Indonesia is renowned for its natural colors, rich culture and adventure loom. It is one of the best spicy melange across South Asia, advancing rapid urbanization and tourism. The variation in culture and complex physical environment has shaped Indonesia into a beautiful and relaxing environment. Beaches are significantly attractive in this world’s largest archipelago. In the 17th century, the Dutch initiated colonization in Indonesia and in 1942, Japan invaded Indonesia. Indonesia gained independence after the proclamation in August 17, 1945.

Geography:

Indonesia is an archipelago of 17,000 islands; lying between Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, ripping across the equator for approximately 1,760 kilometer from north to south; and 5,000 kilometer from east to west. Among all the islands, two-third of them are inhabited. The six main islands famous for tourism are Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya. The country has numerous mountains ranging up to 3,800 meters above the sea level. Puncak Jaya, located at Sudirman Mountains is the highest peak that reaches up to 5,039 meters. There are 100 active volcanoes among the 400 volcanoes in Indonesia.

Time Zones:

As Indonesia is widely spread along the equator, it is divided in three different time zones which are mentioned below.

• Western Indonesian Time (GMT +7), which includes west/central Kalimantan, Java and Sumatra.
• Central Indonesian Time (GMT +8), which includes Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, south/east Kalimantan and Bali.
• Eastern Indonesian Time (GMT +9), which includes Papua and Maluku.

Climate:

Indonesia enjoys even and fair climate round the year, with two wet and dry seasons with no extreme summer and winter. Climate remains constant through the year and is never hot. The only variation is the rainfall, and not the air pressure and the air temperature. Wet season, called as the low season, falls between October and April in most parts of Indonesia. Dry season, called as the high season, usually begins in May and ends up in September. Warm rain water covers Indonesia through the year. Since Indonesia is located in tropical region, sudden rain can downpour instantly, and can continue nonstop. In some areas such as Nusa Tenggara, dry season is accompanied with drought and wet season is accompanied by floods. Kalimantan region experiences slight dryer and hotter climate in the dry season, as compared to the wet season. The average temperature is recorded as 26˚C in the inlands and the mountainous region, and the annual temperature at the higher mountains is approximately 23˚C. The temperature at the coastal areas averages 28˚C.

Indonesia has the longest coastal area across the world. It is lined with number of beaches and national parks which defines the well preserved eco system.