Java

There may not be any great beaches to speak of on Java, but it does lay the bold, yet justifiable, claim to having the most mesmerising temple in Southeast Asia, credible urban nightlife (i.e. genuine alternatives to karaoke) and a fantastic volcano to hike.

Rise with the morning adhan (call to prayer) for a dawn viewing of the 8th-century Buddhist temple Borobudur and you can explore the intricate lattice stupas while the morning mist unveils the surrounding paddy fields – all in the foothills of a steaming volcano.

Then hike (or take a 4x4) up Mount Bromo for lunar-like, cloud-carpeted views of Java’s nobbled, volcanic spine of craters and smoke-spewing peaks.

Where to stay?

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa. Balinese-inspired villas are dotted about a teak forest in one of the many valleys that roll into the foothills of central Java’s volcanoes, paddy fields and coffee plantations.

For maximum majesty, pick a bungalow looking out onto the Borobudur temple, flanked by the looming Mount Merapi and Menoreh Hill. Doubles from £134.

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

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