Indonesia

Adventure looms large in this vast and steamy archipelago, where the best of Southeast Asia's heady scents, vivid colours, dramatic vistas and diverse cultures brew a potent mixture, leaving your senses spinning.

Bali's religion is almost tangible and no matter where you venture you will see mini temples filled with gorgeous scents and vibrant flowers, as the peaceful and hospitable people pay their respects. Bali's cultural heart lies in Ubud and is the place for antique markets, Balinese shows, architectural rice paddy fields and even a volcano!

Java has its own qualities, the colossal metropolis and cultural sites including the string of volcanoes (some docile, some not!) and the amazing Buddhist temple Borobudur. One visit is never enough.

Flying time: 15 Hours to Bali.

Time Difference: GMT +8 hrs.

Getting there: Via Singapore with British Airways and Singapore Airlines or via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Airlines with onward flights to Indonesia.

Currency: Rupiah - with US Dollars the easiest currency to exchange.

Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, hepatitis A, poliomyelitis and cholera are recommended, with some regions under risk from malaria -please contact your doctor for up-to-date information.

Visas: British passport holders require visas. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the embassy.

Best time to visit: The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather from June to September, whilst the western monsoon brings the main rains during December to March, however rainstorms can occur all year. Higher regions are cooler.