Which city is the capital of indonesia. Visa to Indonesia. Country of cultural values ​​and attractions

An exotic country located near the equator. It is called the country of three thousand islands (in reality there are thirteen and a half thousand). Terraced rice fields, coconut palms, tropical horticultural crops - all this is Indonesia. Indonesia is a country of rich cultural and historical heritage, colorful ceremonies and festivals, various arts and crafts. There are many interesting and charming places that can attract even the most demanding tourists. Usually Indonesia is called the Land of a Thousand Islands, wanting to emphasize that this is the world's largest island state. This is a chain of magnificent islands located near the coast of continental Asia, on the very border of two great oceans - the Pacific and the Indian.

Earth and water, smoking volcanoes and impenetrable jungles, rice terraces and tea plantations, ancient temples and palaces, a mixture of languages ​​and civilizations - this is what Indonesia is in the eyes of a tourist. Remaining a 100% year-round destination, the country of Indonesia still has pronounced "high" seasons: December-January and July-September. The main tourist center of Indonesia is the island of Bali, a kind of "state within a state" with its own way of life, traditions and customs. Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations, because you can relax here all year round. Each island of the archipelago is unique in its own way, but almost everywhere you are amazed by the most beautiful mountain landscapes, smoking volcanoes, wet rainforests with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife and, of course, sandy beaches and always warm water. The history of this region has its roots far into the past - on some islands, the most ancient tribes have survived, which have not been affected by technological progress, and the temples and numerous museums of Indonesia keep priceless monuments of the past.

Geography

The Republic of Indonesia, an island state in Southeast Asia, which includes more than 13.6 thousand islands (according to some sources, more than 17.5 thousand), of which only approx. 1000 have a permanent population. Indonesia is separated from West Malaysia and Singapore by the Moluccas, the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas from the Philippines, and the Timor and Arafura Seas from Australia. On Kalimantan, Indonesia borders on East Malaysia, on about. New Guinea - with Papua New Guinea. In the 19th - first half of the 20th century. the territory of Indonesia was a Dutch colony, which was called the Netherlands (or Dutch) East Indies. On August 17, 1945, the forces of the national liberation movement of Indonesia proclaimed the independence of their country. The official transfer of sovereignty over most of the Netherlands East Indies took place on December 27, 1949. The capital is Jakarta (Java). Administrative - territorial division - 27 provinces.

The archipelago consists of 5 main islands (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, part of the island of New Guinea and Java) and many small islands scattered between Asia and Australia. There are more than 18,000 of them and only 6,000 of them are inhabited. The total area of ​​the archipelago is 1904.5 thousand square meters. km., it is the largest island state. The region belongs to the Pacific Ring of Fire - out of 500 volcanoes located here, about 200 are active. The most famous volcanoes are Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait and Tambora on the island of Sumbawa. In 1883, as a result of the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, an entire island was destroyed and tens of thousands of people died. Now in its place is the island of Anak Krakatoa (son of Krakatoa). The eruption of Mount Tambor in 1815 is considered the most powerful on Earth in the last 500 years.

From the north, Indonesia is washed by the South China Sea, in the south and west - by the Indian Ocean, from the east - by the Pacific Ocean. The relief of the main islands is mostly mountainous, while the coastal areas are occupied by plains. In the west of the island of Sumatra, the Barisan Mountains are located, the highest point of which is the Kerinchi volcano (3800 m), while the eastern part is a swampy plain, where the largest tropical swamp in the world is located. Along the entire island of Java there are numerous volcanoes, the highest is Semeru (3676 m). The island of Kalimantan is flat on the outskirts, and in the center there are ancient mountains, with elevations up to 4000 m, in the south there is a swampy lowland. The island of Sulawesi is dominated by young mountains with steep slopes. On the island of New Guinea is the highest point in the country - Mount Jaya (5040 m). On small islands, Rinjani (3726 m) in the north of Lombok and Agun (3148 m) - on the island of Bali stand out from large volcanoes.

There are many rivers in Indonesia that are full of water throughout the year. On the island of Sumatra flow the rivers Hari (800 km), Musi, Kampar, Rokan and Siak, on the island of Kalimantan - Kapuas (1040 km), Mahakam, Martapura and Barito. Due to sufficient moisture in the country a large number of lakes and swamps. The largest lake is located in the north of the island of Sumatra - Lake Toba, with an area of ​​1775 square meters. km.

Time

2 hours ahead of Moscow.

Climate

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial (the equator crosses the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and the Moluccas) and subtropical monsoon. But these climatic characteristics are softened by the influence of the sea. The dry season is never dry in the full sense of the word. The exception is the territories located in the neighborhood of Australia. The rainy season is less regular and monotonous than in India. When the east monsoon blows (April - October), the dry season begins, which is most loved by tourists. Western monsoon (November - March) brings rain. But everything is relative: there are almost as many types of climate in Indonesia as there are islands. On the same island, on one slope there may be a rainy season, on another at the same time a dry season. The situation may change if the wind changes direction. The ideal time to visit Indonesia is our northern summer, but, for example, in the Mollukki Islands at this time of the year the weather is the worst (storms and storms). In addition, the amount of rainfall depends on the forests. How more area forests, as in Sumatra and Borneo, the more often it rains. 4 m of precipitation per year - this is the record for Pontianak and Padang.

Language

The official language of Indonesia is "Bahasa Indonesia" or simply Indonesian, which was formed on the basis of the Malay language. IN different corners more than 700 dialects are used in the archipelago. English is widely spoken in the resorts.

Religion

Indonesia is called the maritime crossroads of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Almost 90% of the population are Muslims. The remaining 10% is distributed between Christians and Buddhists. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are Sunnis of the Shafi'i persuasion (madhhab). Islam is spread mainly among the large peoples of Java, Madura and Sumatra. There is a wide network of Muslim religious institutions, a developed system of Sharia legal proceedings. The Council of Ulams operates under the Ministry of Religion. Even though Islam is the most widely practiced religion, it has not become the state religion in Indonesia. The Pancasila National Philosophy presupposes a single God and guarantees freedom to practice any religion. And do not be surprised by the fact that in the center of Muslim Indonesia is the Hindu island of Bali, where, on the contrary, 90% of the population professes Hinduism, and 10% is distributed between Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. A feature of the religious situation is the syncretic nature of the main religious confessions, which include elements of each other, as well as attributes of local traditional beliefs.

Population

97% of Indonesians are more than 150 close peoples who speak more than 1000 different languages ​​and dialects (Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Bataks, Malays, Balinese, etc.). Many tribes still do not know agriculture and live mainly by hunting (for example, the Papuans of New Guinea). There are also Chinese, Arabs, immigrants from South Asia. Indonesia is the world's largest Islamic state. The majority of believers are Muslims, ch. arr. Sunnis (87.2%), there are Christians (9.6%), Hindus (mainly in Bali), Buddhists, Confucians; preserved traditional local beliefs. 2/3 of the population lives on the islands of Java and Madura. In some areas of the island of Java, the density of the rural population reaches 2,500 people per 1 sq. km (the highest value in the world for rural areas). 78% of the population lives in rural areas.

Electricity

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 118
Police - 110
Fire Department - 118
Help Desk - 108

Connection

The most common cellular communication standards are GSM-900\1341800\1341900. International roaming covers almost all resort areas of the country. You can use both local and foreign SIM cards (you need to check with your operator for coverage and rates before traveling). Country code - 62, Jakarta - 6221, Bali and Denpasar - 361. The communication system in the country is quite modern and continues to develop rapidly. International calls can be made from a hotel room (prices vary greatly) or from specialized telephones at call centers. Internal calls are made from pay phones that work with phone cards (sold in supermarkets, post offices and newsstands). To call the country, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 62 - area code - subscriber number.

Currency exchange

Official monetary unit Indonesian is the rupiah, it is equal to 100 sen. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 rupees. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, airports and major shopping malls. When exchanging US dollars, there may be problems with banknotes issued before 2000. When exchanging banknotes in denominations of 50 and 100 US dollars, the exchange rate is higher than for smaller denominations. For payment in large stores are accepted credit cards, and in Bali they are accepted everywhere, even in small shops. Rate: 10000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) = 1.1 USD (31.10.2006).

Visa

For citizens of the Russian Federation, entry into the country requires a visa. The term for processing documents is 5 working days. Required documents: OZP signed by the owner (passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the intended trip); personal data (maiden name for women, place of work, position, work address and phone number, home address, home phone number); 2 identical color photographs 3x4; hotel reservation; air ticket booking. For children: 2 identical color photographs; a copy of the birth certificate; personal data: (number of the school or other children's institution).

An Indonesian visa for citizens of the Russian Federation can be obtained upon arrival in the country. To obtain a visa, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip. The cost of a visa upon registration in Moscow is 50 US dollars, upon registration of a visa upon arrival in Denpasar 25 US dollars. To enter the Indonesian island of Bintan, a Singapore visa is required.

Customs regulations

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, the export of national currency is not more than 50,000 IDR, a declaration is required. It is allowed to import duty-free up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 g of tobacco, 2 liters of alcoholic beverages. The import of medicines, plants, animals, drugs, weapons, military ammunition, fruits, pornographic products, printed publications on Chinese medicine is prohibited. It is forbidden to export rare animals and birds, objects and things of historical and artistic value (unless there is a special permit). Professional photo, video and audio equipment must be registered with the authorities when entering and leaving Indonesia.

Holidays and non-working days

Only official and National holidays: January 1 - New Year
April 21 - Kartini Day
August 17 - Independence Day
October 1 - Defense Day
October 5 - Armed Forces Day
October 28 - Youth Pledge Day
November 10 - Heroes Day
December 25 - Christmas
The remaining holidays are religious, their dates are determined according to the lunar calendars: Muslim - according to the Hijri, and Hindu-Buddhist - according to the Shaka and Vuku calendars.
January-February - Ramadan (Buluan Puasa)
March-April - Nyepi holiday
March-April - commemoration of the death of the prophet Isa
April-May - Ascension of Isa
April-May - Muslim New Year, Muharram
April-May - Idul Adha
May - Vesak
July - Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed
December - Isra Miraj Nabi Mahammed, ascension of the Prophet Mohammed, etc.

Transport

There are many airlines in Indonesia, but the smaller they are, the more unreliable. Even the main national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, often postpones, cancels or consolidates its domestic flights. The second place in the domestic transportation market is occupied by Merpati Nusantara Airlines, which also operates international flights. Other important Indonesian carriers are Bouraq Airlines, Sempati Air, Mandala Airlines. Despite a certain unreliability - air travel is still the most acceptable way to travel within Indonesia. Moreover, air transport is often the only way to get from one part of Indonesia to another.

Trains are available on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The bus is comfortable and relatively cheap way movement. Most buses are air conditioned. Jakarta is the only city in Indonesia with an established standard bus service of any size. In other cities in Indonesia, you can use the services of rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and minibuses. There is a bus station in Denpasar (Bali), from where shuttle minibuses, called “bemo” in Indonesia, depart to all parts of the island. Renting such a bemo for the whole day will cost about $30. You can buy a bus tour very popular with the Japanese on the route Jakarta - Bali. There are trains on the islands of Java and Sumatra. You can travel around Indonesia on your own, enjoying its extraordinary beauty. All you need to do is rent a bike. Finding a good bike is not difficult, because this is the most popular transport in the country.

Indonesia is a country living by the laws of the sea. Boats and traditional boats ply between the islands. The main waterways link Malaysia and Sumatra, where sea roads meet. fast ferry takes you from Indonesia to Malaysia. Ferry routes connect other points of the archipelago. You will be able to explore Indonesia from the water, looking into its most beautiful corners, without significant travel expenses. 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. Two of the island's four ports host international cruise ships and yachts. "Benoa" - a small port located next to Nusa Dua. "Padang bai" (Padang) - used by the courts bigger size. There is a ferry service twice a day between Padang Port in Bali and Lembar Port in Lombok. In addition, a high-speed catamaran runs from the port of Benoa to the port of Lembar. In the north of the island, in the town of Singaraja, there is a port that serves regular passenger schooners - bugis - for sailing on which you need to be a very unpretentious traveler. Through the port of "Gilimanuk" in the west, Bali is connected by a 24-hour ferry service to eastern Java (port "Banyuwanji").

Taxi in Indonesia is a very convenient way to travel. In Jakarta and large resort towns, taxi drivers understand English. In small provincial towns, you are unlikely to find a taxi driver who speaks English, as, in fact, the taxi itself, you are unlikely to succeed. When getting into a taxi, make sure that the meter is turned on, otherwise upon arrival at end point route, you will be greatly surprised by the amount that you will have to pay for the fare. It is best to pay for the fare in Indonesian currency. If you pay in dollars, the bill is rounded not in your favor. In Jakarta, it is better not to use taxi services: as in any city with a population of about 12 million people, many hours of traffic jams are not uncommon here. Approximate taxi fare from the airport in Denpasar to the resorts is between $2 and $5.

Tips

In restaurants and hotels, tips are usually included in the bill. At the airport, the porter is given from 2,000 to 5,000 rupees.

The shops

Shopping in Indonesia is a pleasure! Everything from souvenirs to clothes of very high quality. Handicrafts: bone and wood carving, batik, puppets, pottery, as well as exotic paintings by local artists will amaze you. The traditions of their creation are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, there will be no problems with the choice of gifts and souvenirs, and their low cost will pleasantly surprise you. Shops in Indonesia are open from 10.00 to 18.00, large shops until 21.00 from Monday to Saturday, Sunday until lunch. In Muslim areas, some shops are closed on Friday afternoon. Tourists are very impressed by the local market stalls, where you will find exotic fruits, vegetables, seasonings for various dishes, spices, etc. It is customary to bargain in markets, shops and small shops.

Best buys in Indonesia: batik, silver, fabrics, porcelain, pewter, paintings, wood and leather goods. The exact list varies depending on your location. Batik has become very fashionable in recent years, top designers have even opened their stores in Jakarta. Even in Jakarta, look for leather goods, handbags made from sisal or other fibers, silver, puppets. In Lombok, Sumbawa and Sumba, look for baskets and ikat - handmade fabric. The island of Java is famous for its figurines, which are carved from wood, and Surabaya is famous for its handmade fabric - ikat. For inexpensive and unusual gifts, buy delicious Indonesian honey, Javanese jasmine tea and Indonesian coffee.

National cuisine

Indonesian cuisine is generally very spicy, with many specific flavors not known in Europe, or spices used in a special way. An amazing inflorescence of aromas and spices creates the character of this cuisine. Derivatives of all basic national dishes are seafood, traditional rice, spices, corn, sweet potatoes, breadfruit. The cuisines of India, Japan, and China are very common. Often there are Mexican restaurants, grill bars. Indonesian cuisine is in many ways reminiscent of Chinese, although purely Indonesian dishes are also found here. Salads are widespread. It should be noted rice wine - one of the national drinks - and, of course, real black coffee. The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are rightly called the islands of spices. Black and white pepper, tamarind, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot red or green peppers, peanuts, ginger, soybeans, garlic are essential components of hot spices that locals use in their cuisine. The most common crop is, of course, rice. Rice ("nasi") is prepared in many ways: fried, steamed, with the addition of coconut milk and spices, or without salt and oil. Rice is the basis for other dishes, of which the most famous is fried rice seasoned with vegetables, small pieces of meat, fish, shrimp. It is worth noting that for an Indonesian, meat, fish, fruits and other products are just additions to rice.

Traditionally food is served on a banana leaf and eaten with the right hand only. Before and after eating, the hand is washed in a special vessel with water and a piece of lemon. For Europeans, they can serve a spoon and fork, but not a knife. In any case, despite some inconvenience, it is worth a try. Among meat dishes the most popular are satay (sate) made from chicken, pork, or beef. Other popular dishes are fried chicken or fish baked in a banana leaf. A wide variety of dishes are also prepared from fish and seafood (lobsters, crabs, cuttlefish, squid).

Each province and each region has its own cuisine. West Sumatra, for example, is well known throughout Indonesia for its Padang restaurants, which serve "spicy" dishes with a variety of spices. Duck breast salad with mango sauce (Kafe Warisan), lamb skewers (Kafe Warisan) and chocolate cake (Papa's Cafe) were recognized as the best Balinese dishes.

Attractions

Jakarta- the capital of the fourth largest nation in the world. Great Victory City is the largest city in Indonesia. More than 10 million people live in it. From the city emanates some kind of charm, the charm of contrasts: excessive wealth coexists with completely miserable poverty, modern skyscrapers and porters straining at hard work in the port of Sundakelapa, sewage mud and regal luxury of hotels. Despite the oppressive heat and erratic traffic, the city still boasts good museums, famous residential areas, interesting examples of majestic colonial architecture, as well as many excellent shops, antique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. One of the centers of old Batavia is the stone-paved Taman Fatahila Square in the Kota area, surrounded by old buildings overlooking the canal. Nearby are located Historical Museum Jakarta in the building of the former city hall (1627), old cannon "Sea Yago", Museum of Puppets and Ritual Supplies Wayang, drawbridge Chicken Market Bridge (17th century), Bahari Museum with observation tower, the ancient port of Sunda Kelapa and the Chinese district of Glodak with the oldest temple in the city - Jine Yuan(XVII century). The second recognized center of the capital - Medan-Merdeka Square(Liberty Square) with a 132-meter National Monument (Monas), National Museum Indonesia with unique historical and ethnological collections, Museum of National History and Museum of the Institute of Indonesian Culture. Also worth a visit Willelme church(1835), Indonesian Maritime Museum, Presidential Palace, Penang Gate (1671), Portuguese Church(1695), one of the largest in Southeast Asia Istiklal Mosque, Churches of St. Mary (1630), Tugu (1725) and St. Immanuel(1835-1839), etc.

Bangli located high in the hills, so local climate refreshingly cool. This is a quiet market town. Main attraction - very highly revered Temple Pura Keneh. Large and imposing, it rises in terraces steep slope over the road. The intricately decorated main entrance leads to an outer courtyard with a massive banyan tree in whose branches a kulkul tower nestles. Here, in a small protected vessel under an almond tree, there is a stone, which, according to legend, was engulfed in a bright flame, at the moment of choosing a place for laying the temple. At the opposite end of the city is Temple of the Dead, Pura Dalem Pengungekan, the outer walls of which are decorated with scenes of the adventures of the souls of the dead in hell and paradise. The carving embodies a riot of fire, pleading victims and decapitated bodies.

The most remarkable detail of the city Gianyar- a massive white statue on main road, depicting Arjuna in a chariot drawn by three horses and his divine charioteer Krishna (finished in 1994). Royal Palace Puri Gianyar was built in 1771, but the earthquake of 1917 destroyed it, and most of it had to be reconstructed. Gyanyar is famous for the production of elegant endek fabrics, which are sold directly from factories in the western part of the city. The Cap Cili and Cap Togog factories are almost entirely focused on serving tourists, where you can watch the entire process of making fabric from start to finish and purchase the fabric itself or finished products (clothes, souvenir bags and wallets).

Denpasar- the passionate southern heart of Bali. From here all roads to the mysterious and romantic world islands. The city is inhabited by 370,000 people. They are mostly wealthy Indonesians. Most recently, in 1992, the city blossomed, as all local flowers bloom - quickly and magnificently, becoming a self-governing municipal center. It is constantly growing, giving shelter to immigrants from all over the Pacific East, who, like during the gold rush, want to find a chance to get rich in its squares and streets. The city expands, crushing the surrounding rice fields and villages. This is a city that breathes tourism, created for tourism, waiting for tourists. The name of the city itself means "located next to the market", and the main market is called "Pasar Budung". They say that it is the largest and noisiest on the island. This is a real treasure trove of Asia with crowds of Chinese, Arab and Indian traders. Denpasar has a huge number of shops, an arts center and the famous Bali museum- wonderful architectural ensemble, consisting of groups of individual buildings, some of which belong to the architecture of the palace type, striking the imagination with the subtlety of forms and the sophistication of details, generally characteristic of the East. The museum's exposition includes samples of both modern and classical art, paintings, elements of folk art and even tools - everything that will help you understand the way and mentality of Indonesian life. Your attention will be drawn to the wooden and reed products that Bali is famous for. The museum exhibits delightful stone sculptures, sculptures of figures of the ancient shadow and puppet theater"Wayang". A bright exhibition of dance costumes and masks will reveal to you the colorful images of the past. A truly great treasure are samples of unique weaving techniques. Temple "Pura Jagatnatha" located near the museum. This relatively new temple was erected in honor of the main god Sanyang Vidi. And this is truly a marvel of art! The sanctuary of the god and his throne are carved from white coral. The throne is a symbol of paradise, which, according to local belief, rises on a giant tortoise. The Arts Center is a huge complex on Jl Nusa Idah Street (the southeastern outskirts of Denpasar). It was established in 1973 as an academy and exhibition of Bali's cultural achievements. Here an exhibition of traditional and modern painting is presented, a stage for the performance of folk dances has been built, national restaurant and a shop selling folk crafts.

Resorts

Island Bali, lying between the islands of Java and Lombok, is considered the most developed tourist area Indonesia. The length of the island is 150 km. from east to west and 80 km. from North to South. Height up to 3142 m (Agung volcano). Total area - 5561 sq. km. The population is 2.9 million people. Many small buildings of traditional architecture, ethnographic museum "Negen-Propinsi", Art Center Taman-Vedi-Budaiya, quiet cozy streets, constantly shining sun - all this gives the city a special charm. Nearby is the Ngurah Rai International Airport - the main transport hub of the island. The main attractions of the island are located on the slope of the sacred mountain Gunung Agung (active volcano!), 85 km. from Nusa Dua Pura Besakih temple complex(Temple of the Mother), towering on the seaside rock of Tanan Lot ("Temple of the Sea"), sacred "forest of monkeys" Alas-Kedaton surrounded by water "Royal Temple" Taman-Ayun in Mengwi, "temple in the middle of the lake" Uyun-Danu, famous handicraft and ethnographic center with a museum "Puri Lukisan" in ubud, rock temples in Pejeng, Yeh Pulu and Pura Samuan Tiga, Turtle Island Serangan etc.

In the west of the island of Java, the most interesting Bandun mountain resortG, famous for its many museums, the Dago Falls, the picturesque surroundings of the Tangkuban Praya volcano and the well-known Jeans Street, which houses the offices and shops of the largest textile companies. In the vicinity of the city, the prestigious beaches of Anyer and Karang Bolong, as well as the Kulon National Park and the hot springs of Maribaya, attract attention, surrounded by majestic volcanic landscapes, considered the best place for trekking in the country. In nearby Bogor, which has long been considered one of the best mountain climatic resorts in the country, the summer presidential palace of Sokarno with the Zoological Museum, the former residence of the Governor General of the Netherlands East Indies and the world famous botanical garden Kebun Raya (80 hectares) are of interest.

Sumatra is the fifth largest island in the world. Volcanic activity "gave" the island hundreds of kilometers of dark sand beaches and dozens of the purest mountain lakes, and a turbulent historical past - the ruins of ancient temple complexes and palaces. The most interesting are the fashionable Parapat resort on the shores of the magnificent volcanic lake Toba, the royal graves and the palace of the island of Samosir, the Istana Maimun Palace, the Mesjid Raya mosque and the Bukit Barisan Military Museum in Medan, a crocodile farm near Medan, an orangutan rehabilitation center in Bohorok, picturesque canals Palembang, the largest volcanic lake Southeast Asia - Toba, the green mountain valleys of Kerinchi and Danau Ranau, the amazing and legendary capital of the mengkabau people - Bukittinggi (Fort de Kok), the "killer volcano" Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, as well as numerous villages of local residents, as if transferred to the 21st century from the deep Middle Ages.

Almost everything western and north coast Lombok islands busy with comfortable resort complexes. The most interesting here are the Jili Islands, famous for their dazzling white beaches, the majestic Rinjani volcano (3726 m) with a crater lake, Otakokok and Sendang Jila waterfalls, a huge rock-viewing platform in Pantai Segar, Bounty Bay, as well as traditional silk and pottery workshops in the Senggigi area. , Mataram and Ampenan.

Indonesia is located between Southeast Asia and Australia and borders the Indian and Pacific oceans. extreme points Indonesia have the following coordinates: 6 o 08 "N, 11 o 15" S, 94 o 45" and 141 o 05" E. The "linear" dimensions of Indonesia are 5120 km. from east to west and 1760 km. from North to South. The land area occupied by Indonesia is 1919317 sq. km., the maritime spaces of Indonesia are 7.9 million square meters. km, or 81% of the total area of ​​the country (in the official papers of the Indonesian government). The name "Indonesia" comes from the Greek word "Indos" meaning "Indian" and "nesos" meaning "islands". The group of islands that make up Indonesia is the largest in the world, with approximately 17,500 islands (other sources say 13,667 islands).

Islands of Indonesia

The five largest islands in Indonesia are:
- New Guinea (the area of ​​​​Irian Jaya - the Indonesian part of the island - is 421,981 sq. Km.),
- Kalimantan (539,000 sq. km - the Indonesian part of the island),
- Sumatra (435,000 sq. km),
- Sulawesi (170,000 sq. km),
- Java (126,000 km2)
Indonesia shares three islands with other states (Kalimantan with Malaysia and Brunei, New Guinea with Papua New Guinea, Timor with East Timor).

Geographers group the islands of Sumatra, Java (and Madura), Kalimantan (the old name of Borneo) and Sulawesi (the old name of Celebes) into the Greater Sunda Islands. These islands, with the exception of Sulawesi, lie on the Sunda Shelf, which is a continuation of the Malay Peninsula, and the Eurasian continent in general. New Guinea and the surrounding islands lie on the Sahul shelf. The depths in the zone of the Sunda and Sahul shelves do not exceed 200 m. Between these two shelves are Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara (or the Lesser Sunda Islands) and the Moluccas (or Moluccas). The seas surrounding them are very deep, the depressions reach 4500 m. The term Outer Islands is sometimes used - in this case, all the Indonesian islands are meant except for Java and Madura.

Nusa Tenggara consists of two chains of islands from Bali to New Guinea. The inner arc of Nusa Tenggara is a continuation of a chain of mountains and volcanoes starting in Sumatra and going along the islands of Java, Bali, Flores and others to the Banda Islands. The inner arc of Nusa Tenggara (the islands of Sumba and Timor) continues in geological terms a chain of islands to the west of Sumatra, such as Nias, Mentawai and Engano.

The Moluccas (or Moluccas) are geologically one of the most complex of the Indonesian islands. They are located in the northeast sector of the archipelago between the Philippines in the north, New Guinea in the east and Nusa Tenggara in the south. plains.

It is believed that New Guinea was once part of the Australian continent. Separation from Australia was accompanied by tectonic processes and led, on the one hand, to the appearance of high mountain ranges in the center of the island, on the other hand, alluvial coastal plains. The mountains of New Guinea stretched from west to east to distance 650 km!

Relief of Indonesia

The territory of the country is predominantly mountainous. The highest peak in Indonesia - Puncak Jaya, 5039 m (Mandala?) - is located on the island of New Guinea (Irian Jaya) in the Sudirman Mountains. Other peaks with a height of 4700 to 5000 m are located in the Jayawijaya mountain range. The "highest" islands besides New Guinea: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi and Seram. Most high peaks Indonesia (other than Puncak Jaya):
- Leuser and Kerinci (Sumatra island),
- Gede, Tangkubanperau, Chiremai, Kavi, Kelud, Semeru, Raung (Java Island),
- Lampobatang and Rantekombala (Sulawesi Island),
- Batur and Agung (Bali),
- Rinjani (Lombok island),
- Tambora (Sumbawa Island).

Volcanoes and eruptions in Indonesia

In tectonic terms, Indonesia is a very unstable territory. However, volcanic eruptions bring their benefits - volcanic ash makes the soil fertile. There are about 400 volcanoes in Indonesia, of which 100 are active. Between 1972 and 1991 29 volcanic eruptions have been recorded, mostly in Java. The most powerful volcanic eruptions in Indonesia over the past 200 years are as follows. In 1815, the Tambora volcano on the northern coast of Sumbawa erupted, killing 92,000 people and changing the climate in many places. globe(there was a year "without summer"). In 1883, the famous volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait occurred, 36,000 inhabitants of West Java died from the rising wave. The sound from the eruption was said to have been heard over a vast territory - as far as Turkey and Japan (hard to believe). Krakatau erupted again two more times - in the late 1970s.

Rivers and lakes in Indonesia

Indonesia has many rivers. The largest of them: Musi, Batangari, Indragiri, Kampar (on the island of Sumatra), Kapuas, Barito, Mahakam, Rejang (on the island of Kalimantan), Memberamo, Digul (on the island of New Guinea). In Java, rivers play a big role in irrigation - Bengawan Solo, Chitarum, Brantas.

The biggest and famous lakes Indonesia: Toba, Maninjau, Singkarak (Sumatra Island), Tempe, Tovuti, Sidenreng, Poso, Limboto, Tondano, Matana (Sulawesi Island), Paniai, Sentani (Irian Jaya).

Climate of Indonesia

The climate of Indonesia is tropical, which is determined by the position of the country near the equator. The temperature at low altitudes is almost constant and ranges from 21 to 33 degrees, mainly depending on the time of day. Temperatures are lower in the mountains. But the main indicator of Indonesia's climate is not temperature, but precipitation. Theoretically, two periods are distinguished in the year - dry and wet, depending on the influence of the two main monsoons (prevailing wind directions). However, in many places it is difficult to distinguish seasons, dry and wet weather alternate spontaneously. In general, for most of the country, from November-December to March-April, the wet season lasts (the monsoon blows from the northwest), from May-June to September-October it is dry (the monsoon comes from the south and east, i.e. from side of Australia). However, for North Sumatra and for the northern and central parts of the Moluccas (Seram, Ambon, Buru), the picture is directly opposite. The picture is even more complicated if we take into account the many local microclimates that are characteristic of a particular area in Indonesia.
The height above sea level has a great influence on the distribution of temperatures. In general, the temperature drops by about 1 deg. for every 100 m of ascent. The highest peaks in Indonesia are subject to night frosts, and some mountains of Irian Jai are permanently covered with snow.
The least amount of precipitation falls on the islands of the Nusa Tenggara group, located between Australia and Java.
The air in Indonesia is humid, with relative humidity fluctuating between 70 and 90%. Typhoons and severe storms are not typical for the Indonesian seas.
The length of daylight hours in Indonesia is almost the same throughout the year. The difference between the shortest and longest day is 48 minutes.

Flora and fauna of Indonesia

The vegetation of Indonesia is extremely rich. One of the most famous plants is rafflesia. Rafflesia arnoldi (Rafflesia arnoldi) is the largest flower in the world, its diameter is about 1 m. This type of rafflesia can be found in some places in Sumatra. gigantic sizes also reaches the inflorescence of the plant amorphophallus (Amorphophallus tatinum), also growing in Sumatra. Carnivorous plants of nepenthes, and many species, are characteristic of the western islands of Indonesia. There are many types of orchids growing in the forests from the giant tiger orchid Grammatophyllum s peciosum to the tiny leafless Taeniophyllum which is used local residents for the manufacture of medical preparations. The rainforest is also favorable for a huge number of mushrooms, some of which surprise with unusual properties (for example, they glow in the dark). The Indonesian flora is replete with woody plants.
The fauna of Indonesia is no less rich. The Wallace Line divides Indonesia into two different faunal areas. Animals of Asian origin live in the western part, Australian ones live in the eastern part. The largest and most remarkable animals of Indonesia: orangutans (found in Sumatra and Kalimantan), tigers (Sumatra), elephants (Sumatra and Kalimantan), rhinos (Sumatra and Java), babirusses (Sulawesi), proboscis monkeys (Sulawesi), hornbills. New Guinea and adjacent islands are home to marsupials, birds of paradise, cockatoos and other interesting animals. In Indonesia, measures are being taken to preserve animals and plants, and national parks have been created. November 5 of each year is National Flora and Fauna Day in Indonesia. The Komodo giant monitor lizard (Varanus komodoensis) has been declared the national animal.

Minerals of Indonesia

In the bowels of Indonesia there are significant reserves of minerals. The country occupies a leading position in South and Southeast Asia in terms of reserves (2.5–3 billion tons) and oil production, in terms of natural gas production it is in sixth place in the world, and in terms of its exports it is in first place. In terms of tin mining, Indonesia ranks second in the world, and fourth in nickel mining. The country has large reserves of coal, copper, uranium ore. Bauxites, gold, silver, diamonds are mined. The largest oil reserves are concentrated on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Brief information about Indonesia

Full country name: Republic of Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia).
Capital: Jakarta (10 800 000 people)
Population: approximately 238,000,000 (fourth largest in the world). Most Indonesians live on the five largest islands (Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, New Guinea) and thirty smaller islands. 70% of Indonesian population lives in Java.
Territorial division: 27 provinces.
Flag: two identical horizontal stripes - red over white.
National holiday: August 17th.
Education: compulsory until the age of 12 (not always observed). Literacy 77% (approximately 1990)
Religion: Muslims - 87%, Christians - 9% (6% Catholics, mainly in East Timor, 3% Protestants), Hindus - 2% (mainly in Bali), Buddhists - less than 1% (mainly Chinese).
Language. There are over 300 languages ​​in Indonesia. The official language is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), very similar to Malay.
Art. It plays an important role in the Malayo-Indonesian culture, its forms are based on folklore and religion. Indonesians express themselves very talentedly in embroidery, woodwork, metal, clay and stone. In Indonesia, you can see amazing national dances, theatrical performances and performances of musicians. Batik making (dyeing fabric by applying wax and then knitting knots) is practiced throughout Indonesia. Another form of Indonesian fabric work is ikat (ikat) - spinning with threads dyed in the "knot method". Songket (songket) - silver and gold embroidery on silk. Kris (kris) - a set of art crafts using jewelry. Puppet theater wayang (wayang) and gamelan (gamelan, musicians play drums, gongs and xylophones) are also very popular in Indonesia.
Economy. Main products/production: oil, gas, textiles, timber, coffee, tea, rubber, coal, tin, copper, rice, pepper, palm oil, nickel. Main trading partners: Japan, USA, Singapore.
Time Zones. In Indonesia, since January 1, 1988, three time zones have been established.
1. Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan: Moscow time + 4 hours "winter", + 3 hours "summer".
2. East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusatengara: Moscow time + 5 hours "winter", + 4 hours "summer".
3. Malukka Islands and West Papua (Irian Jaya): Moscow time + 6 hours "winter", + 5 hours "summer".

Information collected by A. Alyakrinsky from various foreign sources, 2008-01

News

Indonesia - where is the tourist country?

Indonesia is an exotic country where you can find absolutely everything for an unforgettable vacation. The location of the country on the world map is extremely unusual. Indonesia lies at the intersection of two oceans, where two civilizations come together.

Geographical position

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and is its largest state. The total area of ​​the country is 1920 thousand km2. Thanks to this, Indonesia is also the largest island republic. The extreme eastern and western points are separated by a distance of 5125 km.

The territory of Indonesia lies on the south and north sides of the equator, so the republic has a pleasant climate and rich nature. The country has the following coordinates: 5° 0' 0" (5° 0' 0) south latitude and 120° 0' 0" (120° 0' 0) east longitude.

Part of the country's territory is located on the island of New Guinea, and the second half lies in the Malaysian archipelago. There are more than 15,000 islands in the republic, each of which is of tourist value. 85% of these islands are uninhabited.

The land neighbors of the country are Malansia on the north side and Papua New Guinea on the east side. Indonesia belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands group. The shores of the republic are washed by oceans, seas and numerous straits. The southern part of the island nation has access to Indian Ocean, Northern part washed by the Pacific Ocean.

Indonesia's water neighbors are Singapore, Australia and the Philippines. The republic contains thousands of coral islands and reefs. Coastline country is 53,890 km. The China Sea separates Indonesia from Singapore.

Indonesia - interesting facts about the country:

• most of the islands of the republic today do not have a name;
• more than 10 million people live in the capital of the country;
• the inhabitants of the country speak 500 languages ​​of the world;
• there are more than 370 dormant volcanoes on the territory of Indonesia;
• almost all nutmeg supplies come from Indonesia;
• Indonesia is home to the unique Javan rhinoceros, which lives only here;
• in 2012, more than 180 species of new animals and plants were discovered in Indonesia;
• The main income of the island state comes from the tourism business.

Country of cultural values ​​and attractions

Borobudur Temple is located on the island of Java. The temple was built in the 9th century AD, it is distinguished by rectangular architecture, complex relief and mystical atmosphere.

Goa Gaja is a unique cave that is located in the depths of the jungle. Located in the eastern part of the state. The entrance to the cave has a complex relief and is made in the form of a painted elephant. Inside Goa, Goja has more impressive surprises for tourists.

Bali National Park - unique place, which is rightly called the most beautiful beach of the island. There are also unique tropical forests that are surrounded by white sands.

Batubulan is a world famous village that attracts travelers with its unique culture. Here you can witness symbolic dances and carnivals.

The Monkey Forest is a unique sanctuary for monkeys located in Ubud. Here tourists are waiting for a variety of representatives of the fauna. The forest is decorated with various statues. The main decoration is a large number of species of monkeys.

Temple Tanah Lot sacred temple Hindu religion. It is located on a cliff, has an original design and decoration. The temple is surrounded by turquoise waters and green vegetation.

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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. Temperature sea ​​water 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 must be filled out, which must be kept for presentation to 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 should 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 in Lately a lot of striptease is brought into it. It must be said that additional fee those who wish can become participants in the performance.

National Park "Kulon" gives an opportunity to make an amusing trip along the tropics.

The builders of the giant temple complex Borobudur tried to reproduce the island of Java on the ground legendary mountain Meru from ancient Indian mythology, its huge golden peak, on which the whole 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 lunar calendar when Nual fish shows up 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 in clear water abound coral gardens. 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 go to cruise- the best way to achieve complete privacy. 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.

Indonesia is a country located on many tropical islands. Each Indonesian island has its own unique culture, architecture, people and traditions. Indonesia has it all - jungles, rainforests, lakes, active volcanoes and, of course, paradise beaches. In Indonesia, you will meet friendly people, and you will also be able to see the sunrise over the most beautiful Buddhist temples.

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago that includes more than 17.5 thousand islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java, and New Guinea (only 6 thousand of them are inhabited). Indonesia shares borders with Malaysia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. Other nearby countries are Singapore, Philippines, Palau and Australia. The total area of ​​this country is 1,919,440 sq. km.

A significant part of the territory of the islands that make up Indonesia is occupied by mountains. The largest local peak is Mount Punchak Jaya on the island of New Guinea, which reaches a height of 4,884 meters.

The geographical position of Indonesia determines that this country has a very strong seismic and volcanic activity. those. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, special services can already predict all these cataclysms. In general, in Indonesia there are now about 150 active volcanoes, including the "famous" Krakatau and Tambor.

On the island of Kalimantanu there are three largest rivers in Indonesia - Mahakam, Barito and Kapuas.

The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, which is now home to more than 9.7 million people. Archaeologists claim that a human settlement on the site of modern Jakarta existed already in the 1st century AD. However, the city itself was officially founded in 1527.

The official language in Indonesia is Indonesian, which belongs to the Austronesian language family.

More than 88% of Indonesia's population is Muslim (mostly Sunni Muslim). About 8% of the population of this country identify themselves as Christians.

Under the current Constitution of 1945, Indonesia is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 5 years.

The parliament in Indonesia is bicameral - the People's Consultative Congress, consisting of the Council of People's Representatives (560 deputies) and the Council of Representatives of the Regions (132 deputies). The country's parliament has the right to impeach the president.

The main political parties in Indonesia are the Democratic Party, the Golkar Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the Justice and Welfare Party, and the National Mandate Party.

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial with elements of subequatorial. In general, Indonesia is very hot and humid. The average annual air temperature is +27.7C. The average annual rainfall is 1,755 mm. The rainy season in this country is from October to April. However, there are also rains in the so-called. "dry season".

Some travelers like to relax in Indonesia during the rainy season (October-April). At this time, it usually rains in Indonesia in the evening for no more than 2 hours. The rest of the time, Indonesia is very hospitable. During this season, as a rule, hotel prices in Indonesia are much lower than during the dry season.

In Sumatra and Java, the rainy season lasts from November to March (rain falls in the afternoon). Best time for a trip to Java or Sumatra - May-September.

In Bali, the rainy season is from October to March. However, in Bali, there is a lot of sun and bright blue skies between the rain shower. Therefore, in Bali you can relax in the rainy season. The best months to visit Bali are from May to August.

Sulawesi Island, an amazing place for a beach holiday, has two opposite climatic zones. In the southwest of this island, the monsoon period lasts from October to March, and in the north - from June to July. On the coast of Sulawesi, the air temperature can reach + 34C, and in the middle of the island, on a hill - + 24C.

Average air temperature in Bali:

January - +26C
- February - +26C
- March - +27C
- April - +27C
- May - +28C
- June - +27С
- July - +27C
- August - +27C
- September - +27C
- October - +27С
- November - +27C
- December - +27С

The shores of the Indonesian islands are washed by the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Average sea temperature near Bali island:

January - +29C
- February - +29C
- March - +29C
- April - +28C
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +27C
- August - +27C
- September - +27C
- October - +27С
- November - +27C
- December - +27С

Some of the Indonesian islands have many rivers. The largest rivers flow through the island of Kalimantan (these are the Mahakam, Barito and Kapuas rivers). On the island of Sumatra is the largest volcanic lake in the world - Lake Toba.

In Indonesia, the ancestors modern people lived already in the times of the Lower Paleolithic (Javanese ape-man and Floresian man). Approximately 45 thousand years ago, Homo sapiens appeared on the territory of modern Indonesia. Moreover, Indonesia was inhabited by representatives of the Negroid and Mongoloid races.

The first states in Indonesia already existed in the 4th century AD. - Kutai and Taruma, and later - Srivijaya. To all these states big influence provided by India and Buddhism.

In the 13th century, the Majapahit empire reached its peak. At the same time, Islam began to spread in Indonesia.

Europeans arrived in Indonesia at the beginning of the 16th century. These were Portuguese sailors. Then the Dutch began to claim Indonesia, who formed the Netherlands East India Company in 1602. At that time, several states existed on the territory of modern Indonesia, among which the Sultanate of Mataram should be distinguished. Gradually, these states became colonies of the Netherlands.

Indonesia became a British colony in 1811. However, after the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Great Britain returned Indonesia to the Netherlands.

In the first half of the 20th century, Indonesians formed several political parties (for example, the Communist Party of Indonesia and the National Party).

In the spring of 1942, Indonesia (Netherlands East Indies) was captured by Japanese troops. The Japanese occupation of Indonesia continued until August 1945. It was in August 1945 that the independence of Indonesia was proclaimed. However, the Netherlands did not want to part with their colony, and unleashed hostilities. fighting ended only in 1950. Sukarno was elected president of the country.

In March 1968, the People's Consultative Congress elected Sukarto, who had previously commanded the ground forces, as president of Indonesia.

Since 2004, the President of Indonesia has been elected by direct universal suffrage.

The modern culture of Indonesia is the result of the interaction of the traditions of different peoples who live in this country. In addition, Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists had a noticeable impact on Indonesian culture.

In everyday life, Indonesians are guided by the principles of mutual assistance ("gotong royong") and exchange of opinion ("musyawarah"), which helps to come to an agreement ("mufakat").

Indonesian art is under a very strong religious influence. The traditions of the famous dance dramas of Java and Bali date back to Hindu mythology (influence of the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen in them).

In Indonesia, we recommend that tourists definitely see the local festivals, which are held everywhere and almost every month. The largest of them are the Galungan festival in Bali, performances of the Ramayana ballet in Java, the Feast of Silence in Bali, the Vesak Buddhist festival in Borobudur, and the Easter Parade on Larantuka Island.

The staple food in Indonesia is rice, but potatoes, corn, sago and cassava are common in the eastern part of the country. Naturally, a very large part in Indonesian cuisine is occupied by fish and various seafood (oysters, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, squids). In addition, Indonesian cuisine cannot be imagined without coconut (oil is made from it, and the pulp is added to many dishes).

As for meat, beef and poultry are popular in Indonesia. Pork is only found in Chinese restaurants or in areas where few Muslims live.

Traditional Indonesian dishes are nasi goring (fried rice), mie goring (fried noodles), and gado-gado (vegetables with eggs in peanut sauce).

Indonesia has a wide variety of exotic fruits (jackfruit, durian, papaya, pineapple and mango).

The traditional alcoholic drink in Indonesia is tuak wine, which is made from palm red sugar. However, most Indonesians drink black tea because Islam forbids alcohol.

Rest assured that travelers in Indonesia are not bored. Of course, relaxing on the beaches under the Indonesian sky is a great pleasure. But sometimes you want to visit interesting places. There are a lot of such interesting sights in Indonesia. The top ten Indonesian attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Jine Yuan Temple in Jakarta
2. Museum of Puppets and Ritual Supplies Wayang in Jakarta
3. Botanical garden Kebun-Ray in Bogor
4. Sultan Kraton palace complex in Yogyakarta
5. Pura Besakih temple complex in Bali
6. Royal Tombs and Palace of Samosir Island
7. Istiklal Mosque in Jakarta
8. Orchid garden in Melak village, Kalimantan
9. The royal tomb of Gunung Kawi in Bali
10. "Temple thousand Buddhas» in Yogyakarta

The largest Indonesian cities are Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, Palembang, Semarang, Makassar, and, of course, Jakarta.

Due to its geographical position, Indonesia has excellent conditions for recreation. Tourists have long appreciated such islands in Indonesia as, for example, Bali and Lombok. However, some of the other Indonesian islands offer just as great a holiday opportunity. We advise you to pay attention to the islands of Papua, Lembongan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java.

Almost every hotel in Indonesia offers spa services. In general, many argue that the best spa treatments are done in Indonesia. Spa programs on the island of Bali are especially diverse.

Traditional Indonesian spa services include a milk bath ("Mandi susu"), which is considered the beauty bath of the princesses of Java, "Mandi luhur", "flower baths" (in warm water add petals of jasmine, gardenia, hibiscus, magnolia), which, as a rule, are the final stage of the spa session.

In addition, Indonesian spas include herbal wraps (used to remove impurities from the body and heal skin blemishes) as well as traditional massages.

Bamboo and coconut products (for example, baskets, rugs), wooden spoons, bowls, figurines, painted ceremonial masks, batik and ikat fabrics (as well as, for example, tablecloths made from these fabrics) are usually brought from Indonesia as souvenirs. , Wayang dolls, traditional Indonesian musical instruments ("gamelan", drums, bamboo flutes), tea.

Government agencies:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-14:30 Some bank branches are open longer.

Department stores and supermarkets in big cities:
Mon-Sat: 09:00-21:00 (shops close earlier on Sunday)
In small shops and markets, we recommend bargaining at the price of the product you like.