Here are 15 reasons to visit Indonesia, home to more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Papua.  

1. Jakarta

Indonesia’s sprawling capital, home to 10 million people, is a melting pot of cultures. So many cultures have passed through Jakarta over the past 300 years, that it has acquired a world-class collection of old sailing ships. The ships are in an area known as Sunda Kelapa, the old Dutch port. In addition to a variety of well-preserved colonial vessels, it also has several examples of native Buginese ships.

With Dutch rule expanding across the Indonesian archipelago during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the importance of Batavia (Jakarta) increased. To maintain control and maximize tax revenue, the Dutch required nearly all exports from anywhere in the region to pass through the city, which established an overwhelming political and economic dominance that Jakarta retains today.

“The old town of Batavia will transport you to Indonesia’s Dutch colonial past while the fashionable Menteng district is a hive of live music venues, exclusive restaurants and hip hotels,” he added. “World-renowned restaurants, bars and nightclubs perch on top of towering skyscrapers, while shoppers can choose from dozens of gargantuan shopping malls.”

2. Komodo

The world’s largest lizards exist on just five Indonesian islands – Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. They are truly fearsome, weighing up to 150lbs and possessing toxic bites, allowing them to hunt and kill far bigger animals – even humans.

Komodo is a small island of 280 square kilometers. It is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The Island has about 800 human inhabitants and double that number of dragons. Most of the other islands where the dragons live have no permanent human population.

Visitors to this area also should see the island of Rinca, which is just south and east of Komodo. It’s also part of Komodo National Park, but offers a slightly different landscape and good dragon populations. Rinca is just a short boat ride from Komodo island and is even closer to the island of Flores. Visitors must pay a park entrance fee of 50,000 rupiah and the camera tax is an additional 25,000 rupiah.

3. Sumatra

Sumatra is a wild and beautiful island for adventure. Visitors can surf outrageous waves an the western side of the island, explore volcanoes, or search for endangered species, including tigers, orangutans and more.

Also known as Sumatera locally, Sumatra straddles the equator. It is heavily forested and rich with rare wildlife. Numerous large reserves and preservation areas have been set aside, which makes the island ideal for ecotourism.

The mountains in the west and the swampy plains in the east define Sumatra’s landscape. The backbone of the island is the volcanic Barisan Mountain chain, which runs the entire length of the island from north to south. The volcanic activity of this region produces fertile land and beautiful scenery, including the region around Lake Toba.

4. Diving

Nowhere in the world offers better diving than the Coral Triangle, an area of the Pacific Ocean that includes the waters around Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. One of the best ways to explore it is on a liveaboard boat around the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia’s West Papua province. Divers will find 75 percent of all the world’s know coral species, and up to 2,000 species of reef fish.

5. Java

Java is the heart of Indonesia. It is the historical center of Buddhist and Hindu culture and home to the nation’s sprawling capital city–Jakarta. With more than 100 million people, Java (locals say JAH-wah) is the most populated island in the world. It is the thirteenth largest island on earth in terms of land size.

About 60 percent of all Indonesians live on Java, while the island only holds about 7 percent of the country’s land area. Java stretches from Bali to Sumatra, and it is framed by the Indian Ocean on its southern coast and the Java Sea to its north. Java has 38 volcanoes, including the very active Mt. Merapi.

It might be the most populous island in the world, but Java has plenty of places to escape the crowds. There are 12 national parks to explore – including Unesco-listed Ujung Kulon – and volcanoes – including Bromo and Merapi – to hike up.

The landscape of Bromo-Tengger is spectacular. The park is situated around a group of volcanoes that rise up thousands of feet from sea level. At 11,974 feet above sea level, Semeru is Java’s highest mountain. It erupts frequently.

Java is home to the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, with its intricate lattice stupas set among paddy fields.

6. Bali

Bali is one of the most famous islands in the world — for good reason. The culture is a living demonstration of simplicity, elegance and harmony.

The island offers everything from luxurious spas to the simple beach life. You can spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon near the top of a cloud-covered and chilly volcano. Choose world-class golf or world-class arts. You can find it all on the island of Bali.

Bali is the gateway to Indonesia for millions of tourists each year. The Balinese people value spirituality, the arts and overall harmony. The Hindu religion, its beautiful forms of worship, and the simple elegance of the Balinese people represent one of the most beautiful cultures in the world. The exotic arts, ancient temples, and thousands of smiles will delight any visitor to this island paradise. Surf, golf, snorkel and more on Bali.

7. Lombok

Lombok is often compared to Bali. The neighboring islands have many similarities and many differences. They are only about 20 miles apart. Both islands have Hindu and Muslim influences, but in opposite proportions. Both islands have beautiful highlands and white sandy beaches, but Lombok is quieter and dryer than Bali.

Until 1987, few visitors made the trip. Today, Lombok is growing in popularity among international tourists.

Tourism is already the second-largest industry on Lombok. Mount Rinjani, beautiful coastlines, coral reefs, and stunning waterfalls highlight the list of popular destinations on Lombok.

The island’s topography is dominated by Mount Rinjani, a massive volcano that rises 12,200 feet out of the ocean. It is the second-largest volcano in Indonesia and it often is shrouded in clouds. The most recent eruption of Rinjani was in 1994. The volcano, and its sacred crater lake, is protected by Rinjani National Park, which was established in 1997. The towering volcano collects a great deal of rainfall, which tumbles down the mountain through a series of cold and cascading waterfalls below.

8. Kalimantan

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world. Three countries share boundaries on this large island, including Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. Indonesia governs the southern two-thirds of Borneo, while Malaysia and Brunei control smaller northern and western sections of the large island.

Indonesia calls its part of Borneo Kalimantan, which is divided into four provinces:

• Central Kalimantan;
• East Kalimantan;
• South Kalimantan; and
• West Kalimantan.

Borneo is home to the world’s most dense and remote rainforests, as well as about 12 million people, 75 percent of whom live in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region. Given the harsh nature of Kalimantan’s interior and lowlands, most settlements are along the rivers and coasts.

Kalimantan is an adventure paradise. Borneo is dominated by a tall mountain range in the center of the island. Borneo’s highest point is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah (Malaysia), which reaches a stunning elevation of 13,300 feet above sea level.

The drainage of rainfall from these highlands flows and collects in areas below that are continuously drenched from rainfall. The result is a harsh island that is difficult to navigate by land. Riverboats, airplanes, and helicopters are required to navigate the island. The largest rivers are the Barito, Kahayan, Kapuas, and Mahakam. Be sure to visit Camp Leakey to see the orangutans and world-renowned conservationist Birute Galdikas.

9. Papua

apua is the western half of New Guinea, which is the second-largest island in the world. It stretches from warm equatorial sands to icy glacial peaks. Indonesia shares the island with the country of Papua New Guinea, which controls the eastern half of the island. It was formerly referred to as Irian Jaya.

Papua features abundant natural resources, including the second-largest tract of rainforest in the world. About 75 percent of Papua is covered by forests, which contain more than 2,500 species of orchids and 600 species of birds. Papua is also rich in culture, with as many as 800 different languages spoken among the various tribes and ethnic groups. Papua also is famous for its various art forms and its unusual flora and fauna.

Puncak Jaya, is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes.

There are 123 mammalian species and 630 species of bird, including many that are endemic to the region. But much of the park remains unexplored – so scientists believe more are waiting to be discovered.

10. Yogyakarta

Java’s second city, Yogyakarta, is the cultural and spiritual hub with all-night shadow-puppet performances, concerts and art exhibitions. It is also the best base for exploring the aforementioned Borobudur and the vast Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, with its temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma and hundreds of surrounding shrines.

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Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn where to go, what do and what to say.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia is a fascinating destination that is rising in popularity among tourists. The island nation is setting new records each year for tourism and development.

Indonesia is best known for the exotic resort island of Bali and the business capital of Java, especially the cities Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Accommodations run the gamut, from homestays (losmen) to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts on the planet, which are still rising and evolving rapidly. If you are looking for a taste of luxury, mixed with adventure, here are some of the most popular destinations today. Please let us know about your favorite destinations.

Amanjiwo, Borobudur, Java

Amanjiwo lies within view of the mystical stupas of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Buddhist monument directly informs the design of Amanjiwo, a temple-like hideaway with a towering domed roof, colonnades and walls built of local blush-beige paras stone. Here, guests intersperse days of sightseeing – at serene Borobudur, bustling Yogyakarta or any number of vibrant villages – with spells of relaxation at Amanjiwo’s spa, the 40 m (130 ft) pool, and the majestic open-air restaurant.

Nihi Sumba

Awarded the Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2016 and 2017, Nihi Sumba is for travelers who seek a new type of luxury: activity-driven experiences, cultural immersion, freedom and fun. Located on Indonesia’s remote Sumba island, the resort offers private access to one of the world’s best left-hand breaks for surfers. The 28 villas, crafted by local artisans using native teak and rattan, feature expansive outdoor rooms and private plunge pools. Excursions take you to villages and ancient sites. Here, you can go on a spa safari, go horseback riding or swim beneath a waterfall. Dining experiences include beach picnics, dinner under the stars and weekly themed events.

Amankila Bali

Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila (peaceful hill), a secluded seaside resort overlooking the Lombok Strait. The 34 freestanding thatched-roof suites offer exceptional views from their hillside locations, and are connected to the resort’s facilities by raised walkways. Guests can relax around the signature three-tiered pool or at the beach club on Amankila’s beach, with its black sands and turquoise waters. What separates Amankila from other luxury Bali hotels is that it is situated in Karangasem, one of Bali’s most traditional regencies, offering easy access to untouched rural countryside, local crafts and the region’s royal past.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Designed as a traditional Balinese village, this luxurious all-villa enclave spreads across 14 hectares (35 acres) of oceanfront in Bali, giving resort guests direct access to the beach right at sea level. The resort offers 147 villas set amid lush tropical gardens. The luxurious villas each feature a private plunge pool. Immerse yourself in local island culture, unwind with holistic spa treatments and enjoy a wide range of dining options, including the beachfront Sundara restaurant. Find more sensory delights at the open-air Taman Wantilan restaurant, whish features theatre-style dining and a brigade of specialty chefs.

Mandapa Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Fronting the Ayung River near the Ubud jungle, the hotel replicates a traditional Balinese village, complete with working rice paddies. Showcasing the architecture and craftsmanship of the area, each of the 60 luxury suites and villas features a private outdoor space (some of them with pools) with views of the river or surrounding scenery. Four restaurants serve health-conscious cuisine sourced from the organic garden, although you can also arrange a romantic dinner overlooking the river or rice terrace. The spa offers a variety of programs focused on physical and spiritual well-being.

Bawah Island

Located just 150 nautical miles northeast of Singapore, and easily accessible via private seaplane, this untouched beauty of 6 islands offers a whole new destination to discerning travelers. A playground of over 300 hectares, three crystal blue lagoons, 13 powder white beaches, lush jungle canopy for trekking and more importantly a philosophy of environmental and conservation policies, Bawah Island is a project of love to integrate people with nature and sets the benchmark for future destinations around the region. Taking the route that “less means more”, Bawah Private Island only accepts a maximum of 70 guest at any one time; The 35 safari-style tented villas offer the privacy of your own home but also invite you to enjoy the nature that surrounds Bawah Island.

Amanwana Moyo

Mother Nature is allowed full reign across the 36,000 hectares of nature reserve that make up private Moyo Island, in the coral-rich Flores Sea. Here in this wildlife lover’s paradise, Amanwana has set up camp, with 20 safari tents amid the rainforest or on the shore. Low-impact and eco-friendly, the tents are nonetheless equipped with hardwood floors and soaring, air-conditioned canopies sheltering sumptuous daybeds, en suite bathrooms and net-draped king size beds. Visits from friendly macaques and deer are not uncommon, and hint at the abundance of nature further inland and out to sea. Amanwana is also the ideal base for sailing expeditions to find the Komodo dragon.

Six Senses Uluwatu Resort

This resort is set near Uluwatu temple, which overlooks the cliffs and the Indian Ocean. The beautiful resort offers stunning ocean views from every angle. The resort comprises 103 suites and villas, inspired by local design, embracing nature and offering every creature comfort. The Six Senses Spa features locally inspired specialty treatments, multi-day integrated wellness programs and complimentary morning yoga sessions. The resort features multiple swimming pools, an open-air event venue, function space, three restaurants including a chef’s table, a cooking school and an extensive organic garden and farm.

The Alila Purnama

This is one of the most luxurious ships in Asia (also try the Adellar) and an ideal choice for those looking for an exciting cruise in Indonesia. This floating property provides ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests. Handcrafted in the traditional style of a Phinisi, the Alila Purnama features three decks, four double deluxe suites and a master suite with a private deck. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia.

The Oberoi Lombok

Located on the enchanting Medana Bay, with exclusive beach access and sunset views of Bali’s volcanic Mount Agung, The Oberoi Lombok is unique amongst luxury hotels in Lombok. Spanning twenty-four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the resort is abundant with towering indigenous trees, flaming bougainvillea and also boasts a spectacular infinity pool. Accommodation is divided between thatched villas and pavilions, all of which are afforded breathtaking ocean and lush garden views. The resort’s open air, thatched dining spaces serve fine international cuisine, local delicacies and Lombok coffee, complemented by live, traditional music and Balinese dance.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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With an abundance of spectacular wonders spread across this vast tropical archipelago, Indonesia never ceases to amaze and attract travelers from all over the world. The country’s charms have recently placed Indonesia among the Top Ten Countries to visit in 2019 as announced in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019.

Indonesia became the only Southeast Asian Country to be included in the top ten. Moreover, a stunning image of Pura Ulun Danu Batur on the beautiful island of Bali stole the highlights as it appeared on the cover of the international list of destinations.

“Indonesia is as diverse as its span is long, from new eco-resorts offering orangutan encounters in Sumatra to the tribal traditions of Papu,” said the report. “More than 17,000 islands make up the medley of cultures, cuisines and religions across the archipelago, offering a kaleidoscope of experience. Earthquakes recently struck some parts of Indonesia, which is located on the volcano-lined Pacific Ring of Fire. The response to these natural disasters is ongoing, but much of this sprawling country remains safe for visitors. Thanks to substantial investment in new air, land and sea connections, plus recent visa-free access for nationals of 169 countries, it has never been easier to explore this tropical country.”

This is a perfect portrayal of Indonesia. This archipelago is blessed with beautiful panoramas, unique cultural attractions and some of the most amazing monuments ever built. The recent natural disasters may have impacted on a number of destinations, however restorations are ongoing and most of these destinations such as Lombok have revived and already welcome tourists to enjoy its charms. And, as most of the country remain unharmed they are safe to visit. Recent substantial developments and investments as well as policy improvement have also yielded better connectivity and made it easier than ever before to visit Indonesia.

Each year, the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list starts with nominations suggested by its vast community of editors, researchers, locals and influencers, which are subsequently picked and ranked by a panel of judges. The outcome is an eclectic list of destinations with unique, compelling, and topical reasons to visit in the year ahead.

Indonesia has more coral reefs than any country in the world. The islands rise from the deepest points of the oceans to the snowy heights of the Jayawijaya mountain range, which towers more than 15,000 feet above sea level.

There are more than 300 distinct and diverse cultures in Indonesia. Most Indonesians are of Malay or Polynesian descent, though the country’s history brought minority populations from India, China, Arabia, Persia, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, and England. There are still numerous indigenous tribes in the remote reaches of Indonesia, from Kalimantan to Papua. The most famous tribes include the Asmat and Dani people of Papua, the Dayak people of Kalimantan, and the Batak people of Sumatra.

Almost 90 percent of Indonesia’s population practices Islam, with Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism making up the remaining 10 percent. Hinduism thrives on Bali, and Christianity has a significant presence on Flores, Timor, Sulawesi, and other islands.

Indonesia’s religious history created a trail of beautiful temples in its wake, most of which are found on the islands of Bali, Java, and Lombok. According to the Balinese, there are more than 10,000 temples on that island alone. Java’s Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. It’s located near Yogyakarta and dates back to the 8^th Century.

Prambanan, the ancient Hindu monument, which predates Borobudur also is found near Yogyakarta. Central Java’s Dieng Plateau also features several other large Hindu Temples.

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Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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With more than 180,000 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. The islands are home to 167 active volcanoes, more endangered species and more beaches than any other nation.

Indonesia has some of the largest remaining tracts of tropical forest anywhere in the world. It also features some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Adding to the beauty are millions and millions of smiles along the way. Where should you visit?

Raja Empat: Located off the northwest tip of the island of New Guinea, Raja Empat (the Four Kings) comprises more than 1,500 small islands. Marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity around these islands is the highest on Earth. It’s one of the greatest diving destinations in the world. The abundance of marine life is due in part to its incredibly low human population density and the nutrient-rich ocean currents nearby.

Tanjung Puting National Park: The Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and – most famously – orangutans.

Borneo is home to the world’s most dense and remote rainforests, as well as about 12 million people, 75 percent of whom live in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region.

Given the harsh nature of Kalimantan’s interior and lowlands, most settlements are along the rivers and coasts.

Unfortunately illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses (including palm oil) are a major threat to the park. If you are lucky, you can meet founder and director, Birute Galdikas, who has devoted her life to orangutan conservation and research.

Komodo National Park: Encompassing both Rinca Island, Komodo Island and a number of smaller ones, Komodo National Park is famous as the home of the Komodo dragons, giant carnivorous monitor lizards. The reptiles roam freely over the islands, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides for sightings and safety. Komodo National Park also is a world-class scuba diving destination.

Komodo is dry, hot and barren, with rainfall occurring between November and March. Komodo is a small island of 280 square kilometers. It is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The Island has about 800 human inhabitants and double that number of dragons.

Flores: Lying to the east of Komodo, the island of Flores offers an array of natural and cultural sights. The most famous attraction in Flores is the Kelimutu volcano caldera, which has three lakes fed by volcanic gas. The lakes change color according to the amount of oxidation in the water.

This island is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups who speak many languages. It seems to be a transition point between the Malay and Papuan races. The west coast of Flores is one of the few places, aside from the island of Komodo itself, where the Komodo dragon is found in the wild.

Torajaland (Tanah Toraja): This highland region of Sulawesi is home of the Toraja people, who are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses and spectacular burial sites. The region also features some interesting monoliths.

Sulawesi, or Celebes, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia. It’s the world’s 11^th largest island.

With abundant beauty and natural riches, Sulawesi could become one of the major nature-based tourism centers in Southeast Asia.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Best known for its awesome scenery of a vast, ancient volcanic crater and a host of picturesque volcanoes. The park is named after two mountains, Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo and the Tengger people who inhabit the area.

Semeru is the highest mountain on Java as well as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The smoldering cone of Bromo stands in a sea of volcanic sand, surrounded by the towering cliffs of the crater’s edge.

The region also is famous for Java Man (homo erectus), a set of human fossil remains, which date back about 500,000 years. The fossils were found near the Brantas River in East Java. Since then, evidence of other prehistoric cultures also has been found, including the Solo Man discovery in Central Java.

Lombok: This island is just east of Bali. It has similar landscapes as Bali, with less commercialism and fewer crowds, but it’s gaining fast. The island’s northern area is dominated by Mt. (gunung) Rinjani, which climbs to 12,224 feet out of the sea. Trekking draws many tourists to Lombok. The full climb takes several days.

The three Gili Islands, just off Lombok’s northwest coast are the most popular beach destination, but the island is developing its version of Kuta Beach on the south side of the island. The traditional market in Senggigi is worth a visit.

Yogyakarta: This ancient city is the most popular tourist destination on Java, due to its proximity to the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The city is a center of art and education.It offers good shopping and it’s known for its unique batik fabrics.

It’s also one of the nation’s centers of influence. The sultanate of Yogyakarta, was formed in 1755 when the Sultanate of Mataram was divided in two by the Dutch East India Company. The Sultan Hamengkubuwono I spent the next 37 years building the new capital, with the kraton, or palace, as the centerpiece. This is the sacred sanctuary where Javanese culture is preserved.

Yogyakarta lies in one of the most seismically active parts of Java and has been struck by several earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2006, an earthquake flattened more than 300,000 houses. In 2010, Mt. Merapi erupted again and killed dozens of people.

Bali: This small island is one of the world’s most popular beach destinations. The varied landscape, rugged coastlines, tropical beaches, lush rice terraces and volcanic hillsides all provide a picturesque backdrop to its colorful, deeply spiritual and unique Hindu culture. Be sure to visit the great temples, including Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Danau Bratan and Besakih. The combination of people, culture, spirituality and spectacular beaches have made Bali the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia for years.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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In a pristine tropical archipelago in a far-flung corner of Indonesia, Bawah Island is a luxury retreat that’s thoughtful and unique. It’s an adventure to get to – and even more fun upon arrival.

The remote Anambas Archipelago, in which the resort sits, was one of Indonesia’s first marine conservation areas.

Visitors arrive via Singapore, traveling north by ferry (1 hour) to the island of Batam, before hopping on a private seaplane for the 75-minute ride across the South China Sea.

Five lush jungle-covered islands rise out of three blue lagoons, ringed by 13 brilliant white beaches – a landscape barely altered in 10,000 years. The resort has been five years in the making and the owners and architect have gone to great lengths to work with, rather than bulldozing through, the islands’ unique environment.

Villas have been positioned around large trees; roofs are thatched with extra-large palm leaves from a neighbouring island; and the tables and chairs are fashioned from flotsam. The result is a resort that feels earthy and organic, yet cool, decadent and cosseting too.

There’s no end of adventures to be had; hike through the rainforest past monitor lizards and a 2,000 year-old palm to the entirely empty Coconut Beach; windsurf, kayak or paddle-board between five islands, stopping at a cave to see hundreds of bats swirl into flight; snorkel among parrotfish, clownfish and turtles. Or just loll on the sand with a book from the library. Most activities are included in the rate, as are daily treatments at the Aura spa, such as yoga, pilates, meditation, facials and massages. The management are professional and always on hand, but it felt as though the rest of the team were still getting up to speed.

Sandy pathways, woven around large palms and Indian almond trees, lead to 35 gorgeous eco-villas, some cloaked in greenery, some a few steps from ivory-white sands, others set on stilts above the lapping turquoise sea (look out for black-tip reef sharks). Bamboo lattice walls and peaked ceilings try to make the most of the natural ventilation, not entirely successfully (rooms felt hot and sticky in the afternoons). Interiors are soothing and woody, with teak floors, canopied beds, ivory and blue-patterned rugs and chandeliers shaped like jellyfish, while large bathrooms have artfully-aged copper tubs and showers. There are no TVs.

There are four bars and restaurants, and dining is a Bawah highlight. Breakfast on tropical fruit with homemade yogurt, freshly baked breads and eggs. A lunch of grilled fish and laksa, say, can be taken in a beachside Boat House or at the Grouper Bar, by the pool. In the evenings, barman Marcin Grell whips up tropical cocktails at the Jules Verne Bar, before ushering guests downstairs to the Treetops restaurant to enjoy four or five courses (cod fish with Hainan rice and lemongrass sauce, soy, or Thai-style beef salad.

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Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, and Java.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Some of the most luxurious resort hotels on the planet are located in Indonesia, home to everything a well-traveled hotel connoisseur would expect: beautiful beaches, delicious food, postcard-perfect views, and faultless service. So it’s hardly a surprise that our readers are willing to endure multiple flights (and more than a full day of travel) to reach this archipelago of some 17,500 islands.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.

The love affair with Bali continues this year, as the island is home to four of the five resorts on the list. Of note is the recent renovation of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where all 147 thatched-roof villas were given a fresh look using traditional Balinese ikat fabrics, wooden sculptures, and local artwork. All villas come with their own infinity plunge pools and views over Mount Agung, and one reader pointed out that the setting was very “private and romantic.”

Amandari is a big hit with couples thanks to its secluded setting near Ubud.

Suites feature coconut and teak wood details and have their own private gardens, while the open-air lobby was modeled after a wantilan (village meeting place). “The décor was stunning, and very true to the area and culture,” said one reader. “Impeccable service.” In the beachside area of Nusa Dua, the St. Regis Bali Resort impresses with an almost 40,000-square-foot swimmable lagoon.

But the sole non-Bali resort on the list also happens to be this year’s winner. Nihi Sumba Island, formerly Nihiwatu, scored rave reviews across the board for its remote location (it’s an hour by plane from Bali). Owner Chris Burch, who bought the property in 2012 and expanded its footprint by adding a spa, nine villas, and 13 rooms, has managed to preserve the edge-of-civilization vibe and strong sense of community.

1. Nihi Sumba Island

With just 33 villas spread across 560 acres, Nihi Sumba Island is far from your typical resort experience, and readers continually mentioned the sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Virtually every form of water activity is offered on the near-empty beach (and beyond), from surfing one of the best breaks in Indonesia to snorkeling, free diving and spearfishing. Yoga, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding satisfy those who want to remain on land. Whatever guests choose to do, it’ll be amid one of the most jaw-dropping jungle settings in Indonesia. As one reader put it, “this is paradise.”

2. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Float above treetops on a dramatic suspension bridge and cross into a different world. With locally inspired experiences and rice bowl-shaped architecture, our Bali villa Resort offers a luxury escape, taking you closer to the heart and soul of Bali. If you’re seeking an Ubud wellness Resort, we offer a multitude of treatments and experiences to help you find a balance between mind and body. Find peace at our Four Seasons spiritual healing retreat in the lush Ayung River Valley.

3. Amandari, Bali Amandari was designed after a traditional Balinese village on the verdant lip of the Ayung River Gorge. Free-standing guest suites are reached via winding pathways, while the curving swimming pool mimics the rice paddies below. Close to the artistic centre of Ubud, this place of peace invites both reflection and the exploration of Bali’s cultural heart.

4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Become one with Bali’s magical energy and gentle nature. Sheltered in a calm bay along three miles of sand, our private pool villas are ideal for family vacation or a romantic getaway. With unforgettable views and authentic arts offerings, our luxury Resort brings you a deeper understanding of the island’s stunning landscapes and inimitable culture.

5. St. Regis Bali Resort The St. Regis Bali Resort is nestled on the serene and spectacular Nusa Dua beach with its golden sands stretching on seemingly endlessly. The island home’s profoundly special beauty, creativity, and spirituality are proudly celebrated at this luxury resort in Bali, Indonesia. You’ll feel it from the moment you enter the lobby.

Of course, this is just a short list of many fine hotels and small boutique accommodations. Be adventurous and you will usually be rewarded with local charm.

Source: Travel + Leisure

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Jakarta is a “melting pot of cuisines and cultures”, wrote Simon Parker for Telegraph Travel.

“The old town of Batavia will transport you to Indonesia’s Dutch colonial past while the fashionable Menteng district is a hive of live music venues, exclusive restaurants and hip hotels,” he added. “World-renowned restaurants, bars and nightclubs perch on top of towering skyscrapers, while shoppers can choose from dozens of gargantuan shopping malls.”

Komodo: The world’s largest lizards exist on just five Indonesian islands – Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. They are truly fearsome, weighing up to 150 pounds and possessing toxic bites, allowing them to hunt and kill far bigger animals – even humans.

Sumatra: Named one of Telegraph Travel’s top 20 places to visit back in 2014, lesser-visited Sumatra is a wild and beautiful hotspot for adventure.

“Most visitors head to see the orangutan of Bukit Lawang,” wrote Guyan Mitra at the time, “and the army of vigilante elephants which are commissioned to protect the northern rainforest of Tangkahan (seriously).

You can join them for their dawn lake-shore bath, and scrub their nails before the morning patrol. Topped off with a cup of strong Sumatran coffee, there are few better ways to start a day.”

“The seriously intrepid should consider a trip to Kerinci Seblat, the biggest national park on the island, where you may get to see tigers and the Sumatran rhino, if you’re lucky. Creature comforts are few, but the rewards are high. There’s also hiking across the lunar craters of the volcanoes of Berastagi, lakeside lounging in Danau Toba, diving with whale sharks in Pulau Weh, and surfing off the Mentawaii Islands and Pulau Nias.”

World Class Scuba Diving: Nowhere in the world offers better diving than the Coral Triangle, an area of the Pacific Ocean that includes the waters around Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. One of the best ways to explore it is on a liveaboard boat around the Raja Empat Islands in Indonesia’s Papua province.

Divers will find 75 percent of all the world’s known coral species, and up to 2,000 species of reef fish.

The Temples and Mountains of Java: It might be the most populous island in the world, with around 140 million residents, but Java has plenty of places to escape the crush. There are 12 national parks to explore – including Unesco-listed Ujung Kulon – and volcanoes – including Bromo and Merapi – to hike up.

Java is also home to the world’s biggest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, with its intricate lattice stupas set among paddy fields.  It’s often crowded, so consider lesser-known sites such as Pawon, Mendut, Plaosan Lor and Kalasan, which retain an air of contemplation and peace.

Bali: “This is one of very few islands that manage to combine spirituality and hedonism; visitors can witness coming-of-age ceremonies, as well as enjoy sundowners, first-rate dining and chic shopping,” says Telegraph Travel’s Michelle Jana Chan.

“In Ubud, there are frequent musical and dance performances, as well as galleries selling woodcarving, silverware, textiles, paintings and sculpture.

There is trekking around terraced rice fields and two volcanoes in the north, Agung and Batur. Bali Barat National Park is a haven for deer, boar and macaques, and the offshore Menjangan Island has dive sites with schools of batfish, giant trevally and jacks.”

Lombok: Millions of people visit Bali each year seeking a beach paradise, but they may do better looking about 30 miles east, to the lesser-known island of Lombok, known for its good surf, spectacular beaches and mountainous interior, or the neighbouring Gili Islands, ringed by coral reefs.

“Until recently the Gili Islands were mainly visited by backpackers paying £10 a night for simple beach accommodation,” wrote Michelle Jana Chan back in 2012. “Now the biggest island, Gili Trawangan, is going upmarket with the opening of villa resorts, eco-lodges and spa retreats. But there is still a bohemian feel: instead of cars and motorcycles, local transport is by bicycle or horse-drawn carts called cidomos.”

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Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia is a fascinating destination with more than 17,500 islands to visit. Which ones should be at the top of your list? You can pick luxury, adventure or both on most islands. But the surfing, diving and wildlife experiences vary greatly across the archipelago. The following profile will help you decide what’s best for you:

Bali: This is the gateway for the vast majority of Indonesia’s tourists. It has some of the most opulent resorts in the entire country. It also has remote village experiences, spas, arts, volcanoes, surfing, diving and golf. It has thousands of fascinating Hindu temples, including Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih, Lake Bratan and more. You can drive from the hot beaches of Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua to the cool mountainside within two hours. It’s a small island, but it features amazing diversity for tourists.

Java: Jakarta is the center of action on this densely populated island. It has all of the comforts of home, including malls, high-rise hotels, golf courses and world-class dining. Other destinations include Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Bandung.

Yogyakarta is a university city and the spiritual capital of Indonesia. It also is known for the arts, including its traditional Javanese puppet shows. The world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is nearby, so is the ancient Hindu temple known as Prambanan.

One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia is Mt. Merapi, which also is near Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta also is at a higher elevation than Jakarta, which makes for a cooler climate.

Bandung also enjoys the cooler weather, which is why the President’s summer palace is located there.

Sulawesi: This is one of the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia. It’s the world’s 11th largest island. With abundant beauty and natural riches, Sulawesi could become one of the major nature-based tourism centers in Southeast Asia. This is another island with tremendous diversity, including highlands, home of the Toraja culture. The Toraja are known for their narrow, stilted homes with high arching roofs on each end. It’s also know for world-class scuba diving at Bunaken and Wakatobi.

Lombok: Lombok is often compared to Bali. The neighboring islands have many similarities and many differences. They are only about 20 miles apart. Both islands have Hindu and Muslim influences, but in opposite proportions. Both islands have beautiful highlands and white sandy beaches, but Lombok is quieter and dryer than Bali for the most part. Tourism is already is the second-largest industry on Lombok. Mount Rinjani, beautiful coastlines, coral reefs, and stunning waterfalls highlight the list of popular destinations on Lombok.

The island’s topography is dominated by Mount Rinjani, a massive volcano that rises 12,200 feet out of the ocean. It is the second-largest volcano in Indonesia and it often is shrouded in clouds. The most recent eruption of Rinjani was in 1994. The volcano, and its sacred crater lake, is protected by Rinjani National Park, which was established in 1997. The towering volcano collects a great deal of rainfall, which tumbles down the mountain through a series of cold and cascading waterfalls below.

There are a series of small, but beautiful islands that surround Lombok. The most popular destinations are three islands off Lombok’s northwest coast called Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Boat rides are available from Senggigi. (The word Gili is one of the local words for island). These islands are beautiful destinations with white beaches, colorful coral reefs, no vehicles, and limited electricity. Accommodations consist of basic huts on most of these islands. Gili Trawangan, the outermost of these three islands, however, features some nicer hotels with air conditioning and swimming pools. The nightlife on all three islands typically appeals to younger travelers.

Sumatra: Sumatera locally, straddles the equator. It is heavily forested and rich with rare wildlife. Numerous large reserves and preservation areas have been set aside, which makes the island ideal for ecotourism. The mountains in the west and the swampy plains in the east define Sumatra’s landscape. The backbone of the island is the volcanic Barisan Mountain chain, which runs the entire length of the island from north to south. Most of Sumatra was covered by tropical rainforest prior to the development of natural resource industries. The jungles are home to species such as orangutans, tapirs, Sumatran tigers and elephants.

Mount Leuser National Park is home to the orangutan. The park has two distinct orangutan reserves within its boundaries, Bohorok and Ketambe, both of which rehabilitate animals back into the wild after they have lived in human captivity.

Mount Leuser National Park offers 10,000 square kilometers of protected habitat for the Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutan, Asian elephant, and the Sumatran tiger. The park hosts 320 species of birds, 176 mammal species, 194 reptile species, and 52 species of amphibian. Meanwhile, half of all plant species on Sumatra are found in the forests of Mount Leuser. The park is easily accessible from the village of Bukit Lawang, which is 96 km northwest of Medan.

Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The lake has a large island, Samosir, out in the middle, where visitors can stay overnight. Steep cliffs, pine trees, and several villages of Batak people surround the lake.

Prapat is the major village on the lake, where accommodations are abundant and ferries to Samosir Island are frequent. Plus, the Siguragura Falls, approximately 200 meters high and one of the highest in Southeast Asia, is located nearby. Affluent travelers from Indonesia, China, Japan, and Singapore flock to Lake Toba. Take a flight to Medan and then a ride a bus south to the lake.

Way Kambas National Park is home to wild elephants. The park also hosts a training center for the elephants, providing an excellent opportunity to view them up close. The center trains elephants for numerous purposes, including agriculture, logging and entertainment. 

Kalimantan: Borneo is the third-largest island in the world. Indonesia governs the southern two-thirds of Borneo, while Malaysia and Brunei control smaller northern and western sections. Indonesia calls its region Kalimantan, which is Indonesia’s second-largest province. It generates a substantial amount of wealth for the country because of its vast natural resources, including timber and gold. Its extensive oil reserves are now a key part of Indonesia’s economy, and diamonds, rare woods, rattan, and resin also are harvested from the island’s interior.

Camp Leakey and Tanjung Puting National Park (TAHN-joong POO-teeng) have millions of acres for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, flycatchers, kingfishers, drongos, mynas, bee-eaters, broadbills, herons, falconets, eagles, bulbuls, cormorants, agile gibbons, snakes, and crocodiles.

Ex-captive orangutans can be viewed at Camp Leakey and the Tanjung Harapan Rehabilitation Station. Dr. Birute Galdikas, a leading orangutan expert and award-winning conservationist, established Camp Leakey in 1971 as a study and rehabilitation center. It is currently supported by the Orangutan Foundation International. In the early 1980s, orangutan rehabilitation was moved to Tanjung Harapan to prevent overpopulation at Camp Leakey. Indonesian rangers work with scientists to rehabilitate ex-captive orangutans before releasing them into the forest within the park.

The orangutan (in Indonesian it means man of the forest) is only found on two islands in the world—Borneo and Sumatra. There just a few thousand left in the wild.

The park is approximately 30 kilometers from Pangkalanbun, which can be reached by air from several cities, including Semarang, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, and Banjarmasin. From Pangakalanbun, travelers can reach Kumai by car or motorcycle. From Kumai, the Park is reachable by speedboat or a slow riverboat, called a kelotok, along the Kumai and Sekonyer rivers. Park permits must be obtained from the PHPA Office in Kumai. Hotel accommodations are available in Pangkalanbun or Kumai. Up the river, you can stay at the Sekonyer Eco Lodge or the Rimba Lodge, near the park. Campers can use the Tanjung Harapan area within the park. 

Flores: Flores is located east of Komodo and south of Sulawesi. This island is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups who speak many languages. It seems to be a transition point between the Malay and Papuan races. The west coast of Flores is one of the few places, aside from the island of Komodo itself, where the Komodo dragon is found in the wild.

Flores is known for its mountainous terrain, but it also has good snorkeling and diving locations along the west and north coasts, especially near Komodo National Park and on the northern coast near Maumere and Riung. Scuba diving within the park is excellent.

Flores has several active and dormant volcanoes, including Egon, Ilimuda, Kelimutu, Lereboleng, and Lewotobi. Mount Ebulobo is the most active of them all and Mount Inerie is the tallest at nearly 7,300 feet. Only Java and Sumatra have more active volcanoes than Flores. The mountainous island also has had its share of deadly earthquakes. Flores is just a mile or so east of Komodo, which means Flores has several Komodo dragons of its own on the western side of the island. The male dragons swim the channel that separates the two islands in pursuit of food.

The most magnificent sites are the colored lakes inside the Kelimutu volcano. Each lake is a different color of blue, green, or black. The colors change over time.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia is a very large and diverse country. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, it is the largest archipelago in the world. The population of 240 million people is composed of about 300 ethnic groups who speak more than 250 different languages. While Bali and Jakarta are often the destinations of choice for business and pleasure, let’s explore some other top tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta: This is the historic and cultural capital of Java and Indonesia. The sultan of Java lives here in the Kraton. The area features some of the most impressive ancient monuments in Indonesia–Borobudur and Prambanan. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, while Prambanan is one of the largest Hindu monuments in the world. Mt. Merapi is visible from Yogyakarta and most of the region.

Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in all of Indonesia. Yogyakarta also is famous for its arts, especially batik fabrics. Bicycles and horse-drawn carts are still very common forms of transportation in the region, which gives the area a special charm, despite its sprawling size. Yogyakarta also is a university city, which gives it even more character.

Komodo Island: The only way to reach Komodo is by boat, which is an experience that can’t be missed in this island nation. Most visitors arrive on large boats, which is a first-class way to eat and sleep in this extremely remote region.

The Komodo dragons live on three islands in the area–Komodo, Rinca and Padar. A few have even crossed the strait to the western tip of Flores. These arid, volcanic islands are inhabited by about 5,700 giant lizards, which grow as large as 12 feet long (three meters). They exist nowhere else in the world and are of great interest to scientists studying the theory of evolution.

The local villagers call the Komodo dragon ora, which means land crocodile. The dragons are normally a sandy brown with dark markings against very coarse and dry scales. They have a long neck and a tail that is longer than their body. They have strong, sharp claws that are used in combat with other dragons and during feeding frenzies.

The rugged hillsides of dry savannah and pockets of thorny green vegetation contrast with the brilliant white sandy beaches and the blue waters surging over coral. Although the dragons are the primary attraction to the area, these waters offer some of the best scuba diving in the country and the world. The marine fauna and flora are generally the same as that found throughout the Indo Pacific area, though species richness is very high, notable marine mammals include blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and sperm whale (Physeter catodon) as well as 10 species of dolphin, dugong (Dugong dugon) and five species of sea turtles.

Camp Leakey: Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and – most famously – orangutans. Unfortunately the park is heavily threatened by illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses., this is your best opportunity to see orangutans in their own habitat. Some are being rehabilitated, while wild orangutans also visit the area, which is not fenced.

In the early ’70s, Dr. Galdikas traveled from Los Angeles to the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan on Borneo to study orangutans.

She has spent much of the last 45 years on the island, researching the orangutan and fighting to protect its habitat.

Bunaken: Located at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas. The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70 percent of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean.

Indonesia is an epicenter of underwater biodiversity, hosting a greater variety of marine life than anywhere else on earth. The South China Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean converge here, on the world’s largest archipelago of more than 18,000 islands, and the result is spectacular diving. Thriving off Indonesia’s vast coastline are more than 600 coral and 3000 fish species. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between April and November.

Torajaland: Also known as Tanah Toraja, this is a highland region of Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses and spectacular funeral rites. The region also features some interesting megaliths.

Lake Toba: Lake Toba is on the island of Sumatra. It’s an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. The island in the middle – Pulau Samosir – is the largest island within an island and contains two lakes. Tourists from around the world come here to relax and swim in the volcanically warmed waters.

The volcanic activity of this region produces fertile land and beautiful scenery. It also contains rich deposits of coal and gold.

Ubud: Perched high in the hillsides, Ubud is much cooler and greener than life on the beaches far below. Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali and one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia. There are dance and music performances every day throughout the city as well as numerous art galleries and craft shops to explore. Although Ubud has long been valued as a great place to learn about Balinese culture.

Raja Empat: This is a fascinating diving destination near Papua. It’s a great region to see manta rays and other rare marine life. Over time, tourists mispronounced the name so much that even locals refer to the area as Raja “Ampat.” Don’t be fooled and please don’t perpetuate the error. Raja Empat means “four kings.” As with the best diving in Indonesia, this trip requires a live-aboard boat.

The waters of Raja Empat boast more than 1200 marine life species. The reefs at Kofiau are filled with colorful soft and hard corals that hide myriad creatures while blue and gold fusiliers flow like living rivers of color overhead. These coral bommies and gardens harbor some of the highest marine biodiversity in the region. At Northwest Misool, a blue water mangrove maze of trees meets the color of the reef. If you’re a photographer who likes over/under images, you’ll want to take up permanent residence. The Passage is a narrow river of sea between Waigeo and Gam Islands, the coral here grows pretty much to the surface and you’ll find piles of nudibranchs, sharks, cuttlefish and octopus among the soft corals.

Wakatobi: Wakatobi is a world-class scuba diving destination. It’s drop-off is famed for its action and color, with everything from blue ringed octopus and ghost pipefish to resident sea turtles cruising past soft corals and gorgonians. Lembeh is renowned for muck diving. With a sharp eye, you’ll find banded snake eels, pygmy seahorses, octopus, scorpion fish and literally hundreds of extraordinarily well-camouflaged critters. Almost anything could be hiding in the black sand.

Those who make the journey to Wakatobi are well rewarded. Above water, the islands are stunning. Below, the diverse and memorable house reef is home to creatures ranging from the small and strange to giant mantas and resident turtles. In addition, the readily accessible coral garden at Teluk Maya harbors Pegasus sea moths, pipe fish, and an endemic pygmy seahorse species.

Many dive sites feature thick forests of vibrant soft corals, which hide lots of animals. Seamounts dominate the extraordinarily photogenic dive at Blade where sea fans, sponges and corals abound and seem to have positioned themselves in the most picturesque places on the reef.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia has more than 18,000 islands and 6,000 of them are inhabited. It is the largest archipelago in the world. It includes more than 260 million people from more than 300 ethnic groups. They speak more than 250 different languages across Indonesia.

Bali still is the most popular island, but many other  destinations await across this vast and diverse country.

Lake Toba on the island of Sumatra is an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. The island in the middle – Pulau Samosir – is the largest island within an island and contains two lakes. Besides visiting “a lake on an island within a lake on an island” tourist also come here to kick back and relax and swim in the volcanically warmed waters.

Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and – most famously – orangutans. Unfortunately the park is heavily threatened by illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses.

The Baliem Valley in the highlands of Western New Guinea offers a glimpse into what was recently a stone-age world. The valley was not known to the outside world until 1938 when an aerial reconnaissance flight southwards from Hollandia (now Jayapura) discovered a large agricultural population. Wamena is the starting point for most visitors who come nowadays to marvel at the mountain views, roaring rivers, tribal villages and at the tough but sweet spirit of the warm Dani people.

Gunung Bromo is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most well known. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia and Java. The top of the volcano has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white smoke. It is surrounded by the Sea of Sand of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly.

Located at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas.

The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70 percent of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November.

Toraja land  or Tanah Toraja is a highland region of South Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s death, the body is kept – often for several years – until the actual funeral ceremony which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree.

Lombok’s most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Note that the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak and there are many other islands around the coast of Lombok with Gili in their names.

The Komodo National Park is a national park located within the Lesser Sunda Islands that includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones.

The park is named after the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest living reptile that can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg.

Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carcass of dead animals, they are formidable predators and will also hunt prey including birds, and mammals. Attacks against humans are very rare.

Located 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta on Java, the Borobudur is the one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. Borobudur was built over 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that still remain a mystery and for centuries lay hidden in the jungle under layers of volcanic ash. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali and one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia. There are dance and music performances every day throughout the city as well as numerous art galleries and craft shops to explore. Although Ubud has long been valued as a great place to learn about Balinese culture, tourism in Ubud boomed exponentially in the last decades. Fortunately, it only takes a short walk or bicycle ride to escape from the crowds and commercialism.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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