Depart your home country on an overnight flight bound for Bali.
The two islands of Bali and Lombok are the perfect pairing, ideal for curious travellers looking for a relaxing but engaging holiday.
With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
This holiday combining the timeless temples and tropical paddies of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Classic Bali & Lombok
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Ubud, Bali
Arrive in Bali, where your guide will be waiting to greet you and get you settled into the rhythm of Indonesia straight away. Your driver will whisk you to your first hotel, nestled deep within paddy fields.
During your time in Ubud, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the artwork, architecture, food and rural scenery that make this region so special. You’ll go on a wonderful walk through paddy fields with a Balinese Brahmin, gaining unique insights into the surrounding nature, religion, and the intricate rituals intertwined with daily life on ‘The Island of the Gods’. Round off the walk at your guide’s house with a traditional lunch and a Balinese blessing.
If you’re in the mood for more adventure, whizz through the island’s lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and local villages by e-bike. One of ETG’s favourite routes is the downhill cycle ride from Mount Batur, which suits all abilities.
Days 5 - 6
Sidemen, Bali
Head into the hills of East Bali with your guide and driver. Here, you’ll settle into a lovely boutique retreat where you can unwind in a serene Balinese atmosphere.
You can take it easy at the hotel, revelling in the views, pools and spoiling spa or up the tempo by trekking to nearby Pura Bukit, (home to traditional Ikat weavers), cycling through the foothills of Mount Agung, or exploring the secluded coast nearby. Whatever activity you go for, you’ll be surrounded by remarkably beautiful landscapes of rice paddy terraces, volcanic valleys, lush tropical forest and mountain terrain. Bliss.
Days 7 - 9
Lombok
Today, it’s time to go to lovely Lombok. Your driver will bring you to the coast where you’ll take a 90-minute speedboat journey to the neighbouring island of Lombok (if you prefer, you can take a short flight instead).
When you arrive, you’ll be whisked across the island to your off-the-beaten-track beach camp to settle in. Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp is great for travellers looking for something a little more exciting than the standard beach retreat as it has a dash of adventure.
This eco-retreat faces a great beach and is backed by acres of forest, where you can go hiking or biking. In the water, you can swim, snorkel, surf, or kayak to your heart’s content.
Days 10 - 13
Senggigi, Lombok
Head across to Lombok’s west coast for four whole days, which feels distinctly different to the island’s east.
From here, you’ll see Bali’s volcanoes rising in the distance, setting the stage for some of the most memorable sunsets of your trip.
You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to places to eat in this area and, if you’re keen, you can go on snorkelling trips around the Gili Islands.
Day 14
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
Simon & David
9 July 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“This is the ideal intro to Indonesia and will give feel for this fabulous country. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to revisit time and time again.”
Lola
Indonesia Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.