Indonesia is a popular island country in Southeast Asia. The country has over 18,000 islands, about one third of which are inhabited. It's also the fourth most populated country in the world, and has the largest Muslim population. The country is intersected by the Equator and sits in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The fastest way to travel around Indonesia is by plane. Unfortunately this is also the most expensive. Your best airline options are domestic airlines such as Garuda and Lion Air. There are also a handful of discount airlines which offer cheap flights. Ferries are another popular way to travel around Indonesia. The main ferry company is PELNI and you can often choose between slow and fast boat options. Each boat also has several classes of tickets so you can select your price and comfort level.

Tourists come to Indonesia for a relaxing and beautiful island vacation with stunning beaches and exotic rainforests. The country's most popular destination is Bali, but there is so much more to Indonesia. The tropical forests are the second largest in the world, and unfortunately are disappearing rapidly. The largest ethnic group in Indonesia is the Javanese and the most prevalent religion is Islam. The people are quite friendly and welcoming of both tourists and the tourist dollar. You may have to negotiate your prices down quite a bit.

Despite its popularity with travelers, Indonesia remains a budget destinations. Destinations on the beach are often slightly more expensive than inland options. Transportation is likely to be more greatest expense, particularly if you plan on traveling around a lot. If you're looking for a more comfortable, luxury hotel, there are also plenty of options available to you, and many are more reasonably priced than their western counterparts. Whatever you goal in visiting Indonesia, you are likely to be impressed and thrilled with the experience you have there.

Borobudur: This is a beautiful Buddhist Temple that dates back to the 9th century. It is a common destination for many pilgramages and its Gupta style architecture highlights the Indian influence in the area.
Bali: With its beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife, and great opportunities to see flora and fauna, Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia. Many travelers choose to visit Bali exclusively, as it is a diverse and impressive island.
Lake Toba: On Sumatra, this beautiful lake is the largest volcanic lake in the world and offers some breathtaking views. The lake is an impressive one hundred kilometers long and thirty kilometers wide and at its deepest point it is 505 meters deep.

Nasi Goreng: Nasi Goreng is literally translated into "fried rice." This dish is a traditional Indonesian fried rice that is common all over the country. It's made with precooked rice, sweetened soy sauce, shallots, garlic, chilies, and tamarind and often topped with eggs, chicken or prawns. There is also a slightly different version which is made with salted, dried fish, and has a subtly different flavor.
Bakmi: This is a thin egg noodle dish that is boiled and served with a meat or vegetable topping. It's a wheat based noodle that is Chinese in its origin. It is most often prepared with diced chicken and soy sauce, but it is not unusual for other meats to be used. You can find this dish almost anywhere in Indonesia, in restaurants or street stalls alike.
Perkedel: These deep fried potato patties are often served with meat or vegetables. They're made from mashed potatoes that are flavored with shallots, spices and garlic. They're then dipped in egg and deep fried and are often served alongside a coconut and chicken based soup.