Cultural Family Vacation in Indonesia: Yogyakarta & Bali - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Yogyakarta (Java), Free Time to Explore

Welcome to Indonesia! Your adventure begins in the city of Yogyakarta (often referred to as "Yogya"), located on Java, one of more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to rest and unpack after your long flight. If the kids need to work off some energy after sitting on an airplane, you can start exploring at your own pace.

Yogyakarta is a bustling city with modern conveniences, but it's best known as Indonesia's cultural soul. It's also the gateway to some of the country's most impressive ancient temples and royal Javanese palaces, which you'll visit in the coming days. If you have time today, start with a visit to Taman Sari Water Palace, a peaceful 18th-century complex with pools and fountains.

Day 2: Borobudur Temple Tour, Visit Candi Rejo Village

After a good night's sleep, your family will be ready to head out of town to one of Java's most awe-inspiring ancient places: Borobudur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the world's largest Buddhist temple) dates back to the eighth and ninth centuries, and the kids will love racing each other to the top for views of the surrounding jungle, farmland, and villages. Indonesian school groups often visit the site and like to practice their English, so little ones might also make some new friends along the way.

Next, a driver will take you to the nearby village of Candi Rejo. During the visit, you'll see how Indonesian villagers live, take a bicycle or horseback ride (depending on the ages and abilities of your kids), learn how to make krupuk (crackers), and visit a local school. You'll also be introduced to gamelan music, a style of traditional Indonesian percussion that will often provide a melodic backdrop to your travels in Java. Refuel with a local lunch with your guide before returning to Yogyakarta in the afternoon.

Day 3: Chocolate Tasting, Puppet & Batik Workshop

Give your kids the chance to express themselves today in various ways. Your first stop is the Monggo Chocolate Factory, which blends Belgian chocolate-making techniques with locally-produced cocoa beans. See how cacao is turned into different sweet treats, learn why the Javanese consider Monggo chocolates the best in the country, and sample plenty yourselves to see whether you agree!

Later, join a workshop and learn about local puppet and batik-making traditions. The use of Javanese shadow puppets, or wayang, dates back to the 11th century, and you and the kids will get to watch a demonstration of this ancient art form and put on a show yourselves. Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on introduction to batik fabric. This wax-resist technique is used to decorate fabrics throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and you'll learn about traditional designs before creating your own on fabric with liquid wax.

Day 4: Prambanan Temple Tour, Ramayana Ballet Dinner

After some free time this morning, you'll experience more Javanese culture, religion, and history as you visit the beautiful ninth-century Prambanan temple complex outside Yogyakarta. This UNESCO-listed Hindu site (the largest in Indonesia) reflects Java's diverse past and contains exquisite sculptures and carvings. There are 240 temples within the Prambanan complex, including three principal temples devoted to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and the tallest measures over 155 feet (47 m) high. 

Your visit will be perfectly planned, so that by the time you've finished exploring, you can segue into an evening Ramayana ballet held on the grounds. The Hindu performance tells the epic story of Rama and Sita through 200 dancers adorned in beautiful, colorful costumes. Listen to musicians playing in the gamelan (an Indonesian percussion orchestra) as you eat a tasty dinner and watch this tale of good versus evil unfold.

Day 5: Fly to Denpasar (Bali), Transfer to Ubud

Say goodbye to Java today as you pack up and journey east to Bali, a short 1.5-hour flight away. Look out for the spectacular volcanic Mount Bromo in East Java from the plane, and point out Bali's Mount Agung to the kids as you prepare to land. At the Denpasar airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you about an hour north to Ubud, located among the island's central foothills and considered the "spiritual heart of Bali."

Depending on your time of arrival, you can take some time to rest and then start exploring on foot. Ubud is a walkable town for all ages, and you won't have to stroll far to come across plenty of small temples, where local people leave offerings of flowers at the entrances. Parents might also like to trade turns and get a massage or book a spa treatment this afternoon—Ubud is considered the "wellness capital" of Bali, and you'll find no shortage of yoga studios, massage parlors, and upscale spas. 

Day 6: Gunung Kawi Temple Tour, Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest

Spend today exploring more of Ubud and its surroundings. Start at Gunung Kawi, one of Bali's largest temple complexes and an important archaeological site near the village of Tampaksiring. Wander among the ancient shrine reliefs carved into the rocks and cliffs overlooking the Pakerisan Valley, and enjoy the quieter atmosphere and lush surroundings. Kids with an interest in "Tomb Raider" or "Indiana Jones"-style archaeology will enjoy the overgrown, natural setting, where they can seek out hidden-away treasures and ruined temples hidden among moss and vines.

Next up is a delightful visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary—sure to be a hit with any animal lovers in the family. Also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, this protected reserve is home to more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques, considered sacred by the Balinese people. Watch the monkeys play, and don't be surprised if these curious creatures approach you. While the monkeys are used to visitors and not aggressive, make sure to hold onto your belongings—the curious creatures have been known to swipe sunglasses and hats that catch their eye!

Day 7: Countryside Cultural Immersion & Traditional Lunch, Barong Dance Show

Venture off the beaten track to spend the morning with a local family at a rumah desa, a traditional countryside house. You and the kids will have the chance to learn firsthand about daily life here, especially the cultivation and preparation of food. See how coconut oil is made, how the cows and chickens are cared for, and how different spices are used. You'll get a chance to go out to the rice fields and plantations―incredibly, the same irrigation system has been successfully used for centuries―and enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch

Back in Ubud, you'll have time to relax at your hotel before sitting down for an entertaining and enlightening Barong performance, which features a lion-like creature and a central character in Balinese mythology. Barong is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of sound, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen. Learn about this mythology through a mesmerizing dance that represents the eternal battle between good and evil. Kids will love the rhythm of the music and the fantastic dance and costumes. 

Day 8: Ubud Market Visit & Cooking Class

Day 9: Transfer to Uluwatu, Temple Tour & Kecak Performance

After a leisurely morning in Ubud, your driver will take you about 1.5 hours south to Uluwatu, a hilly peninsula on Bali's southwest tip known for its ancient temples, coastal cliffs, and golden beaches. After checking in at your hotel, you could hang out around the pool or start exploring the local area on foot, walking along a coastal path or visiting a nearby beach like Padang-Padang.

Grab an early dinner, then join your guide for an evening at the famous sea temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Perched on a cliffside at 230 feet (70 m) above the sea, this is the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset. Take a walk around to appreciate the views, and keep an eye out for the resident monkeys. After dark, stay for a traditional kecak show at the temple. Around 50 people perform this Balinese dance that narrates stories from the Hindu epic "The Ramayana." Kids are sure to love the fire-based dances, and it's the perfect way to end the penultimate day of your Indonesian adventure.

Day 10: Transfer to Denpasar, Depart 

It's time to say your goodbyes to Bali. Depending on your schedule, you may have time to spend the morning at the beach or enjoy a last leisurely meal overlooking the sea. When the time comes, your driver will pick you up and drive you about an hour north to Denpasar to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Bali? Check out these other Indonesia itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Indonesia with your family, or discover the best time to visit Indonesia.