Indonesia - thousands of islands and countless stories
General information
Indonesia is a country that is hard to capture in a single definition. It stretches across a vast area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and includes more than 17,000 islands, around 6,000 of them inhabited. It is the largest island nation in the world and one of the most diverse countries in Asia. Here you will find tropical beaches, volcanoes, jungles, rice fields, coral reefs and huge cities.
Indonesia lies between mainland Asia and Australia and shares land borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. Its maritime borders connect it with a number of countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The capital, Jakarta, is on the island of Java and is one of the largest urban centres in the region.
The country is also extremely diverse culturally. Indonesia is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, many local languages are spoken and there are different religious traditions. Although Islam is the majority religion, Hinduism is especially strong on Bali, and Christianity, Buddhism and traditional beliefs also play an important role in different parts of the country.
Climate
Indonesia has a mainly tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity all year round. Many areas have a dry and a rainy season, but the exact periods depend on the island and location.
For most travel routes the dry season is preferred, especially if the trip includes beaches, natural sights and hiking. On Bali, April to October is usually drier, while from November to March rain is more frequent. This does not mean the rainy season rules out travel - tropical showers are often brief, and the island is green and especially picturesque.
Culture and history
Indonesia's history is a story of trade routes, ancient kingdoms and the meeting of different cultures. Thanks to their location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the islands have for centuries been part of trade routes carrying spices, silk and other valuable goods. It was the spice trade that made the Indonesian archipelago so important to the European maritime powers.
Among the most impressive monuments of Indonesian history is Borobudur on Java - one of the most important Buddhist temple complexes in the world. Built around the 8th-9th centuries, it is a huge stone structure with many stupas and reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddhist tradition. The temple is especially impressive early in the morning, when the mist rises over the surrounding volcanoes and the landscape is gradually revealed.
Not far from Borobudur stands Prambanan - a magnificent Hindu temple complex dedicated mainly to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. With its tall stone towers and rich ornamentation, it shows how different religious traditions developed side by side on Java.
Indonesia is also a land of volcanoes. The archipelago lies in one of the most seismically active zones on the planet, and many volcanoes are still active. Volcanic soil is one of the reasons the islands have such fertile areas, where rice, coffee, tea and various tropical crops are grown.
Among the most visited places outside Bali is the island of Java, home to the Bromo and Ijen volcanoes. Climbing to the viewpoints over Bromo at sunrise is one of Indonesia's signature natural experiences, while Ijen is known for its volcanic lake and the unusual blue flames that can be seen in the right conditions.
But if there is one place that has become a symbol of Indonesia for many travellers, it is Bali.
Bali is a relatively small island, but it combines an impressive variety of nature, religion and culture. Unlike predominantly Muslim Indonesia, Bali's population is mostly Hindu, and religion is part of everyday life. Small shrines can be found in front of homes, shops and hotels, and the characteristic little baskets of flowers and offerings are placed every day as part of religious rituals.
One of the island's best-known areas is Ubud - a cultural centre surrounded by rice fields and tropical greenery. The town is known for its art galleries, traditional dance, crafts and temples. Nearby is the Sacred Monkey Forest, where ancient temples and statues are hidden among dense vegetation.
Bali is also famous for its rice terraces. The terraces around Tegallalang are among the most popular places for walks and photography, but similar landscapes can be found in other parts of the island too. They are the result of the traditional Balinese water management system known as subak, an important part of local agriculture and social life.
Among Bali's religious symbols, the Ulun Danu Beratan temple on Lake Beratan in the island's mountains is particularly impressive. Part of the temple complex seems to rise from the water itself, and the surrounding mountains and vegetation create one of Bali's most recognisable views.
Another iconic temple is Tanah Lot, built on a rock formation by the sea. It is most impressive around sunset, when the temple's silhouette stands out against the ocean. Bali has hundreds of temples, and this is what sets the island apart from typical tropical resorts - religion is not just part of the tourist programme but a living part of everyday life.
Of course, Bali also has beaches. The southern areas such as Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua are among the most popular tourist zones, but the island also has quieter stretches of coast. Kuta is known for its surf culture and lively atmosphere, Seminyak combines beaches, restaurants and modern hotels, and Nusa Dua is a calmer area with a resort feel.
For nature lovers, Bali also offers volcanic landscapes. Mount Batur is popular for early morning climbs, and the area around the volcano has views of Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains.
Indonesia, however, does not end with Bali. On the islands of Komodo and Rinca you can see Komodo dragons - the largest living lizards in the world. Komodo National Park is famous both for these unique animals and for its beautiful islands, coral reefs and diving opportunities.
Another impressive natural region is the island of Sulawesi, known for its unusual landscapes, underwater world and cultural traditions. In different parts of the country you can find completely different customs, languages and ways of life, which makes Indonesia a destination that can hardly be explored in a single trip.
Indonesian cuisine is also part of this diversity. Among the best-known dishes are nasi goreng - fried rice, satay - meat skewers, rendang - slow-cooked spiced meat, and gado-gado - a vegetable dish with peanut sauce. On Bali, local specialities such as babi guling and other dishes of Balinese cuisine are added to these.
Why and when to visit?
Indonesia is a destination for people who want nature, culture and relaxation all at once. A trip might begin with the temples and volcanoes of Java, continue with the cultural traditions of Bali and end with beaches, diving or island adventures.
Bali is especially well suited to a first encounter with Indonesia, as it brings together many of the country's characteristic experiences in a relatively small area - temples, rice fields, volcanoes, tropical forests and beaches. The island, however, should not be seen only as a beach destination. It is the combination of religion, nature and everyday life that makes it so different.
For most routes the dry season is the most convenient, especially from April to October, but the exact period should be chosen to suit the islands you plan to visit. If your destination is Bali, spring and early autumn can offer a good balance of weather, nature and visitor numbers.
Indonesia is a country that reveals itself gradually. Behind the famous beaches lie ancient temples, behind the noisy cities green mountains, and behind the tourist resorts cultures and traditions that are still part of everyday life. This is what makes the archipelago much more than an exotic holiday - it is a journey through one of the most diverse cultures and natural environments in Asia.
