Indonesia (Bali + Lombok) · 2-3 weeks
The classic Indonesian island loop. Bali first (Ubud + Canggu), fast-boat to the Gilis (party + snorkel), Lombok for Rinjani volcano trek or Kuta surf, back to Bali. 2-3 weeks. Everyone starts here for a reason.
Updated August 23, 2026
5 stops in walking order. Click any pin for the stop's editorial.
3-4 nights
Arrival area from Denpasar (DPS). Surf town + digital-nomad hub. Rice paddies + beach clubs + $3 nasi campur lunches. Best first-timer base in Bali.
Hostel pick
Fabrika Hostel + Coworking
Hotel splurge
The Slow
Don't miss
3 nights
🚐 shared minivan · 1.5h · $5-8
Perama Bus or Grab
Bali's cultural heart — rice terraces, yoga studios, art markets, Monkey Forest. Slower pace than Canggu. Base for Mount Batur sunrise trek.
Hostel pick
The Onion Collective
Hotel splurge
Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Don't miss
3 nights
⛵ boat · 2.5-3h (incl. Ubud → Padang Bai transfer) · $30-45
Gili Getaway or Wahana fast-boat
Book online 2 days ahead. Rough crossing possible in wet season.
The party Gili. No cars, no dogs, just bicycles. Snorkel with turtles, day-hop to Gili Meno/Air, beach bar sunsets. Fast-boat from Padang Bai.
Hostel pick
Le Pirate Beach Club
Hotel splurge
Pearl of Trawangan
Don't miss
3-4 nights
⛵ boat · 2h + 1h transfer · $25-40
Gili Trawangan → Bangsal → Kuta Lombok via shared van
Lombok's south coast — the empty version of Kuta Bali. World-class surf breaks (Desert Point, Selong Belanak beach beginners). Base for the Rinjani trek if you're going.
Hostel pick
Mad Monkey Kuta Lombok
Hotel splurge
Novotel Lombok Resort
Don't miss
2 nights
⛵ boat · 2h + 1h transfer · $30-45
Fast-boat Lombok → Padang Bai + Grab to Uluwatu
Back to Bali's south — clifftop temples + advanced surf breaks (Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Bingin). Sunset Kecak fire dance at the temple. Last stop before airport.
Hostel pick
Uluwatu Surf Villas
Hotel splurge
Bulgari Resort Bali
Don't miss
5-stop loop starts here. Hostelworld is the standard for SE Asia — private twins alongside dorms.
Hostels & private rooms in Denpasar (DPS)
Solo-friendlyHostelworld is the largest inventory — most properties list private twin rooms alongside dorms, so it works for couples + solo travellers alike. Free cancellation on flexible rates, verified reviews from people who actually stayed.
Browse Denpasar (DPS) hostels2-3 weeks. The full loop is 450km through 1 countries (Indonesia). Most travellers do it in 5 weeks.
May-September (dry season), avoid Rinjani in wet March-Apr. Rainy season (June-October) closes some overland routes and reduces the slow-boat schedules on the Mekong.
Thailand is 30-day visa-free for most Western passports. Laos + Cambodia + Vietnam all require e-visas or visa-on-arrival — apply online before you leave. Vietnam's e-visa is the strictest; do it 5 days before flying in.
Yes — mandatory. Overnight buses on winding roads + motorbike rentals + adventure activities are all standard on this route. Ekta, SafetyWing, and World Nomads all cover SE Asia; verify emergency-evacuation coverage.
Indonesia (Airalo Indolink 5GB, covers Bali + Lombok). Covers all 1 countries on one plan — no swapping SIMs at borders. Airalo's Asialink data plan is the most commonly used by backpackers.