What to do in Bali & Indonesia

Made up of impressive historic structures and vast pools that sit against a backdrop of Bali’s eastern shoreline and soaring Mount Agung, the Taman Ujung Water Palace is a truly majestic sight. It boasts beautiful Balinese and European architecture, evident in the ornate pillars and statues, with the buildings linked by pathways and long, elegant bridges, making it a favourite location for photographers. This is just one of many stunning historic buildings; others include the Tanah Lot, Pura Besakih, Ulun Danu Bratan, or Penataran Lempuyang with its famed ‘Gates of Heaven’.

Cascading down the winding walls of a lush valley, the stunning Tegalallang Rice Terraces are just a 20-minute drive from Ubud, and make a fantastic half-day trip out. Exploring the terraces is one of Bali’s most enjoyable and treasured activities, with magnificent views and perfect photo opportunities on all sides. The scenic hillsides offer jungle swings and ziplines, and for an adrenaline rush ask us about mountain-bike routes rushing downhill from the volcanic slopes of Mt Batur to the rice fields north of Ubud.

The Indonesian islands are strung along the Pacific Ring of Fire, with 130 active volcanoes found across the archipelago. Volcanoes are part of life here, and will form part of your adventures too! A hike to the summit of one of the more peaceful peaks is an enthralling and unforgettable experience, with our personal favourites (and also relatively easy-going hikes) being trips up to Mt Jien and Mt Bromo in Java, Mt Batur in Bali, or the more challenging climb of Mt Rinjani in Lombok. The scenery which cascades down the slopes of these majestic peaks is staggering too, with your drives, hikes, or cycles taking you through fertile rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and tiny picturesque villages.

In Indonesia’s northern reaches the scenery becomes less volcanic and distinctly more tropical, with dense jungles offering a kaleidoscope of fascinating flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy the thrill of the jungle, will be well rewarded by visits to Tanjung Puting in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), Bukit Lawang in northern Sumatra, or the more isolated Lore Lindu or Tangkoko national parks in Sulawesi. Accommodation in these areas is very simple, but you’re here for creatures – rather than the creature comforts! Typical sightings include orang-utans, macaques, tiny tarsiers, deer, rhinos, elephants, and a whole host of colourful tropical birds.

Indonesia has a solid claim to being the world’s best dive destination. Bali sits within the ‘coral triangle’ and offers fantastic reef and wreck diving off its northern and eastern coasts; key spots being Amed, Candidasa, and Nusa Lembongan. Dedicated divers should look further afield though, with unparalleled underwater riches found in far-flung corners of the archipelago such as Sumba, Raja Ampat, and northern Sulawesi. Each of these destinations has a fantastic dive resort to match, ensuring a productive and luxurious stay.