Bali Multi-centre holidays

Bali might be the jewel in Indonesia’s crown, but it’s just one tiny snippet of this beautiful country. Indonesia has thousands of islands, so why not take the opportunity to explore?

As the second part of your Bali multi-centre holiday, you could travel to picturesque Lombok – Bali’s lesser-known neighbour. With a soaring volcano at its heart, this lush isle majors in tropical jungles and untouched sands. You can spend your days relaxing on sleepy beaches, kayaking across calm waters, or learning to surf.

Alternatively, consider going to the Gili Islands. Lying just off Lombok’s northwest coast, this postcard-worthy trio has become popular thanks to its fantastic coral reefs and bohemian vibe. The largest of the three, Gili Trawangan is all about chilled-out beaches and sunset cocktails, with the occasional beach party thrown in for good measure. Gili Meno is the most romantic of the Gilis, while Gili Air is as rustic as they come. After some time in Bali, the Gili Islands are the perfect place to unplug and switch off, as you snorkel among bright corals and beach-hop along the coast.

Bali is famous for its stunning beaches. For a contrast, though, consider adding on a short city break. You can enjoy a few days of sightseeing in one of Asia’s glittering metropolises, before retreating to tranquil Bali for a well-earned rest.

You could kick off your Bali multi-centre holiday with a few days in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. An old-meets-new labyrinth of temples, markets and skyscrapers, this multicultural city is a mishmash of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. The calendar is full of events and festivals, while year-round attractions include vibrant Chinatown, the ancient Batu Caves and KL’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Or you could visit stylish Singapore. A few days in the Lion City gives you enough time to take in the major sites, like Sentosa Island, Orchard Road and the Gardens by the Bay, where you’ll find the incredible Supertree Grove. In the evenings, sip a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel or hop between the city’s casual hawker centres, filling up on flavour-filled street food.

While you’re on the other side of the world, why not visit Australia? Bali is well-connected with Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, so combining these two bucket-list countries into one epic holiday couldn’t be easier. Plus, with so many internal flights available across Oz, the options really are endless – you can journey onwards to the Outback, Darwin, Perth, and beyond.

On the east coast, you can marvel at Sydney’s iconic landmarks, learn to surf in Byron Bay, and stroll around sun-soaked Brisbane. Or, if you’d prefer to take in natural wonders rather than city sights, hop on a plane to Cairns and explore the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, or sail around the idyllic Whitsunday Islands.

Alternatively, you could head south to Melbourne – home to scenic rooftop bars, hip coffee shops and art-covered laneways – and then drive along the Great Ocean Road. This dramatic coastal drive winds its way to Adelaide, where you’ll find award-winning vineyards and a variety of wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

To get the most out of your Bali multi-centre holiday, you’ll need to consider the climate of both destinations. Bali is warm all year round, with daytime temperatures averaging 25°C. But November to March is monsoon season, so it’s best to visit Bali between April and October – at this time of year, temperatures float around 31°C and rain is minimal.

If you’re also planning to tick off Singapore on your trip, it’s best to book for April, as you’ll be able to catch the tail-end of the city’s dry season. Alternatively, if you’re combining Kuala Lumpur and Bali, try to book your holiday between June and September to see both places at their best.

Or, if you’d like to pair Bali with Down Under, you should book your break for May or October – Australia’s autumn and spring, respectively – when you can look forward to warm, sunny days in both countries.