Indonesia & Malaysia Islands 14 days travel itinerary - day by day guide with budget and tips
Indonesia14 days$1400-2800

14 Days Indonesia & Malaysia Islands Itinerary

Embark on a 14-day island-hopping adventure through Indonesia and Malaysia, exploring the iconic rice paddies of Bali, the serene beaches of the Gili Islands and Lombok, the vibrant cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur, and the duty-free haven of Langkawi. This trip balances cultural immersion, relaxation, and exploration, perfect for a moderate budget traveler seeking a taste of Southeast Asia's diverse offerings.

Duration

14 days

Budget

$1400-2800

Best Time

April to October (dry season in Indonesia and Malaysia)

Activities

87

Daily Avg

$150/day

Cities

Bali (2d), Gili Islands (2d), Gili Trawangan (1d), Lombok (1d), Kuala Lumpur (2d), Lombok (2d), Kuala Lumpur (2d), Langkawi (1d), Kuala Lumpur (1d)

Pace

Fast

Perfect for:Beach loversCulture seekers
Moderate RiskBe aware of petty theft in tourist areas. Exercise caution with street food and drinks. Monitor local news for any potential disruptions.

This itinerary blends the cultural richness and natural beauty of Indonesia with the modern charm and pristine beaches of Malaysia. It offers a diverse experience, from volcanic landscapes to bustling city life and tranquil island escapes, all within a manageable timeframe.

Your itinerary covers 6 of 12 must-have experiences

🎭

Cultural Immersion

Day 2: Watch a Kecak dance in Uluwatu, Bali

🏖️

Beach Relaxation

Day 1: Explore Seminyak Beach

🏝️

Island Hopping

Day 5: Bike Ride Around the Island

🏞️

Nature Exploration

e.g., Hike to Mount Rinjani in Lombok (multi-day trek), Visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall in Lombok

🕉️

Spiritual Experiences

e.g., Visit Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, Explore Uluwatu Temple in Bali

🏙️

City Exploration

Day 9: Visit the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

🍜

Food Adventures

Day 4: Dinner at Scallywags Seafood Grill

🛍️

Shopping Spree

Day 8: Dinner at Hutong Food Court

🐠

Water Activities

Day 6: Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls

💆

Relaxing Massages

e.g., Enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, Get a foot massage in Kuala Lumpur

🐒

Wildlife Encounters

e.g., Visit Monkey Forest in Ubud, See the Langkawi Wildlife Park

🌅

Sunset Chasing

Day 4: Sunset Point

Indonesian and Malaysian island cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, influenced by indigenous ingredients, Chinese, Indian, and European traders. Expect rich spices, fresh seafood, and a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Must-Try Dishes

Nasi Goreng$2-8

Indonesia's iconic fried rice, typically cooked with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), vegetables, and often served with a fried egg, chicken, or shrimp. It's a staple for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

📍 Warungs (small local eateries) and street vendors

Satay$3-10

Grilled skewers of marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) served with a peanut sauce dip. It's a popular street food and appetizer.

📍 Street food stalls and restaurants

Rendang$5-15

A rich and flavorful meat dish (usually beef) slow-cooked in coconut milk and a complex blend of spices. It's considered one of Indonesia's national dishes.

📍 Padang restaurants (West Sumatran cuisine)

Laksa$4-12

A spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk-based broth, seafood (prawns, fish), tofu puffs, and vegetables. There are many regional variations.

📍 Hawker centers and restaurants throughout Malaysia and Indonesia

Food Neighborhoods

Seminyak, Bali

Upscale restaurants, international cuisine

George Town, Penang

Street food heaven, diverse culinary influences

Yogyakarta, Java

Traditional Javanese cuisine, Gudeg (jackfruit stew)

Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Wide range of restaurants, from street food to fine dining

Dietary Tips

Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas. Look for 'sayur' (vegetable) dishes. Halal food is widely available in both countries. If you have allergies, clearly communicate your needs, especially regarding peanuts, seafood, and MSG.

Food Etiquette

Use your right hand for eating. It's polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you're satisfied. Avoid pointing with your index finger. Tipping is not always expected but appreciated for good service (5-10%).

Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence)
March/April

Bali shuts down completely for 24 hours. No flights, no traffic, no activities.

High impact
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr)
Varies (Islamic calendar)

Celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Expect some closures and increased travel.

Moderate impact
Thaipusam
January/February

Hindu festival celebrated with processions and rituals, particularly at Batu Caves.

Moderate impact
Highlight of the Day
Explore Seminyak Beach
☀️30°/24°C$50

🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips

  1. 🚶N/A

    02:00 PM - Arrival at Denpasar Airport (DPS)

    FREE

    Arrive at Denpasar Airport, collect your luggage, and clear customs.

  2. 🚶Taxi or pre-booked airport transfer

    03:00 PM - Transfer to Seminyak

    $15

    Take a pre-booked airport transfer or taxi to your accommodation in Seminyak.

  3. 🚶N/A

    04:00 PM - Check-in at Hotel

    FREE

    Check into your hotel or guesthouse in Seminyak and freshen up.

    🏨

    Add your hotel booking

    Search and add hotels to see on maps

    Create Custom Itinerary

    Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants

  4. 🚶Walking

    05:00 PM - Explore Seminyak Beach

    FREE

    Walk along Seminyak Beach, enjoy the sunset, and soak in the atmosphere.

    Book on Klook
  5. 🚶Walking

    07:00 PM - Dinner at Warung Nia

    $15

    Enjoy authentic Balinese cuisine at Warung Nia.

    🍽️

    Add restaurants for Dinner

    Get personalized restaurant recommendations

    Create Custom Itinerary

    Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants

  6. 🚶Taxi or Walking

    08:30 PM - Drinks at a Beach Club

    $20

    Relax with drinks at a beach club like Ku De Ta or Potato Head (optional).

    Book on Klook
🏨
Where to Stay Tonight

Seminyak

Lively beach area with great restaurants, beach clubs, and shopping.

Check-in: 3:00 PMCheck-out: 11:00 AM$80-150/nightSearch Hotels on Klook

📅 Best Time to Visit

April to October (dry season in Indonesia and Malaysia)

Expect warm and humid weather with plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is less frequent during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

🗓️
peak season

April to October is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the islands.

📅

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha can cause significant travel disruptions and higher prices.

Getting Around

Total Travel Time Between Cities:Approximately 15-20 hours (including flights, ferries, and land transfers)TIME-OPTIMIZED

Traffic-heavy cities; scooters common in Bali, TransJakarta in Jakarta

Common Modes
TransJakartaScooterAngkotFerry
Ride-Hailing Apps
GrabGojek
Pro Tip

Gojek and Grab are essential for getting around. Rent a scooter in Bali (international license needed).

✈️

Travel

50-200 USD
🏨

Accommodation

20-60 USD
🍽️

Food

15-30 USD
🎯

Activities

10-50 USD
💡
Transport

Opt for local buses and ferries instead of taxis or private transfers when possible.

💡
Accommodation

Consider staying in guesthouses or hostels to save on accommodation costs.

💡
Local

Eat at local warungs (small restaurants) for affordable and authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine.

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia and Malay.
  • Bargain respectfully when shopping at local markets.
  • Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Download offline maps and translation apps before you go.
  • Pack light clothing, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • 1
    Lightweight clothing
  • 2
    Swimwear
  • 3
    Sunscreen
  • 4
    Insect repellent
  • 5
    Universal adapter

Visa Requirements

Check your nationality's specific visa requirements for both Indonesia and Malaysia well in advance of your trip.

International & Domestic Flights

Book flights between major cities or islands, especially during peak seasons, as they can fill up quickly and prices may rise.

Accommodation

Secure your hotels or guesthouses, particularly in popular tourist hubs or remote islands, several months ahead for peak travel periods.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage before your departure.

Popular Tours & Activities

Book high-demand tours like diving trips (e.g., Raja Ampat, Sipadan) or wildlife encounters (e.g., Borneo orangutans) in advance to ensure availability.

Ferry/Boat Transfers

Arrange inter-island transfers, especially for popular routes or during festivals, to avoid last-minute availability issues and ensure smooth travel.

Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.

SIM & Connectivity

SIM Options

Airalo$18 for 10GB/30 days (Indonesia)
eSIM10GB

📍 Airalo website/app

Telkomsel (Indonesia)$10 for 17GB/30 days
Physical SIM17GB

📍 Telkomsel stores or authorized dealers at airports and in cities

Digi (Malaysia)$8 for 15GB/30 days
Physical SIM15GB

📍 Digi stores or authorized dealers at airports and in cities

Klook/Travel Wifi$5-10 per day (depending on provider and data)
Pocket WiFiUnlimited (often with a daily data cap)

📍 Online booking through Klook or Travel Wifi websites, or pick up at airports

WiFi Availability

WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Quality can vary, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan like a local SIM card. Some public areas may offer free WiFi, but security can be a concern.

Useful Apps

Grab - Ride-hailing, food delivery, and package deliveryGojek - Similar to Grab, popular in IndonesiaMaps.me - Offline maps for navigationGoogle Translate - Language translationXE Currency Converter - Real-time currency exchange rates
Pro Tip

Purchase a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for the best data rates and coverage. Download offline maps before your trip. Be aware of roaming charges if you use your home country's SIM. Check the terms and conditions of Pocket WiFi rentals regarding data caps and security deposits.

Electric Socket Guide

Socket Types

Type C

Two round pins (Europlug)

Type F

Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)

Voltage

230V

Frequency

50Hz

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants

5–10% if no service charge

Taxis

Round up to the nearest 5,000 IDR

Hotels

10,000–20,000 IDR per bag for porters

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist areas like Bali.

Safety & Travel Advisories

Low Risk

Be aware of petty theft in tourist areas. Exercise caution with street food and drinks. Monitor local news for any potential disruptions.

Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.

Emergency Numbers

👮
Police

110

🚑
Ambulance

118

🚒
Fire

113

Tourist police available in Bali

Payments

Cash Culture

Cash needed for warungs, markets, and rural areas

Credit Cards

Accepted at hotels, malls, and mid-range+ restaurants

Contactless

QRIS QR codes growing rapidly

Pro Tip

ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas. Carry small bills for tips and small purchases.

100% Free

Customize This Trip

Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.

  • Personalized for your dates
  • Weather-aware recommendations
  • Offline access
  • Real-time pricing
  • Budget tracking
Create My Free Itinerary60s

No sign-up required

Quick Actions

Trip Summary

DestinationIndonesia & Malaysia Islands
Duration14 days
Budget$1400-2800

How was this itinerary?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. You'll experience less rainfall and more sunshine, ideal for exploring beaches and outdoor activities.

Generated by MonkeyEatingMango 🥭

Related Itineraries

100% Free

Customize This Trip

Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.

  • Personalized for your dates
  • Weather-aware recommendations
  • Offline access
  • Real-time pricing
  • Budget tracking
Create My Free Itinerary60s

No sign-up required

Quick Actions

Trip Summary

DestinationIndonesia & Malaysia Islands
Duration14 days
Budget$1400-2800
100% FREE • No Credit Card • No Sign-up

Want a Personalized Version?

Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.

Create My Custom Itinerary60s

Take This Trip With You

Customize This TripStart a New Trip ✈️
Share: