5 Days in Indonesia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Bali

See the best of Bali on this exciting five-day island getaway, soaring high above the jungle treetops on a giant swing, snorkeling off the coast of Nusa Lembongan Island, and experiencing Balinese-style nightlife in the resort town of Seminyak.

Welcome to Bali! You'll arrive in Ubud and hit the ground running, visiting Ubud Palace and wandering through the Ubud Monkey Forest to see three historic temples and a native population of Balinese macaques. Then you'll visit an ecotourism hot spot, Bali Swing, an outdoor theme park filled with ziplines and rope swings—the perfect place for an outdoor adventure in the jungle. You'll visit a local market to do some shopping on your way back to Ubud. 

Move on to the resort town of Seminyak, where you'll base yourself for the second part of the trip. Go snorkeling with vibrantly colored fish off the coast of nearby Nusa Lembongan Island, then choose your own adventure on Day 5. Visit the centuries-old Pura Petitenget, a temple that was built to ward off evil spirits, try horseback riding on the beach, or take a surfing lesson. Go bar-hopping in lively Seminyak on the last night of the trip. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Island Adventure in Nusa Penida & Bali 

On this five-day adventure around two of Indonesia's islands, you'll hike around stunning rock formations, surf and sunbathe on the beach, snorkel with colorful fish, and tour an underground temple.

This island-hopping journey begins with a boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida. Rent a motorbike and go for a spin around the island, visit the underground temple Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, or walk around the rock formations on Atuh Beach. On Day 2, you'll check out the dramatic cliffs at Kelingking Beach and the stunning natural stone archway over the water at Broken Beach, then climb to the hidden waterfalls of Peguyangan. 

The second half of the trip takes to you to Uluwatu, Bali. But before transferring to the island, you'll enjoy a snorkeling excursion off Nusa Penida, keeping your eyes open for manta rays. Once in Bali, relax on white-sand beaches around Pecatu and take in incredible views of Uluwatu Temple, built on a rock formation over the water. Visit the world-class beaches of Padang-Padang, Green Bowl, and Melasti before having a night out on the town in Seminyak. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Highlights of Java 

Experience the wonders of Java on this five-day cultural tour that leads you around the island's famed monuments and pristine natural landscapes, from the world's largest Buddhist temple to a beautiful waterfall.

Welcome to Java! Begin the trip with a stroll around the historical sites of Yogyakarta, including the sacred temple of Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's home to more than 200 shrines. The next day, journey to the world's largest Buddhist temple, the famous Borobudur Temple, built between the eighth and ninth centuries. Visit a local art museum, and for dinner, try a regional dish like nasi uduk (rice cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, cloves, and cinnamon).

Visit the Sultan Palace and the water palace of Taman Sari before moving on to another Javanese city, Surakarta, also known as Solo. Visit a local batik market—this is one of the best places in the country to buy the unique hand-dyed and printed fabric—and attend a traditional Javanese cultural show. Wrap up the trip with a hike to two important temples, both surrounded by nature, and a trek to Jumog Waterfall. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scenic Bali

This five-day Bali itinerary takes you to the island's most picturesque waterfalls, tropical gardens, rice terraces, and temples—including a sea temple and a "floating temple"—framed by striking landscapes.

Your adventure begins near Tanah Lot, an offshore rock formation — the name means "Land in the Sea" — home to a famous Hindu sea temple. It's one of seven sea temples found along the Balinese coast. After touring the temple, continue on the scenic drive to Ubud and spend the rest of the day relaxing, sightseeing, and sampling Balinese street food. On Day 3, go on a guided trek to Sekumpul Waterfall, then visit the famous "floating temple" of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the shores of Beratan Lake. 

Tour the temples of the Pura Lempuyang complex, noted for its spectacular temple nicknamed the "Gateway to Heaven." Continue to Tirta Gangga, a royal bathing complex with lovely tropical gardens, wading pools, fish ponds, and fountains. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the eastern highlands before spending the last night of the trip in the peaceful countryside of Sidemen. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Beautiful Beaches of Lombok & Komodo

Enjoy a short cruise around Komodo National Park and a few days of exploring Lombok's underwater ecosystems, fishing villages, and coastal landscapes on this five-day island-hopping adventure that includes snorkeling and wildlife viewing.

This outdoor adventure begins with a boat ride to Lombok. You'll overnight in Senggigi and have a chance to learn about the Indigenous traditions on Day 2, observing Sasak women making earthenware pottery using the same techniques that their ancestors have practiced for generations. You'll also be able to shop for handicrafts in the village of Ampenan before going on a snorkeling excursion off the island of Gili Nanggu in the afternoon. 

Fly to Komodo Island on Day 3 and board a cruise around Komodo National Park. Stop to snorkel around vibrant corals, seagrass, and diverse marine life, then go on a guided nature walk on Rinca Island to look for Komodo dragons in the wild. Sleep on the boat before continuing the adventure around Padar Island on Day 4, snorkeling with manta rays and turtles. Relax on the famed Pink Beach—the rosy hue is created by a mixture of crushed red and white corals—before the trip ends. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Indonesia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other five-day Indonesia itineraries, with trekking trips, cultural adventures, and best-of trips to hit the highlights.