Best Road Trips in Indonesia
Indonesia’s beaches are incredible. But let’s be honest… after scrolling past what feels like the hundredth beach photo, it’s only natural to start wondering, “What else is out there?’ If that sounds like you, get ready for this guide to reveal a whole new side to the best destinations in Indonesia.
Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia offers a landscape too diverse to rush through. From the cultural heart of Java to the wild landscapes of Sulawesi, many of its main islands are now easier than ever to explore thanks to well-connected travel routes. But if you really want to experience the country, there’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel and discovering it at your own pace, with every kilometre revealing something new.
And who knows? Your favourite holiday memories might just be made somewhere along the open road! Now all that’s left to do is choose the right route for you. Here’s our pick of the best road trips in Indonesia:
Table of Contents
Sumba: The Archipelago’s Wild West
A Sumba road trip means an epic adventure! Take to the road for a week, and you’ll see why this island in East Nusa Tenggara province made it to the top of our list. On the West side, a 2-hour drive south from Lede Kalumbang Airport (formerly Tambolaka Airport) will get you to the itinerary’s main attractions.
There’s Lapopu Waterfall with its 90-metre cascading flow and turquoise pool, the main town of Waikabubak, and the stunning Weekuri Lagoon, which is a mandatory stop-off. Coexisting alongside West Sumba’s natural beauty, discover the world-famous NIHI Resort Sumba, with wild horses roaming the beach – this is paradise found!
To explore East Sumba, you can drive for roughly 3-hours to Waingapu, the island’s largest town. Kampung Raja Prailiu makes a great first stop to glimpse into the traditional textile manufacturing process and Sumba’s classic thatched-roof houses. For a walk on the wilder side, there’s the majestic canyon structure of Tanggedu Waterfall and Walakiri Beach, famed for the ‘dancing’ mangroves at sunset.
East Java’s Volcanic Wonders
Another route to definitely tick off from your Indonesian road trip is the journey between two of East Java’s most ‘fiery’ landscapes: Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater. We recommend following a 4-Day, 3-Night East Java itinerary starting from Malang. From there, it’s around a 3-hour drive to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where an early start rewards you with a breathtaking sunrise and sweeping views across the famous Sea of Sand, resulting in an unforgettable Mount Bromo road trip experience.Â
From Bromo, continue your journey to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, a spectacular cascade hidden away amongst lush jungle surroundings and often wrapped in a veil of mist. Then, on your final day, head to Ijen to catch the rare Blue Fire – one of only two places in the world where this phenomenon can be seen! For this, you’ll need to arrive by midnight, as the glowing blue flames are only visible before sunrise. Once daylight breaks, you can marvel at the stunning views of Ijen’s crater lake, which glistens in the sun’s morning light.
Tip: Don’t stop at Ijen, as Banyuwangi has plenty more adventures waiting! Check out our East Java accommodation guide to find the best stays for your extended trip.
Dawn at Mount Batur
If you decide not to extend your East Java road trip, then Bali’s Island Of The Gods deserves a road trip of your very own. Swap the beach club scene for mountain panoramas and set off before dawn for the iconic Mount Batur sunrise trek – it’s one early wake-up call you won’t regret!
The drive takes you through peaceful villages and quiet roads as Bali slowly comes to life. After a 2-hour drive, you’ll reach Kintamani, where Mount Batur sits. It’ll take around two hours to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with one of Bali’s most spectacular sunrises as the first light breaks above the clouds.
Once you’ve descended, head down to Lake Batur, just 20-minutes away, for a well-earned coffee at one of the lakeside cafés. Then, soothe tired legs with a soak at Toya Devasya’s natural hot springs. If you’ve got extra time to spare, continue driving for another 2-hours to Lake Beratan and its famous floating temple, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. It’s a scenic road trip that showcases Bai’s cooler highlands and a completely different side of the island.
The Many Faces of Lombok
If you’re drawn to culture, nature and a few unexpected experiences along the way, a Lombok road trip is perfect for the culturally curious. Think traditional villages, jungle waterfalls, mountain panoramas, and yes – even strawberry picking with a view!
Your Lombok road trip begins at Kuta Beach, located just half an hour from the airport. Just 20-minutes from there, you’ll get a taste of the Sasak tribe’s daily life at Sade Village, characterised by its thatched-roof houses.
Next, head north on a scenic 3-hour drive, and you’ll reach the forested foothills of Mount Rinjani in Senaru, where the waterfalls showcase Lombok’s mesmerising jungles.
To round off your adventure, drive for an hour to Sembalun, where sweeping valley views and the majestic silhouette of Mount Rinjani create one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramas – no hiking required! Arrive in the morning to soak up the scenery, then spend the afternoon picking fresh strawberries before making the relaxed 2.5-hour drive back to Mataram.
Tip: If you’re up for an even bigger Lombok adventure, extend your road trip by tackling the thrilling Mount Rinjani summit trek!
Dieng Plateau: Java’s Enchanting Highlands
For a real trip that blends history, culture and dramatic scenery, head to the Dieng Plateau in Central Java. Perched high in the mountains, this remarkable region is home to the remains of a civilisation dating back to the 7th Century, where ancient Hindu temples sit alongside colourful volcanic crater lakes in a cool, misty landscape.
Begin your journey in Yogyakarta and drive for around 3-hours to Wonosobo. From there, the real adventure begins as the road winds through lush tea plantations, with spectacular views of Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing accompanying you on the final hour-long drive to Dieng.
Once you arrive, don’t miss the Arjuna Temple Complex, the largest collection of ancient Hindu temples in the area. Comprising of five structures (Arjuna, Semar, Srikandi, Puntadewa and Sembadra), the complex remains an important place of worship today.
Then, make your way to Telaga Warna, the famous volcanic crater whose striking shades of green, blue and turquoise shift magically against the surrounding mountain scenery.
North Maluku and the Echoes of History
For a road trip steeped in history, head to the neighbouring islands of Ternate and Tidore in North Maluku. Once the world’s only source of cloves, these islands played an important role in the global spice trade, and their fascinating past still echoes through the landscape today.
Both small islands’ standout landmarks are the colonial forts, standing as physical reminders of the rivalry between the European powers that once fought for control over the lucrative spice trade.
Start in Ternate, where Fort Oranje remains one of the island’s best-known landmarks, an intriguing addition to your North Maluku itinerary. Continue to the Sultanate Palace Museum to delve deeper into the region’s history before driving to Lake Tolire, an emerald-green volcanic lake formed after Mount Gamalama’s eruption in 1775. Local legends even tell of a mysterious white crocodile said to guard its waters!
From there, hop across to Tidore and make your way to Tahula Fort, where a short uphill walk rewards you with sweeping views over the city of Soasio and the Halmahera Sea.
One of the best things about this road trip is that you can experience so much without spending hours behind the wheel. If you’re looking for a journey that combines breathtaking scenery with centuries of fascinating history, North Maluku delivers one of Indonesia’s most rewarding drives.
Final Words
Each of these routes reveals a different side of Indonesia, proving that some of the best adventures happen when you take the scenic route.
Wherever your road leads, we hope this Indonesia road trip itinerary inspires your next unforgettable journey across the archipelago. So, pack your bags, fuel up, and see where the road takes you!
