A two-week journey through Indonesia: A detailed, day-by-day itinerary for exploring this vast island nation.

Simply put, Indonesia is enormous.

As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia stretches across more than 3,000 miles of the equator, with around 17,000 islands to explore.

Home to 250 million people, Indonesia is a tapestry of over 700 languages, six major religions, and numerous animist traditions.

One estimate suggests it would take nearly 48 years to see every part of Indonesia. But with just two weeks, you can still uncover a world of diversity.

These four diverse itineraries cater to all types of travelers, offering everything from thrilling volcano treks to luxurious escapes, untouched islands to cultural rites, and from ancient temples to world-renowned surf spots.

Two weeks packed with adventure: Diving, surfing, and volcano explorations.

Days 1-3: Upon arriving in Lombok, your adventure begins with a hike up the sacred Gunung Rinjani volcano.

It's worth dedicating an extra day to trek up to the smoking peak. Full details can be found on Gunungbagging.com.

Days 4-5: Recover with a couple of relaxing days on the Gili Islands, located off Lombok’s northwest coast.

Gili Trawangan offers vibrant backpacker vibes, Gili Air caters to more refined partying, while Gili Meno is the perfect escape for tranquility.

Days 6-8: Known worldwide for its surf, Lombok, much like Bali, boasts some of the best waves around.

Kuta, in southern Lombok, is home to waves that suit surfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Desert Point, a consistent left-hand barrel located off the southwest coast of Lombok, attracts expert surfers from all corners of the globe.

Days 9-13: Fly into Komodo's Labuan Bajo airport in Flores for a chance to explore the stunning Komodo Islands.

Beyond the iconic Komodo dragons—massive, carnivorous reptiles found nowhere else—Komodo also boasts some of Indonesia’s finest diving. Expect to encounter sharks, turtles, mantas, and an abundance of marine life.

Cannibal Rock offers an intense, high-current dive, while Batu Bolong and Manta Alley provide easier options for less experienced divers.

It's highly recommended to stay on the picturesque Kanawa Island instead of in Labuan Bajo itself.

For seasoned divers, exploring Komodo from a liveaboard offers an unforgettable experience.

The world's most luxurious liveaboard dive boats

Two weeks immersed in culture: Temples, traditional crafts, and ancient rituals.

Days 1-3: Begin your journey in Yogyakarta, Java's cultural heart, the gateway to the 8th-century Buddhist wonder, Borobudur—one of the world's most revered religious sites.

The best time to visit is at sunrise, when the mist clears from the surrounding forested mountains.

Yogya is home to the kraton, the ancient palace of the sultans, which serves as the city's historic center, alongside modern art venues like Cemeti and Sangkring.

Days 4-7: Next, head to Bali, the Hindu island, and its spiritual and artistic hub, Ubud.

Ubud is known for its iconic Hindu temples such as Monkey Forest, Gunung Kawi, and Tampak Siring, plus it’s the perfect place to witness a traditional kecak dance. Explore ancient rice fields and discover local crafts, from silver jewelry making to Balinese painting.

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Days 8-13: Head to Makassar in Sulawesi, the gateway to the Tana Toraja highlands, where locals continue to practice ancient and dramatic funeral rituals, including buffalo sacrifices.

It’s advisable to hire a driver for the journey up to Rantepao, making stops along the way to witness the world’s oldest cave art and explore the stunning karst landscapes of Rammang-Rammang.

In Toraja, you can experience a traditional funeral ceremony—peak season runs from August to September, though ceremonies take place year-round. Visitors are welcomed if dressed respectfully and with gifts.

Hiking through the beautiful highlands is a must for at least a couple of nights, staying in the traditional tongkonan houses with their distinctive roofs. This offers a unique glimpse into how the old Torajan religion, Aluk Todolo, continues to influence life in this predominantly Christian region.

There are also cave tombs and ancient trees where infants were once laid to rest.

Tracking down the world’s oldest art in South Sulawesi

Two weeks of indulgence: Exclusive retreats, wildlife reserves, and private yacht escapes.

Days 1-5: Stay in the tranquil COMO Shambhala Estate on Bali, just outside Ubud. The estate offers suites that appear to float above a lush jungle gorge, complete with spring-fed pools cascading down to the Ayung River.

Guests can enjoy a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, alternating between hiking, massages, spa treatments on the property, and excursions around Ubud.

Indulge in tasting menus at two legendary Ubud restaurants: Locavore, known for its locally sourced ingredients, and Mozaic, where chef Chris Salans honed his skills under culinary masters David Bouley and Thomas Keller.

Bali: A Local's Guide

Days 6-10: Travel by plane or helicopter to Labuan Bajo, where you can charter the luxurious Alexa, an exclusive private sailing yacht designed in Indonesian style. With just one cabin, it comes with a full staff, including a private chef, spa therapist, and dive team.

Five nights of cruising include opportunities to dive or snorkel with manta rays, visit the Komodo dragons, search for whales, and enjoy a natural marine hot spring before reaching the island of Moyo.

Days 11-13: Enjoy secluded beaches and pristine nature at Aman’s Amanwana resort on Moyo, a serene forest retreat on the quiet island of Sumbawa.

Hiking through the forest offers encounters with deer, macaques, and possibly wild boar, while the unspoiled reefs are perfect for diving or snorkeling.

West Flores: More than just Komodo dragons

Two weeks away from it all: Explore jungles, rivers, and remote islands.

Days 1-4: Departing from Balikpapan in Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan), board houseboats to travel up the Mahakam River. Along the journey, visit Dayak longhouses, riverside trading posts, wetlands, lakes, and floating villages.

Keep an eye out for rare freshwater dolphins, unique proboscis monkeys, and a diverse array of birdlife.

Days 5-9: Take a flight to Berau, the gateway to the enchanting Derawan Islands.

On the islands of Maratua or Derawan, you can choose between private island dive resorts or more rustic homestays.

Snorkelers will find stunning sights like stingless jellyfish in marine lakes, while manta rays and turtles glide through the ocean. For divers, there are thrilling dives with sharks and barracuda; enjoy lounging on pristine white sand beaches or embrace the tranquil pace of island life.

Days 10-13: Back in Berau, make sure to explore the Lesan forest area. Canoeing down rushing rivers beneath the towering jungle canopy can be paired with overnight stays in Dayak villages.

The dense jungle here is home to one of Borneo’s largest wild orangutan populations, though sightings aren’t guaranteed due to the thick vegetation.

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