Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, a necklace of 17,000+ islands laced with volcanoes, spice routes, and seafaring legends. Its cultural heart beats in Java—home to Borobudur and Prambanan—while Bali offers terraced rice fields, soul-stirring temples, and an irresistible culinary scene.

In this 8-day itinerary you’ll split time between two standout cities: Yogyakarta for history, and Ubud (Bali) for artful slow living, waterfalls, and a day out to Nusa Penida’s reefs. Expect sunrise temple strolls, gamelan echoes at dusk, and an Uluwatu cliffside sunset you’ll remember for years.

Practical notes: Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (check eligibility before you fly). Dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered; sarongs are often provided), carry small cash (IDR) for markets, and watch for wet-season downpours Nov–Mar. Indonesian staples to try: gudeg (Yogyakarta jackfruit stew), babi guling (Bali roast pork), sate, nasi goreng, and fresh tropical fruit.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (Jogja) is Java’s cultural capital—artsy, scholarly, and deeply Javanese. It’s the gateway to Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu), two monumental testaments to Java’s golden age. Between temple days, sip single-origin coffee, shop batik, and wander the Sultan’s Palace grounds.

• Top sights: Borobudur, Prambanan, Plaosan and Sewu temples, Taman Sari Water Castle, Kraton (Sultan’s Palace), Malioboro Street night market.
• Food to hunt down: Gudeg, bakmi jawa (Javanese noodles), wedang ronde (ginger dessert), kopi joss (charcoal coffee).
• Fun facts: Traditional batik patterns here once signaled social status; many workshops still use hand-drawn wax methods.

Where to stay (Yogyakarta):

• Resort feel in the city: Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta — lush grounds, great pool, close to main sights.
• Near Borobudur luxury: Amanjiwo or Amanjiwo Resort — serene stone pavilions framed by rice fields.
• Budget and social: EDU Hostel or EDU Hostel Jogja.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Yogyakarta | VRBO: Yogyakarta

Getting in (search flights): Fly into Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re already in Java, comfortable intercity trains also serve Jogja—check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1 — Arrive in Yogyakarta, Malioboro Night Stroll

Afternoon: Land at YIA and transfer to your hotel (45–75 minutes depending on traffic). Settle in and refresh.

Evening: Walk Malioboro Street as neon carts and snack stalls flicker to life. Try gudeg at Gudeg Yu Djum (slow-cooked jackfruit with coconut and krecek), then sample wedang ronde (ginger broth with mochi-like balls). Nightcap at Klinik Kopi—ask about their single-origin roasts and the story behind each farm.

Day 2 — Borobudur and Village Life

Morning: Early departure (~4:30–5:00 a.m.) to Borobudur (1.5 hours). Entry to upper terraces is quota-controlled; buy official slots on-site or via your hotel in advance. Walk clockwise through stone reliefs that map the Buddhist path to enlightenment; your guide’s stories make the carvings come alive.

Afternoon: Cycle or ride an andong (horse cart) through Candirejo village—taste palm sugar, watch tofu-making, and roll your own krupuk. Lunch on tempe bacem and sayur lodeh at a local warung.

Evening: Back in town, explore Taman Sari Water Castle’s twilight alleys. Dinner at Warung Bu Ageng (classic Javanese recipes revived by a local poet) or Bakmi Kadin for smoky, wok-tossed noodles.

Day 3 — Prambanan, Sunset Ballet

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Peacockoffie or the heritage café at Phoenix Hotel. Head to the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) for traditional music demonstrations, then browse batik ateliers—look for hand-drawn canting techniques.

Afternoon: Explore the Prambanan complex (30–45 minutes from city). Don’t miss nearby Sewu and Plaosan for quieter temple symmetry.

Evening: Stay for the open-air Ramayana Ballet (on select nights, weather permitting). The storyline echoes across the lit spires. Post-show, grab sate klathak (skewered lamb grilled on iron rods) in nearby Pleret, or return to downtown for dessert martabak.

Ubud (Bali)

Ubud is Bali’s artistic soul: gamelan drifting through palm valleys, stone shrines under frangipani trees, and cafés humming with creatives and yogis. It’s an ideal base for waterfalls, rice terrace walks, and day trips south to Uluwatu or out to Nusa Penida.

• Top sights: Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Campuhan Ridge, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul holy spring, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave).
• Eat and drink: From babi guling and bebek betutu to third-wave coffee and raw desserts—Ubud runs the gamut.
• Good to know: Dress codes apply at temples; sarongs and sashes are often available at entrances.

Where to stay (Ubud):

• Splurge-worthy sanctuaries: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Viceroy Bali, or Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.
• Great comforts: The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali or Pertiwi Bisma 1.
• Value stays: Ubud Tropical Garden or social hub In Da Lodge.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Ubud | VRBO: Ubud Villas

Getting from Yogyakarta to Bali: Morning flight YIA → DPS (Denpasar) takes ~1h35; fares often $60–$120 one-way. Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. DPS → Ubud transfer is ~1–1.5 hours by car.

Day 4 — Fly to Bali, Settle into Ubud

Morning: Fly Yogyakarta → Denpasar. Pre-book a car or ride-hail to Ubud (IDR 350k–500k depending on location and vehicle).

Afternoon: Check in and wander Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple (lotus pond). Coffee flight at Seniman Coffee Studio; ask for a V60 with Kintamani beans.

Evening: Dinner at Warung Biah Biah (small-plate Balinese classics) or Bebek Bengil (the original “Dirty Duck” crispy duck). Night walk along Jl. Goutama’s boutiques and gelato bars.

Day 5 — Private Ubud Highlights (Guided)

Full-day guided immersion covering Ubud’s greatest hits with local context and transfers handled for you:

Discover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour

• Typical stops include Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul water blessing, a waterfall, and a coffee plantation.
• Why this tour: Maximizes time, explains rituals respectfully, and times crowds at the busiest spots.

Post-tour dinner options: Casa Luna (Balinese home recipes and baked goods) or Naughty Nuri’s Ubud for smoky ribs and a legendary martini.

Day 6 — Nusa Penida Snorkeling and Island Vistas

Full-day island adventure from the Sanur side of Bali (your operator will arrange transfers). Fast boats take ~45 minutes each way.

Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

• Snorkel at Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and reefs where visibility can be superb; land stops often include Kelingking Viewpoint and Broken Beach.
• Tip: Sea swell varies—if mantas are a must, chat with your guide about seasonal sightings and backup sites.

Back in Bali, celebrate with grilled seafood at Jimbaran Bay: try Menega Café for snapper, prawns, and clams cooked over coconut husks.

Day 7 — Slow Ubud Morning, Uluwatu Sunset & Kecak

Morning: Easy start with yoga or a spa treatment. Breakfast at Yellow Flower Café (views over the valley) or Clear Café for colorful bowls and fresh juices. Walk the Campuhan Ridge for a breezy panorama.

Afternoon & Evening: Head south for cliff-top drama:

Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach

• Catch golden-hour views from Uluwatu Temple’s cliff path, then the rhythmic Kecak fire dance after dusk.
• Dinner on the sand at Jimbaran—pick your fish by the kilo and eat by candlelight.

Day 8 — Ubud Meander and Departure

Morning: Souvenir crawl through Ubud Art Market (carvings, rattan bags, textiles). Coffee at Anomali or an iced kopi at Seniman. If time allows, pop into Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) for 11th-century carvings.

Afternoon: Transfer to DPS for your flight. Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to leave Ubud ~4 hours before departure to cushion traffic.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (save for later)

• Yogyakarta: Gudeg Yu Djum (gudeg), Warung Bu Ageng (Javanese), Bakmi Kadin (noodles), The House of Raminten (eclectic), Klinik Kopi (single-origin).
• Ubud: Seniman Coffee Studio (roastery), Yellow Flower Café (valley views), Warung Biah Biah (Balinese tapas), Bebek Bengil (crispy duck), Casa Luna (heritage), Naughty Nuri’s (ribs), Clear Café (health-forward).

Getting Around

• Transfers & drivers: In Bali, a private driver is often best for multi-stop days. For flights and overall logistics, search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Timing tips: Start temple and terrace days early, and build in 30–45 minutes’ padding for Bali traffic between regions.

Why this route works: Two bases (Yogyakarta + Ubud) minimize packing/unpacking while covering Indonesia’s greatest cultural hits and Bali’s nature. Flights are short; day trips slot in cleanly for maximum experience in 8 days.

Summary: From Borobudur’s serene stone storybook to Uluwatu’s fiery chants over the Indian Ocean, this itinerary captures Indonesia’s depth in one week. You’ll leave with temple tales, reef memories, and a notebook full of flavors worth returning for.