Southeast Asia’s largest country -- with fewer than half of its 16,000 islands inhabited -- is also the fourth most populous on the planet. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple, while Borobodur, a UNESCO site, is the largest Buddhist temple. The art scene in Yogyakarta is also rich, from galleries to street art. Bali is a magical, spiritual place. It's hard not to come across a religious ceremony when visiting. The landscapes of rice fields and tropical hillsides, its intriguing temples and wonderful beaches are welcoming. Even more so is the hospitality and warmth of the Balinese. Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, being home to an estimated 15,000 different plant species. And where else can you find frolicking orangutans?

Indonesia has a tropical climate.  There are two seasons; the dry season (April to October), and the monsoon season, (November to March). Temperatures are hot and humid all year, ranging in the daytime in the 80’s or higher. The shoulder months of the dry season may be best: May, June and September.

In a CNN survey of the world’s best foods, Indonesia’s beef rendang took the top spot: a meat dish with spices like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, chilies, garlic and more. Satay is popular in southeast Asia, and in Indonesia it’s at its best. Rice is a popular mainstay, and comes in a variety of forms: Nasi goreng is a popular fried rice dish. Nasi lemak is rice cooked with coconut milk, lemongrass, pandan leaves and dry spices. Nasi padang is a plate of rice served with a choice of dishes. Nasi Campur consists of vegetables, fish or meat with a mound of steamed rice. Ayam bakar taliwang is a spicy grilled chicken, while ayam goreng is Indonesian deep fried chicken. Soto Betawi is a soup with beef, lemongrass and bay leaves, flavored with candlenut, galangal, garlic, and shallots, with milk and coconut milk added. Savor the unique exotic tastes on your Indonesia vacation!

A Brief History of Indonesia: Sultans, Spices, and Tsunamis (T. Hannigan), Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation (E.Pisani), The Jungle School (B. Manurung), Stranger in the Forest (E. Hansen), The Rainbow Troops (A. Hirata), A House in Bali  (C. McPhee).