Destination Overview

Time difference: GMT +7 hours
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Flight time: 17 hours indirect

Indonesia is a mythical land where volcanoes smoulder, beaches swelter and temples languish under a blanket of incense. Bali is the most popular of Indonesia’s islands, for good reason. It has a little bit of everything to take your fancy, from picturesque beaches, cultural gems, beautiful jungle scenery and a diverse range of luxury resorts. Depending on your style of holiday you can choose a resort to fit your requirements, from beachy retreats where you can relax with a cocktail or enclaves of peaceful tranquillity, where you can absorb the rich culture and learn more about the traditions that govern this spiritual island. The most immersive experience in Bali could include a mix of the two.

Bali’s beaches are more than just somewhere to lay your body down on the sand. In the south of the island, Seminyak has all the sybaritic pleasures you need to tan and take stock, while after dark you’ll find a nightlife scene that could rival Ibiza in high season.

In the heart of the island, arty Ubud is a haven of serenity surrounded by paddy fields and dense jungle. Many hotels offer excursions into the countryside where you can meet the smiling Balinese families who farm the local area, wading knee-high into a rice field or venturing inside one of the ornate Hindu temples. One thing you will notice on your travels around the island is the vibrancy: the people, the food, the humble offerings of hot pink petals that garnish the roadsides. A small sliver of Hinduism in the world’s largest Muslim country, Indonesia, you will discover plenty of accessible ways to immerse yourself in Bali’s sublimely spiritual culture, not to mention the many friendly faces you’ll meet along the way. Bali is more than just an island, it’s a sensual, tropical state of mind.