Indonesia The largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands.

Indonesia is scattered across the waters between Australia and the mainland of Asia, and is blessed with more than 54,000 kilometres of coastline. There are more than 200 ethnic groups within its population of around 215 million. Indonesia enjoys a diverse landscape with fertile rice fields and tropical rainforests, green river valleys and smouldering volcanoes, yellow sand beaches and snow-capped peaks. You can shop in energetic cities, laze around on one of Indonesia’s beautiful beaches, admire the beauty of the flora or the variety of its fauna, enjoy the serenity of her ancient temples or immerse yourself in its lively nightlife.

The capital of Jakarta is located on Java and is a good starting point to see more scenic parts of the island. Java is a beautiful island where emerald green jagged peaks and mist-shrouded volcanic cones stand protectively over iridescent green rice fields and palm covered plains. The highlight of a visit to Java is the magnificent Borobudur Temple with its charming domed stupas, particularly spectacular at dawn. Watch as the sun rises over the complex, the parting mist revealing the beautiful structure and surrounding vistas of volcanoes and terraced fields. Built around 800 AD, it’s the largest and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world and is carved out of stone of different colours.

The city of Yogyakarta sits at the base of the volcano Mount Merapi and is the art and cultural hub of Java. See a shadow-puppet performance, the Ramayana ballet or visit the Sultan’s Palace and its pavilions, enclosed within its kraton walls. Visit the nearby Prambanan Temples, a collection of detailed and beautiful Hindu temples built between the 8^th and 10^th centuries.

One of the most magnificent volcanoes in Indonesia is the majestic Mount Bromo. At 2,923 metres, it’s part of the dramatic Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park that covers a massive area of 800 square kilometres. After witnessing a magnificent sunrise over Mount Bromo from the vantage point on Mount Penanjakan, walk across the eerie Sea of Sands to the base of the volcano. Climb the 253 steps that will get you to the craters edge which you can walk around, while staring into the steaming, bubbling, sulphurous centre.

Other lesser visited islands of Indonesia include Flores, one of Indonesia’s most spectacular islands with lush rainforests and a good point of departure to get to Komodo to see its famous dragons.