The Eager Traveler

Borobudur Temple 2

2 Week Indonesia Itinerary (How to Spend 2 Weeks in Bali & Java)

Indonesia is an incredible destination made up of over 17,000 islands to explore. An ideal Indonesia itinerary is jam-packed with volcanoes to hike, temples to visit, waterfalls to swim in, and, of course, yoga and a massage to relax. Two weeks in Indonesia will give you enough time to explore both Bali and Java and see the different sides of this amazing place.

2 Week Indonesia Itinerary

Bali is the iconic tourist destination in Indonesia, but if you have 2 weeks for your Indonesia travel itinerary, you can split your time between Bali and Java. Bali beckons with beaches and the cultural town of Ubud, while Java features the bustling city of Jakarta and countless historic sites. Java is also home to more rugged outdoors adventures and stunning waterfalls. It’s definitely worth including both on your Indonesia itinerary to really immerse yourself in the country and culture.

Best Things to Do in Bali

bali beach

Find Your Favorite Beach

When you picture Bali, tropical beaches are probably the first thing that comes to mind, and you won’t be disappointed here. Each beach has a different vibe, and here are some of the best to choose from:

  • Kuta Beach – The most famous Bali beach, with a little bit of everything
  • Seminyak Beach – A fun, upscale party spot
  • Jimbaran Beach – The place to be for fresh seafood
  • Padang Padang Beach – Great spot for swimming & surfing
  • Balian Beach – Bustling beach for watersports and surfing
  • Sanur Beach – Local, laid back vibe
  • Pasir Putih Beach – Hidden white sand beach
  • Geger Beach – Secluded & beautiful
  • Karma Kandara Beach – Luxury accessed by funicular

Check Out Uluwatu Temple

A visit to Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Ulu Watu) is a must on your Indonesia itinerary. This gorgeous temple sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, providing a breathtaking backdrop. If you arrive around sunset, you’ll not only get a spectacular view, but also witness a Kecak dance.

Splash in Tibumana Waterfall

Deep in the jungle near Ubud, you’ll find the breathtaking Tibumana waterfall. After a short walk, you can admire the waterfall and jump right into the water to immerse yourself in the beauty.

See the Sunrise from the Summit of Mount Batur

mount batur

Add some adventure to your Indonesia itinerary with a hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano with epic views. Most people choose to get an alpine start on this hike to see the sunrise from the summit, and it’s absolutely worth waking up early for.

Hike Up Mount Agung

Another active volcano, Mount Agung rises tall over Bali. There are a couple trails up to the summit, but even the easier way has significantly more elevation gain than Mount Batur, so be prepared to earn your summit views on the steep hike.

See the Gateway to Heaven

lempuyang temple

Although Lempuyang Temple is in a remote area of Bali, you’ll want to add it to your Indonesia itinerary so you can marvel at the jaw-dropping Gateway to Heaven which frames Mount Agung.  But there is more to see here, too, as Pura Lempuyang Luhur actually consists of seven temples and is one of the holiest sites in Bali.

Relax with a Balinese Massage

You really can’t go for a relaxing vacation in Bali without adding a Balinese massage to your Indonesia itinerary. Ayana Estate’s Spa on the Rocks offers an incredibly indulgent massage experience, or try the beachside massage at Amankila Spa.

Explore the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Escape from Ubud to the lush landscape of the Jatiluwih rice terraces. While you can drive along the rice fields, walking through the rice paddies or taking an e-bike tour are cool ways to explore this gorgeous and unique site on a closer level.

Flow Through a Yoga Session

Bali is known for yoga retreats, and on a 14-day Indonesia itinerary, you should have the time to flow through your yoga practice for a few days. Yoga Barn is perhaps the most famous yoga destination in Ubud, but there are many other excellent options, too.

Visit Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul means “holy spring” and this sacred water temple brings lots of visitors to witness or experience the ceremony of a purification bath.  Explore the shrines, statues, and bathing pools, which offer a sense of serenity even with the crowds.

Shop the Local Markets

Be sure to wander through at least one of the local markets during your 2-week Indonesia itinerary. Ubud Market is big and bustling, with a wide variety of handmade goods – from carvings to clothing – from local villages. Sukawati Art Market is a little less overwhelming but has the same wide range of handcrafted art. 

Raft the Ayung River

Add an adrenaline rush to your Indonesia itinerary by rafting on the Ayung River. Several guide companies offer whitewater rafting trips down the longest river in Bali for a scenic adventure.

Where to Eat in Bali

Bali has so much delicious food that you really can’t go wrong, but here are a few great options based on your budget.

Cheap Eats: Murni’s Warung

A local institution since the 1970’s, Murni’s Warung offers traditional Balinese dishes in a lovely setting along the river in Ubud.

Moderate: Jimbaran Seafood Cafes

For the freshest and tastiest seafood, head to the fishing village of Jimbaran and dine at one of the many cafes that line the beach.

Splurge: Tanaman

Try a unique and delicious plant-based meal at Tanaman in a spaceship-like setting at Desa Potato Head.

Where to Stay in Bali

Budget accommodations abound in Bali, but you can also splurge on tropical luxury if you like.

Budget: NamaStay

Choose from a private room, shared dorm, or even a tent in this cheap but cool hostel in a convenient location in Ubud.

Mid-Range: The Haven Bali Seminyak

Stay in the center of Seminyak at The Haven, which is perfect for walking to the beach, shopping, or going out.

Luxury: Hanging Gardens of Bali

Nestled in the jungle, this incredible resort is quite the splurge, but the infinity pool just might be worth it. (You can also buy a day pass just to hang out in the pool even if you don’t stay here.)

Best Things to Do in Java

Tour Anak Krakatau

On an island off the coast of Java, you can visit Anak Krakatau, the small volcano that formed after the giant eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. Take a day trip to the island or spend the night as part of your 2-week Indonesia itinerary.

Explore Prambanan Temple

A complex of 240 temples, Prambanan is a stunning site to explore. The largest temple, a shrine to Shiva, is the centerpiece, with temples of Vishnu and Brahma nearby.

Hike to Kawah Ijen

Hiking Mount Ijen is a challenge as you head up a steep rocky trail, but it’s worth it to see the incredible acidic crater lake at the top. To get a peek at the famous blue flames, you have to hike to the crater in the dark.

Note: Gas masks are available for rent to protect yourself from the sulfurous gasses.

Visit Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, so it’s definitely a must-see on your Indonesia itinerary. The temple is made up of three tiers, and you wander through open air walkways with carved reliefs representing Buddhist teachings on your way to the top.

Check Out Kraton of Yogyakarta

In the center of the city of Yogyakarta is the magnificent Kraton (Palace) where the sultan resides. It is so massive that it is basically a city within a city, and visitors can wander through many of the courtyards and pavilions.

Watch the Sunrise over Mount Bromo

mount bromo

While you can hike up Mount Bromo, many people choose to watch the sunrise over the volcano from the King Kong viewpoint on Penanjakan Hill. After seeing this gorgeous view of sunrise, you can then summit Mount Bromo itself if you choose.

Wander Around Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is located in a remote area at the southwestern end of Java, but if you are planning a two-week Indonesia itinerary, you can fit in time to visit. The landscape includes rainforest, beaches, and coral reefs, and it is home to the endangered Javan rhinoceros (though sightings are very rare).

Where to Eat in Java

From street snacks to Javanese dishes to international cuisine, the restaurants in Java will provide plenty of tasty meals.

Cheap Eats: Lumpia Samijaya

Incredible spring rolls on the main street of Jalan Malioboro in Yogyakarta.

Moderate: House of Raminten

Enjoy delicious signature Javanese dishes at this local favorite with a traditional atmosphere.

Splurge: Table8

Serving Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine in a spectacular setting, Table8 provides a special experience in Jakarta.

Where to Stay in Java

Stay happily in Java no matter your budget with these lodging options.

Budget: Wonderloft Hostel

A fantastic spot to stay in Yogyakarta with a rooftop deck, courtyards, and a cooling tub. Wonderloft also has a location in Jakarta.

Mid-Range: ​​Ashley Tanah Abang

Ashley Tanah Abang offers a modern ambiance for an excellent value in a convenient location in Jakarta.

Luxury: Raffles Jakarta

In the heart of the central business district, Raffles Jakarta showcases art in this elegant high-rise.

Hi, I’m Preethi,

I help women overcome their fears, limited beliefs, and generational trauma so they can adventure outdoors with confidence and enjoy the benefits of nature

I help women overcome their fears, limited beliefs, and generational trauma so they can adventure outdoors with confidence and enjoy the benefits of nature

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