Picture three miniscule desert islands, fringed by white-sand beaches and coconut palms, sitting in a turquoise sea: the Gilis are a vision of paradise. These islets have exploded in popularity, and are booming like nowhere else in Indonesia – speedboats now zip visitors direct from Bali and a hip new hotel opens practically every month.
It's not hard to understand the Gilis' unique appeal, for a serenity endures (no motorbikes or dogs!) and a green consciousness is growing. Development has been more tasteful than rapacious and there are few concrete eyesores.
Each island has its own special character. Trawangan (universally known as Gili T) is by far the most cosmopolitan, its bar and party scene vibrant, its accommodation and restaurants close to definitive tropical chic. Gili Air has the strongest local character, but also a perfect mix of buzz and languor. Gili Meno is simply a desert-island getaway.

The government of Indonesia has changed its visa policy for foreign tourists several times in 2015 and 2016. During 2015 and early 2016 Australia had been expected to be exempted. But as it turned out, each time the government postponed leaving even immigration officers in confusion. Finally, in March 2016, Australia has been exempted and every Australian can enter for free for 30 days.

Our 10 Best Things to Do in Bali take you straight to the ‘can’t miss’ cultural treasures and famous landscapes found all around the magical island of Bali. There are innumerable temples, historical sites, and spots of natural beauty spread across eight regencies.

This narrowing-down of choices will get you discovering the best of Bali in no time. Go east to see the majestic 'mother temple' of Besakih or travel to the heartland where rice paddies offer scenic photo opportunities. From scenic vistas to cultural performances, there is something for everyone.

Tanah Lot must be the island's most iconic temple. This temple is perched on top of a huge rock, and surrounded by the sea with waves constantly crashing on to its base. As among Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. The temple serves as foreground to the most picturesque sunsets.

Uluwatu is among the Bali's most important sea temples, perched on a cliff edge in the southwestern Bukit peninsula. Here you can catch dramatic sunsets such as at Tanah Lot, Uluwatu also features an open amphitheatre close by, where sunset kecak fire dances can be enjoyed. A monkey forest also borders the temple grounds.

Besakih Temple, also known as the 'mother temple' of Bali sits on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1,000m. Besakih is the largest of all the Balinese temples. Eighteen separate sanctuaries belonging to different caste groups surround the three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

Ubud is famous for its scenic expanses of rice fields. And the paddies with the best vantage point are just up north from the main Ubud centre, along the road of Tegallalang. Here, roadside stalls and art shops offering items and curios of all kinds line the street, as well as small restaurants offering diners great views.

On the fringes of the Ubud main centre, Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s several grey long-tailed macaque-inhabited forests and perhaps the best known. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, and by its official designation as Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, Ubud Monkey Forest is a place of scientific research as well as a site of spiritual and cultural aspects with temples sanctified by the local villagers deep within its grounds.

The Ubud Art Market, locally referred to as 'Pasar Seni Ubud' is located opposite the the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily. Here you can find beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats; statues, kites and many other hand-crafted goods.

Kintamani, located in the Karangasem Regency, is home to Mount Batur and the Caldera Lake. A favourite stopover on tour itineraries to this region is Penelokan, which aptly means 'scenic stopover'. The still-active Mount Batur volcano has erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape.

Bali Safari & Marine Park is Bali’s largest animal theme park. The park is home to over 60 species, all roaming freely within their enclosures built to closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris take visitors on tours 'around the world', and animal talent shows are held regularly. Aquariums holding exotic fish specimens are nearby.

Ride on the backs of strolling giants at the Bali Elephant Safari Park, which is located in the village of Taro, north of Ubud. This park offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with these peaceful pachyderms and to also go on village and jungle sightseeing expeditions while riding on top of well-trained Sumatran elephants.

Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ is an archaeological site of significant historical value that makes it a special place to visit. Located on the cool western edge of Bedulu Village, six kilometres out of central Ubud, you do not need more than an hour to descend to its relic-filled courtyard and view the rock-wall carvings, a central meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains.