10 Days in Indonesia - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Lombok's Culture & Beaches for Families

Taking place on the less-crowded island of Lombok, neighbor to Bali, this itinerary is packed with water activities suitable for true beach-loving families. You can beach-hop, surf, and fish in Lombok, snorkel in Gilli Air and relax in overwater hammocks in Gili Trawangan. There are also opportunities to learn about local culture through a Sasak tour in Kuta and a cooking class in Senggigi. 

Start your family adventure in Lombok with a relaxing day at the beach on the southern coast. You can also try surfing if the kids are good swimmers and up for a challenge. Spend a Day 3 cruising in a traditional fishing boat. The kids can try their hand at fishing and scout deserted coves to explore before snapping family photos on Plaga Rosa (Pink Beach). Meet local weavers and buy some handmade souvenirs in Sukarara, then continue to Sade, where the kids can learn about daily life from the villagers. Next, take a boat to the quiet island of Gilli Air. Grab some bicycles and get the lay of the land with a family bike ride along the coast.

Then find out what's under the sea on a snorkeling excursion (snorkeling spots can be adjusted depending on conditions and children's abilities). Let the kids choose their next adventure: searching for sea turtles on smaller Gili Meno or biking and hanging out in overwater hammocks on the livelier Gili Trawangan. Head back to Lombok and prepare some delicious food and make more memories together in a cooking class in Senggigi. Finally, dive into one last snorkeling adventure—this time to Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis—and task the kids with spotting seahorses, clownfish, and other marine life. Learn more

Itinerary #2: South Sulawesi for Families: Tana Toraja, Bira & Makassar

This unique itinerary of Sulawesi's southern province is ideal for families keen to go off the beaten path. Learn about the culture of the Toraja people and spend a few days at the beaches of Bira. Given the long drives and activities that include more mature content, such as learning about funeral rituals in Rantepao, it is best for families with older children.  

Enjoy views of Sulawesi's stilt houses and Indonesian villages on your transfer to Rantepao. Take a guided road trip through the highlands, where you'll learn about the unique funeral rituals of the Toraja people, capture family photos with terraced rice paddies in Tinombayo, and check out menhir, the ancient standing stones. View the traditional style homes in Marante, then let the kids stretch their legs and meet local people on a nature walk in Siguntu. Tour the historic village of Ke'te Kesu and learn more about Toraja culture before departing for Sengkang, where you'll take a sunset canoe ride to a floating village.

Hit the road for the white sands of Bira, stopping to learn about Kajang culture in a rural village en route. Board a boat to Liukang Island, where you can stroll the village, then let the kids choose from water activities such as snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. For children that love boats and building, a visit to the Tana Beru shipyards—where you can see how traditional wooden boats are made—is a treat. Enjoy the morning at the beach in Bira before touring Makassar; the kids will be impressed by the ornate 99 Domes Mosque. Then share your favorite memories over one last Indonesian dinner before departure. Learn more 

Itinerary #3: Cultural Family Vacation in Indonesia: Yogyakarta & Bali

Covering highlights of two Indonesian islands, Java and Bali, this balanced family vacation offers cultural activities suited to a range of ages and interests. Craft keepsakes in a batik workshop in Yogyakarta, prepare an Indonesian meal together in a cooking class in Ubud and witness a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu. Little ones are welcome, and activities can be adjusted to suit your family. 

Start with a visit to Java's Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, where you can climb the steps for sweeping views and encourage your kids to chat with the local school groups you meet there. Then it's off to Candi Rejo to learn about village life before sampling sweet treats at Monggo Chocolate Factory. Get the kids engaged in traditional arts and let them craft their own souvenirs in a puppet and batik-making workshop in Yogyakarta, then immerse them in Javanese culture with a visit to Prambanan Temple, where you can watch a Ramayana ballet performance. Fly to Bali on Day 5 and transfer to Ubud on arrival.

Budding archaeologists will be delighted to explore Gunung Kawi, and animal lovers will be thrilled to meet the residents of the Monkey Forest (the monkeys are quite mischievous, so proceed with caution). Take your little chefs to the market with a local chef to choose fresh ingredients, then work together to create Indonesian dishes in an interactive cooking class. Capture family photos at the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, then sit down to a memorable sunset show—kids of all ages will be captivated by the Balinese Kecak dance performance. Celebrate your family adventure with one final Balinese feast. Learn more 

Itinerary #4: Best of Bali & Nusa Penida for Families

Discover Bali on this well-rounded family trip suited to travelers that prefer a mix of cultural and active experiences. Budding artists will appreciate the ornate temples and artisan villages. Intrepid kids will be thrilled with whitewater rafting. And the whole family can enjoy a Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu and some time to relax on the beaches of Nusa Penida, the largest of the islands off Bali's southeastern coast.  

Introduce your kids to Balinese culture with a dance performance at Ubud Palace your first night. Then take a walk in the Monkey Forest and let the kids watch the primates play (be sure to tuck away hats, jewelry, and anything the monkeys might be tempted to steal!), then check out the boma face, whose duty it is to keep away evil spirits at Goa Gajah. Embark on an e-bike tour through the countryside, stopping to snap photos of the rice paddies and temples en route. Crafty kids will enjoy visiting the artisans in Mas and Celuk, and intrepid ones will be thrilled to raft the Ayung River and then go waterfall-hopping around Ubud. 

Take a boat to Nusa Penida, where you can enjoy a leisurely day of rest at Crystal Bay. Join a snorkeling excursion on Day 7 for the chance to see manta rays, turtles, and a variety of fish before returning to Bali. Encourage the kids to test their bartering skills while shopping for souvenirs at Sukawati Art Market, then check out the bats at Goa Lawah cave temple. Grab a map and let the kids choose which beaches they want to visit as your driver takes you around the southern coast. End your family trip to Indonesia on a high note (and on a high cliff!) by watching a Kecak performance at Uluwatu Temple. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family Adventure in Bali & Lombok

See two islands on this family adventure, an excellent option for active families. Adventurous kids will enjoy splashing in the waterfalls in Ubud, rafting the Ayung River, cycling through the countryside, and snorkeling around the islands. There's also a chance to check out local markets and spend time with a farming family. As some activities, such as rafting, have an age minimum, this itinerary is for families with children over five who are comfortable with water sports. 

Cool off on arrival with a dip at the Tegenungan waterfall or another nearby waterfall (your driver can recommend a spot suited to your family). Spot monkeys and other wildlife as you raft the Ayung River, then let the kids choose handcrafted souvenirs at a local market. Spend time with a family in Rumah Desa, learning how coconut oil is made and how the irrigation systems work; kids can also help care for the farm animals. Take a leisurely bike ride from Kintamani to sample local fruit and chat with villagers before boarding a ferry to Lombok.  

Join a boat tour to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, where you can snorkel the clear waters in search of turtles and other marine life. Let the kids watch the action at Lending Bajur markets as locals shop for rice, spices, and more. Visit the monkeys of Pusuk Forest, hike to Tiu Kelep waterfalls, and stop by Malimbu Beach for a family photo and swim. Escape to tranquil Gili Rengit and Gili Layar for another day of snorkeling before departing Lombok. On your final full day, take the fast boat to Bali, where you can soak up some sun in Sanur, and invite the kids to choose a beachside restaurant for dinner. Learn more 

More Great 10-Day Indonesia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other 10-day Indonesia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and family-friendly tours to hit the highlights.