BALI

From monkey-filled forests and ancient temples to beautiful beaches and buzzing bars, holidays to Bali have all-round appeal.

Immortal isle

Of all the 17,500 islands in Indonesia, Bali shouts the loudest. It’s dubbed the Island of the Gods, and you’ll see their handiwork wherever you roam. You’ve got everything from liquorice-black beaches to cloud-shrouded volcanoes and bright-green rice terraces. Island-hopping boat trips are a doddle from here, too – Bali’s just a boat ride away from the party-hard Gili islands, go-slow Lombok, and Komodo which is roamed by its namesake reptiles.

Bali on a budget

Bali’s a holiday destination where you can make your money go further. Spa-goers are in for a particular treat – you can get an hour’s massage for as little as £5. You can also expect to pay just £20 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant in somewhere like Kuta. Or, there are hotels where you can go All Inclusive and relax knowing your meals and drinks are paid for in advance

Beaches and mountains

The big names on Bali’s beach scene are Seminyak and Kuta, where the sands are boosted by hip hotels, bars, spas and watersports centres. The island sits within the Coral Triangle, which has the biggest diversity of marine species in the world. In land, you can move from iconic rice terraces to thick forests and lava-spewing volcanoes. Speaking of the latter, a sunrise climb of Bali’s second-biggest is a must-do. From the top of Mount Batur, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views on the whole island.

Cultural corner

Bali’s charms aren’t all natural. A visit to Ubud takes you right to the heart of the island’s soul. It’s Bali’s spiritual centre, so the streets are hemmed with art galleries and museums. Here, you can do as Julia Roberts did in Eat, Pray, Love and shop in the markets, wander around its ornate palace, and dine in the authentic, al fresco eateries.