Visit Indonesia in 3 weeks
You are planning a 3-week vacation and want to discover Bali, Java and Lombok? Then you chose the perfect itinerary.
From Jakarta to the Gili Islands, you will know the islands by heart by the end of your trip. Discover the three islands’ must-sees. You will love it!
Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting this in 3-week road trip in Indonesia:
- Visit Kraton, the huge palace in Yogyakarta
- Stroll around the Arabian district in Surabaya, and enjoy its nice atmosphere
- Climb up the Mount Brommo at sunrise in Cemoro Lawang
- Discover Kalibaru’s coffee plantations and cane sugar making
- Snorkel to see Pemuteran’s beautiful sea life
- Get your breath taken away while hiking along the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud
- Discover Candidasa, between tradition and thrilling activities
- Explore the North of Lombok island and visit traditional villages
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3-week itinerary to discover Java, Bali and Lombok in Indonesia
Yogyakarta > Surabaya > Cemoro Lawang > Kalibaru > Pemuteran > Ubud > Candidasa > Senggigi
Some practical information before your road trip in Indonesia
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 best period to do this road trip in Indonesia is between may and september. It is dry season so the temperatures are nicer, there is less rain and humidity. Ocean’s temperature is perfect all-year long. More information here.
In addition to its gorgeous landscapes, Indonesia has amazing food ! Here are 3 dishes that you should absolutely try during your road trip. First, Nasi Goreng, made of fried rice, onions, vegetables and chicken topped-off with a fried egg. Then, Sate, meat kebab served with rice, vegetables and the most amazing peanut sauce. Finally, there is the Soto, a broth with rice vermicelli, cabbage, soya, meat and spices.
Contents: 3-week road trip in Indonesia
1- Yogyakarta – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
2- Surabaya – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
3- Cemoro Lawang – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
4- Kalibaru – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
5- Pemuteran – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
6- Ubud – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
7- Candidasa – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
8- Senggigi – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip in Indonesia
Itinerary of a 3-week road trip in Indonesia: step by step
Stop 1: Yogyakarta
What to do in Yogyakarta?
Start your 3-week road trip in Indonesia with 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 interior design will leave you speechless!
- Always felt like an artist? Go explore the streets of Yogyakartaand 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 with:
- 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 try to walk between the two big trees while being blindfolded. If you can do it, supposedly your dearest wish will come true!
- Explore the city in a becak (cycle rickshawes). It’s kind of like a tuk-tuk but 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 palm sugar. Only thing, the restaurant is only open from 10am to noon.
- An hour and 25min away, visit the largest Buddhist monument in the world, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur.
Where to sleep in Yogyakarta?
- Mid-range: Stay in a heavenly setting amidst lush tropical gardens at Jogja Village. With colourful Javanese-style interiors, all rooms are comfortable and equipped with mosquito net beds.
- High-end: Experience the excellence of the Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. Enjoy its excellent service and professionalism just a few kilometres from famous landmarks such as Vredeburg Fort, Science Park and Sultan’s Palace.
Stop 2: Surabaya
What to do in Surabaya?
Surabaya is one of the biggest cities of Java. It is mainly a stop to get to Mount Bromo. This is a unique landscape to see during this 3-week road trip in Indonesia.
- Go shopping at the mall called Tunjungan Plaza.
- Walk around the old city of Surabaya where you’ll discover the Arabian district and its welcoming atmosphere.
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Visit the Sampoerna House, a cigarette factory and a museum explaining tobacco production.
- Take a tour of the Masjid Cheng Hoo Mosque, which is a perfect blend of Javanese and traditional Chinese architecture. It is dedicated to the Chinese Muslims. Just next door, don’t miss the observation platform which offers a great view of the city!
- Don’t miss the other beautiful places of worship in Surabaya: the Gerea Kelahiran Church and the Al Akbar Mosque.
- Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and head to the mangrove of Wonorejo. You can take a boat tour or a walk to explore the area. You will also find delicious local dishes on the spot.
- To admire the sunset, we advise you to go to the Suramada bridge. By going to its foot, you will have a superb view! It’s the longest bridge in Indonesia, of 5.5km long and connects Java to the Madura Islands.
Where to sleep in Surabaya?
- Mid-range: Located 500 metres from the Sharp Bamboo monument and 3 kilometres from the centre, Hotel Kampi Surabaya offers a restaurant, free private parking, a gym and clean, spacious rooms.
- High-end: Surrounded by landscaped gardens, Hotel Majapahit Surabaya MGallery offers spacious rooms with marble bathrooms, a spa and a wellness club with an outdoor pool.
Stop 3: Cemoro Lawang
What to do in Cemoro Lawang?
To explore Mount Bromo, Cemora Lawang is the best place to spend the night and leave early in the morning, before the sun rises.
- Go for a night hike, walk for an hour up to the top of Mount Pananjakan or rent a car to get there in 15 min and get to see the sun getting up over the Bromo.
- Get across the dunes and up to the crater of Bromo, world’s most beautiful volcano, it’s a must on this 3-week road trip in Indonesia.
Where to sleep in Cemoro Lawang?
- Mid-range: Stay at Homestay Lereng Bromo. Located in a quiet village near Mount Brotto, the hosts are very welcoming. It has a restaurant, the rooms are clean and they can arrange excursions to Mount Brotto for you.
Stop 4: Kalibaru
What to do in Kalibaru?
Kalibaru is specialized in iron work, it sells white iron utensils. This is a particularly interesting stop on this-week road trip in Indonesia, culturally speaking.
- Visit the Margo Utomo Resort and its fruit and veggie plantations.
- Discover how palm sugar is made in one of the city’s factories.
- Hike through the city and meet the locals. They are very welcoming!
- Explore the coffee plantations and learn about its cultivating process.
Where to sleep in Kalibaru?
- Mid-range: In a peaceful location amidst the mountains, Rumah Senang Guesthouse offers a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor pool and a communal lounge. Enjoy the comfortable beds as well as the quality of the food offered.
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Stop 5: Pemuteran
What to do in Pemuteran?
Fishermen’s village, Pemuteran and its inhabitants love to welcome and meet travelers from all around the world. Its authenticity will make you fall for this village.
- Go snorkeling or diving and explore the translucent sea.
- Visit the city’s many temples, they are all different. There is a monkey temple, these cunning animals like to steal your shiny things and food…beware! One of the most beautiful temple is Pebean temple, right next to the sea.
- Make sure to get to Batu Kursi temple right before the sunset and get to see this beautiful show. It will be a wonderful memory of your 3-week road trip in Indonesia.
- Explorers, walk in the wild jungle and, just like Tarzan, swing from liana to liana.
Where to sleep in Pemuteran?
- Mid-range: Located 1.5 km from Pemuteran Beach, Tiara Homestay Pemuteran Bali offers a restaurant, garden and a front desk open h24, in a quiet and relaxing setting.
- High-end: With attentive staff and breathtaking mountain views, Sumberkima Hill Retreat offers luxury and tranquillity.
Stop 6: Ubud
What to do in Ubud?
A city of absolute calm, Ubud is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It surely will be one of the highlights of your 3-week road trip in Indonesia.
- In the city center, discover the Saraswati temple and its impressive interior design.
- Go meet your cousins, you know, monkeys! In the Monkey Forest.
- Early bird or night owls head to Ubud‘s market at 4am and get some fresh local products. And we’re not kidding, come that early because after 8:30 am, you won’t find any food but rather handbags and other souvenirs.
- Go see a Balinese dance show in one of the city’s temple.
- Hikers, you’ll love to walk on Campuhan Ridge Walk between hills and rice fields.
- Explore the rice route starting from Ubud and go for a hike : 2 hours in the jungle and rice fields. Enjoy the calm and serenity!
What more to do in Ubud?
- Art lovers, head to Blanco Renaissance Museum where you will get to admire Antonio Blanco’s artwork. Maybe you’ll also make a friends with a parrot.
- Need to freshen up? Get on a scooter or in a car and head to the Tegenungan waterfall.
- Be sure to check out the Bali Swing. Get on a swing at the top of a hill above the jungle. You’ll get amazing Instagram worthy pictures !
- Get yourself a balinese massage and get all of your stress out!
- Head to the view point of Mount Batur where you’ll get a stunning view and enjoy the hot springs.
- Visit Gunung Kawi temple and get an amazing panorama over the surrounding rice fields.
- Experience a Balinese night attending a traditional dance show.
- Rent a scooter and explore the surroundings : landscapes, rice fields, mountains and Besakih temple.
- Go for a beach/surfing afternoon in Canggu and appreciate the sun setting over the Tanah Lot temple.
- Bring balinese know-how home by participating a cooking class or a jewellery making class.
Where to sleep in Ubud?
- Mid-range: Set amidst lush tropical vegetation, Angsoka Bungalow offers Balinese-style accommodation overlooking the Petanu River. It has various common rooms with soothing views of the forest. Also enjoy the free shuttle bus to the palace and Ubud market.
- High-end: Surrounded by tropical vegetation, The Kayon Jungle Resort offers accommodation with an outdoor pool. In traditional Balinese style, this resort has a spa and a gym. It is also possible to rent bikes.
Stop 7: Candidasa
What to do in Candidasa?
Candidasa is a calm city with beautiful nature where you will be able to recharge your batteries before going on with your 3-week road trip in Indonesia.
- Walk on beautiful hidden beaches like Pasir Putih, white sand, vibrant blue water and palm trees …
- Sip on a fresh coconut juice, feet in the water and head under the warm sun.
- Get your snorkelling gear out and go explore the sea.
- Visit Goa Lawah temple and enjoy the stunning view of the sea.
- A lagoon in the city? Are you sure? Yes we are! Lotus Lagoon will be heaven on Earth.
- You love big thrills? Go rafting with your friends or family. Laughs, splashes and breathtaking landscapes will make a unforgettable memory.
- Right next to Candidasa, go back in time while visiting the village of Tenganan where Balinese indigenous tribes used to live.
- Hikers and explorers, go for the amazing hike up Mount Agung. Ready to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
- If you are not the hiker type, go to Mount Agung too but to visit Pura Besakih temple.
- Eat some roasted duck, called « Bebek Betutu », a local speciality.
- In the evening, attend one of the live concerts at Vincent’s, a jazzy restaurant.
Where to sleep in Candidasa?
- Mid-range: Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, Rama Shinta Hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, and traditional decor.
- High-end: If you want to relax like kings and queens, head to Villa Barong. This villa, surrounded by coconut trees has beautiful rooms and a large terrace with a swimming pool. You can also get a massage or go on book water activities.
Step 8 of the itinerary : Senggigi
What to do in Senggigi ?
Senggigi is THE seaside resort to relax in. So take advantage of the last stop on this 3-week road trip in Indonesia to recharge your batteries before returning to your daily routine!
- Walk on the beach and swing on one the swings, facing the ocean. What an experience !
- Stroll through the farmers market and enjoy the smell of the fresh fruits and veggies.
- Go surfing on Pandanan beach.
- Walk along the sea on the black sand of Magsit beach.
- Go fishing with the locals on their colorful boars called jukung.
- Visit Pura Batu, a rocky area where you can easily go diving/snorkelling.
- 3 and a half hours away, go up Mount Rinjani.
What activities in Senggigi?
- Lombok’s coastline is home to beautiful coral reefs and paradise islands, making it the perfect place for a snorkelling trip. We recommend this one, which allows you to discover different spots.
- Explore the wilder side of Lombok, inland. You can see beautiful waterfalls, lush vegetation and traditional villages. We recommend this tour, which takes you to the north of the island.
Where to sleep in Senggigi?
- Mid-range: Surrounded by vegetation, Cozy Cottages Lombok offers a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. With a modern and local style, this property is sure to please!
- High-end: With large outdoor pools and a private beach, Katamaran Hotel & Resort offers spacious beachfront accommodation. The on-site restaurants serve international dishes and you can enjoy a drink at the bar as the sun sets.
Learn more about your road trip to Indonesia…
- 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.
- You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week road trip in Indonesia? We recommend this one!
Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
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