Climbing volcanoes. It’s an activity that repeats itself regularly on a journey through the Indonesian archipelago. There’s something majestic about those towering masses of rock and ash that calls us to conquer them as if to show them who’s boss. And usually we return with stories of magnificent views and how it felt like being on … read the full post

Bali is the jewel in the crown of Indonesian tourism, attracting more and more visitors every year; for some, the number of fellow tourists is just too high and there is a strong desire to high-tail it right out of there. That’s where Bali’s western neighbour comes into the picture: Java, a long slender island … read the full post

Technically, even though it’s always pretty hot in Bali, it’s summer time now — so you have an even better excuse to indulge in a scoop of ice cream or three while you’re here. Yes it’s not hardy travel, this eating ice cream business, I’ll grant you that. Still, ice cream. Ice. Cream. Sanur now … read the full post

This beautiful bamboo building, a showroom for John Hardy jewellery, is open for visits by appointment only — you’re supposed to go to see the jewellery, but the building is so impressive, architecture buffs should come for a peek at the structure alone. Bali and bamboo has been in the news lately, with AP doing … read the full post

This is the tale of a little walk, up a hill off Ubud’s main street, and through relatively flat, slightly terraced rice paddy, now dotted with ever-more concrete villas and bungalows. It’s a 15-minute walk, or about 800 metres, a sign at the turn off along Subak Sok Wayah tells visitors, to get to a … read the full post

It was over before it began: a motorbike’s engine goes down a gear, I lean back towards my open car door to let the bike pass, the driver grabs my shoulder bag and I scream — teaching my two children, still in the back seat of the car, a few choice swear words as my … read the full post

This isn’t a piece about seeing all the sights around Ubud at a cracking pace, but rather about suggesting some tips on doing what one can really do best in Ubud: chill out, eat, relax, eat, take it easy, eat, hang out… eat — you get the picture. Check into your hotel — see our … read the full post