On The Road Again

When thinking of Indonesia, I’m sure supervolcanos, death caves and royal tea parties don’t quickly come to mind. But, as the 4th most populous country in the world, with over 300 ethnic groups scattered across 14,000+ islands, culture in Indonesia is way more diverse than you might think. Sure, most know the country best for being an Instagrammable paradise of sun, surf and beach, but beyond that, Indonesia happens to be a glittering treasure trove of mindblowing culture (and maybe just a few crazy surprises). I’d like to think of Indonesia as a picture-perfect backdrop for some of the world’s most interesting cultural traditions. And sure, it’s always fun to snap candids with your smoothie bowl or flex strategically in front of waterfalls, but Indonesia is about way more than that! The country is not only pretty, its fascinating cultural foundation gives it a distinct vibrancy that makes it one of the world’s top destinations. So here’s what I say: ...

Bali’s been having a moment for about three years now. It’s been a popular destination for decades, due to its tropical climate, easy-going lifestyle and rich culture; but tourism on the island has been booming recently – with people seeking its idyllic beaches, spectacular lookouts from sky-high volcanoes and unique Balinese culture. Last year I spent five weeks exploring the Indonesian island – diving under the crystal waters of the Gili Islands (which are technically on Lombok island, BTW – I’ve included them in this Bali itinerary because they are commonly visited on the same trip), hiking up Mount Batur, wandering around temples and eating a preposterous amount of $1 nasi goreng (fried rice). There’s something in Bali for everybody; whether you travel for the natural beauty, culture, or beach lifestyle, you’ll love exploring this gorgeous island. This Bali itinerary is perfect for the traveller who wants to see it all – both meet other tourists over an ice cold Bintang (loc...