Originally Posted by number_6

An alternative to Bali that you may not have known about much less considered is Langkawi. This is a small island in Malaysia near the border with Thailand, and a bit like Bali was 30 years ago (before the massive development). Very charming place and former prime minister of Malaysia was from Langkawi so it had a lot of government investment in infrastructure (things like good roads leading into the jungle to the PM's house, and used by 2 cars an hour ). Easy to reach (1 hour flight from KL) and without volcano risk. In the past flights have been disrupted for weeks at a time, so it is entriely possible to spend an extra week or 2 in Bali unexpectedly. The present state of the volcano suggests ongoing risk of this in the next 6 months even if there is no eruption. I would encourage you to go to Bali -- they need the tourists -- but be aware of the risk and mitigate it. My personal plan is to go to Lombok next year, but even that could be shut down from volcanic ash.