| The name Indonesia was derived from indos | | | | massaged by an expert, then drift off in a |
| nesos, meaning islands near India. The country is | | | | cocoon wrap that is a heady mix of mango, |
| in fact the largest archipelago in the world with a | | | | ginger and ylang ylang. |
| thousand islands, 17,508 to be precise, spread in | | | | On peaceful Lombok, life moves at a slower |
| an area between the Asian continent and | | | | pace, while bustling Jakarta exhibits Indonesians |
| Australia, and between the Pacific and the Indian | | | | cosmopolitan, modern face. |
| oceans. | | | | Komodo Islands have living dinosaurs and the |
| The islands are inhabited by many tribes with | | | | entrancing sea gardens of Suwalesi invite |
| diverse culture and languages, although there is a | | | | exploration. |
| national language spoken throughout the country, | | | | Yet modern Indonesia have triggered troubles. |
| namely Bahasa Indonesia. It is thus appropriate, | | | | The main independence movement, the |
| that the countries motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, | | | | Indonesian Nationalist Party, emerged in the 1920s |
| which means Unity in Diversity. | | | | under the leadership of Ahmed Sukarno and by |
| Clear blue seas lap pristine beaches, gentle | | | | 1949, finally claimed the countries sovereignty. |
| breezes carry scents of spices and flowers, and | | | | Such sovereignty did not get off to a good start |
| divers are entranced by the oceans riches. Inland, | | | | previous colonial powers had depleted much of |
| dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green | | | | Indonesians wealth while contributing little to its |
| mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest. | | | | development. |
| Bali offers an image of paradise stunning scenery, | | | | However, from such a devastating tsunami also |
| gentle sarong clad people and sunsets of | | | | came a much needed glimmer of hope. A peace |
| legendary glory. | | | | agreement with separatist rebels was reached |
| If you think Bali is all about rowdy beach holidays, | | | | just as 2006 dawned, resulting in the withdrawal |
| its time to head to the hills in the beautiful interior | | | | of state security forces from the Aceh province. |
| of the island, where time moves at an entirely | | | | In return, Free Aceh Movement rebels began |
| different rhythm to the tourist resorts of the | | | | disarmament and vowed to abolish their armed |
| coastline. | | | | wing. Such withdrawal effectively ended a 29 |
| In recent years, dozens of spa resorts have | | | | year conflict. |
| opened in and around the inland town of Ubud. | | | | Indonesian extensive diversity of cultural heritage |
| They offer a slower and more sophisticated | | | | and craft products have long been admired, |
| alternative to the usual beach holiday and are | | | | appreciated and studied by world communities. |
| guaranteed to have you feeling fit and fantastic. | | | | Tropical climate varying from area to area. The |
| Gone are the days when a massage consisted of | | | | eastern monsoon brings the driest weather June |
| being prodded by an elderly lady as you lay prone | | | | to September, while the western monsoon brings |
| on the Kuta sand. | | | | the main rains December to March. Rainstorms |
| In Ubud, you recline in the private plunge pool of a | | | | occur all year. Higher regions are cooler. |
| hillside villa overlooking the rice paddies. You get | | | | |