Bali | Paradise in the Indian Ocean

Why go?

Though Bali may be small there is something to do for everyone on the tiny island in the Indian Ocean. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish.

What to do?

In the cool dense jungle of Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana you will find three holy temples, carefully guarded by the grey-haired Balinese macaques. Gain access to the holy temples with bribes of peanuts and ripe bananas, but be sure to pay the toll, as monkeys have been known to put on a ferocious display of temper to tourists who do not come up with the goods and may even bite.

The Pura Luhur Ulu Watu is another of Bali's important temples. Perched on the top of a cliff, this is where locals paid tribute to the spirit of the seas. Enter through an unusual arched gateway flanked by statues of Ganesha or walk around the cliffs at sunset, holding on to your valuables that may attract unwanted monkey attention.

Kids love the Bali Safari and Marine Park, filled with huge creatures that were imported to Bali specially for the park. Take a look at all the animals in their natural habitats, or go for a ride on the camels and elephants.

Take a peek at the underwater world in Bali with just a mask and a snorkel. There's good snorkeling just off the Bali Hai and Bounty pontoons off Jungutbatu Beach as well as in areas off the north coast of the island. Try drift snorkeling along the mangrove-filled channel west of Cenigan Point between Lembongan and Cenigan.

Start the day early with a dolphin watching boat trip at sunrise in Lovina. Though some trips go without a sighting of any sea mammals most of the time at least a few surface.

Where to stay?

Inna Kuta Beach (www.innakutabeach.com) is a true beachfront hotel in Kuta, overlooking to dazzling blue of Indonesia Ocean with its beautiful sunset and offers instant access to the fabulous shopping centre, exciting nightlife, traditional art market and boutiques all within one-minute walking distance.

Located within an exclusive enclave on Bali's southern peninsula, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua (www.starwoodhotels.com) overlooks the Indian Ocean and is within walking distance of luxury hotels, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, championship golf course and a host of other recreational facilities in Nusa Dua area. The hotel is family friendly, with a fantastic kids club providing supervised games and entertainment. The kids receive a special gift upon check in and a drinks bottle that can be re-filled with soft drinks free of charge throughout the hotel.

Visit one of the 43 boutique resorts which make up Parigata Resorts and Spa (www.parigata.com), with mature natural garden around the swimming pool. The resorts reflected the natural authentic charm with classic Balinese design. Enjoy the spacious bedrooms with high thatched ceilings and adjoining bathrooms with their own garden views. The verandah offers private outdoor relaxation with views of the pool, waterfall and a garden of tropical bougainvillea blossom after which the hotel is named.

Where to eat?

Sit comfortably in the front garden of the open air Mezzanine and enjoy a wide choice of Western, Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine - pasta dishes, burgers, steaks, sushi and sashimi, prawns, scallops, fish and Australian beef from the Teppanyaki grill, shark fin soup and Singapore crab.

CharMING operated by the French Mr Ming, is an open air restaurant featuring French and Asian fusion cusine. Start your dinner with hot Foie Gras, escargots, smoked salmon or a tasty lobster bisque and move on to roasted duck breast, boeuf a la bourgignonne or steak au poivre. There are also Jumbo sea scallops St Jacques, large river prawns, sole a la Lyonnaise and other seafood dishes.

Have your breakfast under the large trees at the casual sidewalk café Afe Batu Jimbar frequented by a number of expatriates. Lunch and dinner are also served with vegetables and herbs grown at the owner's farm near Bedugul.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Denpasar in Bali. Flights departing from Malta on 15 March, with a stopover in Dubai and Kuala Lampur and returning on 29 March were priced at €1,803.95 including taxes at the time of going to print. Total flying time is 17 hours.

An alternative with the same carrier on the same dates, including stop overs in Dubai and Singapore were priced at €1,892.83 including taxes. Total flying time is 17 hours.