Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO JAKARTA
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia.
If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in Jakarta you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today.
DAY 2: EXPLORE JAKARTA
Immerse yourself in the city on a full-day tour with your expert leader. Discover Sunda Kelapa port, temple-filled Chinatown, and the old town of Batavia. Explore Fatahillah Square, visit a Chinese mansion (Chandra Naya), and marvel at Peranakan architecture. In the evening, indulge in a variety of local cuisines.
DAY 3: JAKARTA - PANGANDARAN
Travel to Gambir Train Station, then take a train to Purwokerto City (approximately 5.5 hours). From there, hop on a private minibus to Pangandaran, a charming coastal village popular for coastal getaways. The Penanjung Nature Reserve awaits, offering diverse flora and fauna.
DAY 4: EXPLORE PANGANDARAN
Embark on a tour of local villages, cottage industries, and the stunning Green Canyon. Start at a local market, then journey to Green Canyon. Explore the river on a wooden boat called “Ketinting,” enjoying the lush greenery and interacting with locals.
DAY 5: PANGANDARAN – YOGYAKARTA
After departing Pangandaran, you’ll travel to Sidareja Train Station to board your train to Yogyakarta. Sit back and enjoy the journey as you make your way to Java’s cultural heart, known for its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
On arrival, you’ll visit the stunning Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in legend, with its towering spires and intricate carvings bringing ancient stories to life.
DAY 6: EXPLORE YOGYAKARTA
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, as you explore its intricate carvings and impressive terraces.
Afterwards, return to Yogyakarta to discover the city’s rich history, including a visit to the 18th-century Kraton Yogyakarta, the royal palace of the Sultan.
You’ll also explore the fascinating Taman Sari Water Castle, once a royal garden where princesses bathed and the Sultan would choose his companions.
DAY 7: YOGYAKARTA – BROMO
After checking out of your hotel, you’ll transfer to the station and board a scenic train journey to Mojokerto, which takes around 3.5 hours.
On arrival, you’ll continue by road to the Bromo region, heading towards Mount Bromo.
Sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way to your hotel, ready for tomorrow’s early morning adventure.
DAY 8: BROMO – UBUD
It’s an early start as you wake at 3am to witness a breathtaking sunrise over a surreal, moon-like landscape, with the smoking Mount Bromo rising in the distance.
You’ll then trek across the vast Sea of Sand and, if you’re feeling energetic, climb the 246 steps to peer into the crater of Mount Bromo itself.
After your adventure, you’ll continue on to Juanda International Airport for your flight to Bali, the country’s largest Hindu island.
On arrival in Ubud, Bali’s artistic and cultural heart, you’ll have time to unwind and relax at your hotel.
DAY 9: UBUD
Start your day with a guided walking tour around Ubud, immersing yourself in village life as you pass through lush rice fields and traditional Balinese homes.
Visit a local home to enjoy freshly brewed Balinese coffee and learn about daily life and customs. Then, take part in the preparation of offerings before bringing them to the sacred Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple. Here, participate in a traditional purification ritual, washing the offerings in holy water and following local customs to cleanse the spirit and bring blessings.
DAY 10: UBUD – SIBETAN VILLAGE
Begin the day with a cycling tour through Ubud’s backstreets, charming villages, and lush rice fields. Much of the route is downhill, with plenty of opportunities to pause and capture the scenery. Along the way, discover intricately carved temples and experience the rhythm of daily village life.
After the ride, continue to Sibetan Village, Bali’s largest salak plantation. This village participates in a homestay initiative, welcoming visitors into their homes. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner with the villagers, experiencing authentic Balinese hospitality and local flavours.
DAY 11: SIBETAN VILLAGE – SANUR
After bidding farewell to your local homestay in Sibetan Village, travel to the coastal town of Sanur.
Spend the afternoon exploring Sanur’s charming beachfront, dotted with cafés and restaurants, perfect for sampling local treats. In the evening, visit the lively Pasar Malam Night Market, where a variety of local dishes and street foods await, offering a true taste of Balinese cuisine.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE DAY
This marks the end of our Indonesian adventure.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 4* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 4* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 2* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 HomestayBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Indonesia?
Indonesian cuisine is vibrant, diverse and packed with flavour — influenced by centuries of local tradition and cultural exchange across the archipelago. Expect fragrant rice dishes, spicy sambals, rich coconut curries, fresh seafood and street-food favourites at every turn. From the smoky sweetness of nasi goreng to the hearty, layered flavours of rendang and the delicate textures of fresh tropical fruit, meals in Indonesia are as varied as the landscapes you’ll explore.
Food is a big part of the travel experience here, whether you’re sampling local warung dishes in bustling markets or enjoying a sit-down dinner with traditional Balinese or Javanese influences. Many meals are built around rice and bold seasoning, with chillies, lemongrass, turmeric and coconut central to the flavour profile. If you’re curious to dive deeper into what makes Indonesian food unique — what to try, where to eat it and how to navigate flavours and spice levels — you can read our full article here: What Is the Food Like in Indonesia?
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Best Of Indonesia?
The Best of Indonesia trip is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a broad range of travellers, with highlights that balance cultural experiences, scenic exploration and light adventure. It’s not a physically demanding journey — you won’t need to be an athlete — but it does involve a mix of walking, transfers, and varied terrain that reward a moderate level of fitness and comfort with being on the move.
You’ll spend most days exploring temples, markets and coastal scenery on foot, often on flat or gently undulating surfaces, with plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos and enjoy the local rhythm of life. Activities like wandering through rice terraces, lakeside temples or historic sites involve walking at a relaxed pace rather than rigorous hiking, and there are options for quieter moments where you can choose your own adventure.
Some excursions, like volcano viewpoints or nature walks, may involve short uphill sections, stairs, uneven paths or early starts, but nothing requires technical skill or specialised equipment. If you can comfortably walk 3–5 kilometres (2–3 miles) a day, manage a few flights of steps and are happy exploring on foot, you’ll find this trip very doable and deeply rewarding.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Best of Indonesia
This adventure is designed to give you a rich, varied experience of Indonesia, combining culture, nature and adventure, while taking care of the logistics along the way so you can focus on the journey.
- All accommodation throughout the trip, in a mix of comfortable hotels and locally run properties
- Selected meals as outlined in the itinerary
- All transport within Indonesia as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Internal flight from Surabaya to Bali
- Guided sightseeing and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to included temples, cultural sites and attractions
- Local guides and drivers throughout the trip
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ and TB departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Best of Indonesia
International flights
Flights to and from Indonesia are not included, giving you flexibility on departure airport and airline.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and must cover adventure activities included on this trip.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Personal expenses
Snacks, drinks, souvenirs, laundry and other personal purchases.
Optional activities
Any optional experiences not included in the main itinerary.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
Will there be an internal flight on this trip?
There will be an internal flight (included in the trip cost). The luggage allowance for this will be slightly lower than for international flights, but will be confirmed once the flight is booked.
Can I drink the tap water?
No – you should drink either filtered or bottled water. Bottled water is readily available, and provided as standard in hotel rooms, but use of a filter bottle such as Water-to-Go reduces cost and environmental impact.
Are there any special dress requirements?
Because you will be visiting sacred sites you will be at times be expected to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered, no footwear, no hat). You might prefer to wear appropriate clothing at all times, or instead carry a sarong or other garment for cover up with you. A thick pair of socks will protect your feet from the hot floor when visiting temples.
