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Map - Indonesia

Map - Java
Map - Bali

You will undoubtedly find that the Indonesians are extremely friendly and welcoming to travelers, as they welcome you into their lives, pleased to have a guest to entertain and smiles abounding.

Consisting of more than 17,000 islands, the vast Indonesian archipelago spans 5,120 km across the equator, positioned between the Asian and Australian continents. Four-fifths of the area is sea with the major islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua (Irian Jaya). The 300 ethnic groups that exist harmoniously gives birth to a potpourri of cultures and fascinating people. The major ethnic groups are: Minangkabaunese, Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Maduranese and Ambonnese. Arab, Chinese and Indian immigrants have also settled in regions throughout the country, particularly in the coastal cities.

Geographically, Indonesia's landscape is greatly varied. Java and Bali have the most fertile islands and rice fields are concentrated in these two regions, whereas Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua are still largely covered with tropical rainforest. Open savannah and grassland characterize Nusa Tenggara.

The lowlands, that comprise most of Indonesia, has a characteristically tropical climate with abundant rainfall, high-temperatures and humidity. Indonesia's tropical climate and unique geographical character provides shelter for flora and fauna that are as diversely rich as its land and people. The plants and animals in Indonesia's western region represent that of mainland Asia while those in the eastern region are typical of Australia. Endemic species, which are the pride of Indonesia, exist in the central region such as orangutans, tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, dugongs and komodo dragons. The warm tropical waters of the archipelago nurture a rich marine environment that holds a myriad of fish, coral species and marine mammals.

A cultural heritage passed on through generations offers a wealth of traditional arts and crafts. Batik, wooden carvings, weavings, silverworks and many other traditional skills produce exquisitely beautiful items. Indonesia's multi-racial and multi-religious culture mean festivals steeped in traditions are celebrated throughout the year. Frequently featured in these events are dances, wayang theaters and other performing arts.

Volcanoes
The archipelago is divided into the Greater Sunda islands, the Smaller Sunda islands and East Indonesia. Most of the islands rests on volcanic ground, which is both a menace and a gift. When a volcano erupts, many people can die and whole villages may be destroyed, but the ashes also have a life giving effect and makes some of the Indonesian soil amongst the most fertile in the world.

Probably the most well-known volcanic eruption occurred in 1883 when the island of Rakata Besar turned upside down and disappeared, just to evolve again in 1927 as Anak Krakatoa. The explosion of 1883 was the worst in recorded history and was heard as far away as Brisbane (Australia) over 4000 kilometers away. Many villages on the coast of west Java and south Sumatra were completely destroyed and volcanic debris landed as far away as Madagascar on the other side of the Indian Ocean. The eruption sent stones and ash flying some 27 kilometers into the sky and boats were rocked in the English Channel.  Anak Krakatoa is still active today.

Islands
Sumatra is the biggest of all the Indonesian islands, 473 606km², and is part of the Greater Sunda Islands. Other islands of Java and Madura are 132 187 km², Sulawesi, 189 216km², and Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, is 539 469km². The Smaller Sunda Islands consists of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Komodo, Timor and they are called Nusa Tenggara. Far to the east is Papua (Irian Jaya), 421 951km2, the Indonesian part of New Guinea. Another group of islands are the Moluccas, located east of Sulawesi. These islands used to be known as the Spice Islands because of the Portuguese trade in the 16th century.