Bali holidays

What you can find in Bali that you won't find anywhere else?

Bali is a predominantly Hindu island in the middle of the world's largest Muslim nation. The Balinese coast is home to excellent beach hotels offering a wide range of watersports, with the south coast particularly good for surfing and windsurfing.

While the south is quite developed, there are still pockets of peace and serenity to be found, or you can simply enjoy the wealth of fantastic restaurants and bars, and independent boutiques springing up almost daily, in the trendy enclaves of Seminyak and Jimbaran.

Cultural and religious traditions are still at the heart of everyday life in Bali, from the floral offerings found at the door of every dwelling, to the myriad of ceremonies and celebrations occurring almost daily. Those who take the time to travel inland can explore ancient temples and local villages, great lakes and dormant volcanoes.

The north coast offers some of the island's best accessible snorkelling and diving, from the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben, to the aquarium like coral gardens of Menjangan Island.

After some time exploring Bali, beach lovers may like to hop over to the neighbouring island of Lombok, with its laid back sandy beaches, and great snorkelling and diving. Alternatively, explore the world class temples and active volcanoes of Java. Bali is easily accessible, and is therefore easily combined with other destinations within Indonesia, and further afield in South-East Asia.

Who is Bali best for?

Bali holidays make perfect honeymoons. Effortlessly romantic, undeniably beautiful and culturally rich, it is guaranteed to delight your newlywed, but with its beaches and rainforests, this tropical paradise is also well suited to a family holiday. Delight your little ones with plenty of snorkeling, tree climbing and kite flying and don’t be surprised when they refuse to board the plane home afterwards. The island’s rich culinary culture will lure plenty of foodies while its buzzing nightlife is sure to appeal to fun lovers. Surfers will feel at home while art lovers will enjoy the traditional crafts, ornate furniture and ancient antiques in the colourful markets. The truth is, there is something here for everyone.

Which experiences is Bali best for?

For such small islands, Bali and Lombok certainly deliver on tropical pleasures. Head to Ubud, a town surrounded by rainforests and rice paddies, to experience Bali’s traditional crafts and dance along with a rich culinary scene and plenty of charming properties. For natural wonders, walk along one of the distinctive black sand beaches dotted along the island’s east coast, venture into the mangrove forests neighbouring the small fishing village of Pemuteran and admire the water palace of Tirta Gangga. Indulge in culture and culinary delights as you browse the Sanur Night Market and make relaxation your order for the day as you laze on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches and live out your castaway fantasies on the salt-white beaches of the Gili Islands.

Special experiences in Bali

• Attend a festive full moon party (yes, they're not just for backpacking gap year-takers!) and dance the night away on one of Bali’s stunning beaches
• Take a cooking class with a Balinese family and learn to craft some of the region’s most mouthwatering dishes
• Dive underwater to explore the 160-metre-long wreckage of a US cargo ship - USS Liberty wreck, as above - which sank during World War II. Located at a shallow depth, divers of all abilities can venture down to the wreck and see the myriad of fish that now inhabit it.