UBUDHANGINGGARDENSUbud Hanging Gardens is a haven of peace setamong emerald rice terraces in the heart of Bali.This Orient Express hotel is located 30 minutesfrom Ubud and perches on a gorge with anexquisite temple on the opposite cliff. Its luxurypool villas are built in a traditional style, as if in aBalinese village. It is ideal for those looking to relaxand unwind without the sound of traffic nearby or other hotels and shops on your doorstep.www.audleytravel.com/indonesia ?01993 838 110 ?Indonesia133TEPISAWAH, UBUDAn intimate property set amid beautiful tropicalgardens, Tepi Sawah offers spacious, locallyowned, Balinese style accommodation on theoutskirts of Ubud. Some of the 25 roomsoverlook the hotel's rice fields and all aredecorated with paintings and artefacts by Ubudartists. The quiet swimming pool area is awelcome retreat after exploring Ubud in the heat of the day.Pura Ulun Danu BratanThe beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratantemple was founded in the 17th centuryand dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. It is built on a smallisland on the shores of Danau Bratan(Lake Bratan), in the mountains nearBedugul. It is one of the most iconicimages in Bali and is a major water temple.Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held hereto ensure that there is a supply of waterfor farmers all over Bali. The temple isvery popular with both worshippers andvisitors, so it is worth getting here early so you can enjoy some peace and quietbefore everyone else arrives.Temple offerings, Ubud Ubud Hanging GardensPura Ulun Danu BratanTepi Sawah, UbudYoung Balinese worshipper, UbudRice paddies around Ubud

MundukAfter the Dutch took control of north Bali in the1890s, Munduk was established as a hill stationand plantations of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and cloveswere developed. This scenic area is good fortrekking and is close to the three central lakes ofBratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. Walks (or horserides) will take you through farming areas andalong hill ridges, which boast amazing vistas overthe lakes and countryside.MUNDUKMODINGPLANTATION, MUNDUKThisboutique hotel and spa is found on aworking coffee plantation that has one of themost picturesque locations in central Bali. Thesurrounding hillsides are covered with jungle,coffee trees and rice fields. With just a handful of villas and suites on some five hectares of landthis is a beautifully relaxing property.Bali Barat National parkLocated in western Bali and covering around75,000 hectares of grass land, coastal savannahand tropical waters, Bali Barat National Park isideal for nature lovers. It is home to more than200 species of plants as well as leaf monkeys,macaques and mouse deer andthe rare Balistarling. Only found in this part of Bali there arethought to be less than a dozen left in the world.THEMENJANGAN, BALIBARATNATIONALPARKThe Menjangan hotel is spread over four locationswithin Bali Barat National Park and perfect forthose looking for luxury in an idyllic, naturalsetting. It is an ideal base for trekking, horse-riding,birdwatching or simply spotting the deer andmonkey that inhabit the national park. Off thecoast the clear waters are arguably the best inIndonesia, with the hotel's namesake, MenjanganIsland, only 20 minutes away and easily accessiblefor diving or snorkelling trips.PemuteranPemuteran Bay on the northwest coast has someof the best 'off beach' snorkelling in Bali, whilekeen divers can head to the renowned waters off Menjangan Island nearby. There are very fewhotels in Pemuteran, meaning it is a much quieteroption than the south coast and the dry seasoncan last longer in this region.MATAHARIBEACHRESORT& SPA, PEMUTERANMatahari echoes a traditional Balinese village andis a perfect place for those seeking a relaxing stay.The property offers you all the facilities you mayexpect from the Relais & Chateuax group and theservice and food are of a high standard. Everymorning, you can hear birds singing in the tropicalgarden or walk along the deserted beach to listento the sea. You can experience traditional life inneighbouring villages or pamper yourself in theexcellent spa.134Diving off Menjangan islandThe MenjanganMunduk Moding PlantationMatahari Beach Resort & Spa