Indonesia annually receives more than one hundred thousand tourists from all over the world, which is understandable. For one trip, you can combine beach vacations, historical and architectural excursions, water sports. You can visit natural attractions, get acquainted with the culture, gastronomic features, traditions and crafts of local residents. In the article we will tell you how many islands in Indonesia, and which are best suited for recreation.
About the archipelago, how many islands are there?
If you look at the map, the archipelago is located directly above the equator line between the two oceans: the Indian and the Pacific. It is hard to believe how many islands are in Indonesia. In total there are about 18,000. The most popular of them - Java, Borneo, Bali and Sumatra - are among the largest in the world.
However, do not discount the smaller islands, which are also of great interest among tourists. It is worth noting that a third of the country's land mass is uninhabited.
The islands have amazingly beautiful beaches, stunning volcanoes. The sea attracts divers from many countries - here are some of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Dreaming of a good rest, it is worth going to one of the islands of Indonesia.
Main city
Jakarta is the capital of the Indonesian state, its financial, economic and cultural center. The city is located on the large island of Java. Jakarta is not only a modern metropolis, but also a place most interesting from a tourist point of view. Here, historical sights and newfangled buildings successfully coexist.
It is better to start your acquaintance with the capital with a walk along Taman Fatahillah Square, see the famous Si Iago gun, which is considered a symbol of fertility. The historical and cultural museum is located in the building of the old town hall. Among other things, walking along the square, you should definitely look into the Museum of Fine Arts and the Wayanga Museum.
Experienced travelers recommend visiting the Merdeka Palace, the Cathedral, the Istiklal Mosque, the Wisma 46 skyscraper and the National Museum. Tourists vacationing with the whole family should visit the Rangutan Zoo, the miniature park, the Sea World aquarium and the Dreamland park.
Benefits of Vacations in Indonesia
Mild climatic conditions, affordable pricing, good service and a variety of hotels from 2 * to 5 * are undoubtedly the determining factors in choosing this archipelago for a vacation trip. Experienced tourists know: how many islands in Indonesia, so many unique places to spend vacations can be found here.
Those who wish privacy can rent a bungalow, and vacationers with a large company can rent a villa.
Here are the hotels of almost all the leading hotel business operators. As a rule, they are located in the best places of the island along the coastline and occupy a significant territory. Therefore, in addition to standard hotel services, guests are invited to visit golf courses, tennis courts, spa complexes, children's centers, etc.
The real estate rental market in Indonesia allows you to choose an option in any price range. The cheapest thing is to stay in hotels located away from the beach on busy streets, in pensions and hostels.
Everyone is surprised at how many islands in Indonesia. But this makes the rest here incredibly rich and interesting. It all depends on financial capabilities and desires. Before the trip, it is recommended to make a plan, what you want to see the most and what to do. This exotic country will provide a full range of pleasures.
The number of islands in Indonesia is huge, so below we will provide information on the most popular of them.
Java
This is the largest island of the archipelago. Java is suitable for year-round recreation. The climate is perfect at any time of the year. When blizzards are sweeping in other parts of the world, here the air temperature does not fall below +30 ° C. The rains on the island are brief, refreshing on a sultry day.
There are a lot of attractions here, among them: a complex of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, the Sultan's palace, Agung Demak mosque, Taman Sari water castle, a botanical garden, the most beautiful Dago waterfall, Gebang, Suravan temples and others.
It should be noted the presence of a very large number of temples erected on the islands of Indonesia. Most of the locals are adherents of Islam. Nevertheless, Buddhism is treated with great honor.
Sightseeing tours in Java are pleasing in variety: here you can go on a safari, visit the capital, organize a walk to the volcano or the protected places, see religious buildings.
Bali
The island of Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in Indonesia, but throughout the world. Is it worth talking about the insane beauty of tropical nature, the high-class level of service and the friendliness of the locals?
A wide selection of excursions provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the animal world of the island: a Komodo dragon, elephants, birds, monkeys and many other representatives of the fauna. Here you can visit museums, temples and other attractions.
Bali is ideal for family vacations and honeymoons.
Sumatra
When describing this country, one must take into account the fact on how many islands Indonesia is spread out. Indeed, almost each of them has its own special characteristics.
Sumatra Island has no less picturesque nature than others. However, in the first place, it is worth highlighting Lake Toba, which is located in the caldera of the volcano. Its length is about one hundred kilometers.
In Sumatra, there are significant religious objects of the country, for example, the Maimun and Pagaruyyung palaces, the Gunung Luser National Park. Here you can also see beaches, not rare for Indonesia, with black volcanic sand and clear water.
Lombok
This is another popular resort destination in an exotic country. It is located a little east of Bali. Translated from Indonesian means "hot pepper". This name is due to the shape of the island, reminiscent of this fruit, and burning, because here is the largest volcano in the whole country - Gunung Rinjani.
Lombok is most often chosen for family vacations; there are not many people here. The most comfortable conditions for a stay are created, the sea is calm, and the climate is less humid. Almost everywhere you can meet diving centers.
It is believed that this is one of the best places for diving in Indonesia and in the world. Given how many islands Indonesia is located, there are plenty of water and places to practice this sport.
Bangka Belitung
These islands are located very close to the coast of Sumatra. You can get to them by boat. They should definitely be visited by island lovers, as the local beaches are considered the best in the world. Most have a length of several kilometers, they are completely covered with white sand and washed by clear water. There are not so many tourists here, so no one bothers to enjoy the picturesque beauty and solitude. How many islands in the state of Indonesia, so many vacation options it can offer tourists.
In the XIX century, a large commercial and maritime route began from here. As a reminder of this, the Dutch lighthouses and other colonial buildings, built in an unusual European style for the local culture, have survived to this day on Bangka-Belitung.
Bunaken
He is the National Marine Park of the country. The island is located in the north-east of the province of Sulawesi Monada. On its territory, 70% of all representatives of the water world living in the Indo-Western Pacific Ocean inhabit. Naturally, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world come to Bunaken. Recently, however, scuba diving in shallow areas along the coastline among coral reefs is gaining more and more popularity.
It is worth clarifying that, due to the natural features of the area, they are focused on divers with an advanced level of swimming.
Gili Islands
They are among the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Gili are located near the already mentioned island of Lombok. They are a small archipelago. The largest of these islands is Trawangan. Most tourists come here to surf, yoga or snorkeling.
Another Gili island is Meno. This is one of the most romantic places, it is most often chosen by the newlyweds to relax on their honeymoon.
The third island - Air - is popular among professional divers.
Raja Ampat Islands
This is also a very remarkable place. Raja Ampat includes a little over 600 small islands. They are located in the region of Papua Indonesia. Among them are the three largest islands - Mi-Su, Bantanta, Salavati. Each has rich flora and fauna, amazing nature and snow-white beaches. Perhaps that is why they are visited annually by ornithologists from different countries, lovers of diving and snorkeling. On the islands of Raja Ampat, rare birds of paradise live.
A visit to Indonesia will undoubtedly leave a lot of positive emotions and impressions for life. It is noteworthy that most of the tourists return to this exotic country again. It is hard to imagine how many islands in Indonesia have not yet set foot on a man. But even those places that have already been explored are enough to spend the perfect vacation.