Hi

Need advice on our Indonesia itinerary. We are a couple who have around 12 days. We are thinking of covering East and West Java and the wondering whether we should do Bali (Ubud) or Flores (Komodo National Park) or spend 4 days in Sumatra. We’d like an off the beaten path experience and are not big on surfing/diving or spending the entire day on the beach.

I’d also like some advise on the ideal route and mode of transport to get from place to place in Java – can we self drive? Is it easy? How much time should we spend in each place?

July 27 – Arrive Jakarta Airport at 4pm

Jakarta airport to Bundung (4 hrs drive); spend night

July 28 – Crater of Kawah Putih, Tangkuban Perahu; visit Maribiya

July 29 – Glamping Dasun Bambu (is this worth it?)

July 30 –Drive to Pangadarun to see green canyon; spend night

July 31 – Drive to Dieng Plateau; spend night

Aug 1 – Drive to Mount Bromo; 2 nights here

Aug 3 – Drive to Ijen Crater; spend night

Is it possible to squeeze in Malang/Yogyakarta? Is it worth it? What is the best way to travel from one place to another?

If we were to go to Sumatra next, what would be the best way to travel there? We were thinking of 4 nights here to cover the following:

- Flying in to Medan airport

- Bukit Lawang

- Lake Toba/Meninjau (are these too far?)

- Visit Banyak Islands?

- Is there anything else worth doing here?

Then, fly back to Jakarta for international flight.

Is Flores (Komodo National Park) or Ubud a better option than Sumatra? Or, is Sulawesi better but too far?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

I think you are trying to cover too much in your limited time. I think you can barely do justice to Java in 12 days, never mind adding in Bali or Sumatra. The things missing from your itinerary are the cultural things: Borobudur and Prambanam, the Ramayana Ballet in the open air theatre near Prambanam, and the temples of eastern Java,

On Java, trains are a good form of transport. Getting from island to island, you will want to fly..

Here is a link to my trip report on Java https://www.fodors.com/community/asi...-jogja-957944/
and you can find our photos at www.marlandc.com

I don’t know why your need is urgent, but I think Kathie has given you excellent advice – and in case you don’t already know it, she is an expert on the area.

I found her trip report invaluable, and used it as a guiding map for my time in Indonesia – you can find my trip report at
A Memorable Solo Month in Singapore, Java, and Bali

Good luck!

Java is divided into three general areas: West, Central and East. The best way to travel from area to area is by air using Jakarta airport for West Java, Yogyakarta, Solo (Surakarta) or Semarang airports for Central Java and Surabaya airport for East Java. Domestic airfare is inexpensive and efficient. My preference is wherever possible AirAsia. If AirAsia's routes are not applicable, then I would choose Garuda followed by any of the local carriers. Upon arrival at an airport you can arrange a car and driver to take you to your accommodation and to the sites that you want to see. You resort or hotel can help you with arrangements. Many travelers that post on this site will also have driver recommendations.


Ground transport within Java is difficult. Distances and travel times are greater than you would expect. Even local drivers are not familiar with areas outside of their own neighborhoods and a driver from one area wouldn't be familiar with the non-highway routes of another area. Train travel is an option, in some cases a good option, but available routes are limited. Above all, I would NOT recommend self driving. The obstacles and liabilities are enormous.

I lived in Jakarta for many years and spent a good deal of time in the Bandung/West Java area. I am familiar with the some places that you mention; I especially like Kawah Putih and Tangkuban Perahu. However with your limited time I wouldn't put West Java on the must-see list. I would concentrate on Central and East Java plus one other island outside of Java. (If you do decide to go Jakarta to Bandung, this is one case in which train travel is an excellent choice.)

You could connect immediately from Jakarta airport to Yogyakarta airport. Either stay in the town of Yogya or in the countryside outside of town. Major destinations would be Borobudur, Prambanan, Yogya city, Dieng Plateau. Again, you should base yourself in one location and use local drivers (with their own cars) to make day trips to the places you want to see. I would choose a resort in the Borobudur area, but the town of Yogya is also a possibility.

From Yogya you could fly to Surabaya and from there head to Mt. Bromo. A driver from the resort that you intend to stay in on Bromo could pick you up at Surabaya airport. You can also "commute" from Surabaya or Malang to Bromo, but I wouldn't recommend this approach. The Bromo area is exceptionally scenic for trekking. Don't limit yourself to a single sunrise experience.

From Bromo you could arrange a car and driver to take you to Ijen. From Ijen you could either make a side trip to the Malang area, then return to Surabaya airport for transit to your next destination. Or you could continue on from Ijen to the ferry that takes you to North Bali.

i haven't been to Sumatra, but from what I understand, your itinerary looks overly ambitious. With only four nights I would recommend Bali, especially the Ubud area. Sumatra, Flores/Komodo, Central Sulawesi are all excellent choices as well, but four days is a bit tight. These are slow moving places and transport from place to place can involve delays. After you've worked out your Java trip you'll have a better idea of how much time you have left over for another island and choose accordingly.

Thanks @Kathie
We're not too keen on temples so were thinking of skipping Yogya.
What are these best cities to fly into to visit the various places listed in my itinerary?

Thank you so much- your reply has been most helpful.
Let me have another look at my itinerary and rejig the schedule.
Would you have any recommendations for good drivers in any of these places?

I'm not able to recommend drivers; however, I believe other posters can. If that fails, then your hotel or resort will be able to make arrangements for you.