Indonesia
AMAZING CULTURE: Carved relief of dancing girls at Borobudur on Java, Indonesia
Indonesia's giant cascade of 17,000 islands were, for centuries, the haunt of trading ships, pirates, missionaries, merchants and colonists.
The legacy of this turbulent history is an amazing cultural diversity, which pervades every aspect of Indonesian life.
Java is a place of forested peaks and liquid green rice terraces, whose ancient temples and soaring volcanoes form the backdrop when exploring this interesting island.
The shores of Bali - 'The island of a thousand temples' are washed by the Java Sea and soothed by the warm ocean breezes that blow in from the Pacific. This fascinating island offers a vibrant cavalcade of lively Hindu festivals, exquisite artefacts and classic Balinese dance.
Ubud offers a wealth of arts and crafts with Pasar Seni, its colourful market which trades in a wide range of clothing, sarongs and gift items, as well as myriad small shops. The nearby villages of Tegallang and Jati are noted for their woodcarvings and the village of Celuk is home to numerous jewellers, some of whom will custom-make pieces. South of Tabanan, in Pejaten, one can find traditional pottery.
Nusa Dua is well sited for starting or ending a tour of Bali as it is only 15 minutes south of Denpasar International Airport. It is also an ideal base to explore the nearby beaches of Sanur, Legian and Kuta, which have the most established shops and restaurants on the island.
East Bali has a hypnotic mix of religion, royal culture and architectural splendour in the area often referred to as "old Bali." East Bali is packed with villages whose way of life has changed little over the centuries, such as the closed, religious community of Tenganan.
Bali's beguilingly beautiful and lesser-known neighbour is Lombok, where green rice terraces, intriguing temples, ancient palaces and unspoilt beaches all await your exploration. Here, life is lived at an unhurried pace, and the modern age often seems an intrusion. The same can be said for the adjoining island of Moyo, which has a timeless quality of peace and serenity, broken only by the plaintive cries of tropical birds calling from the soaring treetops. Meanwhile, the captivating Spice Islands sprawl eastwards across the South China Sea.
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Moyo Island
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Off the coast of Sumbawa, the island of Moyo is teeming with wildlife. 20 stylish air-conditioned tented suites feature picture windows with views of the Flores Sea. The restaurant specialises ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Jimbaran Bay
147 rooms
Clinging to Bali’s south western coast, the resort affords panoramic views over sacred Mount Agung and the broad sweep of Jimbaran Bay. The beach lies at the foot of ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Ubud
60 rooms
This widely acclaimed luxury resort sprawls lazily down a picturesque hillside, extending deep into the sacred Ayung River Valley. In this small, intimate hideaway you will find a wealth of ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Jimbaran Bay
39 rooms
Karma Resort’s luxury villas dot the gentle hillside that leads down to the blue waters of Jimbaran Bay. The world class architecture brings together contemporary style, functionality, luxury and traditional ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Kandara
39 rooms
Kandara is the sanscrit word for 'great cliff' or 'cave temple' and this resort provides no disappointment in fulfilling the promise of its name. Set atop the sweeping cliffs ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Medana Beach
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This lovely resort mingles seclusion and informality on the unspoilt island of Lombok. The Oberoi’s scenic location affords spectacular views of the captivating Gili Islands - a paradise of deserted ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Ubud
29 rooms
Uma Ubud overlooks the Tjampuhan Valley with the river Oos running below. There are 29 different rooms offering space and privacy. Rooms are decadent in detail, with TVs, ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Manggis
54 rooms
Alila Manggis is a secluded, stylish resort located on a tranquil beach in the East of Bali.The 56 rooms are housed in traditional two-storey thatched Balinese pavilions. All rooms are ...
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Near Ubud
30 rooms
Amandari is set amongst the terraced rice paddies of the Ayung River gorge. Its walkways link 30 thatched pavilions. The restaurant offers Western and fine Indonesian cuisine. Facilities include a ...
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from £192 per person per night
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South East Asia (inc. China) | Indonesia | Java
36 rooms
This monumental resort is located in the cultural heart of central Java. Amanjiwo’s main circular structure houses an elegant restaurant, encircled by 36 domed-roof suites and ringed by stone walkways ...
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