FLYING high
INDONESIA
The world’s largest archipelago stretches most of the way from the Malay Peninsula to Australia, spanning more than 17,000 islands. In fact, the number of islands changes regularly as earthquakes and volcanoes remodel the landscape. Fringed by blissful beaches and coral reefs, the islands are a vision in rainforest green, home to hundreds of rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. For visitors, the variety of peoples and cultures on these scattered islands – from Islamic Java to Hindu Bali and the animist traditions of Borneo, Sulawesi and Papua – is as big an attraction as the islands’ natural wonders.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May to September, for dry skies (in most places).
TOP THINGS TO SEE
• The geometry of the Buddhist stupa at Borobudur, a representation of heaven on earth.
• Shadow puppetry, batik dyeing and other ancient arts in Yogyakarta.
• Otherworldly rituals that spill into the surreal in Tana Toraja.
• Rice terraces and tiered temples on touristy but sublime Bali.
• Views over a primordial landscape of steaming volcanoes from the top of Gunung Bromo.
TOP THINGS TO DO
• Soak up the barefoot beach vibe on the gorgeous Gili Islands.
