RICE FIELDS & LOTUS PONDS

Your first destination is Tabanan, on Bali’s south-west coast, which has spectacular landscapes of volcanic mountains, rice terraces and distinctive black sand beaches fringing the Indian Ocean. Soori Bali is a luxurious beachfront hideaway nestled amongst the tropical scenery, where you can relax in your private pool and take in the panoramic views.  Visit the iconic Tanah Lot temple nearby, one of Bali’s most sacred temples, which sits on a rock jutting out to sea and is only accessible at low tide. The sunset over the temple and the sea provides perfect photo opportunities. For a wildlife hit, you should visit the Sangeh Monkey Forest to see families of monkeys leaping from tree to tree, and more picture perfect views are on offer at the terraced rice paddies at Jatiluwih, which cascade down the steep hills, interspersed with centuries-old waterways. Explore them, as well as the coffee plantations and traditional villages, on foot or bike, while the beaches are beautiful and far from crowded.

Today, it’s on to Munduk, a mountain village set against a beautiful backdrop of lush jungle, tumbling waterfalls, lakes, plunging valleys, rice fields, fruit trees and plantations of coffee, cocoa, vanilla and cloves, whose scent fills the air. The Dutch came to this cool mountain climate to escape the heat of the coast, and you can still see colonial architecture dotted around Munduk, set against the tropical backdrop. Go hiking or horse riding amidst the lush greenery, and watch panoramic sunsets, accompanied by a chorus of cicadas and frogs. Stay at the luxurious and secluded Munduk Moding Plantation, which sits on a working coffee plantation – wake up to a freshly made cup and take some of the local coffee, as well as spices, home with you. More souvenirs can be found in the colourful shops, such as traditional bamboo handicrafts. After a day’s exploring, return to your hotel in time for sunset, and after a spa treatment inspired by local flowers and spices, head to the lovely infinity pool to enjoy the mountain views in style.

West Bali/Bali Barat National Park, a tropical paradise on the west coast of Bali, is one of the least-visited but most beautiful parts of the island. This mountainous landscape of rainforests, mangroves, savannahs, sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs is one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. Your hotel, The Menjangan, sprawls over nearly 400 hectares within the park, with a beach right on the doorstep. This boutique nature retreat has gorgeous interiors and incredible views, accompanied only by the sound of birdsong and the trees swaying in the ocean breeze. If you can drag yourself away, explore the park on foot, mountain bike or horseback with expert guides, keeping an eye out for the many species of rare birds, including the Bali starling, as well as monkeys, lizards and the menjangan, a unique species of deer which gave the hotel its name. Out on the water, go snorkelling and diving around the coral reefs and rich marine life off the coast of Menjangan Island.