Three Weeks Exploring Indonesia: Lombok, Gili Islands, Komodo Islands, Flores, & Bali

Curated By
Nancy Pappas
Curator’s statement
Indonesia is a country of incredible diversity, where each island offers its own unique magic. A journey through Indonesia might include snorkeling with vibrant marine life in the Gili Islands, trekking through the highland villages of Flores to experience traditional mountain culture, and visiting the awe-inspiring Komodo Islands to see the legendary Komodo dragons and untouched pink-sand beaches. In Bali, days can be spent practicing yoga in serene jungle valleys, exploring sacred temples, or chasing waterfalls tucked into lush rice terraces. What makes Indonesia truly special is the seamless blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and warm, welcoming people across every destination.
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Where to stay in Indonesia
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Things to do in Indonesia

Sunset in Komodo Isla
Best things to do in Indonesia
Three-night, four-day live-board cruise through the Komodo Islands: Sail through one of the world’s most stunning marine parks on a liveaboard cruise. Explore uninhabited islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and trek to see the legendary Komodo dragons in their wild habitat.
Snorkeling and diving in Komodo National Park: Dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish species. The marine biodiversity here is among the richest on Earth.
Island-hopping and biking in the Gili Islands: Relax on white-sand beaches, snorkel right off the shore, and cycle around car-free islands like Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno. Each offers a laid-back pace with postcard-worthy views.
Mountain yoga retreats in Baturiti, Bali: Nestled in the lush highlands, the Baturiti region offers tranquil yoga retreats surrounded by jungle and rice terraces. It’s a peaceful escape ideal for reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Wellness and massage in Ubud, Bali: Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali and a wellness haven. Spend your days practicing yoga, getting traditional massages, visiting sacred temples, or exploring jungle waterfalls.
Cultural exploration in the mountain villages of Flores: Travel inland on Flores to discover traditional highland towns like Bajawa, where time slows down and you can experience the customs, crafts, and architecture of ancient indigenous cultures.
Chasing waterfalls across the islands: From the hidden cascades of Bali to dramatic drops in Lombok and Flores, Indonesia is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, many of which are reached by scenic
Places to eat & drink in Indonesia

Fresh seafood on the beach
My top seafood restaurant recommendation in Indonesia
Locavore NXT — Ubud, Bali: Elevated fine dining with a deep focus on local sourcing, including creative seafood dishes presented as part of a multi-course, immersive tasting experience.
Labuan Bajo Seafood Market – Labuan Bajo, Flores: A lively harbor-side spot where you select your own fresh seafood and have it grilled at a nearby warung. The perfect place to eat like a local after a day on the water.
Made Bagus Cafe — Jimbaran, Bali: One of the most popular seafood cafés right on Jimbaran Beach. Dine barefoot in the sand at sunset with grilled snapper, prawns, clams, and squid.
Menega Café – Jimbaran, Bali: Another beachside seafood favorite with a casual vibe and excellent barbecue-style seafood. The grilled lobster and sambal sauces are standouts.
The Catch – Gili Trawangan: Stylish beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood with island views. Tuna tartare, grilled fish, and seafood pastas are guest favorites.
Ikan Bakar Cianjur — Jakarta (also in Bandung, Bali): A popular chain serving traditional Indonesian-style grilled fish (“ikan bakar”) and Sundanese side dishes. Consistently delicious and family-friendly.
Bumbu Bali – Nusa Dua, Bali: Award-winning restaurant offering Balinese seafood specialties in a charming traditional setting. The seafood rijsttafel (tasting platter) is great for first-timers.
Warung Sunset – Gili Air: A laid-back, budget-friendly gem where you can enjoy grilled catch of the day with a cold drink and views of Lombok’s mountains across the water.
Teba Café — Jimbaran, Bali: Smaller and less touristy than the bigger seafood cafés, Teba Café offers excellent grilled fish and prawns with quiet beachside dining.
La Cucina – Labuan Bajo, Flores: An Italian seafood restaurant with a local twist. Known for fresh seafood pastas, grilled octopus, and harbor views—perfect for a relaxing dinner
Need to know
Traveling in Indonesia requires some planning—but the reward is unforgettable. With over 17,000 islands, each offering its own mix of culture, nature, and adventure, one to two weeks simply isn’t enough. Three weeks is a more realistic timeframe to truly experience what the country has to offer: from beachside relaxation and world-class snorkeling, to mountain retreats, traditional villages, and vibrant cultural sites. Travel times between destinations can be longer than expected, so building in flexibility is key. With patience and curiosity, Indonesia will leave you deeply inspired and eager to return.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Indonesia page.

Travel Advisor
Nancy Pappas

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