Indonesia: the largest archipelago in the world

Indonesia has 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited) forming the largest archipelago in the world, located between the peninsula of Southeast Asia and Australia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia and Brunei, the island of New Guinea with Papua New Guinea and the island of Timor with East Timor.

Indonesia suffered from major economic problems in the late 1990s, but the economy has recently stabilized. The country has extensive natural resources such as oil, natural gas, copper and gold. Indonesia's largest trading partners are Japan, the United States, and neighboring nations such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.

Jakarta is the capital

Indonesia's cultural center is in Java. Jakarta, the capital, is the starting point for visits. The city will surprise you. You can discover volcano landscapes, magnificent beaches and the true Indonesian culture. The art forms in Indonesia have been influenced by various cultures. The famous Javanese and Balinese dances, for example, contain aspects of Hindu culture and mythology. Approximately 88% of the Indonesian population professes Muslim religion, which makes Indonesia the largest Muslim nation in the world.

Indonesian cuisine is as diverse as Indonesian culture, and has acquired culinary influence from many sources. In most cities it is common to see Chinese dishes such as buns Y noodles Sold by street vendors and street restaurants alike.

Passion for the Padang

The restaurants named “Padang”(Rumah Makan Padang) are found in many parts of Indonesia. They serve many small dishes that are brought to the table. Diners only eat what they want from this selection of dishes, and take them away. Padang food is typically spicy and Rendang beef abounds. Most meals are made around one conical pile of long grain rice. A meal may include soup, salad (or foods most commonly sauteed with garlic), and a main dish.

The water temperature is ideal throughout the year: it varies between 26º and 29º. Indonesia will offer you supernatural and exotic views.

Sailing Indonesia - the world's largest archipelago (April 2024)