The jewel of Indonesia's 17,000 islands, Bali lies between Java and Lombok, just a few hours' plane ride from Australian cities. Bali's shimmering beaches and glittering nightlife make it a magnet for young Australians eager to party. Bali and Australia have a close relationship that goes back decades. While this relationship was tested by the nightclub bombings in 2002, the island is busier than ever now, with more than half-a-million Australians taking cheap flights to Bali every year. There is, of course, a newish landmark to spend a moment at - the memorial on the site of Paddy's Pub on Legian Street.
Away from the nonstop partying, Bali is a haven for those seeking spiritual refreshment. This is the Island of the Gods after all. The Balinese look away from the beaches to the Gunung Agung volcano and the mountain ranges that dominate the island's landscape, where the gods are said to live, to feed their souls.
