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Indonesia

Destination guide

Bali

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Canggu Bali
Batu Karang, Nusa Lembongan.

No crowds or chaos: These three Bali escapes are a step back in time

Overdevelopment is rife on the south-west coast, but these satellite island stays offer a step back to more mellow times.

  • Jenny Hewett
Sidemen, free of traffic congestion and overdevelopment, offers a slower pace of travel.

‘The next Ubud’ in Bali is, thankfully, nothing like the actual Ubud

Sidemen on the east coast of the island offers a quieter, more immersive Bali for those who relish a slower mode of travel.

  • Penny Watson
On Bali, the velocity of change can be bewildering.

I’ve been visiting Bali for 31 years – it has become worse every year

In three decades, the destination has been transformed from a tropical paradise into a centre of mass tourism.

  • Ryan Ver Berkmoes
The 25hours Oddbird in central Jakarta.

Despite being replaced as a capital, Jakarta is still booming

Indonesia may be moving its capital, but Jakarta is continuing to grow with a new hotel taking eclectic design to the maximalist max.

  • Julietta Jameson
The shadow of Mount Agung looms over Amed.

I found the Bali of my dreams (and it was only $45 a night)

You won’t see multi-storey hotels, corporate logos lining streets or Lycra-clad influencers in this quiet village.

  • Julia D'Orazio
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Crater lake of stunning Keli Mutu volcano in Flores.

Dragons and human skulls: Exploring a side of Indonesia few get to see

Most of what we’re seeing on this trip would be visited only by the most dogged travellers, but we’re doing it in comfort.

  • Mark Daffey
It’s better to drink beer or premixed drinks in cans from well-known brands.

My advice on drinking cheap spirits in Bali? Just don’t

Recent incidents in Laos and Fiji have stirred fears about alcohol safety in Bali, which has its own history of bar poisonings.

  • Jenny Hewett
Boats at the pier, Menjangan Island.

Ten beautiful parts of Bali you won’t find crowds (or bogans)

Bali is on track to have its busiest tourism year on record, but 70 per cent of visitors flock to the hot spots of Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua.

  • Penny Watson
Umana Bali and its village-like setup.

Bali all-villa stay on par with the best

This revived Bali property comes with fresh interior design and finessed service, which is a match for Bali’s other top luxury all-villa stays.

  • Penny Watson
AYANA Komodo is a great base for exploring the UNESCO Heritage-listed Komodo National Park.

Five-star Indonesian resort is a dream base for famous national park

Sea views from every room, exceptional service and the famous Komodo dragons await in this tropical paradise.

  • Sheriden Rhodes

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/topic/indonesia-axg