Rice paddies in Tabanan, Belimbing, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia Off the Beaten Track

Padang Bai, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia Off the Beaten Track

Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia Off the Beaten Track

Indonesia’s Hidden Highlands, Lesser-Visited Islands, and Ancient Traditions

Days: 18 | From: $7,350/per person

  • Stay at best-in-class hotels
  • Enjoy curated tours with superb private guides
  • Discover the food, culture, landscapes, and highlights of Indonesia

Venture off the beaten path on a journey through Indonesia’s most captivating and less-visited regions. Begin in Jakarta before flying to the remote highlands of Tana Toraja to explore its dramatic landscapes, cliffside graves, and centuries-old traditions. Continue to Bali’s Tabanan, Ubud, and Sidemen regions, where you’ll meet local artists, join wellness and weaving experiences, and snorkel the coral-rich waters of East Bali. Then travel by fast boat to Lombok, immersing yourself in Sasak village life through cooking, music, and craft traditions. Conclude on Sumba, where traditional villages, turquoise lagoons, and quiet beaches reveal the wild, unspoiled side of Indonesia.

Kelsey Wenger Destination Specialist at Vaya Adventures

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

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We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Jakarta
    1 night: arrive and overnight in Indonesia's bustling capital city
  • Tana Toraja
    2 nights: Sulawesi history and heritage
  • Tabanan
    2 nights: remote villages and rice terraces
  • Gianyar
    3 nights: snorkeling, hiking, and exploring in eastern Bali
  • Kuta Lombok
    3 nights: discover hidden beaches and unique cultures against a jungle backdrop
  • Kodi
    2 nights: a lesser-visited island steeped in history, tradition, and turquoise coves
  • Lamboya
    3 nights: continue to explore Sumba Island with its waterfalls, quiet beaches, and lagoons
  • Sanur
    1 night: wrap up your adventure with one last night in Bali

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Indonesia

Welcome to Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital and largest city. After clearing immigration, meet your private guide, who will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax after your journey.

Accommodations: Grand Anara Airport Hotel

Conveniently located just minutes from Jakarta's airport, Grand Anara Airport Hotel offers a comfortable and modern stopover for travelers arriving in or departing from Jakarta. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, with contemporary furnishings and amenities designed for a restful stay. The hotel features a restaurant serving Indonesian and international dishes, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with city views.

Day 2: Travel to Sulawesi

Today you’ll fly from Jakarta to Sulawesi. Continue by road into the cultural heart of Tana Toraja, a region in Sulawesi known for its striking highland landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. Visit the villages of Palawa and Sangkombong, where you’ll see traditional Tongkonan houses with their distinctive boat-shaped roofs and learn about local customs and daily life.

Continue to Batutumonga, a scenic area overlooking rice terraces and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy a gentle hike along rural trails. End the day with a stroll through a lively local market before checking in to your hotel.

Accommodations: Toraja Misiliana, 2 nights

Toraja Misiliana Hotel is a long-standing property located near Rantepao in the highlands of South Sulawesi, surrounded by lush mountains and rice terraces. The hotel offers a range of rooms and villas featuring traditional Torajan architecture with carved wooden details and high-peaked roofs. Facilities include two restaurants serving Indonesian and international cuisine, a swimming pool, a spa, and tennis courts. Family-owned and operated, it reflects the region’s cultural heritage through its design, local craftsmanship, and Torajan hospitality.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Alternative lodging options:
Santai Toraja

Day 3: Explore Tana Toraja

Continue your exploration of Tana Toraja’s fascinating culture and traditions. Begin in Lemo, where rows of carved graves and wooden effigies adorn the cliffs. Visit Tampang Allo, known for its unique tree graves, and continue to Suaya, the royal burial site of Toraja’s seventh king.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Burake, where a towering statue of Jesus overlooks the Toraja highlands with sweeping views of the valleys below. In the afternoon, explore Londa, a natural cave burial site filled with wooden effigies and ancient coffins, then visit Ketekesu, a traditional Torajan village with beautifully preserved Tongkonan houses and ancestral rice barns. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Accommodations: Toraja Misiliana, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Fly to Bali

After an early departure from your hotel, you’ll travel to the airport where you’ll fly to Denpasar, Bali.

Upon arrival in Bali, meet your local guide and continue by private transfer to Tabanan Regency, an area known for its lush rice terraces, forested hills, and views of Mount Batukaru. Predominantly agricultural, this region reflects Bali’s traditional rural life and offers a peaceful escape from the island’s busier tourist areas.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Nirjhara, 2 nights

Nirjhara is a contemporary retreat set among rice paddies, jungle, and a waterfall near Tanah Lot on Bali’s west coast. Villas and suites feature modern design with reclaimed wood, natural stone, and floor-to-ceiling windows, with options including private pools and treehouse-style canopies overlooking the forest. The property’s facilities include an infinity pool, riverside yoga shala, fitness center, and spa offering Balinese and international treatments. Guests can dine at the open-air Ambu restaurant, serving Indonesian and international cuisine with ingredients from the organic garden, or relax at the canopy bar with views over the surrounding landscape.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Lost Lindenberg , Soori Bali , Oshom Bali

Day 5: Bali's Emerald Rice Terraces

Spend a relaxing morning at leisure, taking time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Tabanan. In the afternoon, meet your guide for an afternoon excursion to Belimbing, home to some of Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces. Take a leisurely walk through the landscape of cascading fields and tropical greenery, then pause to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the panoramic views. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: Nirjhara, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 6: Ubud and Travel to Eastern Bali

Begin your journey toward eastern Bali, stopping near Ubud for a special experience focused on the island’s artistic heritage. In the 1930s, Ubud became a haven for artists such as Walter Spies, Miguel Covarrubias, Antonio Blanco, and Arie Smit, figures who helped shape Bali’s reputation as a center for creativity. Today, you’ll explore this artistic legacy firsthand by meeting local master artists in their studios, observing their creative process, and learning about the cultural influences behind their work.

Continue to Gianyar in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Accommodations: The Royal Purnama, 3 nights

The Royal Purnama is an adults-only boutique resort on Bali’s southeast coast, set along a black volcanic sand beach in Sukawati. The property features suites and villas with private pools or jacuzzis, open-air living areas, and locally crafted furnishings. Facilities include Standing Stones Restaurant and Lounge, the Black Sand Spa offering Balinese and Western treatments, and a large oceanfront infinity pool. The resort is known for its tranquil setting, artful design, and use of natural materials sourced from across the Indonesian archipelago.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 7: Balinese Culture and Traditions

Meet your local guide this morning for an immersive day in Sidemen, a tranquil village surrounded by rice terraces and river valleys. Begin with a walk through the village to observe daily life, then continue along the Ayung River through lush green fields and traditional farms.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before taking part in a traditional sound healing session. Later, learn the art of songket weaving, a centuries-old tradition in which silk or cotton threads are interwoven with gold or silver to create intricate, shimmering textiles once reserved for royal and ceremonial wear. Return to your hotel in the afternoon with a deeper appreciation of Bali’s culture and craftsmanship.

Accommodations: The Royal Purnama, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Snorkeling and Trekking

Today’s action-packed day begins in Padang Bai where you’ll snorkel in the Blue Lagoon, one of Bali’s best marine sites. Explore clear turquoise waters filled with colorful coral and schools of tropical fish and a picnic lunch served onboard.

In the afternoon, continue to Kastala for a two-to-three hour trek to Tenganan, a secluded Bali Aga village that has preserved ancient customs and community traditions for over a millennium. Walk along scenic trails through rice terraces and small farms before arriving in the village, where you’ll see a demonstration of double ikat weaving, a rare and intricate textile art practiced in only two places in the world. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: The Royal Purnama, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Boat to Lombok

This morning you’ll transfer to the harbor for a fast boat to Lombok. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue by private transfer to your hotel near Kuta Lombok, an area known for its sweeping bays, white-sand beaches, and relaxed towns. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodations: Somewhere Lombok, 3 nights

Somewhere Lombok is a stylish boutique hotel set on a hillside above Are Guling Bay, offering sweeping ocean and sunset views. The property features contemporary villas and suites with minimalist design, natural materials, and private terraces. Facilities include an infinity pool overlooking the bay, a restaurant serving locally sourced Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a bar surrounded by tropical gardens. The hotel’s design emphasizes sustainability and connection to the landscape, with a calm, understated atmosphere that reflects Lombok’s coastal beauty.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Tampah Hills , Kuara Lombok , Sikara Lombok

Day 10: Lombok Culture and Cuisine

Today you’ll immerse yourself in local Sasak culture. Enjoy a guided walk through the community to learn how locals store rice, cultivate crops, and make tuak (palm wine), while discovering the traditional uses of native plants. Meet local women to see how traditional Sasak weaving is done and try your hand at the craft yourself.

Conclude your visit with a homemade lunch of authentic Sasak dishes prepared by a local family. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.

Accommodations: Somewhere Lombok, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Sentaggor Village

Visit Setanggor Village, a peaceful rural community about 20 minutes from Selong Belanak. Spend around two and a half hours exploring the daily rhythms and traditions of the locals, who warmly welcome visitors to share in their culture.

Enjoy a lively Gendang Beleq drum performance and traditional Sasak dances. Sit down to a home-style lunch served among the rice fields, then visit the village’s stables and organic gardens, where crops such as cassava and dragon fruit are cultivated. A gentle walk through the village rounds out the visit, with friendly residents and schoolchildren greeting you along the way.

Accommodations: Somewhere Lombok, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 12: Fly to Sumba Island

Say goodbye to Lombok and catch a morning flight to Sumba, one of Indonesia’s most unspoiled and culturally distinct islands. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue by private transfer to Kodi, located on the island’s southwest coast. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the quiet surroundings and the island’s natural beauty.

Accommodations: Arya Sumba Kodi, 2 nights

Arya Sumba Kodi is a contemporary beachfront resort located on the remote west coast of Sumba Island. The property features minimalist villas and suites with high ceilings, natural stone finishes, and private terraces overlooking the ocean or gardens. Facilities include a sea-facing infinity pool, a restaurant and bar serving Indonesian and international cuisine, and a small spa. Set on a quiet stretch of coastline, the resort offers striking sunset views and a sense of seclusion that reflects Sumba’s untouched beauty.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Cap Karoso

Day 13: Explore Sumba

Meet your guide this morning for a tour showcasing the culture and natural beauty of Sumba’s southwest coast. Begin at Ratenggaro Village, known for its tall, thatched-roof houses and ancient megalithic tombs that stand as symbols of Sumba’s deep ancestral traditions. Continue to Pero Beach, where powerful waves crash along the rugged shoreline; a favorite location for surfers and photographers seeking dramatic seascapes. Then visit Mandorak Beach, a secluded cove framed by cliffs and turquoise waters.

Return to your hotel around midday and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodations: Arya Sumba Kodi, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 14: Travel to Lamboya via Sumba Lagoons

Depart from the southwest coast of Sumba and travel toward Lamboya, located in the island’s southern region. Along the scenic drive, stop at Weekuri Lagoon, a striking saltwater pool surrounded by lush vegetation – an inviting spot for a refreshing swim. Continue to Weekacura, another peaceful natural pool where calm, clear waters reflect the surrounding greenery.

As the journey continues, stop in Waikabubak, the cultural heart of Sumba, to see traditional villages, ancient stone tombs, and local markets that showcase the island’s traditions and daily life. Arrive in Lamboya by the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Alamayah, 3 nights

Alamayah is a luxury boutique retreat located in Kerewe Village on Sumba’s southwest coast, steps from a secluded beach. The property features spacious suites with hand-carved furnishings, private terraces, and open-air bathrooms. Facilities include a plant-based restaurant, a holistic wellness spa, and a rooftop lounge overlooking the ocean. With its focus on wellness and sustainability, Alamayah emphasizes natural materials, organic cuisine, and personalized programs centered on rejuvenation and connection to nature.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
NIHI Sumba , Sanubari , Ketanu Bamboo Lodge

Day 15: Waterfalls, Villages, and Secluded Beaches

Today you’ll explore the distinctive culture and natural beauty of southern Sumba. Begin with a visit to Yaro Wora Village, where traditional homes and the welcoming spirit of the locals offer a glimpse into the island’s enduring customs and way of life.

Continue to Lapopu Waterfall, one of Sumba’s tallest and most picturesque cascades. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take a dip in its cool, clear pools surrounded by lush tropical forest. On the return journey, stop at Watu Bella Beach, a quiet stretch of golden sand and turquoise water.

Accommodations: Alamayah, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 16: Day at Leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sumba. Relax at your hotel, take a walk along the beach, or simply soak in the island’s peaceful atmosphere. For those who wish, optional activities such as village visits, horseback riding, hikes, or ocean-based excursions can be arranged locally.

Accommodations: Alamayah, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 17: Sanur, Bali

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bali. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Sanur, a relaxed seaside town. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Sudamala Resort Sanur

Sudamala Resort, Sanur is a boutique property located in Bali’s quieter coastal village of Sanur, a short walk from the beach. Suites are decorated with Balinese art and handcrafted furnishings, featuring spacious layouts, private balconies or terraces, and semi open-air bathrooms. Facilities include a central swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a spa offering traditional Balinese treatments, and an art gallery showcasing local and international artists. The resort’s restaurant serves Indonesian and international cuisine, with the option for al fresco dining. Its location provides easy access to Sanur’s beachside promenade, shops, and cafés.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Tandjung Sari , Andaz Sanur

Day 18: Departure

Say goodbye to Bali and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Head to Sumatra to track orangutans in the wild 

  • Visit east Java to summit epic volcanoes 

  • Head to West Bali national park for crystal clear snorkeling

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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