The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Indonesia
In this Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Indonesia, you’ll find a travel guide for each major region in Indonesia, tips for what to see and do during your visit, and a sample itinerary to get you started.
With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is one of the most diverse destinations in Southeast Asia. It’s a wonder that Bali is so well known around the world, but not Indonesia itself. Admittedly, my own travels were inspired by Bali as well, but when planning my travels, I didn’t get far into my research before I realized that there is so much more to Indonesia than just Bali.
In the back of my mind, I was also wondering - is Bali really as amazing as everyone says? Am I going to be disappointed by all this hype? Although this was an honest concern of mine, I can enthusiastically say that Bali is absolutely wonderful and that it surpassed my expectations. It really is the paradise that everyone describes and that you see in photos.
Before I arrived in Bali, I spent a lot of time on Java island and this is where I discovered one of my all time favorite temples in the world. Off the coast of Java is Borneo if you’re interested to see orangutans in the wild, and heading further out from Bali you’ll find not only Lombok and the Gili Islands, but also an entire chains of islands with stunning beaches, exotic wildlife, and some of the world’s best diving.
When you’re ready to beginning planning your travels to Indonesia, fill out our Design My Trip form and we’ll work together to design a customized itinerary just for you.
If you’re interested to learn more about designing your travels to Indonesia with a professional travel advisor, read 5 hidden perks of working with a travel advisor and learn more about working with our team HERE.
Who should travel to Indonesia?
Indonesia has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for pure relaxation from start to finish, adventures on the daily from sunrise to sunset, or something in between, a unique, once-in-a-lifetime itinerary can be designed in Indonesia.
Honeymoon in Indonesia
Indonesia is a fantastic location to celebrate your honeymoon as there are so many options (islands!!) to consider. Whether this will be your first time traveling in Asia or if you know the region well, Indonesia is diverse, adventurous, and luxurious.
If a relaxing vacation including the most luxurious resorts and enjoying the spa and the beach are what you have in mind, we’ll send you straight to Bali and will build your experience around two different resorts. To include a dash of adventure or a cityscape, consider adding in a few nights in Yogyakarta or look for flights with a stopover in Singapore or Hong Kong to balance out the itinerary.
If you’re interested to adventure and to explore with some relaxation and luxury for the last few days, we recommend starting in Borneo (via Jakarta) to see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in the wild, continue on to Yogyakarta to visit some of the country’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites and then onto East Java to explore the volcanic scenery before ending your travels in Bali for time to relax and rejuvenate.
Family Travel in Indonesia: Exploring Indonesia with kids
Immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the various religious customs and temples present across the different islands provides a diverse, varied experience for families. If this is what you have in mind, we’ll design an itinerary around Yogyakarta and Bali. If you’d like to include some exotic wildlife in your travels, we’ll be sure to include Borneo for the chance to see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in the wild and/or West Bali National Park for some spectacular snorkeling opportunities.
Read more: 5 ways a travel advisor can up level your next trip
Adventure Travel in Thailand
As Indonesia is so well known for Bali, you might not know that it’s also known to offer some of the greatest underwater adventures in Southeast Asia! East Java provides a spectacular opportunity to hike a variety of different volcanic landscapes and Borneo will immerse you in national parks full of exotic wildlife. Whether you’re an avid hiker, scuba diver, wildlife enthusiast or all of the above, Indonesia should certainly be a top contender for your next adventure.
If adventure, wildlife, and diving are inspiring your travels to Indonesia, a unique itinerary including Borneo, East Java, and Raja Ampat will have you visiting many areas that most travelers don’t know exist!
Cruising in Indonesia
As an island destination that offers some of the most spectacular diving opportunities in the world, exploring Indonesia by ship should definitely be considered. Live aboards, luxury yachts for families and groups of friends, and larger clipper ships are all possibilities to consider. As Indonesia does experience a monsoon season, and as their seasons vary widely from one region to another, including a water-based experience may steer you toward traveling during specific months of the year, so be sure to consider this early in your planning if it’s a top priority.
Although some of the best diving can indeed be found in Indonesia, you don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the outer islands. Expedition cruise ship itineraries change each year, so if this is something you’d be interested to explore, reach out by filling out the Design My Trip form and we’ll set up a call to discuss options that we can consider for your travels.
Top tips from my travels in Indonesia
In Bali, it’s a must to include a stay at two different resorts. While this feels cumbersome, Central Bali (near the temples and rice terraces) offers a completely different experience than Coastal Bali which provides direct access to the beach and far fewer culturally immersive experiences.
If you plan to spend more than one week in Indonesia, include one more destination to balance out your travel experience. This could be another island in Indonesia or a stopover in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Whether for one day or 7, consider including some time out on the water. As a country with 17,000+ islands, exploring the archipelagos is really a must to fully capture the magic of Indonesia.
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
Dry season throughout most of Indonesia begins in April and ends in October. These are the best times to visit the main attractions of Java and Bali, and this season provides the best conditions for diving and enjoying an extended time onboard a ship to go island hopping. July and August are the peak months of this season as they correspond with school holidays, so planning well in advance is advisable if your schedule only allows travel at this time.
As it’s such a large and spread out country, it makes sense that the seasons and the weather are not consistent across the board. During the monsoon season in Bali and Java, you’ll find pleasant temperatures and diving conditions in Raja Ampat, so this is a great option if your ideal travel time falls from November - April.
How long should I spend in Indonesia?
No matter where you’re traveling from (except maybe Australia), arriving in Indonesia will require a fairly long journey, so I recommend a minimum of 10 days. If you can plan for 2-3 weeks total, this will provide an opportunity to explore multiple islands, include a multi-night journey onboard a ship to go island hopping, and plenty of time to relax and rejuvenate.
What other countries should I visit while I’m in this region?
Indonesia offers such a rich and diverse experience that I don’t recommend trying to split your time with a nearby country unless it makes sense with your flight itinerary.
Many international flights will include a stopover in Hong Kong or Singapore which offers a great opportunity to include a cityscape while also offering a quick break in the long flight times.
Photo credit: Maksim Shutov of Unsplash.
What are the best places to visit in Indonesia?
Bali
Bali is Indonesia’s most popular destination, and rightfully so, as it offers everything from street food to high end cuisine, stunning rice paddies and temples to explore, and beautiful beaches, some full of high end resorts and shopping while others are more quiet and isolated. Commonly referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is a deeply spiritual place where religious practices and ceremonial rites at elaborate Hindu temples take place daily.
Although Bali is a small island, I highly recommend including a stay in two different locations during your visit - one stay in the central area of the island, near Ubud, and one directly on the beach.
Not to miss experiences in Bali:
Hike through the stunning rice terraces
Explore Balinese cuisine with a food tour or a culinary demonstration
Visit Uluwatu Temple to enjoy vistas overlooking the Indian Ocean
Learn about traditional wood carvings from local artisans
Partake in a traditional offering ceremony at a local temple
Recommended hotel in Central Bali: Four Seasons Sayan, Capella Ubud
Recommended hotel in Southern Bali: Alila Seminyak
Recommended Stay: 4-7 nights, split between two hotels in different locations
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the cultural and intellectual center of Java and is home to both Hindu and Buddhist religion and culture, as evidenced in the architectural legacies of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, and the Prambanan temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deeply influenced by its religious and royal history, Yogyakarta is considered the soul of Javanese culture where traditional handicrafts and textiles, along with Javanese dance, theatre, and shadow puppetry can be found.
Borobudur Temple takes a bit of extra effort to visit as it’s incredible to be there for sunrise and it’s located approximately one hour outside of Yogyakarta, but it is one of my favorite temples in Asia and absolutely worth visiting.
Not to miss experiences in Yogyakarta:
Sunrise at Borobudur Temple
Explore the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex and enjoy a traditional Ramayana performance
Explore the tranquil grounds of Taman Sari water palace
Discover the secrets of Javanese herbal medicine
Visit Javanese artisan villages on the outskirts of Yogyakarta
Recommended Stay: 3-4 nights
Recommended hotel near Yogyakarta: Amanjiwo
Photo credit: Dawn Armfield of Unsplash.
Borneo
If you’re looking for adventure and are intrigued by an opportunity to experience a wildlife encounter during your travels, head to Borneo upon arrival in Indonesia and start your adventure with a boat trip through Tanjung Puting National Park to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys and other exotic animals in the wild. Along with the opportunity to encounter orangutans in the wild, cruise jungle-shrouded rivers, learn about conservation efforts and soak up the sounds of the rainforest.
As this will likely be the most adventurous part of your travels, I recommend including this experience at the very beginning of your time in Indonesia when you’ll have the most energy and enthusiasm. As you work your way toward Bali and/or the outer islands, your days will slow and the luxurious accommodations will feel ever more inviting.
Recommended Stay: 2-4 nights
Photo credit: Pukpik of Unsplash.
East Java
You’ll want to pack your hiking boots for a volcanic adventure through East Java. From a pre-dawn trek to Mt Merbabu’s summit to enjoy sunrise views over four neighbouring volcanos and the Dieng Plateau to climbing to the top of Mt Semeru at sunrise and watch as Java’s most active volcano explodes every twenty minutes.
Following your volcanic adventures, continue east toward Bali to visit Mt Bromo and the rim of it’s crater and then on to Mt Ijen’s large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines. During the walk on Mt Ijen, it is highly likely to encounter local miners carrying loads of up to 70 kg, often barefooted, down the mountainside. Upon reaching the top (2,368m), enjoy views of the Crater Lake which is 200 meters deep and contains about 36 million cubic meters of steaming, acidic water.
With this adventurous route, you’ll have the opportunity to continue on to Bali by ferry and explore the West National Park of Bali and Menjangan Island where Bali’s best snorkeling opportunities can be found.
Recommended Stay: 4-10 days depending on how much hiking and how many different volcanoes you’d like to include
Photo credit: Ridho Ibrahim of Unsplash.
Raja Ampat
The Raja Ampat Islands, located in an Indonesian archipelago off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, are comprised of thousands of jungle-covered islands, beaches and coral reefs rich with marine life and exotic birds.
These islands are well known in the scuba diving community, but being a diver is not required to enjoy the untouched beauty and underwater world of this archipelago.
Before adding Raja Ampat into an itinerary, consider if you’d like to stay at a resort which will serve as your “home base” or if you’d be interested in a multi-night itinerary on board a small boat to further explore the archipelago.
Recommended Stay: 3-7 nights
Photo credit: Free to Use Sounds of Unsplash.
What to eat in Indonesia
When looking for restaurants and specific dishes to order, I highly recommend relying on your private guide and the hotel concierge. They’ll be able to recommend the most well known restaurants and can assist with confirming reservations. Don’t be afraid to ask where their favorite dishes can be found - it’s often not at the restaurants that are most well known!
Nasi Goreng
Indonesian fried rice will be hard to avoid during your travels, and it will likely be served with a different twist each time. White rice and palm sweet soy serve as the base to a variety of meat, seafood, and/or vegetables - usually what they have available in the kitchen!
Satay
Similar to what you’ll find in other Asian destinations, satay is skewered meat (chicken, mutton, beef, fish, pork, etc) and is grilled with a special mix of spices. These skewers are often served with soy sauce, peanut sauce, chilis, etc.
You’ll find these on the street as well as on an appetizer list in most restaurants.
Salak (Snake Fruit)
While not a dish, persay, it’s often just as exciting to try the fruits and vegetables in a new destination as it is to try new dishes!
Salak was my favorite fruit discovery while traveling in Indonesia. They are mildly sweet and crunchy and reminded me a bit of an apple.
Click HERE for the full photo album from my travels in Indonesia.
14 day luxury itinerary in Indonesia
Day 1: Arrive Singapore
Day 2: Enjoy a full day, privately guided visit of Singapore’s highlights
Day 3: Fly Singapore to Yogyakarta; upon arrival, visit the Sultan’s Palace, the Water Palace, and explore the countryside on a leisurely bike ride
Day 4: Full day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Hindu & Buddhist temples in Yogyakarta
Day 5: Sunrise and privately guided visit of Borobudur Temple
Day 6: Fly Yogyakarta to Bali, transfer to your resort in Central Bali
Day 7: Privately guided hike through Bali’s most beautiful rice terrace landscapes, admire Mt Batur volcano and watch the sunset at Tanah Lot temple
Day 8: Blessing at Tirta Empul & privately guided visit of Ubud
Day 9: Enjoy a full day at leisure at your resort or exploring Ubud
Day 10: Enjoy a full day at leisure at your resort or exploring Ubud
Day 11: Transfer to your resort in Southern Bali
Day 12: Morning at leisure, privately guided afternoon visit to Pura Uluwatu and enjoy the Balinese Kecak Performance in the evening.
Day 13: Enjoy the full day at your leisure
Day 14: Enjoy the full day at your leisure
14 day adventure itinerary in Indonesia
Day 1: Arrive Jakarta
Day 2: Fly Jakarta - Borneo; Scenic boat right through Tanjung Puting National Park to your eco lodge
Day 3: Full day privately guided visit of the Orangutan research center and exploring the national park by river to spot proboscis monkeys and other exotic wildlife
Day 4: Fly Borneo - Semarang, Borobudur
Day 5: Sunrise at Borobudur Temple and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure
Day 6: Full day at leisure
Day 7: Short drive from Borobudur to Yogyakarta; privately guided visit of the Sultan’s Palace and the Water Palace
Day 8: Full day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Hindu & Buddhist temples of Yogyakarta
Day 9: Travel by train between Yogyakarta and Jombang, passing volcanic landscapes and chatting to the local passengers
Day 10: Travel by jeep to the rim of Mt Bromo for sunrise and continue west to catch a ferry to Bali
Day 11: Enjoy the full day at leisure exploring West Bali National Park
Day 12: Enjoy the morning at leisure; transfer to your Central Bali resort in the afternoon
Day 13: Morning blessing at Tirta Empul & privately guided visit of Ubud
Day 14: Enjoy the full day at leisure at your resort or exploring Ubud
Thank you to EXO, one of our preferred partners in Indonesia, for the detailed descriptions of each region.
