Indonesia is the sleeping giant of Southeast Asia. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, it is the largest archipelago in the world. With well over 230 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Indonesia markets itself as the ultimate in diversity, and the slogan is quite true, although not necessarily always in good ways. Indonesia's tropical forests are the second-largest in the world after Brazil. Indonesia also has the largest Muslim population in the world.
HOT-SPOTS!
1) Bali
Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards.
2) Bandung
Bandung highland is surrounded by a string of mountains, activities in the outskirt of the city are mainly mountain resorts, adventures and outdoor sports. In the city, you can have culinary activities (see the Eat section) as there are so many food varieties, shopping with many clothing outlets and distros. Fashion shopping and its accessories is the main reason for many weekend travelers.
3) Jakarta
Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern airport in the country, the most important harbor in Indonesia and is well connected by rail of good roads to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali.
EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
1) Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) 2010
Start: 12 Oct 2010 Until: 15 Oct 2010
TIME is the premier tourism event in Indonesia, in which top industry policy makers, practitioners, sellers and buyers of Indonesian-based tourism products and services participate. It accommodates the interests of those who sell Indonesia’s tourism products and services to the international markets. The event will feature most of Indonesia’s tourist attractions which include all popular destinations and special interests as well as top tourist facilities available in the country.
2) Tumpek Wayang
September 4th, 2010
Tumpek Wayang is celebrated every 210 days based on Balinese Pawukon Cycle. On this day, all equipments related to art such as musical instruments, puppet, and others are set to give them offerings. Balinese people believe Tumpek Wayang is a day to worship Sanghyang Iswara as the manifestation of the almighty God for the blessing given to the puppeteer so that the puppeteer could arouse people’s interest on art and creativity through his genuine soul or Taksu. However, a baby who was born on Tumpek Wayang is considered unlucky that her/his parents have to hold a special ceremony and puppet show on this day.
3) Kuta Karnival
September 29th – Oktober 3rd 2010
Bali’s 8th annual International Event, Kuta Karnival 2010 will be held on September 29th until October 3rd 2010. During these 5 days, there are so many events will be held such as: turtle release, band festival, Food festival, mini cartoon exhibition, kite festival, and many more.
