Clinging to the slope of a superb gorge whose sides have been sculpted into paddy fields, Ciwidey ( 25km south of Bandung ) is famous for its blacksmiths. From here the road disappears into the forest and 10km on a road to the left leads up to Kaw..

One of Java's most active volcanoes, with an easily accessible crater (2 622m) at Samarang. When it erupted in 1772 it killed 3 000 people and it last stirred as recently as 2002. It is a 30min walk through bubbling pools, smoke and sulphur deposits ..

Despite its placid appearance, the Galunggang (2 201m) has a fiery temper. From time to time the volcano likes to shake up the peaceful torpor of the surrounding countryside. Even though the eruption of 1982 was not as violent as that of 1822 (4 000 ..

The dense jungle of Taman Nasional Pangandaran that covers the tip of the peninsula offers the chance to see macaques, kijang deer, hornbills, gibbons and maybe even the spectacular rafflesia patura , a giant flower. A recreational area has been add..

Without a doubt one of Java's most interesting museums. The collection includes Dong-Son bronzes from East Indonesia, megalithic statues from Wonosari and opulent bronze Hindu goddesses (10C-12C). The art of Majapahit (East Java) is represented wit..

After Imogiri and its royal necropolis, head for another place of pilgrimage, the coastal village of Parangtritis , realm of the goddess Nyai Loro Kidul, protector of the sultan's line. The beach is popular, but strong currents make swimming dange..

Well preserved and unique, this is the most interesting of the candis on the Dieng Plateau, with its architecture typical of Northern India: a wide projecting front porch and a pyramidal superstructure with horseshoe niches.

Approximately 110km of spectacular roads with stunning views over the surrounding volcanoes separate the Dieng Plateau from the Gedong Songo site. The omnipresent volcanoes (Sumbing, Sundoro, Merbabu and Lawu) loom on the horizon, around temples risi..

Built in 800 by King Indra, Candi Mendut can be recognised by its cubic shape (its roof, most probably stupa -shaped, was never completed). The stairs and external walls are decorated with low reliefs and bodhisattva. But the main interest of the te..

Although dating from the same period as Candi Kalasan, Candi Sari has a radically different style. This handsome building with three parts, which stands on a high base and is topped with stupas , is more reminiscent of Candi Plaosan. Like the latter..

After taking in the story of the Sampoerna family, owners of the kretek brand, at the informative museum, visitors can get a fascinating glimpse of the kretek cigarette production facility in operation: more than 3 000 workers rolling cigarettes ma..

A line of pinisi is moored along the quayside of Sunda Kelapa , which used to be a stopping point on the Spice Route: wood arrives from Sumatra and Kalimantan on these traditional slim-bowed sailing ships in an array of colours. The unloading of t..

Housed in a former spice warehouse dating from the 18C, the Maritime Museum has fine collections of praos and canoes, and a selection of the countless types of boats that have sailed the seas around the archipelago over the centuries. An annexe of ..

The town hall from colonial times, a neo-Classical building (1707), also housed a handful of prison cells and a courthouse. It has now been converted into this musem, where you can take in the architecture and austere Protestant furniture , as well ..

Sea World boasts an exciting variety of aquatic species, from crocodiles, piranhas and coffer-fish to morays, sharks, turtles, stingrays and giant sea spiders from Japan. The main pool, which has a Plexiglas tunnel, contains no less than 5 000 fish!

Istiqlal Mosque (1978) is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia (it can accommodate 20 000 worshippers). It has contemporary lines and a minimalist interior, with 12 aluminium-plated columns and a gridwork of windows allowing the light to flood in. Th..

The eclectic Adam Malik Museum contains objects collected by Suharto's former Foreign Affairs Minister during the course of his career. It's a real collection of curiosities that includes Javanese Hindu statues (9C), wooden sculptures from Kalimantan..

Here the "Mini" stands for miniature. All of Indonesia (or most of it) is represented in Lilliputian format! This 100ha theme park allies relaxation and nature with culture. You can have a meal in one of the restaurants or relax next to the..

Like a dark green carpet, the landscape of neat rows of tea plantations gives Mt Gede a soft, velvety look. The beauty of the setting, which originated with the first crops introduced by the Dutch, has caught the eye of well-heeled Jakartans, who h..

Located just before Puncak Passage, as you approach from Bogor, the vast Gunung Mas Plantation opens its doors to those who want to find out about tea production.