| Deciding which part of Indonesia, the world's largest | | | | the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, which |
| archipelago, to visit can be a little bit puzzling. If you | | | | gives Bali a wonderful tropical weather all year long! If |
| only have a 2-week vacation and you would like to | | | | it is rich cultural experience that you are looking for, |
| get the best out of your Indonesian trip, where | | | | Bali has it all for you. Balinese people have very |
| should you go? | | | | strong Hindu beliefs. This is depicted through the |
| Home to more than 17,000 islands, 300 distinct native | | | | statues and temples that you can visit all around Bali. |
| ethnicities and 700 different languages, truly exploring | | | | One of the most popular art form is "Tari Kecak" or |
| Indonesia will take a lifetime! However, don't let these | | | | the Ramayana Monkey Chant. A fact that most |
| numbers scare you away. You can still experience | | | | people doesn't know about "Tari Kecak" is that this |
| the best of Indonesia if your trip is well planned. | | | | art form was originally a traditional trance ritual. |
| According to the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and | | | | 2. Bunaken - A Marine Paradise on Earth It is said that |
| Tourism, more than 6 million foreigners visited | | | | Bunaken Marine Park has one of the highest levels of |
| Indonesia in 2008. This remarkable number increased | | | | marine biodiversity. The park covers 89,065 hectares |
| enormously from 2007. Despite the recent negative | | | | of warm tropical waters. It is a paradise of |
| media coverage of Indonesia's situation, tourism in | | | | magnificent coral reefs. Many tourists come to this |
| Indonesia has never lost its value. | | | | site to dive or snorkel to see the corals firsthand. |
| Here are some of the top tourist destinations in | | | | Bunaken has received much international recognition |
| Indonesia: | | | | for its marine park preservation. For instance, The |
| | | | International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) has |
| 1. Bali - The Island of Gods Bali has now become one | | | | chosen Bunaken as its single Asian demonstration site |
| of the top WORLD destinations for its white sand | | | | for sustainable reef tourism. You are guaranteed to |
| beaches, blue sky, magnificent waves, tropical | | | | have a spectacular diving experience here! Staying on |
| weather and friendly locals. For several years, the | | | | the marine park is also a relaxing one. Its laid-back |
| International Travel Magazine awarded Bali as the | | | | lifestyle provides tourists with an enjoyment that |
| world's best island. There were more than 1.4 million | | | | they don't usually get in big city life. Here, everything |
| tourists to Bali in 2008. You have to wonder, what | | | | flows gently and you need not to worry. Start your |
| makes Bali as the most popular tourist destination in | | | | day by going for a morning dive, then come back for |
| Indonesia? First of all, the island is located 8 to 9 | | | | a quick lunch and nap before going for an evening |
| degrees south of the equator with the Java Sea to | | | | dive. |