Indonesia's Culture, History & Natural Wonders for Families - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Yogyakarta, Free Time to Explore

Welcome to Indonesia! Your flight arrives in Yogyakarta, or "Jogja," a picturesque city on the island of Java that's known for its arts, culture, and history. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transport you to your hotel, where you can take some time to rest and regroup. Then it's time to start your immersion into Indonesian life by stepping out to explore.

Start with a visit to Tamansari Water Castle, which once served as the garden for the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The kids can stretch their legs after the long flight, exploring the peaceful pools and fountains, and you can even walk through the underground tunnels that were originally built as hideouts. There are cafés and shops located near the castle, so this is also a great place to grab a bite to eat.

For kid-centric fun, head to Taman Pintar Science Park, a science-themed museum with interactive displays and activities that will keep all ages entertained. Or you could spend the afternoon at Gembira Loka Zoo, home to nearly 500 different animals, including reptiles, big cats, and primates. The zoo has a lovely botanical garden area, orchid nursery, and bridges that take you across the Gajahwong River. Tonight, relax at your hotel after dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Family Bike Tour: Prambanan Temple Compound, Villages & Countryside

Get an early start to the day with an adventurous family bike tour of one of Yogyakarta's most important cultural and historic sites. You'll meet up with your local expert guides after breakfast and drive to the Prambanan Temple Compound, where, after an equipment and safety briefing, your family will hop on your bikes and set out. Cruise through scenic countryside, gorgeous terraced rice fields, and rural villages, taking in the incredible views and eventually arriving at the UNESCO-listed site.

The largest complex of its kind in Indonesia, the complex consists of 240 temples, which include the ninth-century Hindu temple of Prambanan, as well as the Mahayana Buddhist Sewu, Plaosan, and Bubrah. Walk among the incredible ancient architecture here as your guides share interesting stories and legends that will mesmerize kids and adults alike. On your way back to town, you'll stop at a local restaurant for a delicious traditional Balinese lunch. 

Day 3: Guided Excursion to Borobudur Monument, Dokar Ride & Village Visit

Prepare to be amazed by the world's largest and most impressive Buddhist monument, Borobudur! Built in the ninth century CE, this massive structure is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Used as a Buddhist temple until sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries, the complex was abandoned and remained buried under layers of volcanic ash for centuries until its rediscovery in the 19th century and subsequent restoration. Today, it's considered a prominent Buddhist archaeological site and is on the contemporary list of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

Your guide will pick your family up from your hotel in the morning for the scenic, one-hour drive, taking you through the regions of Sidomulyo and Srumbung. Upon arrival, you and the kids will have plenty of time to walk the grounds as your guide explains the significance of the monuments, ending with a climb to the top and panoramic views of the Menoreh Mountains. Return to Yogyakarta in time for lunch.

For a deeper cultural understanding of Balinese life, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage tour to the village of Candirejo. The two-wheeled carts, called dokars, were once the traditional mode of transportation to travel around the city and to nearby villages. You and the kids can take a step back in time as you hop on board and journey along quiet lanes, stopping to see local farmers working their harvests and spending time in the village, where you'll see local music performed and learn about the traditions and history of the region. 

Day 4: Fly to Bali, Transfer to Candidasa

Next up on your itinerary is the seaside town of Candidasa. Sitting on the edge of Candi Dasa Lagoon on the east coast of Bali, this peaceful oasis is home to quiet beaches, turquoise waters, and views of Mount Agung in the distance. Your family will take a private transfer to the airport, and you'll make the quick 1.5-hour flight, then meet your local driver and head to your hotel, after which the rest of your day is free.

If beach time is what your family is after, visit Candidasa Beach, a lively stretch of sand that is a popular spot for beachcombing and snorkeling. This isn't much of a swimming beach for little ones, as the shorebreak can be rough, but you can all still enjoy the sun and ocean views. For a quieter spot, head to Virgin Beach, or White Sand Beach, a "secret" beach with beautiful white sand and gentle waves. There are few amenities here, but you may find a few vendors with umbrella or chair rentals available. 

Families looking to see more of the region's natural wonders can also visit Tibumana Waterfall, a gorgeous cascade and pool located about an hour outside of town, or hike to the majestic Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which sits hidden within a cave and offers incredible photo ops! And if you have smaller children, be sure to visit Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace that is known for its pools and Patirthan temple, with the real treat being a school of friendly koi fish that the kids can feed.

Day 5: East Coast Snorkeling Excursion, Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Get ready for an active morning as you explore the underwater world of Bali's east coast. Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning, and you'll drive to the harbor where, after a safety briefing and equipment check, you'll board a boat and set sail to a local snorkel spot. Swim with brightly colored tropical fish and along coral reefs, and maybe even come face to face with a curious manta ray! Afterward, continue to Balli Asli restaurant, where you'll enjoy lunch prepared by their executive chef. 

If you didn't get a chance to visit Tirta Gangga yesterday, you'll have the opportunity to see it today. Built by a Balinese king in the 1940s, this is one of the largest water palaces in Bali, with lovely greenery, gardens, and a spring-fed pool that the kids can take a dip in if they'd like. Your guides will take you around the grounds, sharing stories about the palace and its history, and the little ones will have time to run and play. Return to Candidasa in time for a sunset walk on the beach and dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 6: Balinese Culinary Experience: "Day in the Life" Village, Salon & Markets 

Experience the real Bali with a culinary experience unlike any other. You'll take a "day in the life" tour of local areas that tourists don't often see, learning about Balinese cuisine and how the foods grown here are used in different ways. Meet with the executive chef of Balli Asli restaurant, who'll provide your family with a few options on how to spend the day. You can visit the village of Pangi, where you'll learn how to make palm wine, walk through rice fields, and soak your feet in the valley springs of Tauke, all followed by a traditional East Balinese cooking lesson. 

If you're interested in some pampering, try a beauty salon workshop, where you'll learn about the healing properties of Balinese herbs. Your instructors will show you how to make natural skincare and beauty products from ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, honey, coconut, exotic flowers, and more. You and the kids will have fun trying out your creations, then enjoy a mini foot massage and traditional Balinese megibung lunch.

Families who love the local markets also have the option of a shopping excursion to buy produce and other foods. Help your guides shop and taste different ingredients and see real Balinese society around the market. Return to the restaurant and learn to make canang (traditional flower offerings) before preparing lunch from the fresh items you helped pick out. 

Day 7: Transfer to Ubud, Free Time to Explore

Your next destination is the city of Ubud. Located in the uplands of Bali, Ubud is renowned for its arts and culture, incredible greenery, and welcoming people. After hotel check-out, you'll be picked up by a private driver for the one-hour drive, where you'll enjoy views of the island's twisting roads, quaint villages, and terraced rice fields. Once you and your family have settled at your accommodations, head out to see more of this charming city. 

You can take the kids out to explore some of the town's boutiques and cafés or visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art, which has exhibits dedicated to the preservation of Balinese art and culture. Stroll through the lively Ubud Market while vendors hawk their wares, and see Ubud Palace, which was once the home of the royal family and features intricately carved walls and doorways. Finish the day by sampling a traditional Indonesian meal—dishes to try include bebek goreng (crispy duck) and satays of grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp.

Day 8: Spiritual Journey to Bali Temples, Holy Spring Ceremony & Meditation

Immerse your family in Bali's spiritual history with a tour that takes you to the country's holiest temples. Learn about the relationships between Buddhist and Hindu religions, as well as the role the spiritual world plays in the lives of Balinese people. You'll start with a visit to Bali's first Hindu temple, where you'll meet your guide, an experienced researcher of Balinese spiritualism and curator of the Sukarno Museum, the former home of Indonesia's first president.

Your guide will escort you to a jungle temple, once an ancient meeting point for Balinese priests to convene and write the following year's calendar. Hear how people have historically sought connection to God and the spirit world through the temple, as he explains ways to open one's mind to spiritual paths.

From here, you'll continue to Tirtha Mengening, a small temple located next to spring-fed pools. Built in 1023, the name roughly translates into "child waters" and is used as part of a cleansing ritual conducted by the priests, which you'll get to observe and take part in if you wish. After the ceremony, you and the kids are free to take a plunge in the cool waters and soak in the serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch in a special resting spot, surrounded by rice fields, as the priest conducts a blessing ceremony, then end with a visit to the priest's home, where you'll be guided in quiet meditation. 

Day 9: Bali Zoo Elephant Mud Fun 

Get ready for an entertaining and educational day as you join the Sumatran elephants of the Bali Zoo for some down-and-dirty fun! Make your way to the zoo in the morning and meet the elephant's knowledgeable mahout handlers, who will educate you and the kids on these gentle giants, sharing fascinating stories about their habits and why they love to play in the mud. After a briefing on how to safely interact, you and the kids will get the experience of a lifetime as you get to join the elephants in their mud baths.

The kids will have a blast meeting the elephants and playing in the mud alongside them, and the whole family will remember this day for years to come. Afterward (and after clean up!), have lunch at one of the zoo's restaurants before returning to your hotel. Parents should note that there are height restrictions for the mud fun experience, and children under 4 feet tall (120 cm) are not permitted into the mud zone area.

Day 10: E-Biking at Jatiluwih, River Rafting Expedition

Travel to Jatiluwih today, a UNESCO Heritage Site that encompasses more than 740 acres (300 ha) and is famous for its beautiful rice terraces. Your guides will pick you up in the morning and drive you to Batukaru Temple, where your family will get outfitted with e-bikes and begin a cycling tour of this gorgeous and diverse region.

Ride through dense jungles, giant bamboo forests, quaint villages, and green valleys as your guide shares interesting facts and stories about the area. During the ride, you'll all go at your own pace, and even younger riders will be able to keep up comfortably. End at a hilltop, where the carved rice terraces stretch out for miles, divided by the intricate system of irrigation paths. 

Families looking for a little more excitement can take a rafting tour, with options to visit the rivers of the Ayung Valley, perfect for less experienced rafters, or the Telaga Raja, which is more challenging. Meet your guides and make the drive to your chosen shoreline. After a safety briefing and equipment overview, you'll hop into an inflatable raft for a thrilling river ride! Zoom along rapids, cruise through rainforests, and splash over stunning waterfalls, all while surrounded by the incredible scenery and wildlife of the river. Afterward, you'll be treated to a delicious Indonesian lunch buffet.

Day 12: Balinese Cultural Tour: Markets, Rice Fields & Historic Sites

Experience a guided tour of Balinese daily life, starting with a walk through one of the village's colorful markets. See local people buying and selling their goods, and purchase some fun keepsakes and souvenirs for family and friends as your guide shares insight into the traditions and cultures of the island. From here, you'll continue to a local subak cultivation system, where you can see how the Balinese farmers grow their rice using an ancient and sustainable method. Trek through the greenery of the rice fields, letting the kids enjoy the fresh air and watching the farmers as they work. 

After your visit to the rice fields, stop for coffee and snacks at a local café, then visit Pura Batu Ngaus, a mysterious fertility temple that stands on a remote rock in the ocean. Learn about the history and significance of this rare and special place, then end your tour at nearby Canggu and the Tugu Living Museum, a combination of museum and hotel that showcases some incredible artwork and antiques. The adults can have a meal or beverage here, and the kids can even go for a swim.

Day 13: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Jimbaran Dinner Show

Make the most of your last day in Indonesia with a visit to the talented kecak dancers of Bali. You'll meet with your guides at the hotel, and they'll transport you to Uluwatu, a beautiful headland in the south of Bali that's home to the sacred temple of Pura Uluwatu. This cliffside shrine overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers endless views of the sea and countryside.

At a nearby amphitheater, you'll watch a sunset kecak fire dance performance, a form of Balinese Hindu dance that tells the story of the abduction of the goddess Sita and the battles that followed. Afterward, you'll be served a memorable beachside seafood dinner, and the kids can run and play along the shore.

Day 14: Depart Bali

Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Indonesia. Your driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning, transferring you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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