World Country Guide

Overview

Travel warning
Travellers are forewarned of continual reports of threats of terrorist activity against westerners and western interests in Indonesia. The last attack was an explosion outside the Australian embassy on Sep 9 2004. All travel to Aceh is advised against, and also some parts of Malukin (especially Ambou) and Sulawesi. For further advice, visitors should contact their local government travel advice department.

‘Fabled isles of sunshine and spices’

The myriad islands of the Indonesian archipelago are strung like beads across the equator. Clear blue seas lap pristine beaches, gentle breezes carry scents of spices and flowers, and divers are entranced by the ocean’s riches. Inland, dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest.

Bali offers an image of paradise: stunning scenery, gentle sarong-clad people and sunsets of legendary glory. Immerse yourself in the surfing, nightlife and beach-party atmosphere, or discover Ubud’s wealth of traditional arts. On peaceful Lombok, life moves at a slower pace, while bustling Jakarta exhibits Indonesia’s cosmopolitan, modern face.

Komodo Island’s ‘living dinosaurs’ and the entrancing ‘sea gardens’ of Suwalesi invite exploration, as do Borobudur’s architectural treasures, which include 5km (3 miles) of Buddhist relief carvings. Adventure-seekers head for Kalimantan’s remote jungle interior or explore Sumatra, with its teeming wildlife and wealth of tribal groups.

A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, trade and colonialism has bestowed an exhilarating mix of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous tribal culture on the islands, and colourful festivals and ceremonies enliven every season. Indonesia’s unity, however, remains fragile – it is worth checking the current situation before travelling. Despite this, and that the archipelago’s diversity and vast size can appear overwhelming, an unhurried approach will reward you with your own taste of paradise.

Lucy Moss