For centuries, travellers from all over the world have marvelled at the sights and sounds and verdant beauty of the islands of the Indonesian archipelago.

Here, island-hopping becomes an art form, for no place on earth offers the casual holidaymaker or intrepid explorer such an exquisite diversity of landscape and culture.In Indonesia you'll find five star resorts overlooking gleaming white sandy beaches, or luxurious retreats nestled in lush tropical gardens.

There’s a whole world of watersport adventures including sailing. diving, snorkelling. parasailing and white water rafting. And an infinite number of idyllic settings for those who simply want to take it easy in the shade of a banyan tree with the latest best-seller.

On the paradise island of Bali the sweet, dreamlike, sounds of the gamelan float on the blossomy air.

On Sumatra you can have a cooling swim in one of the world's largest volcanic craters; or photograph an orang-utan family in their forest hideaway.

On Java explore one of the wonders of the world, the spectacular Buddhist monument Borobudur; see enormous bulls race on the nearby island of Madura, or go hunting among Jakarta's bountiful little antique shops.

In Indonesia you'll find colourful bustling market places, and treasures by the suitcase load. And, every day, you'll meet people genuinely pleased to make your acquaintance.

The information contained in our pages provides only a small, but hopefully tantalising, taste of the myriad pleasures in store when you visit Indonesia. There are, after all, more than 17,000 enchanted islands to choose from (convenient domestic flights by jet aircraft connect Indonesia's many cities and almost as many holiday options for you or your whole family.

In fact we can confidently predict that your first visit to our unique world may well be the first of many.