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.
Like many other popular tourist spots in Indonesia, Labuan Bajo, in the far Western region of Flores, was once a sleepy fishing village. Today it functions as a bustling departure point for visitors wanting to go explore the nearby Komodo archipelago – home to the legendary Komodo ‘dragons’, huge prehistoric lizards that can weigh up to 70 kilograms and grow up to three metres in length. Beyond the opportunity to encounter these fearsome reptiles in their natural habitat, travellers also visit the area for the outstanding diving and snorkelling conditions. Shark diving, dolphin and whale watching and all manner of water sports are also popular activities for holidaymakers.
This upmarket Balinese village is characterised by mostly luxury accommodation, high-end spas, fashionable restaurants and bars and some lovely little boutiques. The atmosphere is much more sophisticated than the raucous party town of Kuta. During the day Seminyak's Petitenget Beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the hordes of tourists common on other parts of this lovely little island. However, after sunset a livelier nightlife scene takes over with premier dining and entertainment venues such as Ku De Ta and the Potato Head Beach Club, all garnering international recognition. Seminyak has somehow managed to achieve that much desired balance between tranquility and a vibey atmosphere. If you are looking for a more elegant and laid-back alternative to Kuta and Legian, Seminyak is just the destination for you.
The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign city-state located in Southeast Asia, off the tip of the Malay Peninsula. This former British colony comprises 63 islands and is famous for its rapid evolution, developing from a third world country to the world centre of technology, education, healthcare and innovation. Visitors are spoilt for choice with regards to unmissable attractions. The dazzling Merlion Park includes a spectacular promenade and the iconic 28-foot Merlion statue, which pays homage to the city’s humble beginnings. Futuristic and yet intrinsically tied to nature, the Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular bucket-list items here, with its captivating treetop walk and 114-foot waterfall - indoors. Shopping comes to a global pinnacle at famous Orchard Road.
