10-Day Indonesia & Malaysia Adventure: A Detailed Itinerary for the Ultimate Southeast Asian Escape
Published: April 9, 2025
Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. If you’re planning a 10-day trip to Indonesia and Malaysia, this detailed itinerary will help you make the most of your journey—covering bustling cities, pristine beaches, lush jungles, and UNESCO heritage sites.
Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia
Morning:
- Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).
- Check into a centrally located hotel (recommended: Hotel Indonesia Kempinski or The Hermitage Jakarta).
- Grab a quick breakfast at Kopi Oey Sabang for authentic Indonesian coffee and nasi goreng (fried rice).
Afternoon:
- Explore Kota Tua (Old Batavia), Jakarta’s colonial district. Visit Fatahillah Square, Jakarta History Museum, and Wayang Museum.
- Stop by Café Batavia for a colonial-era ambiance and delicious Indonesian-Dutch fusion dishes.
Evening:
- Head to Pasar Baru for street food—try sate ayam (chicken satay) and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
- Sunset drinks at Skye Bar & Restaurant (56th floor of BCA Tower) for panoramic city views.
Day 2: Jakarta → Yogyakarta (Flight: 1h 20min)
Morning:
- Fly to Yogyakarta (JOG), the cultural heart of Java.
- Check into a boutique hotel (e.g., Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta or The Alana Hotel).
- Visit Prambanan Temple, a stunning 9th-century Hindu complex (UNESCO site).
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Milas Vegetarian Restaurant for healthy Javanese cuisine.
- Explore Kraton Yogyakarta, the Sultan’s Palace, and Taman Sari Water Castle.
Evening:
- Dinner at Sasanti Restaurant (try gudeg, a sweet jackfruit stew).
- Optional: Watch a Ramayana Ballet performance at Prambanan (if available).
Day 3: Borobudur Sunrise & Yogyakarta Exploration
Early Morning (4:30 AM):
- Sunrise tour of Borobudur Temple (UNESCO site)—the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
Late Morning:
- Breakfast at ViaVia Café (Western & Indonesian options).
- Visit Mendut Temple and Pawon Temple, smaller but equally fascinating Buddhist temples.
Afternoon:
- Explore Jalan Malioboro for batik shopping and street snacks (bakpia, es dawet).
- Optional: Silver workshop tour in Kotagede.
Evening:
- Fly to Bali (DPS) (1h 30min flight).
- Check into a Seminyak/Ubud hotel (e.g., The Legian Bali or Kamandalu Ubud).
Day 4: Bali – Ubud Cultural Immersion
Morning:
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces for sunrise photos.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary—interact with playful macaques.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Locavore (award-winning Indonesian-European fusion).
- Visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and Tirta Empul Temple (holy water purification ritual).
Evening:
- Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace.
- Dinner at Mozaic Restaurant (fine dining in a tropical garden).
Day 5: Bali → Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Flight: 3h)
Morning:
- Fly to Kuala Lumpur (KUL).
- Check into The Majestic Hotel KL or EQ Kuala Lumpur.
Afternoon:
- Visit Petronas Twin Towers (Skybridge & observation deck).
- Lunch at Jalan Alor Food Street (must-try: char kway teow, Hokkien mee).
Evening:
- Sunset at KL Tower (better views than Petronas).
- Dinner at De.Wan 1958 (modern Malaysian cuisine by a Michelin chef).
Day 6: Kuala Lumpur → Penang (Flight: 1h 10min)
Morning:
- Fly to Penang (PEN).
- Check into Eastern & Oriental Hotel (colonial luxury).
Afternoon:
- Explore George Town UNESCO Heritage Zone:
- Street art hunting (Ernest Zacharevic murals).
- Khoo Kongsi Clan House.
- Penang Peranakan Mansion.
- Lunch at Tek Sen Restaurant (famous double-cooked pork).
Evening:
- Dinner at Kebaya Dining Room (Nyonya cuisine).
- Drinks at Junk Café or ChinaHouse (live music).
Day 7: Penang – Food & Nature Adventure
Morning:
- Breakfast at Toh Soon Café (best kaya toast and coffee).
- Hike Penang Hill (or take the funicular).
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Air Itam Laksa (spicy fish noodle soup).
- Visit Kek Lok Si Temple (largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia).
Evening:
- Sunset at Batu Ferringhi Beach.
- Night market (try rojak, apom balik).
Day 8: Penang → Langkawi (Ferry: 2h 30min)
Morning:
- Ferry to Langkawi, a tropical paradise.
- Check into The Datai Langkawi or Four Seasons Resort.
Afternoon:
- Cable car & Sky Bridge for breathtaking views.
- Relax at Tanjung Rhu Beach.
Evening:
- Sunset cruise with Langkawi Coral (dinner on board).
Day 9: Langkawi Island Hopping
Full-Day Tour:
- Pulau Payar Marine Park (snorkeling).
- Dayang Bunting Lake (legendary freshwater lake).
- Eagle feeding at Kilim Geoforest Park.
Evening:
- Seafood dinner at Wonderland Food Store.
Day 10: Langkawi → Departure
Morning:
- Last-minute shopping at Cenang Mall.
- Fly out from Langkawi International Airport (LGK).
Final Tips:
✔ Best Time to Visit: Dry season (April–October).
✔ Visa: Check requirements (Indonesia offers visa-free entry for many nationalities).
✔ Transport: Grab (SE Asia’s Uber) is handy in cities.
✔ Budget: Mid-range (~100–100–150/day).
This 10-day Indonesia & Malaysia itinerary balances culture, adventure, and relaxation—perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. Happy travels!
