Investigate Indonesia

The vast numbers of Indonesian islands are spread across the equator boasting clear blue seas lapping onto pristine beaches with gentle winds carrying scents of spices and flowers- welcoming its captivated visitors.

Explore Indonesia:

The chain of Indonesian islands form a natural barrier between the Indian and Pacific oceans, so it’s no wonder that there are so many daring activities for its visitors. Underwater adventures include snorkelling and diving, which is legendary around these islands. And you won't want to miss the Coral Sea gardens of Bunaken Island; the marine life you will encounter and the breathtaking drop-off reef formation will be the highlight of any trip to Indonesia. Almost all of the larger islands have active volcanoes and trekking tours, which are popular amongst the most exploratory visitors.

One of the places that should be on your to do list should be Sumatra; the largest Indonesian island, but least developed province. Sumatra rests along the equator and is heavily forested and rich in wildlife- so if you want to witness some truly natural beauty then take a stroll amongst the wild flora, which could be the ideal relaxation you need. One of the most famous attractions is Mount Leuser National Park, which homes a large number of Orang-Utans.

Another feature of Sumatra is the particularly enthralling adventure experience, which takes place on the Alas River. The river winds its way across North Sumatra through jungle, limestone gorges, and native villages. The voyage begins in the Karo Highlands and culminates with the Indian Ocean: a descent ten times that of the Grand Canyon's Colorado River.

Bali is an island where art and religion mingle in the daily lives of people in a way unlike anywhere else on earth- giving it an essence of enchantment. Its culture overflows from its temples and into the streets. Some Balinese cultural traditions are its poetic, ornate dances, which employ a graceful and highly-sophisticated gestural language to narrate traditional stories and legends. So join in and experience the culture first hand to truly feel the spirit of the island.

Bali's natural beauty is as startling as its cultural riches, offering an image of paradise, with stunning scenery, gentle sarong-clad people and sunsets of legendary glory. Bali Barat National Park, which dominates the entire west end of the island, is home to one of the world's rarest and most beautiful birds. While the beaches of Bali are world famous; with many being ideal for surfing, as well as having plenty of offshore reefs create great scuba diving environments.

What to do?

Trek through the jungle of the Indonesian rainforest - Irian Jaya, Kalimantan and Sumatra offer the most remote and untouched terrain to explore. The best trails include trips to Bukit Barisan National Park, a remote and beautiful peninsula in Sumatra and the Muller Mountain in Kalimantan. With so much choice you will run out of time before running out of things to see and do.

The local cuisine can be traced back for centuries, as the islands have been a centre of international trade for years. Rich, volcanic soil produces an amazing number of fruits and vegetables and the seas yield vast numbers of fish. Spices, however, have been the main source of Indonesia's fame for a long time and can be seen throughout the traditional dishes.

Indonesian food is an umbrella term covering a vast variety of cuisines. If you are daring enough to try the spiciest and even outlandish local foods, look for Batak eateries (Lapo) and Manadonese eateries. These two ethnicities have a different way of cooking than the standard Javanese and Padang style, which incorporate hot and spicy with unusual ingredients like wild boar.

Adventure looms in this vast archipelago, where the best of Southeast Asia’s vivid colours, dramatic vistas and diverse cultures brew a potent mixture, guaranteed to leave your senses spinning.

- K.J.N -