Reasons To Visit Indonesia
Heading up Krakatau is like trekking over Mars and as the guides tell you once you get half way: "No further or our boots melt". The basic nature of camping out on the island is outshone by the fact you will probably be the only people staying overnight and will be sleeping just metres from the ocean in the shadow of a volcano. A beautiful coral reef around one side of the island offers excellent snorkelling and the views over to the peak of the smoking Anak Krakatau are superb.
The most obvious choice for a beach destination in Indonesia would be the island of Bali. Places like Seminyak, Sanur and Jimbiran are idyllic retreats.
Indonesia is scattered with many temples and ancient monuments. Perhaps the most famous is the vast pyramidal structure of Borobudur, considered to be one of Southeast Asia’s greatest religious relics. Hundreds of Buddha images stare impassively out over the plains and the detailed galleries and terraces that lead up to its central stupa tell tales of ancient gods and battles.
There is never really a 'bad' time to go to Indonesia and the weather is good during the British summer months unlike many other Southeast Asian destinations. Even during the wet season, the rain won't dampen the enjoyment of your holiday as it falls in short downpours and it means that the scenery around you will be lush and colourful.
Indonesia is home to some incredible wildlife and the national parks in Kalimantan and Sumatra are some of the best places to see it. Trek through jungles, rivers and waterfalls on foot or by elephant to discover the wonders of nature from the orang-utan to the world's largest flower.
Request a Brochure
Southeast Asia
Ubud is an ideally located town from which to base yourself if you are planning on exploring all that Bali has to offer. It has history, culture, architecture as well as flora and fauna to experience.
Hidden away in the paddy fields just south of central Ubud, this is a real favourite and represents outstanding value.
Alam Shanti is located just outside Ubud along the tranquil rice fields of Nyuh Kuning village. The surrounding area is extremely rural which makes for a peaceful experience.
One of the best located hotels for those wishing to stay in the heart of Ubud on the famous Monkey Forest Road.
Another oasis in the heart of Ubud, Komaneka at Rasa Sayang is perfectly located along Monkey Forest Road with its many wonderful shops, excellent restaurants and easy access to temples.
An intimate property set amidst beautiful tropical gardens, Tepi Sawah offers spacious, locally owned, Balinese style accommodation on the outskirts of Ubud.
Located just west of central Ubud, in lush tropical gardens with wonderful views of the Wos River, this property is built in a traditional Balinese style.
Alila Ubud is a tranquil and secluded hillside retreat that sits high up on the edge of the rich green Ayung River valley in Bali’s central foothills.
The Ibah has a fabulous location about ten minutes walk from Ubud's central market. With a traditional Balinese design, Ibah is one of Ubud's most established boutique hotels.
The Komaneka at Bisma is located upon the hillsides by the Tjampuhan river valley just ten minutes walk from central Ubud.
An excellent value boutique option for those wanting to take advantage of beautiful valley views only a short drive outside Ubud.
Maya Ubud has an enviable location (even by Ubud's high standards), set in ten acres of hillside gardens, each of the 60 rooms and villas offer views over either a small valley or rice terraces.
This small boutique property is great value and a fantastic setting for couples. A hotel in tune with the creative atmosphere of Ubud.
The Waka Di Ume is located just outside of Ubud and is away from the hustle and bustle of the market town. Facilities include a temple-like pool, relaxing spa and restaurant overlooking the paddy fields.
This hotel is located ten minutes outside Ubud amongst lush rice paddy fields, in some of the most picturesque grounds of any hotel in Bali. It oozes style whilst remaining small and intimate and is superb value for money.
Ubud Hanging Gardens is surrounded by ancient trees and situated in gravity-defying terraced gardens, this unique haven nestles on a dramatic hillside overlooking the Ayung river gorge.
Amandari is perched above the verdant Ayung River gorge outside the artist’s community of Ubud, it overlooks natural forest and an emerald green cascade of rice paddies, tilled as they have been for centuries.
16 days from £3,085pp
23 days from £5,240pp
16 days from £2,595pp
55 miles away
57 miles away
60 miles away
72 miles away
Further reading:IndonesiaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout IndonesiaCountry Guides
Other countries in Southeast Asia:BorneoBurmaCambodiaLaosMalaysiaPapua New GuineaThailandThe PhilippinesVietnam