Indonesia

Bali and Beyond

Bali has earned its reputation as one of the world's great travel destinations, with its cascade of sacred temples, rice terrace walks, spirited arts scene and sunset beach bars. But step beyond Bali and the rewards multiply. Lombok offers dramatic volcanic scenery and quieter shores. The Gili Islands serve up crystalline water and a blissfully car-free pace. Java packs Borobudur, Prambanan and the smouldering crater of Bromo into one extraordinary island.

A Table That Never Ends

Indonesian food is a glorious, spice-laden affair that shifts character from island to island. Rendang from West Sumatra is rich and slow-cooked, nasi goreng turns up everywhere with its fragrant wok-charred rice, and the satay smoke from roadside warung carts is an invitation that is nearly impossible to decline. A bowl of soto in the morning, a plate of gado gado at noon, a seafood feast grilled on the beach at dusk: the Indonesian table is endlessly generous.

Wildlife, Wilderness and the Open Sea

Indonesia is home to some of the planet's most remarkable wildlife. Komodo dragons patrol their rugged island domain, orangutans swing through the rainforest canopy of Borneo and Sumatra, and the waters of Raja Ampat in West Papua rank among the most biodiverse marine environments on earth. Surfers chase perfect barrels off the Mentawai Islands, hikers work their way up the smoking rim of Kawah Ijen before sunrise, and divers drop into walls of colour that seem to have no end.