Destination Indonesia

The hillside of Bokoharjo village in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, Located 3.7 kilometers from Prambanan temple, the hill nonetheless hasn't lost its charm. The temples were built during the days of the Hindu Mataram kingdom in the eighth century. Buddhist temples, as well as temples of mixed Hindu and Buddhist influence such as Ratu Boko Palace, are also found on Shiva Plateau. Historical sites dating back to the Hindu Mataram kingdom are spread in several locations on Shiva Plateau, with some undergoing excavation and renovation. Some can be found scattered on the hill or on local residents’ property.

Already a popular tourist destination, Jogyakarta is home to well-preserved cultural traditions, picturesque volcanic mountains, magnificent karst areas on Mount Sewu and gorgeous beaches stretching from Gunungkidul and Bantul to Kulon Progo regencies. One of the beaches, named Wediombo, is particularly interesting due to its combination of breathtaking scenery and big waves that will make surfers rejoice. Situated in the south coast of Jepitu village in Gunungkidul, about 75 kilometers from Yogyakarta, surrounded by hills and forests, the beach is best explored between August and October. In addition to professional surfers, beginners can also have some fun as the water offers an assortment of waves. Tourists who do not have their own surfboards can easily rent one and learn how to surf from Wediombo Surf Society. The destination also offers other activities for visitors, such as snorkeling, sunbathing and enjoying seafood.

Banten is the westernmost province on the island of Java and has Serang as its capital city. Traveling to Banten, there are plenty of interesting sites to explore as it is home to natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Although hundreds of ethnic groups have been known as the indigenous of Indonesia for hundreds and thousands of years, Indonesia did not exist in its present form until the turn of the 20th century. Of the so-called natives of Indonesia, archaeologists have speculated that the first people to populate Indonesia migrated from mainland China some 1,000 years ago and inhabited a stretch of islands along the equator, later known as Nusantara.

While Indonesia’s volcanoes are often noted for the beauty of their spectacular peaks, steaming craters and view of the earth’s bubbling core, Mount Merapi, the country’s most active volcano, took centre stage this past October as a clear reminder of their deadly activity. Many of Indonesia’s volcanoes do erupt, sometimes with shocking consequences.

Raja Ampat Islands Raja Ampat is a group of islands in West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) and consists of 610, mostly uninhabited islands. The four largest islands are Waigeo in the north, Salawati (southwest of the second largest city in West Papua, Sorong) Batanta (north of Salawati) and Misool in the southwest. The name Raja Ampat is also based on these four islands and literally means "the four kings.