Tegallalang Rice Terrace , Ubud Balinese craft
Mount Bromo
The beguiling Indonesian archipelago encompasses over 17,000 islands and offers travellers a huge diversity of adventures and experiences , be that simply idling on a blissful beach , searching for dragons , exploring culturally significant landmarks or trekking across scorched volcanic landscapes .
Those craving nothing but the beach life will find a spectacular assortment of sands adorning Bali ’ s coastline . The popular sun-drenched southern shores entice with family-friendly Sanur , exclusive Nusa Dua and the stunning sunsets of Seminyak . Further east is tranquil Candidasa with its volcanic sands , while on the north west coast is Menjangan which lies within the unspoiled West Bali National Park and is one of the island ’ s best snorkelling spots .
Venture inland to glimpse Bali ’ s true charm amidst its emerald-green rice terraces , roadside shrines and evocative temples where devotees leave their canang sari ( offerings ) as a gesture of gratitude to the Gods . Visually alluring music and dance performances further highlight the islanders spirituality , culture and tradition . For all this and so much more , the artsy hub of Ubud is just the place or , if you fancy a true escape , Munduk Moding Plantation on the slopes of north Bali ’ s mountains , is sure to appeal .
Travel across the Lombok Strait to laidback Lombok for relatively untouched beaches , epic surf , fantastic dive spots , thundering waterfalls and verdant forests all presided over by Mount Rinjani . Lombok is also gateway to the celebrated Gili ’ s , three tiny traffic-free islets which brag exquisite beaches along with superb diving and snorkelling spots .
Sanur
Java is Indonesia ’ s heartland and jam-packed with smoking volcanoes , mesmerising temples , national parks and pea-green paddy fields . Highlights include distinctive Yogyakarta , a fascinating stronghold for tradition and culture , the majestic Borobudur temple complex , equally impressive Prambanan , and the lunar-like landscapes of the volcanic Bromo region .
At Rinca Island wildlife watchers are also in for a treat . Part of Indonesia ’ s Komodo National Park it ’ s one of very few places to spot ferocious Komodo dragons in the wild .
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