Indonesia is the largest island country in the world, consisting of 17,508 islands, of which each carries its own special characteristics.
The islands are mostly mountainous and of volcanic origin. The volcanoes are very active there. Bali is the most attractive tourist destination, with its exotic resorts and attractions it is known as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
The island of Java, next to Bali, is the most densely populated Indonesian island. The remains of one of the oldest prehistoric people, so called ‘java man’, have been found there. Around 2000 years before Christ Austronesian people have come here from the southeastern Asia. At that time, Indonesia was already trading with China and India
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and it occupies most of the Malay archipelago, the largest archipelago in the world. On the island of Borneo it has a border with Malaysia, on Timor with East Timor, and on New Guinea with Papua New Guinea. Indonesia consists of 17,508 islands, occupying an area of 1,919,440 square kilometers, and 6000 of them are inhabited
Indonesia’s largest island is Borneo. His northern part belongs to Malaysia nd Brunei, while Java and Sumatra are the most densely populated islands. There are also Sulawesi and New Guinea, whose eastern part belongs to Papua New Guinea. There are groups of smaller islands, of which the most important are Mali Sunda islands that belong to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba, and Timor, and the Moluccas islands which include Halmahera and Seram.
After China, India and USA, Indonesia is the the fourth most populated state in the world, with 240 million inhabitants. The population is divided into numerous ethnic groups, of which there are 788 members of various nations and tribes. The most widespread religion is Islam, along with christianity, hinduism, and buddhism.
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Other major cities on Java are Surabaya, Bogor, Yogyakarta and Semarang. The largest cities on Borneo are Banjarmasin and Pontianak, on Sumatra there are Medan and Palembang, on Bali there is Denpasar, and on New Guinea there is Djajapura.
Since equator runs through Indonesia, the climate is also equatorial. It is dominated by rainforest vegetation, temperatures are very high and there is a lot of rainfall.
Indonesia is among the most turbulent areas in the world and it is full of mountain volcanoes, of which 129 are active. On the 26th of December 2004 it was hit by a strong earthquake followed by a tsunami when around 220.000 people died.]
Tourist attractions in Indonesia:
Jakarta
The capitol city of Indonesia was once called Batavia and was a rich center of the East Indian empire. Jakarta is located on the island of Java and is the largest city of southeastern Asia. There are a lot of interesting things to see and experience there.
Among the most important landmarks are definitely: Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, then China’s house Candranaya, and Taman fatillah, a square with a few old colonial buildings and the oldest church, which bears the name of Gereja Sion.
Island of Bali
This island of Gods is the most attractive tourist destination in Indonesia with its white sand beaches that stretch along the coastline and its rich vegetation.
Do not miss on a chance to see the following in Bali: the sanctuary Pura Kehen, located in Banglore, with a magnificent portal from the 13th century; Besakih, the island’s largest sanctuary in the temple Pejeng which has the largest bronze bell in Indonesia; Gunung Kawi, the ancient shrine with a series of 7 meter high arcades carved in a hard eruptive rock; Denpasar – the capital of Bali where you can visit many museums and the world famous Bali Arts Festival.
Borobudur Temple
Famous spiritual sanctuary, temple Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, and is located in the island of Java. The temple consists of a series of terraces that depict different states on the Buddhist spiritual journey: from ignorance to enlightenment, all the way to nirvana. Borobudur temple is one of the greatest architectural wonder in the world.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Official language: indonesian
Religion: most widespread is Islam (80-90%), along with christianity, hinduism, and buddhism
Currency: rupi (100 sen)
How to travel: via airplane; airport Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Internationa Airport.
When to travel: the best times are from may to september to avoid the rain and flood season.
Visa: Not necessary for the citizens of Croatia. You can contact the Indonesia Consulate , Vlaska 83/II, 10000 Zagreb
Diseases and prevention: Vaccinations are not mandatory. Information available at (WHO).
Accomodation: Among the more luxury hotels in Jakarta there are: Grand Hyatt Jakarta, The Ritz-Carlton, and Shangri-La Hotel. Prices range from 120 to 200 euros. In Jakarta you will find hostels with prices starting at 8 euros per night
Restaurants: Among the best in Jakarti are: Kupat Tahu Magelang with indonesian specialties, and Bakerzin.
Caution!
Drink only bottled water.
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