East of Bali

Heading east cruise companies like Bluewater Cruises create three to ten day holidays on board traditional Indonesian wooden boats called Phinisi. The Al-Isra travels from the island of Flores taking in spectacular dive spots along the coral ridges of the Indian Ocean to the magical islands of Rinca and Komodo where the ancient reptiles of Komodo can be seen in their natural habitats And from the Gili Islands Bluewater can take you to the submerged volcanic island of Setonda where the myth of the mermaids attracts visitors to place talismans in the trees around ‘her’ lake.

On land the Gili Islands offer tranquility and peace above and below sea level. With no cars and only donkeys for transport the impact of development is minimal. Companies like Bali-Gili Villas are creating eco-friendly, sustainable villas for chilled out family vacations in private locations on the islands. Over on Sire Beach, north Lombok, the Tugu, famed for its eclectic art hotels in Java and Bali, has recently opened a beautiful hotel brimming with the historical art and stunning temple architecture of ancient Java. Within in spacious grounds temple pavilions and beautiful gardens grace the serene architecture that evokes the legends of paradise found.

All around this area the diving and snorkeling is sensational and on land trekking Mount Rinjani on Lombok is something that people of all fitness levels can enjoy.

The sleeping volcanoes and underwater coral gardens are amongst the best in the world and with the work of organizations like The Nature Conservancy introducing education and preservation programs to sustain the locals while protecting the corals the area is being well served by the visitors who make the worthwhile trip.

Over on Sumba still more beauty awaits, the majestic coastline of west Sumba is popular with surfers while the still traditional life of the people attracts many to see buffalo races and experience the culture, much which remains unchanged over hundreds of years. Nihiwatu is the most well known resort in the area. Catering to families, honeymooners and surfers the resort embraces everyone in the friendly vibe of Sumba. Even remote traditional villages can be visited and there is much to be learned about the culture and what is being done to preserve traditional lifestyles as well as improve the lives of the villagers who chose to live in harmony with nature and the spirits.

On Flores the magic continues with the mysteriously coloured lakes of Kelimutu in the craters of the Kelimutu volcano, the outpost port town of Larantuka and the pretty coastal town of Labuanbajo that connects you to the hundreds of deserted islands dotted in the waters of the crystal blue seas. Boats can be hired on a dialy basis with the choice of destination entirely your own, or you can head out to one of the romantic resorts on Serayu and Kanawa Islands. With simple lodgings and nothing but the sun, moon, sea and sand these island get aways can make three days seem a lifetime timeless luxury.

If your time is shorter you could chose to spend a day or two on the islands of Nusa Lembonggan, Ceniggan and Penida. Just off the coast of Bali and easily reached by a number of reliable boat companies in around forty five minutes. Accommodation ranges from basic to best on the island of Lembonggan and is centered around the major surfing beaches but it is not hard to head off the beaten track to trek over the wilderness of Cenningan and over to the secretive island of Penida which is drenched in myth and magic, from the extraordinary elephant fish temple and limestone caves of the east coast to the sweeping grasslands and remote weaving village of Tanglad, and the sanctuary of the Begawan Giri Bird Foundation where you can see the almost extinct, but surviving Bali Starling.

Back on Bali you can re-enter the modern world slowly by heading up to the east coast to Seraya Shores were the Seraya Shores Resort is home to the fantastic chef, Sasa, who provides guests with the most deliciously fresh food cooked to perfection in his outdoors traditional kitchen, or further along to the pretty Amed Coast and the welcome of Eka Purnama Bungalows just above the Japanese Shipwreck diving spot.

Take in the majesty of Mount Gunung Agung with a trek arranged by Alila Manggis and spend a couple of days enjoying the back to nature vibe of Alila Manggis Resort with organic garden tours and bicycle rides through the verdant hillside villages of Bali’s rice basket.

Escaping to Ubud is always an option with the plunging gorges, dripping forests and magnificence of the Ayung River a constant backdrop to any Ubud activity. Ubud is art central and the wonderful Nekka Museum traces the history of Balinese art from the early thirties to the vibrant contemporary art of today.

Ubud is also a foodies heaven with famed cafes such as Casa Luna, The Three Monkeys and Batun Waru, the award winning international standard restaurants of Uma and Mozaic and the ultimate in fun and frozen margheritas “Naughty Nuri’s”.