Beguin your cultural immersion experience in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Visit the National Museum of Indonesia to learn the country's rich history and culture. Plaza Indonesia Mall, one of the largest malls in the city, is a great place for souvenir shopping. Don't forget to try traditional dishes such as gado-gado and nasi uduk.
Yogyakarta is the cultural hub of Java island. Head to the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features intricate Buddhist architecture. Visit the Sultan's Palace, a complex of royal courts that date back to the 18th century. Don't miss the traditional wayang kulit performance, a Javanese shadow puppet show.
Bali is known for its beautiful beaches and unique culture. Visit Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, and take a traditional Balinese cooking class. Don't miss the Pura Taman Ayun Temple, a stunning water temple surrounded by a moat. End the day by watching the Kecak Dance, a traditional Balinese performance art.
Explore more of Ubud's cultural sights such as the Goa Gajah cave temple and the nearby Tegenungan Waterfall. Visit the Museum Puri Lukisan to see the works of Balinese artists. End the day by taking a relaxing Balinese massage.
Seminyak is known for its luxurious resorts and high-end restaurants. Take a surfing lesson on Double Six Beach or go shopping at Seminyak Square. Don't miss Ku De Ta, a beachfront bar and restaurant that offers great views of the sunset.
Escape to the beautiful Gili Islands for a day of snorkeling, diving, and relaxation. Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan all offer crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Explore the islands by bike or horse-drawn carriage, known as a cidomo.
Bandung is a city in West Java known for its cultural heritage and natural scenery. Visit the Trans Studio Bandung Theme Park, the largest indoor theme park in Asia. Take a tour of the Gedung Sate building, a Dutch colonial landmark that now serves as the governor's office. Spend the evening exploring Braga Street, a pedestrian street known for its cafes and boutiques.
End your trip in Jakarta by visiting the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the Jakarta Cathedral, a neo-gothic Catholic cathedral. Watch a performance at the Gamelan Music and Dance Performance Theater, which showcases traditional Javanese music and dance.
While it's possible to rent a car or motorbike, it's recommended to take public transportation or book private drivers for long distances. Flights between major cities are also available, with the major airlines being Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air. Be sure to research travel times and fares before booking tickets.
Total transportation costs: 250 USD
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Java such as Surabaya and Malang, or exploring more of Bali's beautiful beaches. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the destinations or reducing the time spent at each location.
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the main international airport in Jakarta, located about 12 miles west of the city center. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the main international airport in Bali, located about 7 miles south of the capital of Denpasar. Adi Sucipto International Airport (JOG) is the main airport in Yogyakarta, located about 5 miles east of the city center. Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO) is the main airport in Bandung, located about 3 miles northwest of the city center.