Indonesia rewards the unhurried traveler. On Bali, tradition holds steady in temple courtyards and terraced hillsides, while the south trades gamelan rhythms for rolling surf and apricot sunsets. Far to the east, the Jurassic silhouettes of Komodo and Padar rise from luminous seas, home to the world’s last dragons and reefs patrolled by manta rays.

Ubud first ground you in culture—woodcarvers, batik workshops, and holy springs set among emerald rice fields. In Uluwatu and Jimbaran, days slide between beach coves, clifftop temples, and grilled fish by lantern light. Then it’s off to Labuan Bajo, your springboard to Komodo National Park’s pink beaches and island panoramas.

Practical notes: Most travelers qualify for Indonesia’s e-VOA (around IDR 500,000). Bali’s tourist levy (IDR 150,000) is payable online or on arrival. Dress modestly at temples (sarong provided or rentable), and use reef-safe sunscreen—currents around Nusa Penida and Komodo are strong, so always follow guide instructions. Cash is useful in small warungs; cards are widely accepted in cities.

Ubud (Bali)

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart: artisans’ studios, leafy cafes, and temple processions under banyan trees. It’s also a launchpad for adventures—jungle ATV tracks, waterfall swims, and sunrise walks along the Campuhan Ridge.

Where to stay: Browse private villas with rice-field views or boutique hotels near the center on VRBO Ubud or compare stays on Hotels.com Ubud.

Getting in: Fly into Denpasar (DPS). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Ubud is ~1.5 hours by car (IDR 350,000–500,000).

Days 1–5: Ubud culture, temples, and jungle adventures

• Classic Ubud circuit: Start at the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest (watch your sunglasses), continue to Pura Taman Saraswati’s lotus pond, then stroll the Campuhan Ridge at golden hour. Shop for handwoven ikat and silverwork along Jalan Hanoman and in Tegallalang’s village studios.
• Temples and rice terraces: Cleanse at Tirta Empul’s holy springs (bring a change of clothes), and marvel at Tegallalang’s layered fields, a living irrigation system known as subak. Early mornings are serene, with cool mist hugging the palms.
• Waterfalls and spice notes: Chase cascades like Tegenungan or Tibumana, then sample Balinese coffee at a small plantation—ask about civet coffee and try lighter roasts like Kintamani arabica.

Recommended tours and activities:

• All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour — tailor a full-day loop of Monkey Forest, rice terraces, and a waterfall with a private driver-guide.

  

• Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing — for iconic rice-terrace swings, temple visits, and scenic photo stops.

  

• Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting — a splash-and-mud combo on the Ayung River and jungle tracks. Expect IDR 900,000–1,500,000 per person (USD ~60–100).

  

• East Bali Tour: Gate of Heaven, Water Palace, Sleeping Gajah — pre-dawn pickup for Lempuyang’s sky-mirror photo, then Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung.

  

Eat and drink in Ubud:

• Breakfast/coffee: Seniman Coffee Studio roasts Indonesian single-origin beans; try a V60 Kintamani with pandan cake. Pison Ubud pairs flat whites with truffle scrambled eggs.
• Casual lunch: Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku serves Bali’s classic chicken rice—fragrant sambal, crispy skin, and lawar (spiced veg). Warung Babi Guling Gung Cung is a local favorite for roast suckling pig—arrive by noon.
• Dinner: Mozaic (contemporary tasting menus spotlighting Indonesian terroir). Nusantara by Locavore explores archipelago recipes—order babi genyol and North Sulawesi’s rica-rica; the staff happily explains provenance.
• After dark: Nightcaps at Room 4 Dessert for playful sweets and amaro under the palms.

Optional day trip north: For lake breezes and postcard views, consider a day devoted to Tanah Lot, UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

• Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic Journey

  

Move to South Bali (Uluwatu/Jimbaran): Depart in the morning. Private transfer ~2 hours depending on traffic (IDR 400,000–700,000). For flexible days with a driver, book: Experts Bali Driver: Best Bali Private Driver.

Uluwatu & Jimbaran (South Bali)

Uluwatu is all limestone cliffs, temple guardians, and surf breaks that shaped Bali’s beach lore. Jimbaran softens the edges with a curve of golden sand and seafood grilled over coconut husks.

Where to stay: Clifftop villas or beach hotels near Bingin, Padang Padang, or Jimbaran Bay: VRBO Uluwatu and Hotels.com Uluwatu.

Days 6–10: Beach coves, Uluwatu Temple, Kecak dance, and a Nusa Penida day

• Beach-hop mornings: Descend to Bingin for tide-pool swims, Padang Padang for mellow surf, and Melasti for dramatic white cliffs. Midday heat is real—plan shade and hydration.
• Clifftop sunset & culture: Visit Uluwatu Temple toward late afternoon for sweeping views. Stay for the torch-lit Kecak and Fire Dance, a rhythmic chorus recounting the Ramayana as the sky turns indigo.
• Nusa Penida day trip: Trade the cliffs for electric-blue water. Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Bay and drift gardens at Gamat/Toyapakeh, then hit Kelingking and Broken Beach outlooks.

Recommended tours and experiences:

• Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach — temple visit, performance, and toes-in-sand seafood dinner.

  

• Nusa Penida by Private Boat – 4 Snorkel Spots + Land Tour — small-group private fast boat, usually 7:30 am–5 pm. Expect USD ~125–190 per person depending on boat class and inclusions.

  

Eat and drink in the south:

• Breakfast/coffee: Suka Espresso (Uluwatu) for Aussie-style brekkie and flat whites; Drifter Cafe and Gallery for smoothie bowls and surf culture; BGS Bali for cold brew before beach time.
• Casual lunch: Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki (Jimbaran) dishes fiery sambal; Nourish Cafe for plant-forward wraps and juices near Bingin.
• Dinner: Seafood on Jimbaran Bay—try Lia Cafe for snapper, clams with sambal matah, and buttered corn as fishing boats bob offshore. For a splurge sunset, Rock Bar at AYANA perches over lava rock ledges.
• After dark: Single Fin’s Sunday sessions are a Uluwatu rite, with cliffside DJs and Indian Ocean moonrises.

Fly to Komodo (Labuan Bajo): Morning transfer to DPS (~1–1.5 hours from Uluwatu/Jimbaran). Flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) ~1 hour 10 minutes; fares typically USD 60–150 one-way. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Labuan Bajo (Flores, gateway to Komodo)

Labuan Bajo has transformed from sleepy harbor to Indonesia’s adventure capital. Think dawn hikes on Padar Island, Komodo dragon encounters, and pink-sand beaches set against turquoise lagoons.

Where to stay: Cliff-view hotels or harborfront stays with easy pier access: VRBO Labuan Bajo and Hotels.com Labuan Bajo.

Days 11–15: Komodo dragons, manta rays, and island panoramas

• Signature speed-boat loop: Early departure to beat the flotilla. Hike Padar for a tri-color bay panorama, observe Komodo dragons with park rangers on Komodo or Rinca, snorkel Manta Point, and laze at Pink Beach before returning by sunset.
• Second day on the water: Swap sites for Siaba Besar’s coral gardens and Kanawa Island. If you’re certified, consider a dive day—this is a global hotspot for pelagics and pristine reefs.
• Town time: Sunset views from Amelia Sea View or Paradise Bar ridge, and an easy harbor stroll for souvenirs (ikat textiles from Flores are excellent).

Recommended tours:

• Exclusive Early Bird Komodo Tour: Beat the Crowds by Speed Boat — classic Padar–Komodo/Rinca–Manta Point–Pink Beach route with dawn start. Expect USD ~120–160 per person.

  

Eat and drink in Labuan Bajo:

• Breakfast/coffee: Carpenter Cafe & Roastery for Flores beans with caramel notes; pair with banana pancakes and palm sugar syrup.
• Casual lunch: Bajo Bay Fisherman’s Club does grilled fish plates, tuna poke, and cold Bintang with harbor views.
• Dinner: MadeInItaly is a sunset stalwart—wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta; La Cucina for relaxed Italian with sea breeze. For local flavor, Kampung Ujung’s night market lets you pick your catch and sambal heat level.

Getting out: Fly LBJ back to DPS (~1h10m) or onward to Jakarta for international connections. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Suggested 15-Day Flow (By Blocks)

• Days 1–5: Ubud base for culture, temples, and jungle adventures. Book one Ubud highlights tour, one adventure day (ATV/rafting), and consider the East Bali day.
• Days 6–10: Uluwatu/Jimbaran for beaches, Uluwatu Temple + Kecak, and a full-day Nusa Penida snorkeling + land tour.
• Days 11–14: Labuan Bajo for two boat days in Komodo National Park plus one town day.
• Day 15: Return flight and buffer day for shopping/spa or a farewell meal.

Practical tips: Hire a driver for flexible day rates (IDR 700,000–1,000,000). Scooters are common; only ride if experienced and insured. Bring a light sarong, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for rocky entries. Tipping is appreciated but not expected; roundup or 5–10% in restaurants is welcomed.

Note: If you originally meant “Langkawi” (which is in Malaysia), this plan instead focuses on Indonesia’s Bali and Komodo—matching the island vibe you’re after with outstanding cultural and marine experiences.

Final flourish: From temple courtyards and rice terraces to manta-cleaning stations and dragon-haunted savannas, this two-week-and-a-bit arc captures Indonesia’s essence. You’ll leave with sandalwood incense in your bag, sea salt in your hair, and stories that smell of frangipani and clove.