CRATERS & CLOWNFISH

Start your Indonesian adventure in Borobudur in Java, and soak up its landscape of luminous green rice paddies, volcanic peaks and tropical palm trees, dotted with villages. The undoubted highlight here is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobudur temple – visit at sunrise for unforgettable views. As well as temples, there are several Buddhist monasteries here, and you can join the monks as they undertake their daily prayers and chants. Hike, bike or horse ride along scenic nature trails, meandering around rice fields, green hills and hidden waterfalls, and visit local villages to learn about traditional crafts such as pottery and batik. For a deluxe jungle hideaway, look no further than Villa Borobudur, which sits in the Menoreh mountains overlooking the temple and the cloud-topped volcanoes. The villas, or ‘joglos’ come with four-poster beds and infinity pools – perfect for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing.

From one landmark attraction to another – in Bromo, it’s the perpetually-fuming Mount Bromo volcano, which is also best visited at sunrise (the early starts are worth it, we promise), while sunset is pretty awesome too. Hike up to the top through lush scenery and take a breather while drinking in the vistas. If you prefer exploring the landscapes on two wheels, head out on a mountain bike, or enjoy a 4x4 adventure around Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, including Pasir Berbisik, a distinctive desert-like landscape of volcanic sand and savannah plains. Also in the area are spectacular lakes and waterfalls, which come with their own legends and mythical tales, and for an adrenaline rush, you can go whitewater rafting along the Pekalen River. At Jiwa Jawa, wake up to beautiful mountain views and steaming cups of fresh Java coffee and dine under the stars in the evening.

Sidemen offers yet more stunning scenery, and your hotel, Surya Shanti Villa, sits right on the slopes of the volcanic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain, surrounded by rice terraces. Trek to the top of Mount Agung for more spectacular sunrise views, and peer down into its crater, and explore Pura Besakih, on the lower slopes of the mountain, which is known as Bali’s ‘mother temple’ and is its largest and most sacred temple complex. You can also join an expert local guide on a tour around the rice fields, where you’ll have a chance to learn all about this vital crop. If you have aching muscles from all that trekking and exploring, soothe them in style with a relaxing Balinese massage.

Go from scaling mountain peaks to diving in the pristine underwater world of the Wakatobi islands, a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve which was declared the finest dive site in the world by Jacques Cousteau. In this tranquil island setting, you’ll have the water all to yourself, and the renowned Wakatobi Dive Resort offers world-class diving on the doorstep, including colourful coral reefs and rich, diverse marine life, including several rare and unusual species. See sharks, eagle rays, turtles, barracudas and hundreds of other species of fish as you dive into the depths. Your beautiful villa is mere steps from the sea, and when you’re not diving, you can relax in a hammock on the waterfront or dine on the beach.

Nusa Dua is a glitzy beachfront resort with all the A-list luxury and beautiful beaches you could ask for. It also offers a taste of traditional Balinese culture with daily music and dancing, and you should visit the hillside temples and the Pasifika Museum, which showcases a wide range of artworks, representing everything from the many cultures of the vast Asia Pacific region to international artists such as Matisse and Gauguin. Stay at The Balé, a stylish retreat just a short walk from the beach – and you can also take the shuttle to a private beach area. Return to relax in your thatched-roof villa, which has a private pool, and make the most of the services of your very own butler. Raise a toast to your vacation with a cocktail in the candlelit lounge.