Many foreign tourists ask us,
“If I have one month in Indonesia, where should I go?”

Honestly, that’s a great question — but also a tricky one, because Indonesia is so big and every island has something different to offer. From volcanoes and temples to white-sand beaches and jungle adventures, you’ll never run out of options. But don’t worry — we’re here to help you build a simple, easy-to-follow, and exciting travel plan for your one-month stay.

This article is specially written for beginners and first-timers who want to explore Indonesia the smart and fun way. We’ll also add useful local tips and a few recommendations, especially for Yogyakarta (our hometown 😊).

Let’s dive into your one-month Indonesia travel plan, made just for foreign travelers!

Week 1: Start in Jakarta → Explore Yogyakarta

✈️ Day 1-2: Land in Jakarta (1-2 days)

Most international flights arrive in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. While many people skip it, it’s still a good place to rest after your long flight and get used to the new time zone.

What to do in Jakarta:

Visit Monas (National Monument)
Explore Kota Tua (Old Town Jakarta)
Try local street food like sate padang, gado-gado, or es teler

Tip: Spend no more than 2 days here unless you enjoy city life and shopping malls.

🚂 Day 3-7: Travel to Yogyakarta (5 days)

From Jakarta, you can take a train (8 hours) or a flight (1 hour) to Yogyakarta — also known as the cultural heart of Java.

Why tourists love Yogyakarta:

It’s home to Borobudur and Prambanan Temples
You can explore Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) and Taman Sari Water Castle
Try hands-on activities like batik making, silver crafting in Kotagede, or even jeep tours at Mount Merapi

Don’t miss:

Sunrise at Borobudur Temple
Ramayana Ballet performance at Prambanan
Malioboro Street for shopping and street food

🟢 This is where we can help you the most!
We at Yogyakartatour.com offer friendly, foreigner-friendly tours — from sunrise trips to cultural workshops. If you want a smooth Yogyakarta experience, we’d be happy to show you around 😊

Week 2: Java Adventure → Bromo & Ijen Volcano

🚐 Day 8-10: Mount Bromo (3 days)

Take a private tour or bus/train to East Java and head to Mount Bromo — one of the most iconic volcanoes in Indonesia.

Why go to Bromo:

You’ll see an epic sunrise view over a sea of clouds
Ride a jeep across the “Sand Sea”
Climb the stairs to look into the smoking crater

It’s cold here, so bring a jacket or hoodie. Also, prepare to wake up early for sunrise — around 3 AM!

🌋 Day 11-13: Kawah Ijen (3 days)

Continue your volcano journey to Ijen Crater, famous for its blue fire and sulfur miners.

What makes it special:

You can hike early morning to see blue flames in the dark
At sunrise, the lake turns a milky turquoise color
It’s one of the few places in the world with natural sulfur mining by hand

Tip: This hike is more challenging than Bromo, so be sure to wear good shoes and a mask for sulfur gas.

Week 3: Relax in Bali

✈️ Day 14-21: Bali (8 days)

After your volcano adventures, it’s time to relax and recharge in Bali — the most tourist-friendly island in Indonesia.

How to get there:
From Banyuwangi (near Ijen), take a ferry to Bali (about 1 hour), then continue by car/bus to your destination.

Where to go in Bali:

Ubud for rice fields, culture, and monkey forest
Seminyak or Canggu for beach cafes and surfing
Uluwatu for cliffs and sunset temples
Amed or Nusa Islands for diving and snorkeling

Don’t miss in Bali:

Tegalalang rice terrace
Tirta Empul holy water temple
Traditional Balinese dance performances
A day at a beach club

Tip: Avoid peak tourist season (July-August and late December) if you want fewer crowds and lower prices.

Week 4: Island Hopping → Komodo or Lombok

🛥️ Day 22-26: Labuan Bajo & Komodo Islands (5 days)

Fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo (Flores island) to explore Komodo National Park.

Top activities here:

See Komodo dragons in their natural habitat
Snorkeling or diving at Pink Beach or Manta Point
Island hopping to Padar Island, Kelor, and Kanawa

Many travelers say this is the highlight of their Indonesia trip, especially for nature and marine lovers.

Tip: Book a 2D1N or 3D2N boat tour to sleep on the boat and enjoy sunrise hikes and night sky views!

🏝️ Day 27-30: Gili Islands or Lombok (4 days)

After Komodo, you can fly back to Bali and take a boat to the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air, or Meno) or explore Lombok for more beaches and local life.

Things to do:

Bike around Gili Trawangan (no cars!)
Swim with sea turtles
Chill at beach cafes with live music
Explore Mount Rinjani or waterfalls in Lombok if you have time

Day 31: Back to Jakarta or Bali → Fly Home

Depending on your international flight, you can fly back from Bali or Jakarta.

Most travelers feel emotional on this last day — Indonesia has a way of staying in your heart 💛

FAQs for First-Time Travelers to Indonesia

❓Do I need a visa for one month?
Yes, but it depends on your nationality. Many countries get a 30-day visa on arrival. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have proof of return flight.

❓Is it easy to travel between islands?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan. Flights and ferries are common, and domestic airlines like AirAsia, Citilink, and Lion Air cover most major routes.

❓Can I get by with English?
In tourist areas — yes. But in rural areas, basic Indonesian or using a translator app will help a lot. Locals are friendly and will try their best to assist you.

❓Is Indonesia safe for solo travelers?
Generally yes. Just use common sense like anywhere: don’t flash valuables, be cautious at night, and respect local customs.

Want a Smooth and Memorable Yogyakarta Experience?

We know that planning one month of travel can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help — especially if you’re stopping in Yogyakarta.

At Yogyakartatour.com, we offer:

Sunrise tours to Borobudur & Prambanan
Cultural workshops (batik, silver, gamelan)
Mount Merapi Jeep adventures
Custom private tours for your travel style

We’ve helped hundreds of foreign travelers explore Yogyakarta with ease, comfort, and joy — and we’d love to do the same for you 😊

Final Words from Our Team

A one-month trip in Indonesia is the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll get to see ancient temples, active volcanoes, tropical beaches, and warm cultures — all in one beautiful country.

With this simple travel plan, you can enjoy:

A bit of culture in Java
Adventure in Bromo & Ijen
Relaxation in Bali
Nature and wildlife in Komodo or Lombok

And when you land in Yogyakarta, don’t forget to give us a shout at Yogyakartatour.com. We’re locals who care and we’ll make sure your Indonesia journey becomes something you’ll never forget.

See you in Indonesia! 🌿✈️🇮🇩

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Written by the Yogyakarta tour Team – Your trusted travel companion for unforgettable Yogyakarta experiences.