Indonesia is a land of endless diversity from fiery tropical sunsets to bird size butterflies. The large chain of tropical islands covers 5,000 kilometers. One of the most enticing aspects is the ability to create an individual experience crafted by you. There is fabulous shopping, ancient temples, magnificent beaches, remote villages and undiscovered jungles.

Culture
Like so many other islands, the missionaries attempted to take over and convert the locals. Fortunately they were not extremely successful and the Indonesians were able to retain the majority of their culture. Islam is the dominant religion, but has Hindu-Buddhist, animism and adat influences. Adat is traditional law, a code of behavior based on social and religious duty. They have many art forms that are well known. Ikat is a type of weaving with colorful tie-dyed threads, songket is a silk cloth with glod and sliver threads interwoven, kris is artwork covered in decorative jewels, batik is tie-dying with wax. Puppet shows and hypnotic music are popular cultural forms.

History
Most of the mixed population of Indonesia comes from Asian immigration in 2000 BC. The early history is punctuated with revolutions and various conquerors. Named in Greek 'indos' meaning Indian and 'nesos' meaning islnds, Indonesia was given its name by one of its earliest conquerors. Trade brought Buddhist and Hindu groups to Indonesia in the 7th century. Among the most powerful were the Hindu Mataram kingdom and the Buddhist Srivijaya empire. The autonomous rule of the Hindu kingdoms ended in the 13th century when Islam took over, the last important Hindu family was forced to Bali.

The entire island chain was under control of the Dutch by the 20th century. The Dutch remained in power until WWII. Once the Japanese gained control, the Indonesians finally were able to unite and gain independence in 1949. Sukarno was the first president of the new republic. In 1957, he became power hungry, overthrowing the parliament he declared martial law. Times were marked by instability and confrontation. In 1968 Sukarno gained control, but continued military rule. Finally in 1998, the people grew tired of the repressive government, and reinstalled the Republic of Indonesia. Currently Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri is the president.

Attractions
Bali
Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Java
A string of volcanic mountains creates the spine of the long narrow island. Architectural feats were produced during the height of the Hindu-Buddhist empires. Java has a mix of historic influences, because when Islam came to the island, they didn't erase the old culture they just built on it.

Lombok
Lombok is a place of isolated beaches and tranquil countryside, dominated by the formidable volcano. The people are mostly Muslim, though there are isolated groups of Balinese Hindus. The Sasak culture is known for hip shaking dancing, ritualized pageantry and tight weaving.

Sumatra
Sumatra is noteworthy for it's wildlife, massive rivers and natural resources.