SIX18 TRAVEL

Known as the "Island of the Gods" for its devotion to Hinduism – best seen in its many temples, scattered across the whole island – Bali is something of a heaven on earth. Smoking volcanoes wrapped in green canopies, sandy shores fading into turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls surrounded by jungle make up the landscape here, and it rarely disappoints.

There's something for everyone in this lush, exotic paradise – from luxury travelers who come for the oceanfront resorts to adventurers looking to scale one of several volcanoes (including the famous Mount Batur, in Kintamani). In the south, resort towns such as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu boast buzzing nightlife, trendy beach clubs and world-class surfing, while the north offers plenty for culture vultures and those looking to see less touristy spots.