Island Hopping Through Indonesia: Java, Bali, the Gilis & Lombok
My photo memories have just reminded me that this time last year I was lucky enough to be travelling through Indonesia. It was one of those journeys that stays with you long after you return home; ancient temples at sunrise, rainforest waterfalls, mischievous monkeys and dolphins leaping at dawn.
First stop: Java & the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
After an overnight flight I arrived in Jakarta on the island of Java, and left early the following morning to catch a train to Yogyakarta to explore some of Indonesia’s most important historical sights before continuing on to Borobudur, where I spent the next couple of nights.
My first morning was dedicated to the famous Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a truly magical place to explore. The intricate stone carvings and bell-shaped stupas are even more atmospheric when you wander through in the soft early light.
Later that day the pace changed as I joined a cycle tour through neighbouring villages, passing rice paddies, local homes and daily life unfolding all around. In the afternoon I headed onwards to Prambanan Temple, a stunning complex of Hindu temples. The day ended with a beautiful sunset over the spires, a perfect way to round off my time in Java.
Bali: spiritual Ubud & cheeky monkeys
The next day I left Java on a short flight to Bali, where I would spend the following week. My first stop was the spiritual town of Ubud, home to the famous Monkey Forest and some very mischievous residents.
While I was sitting quietly, one of the monkeys decided my bag looked interesting, promptly grabbed it and helped itself to my AirPods. After discovering they weren’t edible, it lost interest and thankfully I got them back. A funny story after the event, but a good reminder to keep your belongings close and your sense of humour even closer!
Ubud itself is a colourful, bustling town in central Bali, often described as the island’s spiritual heart. It is surrounded by lush rice paddies and is known for its yoga retreats, traditional crafts, woodcarvings, art galleries and nightly performances of traditional dance such as the Kecak fire dance.
Step away from the busy centre and you can find real peace and tranquillity amongst the rice terraces and jungle, ideal for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature. For visitors seeking more entertainment, Ubud also offers a lively nightlife scene with live shows and a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Northern Bali: dolphins at sunrise in Lovina
From Ubud I travelled up to the quieter north coast of Bali and the black-sand shores of Lovina Beach. The highlight here was a sunrise cruise, heading out in a small boat as the sky slowly changed colour. Soon we were surrounded by pods of dolphins playfully leaping out of the sea in front of us. Watching them against the backdrop of a glowing horizon was a very special moment.
Gili Trawangan: barefoot island life
Next came a fast ferry across to Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as it is more commonly known. This chilled yet lively little island sits off the north-west coast of Lombok and has a fun, easy-going vibe.
Although Gili T is the largest of the three Gili islands (the others are Gili Meno and Gili Air), it is still only about 3 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. There are no cars on the island, so everyone gets around on foot, by bicycle or in horse-drawn carriages called cidomos. It gives the whole place a wonderfully relaxed, old-fashioned feel.
I would definitely recommend exploring the surrounding coral reefs and swimming with sea turtles, a real highlight of any stay here. In the evening, head to the west side of the island for those famous sunset views. Afterwards, make your way back to the busier east coast to browse the local night market and pick up hand-crafted souvenirs.
Lombok: waterfalls, volcanoes & wild beaches
Lombok was my final stop on this Indonesian adventure. The island’s interior is a lush rainforest landscape dotted with dramatic waterfalls and exploring this side of the island offers a very different feel to Bali’s more developed resorts.
For those looking for more of a challenge, there is the option to take a guided trek up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, which features a striking crater lake at its summit.
Lombok is less developed than Bali, and that is part of its charm. The beaches of the southern coast are particularly beautiful, with dramatic coastal views, rolling surf and hidden white-sand bays such as Mawun and Selong Belanak. It is a fantastic choice for travellers looking for somewhere a little wilder and more low-key, without sacrificing incredible scenery.
Ready to plan your own Indonesian journey?
I travelled independently, hopping between islands and mixing culture, wildlife, beach time and adventure. If you are inspired by the idea of a similar tour of Indonesia, I can tailor make an itinerary to suit your interests, pace and budget, whether that is temples and trekking, spa time and sunsets, or a bit of everything.
If you would like to start planning your own Indonesian adventure, just get in touch and I will put together some ideas for you.
