Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Java, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
April - October
Ideal for first-time visitors, this trip is designed to give curious travellers a real feel for the contrasts that make Indonesia so special.
You’ll hop across three of its islands: exploring the cultural heartland of Java, delving into the magical countryside of Bali, and ending with a dose of beachside bliss on Lombok.
Packed with plenty of eye-opening, immersive experiences in between to capture the wonders of this country and its people.
The Spirit of Indonesia
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.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2 - 3
Yogyakarta, Java
Arrive in Yogyakarta, where you’ll meet your driver-guide and head straight to your hotel. After the flight, the rest of the day’s yours to take it easy and settle in.
On your first full day in Indonesia, get stuck into the cultural heart of Yogyakarta with your guide. Explore the Kraton – The Sultan’s traditional residence – then wander through the incredible tenth-century Hindu temple complex, Prambanan. As evening sets in, watch the temples striking silhouette contrast against a sky full of colour – a pretty spectacular way to end the day.
Days 4 - 5
Borobudur, Java
Just a short drive from Yogyakarta, it’s on to the remarkable Borobudur Temple and its surroundings.
Staying close by means you’ve got ample time to take it in – two days to fully appreciate the grandeur, during the best lighting at sunrise and sunset. On day five, you’ll rise early and climb to the top of a nearby hill to watch the sun rise over the towering temple complex amid misty volcanoes and green, leafy landscapes. Dating back to the 8th century, Borobudur is adorned with intricately sculpted reliefs depicting the life of Buddha and key Buddhist principles. After your visit, you can either kick back at the hotel or head out to explore a bit more of the area.
Days 6 - 8
Tabanan, Bali
Next, you’ll continue on into Bali’s interior and immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
Settle into your villa, which sits among clove and mangosteen trees, with sweeping views over lush rice terraces and thick forest – the kind of place you’ll be dreaming about for years.
Head out to explore a nearby waterfall, then tuck into a home-cooked lunch at Putu Griya House. You’ll also spend time trekking through picturesque paddy fields and witnessing local ceremonies in tucked-away temples with your guide, deepening your understanding of Balinese culture.
Days 9 - 11
Ubud, Bali
Your driver will take you to your next peaceful retreat, Wapa di Ume, tucked just outside of the centre of Ubud.
One of the highlights here is a guided countryside walk led by a Balinese Brahmin. As you wander through rice paddies and sleepy villages, you’ll gather fascinating insights into local customs, religion and the way daily life here is shaped by intricate rituals. This special activity finishes up at your guide’s home, where you’ll refuel with a traditional lunch and receive a heartfelt Balinese blessing.
If you’re after more thrills, you can go whitewater rafting down the Ayung River or cycle your way through Sebatu village with a lovely picnic lunch. However you choose to spend your days here, you’ll have the wonderful Wapa di Ume to return ‘home’ to. Relax and reset in the calm countryside and soak up Ubud’s cultural charm.
Days 12 - 15
Lombok
Today, you’ll be driven to to Padang Bai Harbour (around a 1 hour drive), where a speedboat will whisk you over to lovely, laid-back Lombok. This is your chance to have some balmy beach time, far away from the crowds on Bali’s southern beaches.
You’ll spend the next four nights in a gorgeous two-bedroom pool suite, with plenty of space to unwind. Whether you’re stretched out by the pool, discovering pristine beaches, snorkelling with tropical fish, or dipping into local life by visiting villages, this is your time to take things slow and savour Lombok’s tranquillity.
Day 16
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
David
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
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:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
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:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
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.
“If you’re after an immersive introduction to Indonesia, then this is for you. It’s a true tropical escape with intruiging cultural visits, magical insights into Balinese beliefs, good food and striking scenery. What more could you want?!”
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
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of what we do. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and create moments that are magical and memorable.
Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers started to 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 different from the rest.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and the freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of. We don’t do one-size-fits-all, every trip is completely personalised.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the European summer months. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons, so it depends where you’re going.
For Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo, we recommend aiming for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But if you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, this is where things get interesting. The best time is the opposite – from October to April.
And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
For a deeper dive, check out our Seasonal Guide to Indonesia.
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.
