Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, an enormous chain of well over 17,000 islands stretching over a distance of more than 5,000 kilometers along the equator--from Sumatra in the west to New Guinea in the east. Indonesia is home to some 185 million people. Bali

Bali is the best known island in Indonesia, with over a million visitors annually. Called 'Island of the Gods' for its many deities and Hindu-inspired religious festivals, Bali's major sights invariably include temples. Take a trip to Ubud where amidst interesting art galleries (Puri Lukisan and Neka Museums) you will find the gorgeous Sayan Valley, the superb rice terraces of Sebatu, and the mystical charm of the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave.

Batam

The ferry ride from Singapore to Batam takes only 45 minutes. Home to several excellent golf courses, Batam also offers an economical yet appetizing seafood restaurant built over the sea, open air sports facilities, and an indoor snow center at Waterfront City.

Bintan

There are attractive tourist resorts on the north and east coasts of Bintan. Accommodation ranges from the luxurious Banyan Tree, the deluxe Hotel Sedona Bintan Lagoon, and Sol Elite Bintan to the simple comforts of Mayang Sari Beach Resort.

Down south is Tanjung Pinang, where stalls in the main square serve deliciously fresh seafood at night. The local market offers good buys: in particular, embroidered clothes, batiks, and sarongs. From Tanjung Pinang, visitors can take a motorized sampan to Pulau Penyengat, where they can see ancient Malay ruins and a fort.

South Sumatra

The 1,700-km. island of Sumatra contains a great volcanic chain, the Bukit Barisan, which runs the entire length of the island. Visit scenic Lake Toba--a jewel-like crater lake set in the northern highlands. The Mingkabau, inhabitants of the spectacular highlands, are noted for their spicy cuisine, their distinctive houses with multi-peaked roofs, and a unique social system based on matrilineal descent.

Getting There