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Bali’s Bright Ideas

Here, we count the ways—18 in all—to make the most of your next trip to Indonesia’s fabled holiday isle, along with tips on where to eat, shop, and sleep

The Indonesian archipelago comprises some 17,000 islands, but for many international visitors, there is only one. Bali has long nurtured its reputation as the Island of the Gods. Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, magical scenery, rich artistic traditions, and a sublimely spiritual people, it’s no surprise that it has long been Indonesia’s most popular destination. Nudging Java, the 600-square-kilometer tropical island has a population of just over three million. Yet in 2007, close to two million international tourists touched down at Ngurah Rai Airport—more than one-third of Indonesia’s visitor total for the year. Despite the troubles of recent years, this Hindu enclave in the midst of the world’s largest Muslim country retains an allure that extends to one of the broadest tourist spectrums imaginable: from budget to bling, Bali caters to all tastes. If you’ve never visited, read on—our checklist of things to do on the island will have you packing your bags in no time. Even those who think they know Bali well might find a few surprises.

01. Meet Bali’s Gentle Giants Nestled amid the thick forests of Taro, about a 30-minute drive north of Ubud, the Elephant Safari Park (62-361/ 721-481; baliadventuretours.com) maintains an idyllic environment for its oversized residents. The 27 rescued Sumatran elephants that call the park home are doted upon by their handlers, not to mention by Australian owner Nigel Mason, who has grown the property from a few rice fields 11 years ago into a lush resort complete with 25 smart new lodgings. This month sees the launch of evening safari adventures for guests who are sleeping over, with pachyderm pick-up from your lodge followed by a 30-minute jungle trek and a dinner under the stars. Day-trippers can also enjoy elephant rides, along with feeding sessions and an elephant orchestra show. The small spa is a welcome addition to the property, featuring taro-scented products and soaking tubs that look out on the grazing giants.

02. Enjoy an Organic Feast “It’s simple fare, but very fresh,” says Ben Ripple of the organic cuisine he whips up at his Firefly Supper Series, held every weekend from August to December. The dinners began as a way for Ripple and his wife to showcase the products of their Big Tree Farms (62-361/461-978; bigtreebali.com), which operates six organic farms around Bali. The fresh food on offer, coupled with the fairytale location—amid rice paddies and jungle lit up with hundreds of candles and tiki torches on Ripple’s Bali Alami farm just outside Ubud—has seen the dinner series develop a cult following over the years. Guests are entertained by a roaming suling flute player while they get acquainted over cocktails of arak madu, a potent, home-brewed coconut vodka blended with fresh lemon and lime and a dollop of mango-scented honey. The six- to eight-course degustation menu features whatever is fresh that day, be it a trio of beets layered with organic goat’s cheese and drizzled with a long pepper and balsamic reduction, zucchini-blossom fritters, or Java chicken spit-roasted with a tamarind and nutmeg glaze. And once your meal’s done, be sure to stock up on a box of Big Tree Farms’ famed raw cashews or vanilla-flavored palm sugar.

Story by Natasha Dragun