My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
The Java part is really fast-paced.
I can't see how you could do the days from the 23rd to the 25th without using an agency’s services from Yogyakarta to Banyuwangi—you’ll find plenty of options since all travelers in a hurry do it this way.
The 1st won’t be doable unless you hire a driver with a car and don’t spend much time at the places you plan to stop.
Day 4: Coming from Ubud, I’d recommend taking an afternoon flight.
Overall, the itinerary is quick and lacks originality, but at least you won’t risk getting lost since so many others do it this way.
Thanks for the comments. Actually, I’ve got an interesting and not-too-expensive flight SIN-YQB on October 11 instead of the 10th, and I’m also thinking we could do Labuan Bajo-SIN on the way back, without going through DPS. That would give us 2 extra days. Where do you think we should fit them in?
About the Bromo - Kawa Ijen part, we’re more interested in Bromo. Would it be better to spend more time at Bromo and skip Kawa Ijen? We already know that if we go, it’ll be for a daytime hike rather than the night trek for the blue flames.
Actually, I have an interesting and not too expensive flight SIN-YQB on October 11th instead of the 10th, and I was also thinking we could do Labuan Bajo-SIN to get back
In this reasoning, are you taking into account that the LBJ-SIN flight isn’t daily? It only operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays (dep. 18:10 arr. 21:35) and Sundays (dep. 9:30 arr. 13:00).
I checked and found options for Saturday (Indonesia Air Asia), but it's a self-transfer (5-hour layover in DPS). Since we usually travel with just a small backpack, we don’t have to worry about luggage retrieval. That said, if there’s a delay or cancellation, it could get a bit more complicated for the second leg of the flight.
Still, even without a self-transfer, I’ve had a second flight canceled before and had to organize and find another flight myself because the airline (United) offered me a departure 3 days later 🤪.
So, that gives us 2 extra days. Where do you think I should add them?
Is this question still relevant?
Yes :) . I was wondering if it’d be better to add those days to the Java part or maybe one day in Java and one near Munduk or Ubud. That way, I could have more time for Jatiluwih.
Also, I was wondering if I should spend more time at Bromo and skip Kawa Ijen. We’re not really into doing that night hike to see the blue flames. If we go, it’d probably be during the day, when there are likely fewer people.
Bromo and skip Kawa Ijen. We’re not really keen on doing that night hike just to see the blue flames.
Not everyone visits both, so if you don’t feel like going to Kawah Ijen, why force yourself? I’ve only been to Bromo myself.
Stops that deserve extra time:
-Yogyakarta + 1 night (sightseeing and wandering around the city, bike or becak rides through nearby villages, Ramayana performances, wayang kulit and wayang golek shows in the evening...),
-Eastern Java + 1 night if using public transport: stay 2 nights near Bromo to spend a full day there, and 1 night in Banyuwangi since the trip from Bromo takes longer than it seems (it’ll take most of the day at best via Probolinggo),
-Jatiluwih for 1 to 2 nights,
-Labuhan Bajo (you should arrive in the afternoon if you follow one of my earlier tips) + 1 night to have time to organize the "cruise."
On the other hand, I’d cut your nights in Ubud from 3 to 2 since it’ll be less interesting after Munduk and Jatiluwih. Use the extra full day to hire a driver for a tour of the well-known sites north of the city, and the two evenings to catch traditional performances—no need for more time.
These 2 extra days won’t make the trip feel *that* much more rushed.
You’re planning to cover three areas—East Java, Bali, and Labuan Bajo—with the time you have, and that’s one too many.
I’m reworking the Java part of my itinerary (I’ll tackle the Bali section later) and I’ve decided to skip Kawa Ijen. But as often happens when you drop one stop, you tend to replace it with something else—and suddenly, the schedule isn’t any lighter! So, I’m humbly asking for your expert opinion.
09/20: Arrival in Yogyakarta around noon and afternoon visit.
09/21: Prambanan
09/22: Borobudur and overnight train to Malang
09/23: Arrival in Malang around 7 AM, scooter rental, and ride to Tempak Sewu. Night near Promojowo.
09/24: Drive to Cemoro Lawang with a few stops along the way (Kapas Biru, Coban Sriti). Night in Cemoro Lawang
09/25: Hike at Bromo. Night in Cemoro Lawang
09/26: Drive to Malang (very early departure, around 4 AM). Malang-Banyuwangi train, ferry to Bali, and night in Pemuteran.
Do you think this is doable? For the 26th, if I understood correctly, there’s a Malang-Banyuwangi train that leaves around 8 AM. Otherwise, I think there might be an option to take a train around noon with a connection in Bangil, arriving in Banyuwangi a little before 8 PM. I’m not sure if it’s still possible to take the ferry and then continue to Pemuteran at that late hour.
Also, regarding Borobudur and Prambanan, I know many people visit both in the same day. I was thinking it might be better to spread them over two days and keep some free time in the afternoon to explore Yogyakarta or whatever else comes up. But maybe it’s better to do both in one day? Since Borobudur is farther away, I’m wondering about the best plan and where to spend the nights. If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears!
I know this is pretty fast-paced, but hey, I’ll try to take it easier for the Bali part—or at least the last few days in Komodo National Park! 😉
I know it's pretty rushed, but hey, I'll try to be more relaxed for the Bali part or at least for the last few days in Komodo National Park!
It's even more rushed. As for shortening the Komodo National Park leg, that won't be possible, and I don't believe for a second that you'll be more relaxed in Bali.
You're planning the 3 areas: East Java, Bali, and Labuan Bajo. With the time you have, one of them is too many.
Hi everyone, I m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I ve decided to explore Indonesia. I ll be there from September 1st to…
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
