With 17,508 islands, the Republic of Indonesia is a tropical paradise to discover. As Kupang, West Timor is located just 820 km north of Darwin, Indonesia has well and truly become one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations. Here, travellers will be whisked into a glorious new world, full of exotic cuisine and tantalizing culture. Discover the marvels of Indonesia and learn why it is one of the jewels of the region.

Landscape & Climate

The archipelago of Indonesia makes up the southernmost part of the region that is known as Southeast Asia. Its central location has made it an important trading hub for centuries. Indonesia has 6,000 inhabited islands with a population of over 240 million people and shares its largest island, Borneo, with Malaysia and Brunei. Meanwhile, the island of Java includes some of the best known Indonesian cities, including Jakarta. The area as a whole has seen a number of shattering disasters, including the recent tsunami at the end of 2004, as a result of its tropical climate. . The climate of most of the area is subject to a monsoon season spanning from October and April. Temperatures are consistently warm at 26-30 degrees with exceptionally humid conditions. To add to Mother Nature’s many challenges, the country is also host to over 150 active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.

History

The colourful history of this archipelago begins with the powerful Srivijaya kingdom in the 7th century. A series of kingdoms have risen and fallen in the area during the centuries to follow, including the glorious Hindu Majapahit kingdom that established what is known as the Golden Age of Indonesia. Meanwhile, Muslim traders had a powerful influence in the area such that many of the natives eventually came to adapt the religion. In the 1500s, the Portuguese landed on the islands which began a series of European settlements, culminating in longstanding Dutch control of the area until Japanese invasion during WWII. The country was finally granted its independence in 1949. Communist rule followed, but as civil unrest remained rampant through most of the area, a democratic republic was eventually established with the first Indonesian president elected in 2004.Unfortunately, the political system remains generally unsettled with continued rioting and economic instability. Visitors should be advised to heed any warnings about potential difficulties in the area.

Getting There, Around and Enjoying Your Stay

For many, a holiday to Indonesia starts at Jakarta, the largest city in the country. Most travellers will find the heavy pollution and nightmarish traffic a holiday turn off, but there are many unique features of the city. Once in Jakarta, visitors looking to move to more picturesque destinations will find it easy to get around between the islands. Bali, of course, has become a popular tropical resort destination with many airline carriers offering special deals and cheap flights packaged with resort accommodations.

Boat travel is widely available between Java, Bali and Sumatra. Buses are the easiest way to get around on land and are readily available throughout most popular cities and towns. There are also a number of quirky local transport options including three wheeled bicycle powered cabs, horse drawn carts or rickshaws.

Culture and Cuisine

Indonesia's population is diverse mix of 300 ethnic groups, drawing much of its influence from Hindu culture. Meanwhile, Chinese, European and Arabic influences are also prominent. Traditional dance and sport are the favourite pastimes and rituals amongst the locals while the regional food also draws from Middle Eastern, Chinese, European and Indian roots. Indonesia is perhaps one of the most diverse melting pots of cultures and is quite an amazing area to discover a range of customs and traditions - or you might just appreciate it as a great tropical paradise.

Travel to Indonesia - Fast Facts

Area: 1.9 million sq km
Capital: Jakarta
Population: over 240 million
Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Currency: Rupiah
Economy: GDP: $909 billion

DID YOU KNOW?

The fossilised remains "Java Man" uncovered on the island of Java date back to possibly two million years. Java Man is one of the first skull samples that we have of Homo Erectus.

Paige Green writes for Student Flights, selling cheap flights to popular destinations worldwide.