Exotic Off-the-Beaten-Path Indonesia: Explore Komodo, Relax in Bali, and Discover Religious Yogyakarta
First, a video montage of highlights from various attractions in Indonesia!
This trip route was: Shanghai Pudong – Jakarta – Komodo (2 days) – Bali (3 days) – Yogyakarta (1 day) – Jakarta – Shanghai Pudong
You could say I did a quick round trip, playing from far to near!!! First, here's the general itinerary and expenses:
Depart from Shanghai Pudong – arrival at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport 17:00–22:30
It was already late when we arrived, and since we had a morning flight to Komodo the next day, we chose to stay at the airport hotel for one night.
Booked on Booking.com for 1 night ¥584, including breakfast for two. The hotel was clean, similar to a domestic Ji Hotel (suitable for transit travelers needing an overnight stay).
From the airport hotel, we went directly through security into the domestic terminal.
Since we stayed inside the airport, we could check in just one hour before departure.
We bought our tickets on Ctrip for the morning flight.
Jakarta 10:45 – Komodo 14:20 (time difference: 1 hour ahead)
The airline meal was okay – chicken rice. Since the following days were full of bread for every meal, I actually thought this meal was decent!
After arriving at Komodo Airport, our hotel offered airport pickup service.
For overseas hotels, you need to contact them in advance; we confirmed by email.
When we arrived, someone held up a sign with the English name of the person who booked. This pristine island has very few people, and right after we arrived, a heavy downpour started.
Just as we checked in, it started pouring, so we rested for a while in our hilltop thatched cottage, enjoying the sea view in the rain.
The scenery after the rain stopped.
Near our accommodation, there was an Italian restaurant. We went to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset after the rain.
Today's itinerary was a Komodo speedboat day trip booked on a certain domestic platform.
(After arriving at Komodo Airport, there are many local tour options, which can be cheaper than domestic platforms; it's better if you speak English.)
Padar Island – Pink Beach – Komodo Island – Manta Ray Point – Crescent Moon Beach – Kanawa Island
Friendly reminder: If you want to fly a drone, you need to register and buy a ticket in advance, about 500 RMB (otherwise you'll be fined if caught).
Must-bring: sunscreen/hat/sunglasses/swimsuit/change of clothes (bring several sets; there are bathrooms on the boat)/cash (Komodo Park entrance fee is 400,000 Indonesian rupiah per person).
05:30 The driver picked us up and took us to the dock (the night before, we asked the hotel to pack a breakfast to-go).
Around 06:00, everyone gradually arrived at the dock. A supervisor told us which speedboat was ours (it was our transportation for the whole day).
Most were individual travelers, so after signing in, we asked and remembered which boat, then boarded.
Around 07:30, we arrived at Padar Island.
This is an uninhabited island with great ecology. As soon as we landed, we saw wild deer.
We had about 1.5 hours for a hike on this island.
Getting to the top was quick; there aren't many slopes, and each slope offers different scenery.
Most of the time was for relaxing, breathing fresh air, and enjoying nature's embrace.
Next, we went to the most romantic Pink Beach. It was truly beautiful – a natural palette given by nature.
The pink color is formed because the sea here is home to large numbers of microorganisms called foraminifera. Under sunlight, they produce pink pigments that attach to coral. When the coral dies and turns into powder, it is washed onto the beach by waves, and over time, it forms this pink sandy beach.
We stayed at Pink Beach for about an hour and then returned to the boat for lunch.
The day trip included a meal, just a simple set meal.
Next, we explored the real-life Jurassic Park – Komodo Island.
As soon as we entered the forest park, there was a large Komodo dragon sculpture. Luckily for us, we saw many Komodo dragons right away. We had to follow the local guide and not cross the line – it's dangerous otherwise.
Taking photos required timing. If a large Komodo was resting and lying down, the guide would signal us to go up one by one for a photo.
They were very professional; they posed to look close, but we were actually more than a meter away from the dragon.
Behind us, a local also held a stick just in case, so don't disturb the dragon.
Next, we went to Manta Ray Point (change into swimsuit) – Crescent Moon Beach – Kanawa Island, all water activities. Since we were in the water, we didn't take many photos.
Bring several changes of clothes! Today we were lucky – during snorkeling, we saw 15 manta rays swimming in groups underwater.
Around 17:00, we returned to the dock. At the dock, drivers were waiting to take tourists back to their hotels along the route.
In the evening, we ordered dinner at the hotel.
I noticed that in Indonesia, most meals are fried rice or fried noodles. They were tasty for the first few days, but after a while, they got boring.
After breakfast, we checked out, and the hotel also provided free airport transfer.
We went to the airport an hour early to check in (it was very close, and Komodo Airport is small).
Komodo Airport 09:50 – Bali Airport 11:05.
When we arrived in Bali, our hotel still included airport pickup service.
We booked a villa, and the butler was already waiting at the airport exit. We met and went straight to the hotel.
The architecture at Bali Airport was really unique, incorporating popular sky gates and other Southeast Asian cultural elements into the design.
In Bali, we saw several branches of a Chinese brand, Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, haha!
When we arrived at the hotel, since it wasn't yet check-in time and the room was still being cleaned, they arranged for us to have a meal at the hotel restaurant first.
We ordered a seafood platter and grilled skewers. Most of the local menu was in Indonesian; this one luckily had a Chinese version too.
Then we checked into our 500-square-meter villa with a private pool – it gave off a vacation vibe.
The Jimbaran Guixiang Private Villa & Spa Hotel has only 20 suites, and it was almost fully booked on the day we checked in.
It seemed to rain every time we checked in, giving us time to rest.
We booked on Ctrip, and we got a complimentary afternoon tea every day.
In the evening, the rain stopped, and we walked to the beach. We found a busy restaurant, which belonged to a hotel. The prices were a bit high, but it was located right on Jimbaran Beach; the sunset view must have been great.
Today was a private car day trip. The driver was very responsible. We told him the main attractions we wanted to visit, and along the way, if there were other sights we could see, he would ask if we wanted to stop. My main goals today were to visit the location where Jay Chou's 'Rice Fragrance' music video was filmed, learn about local coffee culture, and then go to Kintamani to admire the volcano. Traffic in Bali is very congested, and there are only two main roads. We spent about 12 hours and paid about 400 RMB.
People say Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali. Shifting from the beach with its light blue filter to Ubud, you can quickly find inner peace. Maybe that's the meaning of travel.
On the way to the rice terraces, we passed a place where we stopped for a while. We saw how locals use tie-dye to create fabrics with local characteristics, quite different from the tie-dye in Yunnan, China.
After seeing the tie-dye, it was past 11 o'clock. I showed the driver a restaurant I had saved for Ubud's famous dirty duck dish. It was on the way to the terraces, so to avoid going back, we went there for lunch first.
The restaurant's scenery was really well-designed – an overwhelming golden color, plus sunny weather, made it feel like a fairy tale. If you come early, you can sit near the view. Eating in such beautiful surroundings was truly a pleasure, and the whole pace slowed down.
There were many ways to prepare dirty duck; we chose a plain version, which tasted a bit like salt-baked chicken, and a fried version with sauce, which was more flavorful.
After lunch, we rested a bit and then headed to the rice terraces (Rice Fragrance).
There was an entrance fee, and there were quite a few people. It was still sunny, so we quickly took photos.
After the terraces, we went to the Coffee Plantation.
Along the way, we saw sculptures full of cultural character everywhere.
At the Coffee Plantation, we saw real civet cats (Kopi Luwak)! We saw coffee cherries with small beans inside, and also large coffee cherries that contained 20 small beans.
Civet coffee is actually the droppings of civet cats. They only eat coffee cherries and fruits, and after passing through their digestive system, the beans are excreted. Humans then extract the beans from the feces and process them. At first, I couldn't accept it, but since we were already there, why not try it? 25 RMB per cup! I tried it – it tasted like a strong dark roast.
We were also offered a tasting of 12 different coffees and teas. Things like ginseng coffee were impressive, but Indonesian flavored coffees are too sweet and cloying.
After the coffee tasting, we visited one of Bali's famous temples – Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple).
Tirta Empul also requires an entrance ticket. There were many visitors. Everyone had to wrap a sarong around their lower body.
Legend has it that in ancient times, a wizard poisoned the water and harmed the villagers. The god Indra pierced the ground with his spear, and a spring gushed out, saving the villagers. That's the origin of the holy water. Tirta Empul has more than a dozen water spouts, still clear after a thousand years. Each spout has a different purpose: some ward off disasters, some cure illnesses, and some cleanse the soul. Local residents come three times a day – morning, noon, and evening – to bathe here. When we arrived, we saw many people waiting in line to bathe.
After visiting Tirta Empul, we went straight to Kintamani to see the volcano.
The scenic area has viewpoints, and there are many coffee shops along the way. The driver took us to the highest one. With a cup of coffee and a piece of cake, we watched the clouds covering the volcano, harmonious and lovely. Sunlight shone through the clouds onto the volcano, revealing patches of light. Many tourists came here to enjoy the view and relax; it's one of Indonesia's rare cool places. We arrived around 4:00 PM and stayed until dusk. The weather was a bit cool, so bring a jacket.
On the way back, the driver recommended a very popular restaurant in Denpasar, famous for handmade Italian gelato, frequented by locals.
We waited in line for a while. It cost about 30+ RMB for three scoops. We also bought one for the driver, and he was very touched. Even though we exceeded the car rental time, he didn't charge extra. We eventually paid him 700,000 Indonesian rupiah (about 400 RMB) for the day, about 12 hours.
Today, we slept in. First, we played in the pool.
The unicorn float we bought on a discount platform came in handy – it made for great photos.
At noon, feeling hungry, we walked 200 meters to Jimbaran Beach.
Unexpectedly, we found a seafood restaurant that was recommended on many apps.
After lunch, we returned to the hotel to rest. Around 4:30 PM, we used Grab to go to a stunning cliffside restaurant in Uluwatu, which also offered a view of the famous Uluwatu Temple. We arranged with the driver to wait for us until we finished eating and then take us back. Make sure to arrange a driver in advance, as it's hard to get a taxi on the mountain; you have to walk a bit to find one.
The view was breathtaking; the seating area required a phone reservation in advance.
Today, we were flying from Bali to Yogyakarta, the special region in central-south Java, specifically to see the two famous temple complexes. Time was a bit tight, so we pre-booked on a certain domestic platform: today's airport transfer + half-day tour, and tomorrow's half-day tour + airport transfer (all included entrance fees to all attractions).
Bali Airport 12:10 – Yogyakarta Airport 12:45.
As soon as we entered the new Yogyakarta airport, we heard religious music playing around us, instantly calming our minds. The overall style was very local.
The driver picked us up and took us directly to Prambanan Temple.
Note: No entry after 4:00 PM.
Everyone says you have to watch the sunset at Prambanan.
Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia. Its uniqueness lies in its towering spires, typical Hindu architecture, and a central building 47 meters high.
After visiting Prambanan, we went to a smaller attraction – the Pine Forest with giant hands (Pinus Pengger), where you can overlook the entire city of Yogyakarta.
At dusk, we could hear religious music playing, and the city lights came on. It was a different experience of Yogyakarta.
Around 19:30, the driver took us back to the hotel for check-in.
This hotel was the Yogyakarta Cheria Hotel, booked on Ctrip, located on Jalan Marquis Polo Polo, opposite the Yogyakarta Palace. It was newly renovated in 2022, with a distinctly exotic atmosphere. Most guests were local Indonesians, and there were few rooms, so book in advance.
In the evening, we walked along the street. We tried the local dish 'Gudeg' (sweet jackfruit stew with coconut milk, which I couldn't accept as it was like a sweet curry rice with pork).
Marquis Polo Street was crowded with many locals playing games. Everywhere there were three-wheeled rickshaws, different from the ones in China – the passengers sit in front, which was fun.
As usual, Indonesian fried noodles and fried rice. Honestly, by now I had forgotten what they tasted like.
We checked out at 8:30 sharp. Before leaving, I took a few photos as souvenirs. We took our luggage and, after visiting Borobudur, rushed to the airport.
The same driver from yesterday picked us up. First, we went to visit the Water Palace (Taman Sari) nearby.
Since it opened at 9:00, we arrived early and walked around the nearby streets. We saw unique plants with leaves holding eggs and felt the local graffiti art.
The Water Palace, located southwest of the Yogyakarta Palace, is a complex of canals, pools, and buildings, once a luxurious pleasure park for the palace, a swimming pool, and a waterway for the Sultan and his retinue. This meticulously designed rest retreat was built between 1758 and 1765, designed by a Portuguese architect.
After the Water Palace, we went straight to the main event: Borobudur, one of the four great wonders of the East. We arrived at 10:30 AM. There were visitor limits; tickets to the top were sold in batches every half hour. We waited until 11:00 and successfully bought tickets to the top.
Groups of 10 people were led by a guide to the summit. We were given a bottle of water, a souvenir canvas bag, and a pair of slippers. You must change into slippers to climb!
Borobudur means 'Buddhist temple on the hill,' but who built it and why remains a mystery. Standing before Borobudur, you will be awestruck. This massive temple was built from local volcanic stone, consisting of 10 levels: six large square platforms, three circular platforms, and a central dome. The base is over 100 meters long, and the total height is over 40 meters, truly magnificent.
The visit took about 1.5 hours. At 12:30, we descended. The driver took us on a shortcut through small roads to the airport.
We arrived at Yogyakarta Airport before 14:00. Our flight was Yogyakarta 16:50 – Jakarta 18:05. Since we arrived early, we waited a bit before checking in.
The restroom at Yogyakarta Airport even had a shower area. We had lunch at the airport and also took a shower. More than enough time!
Surprisingly, there were singers at Yogyakarta Airport, creating a great atmosphere! It was the most unique airport among all the Indonesian domestic airports I've flown through.
The flight was delayed, and we arrived in Jakarta around 18:30. After collecting luggage at 19:00, we waited a bit and checked in at 20:00 for the return flight.
Jakarta Airport 23:30 – Shanghai Pudong 06:55 (+1 day).
The 8-day, 7-night off-the-beaten-path Indonesia trip ended happily!
Travel Diary Directory:
1. Day 1 – Departure: Go to the magical Indonesia
2. Day 2 – Komodo: A pristine island given by nature
3. Day 3 – From uninhabited Padar Island to that pink beach, exploring the real Jurassic Park
4. Day 4 – A holiday always belongs to romantic Bali
5. Day 5 – Ubud: A place where worldly charm and ethereal beauty coexist
6. Day 6 – Relaxing Bali: Watch the sunset sink into the orange sea
7. Day 7 – Yogyakarta Prambanan: Destruction and creation a thousand years ago
8. Day 8 – Yogyakarta Borobudur: One of the Four Great Wonders of the East
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