INDONESIA

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Islands of Diversity!

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with more than 17,000 large and small islands, scattered over both sides of the equator, many which are inhabited. Its location on the western rim of the Ring of Fire makes it the site of numerous (undersea) volcanoes.

Indonesia’s location, size, tropical climate, and archipelagic geography, has generated the most diverse landscapes, a great number of ecosystems and one of the world’s highest levels of biodiversity.
From fertile rice paddies on Java and Bali to luxuriant rainforests of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, to savannah grasslands of the Nusatenggara islands, and even snow-capped peaks of West Papua, Indonesia has it all!

Its flora and fauna is a mixture of Asian and Australasian species, many of which are endemic. The prehistoric giant Komodo lizard, Orang Utan, the Java rhino, Sulawesi anoa dwarf buffalos, and birds of paradise are only few of the many examples of unique species that roam Indonesia’s forests. Not to mention its incredible marine biodiversity, according to scientists the richest in the world.

The archipelago is home to a fascinating blend of different cultures and traditions, which is expressed in the great variety of ancient temples, architecture, traditional rituals, the arts and music, and interesting events.

With 17,000 islands to choose from, Indonesian food is an umbrella term covering a vast variety of cuisines. Each gourmet should at least once indulge at a traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel, a feast for the palate and the eye, and as diverse as the country itself.