Java Itineraries for 3 weeks
Compiled by
MelissaJava travel expert at TourRadar
- Days 1-6
Sumatra Exploration
Land in Medan mid-morning to skip the worst airport traffic. Visit Al-Mashun Great Mosque and Maimun Palace on day one. Remember to pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders. Take the 3-hour drive to Bukit Lawang on Day 2. The road isn't great so bring motion sickness medication if you need it. Head into Gunung Leuser National Park the next day for orangutan trekking. You'll want quick-dry clothes and plenty of water since the humidity hits hard. Cool off with river tubing later but keep your valuables safe in dry bags. Visit Berastagi and Lake Toba from Days 4-6. Get to Sibayak Hot Springs before 9 AM to beat the crowds. The ferry to Samosir Island takes about an hour. Grab a spot on the upper deck for the best views of Lake Toba, which holds the title of world's largest volcanic lake.
- Days 7-13
Western Java Circuit
Book a morning flight to Jakarta since afternoon storms often cause delays. Skip the infamous traffic by using the MRT or local GoJek apps. When you reach Bandung, check out the art deco buildings along Braga Street that earned it the nickname "Paris of Java." The mountain drive to Semarang takes 5 hours. Stay close to Kota Lama (Old Town) to easily explore Dutch colonial buildings and find the best lumpia spring rolls. As one visitor put it: "The Lawang Sewu building is hauntingly beautiful at sunset, when the 'thousand doors' cast long shadows across the marble floors."
- Days 14-21
Central and Eastern Java
Spend two nights in Yogyakarta, staying in artsy Prawirotaman near good restaurants. Pack warm clothes for the 3:30 AM Borobudur sunrise trip since mornings get chilly. For Mount Bromo, book a room in Ngadas Village to experience local life. The sunrise jeep ride is rough but the views make up for it. Bring good shoes for the "Sea of Sand" walk and something to cover your face from volcanic dust. Finish in Surabaya. Plan for a 4-hour drive from Bromo with traffic. Book late afternoon flights since morning fog often delays mountain departures.
15 Day Indonesia Itinerary, incl. Java and Komodo
Java's cultural treasures unfold over seven days, from UNESCO temples and volcanic terrains to traditional villages. The trip includes comfortable lodging and private transportation throughout.
- Days 1-2
Jakarta
Begin in Indonesia's capital. Use your first day to rest and adjust to the time zone. Visit the Monas monument early on day 2 before it gets too hot. Stop by the Istiqlal Mosque (Southeast Asia's largest) between prayer times. Spend your afternoon in Jakarta's Old City (Kota Tua) where you'll get great photos of colonial buildings in the softer late-day light.
- Days 3-7
Yogyakarta Region
Take the morning train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta (8 hours). Book window seats on the right for the best views of mountains. Stay in the Prawirotaman area, which puts you close to local restaurants and art galleries. Get up early for Borobudur Temple sunrise (leave by 4:30 AM). Visit Candirejo village to try traditional gamelan music and learn how locals prepare cassava. Plan a day trip to Dieng Plateau (3-hour drive). Start early and bring warm clothes as it gets cold at 2,000m elevation (around 10°C/50°F). See the colored lakes and ancient temples before afternoon clouds arrive. Take a pedicab to see the Sultan's Palace and Taman Sari Water Castle. Agree on prices first and keep small bills ready for tips.
- Days 8-9
Mount Bromo
Head to Bromo through Mojokerto. The sunrise trek starts at 3 AM. Wear shoes with good grip since the volcanic sand is loose. Bring warm clothes as it gets quite cold (about 5°C/41°F) at the viewpoint.
- Days 10-11
Lombok
Fly from Surabaya to Lombok and explore local villages by bicycle. For Gili Air snorkeling, go between late morning and early afternoon when you'll have the best chance to see sea turtles. As one traveler shared: "The currents around Gili Air can be strong - stick with your guide and wear the provided life vest even if you're a strong swimmer."
- Days 12-15
Labuan Bajo & Komodo
Plan your Komodo National Park visit carefully. Schedule dragon treks for early morning when they're most active. Bring water shoes for Pink Beach as coral pieces can hurt your feet. Visit Manta Point between December and March if you want to see manta rays.
15 Days in Indonesia, incl. Java and Bali
An 8-day adventure weaves through Java's cultural sites before reaching Bali. The route from Jakarta leads through Yogyakarta to Mount Bromo, with carefully planned overnight stops for immersive cultural and natural encounters.
- Days 1-2
Jakarta
Start your Indonesian adventure in Jakarta. Arrive on day 1 after 2 PM for hotel check-in. Use day 2 to adjust to the time zone and explore the city at your own pace.
- Day 3
Jakarta to Bandung
Leave early to avoid Jakarta's morning traffic. Visit Bogor's KebonRaya botanical garden, an 1817 oasis filled with giant jungle trees and lotus ponds. The drive to Bandung takes 3-4 hours, passing through tea plantations and the scenic Puncak Pass at 1600m elevation.
- Day 4
Bandung
Start with a morning visit to Tangkuban-Perahu volcano when visibility is best. Bring a light jacket for the chilly crater rim. Visit Sariater tea plantation to see traditional processing methods. Spend your afternoon exploring Bandung's art deco architecture.
- Day 5
Train to Yogyakarta
Take the first-class train through Java's volcanic landscapes and rice fields. The 8-hour journey offers beautiful views, especially from the right side. When you arrive, spend your evening on lively Malioboro Street for dinner and shopping.
- Days 6-7
Yogyakarta & Solo
Visit Borobudur early to avoid crowds at this impressive Buddhist temple. See Yogyakarta's 18th-century Kraton Sultan's Palace and Taman Sari Water Palace. The next day, explore Prambanan temple complex with its 47-meter towers before visiting Solo's Mangkunegaran Palace.
- Days 8-9
Malang & Bromo
Travel east to Malang. Take the pre-dawn Mount Bromo excursion for an unforgettable sunrise view. You'll need sturdy shoes for the volcanic terrain. In the afternoon, drive to Kalibaru through mountain landscapes.
- Days 10-14
Bali
Take the 45-minute ferry from Ketapang to Bali. Stay in Sanur or Nusa Dua for four relaxing beach days. You can visit nearby temples or take a day trip to Ubud's cultural sites.
- Day 15
Departure from Denpasar
