Sulawesi, an island of dramatic smoking cones and caldera lakes
We all know of Bali, of course. From backpackers on a budget to well-heeled honeymooners, solitary spa junkies and family holidaymakers, tourists come here in their millions.
But there are 17,000 other islands in Indonesia, an archipelago that straddles the Equator and spans 3,000 miles from east to west – a distance greater than that from London to Moscow.
Jakarta is the country's beating heart
With non-stop flights launching from London to the capital Jakarta this week, it has just become easier to reach many of this nation’s most alluring destinations.
- Jakarta and Java
The beating heart of the nation, Jakarta can seem chaotic, but respite can be found in the temples, back alleys and the Dutch colonial quarter. Explore Jalan Benda, in the south of the city, with its coffee shops, art galleries and concept stores.
The second city of Yogyakarta is the cultural and spiritual hub with all-night shadow-puppet performances, concerts and art exhibitions. Outside the glorious Prambanan temples, the Ramayana ballet features dozens of dancers and pyrotechnics.
Beyond the cities, Java offers pristine rainforest, hikes up Mount Bromo and the exquisite Kebun Rya Botanical Gardens. It is also home to the mesmerising Borobudur, an eighth-century Buddhist temple with intricate lattice stupas set among paddy fields.
The Raffles, Jakarta
- Where to stay
In the commercial district of Jakarta, Raffles (raffles.com) and the adjoining arts centre are a tribute to the painter Hendra Gunawan. Doubles from £191.
Alila Kemang Icon (alilahotels.com/kemangicon) is a 12-suite hotel with an infinity pool on the rooftop. Doubles from £97, including breakfast.