of departure and any internal flight days that consume four hours in airports. The term “ten calendar days” typically refers to seven working days.
Fly Between Islands, Drive Within Them
Domestic carriers link the major hubs at relatively low fares and offer a high frequency of service. Ferries are useful only for short trips — the longer journeys consume whole days.
Leave One Buffer Day
There are no surprises when it comes to the weather. Make the slack (tail) at the end and not at the beginning; otherwise, you do not risk having a disconnect on your international flight home.
This is the classic route from Java to Bali overland.The classic route from Java to Bali overland trips.
This is the best of first-time trips since travel between stops is part of the trip.
Days 1–3: Yogyakarta
Land in Yogyakarta. Day two of sunrise at Borobudur, the late afternoon at Prambanan and a day for the kraton, the batik workshops as well as the street food along Malioboro.
Days 4–5: Mount Bromo
An overnight train or morning train to Malang or Probolinggo, followed by a jeep to the caldera rim. Day 5 – pre-dawn viewing of sunrise, followed by the drive east.
Day 6: Ijen Crater
Base near Banyuwangi. The hike begins about 1am to be able to see the blue flames before dawn breaks, and the turquoise crater lake is exposed at sunrise.
Days 7–10: Bali
Take the ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk then drive on. Alternate between an inland and coastal base (Bali’s to choose, Ubud or Sidemen, and Amed or Uluwatu).
Alternative: Bali and Komodo
Better if you prefer water on volcanoes. Four nights in Bali then a quick flight to Labuan Bajo for a 3-day liveaboard to Komodo National Park, Padar Island and the manta channels. Don’t fly out until one day before your trip.
A nature resort that takes place of a resort.A nature resort which replaces a resort.
From Medan head out to Bukit Lawang for orangutan jungle trekking for 3 nights and from Bukit Lawang transfer to Lake Toba for 4 nights on Samosir Island. SLOWER, Cheaper, and MUCH less tourists than Java or Bali.
Budget Expectations
Mid-range travel is approximately $60-$100 per person per day, including guesthouses, drivers, guides, and food. Volcano tours, liveaboards and diving are not included in that and must be additionally budgeted for.
Practical Details
Visas and Entry
A visa is issued on arrival or e-visa can be issued from many nationalities, usually for a period of 30 days and can be extended one. Check any current rules before making a booking as rules can change.
What to Pack
At Bromo and Ijen, a fleece and gloves are necessary to enjoy a volcano sunrise. Include reef-safe sunscreen, a headtorch for pre-dawn hikes and simple clothes for temples.
When to Go
The dry season in April-October applies to all of Java, Bali and Komodo. The busiest months are July and August, while May and June, and September, provide comparable weather for more space.
The Mistake to Avoid
With all the above mentioned places in Bali, Java, Lombok and Komodo in only 10 days, you will need to do 4 internal flights and spend about 2 days at the airports. Cut out a section and then use those days for the ones you saved.
Make 2 bases, string one overland and reserve a day at the end. This is the real program.