Indonesia trip itinerary and map.

Ever since we visited the continent for the first time last year, Asia has been calling our names over and over again. Nevertheless during the last 18 months we have traveled to India, Sri Lanka and Thailand and enjoyed every minute of our time there.

We loved the history, diversity, organized chaos and people of scuba diving spots of Thailand, the landscapes, culture, weather and scuba diving spots of Thailand and the food, temples, paradise islands and scuba diving spots of Thailand among many other things. We just fell for everything so much that we can’t wait to get back to Asia and experience everything all over.

Today we are happy to announce our next destination in the continent starting next month: INDONESIA.

For approximately a month, we will be roaming around its islands and uncovering many experiences we couldn’t be more excited about!

WHAT’S OUR INDONESIA TRIP ITINERARY?

Being the world’s largest archipelago with more than 17 thousand islands, we are well aware that it would take us more than a lifetime to see them all. This time though, we’ll be lucky to visit at least the following ones:

1. Java

Between Sumatra and Bali, Java is the economic and geographic center of Indonesia, where more than half the population resides. There we will have the opportunity to check interesting spots like:

• Yakarta, its largest city and country’s capital as well as the starting point of our adventures in the country.
• Bandung, where we’ll visiting Tangkuban Perahu, Kawah Putih, Sindang Reret and Saung Mang Udjo.
• Semarang, located on the North coast, it is the capital of the Central Java province.
• Borobudur, a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.
• Yogyakarta, known for its cultural heritage.
• Surabaya, a port metropolis, which mixes skyscrapers with canals and other buildings from its Dutch colonial past.

• Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, really famous for its picture perfect volcanoes.

2. Kalimantan (Borneo)

Oct, 3rd Update: Pangkalan Bun was replaced with Bandung (West Java) due to forest fire and haze.

One of the biggest islands in the SE Asia’s archipelago, this one is shared by the Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. Well known for its beaches and bio-diverse rainforest, we will head there for a chance to spot some serious wildlife including orangutans and leopards.

3. Bali

After arriving to Denpasar, its capital, we will be exploring its mountains and rice paddies in Ubud -a growing digital nomads hub -, beachside cities like Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur where we hope to catch some waves (if only! lol) and religious sites like the Uluwatu Temple, suitable for snapping some of those recognizable sunset pictures that populate countless brochures all over the world.

4. Komodo

Part of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, where we’ll be landing, this island is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands. Komodo National Park covers the entire region and it feels like home to more than 4,000 Komodo dragon monitor lizards (we will try to spot some of these!).

The island is also famous for its volcanic hills, forests and savannah as well as its waters with mangroves and coral reefs, suitable for diving. Too bad we will be saving our diving fun for the Gili Islands!

5. Gili Islands

A small archipelago of 3 islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno) just off the NW coast of Lombok. And since the best time to visit Lombok is the Dry Season, from May to September, we will definitely come back then.

Anyway, here we’ll be getting our Advanced Open Water scuba diving licenses as well as some downtime chilling by these remote islands’ beaches, that look nothing short of stunning, before heading to our next destination!

Diving tanks, wait for us!

OUR INDONESIA TRIP ROUTE MAP

AN EXCITING NEW PROJECT: HUMANS OF INDONESIA

This time, we’ll be also reporting from HUMANS OF INDONESIA, a special photography project to explore the country beyond its main landmarks, focusing on the culture and people of Indonesia. Make sure to follow Humans of Indonesia Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts and tag yourself along as we uncover Indonesian historical roots, customs, values, beliefs, arts and much more through its citizens.

A PACKING LIST READY TO ROCK INDONESIA

In addition to our essential packing list, this time we’ll be also traveling with a few more things we are very excited to test and review:

• Tripods and camera bags by Vanguard
• Walking shoes and sandals by Hi-Tec
• Wood watches by Jord

FOLLOW OUR INDONESIA TRIP

If you aren’t following us already, make sure to check our Instagram, Facebook and twitter as well as the #WonderfulIndonesia and #INAtopBucketList hashtags to get a daily dose of Indonesia inspiration as we will be uploading pictures and stories along the trip.

Getting up early is not painful when scuba diving awaits you!

Disclaimer. Along with a bunch of other travel bloggers and photographers, we have been invited to explore a few of the country’s islands by Indonesia’s Ministery of Tourism. We will be traveling independently through others. In any case, as always, our opinions will be our own.

Featured Indonesia images by Eviña, a friend I met in Kerala, India, who has also extensively visited Indonesia and wrote about it on her Spanish blog.

Let us know your Indonesia recommendations and questions. Can’t wait for all your tips!