Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. Stretching 5120 km from east to west, it straddles the equator between the Australian and Asian Continents. The name, Indonesia came from two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indonesian and "Nesos" meaning islands.

There are an estimated 17,508 islands within the archipelago, some of these are nothing more than tiny outcroppings of barren rock, and others are as big as Spain or California and covered in dense tropical jungle. Approximately 6,000 islands are populated, with five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagos serving as home to the majority of the population.

The main islands of Indonesia are: Sumatra (473,606 sq km), Kalimantan (539,460 sq. km), Irian Jaya (421,981 sq km), Sulawesi (189,216 sq km) and Java which consists of central, east and west Java (132,187 sq km) and Bali.

From erupting volcanoes to fauna and flora rich jungles and ocean abundant with sea life Indonesia has a lot to offer.

Well known in the south on the popular island of Bali are Sanur with its peaceful, shallow sea, Kuta with its nightlife and surfing waves and Nusa Dua, center of top class accommodation and the main tourist centre in the islands. Ubud, is the cultural and art capital of Bali island and no visitor should return 'home' without at least one visit to this interesting and colourful village.

Lombok challenges its neighbour, Bali and is a step behind in development. It is often mentioned as the Bali of twenty years ago and is another excellent destination!

Further east lie the islands known as Nusa Tenggara, the less discovered part of the country and a paradise for the adventurous traveller. There is a trail to the famous Komodo Island, inhabited by Komodo Dragons, one of the last descendants of the dinosaurs.

Sulawesi too is a fascinating destination for those interested in rugged nature and remarkable cultures. The rituals of life and death of its people, isolated from the rest of the world since earliest history, have attracted travellers for many centuries.

Java has since long been the cultural and political heart of the country. Jakarta is the best start for a classic Java trail and is still one of the most fascinating routes one can follow. Discovering the land from Jakarta to Bali is a wonderful experience if you have lots of time on your hands.

Java's cultural heritage can be found at the world famous Buddhist complex Borobudur, its Hindu counterpart Prambanan, near the old Middle Javanese capital city of Yogyakarta. Offering a view on the true Indonesian life, lush beaches in Pangandaran and amazing views over paddy-fields and erupting volcanoes are all part of the Javan experience

In East Java, an early morning visit to watch the sunrise over the Bromo mountain, is another excursion not to miss. The moonscape around the crater in the early morning offers one of the most surrealistic views to be found anywhere.

Sumatra is famed for its breathtaking scenery, comparable with Sulawesi, it's a country in itself. Lake Toba is a popular destination to visit and has been so since the Dutch colonial days. There is so much to see and do here that Indonesia never fails to be a popular destination, accommodation and food outlets are reasonably priced, making it a very affordable destination for many.

Indonesia's thousands of islands and myriad cultures offer adventure and intrigue like nowhere else in the modern world and discovering these delights will leave visitors with memories to last a lifetime.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Due to Indonesia's instability all travellers to Indonesia are strongly advised to consider the political and religious climate of the various parts of Indonesia before travelling to the islands. Be warned: Some foreign travellers in troubled areas of Indonesia have been subject to arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation and false accusations of espionage.