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

Lombok & the Gili IslandsForested mountains and an imposing volcanoform a dramaticbackdrop as you relax onbeautiful beaches, sip a drink by the ocean or lazeby the pool. Venturing from the shade of yourpalm tree, spend a day cruising and snorkellingthe coral reefs around the Gili Islands. Seeingturtles is all but guaranteed if you are there for acouple of hours. Alternatively, head inland anddiscover the dramatic scenic contrasts of theisland's interior, as you drive the windingroads or walk or cyclearound Sasak villages. The morehardy and adventurous can attempt thechallenging two day ascent of Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia.THEOBEROI, MEDANABAYLocated in the north of the island on the beautiful Medana Bay, The Oberoi offers guestaccommodation in luxurious villas and terracepavilions, set in 24 acres of tropical gardens thatface a glorious beach. The resort has a fantasticrestaurant offering international and localspecialities. It is a good base from which toexplore, with boats heading out daily to the Gili Islands.Mount RinjaniTeluk Kode, near Medana Bay, LombokThe Oberoi, Medana BayHawksbill turtle, Gili Trawangan, LombokTemple festival, LombokTUGULOMBOK, SIREBEACHLocated on the pristine white sands of Sire Beach,Tugu Lombok is one of the very best hotels onthe island. In typical Tugu style this property isunique in design reflecting the forgotten history of Lombok and Indonesia. The 19 rooms areespecially spacious and comfortable, while theopen air restaurant serves excellent food and theunique spa is an icon in itself. Traditional fishingvillages can be visited easily by bicycle or on footand the tropical Gili Islands are only a short boatride away on the Tugu's private boat.www.audleytravel.com/indonesia ?01993 838 110 ?Indonesia135Mount RinjaniRinjani's peak stands at 3,726 metres anddominates the island. Locals consider this hugeexpanse of land as sacred. From the heights ofRinjani looking east lies Lombok's neighbouringisland, Sumbawa. To the west the panoramaencapsulates Lombok's three Gili Islands.The climb to the crater takes around six hoursand there you can camp overnight under ablanket of stars. The reward for your efforts isone of the most amazing views you can imagine,the turquoise waters of the crater lake surround a small new smoking peak and the sun slowlyannouncing itself from behind the summit of themountain. In the opposite direction, you lookover the forest of Lombok and out to sea, whereyou may even see Bali's sacred Mount Agung.Tugu Lombok's open air restaurant, Sire BeachMount Rinjani