Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising of five main islands and a multitude of smaller archipelagos, with about 17,000 islands strung across the equator.

A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed it with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes.

Unfortunately it is this very diversity of ethnic groups and religions that has put a country of such exotic natural resources to the test. Racial divides and fierce religious hostility, government corruption, uprisings, economic negligence and, more recently, terrorist attacks have been frequent blights on the Indonesian fabric of society. But it is also these diverse cultures that have given the country a splendid heritage of traditions and art, and for centuries it has been a magnet, constantly drawing thousands of people to its shores despite its turbulent nature. Its position along the Pacific 'ring of fire' contributes to its uneasiness; the country is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A holiday in Indonesia offers something for everyone. Sumatra has an untouched wilderness and a diversity of wildlife, highland tribes and unique architecture, wonderful resort-lined lakes and quaint hilltop towns. Java features steaming volcanoes, astonishing historical monuments, a sprawling capital city and traditional dance, music and art. The image of paradise is epitomised in Bali, an island of artistic people and elegant temples, stunning scenery, palm groves, beach resorts and diving. Further east, Komodo is the home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.

Indonesia is a land of vigorous colour, of tensions and upheaval, but also of festivals and dancing, golden sunsets and friendly white toothy smiles.

Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets)

Address: Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temple Complex

Address: Bali

Admission: Daily 6am-6pm.

Borobudur

Address: Yogyakarta

Admission: Daily 6am-5pm; Manohara Hotel's Sunrise Tour allows visitors into the temple at 4:30am.

Tanah Lot

Address: Bali

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

Address: Park office: Jl.R.Intan No 6, Malang, East Java Java

Telephone: (0341) 41828 (Park office)

Ubud

Address: Bali

Ampenan

Address: Lombok

Bukit Lawang

Address: Sumatra

Bukittinggi

Address: Sumatra

Jalan Jaksa

Address: Jakarta

Jayapura

Address: Lombok

Indonesia Miniature Park/Taman Mini

Address: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex Jakarta

Admission: 8am to 5pm daily

Telephone: (021) 840 9214

National Monument of Indonesia

Address: Lapangan Merdeka, Monas, Gambir Jakarta

Admission: free 8.30am to 5pm daily, closed last Monday of every month

Telephone: +62 21 384 0451

Indonesia Permai Orchid Garden

Address: Slipi suburb East Jakarta Jakarta

Admission: Daily 9am-4pm.

Telephone: (021) 560 9964

Kota

Address: Kota Fatahillah Square Jakarta

Admission: Free Daily

Gunung Batur Volcano

Address: Bali

Pura Besakih

Address: Bali

Pura Kehen

Address: Bali

Batubulan

Address: Bali

Waterbom Bali

Address: Tuban, Kuta Bali

Admission: US$26 (adults), US$13 (children).

Telephone: +62 361 755 676

Bali Botanical Gardens

Address: Kutuh Kaja, Ubud Bali

Telephone: +62 361 970 951

Elephant Cave

Address: Peliatan, Ubud Bali

Telephone: +62 361 943 401

Bali Bird Park

Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubulan Bali

Admission: US $23.50 (adults); US $11.50 (children). Both costs exclude 10% service charge. Daily 9am–5:30pm.

Telephone: +62 361 299614

Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal

Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud Bali

Admission: Daily 8am-6pm.

Nias Island

Address: Sumatra

Lake Maninjau

Address: Sumatra

Padang

Address: Sumatra

Berastagi

Address: Sumatra

Sidemen Valley

Address: Bali

Cruising via Pelni

Scuba Diving

Bali Wedding and Honeymoon

Surfing

Kembang Goela

Address: Plaza Sentral Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 47-48 Jakarta

Food Type: International

Huize Trivelli Heritage Resto & Patisserie

Address: Jalan Tanah Abang Dua108 Jakarta

Food Type: Asian

Cafe Batavia

Address: Fatahillah Square Jakarta