Indonesia

The world’s largest island country (a whopping 18,330 islands, to be exact) nestled between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is an exotic playground of volcanic activity and magical tropical adventure. (Not to mention a fabulous setting for many unusual places to stay!)

Java is the world’s most populous island, and is home to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city.  Fittingly, eight of the country’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites can be found here; Ujung Kulon National Park, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Sangiran Early Man Site.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is well worth a visit, too, if only for Mount Semeru. The highest mountain in the region, Semeru is also one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Climb it if you dare (and if you’re able to obtain the required permit!)

Prefer to stretch out on a paradise beach? Bali, otherwise known as the temple-dotted ‘Island of the Gods’, is perfect for those looking to find their Zen… as well as diving in the renowned Coral Triangle.

But if you fancy something less commercially well-known, Lombok is reminiscent of Bali before the tourists arrived. Think lush, volcano-topped jungles, tumbling waterfalls, and unspoilt, uncrowded beaches.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy a visit to Komodo National Park, a sanctuary for its legendary lizard namesake, the dinosaur-like Komodo Dragon. See these incredible free-roaming creatures up close, with help (and safety!) from an experienced tour guide.

Or head for the famed jungles of Borneo, where you’ll find Tanjung Puting National Park. Home to endangered orangutangs, you’ll also discover rare and diverse species that include the clouded leopard, proboscis (or long-nosed) monkeys, and over 200 types of bird.

You could also head for Bukit Lawang, a small village close to the capital of North Sumatra, to visit its purpose-built orangutang rehabilitation centre, and to observe a slice of Indonesian village life as it’s genuinely lived.

Indulge in more birdwatching on Raja Ampat – which translates as ‘Four Kings’ – a gorgeous jungle island cluster on the tip of Papua New Guinea. You’ll need your binoculars to appreciate the eagles and birds of paradise to be found here…

…and an underwater camera to capture the glorious coral reefs. In fact, the archipelago is home to around 75% of all coral species, and is a superb diving destination.

End your Indonesian adventure with a trip to Flores (‘Flowers’), and cast your eyes over its incredible multi-coloured crater lakes. Jungle hot springs and coral reefs will revive your weary soul, in a memorable holiday that’s sprinkled with more than a touch of magic.