Indonesia: The Ultimate 2 weeks Itinerary for East Java - North Bali - Komodo Islands

Prepare for an incredible 15-day adventure across Indonesia, a diverse archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes—taking you off the beaten path to explore the lesser-visited treasures of Indonesia, steering clear of crowded hotspots like South Bali.

▹PART OF: Indonesia Travel Series ├─ Complete Indonesia Guide ├─ 2-Week Itinerary (you are here) ├─ East Java: Yogyakarta, Bromo, Ijen ├─ Munduk, North Bali ├─ Komodo Islands └─ Packing List

📍 ITINERARY AT A GLANCE 

Day 1-2:   Yogyakarta (Temples)

Day 3:     Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls

Day 4:     Mount Bromo Sunrise

Day 5:     Ijen Blue Flames → Ferry to Bali

Day 6-7:   North Bali (Munduk)

Day 8-10:  Komodo Islands (Boat Tour)

Day 11-13: Ubud (Culture & Arts)

Day 14-15: Nusa Penida (Beach Paradise)

Dive into the sea, hike majestic volcanoes, and immerse yourself in the wonders of this archipelago. Let me tell you, this itinerary will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

What you'll experience:

• Ancient temples at sunrise

• Volcanic blue flames at 2am

• Real-life dragons in their natural habitat

• Underwater worlds that'll blow your mind

• Tranquil waterfalls in mountain highlands

• Balinese culture and arts

• Beach paradise finale Nusa Penida (Beach Paradise)

Day 1- 5: East Java - The Heart of Indonesia

📍 Gateway: Yogyakarta International Airport

Yogyakarta International Airport is well connected through transit hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore—easy to reach from most international locations.

The Route: Yogyakarta → Malang → Bromo → Ijen

This 5-day circuit is THE adventure highlight of Indonesia. You'll experience:

• Borobudur & Prambanan Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)

• Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls (multi-tiered cascade)

• Mount Bromo sunrise (otherworldly volcanic landscape)

• Ijen Crater blue flames (rare phenomenon, 2am trek)

  
  

Trust me, this circuit is jaw-dropping. Temples, waterfalls, and volcanoes—all in 5 days.

Quick Breakdown:

Day 1-2: Yogyakarta

• Day 1: Arrival, Sumur Gumuling, Taman Sari, city exploration

• Day 2: Borobudur sunrise (3:30am wake-up!), Prambanan Temple, overnight train to Malang

Day 3: Tumpak Sewu

Waterfalls

• Arrive Malang early morning

• Tour pickup, drive to Tumpak Sewu

• Hike down to waterfall baseAfternoon drive to Bromo base camp

  
  

Day 4: Mount Bromo

• 3am jeep to sunrise viewpoint

• Sea of Sands (Pasir Berbisik)

• Crater rim hike

• Drive to Ijen base (Bondowoso)

Day 5: Ijen Crater

• 1am wake-up for blue flames trek

• Witness blue flames + sunrise over crater lake

• Ferry from Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk (Bali)

💡 CRITICAL TIP: Avoid Batik Airlines. We were delayed at every juncture and missed a connecting flight. Choose Garuda or Lion Air instead

Read the complete day-by-day guide: East Java: Yogyakarta, Malang, Bromo, Ijen

TRANSPORT: East Java to North Bali

After the Ijen trek, you'll be dropped at Banyuwangi Jetty. From there:

1. Take the ferry from Banyuwangi → Gilimanuk (North Bali)

2. At Gilimanuk Port: Grab/Gojek are NOT available (local taxi union dominates)

3. Hire a local taxi to your North Bali destination

Our Experience:

We negotiated and fixed a tariff with a taxi driver at Gilimanuk. He was incredibly sweet and accommodating. When we mentioned wanting lunch, he made a stop at Taman Sari Resort on Pemuteran Beach. Indulging in a beachside lunch was the perfect treat after 5 intense days of volcano adventures!

💡 TIP: Be friendly, negotiate fairly, and don't be afraid to ask for stops. Most drivers are happy to accommodate.

Day 6-7 : North Bali - Tranquil Escape

📍 Base: Munduk

North Bali offers a complete contrast to South Bali's chaos. Tranquil mountain highlands, cascading waterfalls, coffee plantations, and cool fresh air. This is where you catch your breath.

What to Experience:

Waterfalls:

• Banyumala Falls

• Banyuwana Falls

• Sekumpul Falls (if you have time)

Cultural:

• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (stunning lakeside temple)

• Local markets

• Coffee estate tours + Luwak coffee tasting

Relaxation:

• Just vibe with the place

• Wake up to mountain views

• Explore on rented scooter

We had only one day in Munduk and wished we'd carved out at least two. The pace here slows you down in the best way possible.

Read the complete guide: 8 Things to Do in Munduk, North Bali

The next stop on our itinerary is the Komodo Islands.

LOGISTICS NOTE: Timing Your Komodo Tour

Here's something we had to navigate: Most Komodo boat tours depart on Fridays.

Originally, we planned to explore all of Bali first and save Komodo as the grand finale. But we had to tweak our plans to arrive in Labuan Bajo before Friday morning to catch the boat tour departure.

Options:

• Friday group tours: Most affordable, social experience

• Private tours: Depart any day but more expensive

• Flexible itinerary: Worth adjusting your route to catch Friday departures

We opted for the Friday departure to align with our budget and timeline. Zero regrets—the group experience was incredible!

Day 8-10 : Komodo Islands

Getting There: Munduk → Denpasar → Labuan Bajo

Take a taxi from Munduk to Denpasar Domestic Airport (2.5-3 hours). Fly to Labuan Bajo—your gateway to the Komodo Islands.

The 3-Day Boat Tour Experience

Islands you'll visit:

• Day 1: Kelor Island, Manjarite Island (snorkeling), Kalong Island (flying foxes at sunset)

• Day 2: Padar Island sunrise hike, Pink Beach, Rinca Island (Komodo dragons), Taka Makassar sandbar, Manta Point

• Day 3: Kanawa Island (grand finale snorkeling)

  
  

What you'll experience:

• Face-to-face with Komodo dragons

• Padar Island sunrise (one of the most iconic views in Indonesia)

• Pink sand beaches (actually pink!)

• Snorkeling that gets better with each stop

• Manta ray encounters

• Sleeping on the boat under stars

• Epic karaoke with crew and new friends

Day 2 was jam-packed and hands-down the best day of the entire trip. Padar sunrise to manta rays—unbelievable.

💡 PRO TIP: If you have a PADI certification, add extra days to explore Komodo's legendary dive sites. Some of the best diving in the world.

Read the complete guide: Komodo Islands: The Land of the Dragons

Next up Ubud!

TRANSPORT: Komodo to Ubud

After your boat tour ends in Labuan Bajo:

1. Fly Labuan Bajo → Denpasar (Bali)

2. Taxi/Grab from airport to Ubud (1.5 hours)

Day 11-13 – Ubud - Cultural Heart of Bali

📍 Base: Ubud

Ubud is known for its lush landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage. After 10 days of intense adventure, Ubud's slower pace is welcome.

What to Experience:

Cultural:

• Ubud Water Palace (Pura Taman Saraswati)

• Watch Ramayana Ballet at Saraswati Temple

• Visit temples and participate in ceremonies

• Ubud Art Market (local crafts, clothing, souvenirs)

Nature:

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces

• Monkey Forest

• Campuhan Ridge Walk

Food & Shopping:

• Amazing restaurant scene

• Sukawati Market for authentic shopping

• Organic cafés and warungs

Relaxation:

• Yoga classes (Ubud is yoga central)

• Spa treatments and traditional massages

• Just wander and soak in the artistic vibe

Ubud is where you slow down, reflect on the adventure so far, and recharge for the beach finale.

Day 14 - 15 – Nusa Penida - Beach Paradise Finale

Getting There: Ubud → Sanur/Padang Bai → Nusa Penida

Take a taxi to Sanur or Padang Bai port, then catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida (30-45 minutes).

Sun - Sand - Bintang 🍺

After 13 days of temples, volcanoes, dragons, and culture, you've earned pure beach bliss.

What to Explore:

West Coast:

• Crystal Bay (snorkeling, swimming)

• Angel's Billabong (natural infinity pool)

• Broken Beach (stunning coastal rock formation)

• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex cliff—iconic photo spot)

Activities:

• Snorkeling with manta rays

• Beach hopping on scooter

• Sunset watching

• Fresh seafood dinners

• Bintang beers on the beach

The vibe: Chill, stunning, the perfect way to end an epic 2-week adventure.

Nusa Penida

💡 TIP: Rent a scooter to explore the island. Roads can be rough in places, but it's the best way to see everything.

✓ COMPLETE PACKING CHECKLIST

For this specific itinerary, you'll need:

□ Good hiking shoes (Bromo, Ijen, Padar treks)

□ Flip-flops (beaches, boats, casual)

□ Quick-dry clothing (washing on the go)

□ Swimwear (you'll be in water A LOT)

□ Light jacket (volcano mornings are freezing)

□ Reef-safe sunscreen

□ Waterproof phone case/dry bag

□ Power banks (long days, limited charging)

□ Headlamp (Ijen trek is in the dark)

□ Day backpack (for daily adventures)

□ Cash (USD/EUR to exchange)

Read the complete packing guide: Essential Indonesia Packing List

🚨 CRITICAL MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Booking Batik Airlines └─ Always delayed. We missed connections. Choose Garuda or Lion Air.

2. Not building buffer days └─ Indonesian domestic flights are notorious for delays. Build flexibility.

3. Trying to fit too much in 2 weeks └─ This itinerary is packed but doable. Adding more destinations = burnout.

4. Skipping travel insurance └─ Volcano hikes, boat tours, scooter rides. Get comprehensive coverage.

5. Not pre-booking Komodo tours └─ The good operators fill up weeks in advance, especially for Friday departures.

6. Arriving in Labuan Bajo too late for Friday tour └─ Most group tours depart Friday morning. Arrive Thursday night at the latest.

💡 Budget tip: Laundry services are cheap (IDR 20,000-30,000 per kg). Pack light, wash often.

TOUR OPERATORS & CONTACTS

These are operators we personally used and recommend.

TOUR OPERATORS

East Java Volcano Circuit

Semeru Malang WhatsApp: +62 819 4495 8936 (Hostel + complete Bromo-Ijen circuit including Tumpak Sewu)

Komodo Islands Boat Tours

Frendos Tour WhatsApp: +62 813 3728 8941

Brothers Trip Komodo WhatsApp: +62 821 4417 5779 Instagram: @brothers_trip_komodo

Custom Itinerary Planning

Kresna Tours WhatsApp: +62 896 2817 1280 (Can customize entire Indonesia itinerary)

🏨 WHERE WE STAYED

Yogyakarta: Pojok Pas Guest House - Clean, comfortable, great location

North Bali (Munduk): Wanagiri Campsite - Stunning views, peaceful, coffee estate

Labuan Bajo: Hôtel Bonne Nuit - Near airport, perfect base for Komodo

Ubud: Baleni or Denden Mushi - Traditional Balinese charm

FINAL TIPS FROM OUR EXPERIENCE

What Worked:

Route order: East Java → North Bali → Komodo → Ubud → Nusa Penida

• Builds from intense adventure to relaxation

• Ends on beaches (perfect finale)

• Logistics flow naturally

Booking strategy:

• Pre-booked volcano circuit and Komodo tours

• Left accommodation flexible for other stops

• Worked perfectly

Packing light:

• Used laundry services constantly

• Saved luggage space and stress

What Surprised Us:

How transformative East Java is: The volcano circuit is intense but so worth it

How peaceful North Bali is: Complete contrast to South Bali, exactly what we needed

How social Komodo boat tours are: Made amazing friends, best group experience

How cheap Indonesia is: Outside flights, daily costs are incredibly affordable

How friendly Indonesians are: Consistently warm, helpful, genuinely kind people

What We'd Do Differently:

Add 2 more days in North Bali: We only had 1 day, should've had 3

Skip Batik Airlines entirely: Cost us time and stress

Bring better underwater camera: Phone in waterproof case worked, GoPro would've been better

Learn more Indonesian phrases before arriving: Even basics help immensely

Start planning earlier: Some tours (especially Komodo) book up fast

🗓️ BEST TIME FOR THIS ITINERARY

IDEAL: May - September (Dry Season)

├─ Best weather for volcano treks

├─ Calm seas for Komodo boat tours

├─ Clear visibility for diving/snorkeling

└─ Comfortable temperatures in North Bali

SHOULDER: April, October

├─ Good weather, fewer crowds

├─ Slightly unpredictable but doable

└─ Better prices on tours/accommodation

AVOID: November - March (Wet Season)

├─ Heavy rain affects volcano treks

├─ Rough seas can cancel Komodo tours

├─ Waterfalls impressive but trails muddy

└─ Some activities may be closed

We traveled in October: Perfect weather, manageable crowds, everything went smoothly.

✈️ FLIGHT BOOKING STRATEGY

International Arrival

Best gateway: Fly into Jakarta or Bali (Denpasar)

Our route: International → Bali → Yogyakarta (to start East Java)

Alternative: International → Jakarta → Yogyakarta

Domestic Flights You'll Need:

1. Bali/Jakarta → Yogyakarta (start of trip)

2. Labuan Bajo → Bali (after Komodo, if needed)

3. Possibly: Bali → Labuan Bajo (if flying to Komodo instead of routing through Bali)

💡 BOOKING TIP: Book domestic flights 2-3 months in advance for best prices. Use Garuda or Lion Air, avoid Batik.

📌 BOOKMARK THIS ITINERARY

This is your master plan. Bookmark it and check off sections as you book and complete them!

Dive deeper into each section:

• Complete Indonesia Travel Guide

• East Java: Yogyakarta, Bromo, Ijen

• Munduk, North Bali

• Komodo Islands

• Indonesia Packing List

• Indonesian Phrases

🎯 WHY THIS ITINERARY WORKS

Balance: Adventure (volcanoes, dragons) + Culture (temples, Ubud) + Relaxation (beaches)

Pacing: Intense start, tranquil middle, chill finish

Avoids crowds: Skips South Bali chaos, focuses on lesser-visited gems

Logistically sound: Each leg flows naturally into the next

Flexible: Can adjust days based on preferences

Comprehensive: Covers Java, multiple Bali regions, Komodo, and islands

Memorable: Every day offers something unique and unforgettable

Questions about this itinerary? Planning your Indonesia adventure? Drop them below. We've done this exact route and are here to help you nail every detail!