8 Days in Indonesia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Beautiful Bali: Tanah Lot, Ubud, Sideman & Jimbaran

Bali, a haven for newcomers to Indonesia, offers a variety of landscapes and activities for every traveler, from sandy beaches to volcanic craters and rice fields to forests and jungles. This beautiful Bali highlights tour offers plenty of opportunities to explore the island's southeast. Take a cooking class in Tanah Lot, walk amid the rice paddies of Tegallalang Rice Terrace, learn how to surf in Jimbaran, and enjoy the sunset Kecak performance of Uluwatu.

After arriving at Denpasar Airport, immediately transfer to your hotel in Tanah Lot. Once here, enjoy a cocktail, indulge in a relaxing massage, or take a scenic walk around the old town. The next day, take a lunchtime Balinese cooking class before making your way to Ubud to visit the nearby Tegallalang Rice Terrace. Drive to Kintamani for a peek at the dramatic active volcano, Mount Batur, then take a trip to Tibumana Waterfall and Gunung Kawi Sebatu water temple. Leave Ubud for Sidemen Valley to visit the remarkable Gunung Kawi, Goa Gajah, Pura Kehen, and Tirta Empul temples.

Begin Day 5 with a trek in the countryside and spot tropical fruit, clove, salak, and cocoa plantations as you weave through the wilderness. Transfer to Jimbaran fishing village in the afternoon and purchase souvenirs, spices, fruits, and textiles at Sukawati Market. Explore Kedonganan Fish Market and Balangan Beach at your own leisurely pace, and finish the day by attending a Kecak show (traditional Balinese dance) at Uluwatu Cliff Temple. Spend your final day in Bali at Pandawa Beach, Padang Padang Beach, and Green Bowl Beach, and enjoy one last sunset from Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Jewels of Indonesia: Flores & the Komodo Archipelago

Experience the "Jewels of Indonesia," known as Flores island, on this eight-day Indonesia itinerary. Fans of the outdoors and wilderness will love this route that covers the length of the island and takes you through the islands of Komodo National Park. Swim and snorkel in the ocean, and see exotic wildlife, such as the fearsome Komodo dragon and elegant manta rays.

Begin this trip on the island of Flores and spend your first night in the village of Moni near Kelimutu Lake. Stop for lunch in Wolotopo and meet Lionese people (members of the Lio tribe) before checking into a stunning eco-lodge on the riverside. Rise early the following day for a hike to the summit of Mount Kelimutu. Enjoy wonderful views of three beautifully colored lakes and then tuck into breakfast as you prepare to make your way to Saga. Visit the blue pebble beach of Nagapanda and then head to 17 Isles Marine Park the next morning to devote some time to seeing Ontoloe Island and the Mengeruda Hot Springs.

Learn more about the Ngada culture as you visit a local bamboo plantation on Day 4 and sample local Indonesian alcohol known as arak in the coastal village of Aimere. Move inland to Ruteng to experience authentic coffee-making production before transferring to Labuan Bajo fishing village and enjoying the views from Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave). Board a ship on Day 6 for a two-night cruise around the sprawling Komodo Archipelago, and keep your eyes peeled for Komodo dragons, wild boar, deer, and buffalo as you traverse through the national park. And enjoy a swim and snorkel at Pantai Merah (Komodo Island's famous pink beach). Learn more

Itinerary #3: Java: Mount Bromo to Yogyakarta

Hop over to Java on this eight-day itinerary for a culture and nature-infused adventure. Home to the nation's capital, Jakarta, seek out the peak of famed Mount Bromo, the 1,000-year-old Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, and the tea plantations in Candirejo.

This trip begins in the capital city of Jakarta, but you'll immediately transfer to Surabaya City. Drive to the summit of Mount Penanjakan (9,104 ft/ 2,775 m) before dawn to experience a beautiful sunrise over Tengger Caldera. Continue to Mojokerto after breakfast to board a train to Surakarta. Discover the 15th-century Javanese-Hindu temples on Day 3, Sukuh and Ceto, around Mount Lawu, and then make your way to Yogyakarta. Wake up and drive the short distance to see the ninth-century Hindu temple of Prambanan, then journey to the nearby inactive volcano known as Nglanggeran.

Participate in a cooking lesson in Candirejo to see how authentic Javanese cuisine is made and sample your creations for lunch. Take a bicycle tour around the local villages and plantations before returning to Yogyakarta for the evening. Hit the road bright and early on Day 6 to get to Suroloyo Peak and visit the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, Borobudur, after lunch. Then, the next day, tour the magnificent Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat palace complex and stroll through the tea and vegetable plantations in Wonosobo before departing Indonesia via Yogyakarta on Day 8. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Off-the-Beaten-Path Lombok & Secret Gili Islands

If you're looking for a trip to lesser-frequented locales, this eight-day off-the-beaten-path tour takes you around Lombok and the nearby tiny Gili Islands. Trek through jungles to waterfalls, beach hop on Lombok's southern coast, cycle around the countryside of Suranadi, and snorkel the Secret Gilis to swim with Nemo look-alikes.

Kick off your Indonesian adventure in the surf town of Kuta on the island of Lombok. Day trip to Tetebatu the next day to see fruit plantations, local villages, and abundant rice paddies, and spot elusive black langur monkeys on the way. Hike through jungle terrain to one of the biggest waterfalls on Lombok island, Sendang Gile Waterfall, and reward yourself with a dip in the refreshing water. Embark on a beach-hopping excursion to Tampah, Tanjung Aan, and Mawun, and conclude the day trip with a stop at Merese Hill to check out the views. On Day 4, leisurely cycle around Karang Bayan and Suranadi, then hit the nightlife scene in Senggigi.

The following day, hop on a boat to "Secret Gilis," also known as Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis. As you swim and snorkel through the azure water, spot sea turtles, tropical fish, starfish, and tiny sea horses. Spend your two final nights on Gili Gede island and relax on the pristine beaches and in crystal-clear waters that resemble what Gili Air, Gili T, and Gili Meno islands were once known for. Jump back on another boat to experience snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving around Gili Layar on Day 7. Detour via Sukarare Village and Banyumulek Village to see local craftspeople at work before leaving the country via Lombok. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Indonesia Itineraries

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