30 Days and 29 Nights Itinerary & Budget for Indonesia

Visiting Indonesia is an experience you'll want to repeat. If you think you've explored it all after a few trips, think again—this nation has countless unforgettable vacation experiences waiting for you.

From swimming with manta rays to climbing active volcanoes, there's something for everyone. Indonesia is a paradise for adventurers and backpackers, offering affordable travel options for an entire month.

This article will highlight why Indonesia is the perfect destination for your month-long getaway.

Days 1-2: Jakarta, the Capital

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With just four weeks for your adventure, it's best to start your journey in Jakarta. This vibrant metropolis combines excitement with charm, providing the perfect introduction as you acclimate to the time zone and local culture before heading to your next destination.

Spending additional time in the capital allows you to experience the Old Harbour's nighttime charm and shop at the Kota Tua market. If you're interested in religious sites, don’t miss the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Days 3-5: Yogyakarta, the Cultural Hub

Plan to stay at least two nights in Yogyakarta, as it boasts rich cultural experiences that you'll enjoy. Navigating the city is easier with a motorcycle or scooter, so learn how to ride one before renting. After checking into your hotel, visit the Malioboro tourist area to rent a scooter for the following day, with reasonable daily rates around IDR 50,000.

You can rent a scooter to explore the Bukit Rhema Gereja Ayam viewpoint, Parangtritis beach, and the impressive Prambanan temples, the largest Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia. Don’t forget to revisit Malioboro Street for a meal at a recommended local restaurant—try the chicken satay served with sweet peanut sauce.

Days 6-7: Surabaya, the Second Largest City in East Java

Catch a morning train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya. Upon arrival, spend the night and prepare for your trip to Mount Bromo the next day. You can either hire a taxi from various guesthouses in Surabaya or venture out to explore on your own.

Be ready for an early start to catch the train to Probolinggo, which takes about two hours. From Probolinggo, you can take a bus or rent a motorbike to Cemoro Lawang, a town situated on the caldera of Mount Bromo, which is about a one-hour journey.

Days 8-9: Mount Bromo, the Ultimate Scenic Mountain

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If you leave Surabaya early enough, you should arrive in Cemoro Lawang with plenty of time to explore the town and plan your route to the crater for the next morning. The accommodations in the area can help arrange a tour for the sunrise, which typically costs between $400 and $500.

By straying slightly off the beaten path, you might discover a hidden spot to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the crater, an experience like no other. If you've arranged a shared jeep to take you to the crater for the sunrise, expect your pickup at the hotel around 3:30 AM.

Days 9-10: Kawah Ijen, Banyuwangi

After your time at Mount Bromo, take a bus to Probolinggo followed by a minibus to Banyuwangi (approximately 4 hours, costing 25,000 IDR). This town serves as an excellent base for hiking to see Kawah Ijen’s famous blue flame. Make sure to leave Bromo before the 7 PM bus to Probolinggo.

In Banyuwangi, your guesthouse can organize a nighttime hiking trip to Kawah Ijen for sunrise (ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 IDR) to witness the renowned blue flame at the Ijen crater lake. The blue flame fades by around 5 AM, and the hike starts at Pos Paltuding, which takes about 1.5 hours. If you plan ahead, you can catch the dawn from this vantage point.

Days 11-13: Journey to Ubud, Bali

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If you're traveling from Kawah Ijen on a tour, you can request a drop-off in Banyuwangi. From there, take a ferry to Gilimanuk Harbor (departing every 30 minutes), followed by an executive bus to Mengwi Bus Terminal, and then a taxi to your guesthouse in Ubud.

Ubud features stunning sites like the Water Palace, the Tirta Empul complex (where visitors can cleanse themselves in freshwater pools), and Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), all exemplifying Balinese architecture. Don't miss a peaceful stroll through the Tegalalang rice terraces, especially at 7 AM when the fields are blissfully empty.

Days 14-15: Gili Islands, Lombok

After spending two days in Ubud, you have three options for the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan is the most budget-friendly, while Gili Meno and Gili Air offer a more serene atmosphere. To reach any of these islands, take a ferry from Padang Bai Port. Remember that boat schedules can change due to weather conditions, so it's wise to check with your guesthouse ahead of time.

The Gilis, small islands off the coast of Lombok, are perfect for beach relaxation, snorkeling with sea turtles, or leisurely exploring the area. Why stick to crowded beaches in Bali when you can discover stunning, secluded shores on these islands?

Days 15-16: Senggigi, Lombok

In the evening, after a day spent exploring one of the Gili islands, you can catch a boat to Senggigi to rent a scooter and ride along the scenic coastal road of Northwest Lombok. The freedom of riding a scooter means you can stop whenever you want to capture stunning photos. With a route as breathtaking as this, you’ll find it hard not to pause and take it all in.

Take your scooters to explore the beautiful beaches in the Senggigi area, such as Setangi, Kerandangan, or Pandanan. You can easily spend half a day at Pandanan Beach, relaxing in a secluded hut on a pristine white sand beach with a view of the Gili Islands.

Days 17-20: Trekking to Mount Rinjani, Lombok

After your beach day, make your way to Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s most iconic peak. Standing at 3,726 meters above sea level, it dominates the island’s landscape. If you enjoy hiking, the views from the top are absolutely stunning. It’s a volcano nestled within a volcano.

The ideal way to trek Mount Rinjani is through a 4-day, 3-night tour, which allows you to reach the summit on the second day, followed by a trek to the lake, traversing the crater, and climbing up to the ridge on the opposite side at a comfortable pace. Tours generally include the night before the trek, eliminating the need for separate bookings. Make sure you're in good physical condition before tackling Mount Rinjani, as its sandy slopes and uneven terrain can be challenging.

Days 21-23: Discovering Labuan Bajo, Flores

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After your adventure on Mount Rinjani, the tour operator can take you to Senggigi, where you can stroll along the tourist strip and inquire at a travel agency about “Liveaboard” cruises to Labuan Bajo, Flores. This journey concludes in Labuan Bajo after navigating through Komodo National Park. Over four days and three nights, you'll have the opportunity to see the Komodo dragons on Komodo and Rinca islands, witness the sunrise at Padar island, and visit Manta Point.

For sunset or sunrise lovers, Rinca Island offers numerous scenic spots to choose from. The island's hilly terrain provides excellent vantage points for breathtaking views. Additionally, you can dive at some of the world's premier diving locations surrounding Rinca Island, Komodo Island, and Padar Island.

Days 24-26: Exploring Ruteng, Flores

Ruteng is a tranquil hill town in Flores. Here, you can visit the Lingko Spider Web Rice Fields and the Hobbit Cave, where Homo floresiensis, an extinct species of small archaic inhabitants, was discovered. Renting a scooter is essential for exploring the area. Compared to Bali and Lombok, Flores attracts fewer tourists, offering a more authentic experience and enriching your journey through Indonesian tourism.

Days 27-28: A Visit to Bajawa, Flores

After your stop in Ruteng, catch an early morning bus to Bajawa, a quaint town in Flores known for its traditional villages. Beno is the largest of these villages, featuring informative displays about the local people's history and culture. You can reach Beno by renting a motorcycle or asking your hotel to arrange a motorbike taxi. If time permits, consider hiking up Gunung Inerie, a striking 2,245m cone-shaped volcano that towers over the region.

Days 29-30: The Last Stops – Ende, Kelimutu, and Maumere

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You can catch a 5-hour bus from Bajawa to Ende, where you can spend the night. Be sure to try the best Nasi Ayam (chicken and rice) at Sari Rasa restaurant, where the lively owner will happily share insights about the dish.

The highlight of your trip is Kelimutu, the tri-colored volcanic lakes of East Flores. This volcano boasts lakes of blue, green, and black hues. Stay overnight to witness the lakes’ stunning colors at sunrise. From Ende, take an early bus to Moni and arrange a sunrise tour to Kelimutu through your hotel. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter, drive up the mountain around 4 AM, or hire a motorcycle taxi.

Next, take a bus from Moni to Maumere, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and excellent scuba diving spots, before heading home. After the cool mountain air of Ruteng, Bajawa, and Moni, you’ll appreciate Maumere’s warm tropical climate. This trip is the perfect way to conclude your adventure. Enjoy a day at the beach before returning to Bali.

If you're planning your next holiday in Indonesia, make sure to include the destinations mentioned above. There's a wealth of exciting places and welcoming tourist spots to explore. Create unforgettable travel memories by booking your flights and accommodations on Mytour!