Bali, to the east of Java, has always been considered the pearl in the necklace of Indonesia’s Sunda Islands. Its mix of spellbinding volcanic scenery, glorious beaches, pounding surf, lush tropical hinterland and a vibrant local culture rooted in an archaic form of Hinduism have long made it the most popular destination in the archipelago. Although the resorts of the south coast, in particular, can get very busy, further north and east, a handful of relatively peaceful fishing villages offer greater tranquillity, serving as ideal bases for explorations of Bali’s scenic and cultural riches.