Indonesia travel guide: beyond Bali across an archipelago of 17,000 islands (2026).

Indonesia is 17,000 islands and over 270 million people across more than 700 languages — it is not a single destination. This Indonesia travel guide uses Bali as a base, then strings together the highlights of Java, Lombok, Komodo and (for trip two) Sumatra and Raja Ampat.

Bali alone is a fine first trip, but Indonesia’s real depth is in the surrounding islands. For Bali specifically see our Bali travel guide.

Bali. The easy start. Temples, rice terraces, surf, dive coast. 5–7 nights.

Java. Yogyakarta for Borobudur and Prambanan temples, Mount Bromo and Ijen crater for one of Southeast Asia’s great sunrise volcano experiences. 4–5 nights.

Lombok. Quieter than Bali, with surf beaches in the south (Kuta Lombok) and Mount Rinjani for serious trekkers. 4 nights.

Gili Islands. Three small islands off Lombok. Gili Air is the sweet spot (a few cafes, no cars, snorkel with turtles 50m offshore). 2–3 nights.

Komodo and Flores. Dragons, pink sand beaches, world-class diving in Komodo National Park. 4 nights minimum from Labuan Bajo.

Sumatra. Orangutans in Bukit Lawang, Lake Toba, Mentawai surf. For trip two — long internal flights.

Raja Ampat. The world’s richest reefs. Expensive and remote — for trip two or three. 7 nights minimum.

May–October is the dry season across most of the country — the best window. July and August are peak; book Bali/Komodo flights and accommodation ahead.

November–April is wet season — rain in short heavy bursts. Sumatra is unpredictable year-round. Raja Ampat is best October–April (opposite the rest).

• Backpacker: $30–50/day in Bali/Java/Lombok; $80+/day in Komodo and Raja Ampat
• Mid-range: $70–120/day across most islands
• Comfort: $200–400/day; Raja Ampat liveaboards run $250–500/day

A meal of nasi campur at a warung is 25,000–40,000 IDR ($1.50–2.50) anywhere outside resorts. Bintang beer is 25,000–35,000 IDR at a warung; 50,000+ at a beach bar.

Domestic flights are unavoidable. Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda — book 2–4 weeks ahead. Denpasar (Bali) and Jakarta are the main hubs.

Fast boats link Bali–Lombok–Gili. Wahana, Eka Jaya, Bluewater Express. 1.5–2.5 hours.

Trains exist only on Java, and they’re excellent — Yogyakarta–Surabaya is a comfortable overnight.

Scooter rental is the local way on Bali, Lombok, Gili Air, and most quiet islands. Same rules: international driving permit + helmet.

Komodo is done by liveaboard (3–4 days) or land-based day trips from Labuan Bajo.

Days 1–5 — Bali. Ubud + east coast (Amed or Sidemen). See our full Bali travel guide.

Day 6 — Fast boat to Gili Air. Snorkel with turtles, sunset on the west side.

Days 7–8 — Lombok (south). Kuta Lombok, surf or beach days at Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak.

Day 9 — Fly to Labuan Bajo (Flores).

Days 10–12 — Komodo liveaboard or day trips. Komodo dragons on Rinca, Pink Beach, Padar Island viewpoint, Manta Point.

Day 13 — Fly back to Bali.

Day 14 — Final Bali day, fly home from DPS.

Have 21 days? Add 5 nights in Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo before Bali. Have 28? Bukit Lawang for orangutans.

• Visa: 30-day Visa on Arrival ($35) for most Western passports — apply for the e-VOA online to skip the airport queue
• Carry small IDR notes (10k, 20k, 50k) — temples, parking and warungs are cash only
• Domestic flight reliability varies — leave a buffer day before international flights home
• Don’t drink the tap water — refill at filter stations
• Most temples require a sarong — bring or rent at the gate
• Komodo dragons are wild — always go with a ranger