Famous sites in Indonesia

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Indonesia is composed of over 17,500 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited. The islands stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator.

Five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagoes are home to the majority of the population. The main islands are Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and last but not least Java which is home to 70 percent of the country's population. Indonesia shares Irian Jaya with Papua New Guinea and two thirds of the island of Kalimantan with Malaysia and Borneo.

The islands and people of Indonesia constitute the fourth most populated nation in the world. As a democratic republic, Indonesia is divided into 27 provinces and special territories.

Irian Jaya is the least populated, least visited and most remote province in Indonesia. It has thousand of kilometers of jungles, mountains and villages most of which are isolated. Irian Jaya is home to colourful and exquisite exotic birds, a variety of tribes and over 500 different languages.

Kalimantan is called “The island of Thousand Rivers” due to the presence of many large and small rivers. The rivers are a dominant form of transportation. South Kalimantan most popular attractions are the Barito Floating Market which offers a variety of local grown produce and Martapura Diamond Mining where you can try your luck at mining or watch the locals in action.

Central Java showcases little fishing towns, forests, rich culture and old historical sites. Central Java’s Hindu and Buddhist influence is on show to visitors who come the province. The landscape is captivating and so are the temples. The most famous is Borobudur a Buddhist sanctuary built in the ninth century. The walls of its seven terraces are carved with Buddhist art.

Borobudur

East Java has a variety of attractions ranging from temple sites, scenic beaches, lakes, volcanoes and wildlife reserves. Giant turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of the South Coast. East Java offers some of the best views of Java from the southern mountains and coastal areas.

Sulawesi is famous for its fertile soil that is home to a variety of plant and animal life, coconut and clove plantations, fruit and vegetables. A nature reserve has been established to protect rare animals including species such as Maleo birds, Cuscus, Babi Rusa (pig deer) and Anoa (dwarf buffalo). The Tinoor Highlands provide a panoramic view over Manado City, the bay, Bunaken Island, Manado Tua Island and Siladden Island.

The great mosque of Medan

Medan the capital of Sumatra is the gateway to west Indonesia. Sumatra is full of mountains, waterfalls, lakes and a mixture of cultural groups and plantations of rubber, tobacco, palm oil and coffee. The Batak people have retained much of the ancient traditions and cultures due to their isolation in the mountains. Ceremonies and festivals which are held throughout the region are very colourful occasions. Places of interest include: Sultan Deli Palace, The Grand Mosque, Sibolangit Botanical Gardens, Lake Toba and the traditional houses of Batak Karo.