Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of 17.508 islands stretching between two continents, Asia and Australia and two oceans, the Indian and Pacific. The world's fourth most populous nation has an astonishing array of cultures. Over 330 ethnic groups throughout the archipelago speak about 583 languages and dialects. It's class beach resort in Bali or an adventurous jungle hike deep into the rain forests of Sumatra, Indonesia will be most satisfying!

There are eight major islands or island groups in this vast chain. The largest landmasses consist of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes) and Irian Jaya (the western half of Papua New Guinea). The smaller islands fall into two main groups; the Molluccas to the northeast, and the lesser Sunda chain east of Bali. Bali is a unique island, which for a number of reasons can be put into a class of its own.