Bali

A short history

When the Majapahit empire fell on Java from the thirteenth century onward, its Hindu court, priests and artisans crossed to Bali — and the island has run on a Hindu calendar of temple festivals ever since. The rice terraces cut into its volcanic hillsides are older still in spirit: they are watered by subak, a communal irrigation system more than a thousand years old that is managed by the farmers themselves through temple assemblies. UNESCO recognises it as living heritage rather than a monument, because it is still how the water is shared.

Why travellers love it

It is scenery that looks nothing like anywhere in the Middle East — terraced valleys, volcanoes, a surf coast and jungle within an hour of each other — paired with a villa culture that suits families and couples equally well. The island is small enough that you can base yourself in one place and still see most of it.

Before you go

Indonesia offers visa on arrival to many nationalities and there is now an online option; check what applies to your passport before booking. Come in the dry season, roughly April to October — the wet months are not a washout but they will rearrange your plans. Choose your base deliberately: Ubud for the terraces and temples, the southern beaches for surf and nightlife. They are close on a map and far apart in traffic.

Highlights

• The Tegalalang rice terraces
• Uluwatu temple on the cliff
• Ubud old town and markets
• A day trip to Nusa Penida

Flights to Bali

• From Dubai