Swimming with manta rays, climbing volcanoes, and staying amidst beautiful rice fields. In Indonesia, it can all be done. Moreover, it is a fantastic family-friendly destination.
We visited Indonesia during two different trips and spent a total of 7 weeks there. I established the ideal route for a family road trip in Indonesia, which includes beautiful places in Bali, Komodo, and Java.
Our route is ideal for children aged 6 and up, as it includes several challenging hikes in Java, and it’s best to be a good swimmer to enjoy the Komodo National Park.
If you have younger children and still want to visit Indonesia, be sure to check out our route “Three weeks in Bali” that we took with our son who was 2.5 years old.
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Days 1-5: Yogyakarta
Our itinerary begins in Yogyakarta in Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of our favorite cities in Asia where there is so much to experience.
Think of a workshop on batik painting, a biking tour in the countryside where you visit various local crafts, and an exploration tour of the city where you can visit the Sultan’s palace, the Sonobudoyo museum, and the water palace.
You can also visit the iconic temples Borobodur and Prambanan.
Read more: What to do in Yogyakarta | Java Tour
Day 6: Train Journey from Yogyakarta to Malang
You travel by train from Yogyakarta to Malang in East Java. The journey takes about six hours and takes you past beautiful landscapes in a completely different world.
Tickets can be purchased via 12go or Tiket.
Days 7-8: Malang
Malang is the gateway to some of the world’s most beautiful places. You can also visit the tea plantation of Wonosari, the waterfall and maze of Coban Rondo, and the colorful neighborhoods of Jodipan and Blue Village.
Read more: Things to do in Malang | Java Tour
Days 9-11: Three-Day Bromo, Tumpak Sewu, and Ijen
In the next three days, you will be able to take one of the most adventurous and spectacular tours we have ever done. You will start with a climb of the Bromo volcano, take a challenging hike to the Tumpak Sewu waterfalls, and finish this three-day adventure with a nighttime hike to Kawah Ijen.
In the coming days, breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and adrenaline await.
Read more: Three Days in East Java: Ijen, Tumpak Sewu, and Bromo | Java Tour
Days 12-15: Sumberkima
Travel by ferry from Java to Gilimanuk, Bali. Continue for another half hour to experience ultimate tranquility at Sumberkima Hill, a resort in the mountains of North Bali.
You can visit the picturesque Gili Putih by kayak, help to plant baby coral and guide baby turtles on their journey to the ocean.
Also read: What to do in Sumberkima | Bali Roundtrip
Days 16-18: Pemuteran
Another gem in North Bali can be found in the hills of Pemuteran.
Here you can find the real Bali without the mass tourism. You can hike in the hills, dive at Manjangan Island, spend time on the black sand beach or at one of the resorts, and visit the Air Sanih Spring water.
We stay at Alaya Ecolodge, a beautiful place that has recently been renovated, and moreover offers very good prices for a deluxe bungalow in complete tranquility.
Also read: What to do in Pemuteran, a hidden gem in North Bali | Bali Travel
Days 19-21: Lovina
A more well-known place in North Bali is Lovina, a quiet seaside resort famous for its dolphins and many waterfalls.
Enjoy the sunrise among the dolphins, hike to the Gitgit waterfalls, and visit the beautiful rice fields of Jatiluweh. Additionally, there are plenty of classic water sports options such as jet skiing, parasailing,…
Days 22-27: Ubud
The next destination is the beautiful Ubud. One of our favorite places, surrounded by rice fields, located in the jungle, and with the distinctive scent of incense sticks.
Take the long journey through North Bali for several stops at, among others, the twin lakes Buyan and Tamblingan and the Ulu Danu temple.
In the coming days, you can enjoy Ubud and its surrounding area. Stroll through the local rice fields, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest and the elephant cave Goa Gadja. Explore the traditional market, enjoy a Kecak & fire dance performance, and don’t forget to taste Luwak coffee at a coffee plantation. And much more.
We sleep in the beautiful boutique resort Villa Sabandari that is managed by the Belgian Dirk.
Read more: Things to do in Ubud | Bali Tour
An alternative is to add Sidemen and East Bali to your route. We haven’t done that ourselves yet, but it’s on the agenda for next time.
Days 28-29: Denpasar
A place often overlooked by many tourists is the Balinese capital, Denpasar. Unjustly so, as this busy, dynamic melting pot offers plenty to experience.
Visit the Bali museum, take a trip to the workshops of the silversmiths and painters, and watch one of the dance performances. Additionally, you can also make an excursion to the iconic Tanah Lot from here. Try to be there during sunset for a spectacular view of the temple.
Days 30-31: Flores
A new adventure awaits in Flores. A short flight takes you in 1 hour and 10 minutes from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo.
You can spend a relaxing day at a luxury resort before embarking on a multi-day boat trip to Komodo National Park. However, there are also other activities you can engage in, such as diving, or a day trip including visits to the Batu Germin cave, the Cunca Rami waterfall, and more.
Exploring the interior of Flores is also worthwhile. Budget an additional two weeks for this.
Days 32-34: Three-Day Tour of Komodo National Park
Komodo NP is a gem in the Flores Sea where many nature lovers and adventurers will find joy. Swimming with manta rays, walking among Komodo dragons, and enjoying beautiful views are just a few of the activities on the agenda.
Read more: Komodo National Park tour
An alternative is to take a sailing trip from Labuan Bajo to Lombok. This lasts 5 days, 4 nights, and takes you past Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Savana Beach, Coral Beach, Whaleshark, and Kenawa, before arriving at Lombok Island. This tour has just been launched since June 2024, making it unavailable during our visit.
Days 35-42: South Bali
The south of Bali has something for everyone. It gets busier year after year, so choosing an ideal base is crucial.
Stay in the family-friendly Sanur on the East Coast. Seek the hustle and bustle in the surfer hubs Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak. Or escape the crowds in the tranquil Uluwatu.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches in Uluwatu, learn to surf, and take excursions to Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands.
Also read: The 8 most beautiful beaches of Uluwatu
Alternatively, you can also stay a few days on the Gili Islands, or extend your trip with one of the other islands of Indonesia.
Are you excited about a trip to Indonesia? Have questions or want to know more? Send me a message.