18 days in Indonesia: itinerary
A realistic 18-day route through Indonesia with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
An island base plus boat trips to Nusa Penida and the Gilis.
The route
- Days 1–6: Bali
- Days 7–12: Nusa Penida
- Days 13–18: Lombok & the Gili Islands
Why this order works
It keeps transfers short and ends near a major airport. Domestic flights are the practical way to move between island groups and are frequent and inexpensive
What it costs
At mid-range pace, an estimated $1,710 per person on the ground, excluding flights.
When to run it
Best months: May, June, July, August, September.
Recommended destinations
Where to go in Indonesia
Bali
Rice terraces, temples, surf coast and the widest range of places to stay in the country.
Explore Bali
Yogyakarta
Java's cultural capital, next to the Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes.
Explore Yogyakarta
Komodo & Flores
Dragon islands, pink beaches and some of the best diving in Southeast Asia.
Explore Komodo & Flores
Lombok & the Gili Islands
Quieter beaches, the Rinjani volcano trek and three car-free islands offshore.
Explore Lombok & the Gili IslandsRelated guides
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