Ultimate Indonesia 1-Week Itinerary: Top Things to Do in 7 Days
Has a trip to Indonesia been on your mind?
Have you been plagued with the thought of what you could possibly explore during your vacation?
Fret not! We’ve got you all covered.
Consisting of over 17,500 islands and an Indonesian archipelago that is sure going to take you a lifetime to experience, the country has so much to offer!
Regardless of whether you’re travelling with family, friends or maybe are on your honeymoon: the region truly has something in it for everyone.
The cultural and ethnic diversity of the land, coupled with the stunning landscapes that follow, make Indonesia a must-visit destination on your to-do list.
Indonesia is also in the list of top 5 Asian countries to visit with a low budget!
To ease things out for you, we’ve jotted down a complete Indonesian package just for you! Find some of the great ways you can make the most of your Indonesian vacation and much more, right here.
Table of Content:
- Best things to do in Indonesia
- Best time to visit Indonesia
- Best Places to stay in Indonesia
- How to get around in Indonesia
- General Tips on visiting the Country
Best things to do in Indonesia
A journey to Jakarta
Popularly referred to as the ‘melting pot of cultures and cuisines,’ the capital city of Jakarta has been home to over ten million people.
Tourists who are looking to truly soak in the ‘Dutch colonial history,’ of the region – can make their way to the ‘Menteng district’.
The district is filled with some amazing live music venues, hotels and great vibes altogether.
Be it the towering skyscrapers, world-renowned restaurants or maybe even the shopping malls; tourists are sure to be pleasantly surprised every step of the way.
Komodo Dragons
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast and can’t wait to explore the unknown, the ‘Komodo Dragons,’ could just interest you.
Commonly referred to as the world’s largest lizards, the ‘Komodo Dragons,’ can be found and viewed at any of the five Indonesian islands: island Flores and Indonesia’s four islands in Komodo National Park (Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang and Gili Dasami).
Book a tour around the islands here:
So if you’re daring and wouldn’t mind doing something a tad bit adventurous, you could pay a visit and witness these creatures in their natural environment.
An adventure-packed Sumatra
Just when you think you’ve experienced all the adventure you possibly could, the hotspot of Sumatra, awaits you! The entire region is filled with all things adventure and is undoubtedly going to give an experience of a lifetime.
Whether it’s the ‘Northern rainforest of Tangkahan,’ that you consider exploring or the ‘orang-utans of Bukit Lawang,’ either way – you’re bound to jump into something adventurous.
Exceptional Diving spots
Much has been talked and acclaimed about when it comes to the famous Coral Triangle, located right in the midst of the extensive Pacific Ocean.
Known to be the best diving spots in the entire world, tourists are truly blinded when it comes to what’s in store for them here.
The sheer beauty of the underwater marine life, in addition to the stunningly clear waters of the ocean; makes the diving experiences in the region unexplainable and beyond words.
Home to over 75 per cent of the world’s coral species and about 2,000 species of reef fish, a dive here leaves you with just one word – ‘Speechless.’
The stunning Java mountains
With over whopping 140 million residents in its territory, the region of Java has remained one of the most populous islands in Indonesia.
Tourists in the region have a plethora of amazing attractions and opportunities of exploration to choose from.
Be it the ‘Unesco-listed Ujung Kulon,’ or the ‘National Parks,’ or maybe even the ‘Bromo and Merapi regions,’ – tourists are in for a treat when it comes to the wide array of things to do in Java.
Check some cool tours around Java here:
A paradise on Earth – Bali
Known to be one of the very few islands that offers tourists the perfect blend of hedonism and spirituality; Bali has got to be the haven you’re waiting for!
Filled with countless attractions, stellar landscapes, delicious food, a rich cultural heritage, amazing water sports and so much more – the list could just go on.
Don’t forget to check a separate itinerary around Bali!
Tourists are in for a vacation that they’re going to cherish for a long time to come, as they explore the pathways to this beautiful region.
Bali is home to some of the most unique and distinct textiles, silverware, sculptures, and so on. So if you’re looking to take a few laurels back home, the region is filled with a great number of options.
As you move towards the northern territory of Bali, you head towards Ubud – the cultural capital of Bali.
The entire region is home to lush green landscapes, breathtaking rice terraces, and some of the most talked-about National Parks.
Tourists could also look to explore the amazing islands that are located in close proximity to Bali. The island visit makes for some of the greatest of experiences and is filled with surprises every step of the way.
The extensive coastline, delicious food, beautiful Bali villas, and great vibes of the island – make it a definite must-visit, while on your Indonesian vacation.
Bali offers tourists the perfect blend of every single thing they’ve been looking for, during the course of their journey.
Best time to visit Indonesia
There could be nothing more integral when it comes to planning a vacation than the weather that is most likely to welcome you during your travel. It is extremely essential for tourists to ensure they’ve done their research and know what to expect, as they venture out on their journey.
When it comes to the weather in Indonesia, it is most recommended for tourists to travel between the months of April and October.
This is solely based on the fact that these months offer the best times for tourists to truly soak in the beauty of the place.
Regardless of what you’re looking for – maybe it’s snorkelling, island hopping or maybe even just relaxing days at the beach – these are your go-to months for travel.
Though Indonesia is primarily considered to be a rather hot destination, all year round, the region does witness some heavy showers during the months of November and March.
The southern territory of the land, in particular, witnesses the maximum amounts of rainfall during this season. So it’s important to keep in mind, when the rains could hit or when the weather could possibly go haywire and ruin your vacation altogether.
Check this summer vacation checklist not to forget any travel item!
The wet months of the year also give tourists an opportunity to witness the land, during a rather quieter time of the year. The cultural attractions and religious temples in the region remain less populated and thus, offers for a rewarding experience this time around.
Thus your Indonesian vacation, entirely depends on the kind of holiday that you’re looking to experience and what you would want most out of it.
Best Places to Stay in Indonesia
Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a budget trip, on your honeymoon and would love a luxurious stay or are with the family and would like something homely – Indonesia has just what you need.
The region is filled with some great properties, hotels and homestays that offer varied and distinct experiences, thus giving tourists the opportunity to choose for themselves.
For those of you looking to soak in the long stretches of white sandy coastlines, the southern regions of Kuta, or Uluwatu, in Bali could just be your ideal choice.
The region is bursting with life and even offers tourists the most renowned choice of adventure sports. Whether it’s your banana boat rides, kayaking, sea walking, deep-sea diving, surfing or much more; you’ve got everything right here!
For those of you who are looking for lush green landscape and hills filled with the most stunning views, the cultural capital of Ubud, has got to be on your bucket list.
The very charm of this region will provide tourists with a new experience and most definitely transcend them into an entirely different world. Tourists can enjoy some of the most beautiful private pool villas, overlooking the best of landscapes in this region.
If a hotel with a cliff top view of the extensive ocean is what’s on your mind – head over towards the Jimbaran Bay, and enjoy the most spectacular of views. The hotels here are rather secluded and thus, offers for a private and romantic getaway altogether.
When it comes to luxury and maybe even a whole new atmosphere, the islands could be what you’ve been missing out on.
The Nusa islands are home to some of the most luxurious properties and offer tourists a stay they won’t want to miss out on. So if you don’t mind the extra buck or so, we highly recommend you opt for a luxurious island stay – during your vacation.
In any case, check Booking.com for the best accommodation option of your price level and preferences:
How to get around in Indonesia
If you’re a first time tourist in the land and are wondering what your possible means of travel could be, well we’ve got that all figured out for you!
Indonesia is filled with a wide array of options when it comes to commutation and is undoubtedly one of the easiest places, for you to find your way around.
We’ve listed out some of the most common and most convenient means of transportation below. Tourists can avail any of these modes and travel through the region, with ease.
Airplane Transport
If you’re looking for the cheapest ways to travel, then the Domestic air travel, makes the most sense and is great value for your money. It is undoubtedly much better than a boat ride or even the thought of travelling outland.
The frequency of flights in the region is good and thus, gives tourists an opportunity to choose based on their requirements.
If you’re looking for a tip when it comes to booking your airline, we would most recommend you opt for the Garuda Indonesia, over and above your other budget airlines.
When it comes to airlines like the Indonesian Air Asia, or the Lion Airline, the catch that comes along with the low cost of the aircraft, remains the cancellation streak that they’re known for.
So if you don’t mind the bumps and the uncertainty over your travel, you could choose a low-cost carrier and eventually save on some bucks, as well.
Taxis in Indonesia
When it comes to the taxi rental scene in Indonesia, tourists are most definitely in for a rather weird experience. This is one of the major underlying factors for the wide popularity of the ‘Blue Bird,’ taxis.
If you’re a first time visitor in the region, you should be able to easily recognise and spot these taxis. The cabs from the company are all coloured in blue and have been graced with the unique ‘Blue Bird logo,’ as well. It’s practically impossible for you to miss out on any of these taxis, as they chart their way throughout the region.
It’s also important for tourists to be aware and keep their eyes open for the make do ‘Blue Bird,’ taxis in the land. Tourists will find that other taxi companies have taken advantage of the sheer marketing of the ‘Blue Bird Taxis,’ and have thus begun colouring their taxis blue, as well. This could lead to utter confusion and a lack of safety during your travel.
So be sure to be on the lookout for these fake logos and deceptive local taxi companies in the region. Tourists could check on the official company websites of these taxi operators, in order to ensure the complete authorisation of their transportation.
Renting a Scooter in Bali
If there’s one thing that’s sure to surprise you in Bali, it’s got to be the number of scooters that fill the region. Tourists can witness a large number of locals and international tourists, commuting through the land, in a scooter of their choice.
The percentage of scooters to cars in the region is evidently much higher than any other place. When it comes to the renting of scooters in Bali, tourists can go ahead with their rentals for a cost of about 60,000-90,000 IDR (~$4-6), on a daily basis.
Almost every other hostel in Bali has a scooter company associated with it and thus, makes it that much easier for tourists.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with riding a scooter, we would recommend you hire a cab with a driver for your travel. The intense traffic in the region, coupled with the heat and rather populated environment – could just make for an unpleasant experience.
So it’s essential for tourists to make timely choices, in order to truly soak in the essence of their vacation.
General Tips on visiting the Country
Tipping isn’t an Expectation
One of the best things about Indonesia is that the widely accepted culture of tipping isn’t exactly expected in the region. Though it is an extremely popular phenomenon, especially in America, the same isn’t a mandatory activity in Indonesia.
It entirely depends upon you and how comfortable or needful you think the act of tipping may be, at any given point of time. If you’re at a restaurant or at a shopping complex and think their service was exceptional – you could consider tipping them. The activity as such is optional and you can rest assured that you won’t be judged if you decide not to do so.
Religion
The land of Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population, in the world. This is most often a surprise take away for most tourists, as not many travellers are aware of the same.
The entire region has continued to offer tourists a very chilled out vibe, and rather liberal nature of sorts. Tourists will have to keep in mind that it’s essential to dress appropriately if you’re in close proximity to a mosque or any religious place of worship.
Bali, on the other hand, is predominantly a Hindu island and is filled with a plethora of temples throughout the region. Tourists will find temples located at almost every nook and corner of Bali, a sight that isn’t exactly common through the rest of the country. The Hindu faith of the Balinese life forms an integral part of the culture and tradition of the folks in the region.
Language
The Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of the country and is spoken far and wide by the folks of the land. The language is extremely popular and has been passed down from generation to generation, over the years.
Though there are about 700 indigenous languages spoken across various regions in the country, the Bahasa Indonesia is the most popular amongst them all.
When it comes to popular touristy areas and attractions in the country, tourists will find a number of local folks who are familiar with the English language. So if you’re unfamiliar with the common language in the region, don’t stress about it – you’re sure to find your way around.
Food
When it comes to the food in the region – Indonesia offers tourists the most delicious and mouth-watering food, put together with the best of ingredients.
If there’s one thing you’re sure to have learnt through the course of your travel, it’s got to be the importance of the nasi goreng, and the mie goreng.
Both of these delicacies form an integral part of the everyday life of the local folks in the region.
Nasi goreng – meaning fried rice, and Mie goreng – meaning fried noodles, are two of the most famous delicacies – that you’re sure to love! The Gado-Gado, and the tidak pedas, are a couple of other Indonesian favourites.
Has a read through the blog, gotten you all excited and pumped up about your Indonesian vacation?
We can’t wait for you to truly soak in and experience the surreal beauty of this stunning land.
So what’s stopping you?
Customize your own itinerary on Pickyourtrail’s DIY platform or you choose from their pre-made Bali packages. Go ahead and plan your own personalised itinerary with Pickyourtrail.
