Indonesia

Indonesia stretches across more than 17,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans: volcanic highlands, rice terraces carved into the hillsides, coral reefs and a living culture of temples and ceremonies that sets the rhythm of daily life. Every island has its own character, cuisine and festivals.

Bali brings together the jungle valleys around Ubud, the cliffs of Uluwatu and the beaches of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. Java pairs Jakarta, the capital, with the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan and the arts of Yogyakarta. Lombok, beneath Mount Rinjani, looks out to the Gili islands; Labuan Bajo on Flores opens the way to Komodo National Park, with its dragons, viewpoints and manta rays; Sumba is savannah, surf and village traditions; and Bintan in the Riau Islands is a short ferry ride from Singapore.

Across most of the islands the dry season runs roughly from April or May to October; the wetter months bring short tropical downpours and greener landscapes. Indonesia suits honeymooners, divers and surfers, families and culture lovers, and a journey here combines easily with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or the Maldives.