Singapore & Indonesian Utopia

Discover Singapore, where Chinese, Malay, Indian and western influences come together to create a hi-tech city-state with shiny skyscrapers towering over traditional temples and bustling markets. Food fans will have plenty to choose from, with everything from fresh and simple street food at the hawker centres to stylish five star hotels and gourmet restaurants. Be sure to dine out at Lau Pa Sat, an attractive 19th century market serving mouth-watering local food at a number of stands. Splash out at the world-renowned Raffles Hotel, where a stop in the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling is practically obligatory. Singapore also boasts an excellent cage-free zoo, and the beach fringed island of Sentosa, a tacky-but-fun entertainment venue accessed by cable car.

Fly on to Bali and first stop Lovina, a relaxed seaside town with a laid-back, low-key atmosphere, refreshingly deserted beaches and shimmering sunsets. The sand here is black due to volcanic activity, which is an unusual sight in itself, and so a stroll along the beach here is a must-do. Another popular activity is to head out to sea on a dolphin-watching trip, with most successful sightings being early in the morning. There are a number of interesting temples in the surrounding area, as well as refreshing hot springs and the totally tropical Gitgit waterfall, surrounded by huge colourful flowers and lush vegetation.

Relax and unwind in the spas of Ubud, take part in a spot of yoga or perhaps just explore the smattering of museums and admire the exquisite temples. Assault your senses in this culture-filled town, an arts and crafts hub filled with workshops and galleries, and much quieter than many other Balinese towns. Get on your bike and explore the palaces, temples, and caves that are spread out through the surrounding rice paddies. Admire fine examples of traditional and modern Balinese art in the museums, take in a cultural performance, or shop for handmade textiles in the many markets.

Cross the water to luscious Lombok and the peaceful paradise beaches of Senggigi, a more traditional tourist resort with sweeping bays and wide beaches. Explore villages and waterfalls of the local area, jump in a sea kayak or head beneath the surface with a spot of snorkelling or scuba diving. Perhaps take a look around Pura Batu Bolong Hindu temple, in a scenic spot at one end of the beach.

Hop over to the buzzing beaches of Gili Trawangan, the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three Gili Islands and one of Indonesia’s top crowd-pullers. In the centre, bikes and horse carts pass chic lounge bars, modern guesthouses and eclectic eateries, and there’s a dive school on every corner. But to get away from it all, step off the main drag, seek out a shady spot and kick back with a chilled cocktail, or perhaps attempt the two-hour circumnavigation of the island on foot. The white sandy beaches lend themselves nicely to lazy days, but the more energetic can dive, snorkel, sail or even flyboard in the azure waters.

Chow down on tasty Balinese cuisine in Seminyak’s numerous restaurants and discover its chic cafes and swanky bars. A healthy population of expats has brought a number of luxury boutiques and designer clothes shops to this town, giving it a distinctive European feel. More sophisticated and laid back than more famous Kuta, Seminyak is the place to come for treatments and pampering in high end spas, found in most hotels. For something a bit more cultured, check out the local Pura Petitenget temple, scene of many a religious ceremony.