3 weeks in Indonesia

7 Oct 2024 – 22 Oct 2024 · by stippltrips

Destinations

Ubud, Indonesia

✅ Day 1: Arrival and Exploration - Morning: Arrive in Ubud, check into your hotel. - Afternoon: Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Warung Biah Biah with a sampling of local Balinese dishes. Spend the late afternoon exploring nearby cafes or the local art scene. - Evening: Dinner at Locavore for a fine dining experience featuring locally-sourced ingredients in innovative dishes. ✅ Day 2: Cultural Discovery - Morning: Early visit to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for a scenic walk, followed by breakfast at a terrace cafe overlooking the fields. - Afternoon: Explore the Blanco Renaissance Museum, then head to the Ubud Art Market for some souvenir shopping. Grab a light lunch at Cafe Lotus with views of the temple. - Evening: Return to your hotel for relaxation or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace before dinner. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan - Its stunning architecture and location nestled amidst the jungle overlooking the Ayung River. The resort offers luxurious villas and suites, a world-class spa, and various cultural activities. Average Price: $480 - $800 USD per night. - Regular: Alaya Resort Ubud - Its central location near Ubud Monkey Forest, comfortable rooms with Balinese decor, and excellent customer service. It also features a lovely spa and two restaurants. Average Price: $100 - $150 USD per night. - Budget: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel - Being a hostel that doesn't feel like one, with beautiful gardens and a pool. It's popular among young travellers and offers yoga classes and social BBQ nights. Average Price: $20 - $40 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - Locavore Specialty: Contemporary European-Indonesian fusion cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Famous for their tasting menus. Average Price: IDR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000 per person ($77 - $105 USD). - Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) Specialty: Known for its crispy fried duck and traditional Balinese dishes. Average Price: IDR 200,000 - 300,000 per person ($14 - $21 USD). -Warung Biah Biah Specialty: Affordable and authentic Balinese food in a casual setting. Great for trying small plates of local cuisine. Average Price: IDR 50,000 - 100,000 per person ($3.5 - $7 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out - CP Lounge - CP Lounge offers a laid-back atmosphere with a mix of locals and tourists. It features a large outdoor area with a garden setting, making it a pleasant place to relax. There's live music, a DJ at night, and a pool table. The lounge is one of the few nightlife spots in Ubud where you can enjoy late-night entertainment in a more relaxed and serene environment. - Activities: Live music, DJ, dancing, and pool. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Traditional Batik Fabric or Garments: Ubud is famous for its art and crafts, and batik, a method of wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth, is a beautiful representation of this. You can find colourful batik shirts, dresses, or uncut fabric in the markets, perfect for clothing or home décor.
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Canggu Beach, Indonesia

✅ Day 3: Arrival and Leisure - Morning: Arrive and settle into your accommodation. Spend your morning relaxing by the pool or walking along the beach. - Afternoon: Visit the Canggu Market to explore local crafts and foods. Enjoy a casual lunch at Crate Café, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious brunch items. - Evening: Sunset drinks and dinner. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: COMO Uma Canggu - Beachfront location, stylish rooms, suites, and residences, excellent wellness facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym and a spa. Average Price: $250 - $400 USD per night. - Regular: Frii Bali Echo Beach - Its proximity to Echo Beach, popular with surfers and young travellers. Offers modern and simple decor with a laid-back atmosphere. Average Price: $40 - $70 USD per night. - Budget: The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel - Its vibrant, youthful vibe and great location close to the beach and nightlife. Offers dormitory beds and private rooms, with a pool and social events. Average Price: $10 - $20 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - The Shady Shack Specialty: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes in a tropical, relaxed setting. Known for their smoothie bowls and vegetarian burgers. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person ($7 - $14 USD). - Milk & Madu Specialty: Offers a wide range of dishes, famous for breakfast, pizza, and hearty salads. Average Price: IDR 150,000 - 250,000 per person ($10 - $17 USD). - Ji Restaurant Bali Specialty: Asian fusion and sushi, set in a restored temple with views of the ocean. Known for creative cocktails and exquisite sushi. Average Price: IDR 300,000 - 500,000 per person ($21 - $35 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out - Old Man's - Old Man's is a beachfront beer garden that epitomises Canggu's relaxed surf vibe. It's famous for its laid-back atmosphere during the day and lively parties in the evenings, especially on Wednesdays, which are known for their big turnouts and festive environment. The venue offers excellent views of the sunset and a chance to mingle with both the expat and local surfing communities. Activities: Live bands, DJ sets, beach parties, and happy hours. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Handmade Jewellery: Canggu is not only a beach destination but also a hub for creative artists. Local artisans craft unique jewellery often inspired by Balinese culture and the natural surroundings. Silver, seashell, and wood are commonly used materials.
Uluwatu Beach, Indonesia

✅ Day 4 - Morning: Travel to Uluwatu. Visit the Uluwatu Temple, renowned for its stunning cliffside location and panoramic views. - Afternoon: Post-lunch at Single Fin, spend time exploring the beaches near Uluwatu such as Padang Padang or Bingin Beach. These are great spots for surfing or just relaxing by the sea. - Evening: Head back to Canggu. Consider a casual evening with a dinner at Warung Heboh, offering authentic Indonesian dishes. 🥘 Where to Eat - Single Fin Specialty: Famous for its cliff-top views and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great spot for casual dining with a menu that includes fresh seafood, burgers, and a variety of international dishes. The sunset views here are spectacular. Average Price: IDR 150,000 - 300,000 per person ($10 - $21 USD). - DUGONG at Suarga Padang Padang Specialty: Offers sustainable dining with a focus on local ingredients. The restaurant is part of a boutique resort and provides panoramic views of the ocean. It’s ideal for a more refined dining experience. Average Price: IDR 250,000 - 500,000 per person ($17 - $35 USD). - Warung Bejana Specialty: Known for authentic Indonesian cuisine, especially Balinese dishes. It’s a more traditional, low-key option compared to the other cliffside spots but offers genuine local flavours. Average Price: IDR 50,000 - 150,000 per person ($3.5 - $10 USD).
Tanah Lot, Indonesia

✅ Day 5 - Morning: Depart for Tanah Lot. Explore the temple, famous for its unique offshore setting and cultural significance. - Afternoon: After lunch at Melasti Tanah Lot, enjoy walking around the coastal trails and visiting smaller temples in the area. Explore the nearby beaches like Nyanyi Beach or take part in a cultural workshop if available. - Evening: Return to Canggu. 🥘 Where to Eat - Melasti Tanah Lot Specialty: Located near the famous Tanah Lot Temple, this restaurant offers a mix of Indonesian and international cuisine with views of the temple and sea, especially beautiful at sunset. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person ($7 - $14 USD).
Seminyak, Indonesia

✅ Day 6 - Morning: Head to Seminyak and indulge in some upscale boutique shopping and visit local art galleries. - Afternoon: After enjoying lunch at Motel Mexicola, spend the remainder of the afternoon at Seminyak Beach or Double Six Beach, where you can lounge or try out some water sports. Alternatively, visit a local spa for a relaxing massage or treatment. - Evening: Return to Canggu. 🥘 Where to Eat - Ku De Ta Specialty: This is a well-known beach club that offers a sophisticated dining experience with an international menu, famous for its cocktails and sunset views. Average Price: IDR 300,000 - 500,000 per person ($21 - $35 USD). - Bambu Specialty: Classic Indonesian dishes in a beautiful, serene water garden setting. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional flavors in a more upscale environment. Average Price: IDR 200,000 - 300,000 per person ($14 - $21 USD). - Motel Mexicola Specialty: A vibrant and colourful Mexican restaurant that's as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Known for its lively decor and fun vibe, it’s a great spot for groups. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person ($7 - $14 USD).
Gili Islands, Indonesia

✅ Day 7: Island Arrival - Morning: Arrive from Bali by fast boat, check into your hotel. - Afternoon: Rent a bicycle to explore the island, stopping for lunch at Scallywags Organic Seafood Bar & Grill. Continue exploring or relax on one of the white sandy beaches. - Evening: Dinner at Danima Restaurant followed by a beach walk under the stars. ✅ Day 8: Island Hopping - Morning: Take a boat tour around the three Gili Islands, with stops for snorkelling. - Afternoon: Lunch on Gili Air or Gili Meno at a beachfront restaurant. Spend the rest of the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing on the beach. - Evening: Return to Gili Trawangan for a casual dinner at a local warung. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: Hotel Ombak Sunset - Its iconic Datu Swing, which is famous on social media, located directly in the ocean. This resort offers luxurious amenities with stunning sunset views, spacious rooms, and a serene beachfront location. It's perfect for travellers seeking comfort and picturesque settings. Average Price: $100 - $200 USD per night. - Regular: Vila Ombak - Being the first international hotel on the Gili Islands. Features traditional Lombok architecture, a great pool, and direct beach access. Average Price: $80 - $120 USD per night. - Budget: Gili Beach Bum Hotel - Being budget-friendly while offering neat, colourful accommodations. Located close to nightlife and the beach. Average Price: $15 - $30 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - Scallywags Organic Seafood Bar & Grill Specialty: Fresh seafood barbecues and organic salads, right on the beach. Average Price: IDR 150,000 - 250,000 per person ($10 - $17 USD). - Pituq Café Specialty: Vegan and vegetarian dishes with a focus on Indonesian flavors. Average Price: IDR 70,000 - 120,000 per person ($5 - $8 USD). - Danima Restaurant Specialty: Italian cuisine with a tropical twist, known for pasta and seafood. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person ($7 - $14 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out - Jiggy Boat Party - As one of the signature experiences in the Gili Islands, the Jiggy Boat Party is a floating dance floor where you can party on the turquoise waters. It combines snorkelling stops with party vibes, including drinks, music, and a fun crowd. It’s a unique way to see the islands from another perspective and to enjoy an unforgettable party on the water. Activities: Boat party, snorkelling, dancing, and sunset views. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Sea Shell Ornaments: Being a beach destination, the Gili Islands offer plenty of sea-themed souvenirs, but shell ornaments are particularly popular. These can range from simple shells to intricate carvings and are perfect for home decoration.
- Gili Air Harbor
Lombok, Indonesia

✅ Day 9: Arrival and Relaxation - Morning: Arrive from the Gili Islands, check into your hotel. - Afternoon: Visit the traditional Sasak Village, then lunch at Asmara Restaurant & Lounge. Explore local markets or beaches in the afternoon. - Evening: Dinner at El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant and perhaps a stroll along Kuta Beach. ✅ Day 10: Natural Wonders - Morning: Early start to trek to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls. - Afternoon: Lunch near the waterfalls or back in town, followed by relaxation on Senggigi Beach. - Evening: Enjoy dinner with sunset views at Square Restaurant. ✅ Day 11: Beach Day - All Day: Spend the day exploring southern Lombok's beaches such as Selong Belanak or Mawun Beach. Enjoy beachside dining for lunch. - Evening: Return to your hotel and finish the day with a leisurely dinner at a recommended local spot. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok - Luxurious villas and pavilions spread across vast tropical gardens, with a beachfront setting, offering privacy, elegance, and impeccable service. Average Price: $250 - $450 USD per night. - Regular: Katamaran Hotel & Resort - Its prime location on Mangsit Beach, providing stunning views of the Bali Sea and Mount Agung. The resort features luxurious modern amenities, a spa, and offers direct beach access with a peaceful atmosphere. Average Price: $80 - $120 USD per night. - Budget: Botchan Hostel - Its vibrant, youthful atmosphere and strategic location in Kuta, Lombok. This hostel is popular among backpackers and offers both dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms. Facilities include a pool, common lounge areas, and often organised social events, which make it easy to meet other travellers. Average Price: $10 - $25 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat and Go Out - El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant Specialty: Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, known for kebabs and mezze plates. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 per person ($7 - $14 USD). - Asmara Restaurant & Lounge Specialty: International cuisine with a strong local influence, offering everything from Indonesian dishes to Western favourites. Average Price: IDR 150,000 - 250,000 per person ($10 - $17 USD). - Square Restaurant Specialty: Offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring Indonesian and Western dishes. Known for its steak and seafood. Average Price: IDR 200,000 - 400,000 per person ($14 - $28 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out -Senggigi Beach - While not a single venue, Senggigi Beach area offers several bars and smaller clubs along its coastline, providing a mix of live music, beach parties, and fire dance performances. The atmosphere is tropical and casual, perfect for those looking to enjoy the evening by the sea without the intense clubbing scene. Activities: Beach bars, live music, and fire dancing. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Lombok Pearls: Lombok is renowned for its beautiful pearls, which can be purchased as loose pearls or as part of elegant jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. These make a luxurious and special memento.
Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

✅ Day 12: Historical Insights - Morning: Visit the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace). - Afternoon: Explore Taman Sari Water Castle, then lunch at Milas Vegetarian. Spend the afternoon in local Batik shops. - Evening: Dinner at Raminten, enjoy the Javanese atmosphere. ✅ Day 13: Temple Tours - Early Morning: Depart for a sunrise tour of Borobudur Temple. - Afternoon: Visit Prambanan Temple and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the temple complex or nearby museums. - Evening: Return to Yogyakarta, dinner at a local restaurant. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta - Its 5-star amenities set in a lush green landscape with a golf course, a luxurious spa, and a scenic pool area. Average Price: $100 - $200 USD per night. - Regular: The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery by Sofitel - A beautifully restored colonial building with unique Javanese charm, centrally located and offering refined elegance. Average Price: $50 - $90 USD per night. - Budget: Laura's Backpacker 523 - A cozy and social atmosphere in a central location, ideal for backpackers. Offers clean dorms and a friendly vibe. Average Price: $5 - $15 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - ViaVia Jogja Being more than just a restaurant, ViaVia is a cultural hub that offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options alongside dishes that include local organic meat. The restaurant is part of a broader initiative that includes cultural tours, workshops, and a focus on sustainability. Average Price: $3 - $10 USD per meal. - Raminten Specialty: Offers a unique cultural experience with Javanese cuisine, famous for traditional dishes served in a quirky, vintage setting. Average Price: IDR 50,000 - 100,000 per person ($3.5 - $7 USD). - Abhayagiri Restaurant Specialty: Sits in a beautiful location with views of Mount Merapi and Prambanan. Offers a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes. Average Price: IDR 250,000 - 500,000 per person ($17 - $35 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out - Sasanti Restaurant and Bar - Sasanti isn’t just a restaurant; in the evenings, its bar area turns into a trendy spot for the city's creative crowd. It offers a sophisticated ambiance, live music performances, and an excellent selection of cocktails. It’s a spot where you can enjoy the local artistic vibes and modern tunes in an elegant setting. Activities: Cocktails, live music, and art showcases. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Wayang Kulit (Leather Shadow Puppets): This traditional Javanese puppet made from leather is used in an indigenous shadow puppet theatre. They are beautifully crafted and depict various characters from famous Indonesian epics like the Ramayana.
Surabaya, Indonesia

Stopover to Mount Bromo.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia

✅ Day 14: Arrival and Adventure - Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation. - Evening: Early dinner at Café Lava Resto. Prepare for an early start the next day. Early Morning of Departure Day: Bromo Excursion - Very Early Morning: Jeep tour to see the sunrise over Mount Bromo. - Morning: Trek up to the crater. Return for breakfast and check out. 🛌 Where to Stay When visiting Mount Bromo, most travellers choose to stay in the nearby villages of Cemoro Lawang or Ngadisari, which offer a range of accommodation options suitable for various budgets. Here are three choices: - Luxury: Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo - Being one of the more upscale accommodations in the area, Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo offers a comfortable stay with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. The resort is eco-friendly and combines local architecture with modern amenities, providing an art gallery and occasional live jazz performances. Average Price: $100 - $150 USD per night. - Regular: Bromo Terrace Hotel - Located in Sapikerep, about 20 minutes from the viewpoint of Mount Bromo, this hotel offers a good balance of comfort and price. It has clean, comfortable rooms, and many have balconies with views of the hills and plantations. The hotel also has a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Average Price: $50 - $70 USD per night. - Budget: Café Lava Hostel - Café Lava Hostel is a popular choice for budget travellers. It's located in Cemoro Lawang, making it very convenient for catching the sunrise over Mount Bromo. The hostel offers basic but clean accommodations and includes a range of room types, from dorms to private rooms with bathrooms. Average Price: $20 - $40 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - Café Lava Resto Known For: Café Lava Resto is part of Café Lava Hostel and is one of the most well-known eateries in Cemoro Lawang. It offers a variety of Indonesian and some Western dishes. It’s a convenient option, especially if you're staying nearby or passing through the area. Average Price: $3 - $10 USD per meal. - Teras Bromo Known For: Teras Bromo offers both Indonesian and Western food with views of the surrounding mountains. It's a bit more upscale compared to typical warungs but still offers a relaxed dining atmosphere. They are particularly known for their good coffee, which is a welcome treat in the chilly mountain air. Average Price: $4 - $10 USD per meal. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Tenggerese Woven Scarf: The local Tengger tribe, who inhabit the area around Mount Bromo, produce distinctive, brightly coloured woven scarves and other textiles. These scarves not only support the local economy but also carry the cultural essence of the Tenggerese people.
Jakarta, Indonesia

✅ Day 15: Modern Metropolis Explore as much as you can with the time you have. Have dinner at NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy, then explore the nightlife or return to the hotel for rest. 🛌 Where to Stay - Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan Exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and comprehensive facilities, including a spa, fine dining, and expansive suites. Average Price: $150 - $300 USD per night. - Regular: Harris Vertu Hotel Harmoni- Its central location near historical sites and shopping areas, modern design, and good value for money. Average Price: $50 - $80 USD per night. - Budget: Teduh Hostel Kota Tua- Its location in the historic Kota Tua area, offering a clean and modern setting for budget travellers with both dorms and private rooms. Average Price: $10 - $20 USD per night. 🥘 Where to Eat - NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy Specialty: Focuses on elevated Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago. Average Price: IDR 400,000 - 600,000 per person ($28 - $42 USD). - Lara Djonggrang Specialty: Themed after Indonesian folklore and history, serving traditional dishes that are rich in history and flavor. Average Price: IDR 200,000 - 300,000 per person ($14 - $21 USD). - Sate Khas Senayan Specialty: Famous for its sate (satay) and other traditional Indonesian dishes. Average Price: IDR 100,000 - 150,000 per person ($7 - $10 USD). 🕺🏻 Where to Go Out Dragonfly - Dragonfly has a longstanding reputation as one of Jakarta’s top clubs and is popular with both expats and locals. It boasts a sophisticated interior design and a state-of-the-art sound system. Known for attracting top international DJs and celebrities, it offers a high-energy atmosphere perfect for dance lovers and night owls looking to experience Jakarta's upscale nightlife. Activities: Dancing, DJ performances, and celebrity spotting. 🎁 Souvenir Idea - Miniature Monuments: Souvenirs representing miniatures of famous Jakarta landmarks like the National Monument (Monas) are popular. These are typically available at tourist spots and make for a lightweight, easy-to-carry reminder of your visit to Indonesia's capital.