INDONESIA
There can be no better place to adventure, tranquility and action than the islands in the archipelago, with an unimaginable number of 17000 islands the opportunities for travel and tourism in Indonesia is infinite. For a cultural tourist Indonesian islands are fast emerging as popular destination. The best part of travelling to this city is that the choices are endless. With over 6000 inhabited islands it goes without saying that it is the largest archipelago in the world. Perhaps this is the reason that no other Southeast Asian country offers the variety of choice for adventure travel destination. Located between the Indian and Pacific Ocean Indonesia, sits at the equator with droplet like islands woven all over the area. The cool soothing azure waters of exotic islands form super clear blue pristine beaches. These isolated beaches create opportunity for water sports like snorkeling, diving, surfing and fishing. Indonesia is also known for being the most volcanic country, with mighty rainforests and mountain peaks. The remarkably fertile soil is of great scope to biological world; it nurtures the corals and bounty of marine creatures in its womb. The visitor is not only enthralled by the scenic beauty of white sand beaches but also the varied cultural heritage of the people, their hospitality and the attractive traditional arts.
CULTURE
The major population in Indonesia comprises of Muslims around 87% and remaining percentage consists of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. The national language of Indonesians is Bahasa Indonesia that is taught in schools and majorly spoken in the country. The people of Indonesia are bound by the motto of ‘Unity in diversity’ and follow a national philosophy called Pancaslia. Exceptionally Indonesians have a complex cultural heritage and are devoted to celebrating life in the country. It can be felt in their music, dance, arts and rituals.
GEOGRAPHY
Indonesia extends up to 5120 kilometers from east to west and 1760 kilometers from north to south. The total land area is 19, 19,317 square kilometers. The capital of this country is Jakarta. Over 1, 08,000 kilometers of its area is occupied by beaches that provide more than seventeen thousand islands. Towards the west lies the Ring of Fire Indonesia popular for its 400 and odd volcanoes. Many of these volcanoes are considered active; also the undersea volcanoes are aggressive. Out of the 6000 inhabited islands Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya are the five majorly known islands.
Geographically Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi are grouped together and called the Greater Sunda Islands. The amazing mountain peaks range between 3,000 and 3,800 meters above sea level. The tallest mountains range from 4,700 to 5,000 meters located around the Irian Jaya Island. People interested in trekking can check out the highest known peak the Puncak Jaya that reaches a height of 5,039 meters located in Sudirman Mountains. All other islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra, Lombok, Sulawesi and Seram are famous for the mighty mountains. The mountainous areas receive the highest rainfall and commonly have a high humid climate. Being world’s 16th largest area wise the average population in Indonesia is 245 million with around 300 ethnic groups. Hence this country is known for its unique geography and history. The chief ethnic groups are Sudanese, Javanese, Madurese, and Malays.
Best time to visit (Climate):
The climate here is fair year-round and one need not very about extreme cold or summer seasons. The wet season falls between October and April, whereas the dry season here stays till September that starts from May. Though it rains suddenly in tropical regions of Indonesia other regions might experience droughts. With two seasons year around travelling in Indonesia is not a problem as in most parts of the country, only mud- clogged back roads can be restraint. So being on safer side visiting in dry season makes sense as some regions are prohibited to travel in wet season. Most of the tourists especially Australians and Europeans prefer to visit Indonesia during the Christmas holiday period that is from December to January.
FAMOUS DESTINATIONS
With the knowledge of best time to visit and you can plan your tour to Indonesia with basic knowledge of major tourist destinations. The government of Indonesia awarded ten destinations as top places of attraction. This step is to promote and develop the national tourism. This list includes Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, Bali, Jakarta, Bali and Komodo. The travelling cost varies from island to island but one can say that exploring this destination is an inexpensive affair. Let’s look at what the top destinations of Indonesia have to offer.
Java
This is one place that is considered as the heart of the city Indonesia and also popular place in whole Asia. Though densely populated its scenic beauty and aesthetics emerge as an adventure destination to International travelers. Java a center of Hindu and Buddhist culture is home to capital city Jakarta. The land of Java centrally is dominated by dozens of actively clustered volcanoes. It’s conveniently divided into East, Central and West Java and well-worn travelers’ plan their journey from Jakarta to Central Java that passes through Bogor, Bandung and Pangandaran. Other major attractions here are Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park at Cibodas, Prambanan temple, Borobudur temple, and Botanical gardens of Bogor. Shopping freaks can drop in to modern shopping centers like the ‘Jeans Street’ and catch a view of Colonial Dutch architecture. A visit around the city is worth spending time for hot springs, tea plantations, lovely profusion and volcanic craters. The best place for foodies, surfers and adventure lovers who can engage in superb seafood, surfing the waves and walk through the endless expanses of sand. These varieties of excursions force the visitors to stay for weeks together and make the most of the pleasant atmosphere.
Sultry Sumatra
Any inquisitive traveler is enthralled by chaotic jungles that are peppered with urban centers in Sumatra. Bukit Lawang is the most adored natural attraction where you can catch a glimpse of graceful creatures. Passionate mountaineers can choose a two day trek through the park that offers face to face view of orang-utans in the wild. A bus down to south from Bukit Lawang can take you to Danau Toba that is popular for Batak Culture and pulsating volcanic lake creates a languid ambience. Trekking is the traditional lure to this area and there are rambling markets, handicraft villages and gargantuan orchids to behold as well. Other attractions include Berbak Wildlife Reserve (one of the largest tiger populations is found here), Lake Toba, limestone gorges in native villages, and adventures on the Alas River.
Bali
Being small in size gives you a option to drive around the entire coast. This island portrays a varied mixture of religion and art in the daily lives of people that dating centuries back. Every temple and street in Bali witnesses the artisans’ greatness of traditional handicrafts. This art has been passed down for generations together. Being historically rich Bali is famous for Balinese cultural traditions, poetic hearts and ornate dances. The traditional stories and legends are retold through the graceful and gestural language of dance and songs. The attractions here include Bali Barat National Park that is home to rarest and beautiful birds, beaches, virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, and enchanting temple ceremonies are some of the images people cherish.
Sulawesi
This place sits in the center of Indonesian archipelago, and is divided into south, center and north apparently. Its shape is compared to that of a spider because of the huge peninsulas stretching out haphazardly into the South Pacific Ocean. The most frequently visited places here are the Bunaken Marine Park, Unjung Padang and the Togian Islands. Sulawesi is rich in history and its southern plains rise to the mountain fastness of Tanah Toraja. Cultural tourists in Sulawesi get a good chance to view the traditional Toraja houses called Tongkonan that are built on stilts with horny ends facing north and south always.
Komodo National Park
Not to leave is the legendary Komodo national park with gigantic reptile on the planet. Located to the center in the city between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores this park was established in the year 1980. Locally known as ora, the Komodo dragon belongs to the lizard family. Also visit the island of Komodo that is dry and barren with rainfalls during November and March.
HOW TO GET HERE
Getting here is not a costly affair if you plan through any specialist flight agent. And because it’s a vast country there are ample of International flights scheduled to this destination. One can choose from Java’s Sukarno-Hatta airport in Jakarta and Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, look for attractive travel packages offered by travel agents. Also your expenses will depend upon the season as the price may vary according to seasons. July through the end of August is the best time to visit and highest running when the weather is best running in Indonesia. Off season rates are lower and that is during June to September. You can plan your travel online as many airlines and travel websites have valuable offers throughout the year. Planning in advance will make your trip organized and flexible.
Click to Hide