The 6 Best Indonesia Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Located in Southeast Asia, with over 18,000 Islands, Indonesia can be seen as a place of endless discovery. Each island with a completely different culture from the next giving you the feeling of visiting another country for each island you visit.

And it is this diversity and scale that makes exploring here with the best Indonesia tours such a tempting proposition, which guides and itineraries that only include the best of the best…

The country is built on the riches of the strong culture of the people as well as the unbeatable weather, exotic wildlife, and a laid-back lifestyle. Indonesia can be seen as a tropical paradise to some or, hustling bustling big cities and crowded life to others.

The main islands to discover are Bali, Java, Borneo, Lombok, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. Now there are plenty of other less popular islands to discover but these are just a few of the most popular ones. Each is unique from the others and offers something new. 

Indonesia got its name in 1884 when it got its independence from the Netherlands. Indonesia was taken over by Japan during World War Two but was given independence a second time in 1945 making it one of the only countries in the world to have two independence days. 

When most people think of Indonesia they think of the tropical paradise-like beaches of Bali. Which is undoubtedly an unbelievable part of Indonesia. With that being said, the other islands have just as much to offer and deserve to be experienced too. You might be familiar with many locations if you have already watched some of the best films set in Indonesia, but let’s still first take a good look at some of the most popular tourist spots to get your bearings… 

Bali

Bali can be seen as the jewel in the crown when it comes to Indonesian tourism and is considered the Hawaii of Asia. Bali is the most popular place to visit in Indonesia and attracted roughly 1.9 million people to visit annually as of 2022 – which explains why we have a whole article just dedicated to adventure tours in Bali. The island is well known for its tropical paradise feel, beautiful wildlife, and almost perfect weather year around. 

Unlike the other islands of Indonesia which are generally Muslim, the island of Bali is a Hindu island full of Hindu religious sites and temples. Known as the island of the Gods and the demons, It’s kind of what makes Bali, Bali.

On almost every street you will see ancient temples and sculptures of God depicting different messages or what God represents. You might notice what’s called a “Canang Sari.” Which can be seen as an offering to the gods to express gratitude. You might notice some Incense, fruits or vegetables, flowers or rice, and often are made out of small bamboo containers. 

When on the island, There are lots to see and do. Start your journey in the Central part of the island and visit Ubud. Home of the Sacred Monkey Forest, The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and some of the best Hindu temples on the island, Ubud can be seen as a calm and peaceful city compared to some of the more party towns on the island.

The Sacred Monkey Forest is the most popular attraction in the city and is something you truly can’t miss while you’re in Bali. 

Finally, spend some time in the town of Canggu. Just north of Seminyak, Canggu can be seen as the “Hippy” town of the land with tons of vegan restaurants, chic cafes, and creative craft markets. Canggu is also referred to as the surfer capital of Bali due to its rough water beaches, making it a perfect place to surf. It’s easy to get carried away in the relaxing vibes of the beach but there are lots to do and see within the town. 

If you’re a surfer, spend the day at Batu Bolong Beach. Known for its perfect waves, warm waters, and perfect weather, this is the perfect place to test out that new board you picked up or give surfing a try for the first time if you’ve never done it before. It’s a pretty gnarly place, dude. 

In the evening, visit the small chic restaurants and craft markets. Not only can you pick up some locally crafted, fairly priced souvenirs, but you can take the time to appreciate each artist and the craft they create whether that be food or a physical piece of art. 

So take the time, explore and see everything Canggu has to offer, it’s a place you won’t regret visiting, even if it’s just for one day. On your trip to Indonesia, make the trip to Bali and experience the essence of the warm ocean water fused with beautiful wildlife and vegetation, warm friendly people, and perfect weather. It will leave you feeling as if you could stay forever and some do.

Bali is the most popular island to visit in Indonesia and is a little paradise. So whether it’s just a few days or a few weeks, make it out to Bali, and you won’t regret it. 

Java

Java, often referred to as Djawa or Jawa, is an Indonesian island that is just southwest of Bali, Java is considered one of the most populated islands in Indonesia. Over 1063 km long, roughly half of Indonesia’s inhabitants live on the island itself. The largest city on the island is Jakarta, the country’s capital, which has a population of 10.5 million people.

The island is known for its hustle and bustle of the cities as well as the 35 active volcanos scattered around the island. Now don’t let this scare you, eruptions are very rare and seldom happen. Java can be seen as the perfect island for Nature lovers, city-goers, and those who are looking to fully embrace the most populous island of Indonesia. 

Start your journey by discovering one of the many ancient temples scattered around the island. Before the island became Muslim, it was a Hindu and Buddhist island. You can find an equal combination of both types of ancient temples. Each temple has something unique about it and each temple is well taken care of by the people of Java. 

Spend some time absorbing the big city of Jakarta. Now like I said earlier, it is a big city so there is a lot to see and do within the city. Take a visit to one of the many mosques around the city. The biggest one is Istiqlal Mosque. Take a step into the religion of Islam and learn about the faith. It’s important not to visit during prayer times. 

If you’re a history Bluff or perhaps you just love to learn about the country you’re visiting, don’t forget to check out all the museums and monuments in the city. The city is full of different monuments and museums dedicated to some of the most important figures and events that shaped the country as it is today.

It’s also always great to take time to appreciate the history and worldly presence of the country to which you are visiting. 

If you’re currently planning the vacation of your dreams to Indonesia, don’t shy away from the mainland of Java and seeing everything it has to offer. 

Borneo Island

Borneo island spans two different countries and is the largest island in Asia. The island of Borneo is located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean. Borneo is considered the third largest island in the world after New Guinea and Greenland The island is bordered by the Java Sea to the south, which separates the island of Borneo from Java.

Although famous for its wildlife, Borneo also has a wide variety of clear-water beaches, small towns, and almost perfect weather year round which gives you your slice of paradise. Although more difficult and remote to get to, Borneo can be seen as the perfect destination to completely experience the jungles of Southeast Asia and see some of the unique wildlife that exclusively lives on the island of Borneo. 

So why should you take a group tour to Indonesia? A group tour allows you to experience absolutely everything without the luxury of planning it yourself which can be tiring and time-consuming.

Taking part in tours that are planned by experts and locals, will often give you the best experiences and with so much to do in Indonesia, a multiday tour is almost an absolute necessity. So, much as we have done for the best Cambodia tours and best Philippines tours, here we are going to be talking about one of the best Indonesia tours (and their operators), so you can be inspired – and then choose with confidence.

The Bali Experience

TruTravels

The Bali experience tour is a one-of-a-kind tour that takes you solely through the island of Bali for an In-depth, cultural experience to give you the most authentic and meaningful experience of the true culture of Bali. Starting in Denpasar, the capital of Bali, the tour is 10 days long and ends in Gili Trawangan.

You will get the chance to visit Denpasar and four other amazing cities on the island of Bali. You will get a chance to completely immerse yourself in the Balinese culture and enjoy the absolute paradise of the island.

This tour includes meals, accommodations, transportation around the island as well as a knowledgeable local guide. Here is a day-to-day look at what your 10-day Balinese adventure looks like.

• Day One: You will be picked up by our transfer staff at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Canggu. You will have a rough top dinner at night where you’ll get the chance to meet your guide and the other travelers that will be joining you.
• Day Two: Temple Hopping in Canggu. You will get a chance to some of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the world. Temples like Tanah Lot and the Royal Temple of Ayun.
• Day Three: You will travel to Kuta and take surf lessons from a local instructor for the day.
• Day Four: Travel up north to Ubud where you’ll get the chance to see the Ubud Waterfalls, see the Ubud rainforest and visit a local event for some singing and dancing by night.
• Day Five: In the morning, you will start with a traditional Balinese cooking class and in the afternoon, you will get a chance to meet the monkeys at Ubud’s popular Sacred Monkey Forest.
• Day Six: Visit the beautiful rice terraces in the morning and in the afternoon, you will be visiting the active volcano of Mt. Batur as well as some of the local restaurants and shops nearby.
• Day Seven: Head to the Gili Islands. Catch the bus/ferry to the islands where you’ll have the option to explore the resort, lounge around, or enjoy the city.
• Day Eight: Island Hopping Adventure. You will get the chance to island hop to some of the most beautiful islands in Asia. You will be able to go snorkeling or swimming.
• Day Nine: You will take a bike around the islands of Gili and get a bit of the history of the islands by visiting some old war bunkers.
• Day Ten: Relaxed breakfast and departure at any time.

This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tropical lifestyle of Bali and enjoy the unique culture you can’t see anywhere else. From the rice terraces to the tropical island escapes of the Gili Islands, this tour is something you can’t miss in Bali.

It is recommended for family, solo, couples, and group vacations. The tour itself has a rating of 4.8 and the company that operates it, TruTravels, also has a rating of 4.8 and is one of the highest-rated tour companies on Tour Radar.

Founded in 2012, TruTravels can be seen as National Geographic’s sister company and like NatGeo, TruTravels offers some exceptional tours.

In conclusion, this is a great tour, that gives you the opportunity to see some of the highlights of Balinese culture and indulge in the tropical vibe of relaxation all at the same time.

Classic Lombok 8 Days Tour

G Adventures

This classic Lombok tour is one that you cannot miss in Indonesia. The island of Lombok has recently been gaining popularity as “Bali with fewer tourists” and travelers are beginning to favor the island over Bali. So what’s so impressive about Lombok that has travelers raving?

The almost untouched beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural beauty gives this small paradise a crowd that just keeps on coming. The therapeutic effects of this small paradise are endless ad the journey to the island has become easier and easier throughout the years. 

This tour begins in Ubud, Bali, and ends in Sanur, Bali. This tour is not only in-depth and detailed, but it will also leave you with a sense of accomplishment and relaxation at the same time. The tour lasts 8 days and visits six different cities in Indonesia.

This package includes lodging, a local knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation around the islands, and much more. It is important to note that your flights from your country of origin, insurance, or gratitudes are not included at this time. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.

• Day One: Arrive in Candi Dasa where you will be welcomed and have the chance to meet your guide. 
• Day Two: Take the ferry to Lombok and visit the village of Sasak en route to Kuta. You’ll spend the rest of the day learning about the unique culture and traditions of Kuta. 
• Day Three: Enjoy the full day exploring Kuta and see everything there is to see and do. 
• Day Four: Spend the day exploring Lombok and driving around the island. You will get to see rice, coffee, and cacao being picked and you might get a chance to see the mountains if you’re lucky. Visit Rinjani volcano followed by a hike to the waterfalls.
• Day Five: Visit the Gili islands and Senggig.
• Day Six: A free day to explore and do what you would like. With the option of a hike or yoga or renting a bike and exploring the island.
• Day Seven: Travel back to Bali for dinner and to say goodbye to your guide and your fellow travel mates.
• Day Eight: Departure from Sanur at any time.

This eight-day tour gives you the unique option of freedom and allows you to customize your experience to your preferences. With some free days and options on which activity to choose, it gives you the ultimate sense of freedom to choose and do what you would like while still engaging in a group tour. This tour is operated by the Wildly popular “G-Tours” by National Geographic.

Not only is this tour operator popular, but it also offers some one-of-a-kind tours you can’t get anywhere else. More often than not, each tour is carefully picked by experts and locals to give travelers an authentic experience while in Bali.

The tour company has an overall rating of 4.9 out of five stars and so does the tour. This tour is recommended for families with older children, solo travelers, couples group travelers, holiday vacations, and backpacking. 

With that being said, if you’re looking for a tour with a mix of an active yet relaxing approach, filled with fun and unique things to do, this is the best option for you and something you absolutely should consider for your trip to Indonesia.

Highlights of Bali and Java (10 Days)

Costsaver

The islands of Java and Bali are some of the most popular islands to visit in the country and offer some of the best things to do. Both are always quite different from each other giving you two different points of view on the country and two different types of lifestyles to explore. Both islands are well known for their beautiful beaches, cheap prices, friendly locals, and fascinating culture. 

This tour can be seen as unique for offering travelers the chance to visit Java too since most tourists flock to Bali only or potentially Lombok, too. You will get a chance to see the main island of the country which provides a different perspective and you may discover some underrated gems you would not have discovered if you just stuck to Bali.

This tour is 10 days long and visits five cities in Indonesia. This tour is recommended for families with older children, solo travelers, group travelers, couples, or holiday vacations. The tour also includes access to lodging, meals, transportation, a local expert guide, and more. Let’s take a peek at the itinerary for this tour.

• Day One: Arrive and meet your tour guide. You will also meet with your director as well as go out to a nice dinner.
• Day Two: Bali Sightseeing day – you will have the option to visit some of the top spots in Bali and see some of the most famous Instagram spots like the rice terraces, the Ubud Palace, and more.
• Day Three: Ubud Free day. You have the option to explore the city on your own terms.
• Day Four: Go from Ubud to Sanur. You will be visiting some of the local temples followed by a visit to the lake.
• Day Five: stay in Sanur with your choice of an optional day trip to Denpasar.
• Day Six: You will have a free day in Sanur to explore as you, please.
• Day Seven: Start your journey on the island of Java. Visit Yogyakarta for the next three nights. 
• Day Eight: Sightsee around the island of Java including a visit to the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world as well as a trip to a different temple called Pawon Temple.
• Day Nine: Free day in Java. Departure any time the next morning.

Not only is this tour unique, but it also gives you the option to explore the underrated city of Yogyakarta and see some of the islands of Java. You will also have a first-hand experience of Indonesian culture on both islands as well. 

The tour is offered by Costsaver, a tour operated focused on bringing budget tours to the market. These affordable tours offer amazing ways to see the country on a budget. The overall rating for this tour is 4.3 out of five stars and the tour operator itself has 4 stars. It is a company well known for its organized and well-rounded tour giving you the perfect amount of time in each place and a wide variety of things to do and see. 

We recommend considering this tour while planning your stay in Indonesia especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re not, it’s still a tour worthwhile that gives you the best of both worlds in terms of visiting different islands. 

3D2N Orangutan in Tanjung Puting with Overnight on the Boat

Pesona Indo

Are you looking for the ultimate animal lovers adventure? This is really the perfect tour for you and something you can’t miss while in Indonesia. Though short, this three-day tour gives you the opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat and visit the Tanjung Putting National park. The home of some of the most unique wildlife and vegetation in the world. 

Tanjung Putting National Park is one of the most diverse parks in Indonesia, situated in West Kotawaringin Regency in the Central Kalimantan province in central Borneo and is home to orangutans, bears, porcupines, gibbons-gibbons, macaques, probosci’s monkeys, anteaters, crocodiles, lemurs, freshwater whales, arowanas, manjuhans, marine life, turtles, fleeced, hornbills, and parrots. 

This tour offers the unique experience of getting up and personal with some of Borneo’s profound wildlife which can be life-changing for some. The tour itself lasts three days and takes you to just the park in Borneo.

Your accommodations, meals, transportation, entrance fees to the park, and an expert guide are completely included in the tour. This is a great opportunity for solo travelers, travelers with older kids, couples, family, and holiday vacations as well as group travelers. Here is what your three-day jungle adventure would look like.

• Day One: Airport picks up, Kumai village, and Tanjung Harapan.
• Day Two: Pondok Tanggui, Camp Leakey, Nipa Area and Tanjung National Park.
• Day Three: Kumai and drop off at the airport.

Like mentioned above, although this tour is short, it gives you that once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some unique wildlife up close in their natural habitat. The sounds of the birds in combination with the lush, green trees and bushes, with some of the most exotic animals in the world, make this trip unbeatable and worth every penny.

The tour company that operates the tour, Pesona Indo, has an overall rating of 3.5 out of five stars but the tour, however, has an overall rating of 4.7 out of five stars. The tour is organized and some say the staff is very accommodating and friendly making your experience very good.

Pesona Indo strives to give guests the best up close and personal experience with some of Indonesia’s most important wonders. Overall, this tour is highly recommended and would make a great addition to anyone’s bucket list.

Sumatra Adventure – 9 Days Tour

Intrepid Travel

Available to almost all types of travelers, Sumatra is considered a harsh jungle paradise just waiting to be explored. Although not the biggest island in Indonesia, Sumatra is considered the 6th largest island in the country and is home to a variety of engaged species including the Sumatran Tiger, Asian Elephants, Orangutans, Rhinos, and more.

Explore the volcanos on the island and the vast variety of different landscapes and habitats for large ecosystems. 

Though considered off the beaten path, Sumatra is less developed and expects more rural areas and lifestyles. The tourism industry on the island is not very developed so this tour is recommended for seasoned travelers. The tour includes camping and limited hotel stays as well so that you are completely submerged in the wildlife of the island. 

It is also important to note that this is a participation trip, which is just a fancy way of saying you’re on a team and not just along for the ride! Be prepared to pitch in and assist with camp chores like cooking and cleaning up.

The tour itself is 9 days long and takes you to the cities on the island of Sumatra. Each city is unique from the next and offers something totally spectacular, so you’re in for a real treat. Here is the full itinerary for your week in Sumatra. 

• Day One: Explore Medan and meet your travel guide as well as your fellow travelers at 6 pm.
• Day Two: Day trip to Bukit Lawang.
• Day Three:Gunung Leuser National Park
• Day Four:Gunung Leuser National Park – Berastagi
• Day Five: Mt Sibayak – Berastagi
• Day Six: Lake Toba
• Day Seven: Lake Toba Day Two
• Day Eight: Medan
• Day Nine: Departure at any time.

This tour is not only unique, but it’s also interesting as it is an island with limited tourism information and can be considered very much so off the beaten path. The island is known for its exotic wildlife, gorgeous landscapes, an active volcano, and cheap prices and that itself can be enough to captivate a young traveler. This tour is highly recommended and Sumatra can be considered an island paradise for explorers.

Bali Experience 12 Days Tour 

INTRO Travel

The 12-day Bali Experience is considered the most exclusive tour by the company. It’s ideal for individuals who wish to experience the finest of Bali, with huge upgraded accommodations and tonnes of fantastic amenities.

You’ll experience local, Balinese culture as well as learn how to cook some of the best Balinese food, climb the active volcano on the island, spend some time in the spa and visit some of the best beaches, ancient temples and visit some of the worlds most breathtaking waterfalls.

Bali is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world for its naturally beautiful and paradise-like feel. Indulging in absolute luxury while in paradise. Starting in Seminyak and ending in Ubud, this tour gives you the opportunity to visit 5 cities on the island and experience them to the fullest extent. Each city is chosen carefully to give the best and most luxurious experience possible.

This tour is perfect for families, solo travelers, couples, group trips, and family vacations. Your tour also includes transportation, meals, lodging, and an expert local guide. Here is your tour for the next 12 days.

• Day One: Arrive, and meet the group and your guide.
• Day Two: Beaches, Temples & Sunsets
• Day Three: Learn to Surf
• Day Four: Temples, Waterfalls & Rice Paddies
• Day Five: Dolphins & Local Family Visit
• Day Six: Ferry to Gili Trawangan
• Day Seven: Island Bike Tour
• Day Eight: Island Boat trip & Snorkelling
• Day Nine: Travel to Ubud
• Day Ten: Monkey Forest & Cooking Class
• Day Eleven: Sunrise Volcano Trek & Massage
• Day Twelve: Check out and Onward Travel

This tour highlights some of the best experiences in Bali and gives you the option to experience it all! From the rainforest to a snorkeling adventure. This tour is not only unique but diverse in the sense that is so much to do and so many different types of activities and excursions so there’s something for everyone.

The tour is operated by INTRO Travel. Founded in 2005, INTRO Travel has been committed to giving travelers only the best experience and proving them with lifelong exotic memories that will last forever. The company has an overall rating of 4.9 out of five and so does the tour. Travels rave about this tour and recommend it. 

Overall, if you’re looking to exclusively stay on the island of Bali, this is the perfect tour to give you the full Balinese experience. 

Country of Indonesia is considered one of the best countries in the world. Not only is affordable but its diversity, strength, jam-packed entertainment, and five-star food make the country an amazing choice for a vacation and a must on your exploration list.

If none of these tours work for you in Indonesia, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Indonesia now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.