When you look at Indonesia on a map, you will find a deceptively small archipelago. The truth is, there are almost 20,000 islands that make up this country and each one of them offers their own unique experiences. 

Planning your trip to Indonesia should be fun, not stressful. Within two weeks you can see a diverse amount of landscapes and cultures so let’s talk about some of the best destinations in Indonesia.

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In this post, we’ll see how you can visit the best islands of Indonesia within two weeks and I’ll be recommending a tour operator if you wish to create your own tailor-made holidays to Indonesia.

Bali

Moving to Bali | Sunset Bali

If you have read any of my previous blog posts, follow me on Instagram, or known anything about me at all; you will already know that I love Bali! So when suggesting a two-week itinerary in Indonesia, you can’t skip Bali

This island offers more than a one-note adventure. Surfing, partying, yoga retreats and more. Bali caters to everyone. These three locations in Bali are great places to stop for anyone from solo backpackers to groups and it is why I suggest them when planning your 2-week itinerary. 

Ok, enough gushing. Let’s talk about your first 7 days in Indonesia.

Uluwatu (2 days)

Uluwatu has the best beaches in Bali. Whether you like basking on the shore or catching waves, Uluwatu won’t disappoint you. Speaking of surfing, there are surf camps there. It doesn’t matter your level as they offer support for beginners and up!

Uluwatu is a great place to relax during the day and attend beach parties at sunset. There is a temple that you can visit and some nice beachside restaurants to try, but other than that there isn’t much else to do here.

If you really love surfing, you might want to spend some more time here but I think that 2 days here is enough if you are on a tight schedule and want to see more of Indonesia.

Canggu (2 days)

A lot of people immediately think of Canggu when they think of Bali and with good reason. Canggu is the digital nomad hub, attracting laptop-based entrepreneurs from far and wide to its magical haven. This makes it a great place to network, attend drop-in seminars and workshops, or find a nice cafe to work in.

Canggu isn’t an “all work, no play” kind of place. There are tons of spots to relax and enjoy a delicious brunch with a view. Spend your day at a pool party and continue to the evening, checking out the nightlife. Canggu has quite a few bars around the city known for its party scene.

Ubud (3 days)

Ubud is another place that draws remote entrepreneurs although it fosters a bit of a different community than in Canggu. This is the perfect place to end your Bali travels with a little adventure mixed with some spirituality.

An ideal Day in Ubud could include a sunrise yoga class, a visit to some temples or an excursion to a waterfall oasis, a Balinese cooking class, and finished with a Monkey Forest Bali dancing show for dinner.

Ubud does feel a bit more touristy than some other spots around Bali but you will never be bored here.

Flores & Komodo

Bali to Komodo Island | Padar Island

Flores is a fairly large island to the east of Bali and is most often visited by travelers wanting to see Komodo due to its close proximity. 

Much like Bali, a whole week on this island won’t feel like enough but let’s see what there is to do in your second week in Indonesia.

Labuan Bajo (3 days)

This is the town that you will most likely land in first regardless if you are flying in or taking a boat over. The best way to enjoy Labuan Bajo is to rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding area on your own. 

Labuan Bajo is equipped with breathtaking views around every corner and even better views while taking part in some of the island’s epic hikes. You can also take a day trip to one of the neighboring islands or choose to relax in Labuan Bajo and try all of the local cuisines at the seaside restaurants that are sprinkled around the town.

Sunset lovers won’t be let down but the sublime sunset views that Labuan Bajo has in store.

Ruteng (2 days)

Ruteng is a relaxing, cool-climate city that is shrouded by the lush vegetation of Flores. It is the next largest city after Labuan Bajo and is often simply a rest point for people who are traveling to the other side of Flores. You will want to stop here in order to see some of the cool things that are surrounding this small town.

One of the most popular attractions is the Wae Rebo Village. Here you can see the Mbaru Niang traditional houses and learn a little bit about the local community who works together to continue their sustainable lifestyle.

Among this site, you can also check out some other small villages, a unique looking rice field and some unforgettable hikes. 

Komodo (2 days)

Lastly, let’s talk about Komodo! Komodo National Park takes up the whole region of the island of Komodo. Most people only choose to take day trips here from Labuan Bajo to see the dragons but you can stay here for a few days if you would prefer.

Dragons? Yes, this is the home of the infamous Komodo dragons. These giant lizards are carnivores and even often cannibalistic. They are an endangered species of monitor lizard and can only be seen in some parts of Indonesia; Komodo being one of the best places to catch a glimpse of them.  

Aside from coming face-to-face with what looks like to be a relative of an animal from the Jurassic period, there are some other really exciting things to do around Komodo National Park.

Tackle an exhilarating hike to the top of the island or book a snorkeling adventure beneath. This island definitely deserves more than a quick day trip.

Traveling In Indonesia With Original Travel

I get it! This is a lot of things to do in just two weeks in Indonesia. Why not get help planning your own tailor-made trip to suit all of your needs. Take inspiration from this guide and these holidays in Indonesia to create your quintessential vacation.

Original Travel also does its part in neutralizing all CO2 emissions so you can feel great on your trip with a clean carbon footprint. These trips might seem luxurious but Original Travel has suitable plans for any kind of holiday. Whether you are planning a family getaway or a romantic honeymoon; they have you covered.

Visit Original Travel when booking your next trip to Indonesia to spend less time stressing and more time getting excited about the vacation that was made just for you!

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


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