With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world offering a virtually unrivalled range of holiday options. While the picturesque island of Bali remains the most well known and the most popular of Indonesia’s tourist destinations, there is so much more on offer for those willing to step off the beaten track. Pack your itinerary with visits to: the historic monuments and temples of Central Java; the world renowned dive sites of idyllically remote Raja Ampat; the extraordinary Island of Komodo, home of the unfathomably large Komodo Dragon; as well as a range of vast tropical forests providing sanctuary to incredibly diverse wildlife from Orangutans and other primates to critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros and Tigers. The range of choices is mind-boggling but, however you decide to spend your time on this remarkable group of islands, you are sure to have some truly exhilarating experiences and some unforgettable adventures.
Far from the boisterous beach party scene of Kuta, in the central region of this remarkable little island, lies Ubud - the cultural centre of Bali. Surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies, and exquisite temples, Ubud is jam-packed with tourist attractions. Its busy town centre is lined with a slew of art galleries, cafes, craft shops, and spas. One of the town’s most visited sites is the Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of wild monkeys as well as three Hindi temples. Spend your days strolling around the lively streets of central Ubud or get away from the hustle and bustle by cycling along ricefield-lined rivers where traditional village life carries on relatively undisturbed. Nights can be spent enjoying live music concerts, or one of the nightly Kecak Fire and Dance or shadow puppet performances.
The small, simple village of Munduk is an appealing mountain retreat deep in the highlands of Central Bali. Often overlooked by tourists, Munduk's cooler climate comes to many as a welcome break from the coastal humidity. The main attractions here are the countless trekking trails which wind their way through forested hills to hidden villages, secret waterfalls, and endless coffee and cocoa plantations. Visitors can look forward to discovering the village’s lovely Dutch colonial buildings many of which have been converted into charming guesthouses. Other popular visitor highlights include: Tanah Barak, Melanting and Golden Valley waterfalls; and the nearby Tamblingan Nature Recreation Park, which features the magnificent Lake Tamblingan surrounded by lush green expanses of forest.
Set on the northwestern tip of Bali, West Bali National Park is a conservation area covering over 19000 hectares (including the Prapat Agung Peninsula and the surrounding coastal waters). The landscapes are characterised by lush rainforest, open savannahs, rugged mountains, photogenic mangrove swamps, ethereal seaweed meadows, and brightly coloured coral reefs. Visitors should also make sure to visit a little reserve of Menjangan Island, home to the native barking deer and dotted with ancient Hindu temples. The park is also inhabited by one of the world's rarest birds, the Bali starling, which is endemic to the area.
A hidden gem on the east coast of Bali, Amed is a string of seaside villages. As a lesser-known area of Bali, Amed is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers, with prime access for those wishing to explore the wonders of the underworld, including a submerged wreck of the USS Tulamben. Infrastructure is relatively new to this area, but its popularity as a tourist spot is growing rapidly, particularly as a honeymoon destination. Besides the excellent diving, the area offers perfect relaxation conditions; quaint beaches lined with traditional fishing boats, delectable local eateries and plenty of places offering massages and yoga. For more unusual experiences, don’t miss the black sand beach and quirky shell museum.
Mature travellers will delight in the relaxed seaside ambience of Candi Dasa, located at the edge of a freshwater lagoon in eastern Bali. A popular tourist spot since the ‘70s, this seaside town is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, and superb snorkelling and diving conditions. The most impressive dive sites are around the rocky islets of Gili Selang, Gili Biaha, Gili Mimpang and Gili Tepekong, where divers can see exquisite coral gardens, several species of sharks and, between August and October, enormous oceanic sunfish, which grow up to six feet. A visit to Pura Candi Dasa, twin temples devoted to Shiva and Hariti, set atop the hillside overlooking the lagoon, proves a fascinating expedition.
If you find Kuta too wild and Nusa Dua too placid, Sanur might be the strip of Balibeachfront resort you’re looking for. Combining great eating spots and bars withfamily-friendly beaches, Sanur has a balanced, energetic, yet chilled ambiance. EveryJuly Sanur hosts the International Kite Festival, and the brilliant blue skies are filledwith colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. Le Mayeur Museum, the former home ofthe eponymous artist, is a worthwhile visit, as is a trek through the incumbentmangrove forest or a session at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
