Must See

Bali

Bali, the most westerly of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is probably the best known island in the Indonesian Archipelago Its luxuriant tropical vegetation, colourful markets, artistically arranged rice terraces, rich arts and crafts, numerous Hindu shrines, and the famous temple dances exert a magical attraction throughout the year on holiday makers from all over the world.

Known as the Island of the Gods, it also offers fine sandy beaches, popular among surfers and other watersports enthusiasts. Ubud, in the middle of Bali, is a fascinating centre for art and local handicrafts.

The chain of volcanic mountains stretching from east to west across the island is dominated by the Gunung Agung (Holy Mountain), whose conical peak soars more than 3,170m (10,400ft) into the sky.

Sea Temple of Tanah Lot

The Sea Temple of Tanah Lot is located on the west coast of Bali (a short drive from Kediri) and is one of the most breathtaking sights of the island. For those who cannot get a place at the temple itself or on the invariably crowded viewing terrace, the best view of the temple and of the sunset can be found from a point rather farther away on the cliff-fringed coast.

Pura Besakih

Pura Besakih is a temple that stands high on the volcanic slopes of Gunung Agung, dating back originally to the 10th century. It is now a massive complex of more than 30 temples, and the setting for great ceremonial splendour on festival days.

Tampaksiring

The Holy Springs of Tampaksiring is a lake that supplies water to four bathing pools, discharged by 31 elaborately carved pipes. The right-hand pool is for women, the left-hand one for the men, for the performance of ritual purification.

Java

Borobudur

Perched on a hill in central Java, this awesome architectural feat is one of the structural wonders of the world. This is the largest Buddhist temple complex anywhere and comprises some 232 temples - many of which were lost in the jungle until rediscovered by the British in 1815. The walls feature five-kilometres of relief carvings.

Jakarta

The modern Istiqlal Mosque may be found in Jakarta, and is one of the largest in the world.

Caves

There are many caves on Java, including Gombong, whose stone towers rise spectacularly to some 40 m (132ft) above sea level, Gua Barat, which has the longest underground river system in the southern hemisphere, and.Luweng Jaran, which stretches over 20 km (125 miles) beneath the Gunung Seuw mountain range.

Volcanoes

If you're feeling intrepid, you may want to trek up an active volcano, such as Krakatoa, Kawah Ijen or Mount Bromo (the most visited of Indonesia's volcanoes).

Kalimantan

The great Mahakam River in Kalimantan, Borneo, is dissected by a network of rivers running from the mountainous interior to the coasts. Visitors can explore the river from the port city Samarinda, before continuing deep into the upper jungle reaches, where tribal communities have largely preserved their traditions.

Sulawesi

The beautiful Sulawesi, unofficially known as 'Orchid Island', is a land of misty valleys, lakes and high mountains. The island has geysers and hot springs at Karumengan, Lahendong, Kinilow, Makule and Leilem. In the south is Bantimurung Nature Reserve, which has thousands of exotic butterflies.

Torajaland (or Tana Toraja), known as the 'Land of the Heavenly Kings', is one of most visited regions in Indonesia. Here you can see the inhabitants' richly ornamented houses and their custom of burying the dead in vertical cliffside tombs.

Sumatra

Sumatra is the second-largest island in the archipelago, located on the equator. Its fine jungle reserves protect varied wildlife, such as tigers, elephants, tapirs and rhinos. You'll also be able to see Lake Toba, which was once a volcanic crater, 900m (3,000ft) above sea level, which has an inhabited island in the middle of it.

Other Attractions

Komodo Dragons

The world's largest lizards can be found on the islands of Komodo and Rinca. The prehistoric-looking, muscular reptiles can grow to over two metres in length.

Orangutans

The russet-furred 'forest men' can be seen in their jungle habitat at the rehabilitation centre on Kalimantan - an island still home to dense jungle and tribal nomads.

Shadow Puppets

These exquisite theatre shows retell ancient epics and well-known legends with up to 200 beautifully carved silhouettes. Performances can sometimes last all night, and are particularly fine on the island of Java.