Indonesia Backpacking Route

8 Jul 2024 – 5 Aug 2024 · by elinetielen

Destinations

Denpasar, Indonesia
Canggu, Indonesia
Ubud, Indonesia
Bromo, Indonesia

A popular stopping point on the lengthy trip from Yogyakarta to Bali. Java is an island full of highly active volcanoes and Mounts Bromo and Semeru are two of the most accessible. Both volcanoes constantly spew out steam and smoke with major eruptions not an uncommon occurrence. The surrounding landscape is spectacular and at times truly unworldly. There’s plenty of budget accommodation available around the park and it’s probably best to base yourself in a village such as Cemoro Lawang or Wonokitri. Camping is possible inside the park but it does get rather cold at night.
- Mount Bromo (Gunung Bromo)
Tumpak, Indonesia
Ijen, Indonesia
Ubud, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

The Gilis are small and extremely laid back and a contrast to the mass tourism witnessed in parts of Bali. Gili Trawangan has been a huge hit with backpackers since the early 1990’s and continues to attract a steady flow of budget travellers. Diving is popular in the Gilis and Trawangan is your best bet for this. Of the three, this is the main party island and is somewhat notorious for the absence of a permanent police presence which has led to it attracting many travellers looking for weed, mushrooms and other drugs. Be warned though, that if you misbehave on the Gilis, you may be forced to take the Walk of Shame and paraded as a criminal in the island’s unique and controversial form of justice.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Kuta, Indonesia

The quiet beaches and bays of South Lombok are the perfect retreat after an active few days on the North of the island. Surfing is popular here and you won’t have to battle with anything like the crowds you find on Bali. Kuta and Tanjung Aan are decent places to base yourself but budget accommodation may be hard to find as even during busier times, the area doesn’t attract that much of a backpacking crowd.
Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Uluwatu, Indonesia