Asia Brochure 2023

118 Indonesia Indonesia Find paradise across a cluster of stunning islands offering diverse attractions, from luxurious hotels, bustling markets, and unspoilt beaches to sunrise yoga, big wave surfing, and undersea exploration.

119 Bali

ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE

S pread across more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a nation where dynamic and densely populated cities stand shoulder-to-shoulder with tropical shores and spectacular volcanic scenery. It’s been one of the world’s favourite travel destinations for over half a century, and the golden sands, green jungles, and blue oceans make it easy to see why. At the heart of Indonesia’s appeal is Bali, with its 2,000 square miles of lush countryside and a coast lined with beautiful beaches. This inviting island has a section of shore for everyone, from the surfing capital of Kuta and the five-star all-inclusive Nusa Dua to the upscale dining of Seminyak and the family-friendly resort of Sanur. Further inland, enchanting Ubud marks the cultural heartland where artisan markets and yoga studios fill picturesque villages surrounded by temples, rice terraces, and hillside forests. Indonesia’s adventures don’t stop at Bali. Lombok offers all the same magical allure with far fewer crowds and rewards travellers with stunning scenery and footprint free coves as they enjoy world-class diving, watersports, or forest hikes around the slopes of Mount Rinjani. Lombok is also the entry point to the tiny and timeless Gili Islands, where motorised transport is replaced by push bikes and pony carts, and life slows to a blissful crawl. Laidback bars and elegant hotels sit beside the powdery white sands of Gili Trawangan, while Gili Air is all about rustic bungalows and beachfront dining. If you’re looking for a true castaway feel, climb into a gently swinging hammock and forget the world on the petite and pristine Gili Meno. From all-night parties to all-day slumber, Indonesia’s spellbinding islands have the perfect place for everyone. SRI LANKA INDIA

Party, surf, dive, dine, or relax - Bali’s beautiful beaches suit just about anyone. Explore Indonesia’s most popular paradise, from its spectacular shores to rainforest villages and picturesque temples. BALI

SOUTH KOREA

JAPAN

P alm trees, powder beaches, rice terraces, and forest hills are the iconic images of Indonesia’s playground isle. Sitting halfway between Vietnam and Australia, just a short hop from Singapore, Bali is a lush green land surrounded by miles of golden shore and some of the most welcoming resorts in south-east Asia. Surfing, shopping, and nightlife are the pillars on which Kuta is built. Shallow waters and sunrise views give Sanur an easygoing, family friendly atmosphere, with visitors returning year after year. All-inclusive luxury with watersport mornings and golf afternoons are the order of the day on the sweeping coast of Nusa Dua. And the neighbouring beaches of Legian and Seminyak are chic spots that foodies will love. Further afield, lesser-visited bays offer quieter

stays for those who prefer to escape the well-trodden road and find space for themselves. Bali’s beaches are worth the flights alone, but there’s plenty more to this enchanting destination than sand and sea. Just an hour’s drive inland from the most popular resorts is the creative oasis of Ubud. Nestled in the hillside jungle, Ubud is a picturesque village with art and wellness at its heart. Check into a boutique hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the forest canopy and relax. Spend days browsing craft markets, grazing local eateries, or cycling through the countryside. Practise open-air yoga or soothe away your strains in a luxury spa. For an adorable wildlife experience, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit. Seekers of serenity and spirituality will find inspiration when touring some of Bali’s 20,000 temples. The Hindu sea

temple of Uluwatu is a striking sight on its clifftop perch, while Ulun Danu Beratan Temple makes the perfect photograph as it appears to float on the waters of Lake Beratan. Aside from surfing and shoreline sports, Bali’s surrounding coral offers incredible snorkelling or diving, and a boat trip to spot dolphins is a special way to spend time among the waves. Whether you’re travelling for a honeymoon, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, Bali has plenty to offer. Deeper exploration is easy when you add days in Lombok or the car-free Gili Islands, and city stopovers in Hong Kong or Singapore create the most amazing Asia itinerary.

KOMODO ISLAND

HONG KONG

MYANMAR

LAOS

Thailand

PHILIPPINES

Cambodia

Brunei

Malaysia

Singapore

SUMATRA

Best time to go In contrast to much of Asia’s beach destinations, April to October offers Bali’s best weather.

LOMBOK

KOMODO

JAVA

BALI

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