Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, consists of 13,677 islands stretching for 3,200 miles along the equator across beautiful tropical seas, linking the Asian and Australian mainland. Some of the earliest inhabitants date back 500,000 years and today you will find the majority of the people Moslem with the exception of Bali which still maintains strong Hindu beliefs. A fertile country composed of volcanoes and rice-terraced mountains, Indonesia enjoys moderate temperatures all year long and has a steady supply of rainfall that keeps the land green and lush, and the harvests bountiful. A nation rich in arts and culture, Indonesia boasts some of the most talented artisans in the world. See the legendary epic dramas with their ornate costumes and traditional gamelan orchestras. Visit with the craftsmen that work with stone, wood, clay, metals and paint to create local scenes that are so much a part of this culture. Observe the fascinating art of batik with a myriad of designs and styles that are fashioned into sarongs, clothing and decorative pieces. The staple foods of rice and seafood are commonly combined with a wide variety of fresh vegetables.

Bali is by far Indonesia's most popular destination, consisting of a living and vibrant culture, unique arts and crafts, friendly people and a genuine beauty that is almost unreal. Bali's three main beaches, Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua, offer beautiful white-sand and luxurious five-star resorts. With a strong history of Hindu religious beliefs, the Balinese people are some of the friendliest and most gracious on earth. Visit Ubud, an incredible handicraft center, set in the lush rice terraces of central Bali. Venture into the surrounding countryside to the many villages, each with its own craft specialization such as Mas where you will find art galleries exhibiting woodcarvings that will leave you in awe. Travel to Batubulan where divinities and demons are carved from stone, or to Celuk where one can marvel at the gold and silverworks that are created. The temples at Besakih, Bangli and Tampaksiring are powerful shrines for frequent pilgrimmages by families from around the island. The village of Kintamani offers spectacular views of volcanic Mt. Batur situated by a lake with the same name. Bali has the largest selection of hotels in the entire archipelago that cater to all budgets and tastes.

Java stretches across the Indian Ocean and Java Sea between Sumatra and Bali. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and serves as its economic and cultural center. West Java contains some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Indonesia with verdant rice fields and towering volcanoes, including the legendary island of Krakatau. The outdoors come alive in West Java with the pristine wilderness of the Ujung Kulon National Park and serenity of the Botanical Gardens at Bogor. Bandung is the center of the soft spoken Sudanese people with their unique musical and puppet performances.

Central Java's history is an interesting mix of ancient religions and age-old traditions passed on over the generations. Jogjakarta is one of the foremost cultural centers in all of Indonesia. A mix of gamelan, Javanese dance, batik art and puppet theatre has always enchanted the visitor from both near and far. Jogjakarta's sister city of Surakarta (Solo) boasts many ancient Javanese artifacts in its Royal Palace. Temple shrines in central Java include the world's largest stupa, Borobudur. Built in the 8th century, sculpted bas reliefs extend for four miles throughout this ancient archaeological wonder of the world. The Hindu temple complex at Prambanan is a magnificent place to witness the Ramayana Ballet performed during full moon nights from May to October. After a scenic drive through beautiful mountains, some of the oldest Hindu monuments are found along the Dieng Plateau. The monuments stand on a crater floor amidst sulfur springs at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

The still active volcano Mt. Bromo, in East Java, offers the adventurous traveler a chance to witness a magical sunrise after a pre-dawn climb to the crater. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to explore the Baluran National Park and Wildlife Reserve as well as the Meru Betiri Reserve for a possible sighting of the elusive Javanese tiger. Overland travelers will take the ferry at Ketapang across the Bali Strait to Gilimanuk on Bali.

Sumatra, the fifth largest island in the world consists of an extraordinary wealth of resources, peoples and cultures. An underpopulated island, Sumatra's diversity in culture is probably unsurpassed in all of the island nation. Medan is the embarkation point for travel to Parapat along the shores of Lake Toba, where magical vistas mix with the easy going native Batak people. Enchanting Samosir Island in the middle of Lake Toba takes the visitor back in time to traditional Batak houses where local dance performances are staged. The adventurous traveler will want to visit Mt. Leuser National Park for a glimpse of the orangutans that live in an area called Bohorok, deep in the dense jungle. Remote beach seekers will find the island of Nias to be a perfect Shangri La! The Minangkabau Kingdom of West Sumatra has its main cultural center located at Bukittinggi in the beautiful highlands. Its surrounding volcanoes and the Ngari Sianok Canyon make this panoramic landscape a sight that words can't quite express. Art lovers should visit the weaving village at Silungkang for a look into how the beautifully colored silk songket sarongs and scarves are made. The Eastern Province of Riau along with its 3,000 islands offer the visitor remote beaches as well as a history of one of the world's busiest trade routes, the Strait of Malacca.

Lombok is where the transition from the western to the eastern Indonesian fauna and flora begins. A relatively new travel destination, Lombok has white-sand beaches and a rich and varied culture that is only recently being discovered. The Sasak people that make up the majority of the island's population are predominantly Moslem. Mataram is the embarkation point for people arriving by air who generally transfer to the lush beaches of Sengiggi where the magnificent coast of Bali provides a backdrop for postcard sunsets. The more adventurous travelers will climb up Mt. Rinjani for a spiritually enlightening experience.

Sulawesi is a strangely shaped yet strikingly beautiful island with a mix of exotic cultures and ancestoral beliefs. The southern provincial capital of Ujung Pandang is home to the Bugis people and the main gateway to the unexplored reaches of central Sulawesi. Tana Toraja, the "Land of the Toraja" is located in the central mountainous region and home to a fiercely independent people that steadfastly adhere to their time-tested traditions. Cliff graves and burial chambers are cut out of limestone rock and balconies are filled with effigies of the dead. Death rituals are somber and joyous at the same time reflecting their respect for the power of life and what comes after. The traditional design of the Toraja house replicates those ships that brought their ancestors to this land. Built on stilts above the ground, the roof, rearing up on both ends, is the most striking feature resembling that of the bow and stern. Manado lies on the north tip of Sulawesi and is an excellent base for the visiting Bunaken Island for its brilliant coral reefs and underwater life.

Sumbawa is a relatively unexplored mountainous island located between Lombok and Flores. The harbor at Sape allows for daily excursions across the strait to the famed island of Komodo. The main attraction to the desert islands of Komodo and Rinca are the protected Komodo Dragons. These giant monitor lizards worship sun while laying in wait for their next meal. And those wishing a closer look at these fierce reptiles, limited accommodation is available in basic huts at Loh Liang on Komodo or Loh Buaya on Rinca.

Flores is a long narrow island dotted with volcanoes as well as a major commercial center producing rubber, sandalwood, wild cinnamon and cotton for the world famous ikat woven in the towns of Ende, Maumere and Manggarai. Separated by the Wallace Line, the variety in flora and fauna is quite drastic contributing to one of the world's most dynamic marine environments. Ascend to the three crater lakes of Keli Mutu for an unforgettable sunrise! The lakes change colors in accordance with the gases and liquids that erupt from deep inside the earth.

Sumba, oval in shape, is famous today for its sculpted megaliths, tribal war games and elaborate ikat. The extensive handloom industry has flourished for centuries and Sumba produces some of the most beautiful textiles in the entire archipelago. During February or March, be on the lookout for the horseback ritual called "Pasola". During what may be compared to a jousting event, Pasola is a traditional war game where more than one hundred riders charge one another flinging bluntheaded spears.

Formerly known as the Spice Islands, Maluku supplies the world with quality spices including the pungent clove. Ambon is Maluku's provincial capital and gateway for exploring the quaint Dutch and Portuguese influences that permeate this tropical paradise. Maluku is well known for its exotic birdlife as well as being a diver's paradise.

Located on the western half of New Guinea, Irian Jaya is one of the world's last frontiers. A land of exceptional beauty, from the coconut palmed beaches of the coast through the verdant rainforest to the snow-capped mountains, Irian Jaya also holds immense fascination for the naturalist to explore the widest variety of flora and fauna found anywhere in the world. After leaving Jayapura, deplane at Wamena in the Baliem Valley to interact with the friendly Dani tribespeople who practice intense ancestral worship rituals. Overnight in traditional village huts for the experience of your life!