The name Indonesia was derived from indos nesos, meaning islands near India, The country is in fact the largest archipelago in the world with a thousand islands, 17,508 to be precise, spread in an area between the Asian continent and Australia, and between the Pacific and the Indian oceans. The islands are inhabited by many tribes with diverse cultures and languages, although there is a national language spoken throughout the country, namely Bahasa Indonesia. It is thus appropriate, that the country's motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, menaing "Unity in Diversity".

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Bali View Map The landscape of Bali, ‘Island of the Gods’, is made up of volcanic mountains, lakes and rivers, terraced rice fields, giant banyans and palm groves and, on the coast, bays ringed with white sandy beaches. The island lies a short distance from the eastern coast of Java, across the Strait of Bali. Denpasar is the island’s capital. Sights include the Museum, a new art center and the internationally recognized Conservatory Kerawitan, one of the major centers of Balinese dancing. Jakarta View Map Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. Home to over 10 million people, Jakarta is always bustling, from the sound of the wheel of government turning to the sight of the economy churning. Skyscrapers, single story residential houses, modern apartment complexes, survivalist’s shanties - all coexist in this city. There are sections dedicated to several topics such as shopping, business, attractions and more. Lembongan Island View Map Lembongan Island is one of three sister islands, nestled just 11 miless, and one hour by boat from Sanur, Bali, off the east coast. Being about 3 sq miles in size, it has only four beaches on the Northern coast, two on the Western coast, mangroves to the East, and a deep channel on the other, separating it from Nusa Penida Island, and their baby sister, Nusa Ceningan, a small island, which may be reached by bridge from Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Dua View Map Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes this island paradise a perfect spot for luxurious resorts to which your exhausted bodies, after a Barong performance at Batubulan or a long climb of the steps of the Mother Temple Besakih, will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali. After a day of surfing or diving relax and rejuvenate your self in a spa of one of these resorts. Or you can set off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them. In Bali, Nusa Dua is the ideal place to stay in style. Ubud View Map Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the islands preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music and ancient buildings. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not ruined. Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, alternative modalities, and more. Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you are visiting Bali.