Indonesia – Ultimate 1 Month Itinerary (2024): 30 days across Bali, Java, Lombok, Komodo
Welcome to the tropical paradise of Indonesia, where lush jungles, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture converge to create the perfect travel destination! With more than 17,000 islands, the Indonesian archipelago is so large and diverse that you’d probably need a lifetime to discover most of the islands.
This one-month itinerary covers the most beautiful sights of Bali, Java, Lombok, and Komodo Islands. From visiting ancient temples, seeing unique wildlife, trekking majestic volcanoes, to surfing the best waves and savoring delicious food, you’ll have a blissful time in Indonesia!
Canggu (4 Days)
Canggu is a former surfer town that has become the hippest place with a laid-back vibe in Bali. Home to long black sand beaches, the best cafés, restaurants, and the trendiest beach clubs, Canggu is the perfect place to start your one-month trip.
Spend a few days soaking up the cool atmosphere after your long flight, explore the markets, sip a cocktail at the beach to watch the sunset. Canggu is not the most authentic part of Bali, but it has certainly a lot to offer!
- Getting to Canggu
From the airport, the best way to get to Canggu is with a taxi, a shared transport or order a Gojek/ Gab. Canggu is relatively close to the airport, but it can take between 45 minutes to 1h30.
- Where to stay in Canggu?
There are so many great accommodations in Canggu from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels and luxury villas. You will easily find something for your taste and budget.
For a quiter option in Canggu, consider the Pererenan area.
Munduk (2 Days)
Munduk is a charming village nestled in the mountains in the north of Bali. Known for its serene atmosphere and cooler weather, Munduk has many impressive waterfalls, hiking trails, and sacred temples such as the famous Ulun Danu Bratan.
Most people come for a day trip from Ubud but staying at least one night gives you a chance to experience the local life and traditions in a quiet part of Bali.
Best waterfalls around Munduk:
- Banyumala Twin Waterfall
- Gitgit Waterfall
- Munduk Waterfall
- Aling Aling Waterfall
- Banyu Wana Amertha
- Getting to Munduk
From Canggu, you can either rent a scooter or hire a driver for the day and stop on the way to see rice terraces, temples, and waterfalls! Hiring a driver cost approximately 600,000 IDR – 40 USD per day.
- Where to stay in Munduk?
There are not as many options as in Canggu but Munduk offers a great selection of well-reviewed hotels and homestays that are often in the midst of rice fields or in the mountains.
Java Volcanoes – Mount Bromo & Kawa Ijen (3 Days)
From Munduk, join an epic adventure with Indo Travel Team to explore the Eastern side of the island of Java, the most populous island in Indonesia that is known for its majestic volcanoes and unique culture.
Over three days you’ll explore East Java, visit traditional villages, and trek the impressive Mount Bromo and Kawa Ijen with its acid lake. Expect to witness amazing sunrises from the top of volcanoes with incredible views of the valleys.
This was by far one of our best experiences in Indonesia – read about our trip to Java here.
- Getting to Java
Pick-up, transport, and drop-off are included for trips organized by Indo Travel Team.
Munduk is a great starting point as it’s only a couple of hours away from Java.
- Where to stay in Java
The two nights’ accommodation are included in the tour – you’ll stay in clean, comfortable homestays in Java.
Ubud (4 Days)
After three intense days hiking in Java, head to Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali. Spend a few days discovering the sacred temples, powerful waterfalls, lush Tegalalang rice terraces, and vibrant art markets.
Although Ubud is no longer a quiet town, it remains an authentic place and must-see in Indonesia with so many things to do.
Bonus: the food scene is incredible in Ubud!
- Getting to Ubud
You’ll be dropped off in Munduk after your Java trip where you left your main luggage. The best way to get to Ubud, in Central Bali, is to hire a driver from Munduk – the journey takes approximately 1h30.
- Where to stay in Ubud
Ubud offers a great selection of hotels, guesthouses, and luxury villas for all budgets. You can stay in the center where many attractions and good restaurants are but bear in mind that it is very busy and congested with traffic!
If you prefer peace and quiet, there are many options to stay in the middle of rice terraces in the outskirts of Ubud but you’ll need transport to reach the center (some guesthouses offer a shuttle service).
Amed (3 Days)
Take a few days to enjoy the slow life in the charming village of Amed, on the eastern coast of Bali.
Amed is the perfect destination after vibrant Ubud where you can chill on black sand beaches and snorkel all day to spot colorful fish and incredible coral reefs.
The atmosphere is peaceful, the locals are super friendly, and the surrounding countryside is stunning.
Stop on the way from Ubud to visit the Tirta Gangga Temple and climb the Lahangan Sweet viewpoint for incredible views of Mount Agung.
- Getting to Amed
From Ubud to Amed is a solid 2-hour drive. Hire a driver for the day and include a few stops on the way!
- Where to stay in Amed
Amed is small but spreads out along the coast. Stay in one of the many homestays or bungalows the centre part between Jemeluk Beach and Lipah Beach.
Gili Islands (3 Days)
Next, hop on a boat to the idyllic Gili Islands! The archipelago is made up of three islands (Gili Trawagan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) is and it is perfect beach getaway!
There are no cars or traffic here, you’ll have to walk or cycle to get around the islands.
Relax at the beach, sip cocktails while enjoying incredible sunsets, and snorkel in crystal clear water in search of turtles and exotic fish. If you don’t know on which island to stay, read our detailed comparison!
Lombok Island – Kuta (3 days)
Lombok is called Bali’s sister island for a reason – it boasts popular surfing spots, countless powerful waterfalls such as Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfalls, an iconic volcano Mount Rinjani, and stunning beaches.
Unlike Bali, the island of Lombok is still untouched from mass tourism with its natural beauty making it a special place to visit while traveling in Indonesia.
- Getting to Lombok Island
From the Gili Islands, it only takes 20 minutes on a fast boat to the port of Bangsal in Lombok. Arrange a driver to pick you up at the harbor to your hotel, or try your luck haggling for a price when arriving.
- Where to Stay in Lombok
There are two main options in Lombok – you can stay in Senggigi on the west coast where you’ll find more resorts and upscale hotels.
Alternatively, head south to the surfing town of Kuta with trendy cafés and a nice vibe. We strongly recommend Rascals Hotel in Kuta which was by far our favorite hotel in Indonesia (adults only!).
Komodo Islands (4 Days)
Embark on a multi-day cruise to sail the incredible Komodo Islands.
On your Komodo Islands cruise you’ll be able to see it all, you’ll meet the famous Komodo Dragons, swim with sharks and – hopefully – be able to spot a Manta Ray or two also.
Not forgetting swimming in turquoise waters and hiking the iconic Padar Island at sunrise. Read about our Komodo experience here, this includes our tips on what to watch out for with the Komodo tour operators.
- Getting to Komodo Islands
Catch a short 45-minute flight from Lombok Airport to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, which is the largest of the Komodo islands.
All shared cruises depart over the weekend (Friday morning to Sunday mid-day). You’ll need to arrive in Flores on Thursday night and stay one night in Labuan Bajo, at minimum.
- Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo, Komdo
There are a range of accommodation options including hotels and upscale hotels to relax before the cruise.
Uluwatu (3 Days)
Fly back to Bali and head to the most southern part of the island, Uluwatu, but when you’re there – watch out for the local monkeys – the monkeys of Uluwatu are known as being the rowdiest.
Uluwatu has a laid-back atmosphere with great surfing spots, trendy beach clubs, and the most beautiful beaches in Bali.
Don’t miss the traditional Kecak fire dance, a captivating spiritual Balinese dance, performed against the backdrop of sunset in the iconic Uluwatu Temple.
Beach clubs: Savaya Bali – Palmillina – Ulu Cliffhouse – Finns
- Getting to Uluwatu
Fly directly from Labuan Bajo (Flores) to Denpasar (Bali). The drive from the airport to Uluwatu is between 45 minutes to 1h30 depending on traffic.
- Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Uluwatu area is bigger than it looks, there is a risk of possibly booking accommodation in the middle of nowhere.
The most popular and convenient areas are near Thomas Beach or Bingin Beach. There are many hotels with jaw-dropping cliff views and you’ll be close to many great restaurants (and monkeys!).
Jimbaran (1 Day)
Conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Denpasar International Airport, Jimbaran is the perfect place for your last day. Head to the vibrant local fish market in the morning, rent a sunbed on the beautiful long Jimbaran beach and enjoy one last swim. The atmosphere gets lively around sunset.
In the evening, all the restaurants set their tables on the beach and serve an amazing seafood BBQ with fresh local seafood. We recommend the Warung Mang Ayu where we had a delicious fish platter and prawn curry with reggae music in the background.
- Getting to Jimbaran
Jimbaran is only a 30-minute ride from Uluwatu – ask your hotel to book a taxi or use Grab.
- Where to Stay in Jimbaran
There are many great resorts or boutique hotels in Jimbaran near the beach.
