1-week itinerary between Java and Bali

You only have 8 days or 1 week of vacation and want to get to know Java as well as Bali ? Then you chose the perfect itinerary. From Jakarta, to the Balinese capital, explore the two islands stopping by the main Indonesian cities. 😍

Looking for a longer itinerary in Bali ? Check out our 3 weeks itinerary !

Itinerary of this week between Java and Bali

Jakarta > Yogyakarta > Malang > Denpasar

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Jakarta ?

Indonesia’s capital, you need to stop by this city of different cultures. 

• Visit the old part of the city, the « Kota tua » and discover its architecture, reflecting the city’s history. Walk by Fatahillah Square where you will get a taste of this neighbourhood’s agitation, everyone on a colorful bike.
• Stroll around the typical neighbourhood of Glodok, experience the hustle and bustes of the streets and discover the shops. Nearby, you will also find Petak Sembilan market.
• Go back in time in Café Batavia where you can taste delicious traditional food in a colonial setting.
• Discover the National Museum of Indonesia, also called Gedung Gajah (« elephant house ») where you will learn a lot about the Indonesian culture.
• Admire the Monas, the National Monument, symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence. Go up to its flame and enjoy the panoramic view over Jakarta.
• Go up Sunda Kelapa lighthouse and get a view over the port district.
• Become a true Indonesian at the Istiqlal Mosque, put the traditional outfit on and get to explore the building with the locals.
• Get lost in the huge Mall of Indonesia while shopping.
• Head to the seaside and enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and their swings, facing the ocean.
• Eat out at the Kembeng Goela on Jakarta‘s main square.

What to do in Yogyakarta ?

Head to the beautiful city of Yogyakarta … How did you pronounce that ? … Yeah better practice a little !

• Visit the city’s impressive palace called the Kraton. Its architecture and inkeriror design will leave you speechless !
• Always felt like an artist ? Go explore the streets of Yogyakarta and admire the street art . Two neighbourhoods are especially famous for their art : Taman Sari, with its water castle and Prawirotaman. The drawings depict historic figures or even tell stories … they can be hard to understand but oh well they are gorgeous !
• Go to the Bringharjo market and get unique souvenirs like clothes made out of batik, the traditional Indonesian fabric.
• Learn about Batik, in the Batik Winotosastro.
• If you want to see one of the most gorgeous sunrises of your life, go up to the Borubudur temple at 3am. You will not regret getting up that early !

Continue your visit of Yogyakarta :

• Want to have fun ? Head to Alun-Alun Selatan and get in a bling car. These are small cars illuminated with anything from Hello Kitty to Pokemon, they blast loud music to go with that … Insane !
• Feeling playful ? On  Alun-Alun Selatan you can get a blindfold and try to walk between the two big trees. If you can do it, you dearest wish will come true !
• Explore the city in a becak (cycle rickshawes). It’s kind of like a tuk-tuk expect you have to pedal.
• Get an ice-cream at Tempo Del Gelato.
• Coffee lovers, get your coffee at Klinik Kopi.
• Eat one of the traditional dishes, the Gudeg, at Gudeg Pawon. It’s a dish made of chicken, spices, coconut milk and pal sugar. Only thing, the restaurant si only open from 10am to noon.
• An hour and 25min away, visit the largest Buddhist monument in the world, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur. 

What to do in Malang ?

Malang is a city where a lot of travelers stop because it’s the easiest place to get to the island of Java from. 

• Get on a rickshaw and explore the city.
• Discover the birds’ market and enjoy the happy atmosphere.
• Stroll around the city and get lost in its small streets.
• You can not go to Malang without going to Mount Bromo. Ideally you’d get a car with a driver for this step. You will have to get up early beauce it’s a 2 hour drive to get to the pive point where you’ll get to see a stunning sunrise over the Bromo. An unforgettable experience. .

What to do in Denpasar ?

Denpasar is the last city you meet in this itinerary. And for good reason, it’s here that you take the plane for new adventures ! This city is interesting to the south of Bali. You can choose to stay in the city or move around. Total change assured !

• Discover the city market, Pasar Badung, where you will meet new fruits and vegetables. The rest of the day, you can find all the handmade products and other souvenirs to bring back from the trip.
• To learn about the history of Bali culture, head to Museum Bali near the market.
• The Birds Market, as its name suggests, is a market for birds but also for pets. Take a walk in this typical little market.
• Visit the Jagatnatha Temple in the city center.
• Get out at the “Amsterdam Modern Bakery Restaurant“, a bakery by day, a concert hall in the evening.
• To party, you can not miss the Skygarden in the largest city of Kuta Island at 25 minutes drive. Small peculiarity, the rooftop is reserved for “Westerners”, if you want to party with the Balinese and Javanese, go to the level below…
• 1 hour south, discover Uluwatu nestled on the cliff, famous for its legendary surf spot. A place out of time with incredible temples.
• 1 hour north, discover the city of Ubud known for its rice fields and Monkey Forest.

Learn more…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country, by clicking here.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment bellow ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !