The largest island nation is Indonesia on the world map. What is the history of Indonesia

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Indonesia weather:

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial and subequatorial maritime. The air temperature for most of the year is kept within +27 C, in the mountainous regions it is somewhat cooler.

On the island of Bali, the climate is equatorial monsoon, it has 2 seasons - dry (June-October) and wet (November-April), which almost do not differ in temperature of +27 C. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in January-February. Sea water temperature is 26-28 C all year round.

The average air temperature on about. Bali:

+32 in July, +31 in August, +31 in September, +31 in October, +30 in November, +29 in December

Airports in Indonesia: Bali

Hotels Indonesia 1 - 5 stars (HOTEL:

Visa in Indonesia:

Necessary documents for obtaining a visa to Indonesia:

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the intended return from the country.

1 completed application form with 1 photo.

Original or fax invitation (guest, business or tourist).

Air ticket with fixed dates of arrival and departure.

Customs restrictions:

Import and export of foreign currency is not limited, national - no more than 50 thousand rupees (declaration of the national currency is required). When entering Indonesia, a declaration is filled out, which must be kept for presentation at customs control when leaving the country. The import of alcoholic beverages and tobacco is restricted. Each adult can carry a maximum of 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes. TV sets, radios, weapons, drugs, explosives and ammunition, pornography, Chinese-language publications, and Chinese medicines are also prohibited. It is forbidden to export rare animals, birds and plants, antiques, wood carvings from the island of Bali.

Mains voltage: 220V

Tips:

Tipping is 5-10% of the cost of the service. The porter is given 500 - 1000 rupees for each piece of luggage (about 10 cents), the driver 3000 rupees (about 40 cents), the guide 4000 - 5000 rupees (about 70 cents).

Souvenirs:

Most often, tourists buy crafts made of stone, wood, silver, batik, multi-colored homespun fabrics from Timor, Borto and Java, wickerwork, jewelry, leather and textile products. It is better to buy wood products in galleries or shopping centers of large hotels so as not to get a fake.

National features and traditions of Indonesia:

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and therefore the following rules should be observed: you can not wear too short shorts and skirts, sunbathe without the top of a swimsuit, speak loudly during religious ceremonies. In public institutions and mosques, clothing must cover the knees. You can not point at someone with a finger and touch his head. Avoid displays of tenderness in public, cross your legs, putting your foot in someone's direction.

Attractions:

Anyer is one of the most prestigious beaches. Here you can hire a boat to explore the nearby coral reefs. At Karang Bolong Beach, the rocks form a natural arch at the entrance to the sea.

Bandung is a wonderful place to witness the theatrical art of the Sundanese people. Of course, it was most clearly expressed in the dance, which can be seen every Wednesday and Saturday in one of the hotels. Modern dance takes on additional features and becomes less ritualistic, aiming to meet the needs of the male audience. After all, it is performed by young beauties, and recently a lot of striptease has been introduced into it. I must say that for an additional fee, those who wish can become participants in the performance.

National Park "Coulomb" provides an opportunity to make a fascinating journey through the tropics.

The builders of the giant temple complex Borobudur tried to reproduce on the land of the island of Java the legendary Mount Meru from ancient Indian mythology, its huge golden peak, on which the entire universe rests. It is believed that the result was the largest monument in the Southern Hemisphere. Borobudur with all the variety of its pointed turrets, images and statues of Buddha still seems to be a fantastic work after 12 centuries.

In Bali, this Indonesian paradise, you have many opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures: discover the beauty of the underwater world by diving or snorkeling, surfing or windsurfing, rafting on the amazing Ayung and Telagawaja rivers, famous for their fast streams, take a trip on bicycles or climb mountains covered with virgin forests. On the southernmost coast of the island you can watch dolphins.

In addition to outdoor activities, Bali is also famous for its attractions: Besakih Temple - the oldest temple built in the 13th century and which is the shrine of the island. It is also called the "Mother Temple". On the way here, breathtaking views of rural Indonesian villages, largely untouched by tourism, and rice terraces carefully cultivated by the hands of farmers for generations will open up to your eyes.

The Kintamani Volcano allows travelers to enjoy a magnificent panorama from the edge of the crater that encloses Lake Batur. You can also buy handicrafts here.

Bedugul tour - Explore the stunning scenery of the western highlands in the Tabanan regency around Lake Baratan while golfers enjoy a game at one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

North coast of Bali - in addition to the calm resorts located along Lovina beach, you can also visit the picturesque old port in Singaraja and the mysterious temple complex located nearby. Tanah Lot is a sea temple built on top of a huge rock. The temple was built in the 16th century and is especially beautiful at sunset. This is one of the most visited places on the island. And don't forget about the center of the arts - the village of Ubud, where you can admire and buy handicrafts.

In Lombok, you can get acquainted with the following attractions. Mataram is the capital of the region. Appeared at the beginning of the 18th century and was the residence of the crown prince of the kingdom, founded by immigrants from Karangasem, located in southern Bali. Three well-known markets operate here: Maiura, Linsgar and Sveta.

Pura Meru is the largest Balinese temple in Lombok, dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishu. It was built in 1720 by Anak Agung Karang and has three courtyards.

The Royal Garden of Narmada - located 11 kilometers east of Matarama, was built in 1727 as both a pleasure garden and a place to worship Shiva.

Kuta Beach - Every year, on the 19th day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, when the Nual fish appears on the surface of the sea, the beach becomes a place of great festivities.

Gili Er, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan - Gili means island. These three islands of Indonesia, grouped together, are located off the northwestern coast of the island. Around them, coral gardens abound in clear water. Gili Er is the closest of the islands and can be reached in 10-15 minutes by boat from Bangsal Harbor (near Pamnag).

Munta Rinjani is an active volcano with a height of 3726 meters, is one of the highest mountains in Indonesia. At the base of the huge crater of the volcano is the crescent-shaped lake Segara Anak, surrounded by steep walls. The mountain is very popular with travelers. Here you can also see two traditional villages located right on the slopes of Rinzhani: Sembalun Lawang and Bayan. Sukarare is a village of weavers south of Kakrenegara. Lombok has long been famous for fabrics with bright colors. This is only a part of what can be seen on this amazing island.

Indonesia is a country that lives by the laws of the sea. And going on a sea voyage is the best way to achieve complete solitude. In this regard, it is worth noting that Indonesia is the capital of yacht clubs. There are countless of them here. The warm sea with a steady wind seems to have been created so that white sails bathe in its expanses. It is quite possible to sail to Indonesia on a yacht, even without being its owner, but as a simple passenger. Especially if you get on the wave of the famous marathon yachts. The easiest way to make such a trip is from Australia, with the Darwin Yacht Club from Fany Bay.

Geography of Indonesia:

The Republic of Indonesia is a state in Southeast Asia, on the islands of the Malay Archipelago and the western part of about. New Guinea (Irian Jaya). It borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea. Indonesia consists of 18,108 islands, of which about 1,000 have a permanent population.

More than half of the territory of Indonesia is occupied by mountains. The highest point in the country - Mount Jaya (5029 m) is located on the island of New Guinea. In total, there are about 400 volcanoes, of which 80 are active. There are especially many volcanoes on the island of Java, and the highest of the active volcanoes, Kerinchi (height - 3800 m), is located in Sumatra.

About a third of the entire territory of the country is covered with tropical rainforests.

The third largest island in the world, divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The equator line passes through the city of Pontianake, dividing the island in half. Guests can take a souvenir photo at the Equator sign. In addition, the Abdurrahman Mosque of the 18th century, the Sultan's Kadriah Palace, the City Museum with collections of ceramics and Chinese porcelain are located in Pontianak.

In the west of the island, primitive Dayak tribes live, rejecting civilization and preserving the way of the Stone Age. Tourists have the opportunity to take part in an excursion to the Dayak settlement, spend the night in a traditional hut and admire the original Aboriginal dances.

A rehabilitation center for orangutans has been established. The island is the habitat of the touching tarsier - the smallest monkey in the world with large round eyes.

In the city of Banjarmasin, floating markets and the Sabilal-Mukhtadin mosque are worthy of attention. Kinabalu National Park is famous for its hot springs, magnificent Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls, as well as the world's largest flower - rafflesia.

Every guest of the capital of Indonesia strives to visit the Orchid Garden, famous for its collection of exotic flowers, the most beautiful and rare of which is the black orchid. The Istiklal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, was built in 1945 in honor of the country's independence from the Netherlands. During prayer, tourists are strictly prohibited from entering the mosque. The 17th century Vihara Dharma Bhakti Buddhist Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin.

The Sea World Jakarta Oceanarium, with a water volume of 500 million liters, introduces visitors to 4,000 species of fish, which can be admired while walking through an 80-meter tunnel. There are 120 volcanoes in Java, 30 of which are active.

All sights Indonesia

culture

The culture of the people is a history embodied in stone, feelings expressed by music and dance, thoughts and images that lay on the canvas and pages of books.

The culture of Indonesia is colorful and discordant like bird chirping in the jungle. Its "creators" are Buddhism, Hinduism, Christian influences brought from Europe, Muslim traders and preachers, as well as local beliefs and ideas about beauty.

Traditional architecture is receding under the onslaught of glass and concrete, but the feast of its forms can still be observed today.

The wooden houses of the Batak and Minang Kabao, with high saddle roofs, decorated with buffalo horns, are puzzling. Maybe there, among the rafters and columns going into the sky, spirits gather?

The temple complexes erected at the dawn of the Middle Ages are amazing. Borobudur and Prambanan in Java, Besaki in Bali, Padang Levas in Sumatra - it seems that the gods themselves erected these monuments to glorify man, decorated them with carvings and sculptures.

Colonial buildings and entire neighborhoods built by Europeans make you get lost in space and time. Dutch forts in Bukittinggi and Bengkulu, magnificent Empire-style palaces in Jakarta and Bogor, modern buildings of the Institute of Technology in Bandung and the Stavia School in Jakarta - you are in Europe, but why is it so hot and palm trees around ?!

Strict domes of mosques and spiers of minarets pacify and subdue. All of them, from the oldest wooden one in De Makak to the gigantic size of the Istiklal mosque in the center of Jakarta, make the motley public bow their heads in reverence, because 94% of the locals are Muslims. Bow your head and you before the majestic walls of "Raya Baturrahman" in the city of Banda Ache, and may Allah forgive you your sins.

But what are stone and wood before the inexorability of millennia? Only music is eternal, and the leisurely tune of the traditional gamelan orchestra will outlive the most enduring strongholds. Its numerous bodangs, baluzhans, rebabs, blindems and chelempungs induce trance with their names alone, so what can we say about hearing? Often performances are accompanied by kris and kechak dances, especially popular in Bali, which depict stories from the Indian epic Ramayana and fights between all kinds of evil spirits. By the way, "Ramayana" and another epic, "Mahabharata", became the basis of national literature and the famous shadow theater Wayang kulit. The performances of this theater last all night, serve not only as entertainment, but also as a kind of ritual. The puppeteer, called "dalang", skillfully manipulates puppets made of buffalo skin, the shadows from them fall on a white screen illuminated by a lamp. A good dalang makes one believe that there are at least a few people involved in the performance. This art is especially developed in Bali and Yogyakarta.

And yet the most recognizable and sought-after hypostasis of the national cultural heritage has been and remains painting, including batik, and wood carving. Not without reason, in the 50-60s of the last century, higher educational institutions were opened in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, graduating famous abstract and realist artists, and in Ubud (Bali) there is a whole academy of painting and carving. The results of her creations can be appreciated and purchased in the countless art shops of this artist's village.

Batik painting as an art object arose in the second half of the 20th century and reached special heights in Jokyakarta, where there are galleries and exhibitions dedicated exclusively to it. The growing demand from foreign tourists only spurs the painting and carving industry, although it makes it more standardized and primitive. But even among the countless amount of outright consumer goods offered for sale, you can, if you wish, find real pearls at a completely bargain price - this is what makes the search process fascinating.

Speaking of local culture and customs, it is impossible not to mention kris daggers, which occupy a special place in the life of every man in Java and Bali. Their history goes back 2,000 years. The dagger protects its owner and his family from evil spirits and has magical powers.

The process of making real kris takes from several years to a whole human life. There were masters who made only one dagger, and its cost exceeded all reasonable limits. The blade was forged from meteoric iron in several layers and could hit the enemy even at a distance. Of course, the vast majority of kris are deprived of such strength and are made of ordinary steel, but they enjoy no less love and respect from their masters. At the entrance to the house there is always a shelf with a scabbard, where a wave-shaped blade with a carved handle carries out its honorable service.

Calendars

In Indonesia, calendars of various systems and eras are used. The most widespread is the modern solar Gregorian calendar.

Along with it, the lunar hijra is used, the month in which is the period between two new moons. There are twelve months in the Muslim calendar, as in the European one. Their names are the same as in the ancient solar-lunar Arabic calendar. Duration of the months: Muharram - 29 days, Safar - 30 days, Rabi Awwal - 29 days, Rabi Sani - 29 days, Jumada Awwal - 29 days, Jumada Sani - 30 days, Rajab - 29 days, Shaban - 30 days, Ramadan - 30 days, Shawwal - 30 days, Dhul-Qa'ada - 29 days, Dhul-Hijjah - 30 days. 12 months form a lunar year (354 days). Every third year is a leap year (355 days). 33 Hijri years are approximately equal to 32 solar years. There are special tables for converting Hijri dates to the European solar calendar.

Among the Javanese, the lunisolar Javanese calendar, created on the basis of the lunisolar calendar of ancient India of the Shaka era (chronology from 78 AD) retains its significance, especially in ritual practice, with a correlation with the Hijra. This calendar was introduced by Sultan Agung in 1633. The beginning of the year coincides with the beginning of the Hijri year. The months received the following names: suro/sura, sapar, mulud, bakdomulud, jumadil aval, jumadil akhir, rejeb, ruvah, pasa, saveal, hapit, rayagung, and the days of the week - minggu (Sunday), senin (Monday), selasa (Tuesday). ), rebo (Wednesday), kemis (Thursday), jamuah (Friday), setu (Saturday). The usual names of the days of the week are combined with the "bazaar" ones: klivon, legs, paing, pon, vage. These combinations (neptu) are of great importance, since they determine favorable or unfavorable days. For example, the following are considered bad for traveling: Sunday-Paing, Saturday-Mon, Friday-Wage, Tuesday-Clivon, Monday-Leg, Thursday-Wage. Eight years form the Windu calendar cycle.

In addition to astronomical, there are priestly calendars based on observations of the cycles of natural phenomena. These include, for example, the Javanese wuku calendar. The year in it consists of 30 seven-day weeks, or 210 days. Years are combined into cycles of 7, 8, 12 and 32 years. The years of the 12-year cycle bear the names of animals borrowed from the Hindu calendar, and the 7-year cycle bears the names of the day on which the year begins. The priests count the days, alternating in parallel weeks of a different number of days.

The Balinese also have a similar calendar called pavukon. With its help, the dates of temple holidays, other celebrations, various works, as well as days favorable or unfavorable for any undertakings are determined. The year consists of 30 weeks (wuku) of 7 days each. There are 6 special seven-day cycles (ingkel) in a year, repeating every 54 days. Along with the seven-day week, weeks are used in calculations, consisting of a different number of days (from one to ten). Dates are flexible and are set depending on the intersection of these weeks. A day is considered auspicious when, for example, the day "kliwon" from the five-day week coincides with the day "kajeng" from the week of the three-day cycle. But the most successful day is the one that is at the intersection of favorable days of three different weeks. Mastering the calendar with its favorable and unfavorable intersections requires special knowledge, which, as a rule, only priests possess.

Official holidays

Only three official holidays have a fixed date in Indonesia:

• New Year (January 1),
• Independence Day (August 17),
• Christmas (December 25).

The remaining holidays in Indonesia are religious, and their dates are determined according to the lunar calendars: Muslim - according to the Hijri, and Hindu-Buddhist - according to the Shaka calendar. These include:

• Night of the miraculous ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to Allah, Mikraj (27 Rajab);
• Nyepi is one of the main festivals in Balinese Hinduism (agama tirtha). It is celebrated on the island of Bali annually in March for two days and falls on the New Year according to the Shaka calendar;
• Death of the Prophet Isa - Good Friday (March-April);
• Idul Fitri, or Lebaran - a holiday of breaking the fast after the end of the fast (Turkic - Eid al-Fitr) (1 Shavval);
• Vesak - Thrice Holy Day, the celebration of the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the 6th lunar month (May). It is celebrated by the followers of Buddhism by making a pilgrimage to the temple of Borobudur;
• Ascension of Isa (April - May);
• Idul Adha - the feast of sacrifice (Turkic - kurban-bairam) in memory of the sacrifice of Ibrahim (10 dhul-hijja);
• Muslim New Year (1 Muharram) coinciding with Javanese New Year (1 Suro);
• The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is Mawlid al-Nabi (12 Rabi Avwal).

The Muslim fast (puasa) falls on the month of Ramadan. During this month, during the daytime, before dark, eating and smoking are not allowed, as well as gambling, all kinds of entertainment and intimate relationships between spouses. The fast of Ramadan is established as a reminder that it was in this month that Muhammad was first overshadowed by Divine Revelation. He heard sayings, the meaning of which is the greatness of Allah.

In addition, national holidays (working days) are widely celebrated:

• Kartini Day - Enlightener, National Hero of Indonesia (April 21),
• Pancasil Day (October 1),
• Armed Forces Day (October 5),
• Youth Pledge Day (October 28),
• Heroes Day (November 10), etc.

Among the traditional holidays:

• Diwali (Deepavali) is the festival of lights. One of the most important holidays of the Indian community. It personifies the triumph of good and light over evil, darkness and ignorance.
• Galungan is one of the main festivals in Balinese Hinduism. It is celebrated on the island of Bali annually - every 210 days, lasts ten days. It personifies the victory of virtue "dharma" over evil "adharma", the glorification of the main deity Sanghyang Vidi Vasa. The last day of the holiday is called kuningan - from kuning - yellow, because. the main treat on this day is yellow, saffron rice.
• Chinese New Year (Tahun Baru Imlek) is a holiday of the Chinese community (January - February).
• Mantran - the ceremony of welcoming the New Year according to the Javanese calendar on the eve of the first day of the month of Suro in Yogyakarta.
• Sadrapan is a traditional festival of Javanese fishermen. It is held at the end of the year and aims to "propitiate" the guardian of the seas baurekso. The head of a buffalo is offered as a sacrifice to the sea monster.
• Saparan is a traditional ceremony in Java in the Yogyakarta region, designed to ward off misfortunes and misfortunes from people. Dolls made of rice and stuffed with coconut molasses (“blood”), representing a married couple (bekakak), are sacrificed.

Kitchen

The national cuisine combines the variety of regional traditions of the numerous peoples of Indonesia. Local cuisine has a specific taste, unfamiliar to Europeans. Local fragrant spices make the dishes unusual: tamarind, pepper (black, red, white and green), nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, garlic.

Rice occupies an honorable place in the diet of Indonesians, there are many cooking options for it here - cereals are boiled, fried, mixed with vegetables, seafood, eggs, meat.

It should be noted that pork is not eaten in Indonesia, as the vast majority of the population is Muslim.

Equally important in the Indonesian menu is fish, served salted, smoked, fried, boiled and dried.

A frequent ingredient in island cuisine is milk and coconut pulp.

An indispensable accompaniment of each meal is sauces: sweet and sour, nutty, soy, which add piquancy and originality to dishes.

Legumes, sago and sweet potatoes are no less popular in the country. Main courses are complemented by bamboo sprouts, palm heart, pickled mango and breadfruit.

Island cuisine offers delicacies such as shark fin soup, baked frog legs, fried swallow nests, cuttlefish with vegetables.

To extinguish the fire in the mouth from hot spices and sauces, local fruits, which in Indonesia are assigned the role of dessert, will help. In addition to exotic fruits, Indonesians prepare pastries based on rice flour with a variety of fillings for sweets.

Food is traditionally laid out on a leaf of a banana palm and eaten only with the right hand. Before meals and after - obligatory washing of hands with lemon water. Tourists are served cutlery, except for a knife, which is considered by the locals as a sign of aggression.

Popular drinks are freshly squeezed fruit juices, tea, rice wines, arak palm vodka. Local beer has good taste.

The famous Kopi Luwak coffee is the most expensive in the world. They produce it in a very extravagant way - they take out overcooked coffee beans from the excrement of the palm marten.

Tourism

The development of tourism in Indonesia is characterized by high rates. The number of local residents traveling around the country reaches 160 million people a year. Particular attention is paid to guests from abroad as an important source of replenishment of foreign exchange reserves. Thus, in 2012, 7.2 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia. The material and technical base for receiving and servicing travelers is being strengthened, the hotel and restaurant industry is being improved, historical and cultural monuments are being restored, the network of national parks and reserves, resort areas is expanding.

Information support includes the publication of guides, maps, brochures in foreign languages, the opening of travel agencies abroad, participation in international and regional conferences and meetings on tourism issues. Seven tourism development centers have been opened abroad (Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, London, Taipei).

Measures are being taken to liberalize visa and customs regimes (in 1993, citizens of 45 countries received the right to visa-free entry for up to two months if they have at least one thousand dollars), new excursion routes are being developed. Along with recreational tourism, scientific, business, ecological, and health tourism is developing: Bali has the only thalassotherapy center in Southeast Asia (recovery using sea water, plankton and algae).

Targeted campaigns to attract travelers under the motto "Visit Indonesia!" are becoming regular. (the first campaign - in 1991, the last - in 2011). The government pins great hopes on the further development of tourism with the implementation of the plan adopted under the auspices of the UN to create a single transport system uniting all the countries of South and Southeast Asia. In accordance with it, the construction of the Trans-Sumatra highway has been completed, and roads in Java and other islands are being modernized. Indonesia is an active member of the World Tourism Organization.

Indonesia was named the best place to surf in the World's Top 100 Waves poll by the Australian magazine Tracks. In the list of a hundred beaches for surfing in the first place is Desert Point on about. Lombok. Followed by: Grajangan in Java (third place); Padang-Padang in Bali (10th); Hollow Trees (12), Macaronis (15), Nias (31) in Sumatra; Lakey Peak (33) on Sumbawa; One Palm Point (34) in Java; Periscopes (44) on Sumbawa; Asu (45), Bawa (59) in Sumatra; Canggu (68), Kuta Beach (93) in Bali; Lances Left (100) in Sumatra.

Several Indonesian hotels (including the Four Seasons Resort Bali and Amandari in Bali) are on the list of the 100 best hotels in the world, and Bali itself is the second largest tourist destination in the world ranking (after Sydney) and the first in Asia.

Currency

The national currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah. There are 100 sen in 1 rupee, however, due to high inflation, there are no sen in circulation. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 rupees, and coins in 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 rupees. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at any bank or exchange office. Torn banknotes are accepted at a slightly reduced rate at an exchange office in the very center of Jakarta on the street. Durian (Jl. Durian). Course as of November 2014:

1 Russian ruble equals 300 rupees.
1 American dollar is equal to 12.290 rupees.

Avoid street changers, suspicious and unauthorized exchange offices (there are times when "left" exchangers themselves write under the sign that they are authorized). You may be slipped counterfeit money or "show trick" as a result of which you will receive less of a significant part of the money (from 10% to 50%), be careful!

shopping

Indonesia is distinguished by the high quality of goods - both souvenirs and clothing. Handicrafts are most valued: jewelry, leather, wickerwork and textiles; crafts made of wood, stone and silver; homespun carpets; painted porcelain; batik. Guests of the country are happy to buy local honey, Javanese jasmine tea and coffee.

The best fashion stores are located in Jakarta's major shopping malls - Taman Anggrek Mall and Plaza Indonesia, where goods from popular world brands are presented. But it will not be possible to save money in such stores, and budget shopping awaits tourists in traditional markets. Bargaining is appropriate here and allows you to reduce the original price by 2 or even 3 times.

Shops are open daily from 09.00 to 18.00, in tourist places - until 21.00. In some Muslim areas, shops are closed on Fridays.

Accommodation

Indonesia has an excellent choice of modern hotels of any category that meet international standards and are distinguished by a high level of service. The hotels are neat and clean, guests are provided with free bottled drinking water.

It is recommended to book hotel rooms in advance during the dry season, after the holy month of Ramadan, on New Year and Christmas holidays, as well as at the end of March, when the New Year is celebrated in Indonesia for the third time (the first in October, the second in December, along with everything the world).

At the service of vacationers - hotels of almost all international hotel chains - Ramada, Holiday Inn, InterContinental. Accommodation options - bungalows, standard rooms, luxury villas. The hotels offer golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and spa centers to their guests. Many Indonesian hotels charge tourists a deposit that is returned upon check-out - a guarantor in case of compensation for possible damage. Prices for a room in a 3 * hotel start at $ 50, in the "four" accommodation will cost $ 100-120 for two, in a five-star hotel rooms cost from $ 200.

It is easy to find more budget hotels in the country, usually located along noisy streets and providing a minimum set of amenities. A room in a boarding house, losmen or pengynapan (inexpensive hotels) can be rented for $10-20 per day.

Transport

Tourists usually travel as part of excursion groups, by taxi, or use the services of local guides with a car.

Public transport in Indonesia is poorly developed, but in large cities there are buses, minibuses "bemo", auto rickshaws, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and horse-drawn carts. When calculating the fare, be careful - tourists can be asked for much more money than local residents.

Rail transport is only available in Java and Sumatra.

Driving a rental car is not the best way to get around the country. Traffic in Indonesia is left-handed, country roads are narrow and not of very high quality. Many roads are one-way at different times of the day, but you will not find any warning signs about when the passage is allowed. There are few road signs, and they often contain conflicting information.

For travel over long distances, it is more reasonable to use an airplane.

Helpful information

Safety

Indonesia is a Muslim country, therefore it is necessary to follow some rules of conduct: women should not sunbathe topless, do not wear short shorts or skirts, cover their shoulders and knees in mosques and institutions. Before visiting the temples, it is recommended to wear a sarong (a piece of fabric covering the legs), which can be rented in a shop next to the sanctuary. During religious rituals, one should not talk loudly and clap your hands. You can not touch the head of local residents and point your finger at them. It is considered offensive, sitting in a “foot to foot” position, to put the lower limb in one direction. Also avoid talking in raised tones and displays of tender feelings in public.

The left hand of the local peoples is considered “unclean”, so try not to take or give anything with it when communicating with the natives, and in no case touch your interlocutor.

In the rainy season, one should refuse to visit the mountainous regions of the country, since landslides are frequent at this time of the year, huge masses of which suddenly fall on settlements and destroy them.

In Indonesia, you must always wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen, as the level of natural radiation is significantly exceeded here. Wear rubber slippers before swimming to avoid injury from corals or stepping on poisonous underwater inhabitants.

In no case do not touch local animals - wounds from their teeth and claws can become seriously infected.

Swim only in specially designated areas - there are strong undercurrents and high tidal waves around the islands.

Indonesia is a paradise for insects, many of which are disease carriers. Try not to leave sweet stains on your clothes while eating and shower as often as possible to avoid attracting insects with the smell of sweat. If you decide to visit the country during the wet season, then it would be useful to drink a course of antimalarial drugs, stock up on mosquito nets and repellents.

On Komodo Island, stay away from the famous monitor lizard, its attacks are unpredictable, and the poisonous saliva of a huge reptile will not allow the wound to heal for a long time.

Drink only bottled water. Pay attention to the fact that ice is prepared for you only from boiled water. Be careful when eating food from street stalls. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the fruits with running water and scald with boiling water.

Indonesia has a low crime rate, but thefts are not uncommon in tourist areas, so do not show large amounts of cash and valuables to others.

In Jakarta, for smoking in public places, the violator can be imprisoned for 6 months or fined about $6,000.

Distribution and use of narcotic substances are punishable by death, at best - 20 years in prison.

Due to the increased activity of Islamic fundamentalists, it is not recommended to visit West Timor and the province of Irian Jaya.

Indonesia - one of the largest countries in the world and the largest among the countries of Southeast Asia, lies on both sides of the equator. In terms of area, it is the fourteenth in the world, and in terms of population it is second only to China, India and the United States.

A detailed map of Indonesia shows the validity of its name - "Indian Islands". The territory of the country is made up of more than 17 thousand islands of the Malay Archipelago (formerly the Indian Archipelago), located between the Indochina Peninsula of Eurasia and Australia. Indonesia also includes the western part of the island of New Guinea. It is the world's largest island nation.

Indonesia on the world map: geography, nature and climate

The territory of Indonesia is more than 1.9 million km2. The largest islands - Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan (Borneo) - belong to the Greater Sunda Islands. The rest of the islands mostly belong to the Lesser Sunda Islands, except for New Guinea. The shores are washed by the waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Despite being an island, Indonesia has land borders. As the map of Indonesia in Russian shows, these are the borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor. There are also maritime borders with countries such as India, Australia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The position of Indonesia on the world map is very convenient, since the sea routes from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean pass through the Straits of Malacca and Sunda, connecting the countries of Asia with China, Japan and the US west coast.

Relief

The islands are mostly mountainous; this is the area of ​​modern mountain building. In the west of New Guinea is the highest point in Indonesia - Mount Punchak Jaya, reaching 4884 m. Only in Kalimantan there are vast flat areas.

The Malay Archipelago is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are many active volcanoes (Merapi, Tambora, Semeru, etc.), the most famous of them is Krakatoa. Earthquakes often occur, which are dangerous not only in themselves, but also by the tsunami waves they cause (for example, during the 2004 Sumatran earthquake, when up to 170 thousand people died in Indonesia itself).

Hydrography

The rivers are numerous and full-flowing. The largest of them are Kaluas, Mahakam, Barito (Kalimantan island). There are many rapids and waterfalls on the rivers. The largest lake - Toba (Sumatra), is the largest volcanic lake in the world.

Flora and fauna

60% of Indonesia's territory is covered with equatorial forests with very rich flora and fauna. In terms of species diversity of flora and fauna, the country is second only to Brazil. Unfortunately, active deforestation poses a danger to wildlife. Endangered are such rare species as the orangutan, the Sumatran tiger, and the Javan rhinoceros.

Climate

The climate is equatorial and subequatorial. In most of the territory, dry and wet seasons are clearly distinguished. There is a lot of precipitation, from 1800-3200 mm on the plains and up to 6100 mm in the mountains. Average temperatures during the year fluctuate around 26°, seasonal fluctuations do not exceed 3°. In mountainous areas with altitudes of more than 1.5 km, there are frosts.

Map of Indonesia with cities. Administrative division of the country

The map of Indonesia with cities in Russian shows the administrative division - the country is divided into 32 provinces and 2 special districts (the capital district of Jakarta and the special district of Yogyakarta). Of the provinces, a special status is defined for Papua, West Papua and Aceh, whose authorities are endowed with additional powers in certain areas of life (cultural, social, etc.).

• capital of indonesia Jakarta city(about 10 million inhabitants). It is located in the northeast of Java, at the mouth of the Chilivung River. This is the largest economic center of the country, the official residence of the President is located here. There are many tourism facilities in the city: museums, the national gallery, the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature park, the Thousand Islands district, etc.
• Surabaya- the second most populated city (3.5 million people), located in the east of Java, at the confluence of the branch of the Brantas River into the Madura Strait. Large industrial center, international port. Here is the base of the Eastern Fleet of the country and the Naval Academy. The city is known for its football team and fans.
• Denpasar(0.5 million inhabitants) - a city in the southern part of the island of Bali, the center of the province of the same name. Known for its historical monuments. The largest cultural event, the Bali Arts Festival, takes place here every summer. At other times, the city is a solid market with low prices. The name "Benpasar" is translated as "near the market". This city serves as a transit base for tourists arriving in Bali.

The region where Indonesia is located belongs to the equatorial or subequatorial climate, which means that seasonal temperature fluctuations are practically absent here or are no more than three degrees. The climate is also influenced by the terrain, but in the flat areas it is most favorable, while frosts can occur in mountainous areas.

Where is Indonesia located with the islands?

Situated on a long archipelago, on both sides of the equator, the Republic of Indonesia boasts not only an amazing climate, but also an extraordinary natural diversity.

Despite the fact that the area of ​​the country does not exceed 1.3% of the world's land, this tiny territory is home to approximately 17% of the species known to science. The archipelago is home to two types of flora and fauna: Asian and Australian. This is due to the fact that in the distant prehistoric times, some islands of the Indonesian archipelago were connected to Asia and formed the Sundaland region with it. Also affected by the proximity of Australia.

The humid equatorial climate creates very favorable conditions for the growth of plants, and this leads to the fact that up to sixty percent of the country's territory is covered with evergreen forests. The region where Indonesia is located is famous for the diversity of flora, which is represented by a wide variety of ecosystems: from mangroves on the coasts to crooked forests on high mountain plateaus.

Geography and geology. Thousand Islands

Indonesia ranks fourteenth among the largest countries in the world by area. According to official statistics, there are up to 17,804 islands in the archipelago, which makes the archipelago where Indonesia is located the largest in terms of area and water area on Earth. With such a large number of islands, the length of the entire archipelago from west to east is more than five thousand kilometers, and from north to south - about one thousand seven hundred kilometers.

However, among such a large number of islands, Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and New Guinea stand out, which is the second largest island on Earth, second only to ice-bound Greenland. However, not all of these islands belong exclusively to Indonesia.

Indonesia shares New Guinea with the state of Papua New Guinea, and the island of Kalimantan, also known as Borneo, belongs to three states at once - Indonesia, Malaysia and the Sultanate of Brunei. However, it is worth noting that the island of Borneo belongs to the Malay Archipelago, which is famous for its huge number of volcanoes. There are up to 330 of them on it.

Specialists in the movement of continental plates believe that the island of New Guinea was once part of Australia, which influenced its special flora and fauna. And relative, by geological standards, youth is indicated by high mountains, opposing gently sloping sandy beaches, and high seismic activity of the entire region where Indonesia is located.

fire ring

The Republic of Indonesia was not fortunate enough to find itself in one of the most seismically active zones of the planet with almost its entire territory. The so-called Pacific Ring of Fire goes around the perimeter of the entire Pacific Ocean, following the contours of South and North America, the eastern coast of Eurasia, the Indonesian archipelago and Australia. The extreme point of the most seismically dangerous zone reaches the coast of Antarctica.

The geological youth of the islands creates significant risks for people living in the archipelago. There are four hundred volcanoes in Indonesia, about one hundred and fifty of which are active. At the same time, the most active of them are on the island of Java, which has a greater number of eruptions. For example, in 1991, as many as twenty-nine volcanic eruptions occurred on this island.

But the most famous volcano of the entire archipelago is Krakatau, which earned its infamous disastrous eruption that occurred in 1883 and claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people. During this terrible eruption, the island on which the volcano is located was almost completely destroyed, and the cone of a new volcano began to rise from the bottom of the ocean, which was called Anak-Krakatau.

Where is the country of Indonesia located?

Having found out the geography of the Indonesian archipelago, you can pay attention to the political map of the region. Despite the fact that the state is located on the islands, it also has land borders with other countries, such as Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor, which is located in the eastern part of the island of the same name.

The answer to the question: "Where is Indonesia located? In which country?" pretty simple. It is worth saying that the Republic of Indonesia occupies the largest archipelago in the world, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.

One has only to look at an expanded map of the world, and the eye is struck by the abundance of islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Malay Archipelago located there has more than 18,000 of them. Several states of Southeast Asia are located on it: Malaysia, Brunei, East Timor. They are diverse both in economy and territory. The island part of Malaysia almost covers rich but tiny Brunei. Timor is lost among hundreds of other islands. However, it doesn't take much effort to find where Indonesia is located. A huge country stretched on both sides of the equator.

Indonesia on the world map occupies more than 1.9 million square kilometers. Its area ranks 14th among other countries and the first in Southeast Asia. The vast territory is divided into 32 provinces and two separate administrative divisions: the Jakarta metropolitan area and the Yogyakarta Special District. The capital is in Jakarta. Almost ten million people live there; population density is one of the highest in the world. However, in general, the archipelago is inhabited unevenly. For example, the map of Kalimantan is not full of circles of cities and villages indicated on it. Compared to Java, it is almost a deserted island.

Indonesians: population, religion, life

exceeded the figure of 237 million people. This is the fourth largest in the world. Nearly 300 peoples live here: Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese... The Papuans from New Guinea stand apart. The Chinese diaspora is numerous, numbering about 7 million representatives of this nation. Natives from India and the countries of the Arab East live in large cities.

Such an abundance of different peoples, diasporas and ethnic groups should have caused inevitable difficulties in communication. Moreover, unlike most of the former colonies, the language of the metropolis was not widely used here. However, the trade dialect Indon, an applied variant of the Malay language, was adopted by the authorities as the basis of Indonesian. An interesting fact: only 60% of the population knows the official language of the state of Indonesia. In everyday life, many communicate in their native language.

Islam in the life of the nation

Life of the Indonesians heavily regulated by many rules. Primarily religious. Tourists who have been there notice interesting facts in Indonesia. This is a Muslim country. About 80% of its inhabitants profess Islam. This affects behavior and clothing. It is not recommended to wear too revealing outfits, short shorts or skirts, to show your feelings too emotionally.

A characteristic feature is peaceful coexistence both within Islamic confessions: both between Sunnis and Shiites, and between adherents of Islam and followers of other religions. The state provides protection and support to Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. Confucianism is in the semi-underground. In relation to the Chinese and their culture, the country is pursuing a rather tough policy: this is due to some historical features.

How modern Indonesia was formed

On the world map, the state occupies a special geographical position. She spread out like between China and India. At a certain time, the whole region was called Indo-China. The cults of Indian gods are now forgotten. Rare Buddhist temples, this is just an interesting fact, a landmark. But until now, individual peoples profess the ancient religions of the islands - Hinduism and Buddhism. Islam penetrated here only in the XIII century. Gradually crowding out other beliefs, it to some extent allowed the country to be united and served as an additional factor in the struggle against the colonial aspirations of the European powers.

The struggle against the Europeans continued with varying success for almost three hundred years. Only at the beginning of the 19th century the country was finally conquered and, under the name of the Dutch East Indies, passed to the Dutch crown. Whites ruled the islands for a century and a half and never felt calm. During this time there were three liberation wars. The Europeans were technically superior to the Patriots. From the army, they ruthlessly destroyed the civilian population by entire villages. However, the national movement expanded.

In 1940, the Netherlands was on the side of the coalition that fought against the Axis countries, which included Japan. The army of the Land of the Rising Sun in just a month defeated the combined forces of the Europeans. They included contingents of the following countries:

1. Great Britain.
2. Netherlands.
3. Australia.
4. New Zealand.

The Battle of the Islands ended with the ignominious surrender of British Singapore. All of Indonesia came under the control of the Mikado. The geographical position did not save the famous sea fortress. The "Asia for Asians" policy pursued by the Japanese found wide support among Indonesian nationalists. They gained experience in administrative management and were able to concentrate some of the resources in their hands. Despite the fact that on August 15, 1945, the Japanese government announced its surrender, the nationalist leader Sukarno proclaimed the independence of Indonesia.

The war with the colonizers who returned to the island lasted 5 years. Sukarno received significant assistance from the USSR, which was counting on a new ally in Asia. Despite resistance, the area of ​​Indonesia controlled by parts of the national liberation movement was shrinking. But resistance grew and the Dutch were forced to leave the islands. In 1950 on the world map, Indonesia finally established itself as an independent republic. President Sukarno ruled until 1965, but his independence and rapprochement with the Soviet Union failed. From the mid-sixties, the first president was replaced by Haji Mohammed Suharto, whose thirty-year rule determined the current appearance of the country.

Economy

Currently the Republic of Indonesia quite developed, agrarian-industrial power. This is one of the so-called Asian dragons with 8th place in the world in terms of GDP. Moreover, the industry provides 42% of income. Many European companies have moved their production to the island of Sumatra and, to a lesser extent, to Java. The active population is also employed:

Interesting Facts. Indonesia, with only 13% employed in industry, receives more than 45% of GDP from the industrial sector. The area of ​​agricultural land is 13% of the country's territory.

Tourism has not received priority development. The lack of developed infrastructure, natural conditions and the activity of armed Islamists do not help attract a large flow of tourists.

The archipelago has a hot, humid climate.. The Republic has not a very good geographical position. Indonesia is in a seismically active zone. Frequent volcanic eruptions. One of these eruptions happened in 1883, and more than one thousand people died. The main attraction is the island of Bali, interesting for lovers of the exotic. Nature is exceptionally diverse. More than 3 thousand biological species and about 18,000 species of fauna can be found in tropical forests. The fact of the existence of an animal or plant that was considered extinct is often confirmed here.

A significant number of hardworking population, rich natural resources, stable power and a strong army create the prerequisites for a future breakthrough in the economy and geopolitics. If Indonesia manages to gain access to modern technologies and create its own scientific base, this state may become one of the leading countries in the near future.