Indonesia Destination Information

Situated in one of the most beautiful natural settings in Indonesia, its rice terraces, flowing water and the soothing sound of bamboo music create an ambiance that is distinctively Balinese.

From Ubud visit the surrounding mask-making village of Mas, the artists in Pengosekan, and view fabulous traditional dance performances. Hike through rice fields on paths radiating out of Ubud and raft the holy Ayung River. Many of Bali's other attractions are a day-trip from Ubud.

South Bali

It's beach Babylon on legendary Kuta Beach, but it also has a good shopping district with art and artifacts, and exciting nightlife. Cliff-top Ulu Watu temple and fabled Tanah Lot are not to be missed. Easily accessible Denpasar Museum can be visited for its fine collection of art and artifacts.

Eastern Bali

Discover pre-Hindu villages, the Tirta Gangga baths built in the 1940s by a raja, and double ikat (an intricate local weaving style) textiles. Enjoy hiking and snorkeling.

North Coast & Western Bali

This seldom-visited area of Bali hosts black-sand beaches, national parks and snorkeling amongst reefs, walls and soft coral-encrusted boulders.

Central Highlands

Enjoy a cool mountain climate, dramatic volcanoes and rural life. Lake Batur is a crater lake and a great stop, and Besakih-the most holy temple complex on the island-is a must.

The largest of the monitor lizards, the Komodo dragon can reach 12 feet in length and can weigh up to 350 pounds. The habitat of the Komodo dragon varies from dense thickets to upland woodlands, rocky cliffs and open plains. Neighboring Rinca Island also harbors populations of wild horses, buffaloes and pigs, as well as the barking Timor deer.

In addition to observing dragons on both Komodo and Rinca islands, cruise through seas teeming with life-dolphins, tuna and whales are frequently seen-past some of the world's most spectacular island scenery. Snorkel from deserted pink-sand beaches over incredibly rich coral reefs.

The mountain is also a holy place to the native Tenggerese who live in the area. Even today they commemorate deceased ancestors in an annual ritual where offerings are thrown into the crater. The Hindu Tengger people possess Tibetan features and have a tradition of warm hospitality to visitors. Hike between villages through spectacular terraced terrain.

Yogyakarta

Lying in the epicenter of Central Java, Yogyakarta or Yogya (pronounced Joag-ja) is the hub of one of the most densely populated areas on earth. It is also the cultural and intellectual hub of Javanese civilization. Visit the Kraton (the Sultan's Palace) and Taman Sari (the Water Palace), the bird market and the souvenir stalls of Jalan Malioboro. Explore the Prambanan Temple, a massive complex of ancient Hindu temples. Take in an evening of Javanese gamelan music or see a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance. Perhaps visit Solo (aka Surakarta), Yogya's nearby sister city, overflowing with culture.

Borobudur

An absolute must are the reclaimed 9th century ruins at Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, one of the seven ancient wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The layout represents the 10 levels of a Bodhisattva's life that he or she must develop to become a Buddha, or "awakened one."

Krakatau (Krakatoa)

Explore its volcanoes and stunning scenery. Hiking, snorkeling and boating are all excellent.

Cruise by local boat, the klotok, up the Kumai River to arrive at the camp. Watch for native birds, including the spectacular rhinoceros hornbill. You'll likely see wild orangutans and the rare proboscis monkey on the way.

Hand selected by Louis Leakey along with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey to study the relationship between great apes and humans, Birute Galdikas established Camp Leakey, in the Tanjung Puting National Park, as her base for orangutan research over 25 years ago. This facility does important work in the training and reintroduction of formerly captive orangutans to the wild. The program provides a rare opportunity to closely observe orangutans in their natural habitat.

Dayak Villages

Unlike most of Kalimantan's tribes, who live near coastal areas, the Dayaks still favor areas deep inland along the banks of myriad waterways. Known for their intricate tattooing, blowguns, elongated earlobes with heavy metal earrings, and mastery of basket weaving and woodcarving, the Dayaks are facing-as are the rest of Indonesia's peoples-modernization. Even though the younger generation often sport shorts and T-shirts, watch for village elders in traditional garb, and travel into "Heart of Darkness" jungles on Kalimantan's most-often used highways-its rivers.

Noted for their music, the robust and straightforward nature of the Bataks is in stark contrast to the more subtle, refined Javanese. The shores of Lake Toba offer some of Indonesia's most inviting scenery. Pine forests stretch down to white sandy beaches, and calm waters invite you to swim, canoe or sail. Cruise to spectacular Samosir Island, rising in vertical cliffs from the center of the lake, where you'll see traditional villages. Upon returning to Medan, explore silver waterfalls and groves of cocoa and rubber trees.

You'll discover spectacular natural features, including eerie limestone karst mountains, large caves, hot springs, thundering waterfalls and huge lakes; distinctive flora and fauna; and diverse and exotic cultures including the Bugis (renowned as pirates in the not-too-distant past), the Makassar (builders of the fabulous Makassar schooners) and the Torajan (known for their incredible funeral ceremonies and cliff burials).

Tana Toraja (Torajaland)

The perfect place for trekking in Indonesia's dense rainforests. Experience tribal cultures, witness elaborate rituals and enjoy birding as you explore Tana Toraja by foot.

North Sulawesi

Its waters host some of the world's best snorkeling. Explore national parks with distinctive indigenous wildlife and dense tropical forest.