The Epicentre of Marine Biodiversity

According to the scientists who is found 52 new species in Indonesia recently, that the Bird's Head peninsula at the western end of New Guinea Island is the epicentre of marine biodiversity.

JAMU-Secret to better health
For the treatment of mild complaints and sometimes quite serious ailments, most Javanese and Madurese will swear on the virtues of Jamu, a traditonal herbal concoctions. Hundreds of different Jamu remedies have nearly the solution to all kinds of illnesses.

Batik
For the Javanese, beautiful hand-painted batiks are not merely pieces of clothes but carry much more significance that symbolises life itself. Different regions have their own unique style; Pekalongan with its Chinese influence design and pastel color; Batik made in Solo and Yogya are traditionally coloured blue-symbolizing earth-, brown "symbolizing fire- and white "symbolizing water and air-.

Ampera Bridge
Ampera bridge links two parts of Palembang city. Any true 'Palembang' experience must include a river trip. Bustling floating markets and glimpses of traditional ways of life along the river will stay with you long after you return home.

The Meaning of Bangka Island
The name Bangka is derived from the word "Wangka", which means tin. This word was also written in a Sriwijaya stone inscription dated 686 AD and discovered near the town of Kota Kapur in West Bangka. Today this inscription is kept in the National Museum, Jakarta

Soekarno's Residence
The first President of Indonesia was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch in 1938. Today the house is a museum, containing his books, clothes, photos and his bicycle. The house is open from 8 am to 2 pm on Tuesday to Thursday, Friday from 8 am to 11 am and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm.

Land of Thousand FO's
Bandung has thousands of textile shops. The factory outlets are shops that sell numerous well-known brands with low price. Nowadays, factory outles have become main attraction for shopping goers in Bandung.

Wayang Golek
Though wayang golek is found in Central Java, it is more prevalent in West Java, blending entertainment with religious and philosophical overtones. Like wayang Wit, most plots of wayang golek are loosely based on the Indian Ramayana epos; only very few use stories of local origin

Sundanese Culture
Like Javanese, it features an intricate system of levels to indicate degrees of respect and formality. Likewise, through there are considerable differences between Sundanese and Javanese culture, they touch with respect to forms of literature, gamelan music, dance, and wayang (puppet play). Less influenced by the strong mysticism which characterizes the Kejawen culture of Central Java, the Sundanese are more strictly Islamic.

Kuda Renggong
Kuda Renggong Art look like Singa Depok from Kabupaten Sumedang at the performance side. The same way with Singa Depok Art, Kuda Renggong Art usually do for celebrate circumcision celebration. The bride (in several places at West Java, the child who will be circumcise called circumcise bride) was making up in Wayang dress or Sunda Takwa dress and then rides a horse as similar as a king. Thus horse previously dressed because it will become a king rides.

Richness of food
As the capital city of West Java Province, explore more than 560 restaurants in Bandung. Traditional to modern culinary could be found easily. From the richness variety of food, makes Bandung acclaimed as the food heaven.

The best diving in the world
With an average 200ft and an outstanding display of marine habitat, Flores is a haven for divers, snorkelers, photographers and marine biologist. With up to 40 m visibility, the coral reefs of Flores Sea are among the best in the world and beautifully preserved.

In Derawan, sea turtles (green, hawksbill, scarlet and star fruit turtles) come on shoe at night to lay their eggs.

Ancient Kingdoms
The oldest kingdom in Indonesia was the Kutai Kingdom, located in what is known as Tenggarong, 39 km from Samarinda, the provincial capital of East Kalimantan.

Size of Papua
To get rough idea: 1.200 kilometers from west to east, or from Sorong to Jayapura while it;s 736 kilometers from Merauke to Jayapura or From north to south.

Dragons of The East
A komodos may reach up to 3 meters in lenght and weight 150kgs. These descendents of dinosaurs may lay up to 30 eggs at a time.

United in One (Language)
Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups and languages. However, most Indonesians converse in Bahasa Indonesia.

The Flag: Symbol of Freedom
Indonesia's national flag is red and white. During the War of Independence against the Dutch (whose flag is red, white, and blue), countless freedom fighters fell for trying to tear the blue part from the Dutch flags at every military stations.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World
The largest Buddhist temple in the world is Indonesia?s Borobudur. It even inspired the building of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Legacy of the Prehistoric?
Indonesia is the native home of the largest lizard in the world, komodo dragon.

The Irony
Even though Bali is almost identical to arts and artists, Balinese language has no word for art and artist.

The Artists' Dreamland
Many celebrated painters from across the globe chose to reside in Indonesia. Antonio Blanco is one of them.

Say it with Flowers
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia Arnoldi, is native to Indonesia. The flower was named from Sir Stamford Raffles. Even though it is huge, it doesn't smell nice like roses or jasmine flowers, for Rafflesia is an insect-eating flower.

More than You Can Count
Indonesia consists of more than 13,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago in the world. However, most of the islands are uninhabited.

Four Names for Everyone
Balinese have four basic names for their children, namely, Putu/Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut. If a Balinese has the fifth child, it will be named Putu/Wayan.

The Indonesians' Love of Celebration
Even though national income per capita per annum is US $ 1140 (World Bank, 2004), an average wedding in big cities approximately costs about US $ 5000. It's usual to send out 1000 invitations and more.