Flights cancelled and breathing made 'painful' as ash cloud forms after Indonesian volcano erupts
Thick volcanic ash covered roads and rice fields in villages in south-central Indonesia as lava and ash clouds were sent up to 4km (2.4 miles) as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on Flores Island erupted for the second day running, at dawn local time on Tuesday.
Debris was recorded as going up to 18km (11 miles) 13km (eight miles) into the air when the eruptions began at around noon on Monday.
Local people were told to limit time spent outdoors as roads and green rice fields became grey thick mud and rocks and schools in the affected areas had been closed since Monday, public information official Very Awales said.
"The smell of sulfur and ash hung so thickly in the air that breathing was painful," he said.
No injuries or deaths were reported, but pictures and videos posted on social media showed people running for their lives under the rain of ash and gravel, and car and motorbike drivers struggling in reduced visibility caused by the large mushroom-shaped ash cloud Monday's eruption created.
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Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has been at the highest alert level since 18 June when a no-go zone around it was expanded to 7km (4.3 miles), Abdul Muhari, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson said.
More than 10,000 people in 10 villages in East Flores and Sikka districts have been affected, according to initial assessments by the local disaster management agency.
Airports in the cities of Maumere and Larantuka in East Nusa Tenggara province were still closed on Tuesday, Mr Muhari said, and dozens of flights to and from the Ngurah Rai International Airport on the resort island of Bali were delayed or cancelled.
Nine people died and dozens more were injured after the volcano erupted in November.
In 2010, more than 350 people were killed and hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes after Mount Merapi, the country's most volatile volcano, erupted on the densely populated island of Java.
Indonesia, which has 120 active volcanoes, sits along the so-called Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Basin.
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Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
The 10 best beaches in Bali
With more than 400 miles of coastline, Bali has a beach to suit every taste. You might be coming to surf, snorkel or dive. Perhaps you favour lively beaches that pair tropical cocktails with hypnotic people-watching. You could stroll along a paved promenade browsing souvenir and craft shops or explore mangrove-fringed beaches in the company of herds of wild deer and kingfishers. Given Bali's reputation for over-development and overcrowding, it would surprise most visitors (and even a few islanders) to learn that in West Bali you can still walk for many miles along a volcanic sand beach that is lined with an almost unbroken expanse of swaying coconut palms. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Bali. Find out more below, or for more Bali inspiration, see our guides for the best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and things to do. Find beaches by type: Best beaches for peaceful escapes Pantai Yeh Leh, West Bali If you imagined that Balinese beaches are perpetually packed with parasols, sun loungers and hawkers, think again. Pantai Yeh Leh's virtually deserted, coconut-fringed volcanic sand rarely sees more than a couple of local fishermen or a strolling expat. On Sunday afternoons, local teenagers sometimes race their scooters across the acres of mirror-like sand, but in general, you'll often have the beach to yourself. Surfers who complain about 'overcrowded' Bali should check out this un-surfed beachbreak. Insider tip: Drop into Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort for lunch and then take a soak in the rock pools that are like natural jacuzzis out front. How to get there: You'll need your own transport or to hire a driver Jungutbatu Beach, Nusa Lembongan Given that it's about a dozen miles as the crow flies from Bali's capital, Jungutbatu Beach, on neighbouring Nusa Lembongan island, is a delightfully low-key town beach that has everything you could wish for from a relaxing holiday destination. It is unique in the area as it combines both a highly respected reef-break for surfing and world-class diving reefs – elsewhere in Bali, you have to choose between one or the other. Jungutbatu also has a range of hospitable homestays and friendly beach bars. Insider tip: Ask at EDDY Surfboard Hire for a boatman to take you out to the surfing or snorkelling spots that lie about a quarter-mile offshore. Return to index Best beaches for surfing Uluwatu, Bukit Peninsula Uluwatu is one of the most famous surfing waves on the planet. The left-hand wave here is so long that it actually consists of five different breaks – Temples, The Bombie, Outside Corner, The Peak and Racetracks. Waves up to an awe-inspiring (and frankly terrifying) 40ft have been seen at Uluwatu. Yet even at a more manageable size, Uluwatu is not for the faint-hearted. At 6ft and under, you'll find a crowded lineup with surfers scrabbling for that once-in-a-lifetime boast: 'I surfed Uluwatu.' Insider tip: There are three staircases leading into the famous Uluwatu cave (access to the surf), but be aware that only the third staircase stays dry at high tide. How to get there: Hire a surf instructor to get you to the break and to show you the best spot to suit your ability. Balian Beach, West Bali Balian is a rivermouth break, just far enough out into virtually unknown West Bali to avoid the crowds. Conditions are consistent and, unlike the razor-sharp rocks at nearby Medewi, the sandy bottom, with both rights and lefts, is forgiving enough to make this a good spot for learning. A drawback comes when the rainy season turns the river mouth muddy and lures the occasional bull shark. In general, though, Balian is a blissfully relaxed spot that attracts a loyal surfing community year-round. Insider tip: Pondok Pitaya, a resort right on the beach in Balian, is the ideal place to combine yoga and surfing. How to get there: You'll need your own transport or to hire a driver. Balangan Beach, Bukit Peninsula An unexpectedly low-key beach-bumming vibe somehow survives at Balangan Beach on the rapidly developing Bukit Peninsula. The stilted warung (eateries) here still retain their Indonesian character, while some even have rooms overlooking the surf. Balangan is known as a swell magnet, so you're almost always guaranteed a wave here. Only on really big swells does it get heavy and barrelling, so, although it's a fast wave, it can appeal to surfers of all levels. Insider tip: Balangan is surfable at all tides, but consider taking reef booties at low tide since you need to cross an expanse of sharp rocks. How to get there: The Bukit, with its infamous traffic jams, is best accessed on a rented scooter. Hire a driver if you are not a confident rider. Keramas, East Bali Indonesia is known for its left-handed breaks, but Keramas, on Bali's south-east coast, is a world-class right-hander that barrels over a shallow reef. The spot's fame grew when it was integrated on the international surfing circuit, and these days the break can see quite intense crowds of very talented local and travelling surfers. Dawn raids or sunset sessions are the best way to avoid the crowds. The shallow reef and heavy, hollow wave makes Keramas unsuitable for learners. Insider tip: Hotel Komune has installed spotlights, making Keramas one of the few places you can surf at night (by advance booking only). How to get there: You'll need your own transport or to hire a driver but there are several resorts and homestays within just a short walk of the break. Best beaches for families Sanur Beach, South Bali There's always something happening along the three-mile-plus stretch of Sanur Beach. The well-paved, tree-shaded promenade connects Bali's most appealing stretch of beachfront cafés, cocktail bars and resorts, and has surprisingly peaceful sections of white-sand beach. Man-made breakwaters and a natural barrier reef keep the waves at bay, making it ideal for children. There's also a great range of watersports equipment available for hire, from kayaks and SUPs to kite-surfing and snorkelling gear. Insider tip: There's no shortage of bicycles for rent and dedicated cycle paths on the promenade offer an appealing way to explore this stretch of coast. How to get there: Just 30 minutes by taxi from the airport. Padma Beach, South Bali More colourful and less rundown than Kuta Beach, Padma is part of the seemingly endless arc of white sand that stretches from the airport westwards to Canggu and beyond. Padma, a fascinating piece of street theatre at any time of the day, really comes into its own shortly before sunset when thousands of colourful beanbags are hauled onto the sand and barbecues are fired up. Kids love the frenetic atmosphere, fresh juices and, of course, es krim (ice cream). Insider tip: A cacophonic army of musicians begins to compete with each other as the evening progresses, making this one of the most appealing places you'll ever visit for live music. How to get there: 20 minutes from the airport by taxi. Return to index Best beaches for snorkelling Amed, East Bali With a range of countless dive sites stretched along seven miles of coastline, Amed is one of Bali's most popular dive towns. The spot known as Pyramids, just off Amed's shore, is famous for regular sightings of hawksbill and green turtles, but everywhere you go, the sea life is incredible. Good dive sites are accessible directly from the beaches but sail-rigged jukung (outriggers) can ferry you to several wreck-diving spots. Lipah Beach is a sheltered bay that tends to escape the currents. Insider tip: You can hire diving equipment and join a class through one of the dozens of Amed homestays. Pemuteran, North Bali This little town, on Bali's tranquil north coast, is an inexplicably underrated holiday destination. It has a range of affordable resorts and a tree-shaded beach that lends itself to sunbathing. Best of all, the coral reefs – both natural and rehabilitated – lie just a few metres offshore. Marine life is sometimes unexpected, to say the least; on a hot afternoon, you'll sometimes see the resident monkeys at Goa Tirta Sunia Temple swimming in the ocean. Insider tip: A less than half-hour drive west from Pemuteran will bring you to Labuhan Lalang. From here, you can arrange boat transfers to the reefs around Menjangan Island. How to get there: You'll need your own transport or to hire a driver. Return to index How we choose Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Mark Eveleigh I first fell in love with West Bali during a surf trip 25 years ago. Since then, I've returned at every opportunity and, whenever I'm not on assignment, I write from a bamboo and thatch house in the West Balinese village of Pekutatan.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
The insider's guide to Bali's secret side
Bali is all too often dismissed as 'overdeveloped and overcrowded'. With just a little curiosity and tenacity, however, it's still surprisingly easy to find authentic, unspoiled spots that serve as confirmation that Bali deserves a place on any list of the world's most beautiful islands. Hipster Canggu and chic Seminyak have ousted Kuta as the party playground, while mellow, mystical Ubud lures more visitors each year, thanks to its reputation as one of the world's premier yoga and wellness centres. Drive just a couple of hours from all that bustle and you'll find serene rural villages in East Bali where traditional life continues, unhurried and unchanged. The island's western third is almost untouched – an off-the-radar swathe of rice terraces, palm-fringed beaches and jungle valleys where wild deer, langur monkeys and the rare Bali starling (the island's own 'bird of paradise') still roam free. For more Bali inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, things to do and beaches. For further advice, see our expert's ultimate two-week itinerary in Bali. In this guide: How to spend the perfect day in Bali Morning If you want to escape the crowds, be sure to base yourself on Bali's tranquil south-west coast. After a beachfront breakfast at Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, take the chance to walk with buffalos – rare pink buffalos – and learn about Bali's unique rice-farming heritage with local farmer Pak Sudana. Enjoy a leisurely coffee break and tropical fruit smoothie at a beachfront café in Yeh Sumbul (The Holy Tree is a firm favourite). Everyone knows everyone in West Bali's little beach towns, so ask around and you're sure to find an experienced surf instructor who will show you the best local surf spots. Medewi Point is not suited to beginners because of its dangerously sharp rocks but Yeh Sumbul's sandy, uncrowded beach-break is one of the best for an introductory session in Balinese surf. Afternoon Grab lunch at Bombora Medewi to catch grandstand views of the local hotshots ripping Medewi's super-long wave. It's easy to rent a car (or a scooter), but consider hiring a knowledgeable driver who can act as a guide for an afternoon exploring. It's a 50-minute drive from Medewi to the fishing village of Perancak and the route leads you through beautiful paddy vistas. You'll see spectacular birdlife and might even be treated to the rare sight of buffalo ploughing the fields in the traditional way. At Perancak, you'll find one of Indonesia's most astoundingly colourful sights: more than 100 rainbow-hued and ornately decorated fishing trawlers. It's also likely to be blissfully quiet as very few tourists (and even relatively few islanders) are aware that it exists. Night Bali's iconic sea temples – most famously Uluwatu and Tanah Lot – tend to be jammed with selfie-snapping crowds at sunset, but at Rambut Siwi (three miles from Medewi) you can enjoy unbeatable clifftop views along 10 miles of beach, often in solitude. Despite the lack of crowds, this sprawling temple, with mysterious grottos at the foot of the cliff, is one of the most important places of worship for Balinese Hindus. Finish the day with a Bintang or a fresh coconut plucked straight from the tree at Rasta café Medewi. Self-taught chef Dewi (Rasta's wife) has inspired some of Bali's celebrity chefs with her regional specialities made from fresh locally-sourced ingredients. Try the spicy fish rendang or, if you have a sweet tooth, the dadar gulung (Balinese pancakes made with palm sugar). How to spend a week-long holiday If you have a single week to experience the best that Bali has to offer, then start at Menjangan, a small island off Bali's far western tip. Getting there is a big part of the adventure, so allow three hours to drive over the mountainous route from the airport. The highland road must surely be one of the world's most breathtakingly beautiful drives – especially if you leave at first light as the sun's early rays are lifting the mist out of the jungle valleys. The road quite literally passes through the sacred Bunut Bolong banyan tree. Check into The Menjangan, a lovely eco-resort, and spend the rest of the day kayaking around the mangrove-fringed lagoon where giant monitor lizards prowl and herds of majestic sambar deer cool their heels on the shallow reef. Rise early on day two for a Menjangan birdwatching tour, where you're almost guaranteed to spot the endemic Bali starlings (one of the world's rarest birds). Spend the rest of the morning snorkelling on the reefs around Menjangan Island. It's a half-hour drive to Pemuteran but this low-key diving town on the north coast is worth an overnight stop if you want to explore the reefs (both man-made and natural) that are accessible from the shore. Round off the day with dinner and cocktails at a beachfront restaurant. The three-and-a-half-hour drive south to Ubud is a spectacular roller-coaster journey across the high volcanic peaks. Before descending to the southern slopes, consider breaking the journey with a guided rainforest walk and boat ride at Tamblingan Lake (you'll find certified guides at the office by the car park). Check into Bambu Indah (which takes Indonesian bamboo construction to mind-boggling new levels) for two nights. Drag yourself away from the breathtaking property to experience the healthy and spiritual side of Ubud; take in a yoga class at the iconic Yoga Barn or a traditional spa treatment at Fivelements Retreat. Murni's Warung has been one of Bali's emblematic restaurants for decades and remains a favourite lunch venue. For a touch of romantic highland solitude, spend your last days hiking the paddies and spice forests around Sidemen. Base yourself at the riverside Wapa di Ume Sidemen but, if you feel like road-tripping a little farther east, make a lunch reservation for a delicious traditional meal at Bali Asli Restaurant, which affords views towards the peak of Bali's sacred Mount Agung volcano. Depending on your flight time, consider splashing out for the last night at the sumptuous Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, just across the bay from Bali's international airport. How to get there and how to get around Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is served by all the main regional airlines. Qatar, Emirates and Etihad offer some of the cheapest and most convenient connections from the UK. Grab (the Asian equivalent of Uber) is a hassle-free and secure way to get around, but you can hire a private car with a driver from £30 per day. Many tourists opt to hire scooters but beware that accidents are common (often due to reckless riding) and are not recommended for inexperienced riders. When to go April to October is traditionally the dry season, but even through the wetter months – most notably November to January – the rainfall tends to be short and sharp. These storms can be excitingly dramatic and are invariably interspersed by bouts of sunshine. It's worth bearing in mind that the rainy season brings the benefits of uncrowded sights, shoulder-season prices, cheaper flights and dramatically cascading highland waterfalls. The north shore, with landscapes featuring cactus and even vineyards, is dry all year round. Return to index Where to stay Luxury Living Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan holds an impeccably poised position above stepped rice fields on the banks of the sacred Ayung River. More than two decades after it was built, it remains one of Ubud's most stylish five-star hotels. From the space-age concrete architecture to the chic suites and inexhaustible facilities, this resort is a real show-stopper. Along the quiet west coast of Bali, Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa is a peaceful waterfront hideaway surrounded by palm groves, rice paddies and banana plantations. It's a wonderful escape from the tourist hotspots of the island; a luxurious yet down-to-earth refuge in a peaceful part of 'the real Bali'. Return to index Know before you go Essential information Bali Government Tourist Office (00 62 361 222387; The basics Currency: Indonesian Rupiahs. £1 = 21,956 IDR Telephone dialling code from abroad: +62 Time difference: GMT+8 Travel time from London: +-17 hours Local etiquette While many parts of the island are world famous as beach destinations, islanders view beachwear as highly inappropriate (rude even) when worn in streets, businesses and homes. Bali has hit headlines recently because of the behaviour of tourists who have violated the sanctity of religious spots with disrespectful costumes and poses. Accessibility Many resorts are well-equipped for travellers with disabilities. Potato Head Suites and Studios goes the extra mile with facilities for guests with disabilities and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (equipped with golf-carts and elevators) is also an ideal base. Unfortunately, even in the main tourist towns like Kuta, Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak, pavements are frequently broken and potholed and traffic is often dangerously erratic. About our expert Mark Eveleigh I first fell in love with West Bali during a surf trip 25 years ago. Since then, I've returned at every opportunity and, whenever I'm not on assignment, I write from a bamboo and thatch house in the West Balinese village of Pekutatan.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
The 19 best things to do in Bali
Despite its diminutive size (about 95 miles at the widest point), Bali must surely be one of the most diverse islands in the world. You see huge differences between the landscapes of the arid Bukit Peninsula – bursting like an over-ripe papaya with resorts and luxury hotels – and the paddies and desa-desa (villages) you pass through to bustling Ubud, still peddling its claim as the island's traditional heartland. Further uphill, you'll find dramatic volcanic scenes and – even today – spectacularly unspoiled jungle-clad valleys. Bali rewards those who take the time to venture away from the normal confines of the tourist trail. Here are the real highlights. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Bali. Find out more below, or for more Bali inspiration, see our guides for the best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Walk with Buffalo Learn about Bali's rice-farming heritage Farmer Pak Sudana has established a grass-roots conservation project for his small herd of rare pink buffalo. Traditionally common in the paddies of West Bali, pink buffalo are now more often raised for use in religious sacrifices or for the brutal sport of chariot racing. Under Sudana's guidance, you can help drive the small herd along the beach to the inlet where they bathe and wallow contentedly, like pink whales. You will also learn about the complexities of rice cultivation. Insider tip: Allow enough time to accept Sudana's invitation for snacks at his nearby home. His wife, Ketut, makes the best Bali kopi (coffee) and you can learn about village life before having the opportunity to visit a traditional family temple. Waterbom Bali Cool off in one of Asia's most spectacular water parks Waterbom has been the number one destination for families on the island since it opened in 1993. There are 26 slides across five hectares, offering enough thrills to challenge kids of all ages. You can easily spend an entire day at this water park with more than enough activities to keep the youngsters occupied while the parents chill out in one of the many designated areas. Insider Tip: If you are going as a family or group, consider renting a private gazebo. There are more than 50 to choose from, ranging from the more basic to the VIP Oasis Gazebos, which come with a concierge service and space for up to 16 people. Potato Head Beach Club Have fun at one of Asia's best beach clubs Situated right on Seminyak Beach, Potato Head Beach Club is part of the vast Desa Potato Head, a sprawling complex of restaurants, pools, hotels and entertainment venues. Indonesian-owned Potato Head places great importance on sustainability. Set up as a creative village, Potato Head is an innovative, interactive experience that even offers children a Waste Tour and a chance to practice crafts that focus on up-cycling. Insider Tip: Arrive before 4.30pm, when the Beach Club is free to enter and there's no minimum spend. After that, there's a charge per visitor, fully redeemable against food and beverages. Kids under 12 enter for free. Be sure to ask about the range of complimentary kids activities. White-water rafting on the Ayung River Raft on Ubud's sacred jungle river The Ayung River is known for the luxury resorts that line the ridgetop on its eastern banks. However, it's only from water level that you realise just how dense and lush the jungle still is at the bottom of the valley. A rafting tour down the Ayung is a real insight into this unexpectedly wild, hidden world and one of the most exciting family activities to do on the island. Insider Tip: For a truly unique family holiday experience, consider booking at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, which is probably the only luxury hotel in the world that you can check into directly from a white water raft. Return to index Best free things to do Perancak Fishing Boats Visit one of the world's most vibrant fishing fleets Perancak river inlet, near Negara city in West Bali, is home to more than 100 spectacularly decorated selerek fishing boats. With their rearing prows and ranks of propellers spiking out of the gunwales, they resemble a colourful fleet of Viking longboats. Notice that these unique boats are moored in pairs: traditionally considered to be 'husband and wife'. These boats were constructed on Madura, an island off Java, but this is the biggest collection of these vessels in the country. Insider Tip: For a closer look at the fleet – and at the mangrove forest that lines the Perancak inlet – ask Ibu Anita at Warung Lesehan Taman Pesisir riverside eatery to arrange a boatman to take you for an hour-long tour. Campuhan Ridge Walk Enjoy a view of the famous Ubud paddies While the picturesque rice paddy landscapes of Tegalalang, a 20-minute drive north of Ubud, are now entirely overshadowed by selfie spots, terrace cafés and giant swings, Campuhan Ridge Walk remains relatively unspoiled. The two-mile route has been paved so that it is accessible to pushchairs, but it retains its natural appeal. The mornings in particular are a great time to visit in order to spot birds, and you might even meet a local farmer who will take the time to explain the unique Balinese rice-farming techniques. Insider Tip: A lovely – and less well-known – five-mile walk loops through the paddies north of Ubud. Walk north up Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, cross over and then return southwards on Subak Juwuk Manis. A subak is an ancient irrigation channel and both of these are marked on Google Maps. Bunut Bolong sacred tree Visit West Bali's famous 'tunnel tree' The banyan tree, known as Bunut Bolong, that forms a tunnel over the main north-south highland road is big enough for motorbikes, cars and even trucks to pass through. You might notice that local drivers usually beep their horns as they approach, saluting the spirits and demons who are believed to inhabit the tree. Not only is it a unique photo opportunity, but also a fascinating cultural site. Insider Tip: Be sure to stop for snacks at the little cliffside warung (eatery) on the highland side of the tunnel. The little terrace offers unbeatable views of the uninhabited jungle that fills this side of the island. Return to index Best for adrenaline junkies Take a surf lesson Surf Yeh Sumbul Beach While Uluwatu attracts Bali's big-wave chargers, Yeh Sumbul's relatively gentle beachbreak is perhaps the best and least crowded spot to learn on the entire island. The waves here are equally suited to longboards or shortboards and the relaxed atmosphere of the beachside cafés and homestays – here and in nearby Medewi – adds to the chilled beach-bumming vibe. Insider Tip: Once you've mastered Yeh Sumbul beachbreak, you can graduate a mile to the east to Medewi's more challenging left-hand point break. Absolute beginners at Medewi quickly realise that the sharp rocks will punish those who haven't at least mastered their turns. Dive with rays Experience unforgettable schools of mantas The appropriately-named Manta Bay is a manta 'cleaning station' near Nusa Penida, Bali's neighbouring island. It is one of the best places in the world to dive among large groups of manta rays as well as reef sharks, eels and turtles. Nusa Lembongan and tiny Nusa Ceningan (less than 2.5 miles long) lie closer to Bali and both have established dive centres and excellent reefs. Insider Tip: Most people reach Manta Bay on a boat tour via Nusa Lembongan. Lembongan's appealing – and inexplicably underrated – Jungutbatu Beach offers fantastic snorkelling and world-class surfing, right in the same bay. Cycle down Bali's volcanoes Cruise down the slopes of an active volcano While the cycle ride from Ubud to the crater rim of Batur (representing about 1,300m of altitude gain) would be an almost superhuman challenge for most people, the downhill cruise is a blissful way to experience Bali's dramatic volcanic landscapes. Six to seven-hour trips typically start with breakfast in the highland village of Penelokan and include several stops for insights into village life along the way. Insider Tip: Warning. Apart from guided tours such as this, Bali is not a recommended destination for a cycling holiday; the roads that circle the coastline are thick with buses and lorries and almost anywhere inland it is insanely steep, not to mention invariably hot and humid. Foil on an offshore reef Experience a different type of surfing on Sanur's barrier reef Foiling (riding a surfboard that seems to fly above the waves on a hydrofoil fin) is not something you'd want to attempt at crowded Kuta Beach. Instead, head out with the team at Sanur's exclusive Rip Curl School of Surf. They know all the tricks and are so confident that they guarantee you'll be foiling by the end of your first session – or the second foiling session is free. Insider Tip: The easiest way to escape crowded surf line-outs in South Bali is to take a boat to an offshore reef such as Kuta Reef, Airport Reef or Sanur Reef. Few people realise that it's possible to take a three-hour speedboat ride from Kuta all the way to the paradisiacal surf camps at legendary G-Land on eastern Java. Return to index Best for nature lovers Sangeh Monkey Forest A stress-free alternative to Ubud's famous Monkey Temple Sangeh Monkey Forest is a half-hour drive from Ubud. Its population of resident macaques are habituated to human worshippers, but spared the vast numbers of tourists that visit the town's Monkey Forest, often rated as Bali's most popular tourist spot. Sangeh, by comparison, is a much more relaxing place to wander, relatively free from thieving primate hands and the simian aggression that is a part of the main temple experience. Insider Tip: Look out for kittens in the trees; Sangeh's monkeys regularly catnap babies from the neighbourhood and nurse them as pets. Unfortunately, the kittens rarely survive due to the monkey's ignorance concerning suitable cat food. Serangan Turtle Rehabilitation Help release baby turtles The Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on Serangan Island, near Sanur, has helped rescue many thousands of hatchlings and injured turtles since it opened in 2006. A visit to the WWF-funded project is a fascinating educational experience. Unlike other regional organisations, when you release a turtle from TCEC, you release it from a boat into deep water in the bay, thus giving it a crucial headstart on predators. Insider Tip: The facility is free to visit. If you wish to 'adopt' a hatchling, there's a fee; you'll then transport your charge (in half a coconut) to the release site via a boat. Children are given a certificate inscribed with their name and the name they gave to the hatchling. Snorkeling at Menjangan Explore Bali's secret diving spot Menjangan Island, at the remote western end of Bali's north coast, is less than a mile at its longest point. The turquoise reefs that surround it are so packed with submarine gardens, drop-offs and coral formations that some divers have compared it to the Maldives. You'll often see sea turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, rays and eels here and, with a bit of luck, even dolphins and whale sharks. Insider Tip: Visibility is best in the morning. Most hotels and homestays in the area can arrange tours to the island (about 15 minutes across the bay), but there are always guides at Labuhan Lalang jetty on the mainland who can arrange a half-day trip. Return to index Best for hikers Batur Volcano Tackle Bali's most popular hike The hike up Mount Batur volcano for a rendezvous with sunrise is an uber-Instagrammable item on many Bali bucket-lists, so most tour operators on the island can arrange it. Depending on the location of your hotel, expect to leave at around 2am for the transfer to the trailhead. Also, expect to share the summit with two or three hundred other people; unsurprisingly, the Instagram shots don't usually show the crowds. Insider Tip: If the sunrise hike is not your scene, consider the popular 4x4 excursion to Mount Batur. You'll leave a little later – around 4am – and will share the parking area with a hundred or more kitted-out Jeep-style Suzuki Jimnys. Mount Batukaru Visit West Bali's most enigmatic pilgrimage spot For something more adventurous – and certainly far more solitary – head to Mount Batukaru in West Bali. Bali's second-highest peak (2,275m) is far removed from the tourist trail. The climb from Pura Luhur Batukaru – the temple that serves as the trailhead – takes you through soaring bamboo stands and up through spice-scented forests of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. The peak, rising out of untouched jungle, offers a magnificent view of the uninhabited rainforests at the heart of West Bali. Insider Tip: The 12-mile return hike to the summit can be completed in about nine hours, but camping on the summit is an unforgettable experience – and a less exhausting challenge. Prepare for a cold night and carry plenty of water. Swim in a waterfall Discover the Balinese Highland – the land of waterfalls The 15m-high Tegenungan Waterfall is a popular picnic and swimming spot due to its location halfway between Ubud and the tourist resorts of South Bali. Further off, on the northern flanks of the volcanoes, you'll find Sekumpul Waterfall, where you descend to a beautiful pool that is filled by no less than seven crashing falls, the tallest of which drops about 80 metres. Insider Tip: Juwuk Manis Waterfall in West Bali is a rarely-visited yet beautiful spot. Climb down the flight of 868 steps and you'll usually have the chance to picnic and swim in complete solitude. Return to index Best for culture Rambut Siwi Temple Visit Bali's forgotten Sea Temple Bali is famous for its series of so-called 'sea temples'. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, in particular, entice vast crowds. But if you want to experience true serenity and spirituality, head instead to Rambut Siwi Temple. Standing on the clifftop, you can gaze along many miles of deserted beach and watch the sun drop behind Java and its volcanic landscape. Insider Tip: Be sure to climb down the steps to the beach to explore the spooky shrines at the foot of the cliff. Also, look out for the unique 'drive-through blessings' on the main road where Hindu drivers stop to let priests bless their journey. Align your chakras Experience an ancient aspect of Asian culture with a yoga class Yoga has become almost synonymous with the 'Island of the Gods' and wherever you stay, you're unlikely to be more than 10 minutes from a class. While it's an industry that has historically been dominated by expats, happily, there are more Balinese yogis with each passing year. Shanti Shanti Shanti Om. Insider Tip: Fivelements Retreat, ranking among the world's best wellness retreats, offers yoga classes – including Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga – among an incredible selection of holistic wellness packages. The Yoga Barn, one of the world's leaders in the yoga industry, offers around 25 varied classes each day. Return to index How we choose Every activity or experience to do in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Mark Eveleigh I first fell in love with West Bali during a surf trip 25 years ago. Since then, I've returned at every opportunity and, whenever I'm not on assignment, I write from a bamboo and thatch house in the West Balinese village of Pekutatan.
