Explore the Best of Indonesia in 5 Days - Family Friendly Itinerary

Friday, December 22: Jakarta

Start your Indonesian adventure in the bustling capital city of Jakarta. In the morning, visit the National Monument and learn about Indonesia's history. Afterward, explore the fascinating Old Town area with its colonial buildings and vibrant street markets. In the afternoon, take a boat ride through the Thousand Islands and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. In the evening, indulge in delicious Indonesian cuisine at a local restaurant.

• National Monument: Approx. cost - $5, Time spent - 2 hours
• Old Town: Approx. cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Thousand Islands: Approx. cost - $40 (boat ride), Time spent - 5 hours

Saturday, December 23: Yogyakarta

Head to Yogyakarta, known for its rich cultural heritage. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring the royal palace of Kraton Yogyakarta and the nearby Taman Sari Water Castle. In the evening, witness a traditional Ramayana dance performance.

• Borobudur Temple: Approx. cost - $25, Time spent - 4 hours
• Kraton Yogyakarta: Approx. cost - $5, Time spent - 2 hours
• Taman Sari Water Castle: Approx. cost - $3, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ramayana Dance Performance: Approx. cost - $15, Time spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try the popular Warung Makan Bu Ageng. This cozy restaurant offers traditional Javanese breakfast dishes such as nasi gudeg and gudeg krecek. The average cost for a meal is about IDR 30,000 per person.
• For lunch, head to Restoran Sate Kambing Bang Is. This local favorite is known for their delicious grilled lamb satay. Don't forget to try their mouthwatering sambal (chili sauce) on the side. The average cost for a meal is about IDR 50,000 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Bale Raos. Located within the Kraton Yogyakarta complex, this restaurant serves authentic Javanese cuisine in an elegant setting. Their signature dish, nasi pecel, is a must-try. The average cost for a meal is about IDR 100,000 per person.

Sunday, December 24: Bali

Fly to the enchanting island of Bali. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean. In the afternoon, explore Ubud Monkey Forest and interact with playful monkeys. End your day at Kuta Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

• Tanah Lot Temple: Approx. cost - $5, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ubud Monkey Forest: Approx. cost - $4, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kuta Beach: Approx. cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours

Monday, December 25: Lombok

Take a short flight to the beautiful island of Lombok. In the morning, explore the pristine beaches of Kuta Lombok and enjoy snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. Afterward, visit the traditional village of Sasak and learn about the local culture. In the evening, savor fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

• Kuta Lombok Beach: Approx. cost - Free, Time spent - 4 hours
• Sasak Village: Approx. cost - $3, Time spent - 2 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Approx. cost - $20, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Bandung

End your Indonesian adventure in the vibrant city of Bandung. Start your morning with a visit to Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano with breathtaking views. Explore the beautiful tea plantations of Ciwidey in the afternoon. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the famous Pasar Baru Trade Center.

• Tangkuban Perahu: Approx. cost - $10, Time spent - 3 hours
• Ciwidey Tea Plantations: Approx. cost - $5, Time spent - 2 hours
• Pasar Baru Trade Center: Approx. cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, visit the beautiful island of Nusa Penida near Bali. Explore its stunning beaches, especially Kelingking Beach with its majestic cliffs. Another hidden gem is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali, offering breathtaking views of lush green landscapes. For an authentic local experience, consider attending a traditional Batik-making workshop, where you can learn about this intricate Indonesian art form.

Check hotel and flight prices for your Indonesia adventure here.