Located on top of a hill near the town of Magelang, Borobudur is ancient Buddhist stupa and temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 8th century and is the largest buddhist monument in the world. The complex is surrounded by an impossibly scenic landscape featuring active volcanoes, dramatic limestone cliffs, lush green rice fields and traditional rice-growing villages. It covers a massive area and is multi-tiered and intricately decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. Interestingly, the temple was constructed without the use of any kind of cement or mortar as it was cleverly designed as a series of massive interlocking blocks. Visitors can stay at one of the guesthouses at nearby Borobudur town or can experience the site on a day trip from Mageland or the city of Yogyakarta.
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.
Just east of its more popular sibling, Bali, Lombok is relatively untouched by mass tourism and offers isolated stretches of paradise, ease of access, and raw natural beauty. Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, can be summited by means of a strenuous hike – those who reach the top can indulge in a refreshing dip in the dazzling crater lake or a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Pick up a pearl from one of the local pearl farms as a memento of your trip. Enthralling and plentiful marine life provide stunning underwater scenes for diving.
Situated just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, the Gili Islands are comprised of three lovely little islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. These exquisite islands are best known for their vibrant nightlife and their wonderful live music scene. All three islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise with a laid back atmosphere and an array of beachside cafes, restaurants and bars. Best of all, there are no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. While the excellent snorkelling and diving are undoubtedly the main attraction, there are a number of other activities available including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, island hopping, and even visits to the local turtle sanctuary.
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.
