Indonesia’s 17,000 islands strung across the equator offer travellers limitless diversity and adventure. A rich history of warring kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed Indonesia with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of volatile landscapes. A holiday in Indonesia offers something for everyone: spot an orang-utan in the almost untouched wilderness of Sumatra; be overwhelmed by the heaving, sprawling capital of Jakarta on volcano-studded Java; find a slice of paradise in Bali, an island of artistic people and elegant temples, resplendent scenery, palm groves, beach resorts and fabulous dive sites; or have a heart-stopping close encounter with the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.
