Bali, Indonesia

Bali best reveals its deep history in artistry and craft. Admire the work of goldsmiths in Celuk, woodcarvers in Mas, and village batik artists whose hands follow patterns passed down through generations. In Ubud, the former royal capital, Hindu shrines sit among banyan trees, while the surrounding Jatiluwih Rice Terraces—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—invite exploration by foot or by bike. Even more World Heritage Sites dot the landscape: Pakerisan Valley, a mystical river valley which contains the remains of ancestors from ages ago; Taman Ayun Temple, the largest and most architecturally distinguished regional water temple; and Pura Ulun Danu Batur, a beautiful water temple on the edge of a crater lake. Across the island, the 11th-century Uluwatu Temple watches over surfers waiting to catch their next wave. Still, there’s more; beyond the bustle, Gianyar’s food heritage stands out with authentic recipes rich in ritual and delicious in taste.