Indonesia Hotels

Republic of Indonesia consists of more than 17 000 islands in the Pacific on the tropical zone. These islands are scattered in a vast area, almost as large as the USA. About 2/3 of these islands are inhabited.

The official slogan is so true. Indonesia really is the ultimate in diversity! Some of these islands are volcanic formations. Larger ones have vast untouched tropical jungles with many species from orang-utans to marsupials. The Komodo Island houses the enormous reptile, the komodo dragon. There are even snow covered peaks in Papua! Best thing about Indonesia's nature is the untouched feel of it! There are still unexplored lands in the depths of Jungles. For those willing to explore and observe, there is no better place in the world! Being this close to equatorial line, regular four seasons are not observed. Instead, there is one wet season and another camparetively drier one. All year round, these islands live hot and humid days.

The diversity is not limited to environment either. Some of these tropical beaches are open for summer tourism. For instance, Bali Island has many developed resorts and facilities, restaurants, even bars and nightclubs. Lombok region is perfect for watersports, especially surfing.

Indonesia never had a unified state in the history. Republic of Indonesia was founded after the second world war. In colonial times, trade was mostly dominated by the Dutch. However no real European effect is felt in the culture. Each separate island had developed a culture of its own. The spirit of ethnicity still lives in today's society, there are thousands of different clans, tribes each with distinct customs and traditions. While most of the populace is Muslim, (almost 90 %), there are Christians, Hindus and Buddhists too. Different group were influenced by different cultures. The biggest influence of course comes from Islam; Malay and Arabic cultures. In most areas, people are very tolerant. Today, a unified Indonesian culture is starting to appear, as people started living together in the gleaming metropols, such as the capital Jakarta.

There is of course, great variety in the cuisine yet Indonesian cuisine should be called simple compared to surrounding cultures. Rice is the most important element. Seafood, noodles, soups and local produce are commonly used. As long as you are willing to try new things, you'll come across many specialties according to your taste. Perhaps the strongest point of Indonesian cuisine is the exotic fruits; mango, papaya, banana, star fruit and guava. Both tea and coffee is drank.

The history, the people, the culture, the nature.. Each offer more diversity than the last in Indonesia. This country serves both casual summer tourists and nature explorers, as well as water sport enthusiasts. And best of all, this diversity does not result into mediocrity in any of the provided options.