Bali and Beyond Holidays

Bali is a name which evokes thoughts of romance, tradition, sunshine, palm trees and blue, blue ocean… and all of this is true. Although the Bali of today is perhaps more twenty first century than those words might at first imply, just a short way from the beach resorts, you'll find a Bali which will match those dreams and more.

The rich assortment of beautiful beaches in Bali include the relaxed charm of Sanur where the beach slopes gently into the crystal waters; the golden sands of the more exclusive Nusa Dua; the rolling waves of Kuta and the darker sands of Seminyak, which is also renowned as Bali's spa capital. An hour inland is the area of Ubud, the island's cultural and artistic heart, where spectacular rice terraces overlook river valleys and intricately carved temples are hidden away in the lush hill country. Perhaps one of the most enduring images of Bali is sunset over the stunning temple of Tanah Lot set on a tiny island in the ocean off the coast.

Delightfully unspoilt, Lombok is separated from neighbouring Bali by the Lombok Strait, although it's a world away. The landscape is of seemingly endless paddy fields, most dotted by palm trees and backed by Mount Rinjani. Just off the north west of Lombok lie the fabled Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - three exquisite droplets of white sands surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Java, Indonesia's fifth largest island and the most populous, is home to the capital of the country, Jakarta. However, at the centre of the island is Yogyakarta, which lays claim to being the cultural and spiritual capital of the island. Just 90 minutes from the centre, you'll find one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, Borobudur. Constructed in the 8th century, it contains over 500 Buddha statues and is thought to be one of the most beautiful anywhere in the world. Watching the sun rise over Mount Bromo is the highlight of any visit to Java.

Let's not forget dragons…. Komodo dragons that is! Rinca Island is part of Indonesia's Komodo National Park and one of very few places to spot Komodo dragons in the wild.

When it comes to shopping the markets are hard to beat, particularly for batik cloth, ikat fabrics, woodcarvings, woven baskets, paintings and silverwork. If you wish to try some authentic Indonesian food visit one of the many warungs (street stalls) or Rumah Makans (small restaurants); specialities include Nasi Goring (spiced fried rice), Babi guling (roast suckling pig) and Ayam goring (fried chicken). Within Bali and Lombok the tourist areas also feature plenty of international dining options.

If you're ready for a tropical escape in these incredible islands, let Premier Holidays create the perfect holiday for you…