I’m planning on beach bumming in Bali for a week but would also like to spend another week somewhere close that’s more active/ cultural. Any suggestions? Al, via email
Indonesia is bursting with possibilities but given the length of your break my recommendation would be to either stay in Bali and explore options inland or check out the neighbouring island of Lombok.
One week is definitely not enough time to really see Bali and there’s plenty of culture to be found beyond the popular beach resorts. Inland, you’ll discover a more traditional side to the island. Lush rice terraces, incredible cuisine and Hindu temples are just some of the highlights.
In Ubud, see the stunning Pura Taman Saraswati water temple, and experience a traditional Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace. Continue north to the village of Munduk, where you’ll find some of Bali’s most impressive mountain walks. The village is set amid the mountainous interior surrounded by waterfalls, jungle, coffee plantations and hiking trails.
If you are aching to get beyond Bali, Lombok is conveniently close by. You can reach the island by plane (30 minutes, around £100 return) or ferry (two-and-a-half hours, around £75 return).
On Lombok, from April to October you can take a guided hike to the top of volcano Gunung Rinjani. At the summit you’ll be rewarded by a dazzling crater lake and mind-blowing views. It’ll take between two and five days, depending on which route you take. Visit the Rinjani Trek Centre to book. A three-day trip will cost you around £120.
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