Indonesia
Indonesia’s landscape and beauty is as effervescent & versatile as its culture. The influence of its neighbouring countries like India, China is evident. Religions also have influenced the Indonesian culture. The culture of Indonesia is well depicted in the arts and crafts of this South Asian country.
Introduction:
Indonesia offers so much diversity as a tourist destination with its stunning beaches and fantastic marine life, including sea diving & snorkelling, the orang-utans at Sumatra’s Bukit Lawang, the dense coral gardens neighbouring Maluku’s Banda Islands and Kalimantan’s Kutai National Park that one is bound to fall in love with the place.
Geography:
The Republic of Indonesia, an island nation in Southeast Asia and Oceania comprises of more than 17,500 different individual islands, which makes it the biggest archipelagic state in existence. Indonesia with a population of around 230 million people is the world’s fourth most populous country, with the world’s largest population of Muslims.
Climate:
Indonesia enjoys two tropical seasons, which fluctuates due to the equatorial air and the meridian air circulation. The dry season is from June to September while the rainy season is from December to March.
However, Central Maluku enjoys an exceptional scenario. The rainy season is from June to September and the dry season from December to March.
Flora & Fauna:
Like its culture and heritage Indonesia has a diverse variety of flora & fauna.It is home to the Rafflesia arnoldi (largest flower in the world), found only in certain parts of Sumatra. Infact, Sumatra is also abode to Amorphophallus tatinum, the largest inflorescence of its kind. Indonesia boasts of a wide range of orchids, timber many of which is used for manufacturing traditional herbal medicines.
Indonesia’s biodiversity is vast & varied due to its archipelago make-up. Western Indonesia boasts of Asian fauna whereas the eastern side prides in its Australasian influence. Moreover Indonesian ecosystem also has left its influence on its biodiversity.
Indonesia celebrates 5th November as the National Flora & Fauna Day, to promote love for its animals.
Must see Destinations:
Jakarta:
Jakarta the capital of Indonesia, celebrates Independence Day on 17 August. The Jakarta Fair which is held around 22 June and lasts three weeks, Jalan Jaksa Street Fair in August and the Jakarta International Cultural Performance in May are colourful, vibrant events reflecting the true spirit of Indonesia.
One can visit the National Monument towers, Istiqlal Mosque, the Central Museum, Portuguese Church, and Merdeka Square. Antiques market on Jalan Surabaya and batik factories in the Karet are the perfect shopping jaunt for sovenieurs and gifts.
Sumatra:
Sumatra surrounded by Indian Ocean in the West, Malay in the north, Borneo in the east and Java to its southeast is the second largest island of Indonesia.
Bengkulu, Mount Loeser Reserve and Gedung Wani are well known Reserve forests where one can catch sight of tigers, elephants, tapirs and rhinos. Other well known and attractive places to visit are Lingga Village, Bundo Kandung Museum, Lake Toba and Bukittingi’s Fort de Knock besides the volcanic mountain range, hot springs, uncharted jungle and wide-ranging plantations.
Sulawesi:
Sulawesi’s lofty mountains, lakes, valleys, hot springs like Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule are bound to entice the tourist & vast its spell. One van also visit Bantimurung Nature and Torajaland. Sulawesi is often referred to as ‘Orchid Island’. Sulawesi is well known for its varied artistic abilities like pottery, weaving, and dancing. Intricate weaving is another specialty of the people of Sulawesi.
Bali:
With its stunning white, sandy beaches, jungles and mountain, Bali is a tropical delight. Bali is well-known for its crafts and adventurous activities, which are organized on the southern beaches. Bali’s rich natural resources, welcoming people, and a year-round pleasant weather make it a famous tourist attraction. At night the beaches come alive and throb with parties, dances.
Lombok:
Lombok is a relatively unexplored place, rich with culture and local handicrafts like rattan baskets and woven fabrics. Major attractions include Senggigi Beach, Desert Point Gunung Rinjani, and Gili Islands.
Banda Islands:
Well known as the ‘Spice Islands’ (boasts of valuable spices) the place is popular for diving and snorkelling.
Istiqlal Mosque:
It is largest mosque in Southeast Asia and has the capacity to accommodate more than 120,000 people. Beside the religious facilities, the Istiqlal Mosque also has amenities for social and cultural activities like lectures, conferences, bazaars, and various programs for women, the youth and children.
Lake Toba:
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake. It speciality lies in the fact that it has a small lake within the lake itself.
