Things to do — Bali

Bali concentrates one of the most polyvalent activity menus in Asia. The two anchor spots are Ubud and Canggu, which between them cover most of what the island is famous for. Travellers with limited time should focus on one and add a few day trips; those with two weeks or more can build out a more layered itinerary.

Ubud, in the green hills of central Bali, is the cultural and artistic heart of the island. Its immediate surroundings hold the Tegalalang rice terraces (a classic — visit at sunrise to beat the crowds), the Sangeh Monkey Forest, the Tirta Empul water temple where Balinese pilgrims come to purify themselves in sacred springs, and the Ubud Royal Palace. The yoga and wellness scene around Ubud is one of the deepest in the world: dozens of studios, retreats and spas are clustered in the village and the neighbouring hamlets of Penestanan and Peliatan. Mount Batur, an easy day trip from Ubud, delivers a sunrise hike along the rim of an active volcano — one of Bali's most memorable mornings.

Canggu, the booming coastal village just north-west of Seminyak, is HQ for surfers and digital nomads. Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach generate consistent intermediate-friendly waves, while Berawa Beach further south is gentler and better for beginners. Canggu's food and café scene is the most creative on the island: dozens of speciality coffee shops, international restaurants and natural-wine bars line the laneways off Jalan Batu Bolong. Sunsets from the beach bars, with the Indian Ocean turning gold and pink, are some of the best on the island.

The temples deserve a full dedicated day. Tanah Lot at sunset, Uluwatu with its kecak dance performance and Pura Besakih on the flanks of Mount Agung form the must-see trio. Add the night markets of Gianyar and Sukawati, the silver workshops of Celuk and the weavers of Batuan, and you have a strong cultural day-trip rotation. Divers should make the trip east to Amed and Tulamben (the wreck of the USAT Liberty is one of the most accessible shipwreck dives in Southeast Asia); experienced surfers should add a session at Uluwatu, Padang Padang or Bingin. Whatever you choose, leave room in the schedule for the slower pleasures of Bali: a long lunch at a warung in the rice fields, a Balinese massage, a sunset Bintang on Echo Beach. They are as much a part of the trip as the headline sights.