Indonesia summer 2027 trip ideas for a family

Hello,

What do you think?

- that the Surabaya-Yogyakarta-Bali route makes no sense at all, - that it would be more logical to arrive in Yogya and then take a driver (or a private tour) from there to Surabaya, stopping at the intermediate spots mentioned, and from Surabaya take one of the many daily low-cost flights to Denpasar, - that 6 nights in Java is way too short, even without adding extra stops to what’s already planned, - that August is the worst time of year for the tourist ghetto that is Ubud, so it’d be better to find another spot further north, quieter, and more charming, - that Singapore isn’t in Indonesia (see the thread title) and the time you’re planning to spend there would be better used in Java and Bali.

There you go.

Hello,

- that the Surabaya-Yogyakarta-Bali route doesn’t make any sense at all,

Except to better handle the early morning wake-up for Bromo thanks to the time difference.

- that it would be more logical to arrive in Yogya and then take a driver (or a private tour) from there to Surabaya, stopping at the intermediate spots mentioned, and from Surabaya take one of the many daily low-cost flights to Denpasar,

Whether we fly out of Surabaya or Yogya, the end goal is the same, right?

- that six nights in Java is way too little, even without adding extra stops to what’s already planned,

It’s never enough anyway.

- that August is the worst month of the year for the tourist ghetto that is Ubud, so it’d be better to find another spot further north, quieter, and more charming.

Amed is further north, isn’t it? Plus, Ubud is touristy, but let’s keep things in perspective. Touristy compared to what?

- that Singapore isn’t in Indonesia (see the thread title) and that the time you’re planning to spend there would be better used in Java and Bali.

Unless I *want* to make that stopover in Singapore. So let’s focus on Indonesia (the original topic).

Whoa.

Whoa (same tone).

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, you're absolutely right...

Hi there, I went to Mount Bromo with my family and a 7-year-old kid back in the late 80s. We were free to go wherever we wanted—no entrance ticket, no guide, no hassle, etc.—but it was already pretty busy! Just a small crowd... I get the feeling it’s become a full-blown tourist attraction now! Kawah Ijen was more beautiful, more spectacular, and especially more peaceful...

Anyway, for my part, I’d recommend flying to Jakarta/Makassar (Sulawesi) and heading to Rantepao, the Toraja land. I loved that region of Sulawesi. From there, return via Makassar/Denpasar to finish the vacation in Bali. I’d also recommend spending a few days on the small islands of Nusa Lembongan and/or Nusa Penida (Manta Point for manta rays).

Hello

Only 6 nights in Java is way too few, even without adding stops to what’s already planned.

It’s never enough anyway.

True, no matter how long the trip, it’s always too short🤪. So you’ve gotta make choices: spend your whole vacation in Java or split it between Java and Bali, or even Singapore.

Keeping your original route, here’s a very classic proposal: - Flight JKT-Yogyakarta - Java: Day 1-3 in Yogya, Day 2 travel to Bromo... and you won’t be alone😛. Day 4 morning at Bromo, then drive to Kawa Ijen (Sempol village in the middle of coffee plantations). Day 5 morning hike up Kawa, then drive to Ketapang where your driver drops you off at the ferry to Bali (Gilimanuk). From Gilimanuk, you reach Lovina in northern Bali in 1.5 hours by bus (or pick up your car). You’ve got 1 day left to use in Java or save for Bali (Nusa Penida, for example—see below).

- Bali: From Lovina, you can head to Amed or Ubud, in whichever order you prefer.

But Ubud isn’t Ubud anymore 😊. I’ve been to Bali several times and really like it, but last time in 2024, I arrived in Ubud one afternoon and left the next morning. This once-quiet little town, the cultural capital of Bali, is now overrun with kebab shops, pizzerias, etc. Buses dump loads of tourists every morning from Kuta and Sanur (the southern beaches) and leave in the evening. I felt all of Ubud’s charm had disappeared.

Amed, on the other hand, is nice—obviously with lots of restaurants, guesthouses, and resorts, but it’s very spread out (a string of small villages) with undeveloped areas between them. Snorkeling isn’t great, though.

There are plenty of beautiful things to see in the countryside between Ubud and Amed. I agree with Djalma: Nusa Penida (Manta Point for manta rays + some viewpoints). Don’t just go for a day trip by speedboat—stay at least 2 days.

I don’t agree with Djalma: don’t go to Sulawesi just for a few days in Toraja country. This stunning, diverse island deserves a trip of its own.

- Singapore (3 days): I get why you’re stopping there—it’s a good idea—but if you’re short on time, 2 days might be enough. Either way, in 2 or 3 days, there’ll still be tons left to see. Just a heads-up: it’s *very* hot and humid, and midday visits can be tough.

Thanks to Eiger and Dja for their replies.

It seems like Kawah Ijen with young kids would be tricky, which is why I’m not considering it. As for Sulawesi, I don’t think adding another island is a good idea...

With 6 days in Java, it’ll definitely be the classic highlights, but time will be tight, so that makes sense.

I’ll keep in mind that Ubud is tough in the summer... Could it be compared to the beaches on the Côte d'Azur? So now I’m wondering if this trip might be better in April/May (if the weather’s good—sunny and warm).

It seems to me that Kawah Ijen with young kids would be complicated, which is why I’m not considering it.

Yeah, not great with little ones, but I didn’t know that!

Also, for Sulawesi, I don’t think it’s a good idea to add another island...

I stand by what I said: save Sulawesi for a full trip.

In 6 days on Java, it’ll be pretty classic, but with limited time, that makes sense.

True, but "classic" doesn’t mean bad! Yogyakarta, Prambanan, Borobudur (if it’s not packed), Bromo (crowded but the scenery is worth it) are definitely worth the detour.

I’m noting that Ubud is tricky in the summer... Could it be compared to the French Riviera? So, I’m wondering if this trip might be better in April/May (if the weather’s good—sunny and warm).

Ubud is always packed, but probably worse in summer. Weather-wise, there’s not a huge difference between rainy season (December–March) and dry season in Bali. May is a good month.

Afterward, for Sulawesi, I don’t think it’s a good idea to add another island...

If you keep Java in your route, definitely not—but if you do Jakarta/Makassar or better yet Singapore/Makassar (if there’s a good flight), it’s totally doable. And the Rantepao region (Toraja Land) is easy to visit with kids and really worth it! Okay, I’ll admit I didn’t love Java compared to Bali or Sulawesi, but that’s just personal taste. (I have a clear preference for Hindu regions like Bali and Indonesia’s animist/Christian minorities.)

Rough itinerary idea: Singapore → Makassar → Denpasar → Singapore

Hello,

I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027. We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind: - Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta) Low-cost flight. - 7 nights in Bali: Ubud for 4 nights, Amed for 3 (with a rental car) - And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.

What do you think?

Hi,

So, if I’m calculating right, that’s 13 days of travel in Indonesia with young kids... Personally, I’d recommend sticking to one island, like others on this forum have suggested. Bali could work, despite some crowded spots, and ending with a beach stay in the Gilis (Air or Meno, for example). Bali has a lot of charm and its own unique vibe (avoid the south). Or just Java: Yogyakarta and surroundings, Bromo, and waterfalls like Madakatipura and Tumpak Sewu. Maybe Ijen (you can skip the nighttime ascent). There’s plenty to keep you busy for 7–8 days. You could finish with a beach stay on Java, like the Karimunjawas. Of course, you can combine Java and Bali if you want, but you’ll be rushing. The main sites on Java can be done at a fast pace in 5 days (many people do it), but with young kids, meh...🤪 Sulawesi is another option, as others have mentioned. In 13 days, the Toraja region and the Togean Islands could work. (When I was there over 20 years ago, they weren’t so easy to access. I assume that’s changed, like everywhere in Asia.) Flores is also a fantastic option for 13 days... We’ll be there in June...🙂

In 13 days, Toraja country and the Togean Islands—why not?

That’s really a lot of back-and-forth land travel to Makassar with kids, with little time left for the Togeans. These days, the Rantepao option (from Makassar) by private driver should definitely be possible... Maybe do it on the way back, for example.