Indonesia
A large, volcanic archipelago straddling the equator and 2 continents, Indonesia has amazing diversity, above and below the water. Lovers of nature and wildlife will be enchanted by its Sumatran and Kalimantan jungles, the birds of paradise in the remote Papuan provinces, and the famous Komodo dragons. Scuba divers flock to the country to enjoy the thriving reefs and the highest marine diversity in the world in places such as Raja Ampat, Sulawesi and the Banda Sea.
The country is also a fascinating melting pot of cultures, with a rich tradition of Islam, Christian, Hindu and Animist societies, represented in ancient temple complexes in Java and Bali. Of course, an added benefit of travelling in Indonesia is that it won’t burn a huge hole in your pocket.
Sub-destinations
BALI
Recent Indonesia Articles
Reef Alert – Coral Reefs Under Threat
Coral reefs around the world are under siege - FACT. Threats from over-fishing, urban coastal encroachment and rising sea temperatures are destroying sensitive corals and devastating the marine life they support. Bleached coral on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo...
Bunaken National Marine Park – Sulawesi’s Legendary Wall Dives
Snorkelling on the incredible walls of Bunaken The park was formally established at Bunaken in 1991 and was among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park measures in at just under 80,000 hectares of land (3%) and sea (97%), located in Manado...
Bali’s Marine Protected Areas – Where Community and Conservation Create Sanctuary
Indonesia's most popular tourist island has 2 official marine protected areas: The Bali Barat National Park The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area Bali Barat Bali Barat National Park The Bali Barat National Park, or West Bali National Park, covers 190 km² of which...
Komodo Dragons – The Myth, the Legend
The largest monitor lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon was unknown in the West until 1910, when local stories reached the ears of the Dutch colonialists about a "land crocodile". A couple of years later, a paper was published that identified it as a monitor lizard...
Orangutans – The Wild Man of Borneo
Playful, intelligent, and sociable, the orang utan is one of the most loved and most threatened of all the large apes. Found only in their natural wild habitat in South East Asia (on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra), they live mostly in the treetops where they build...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with Tawny Nurse Sharks – Oooh Matron!
Dive with tawny nurse sharks. Photo courtesy: Macana Tawny nurse sharks are quite commonly encountered by divers. You may see them lying on a sandy floor or huddled together in their favourite cave or crevice during the day, or witness them hunting on a night dive....
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...