Jakarta

Take your pick of Indonesia's alluring islands and split your time between several destinations to get the most out of your holiday to this rich and diverse tropical region. There are such an enormous variety of experiences to be had that you really will be spoilt for choice, so it's a good idea to choose your destinations according to what appeals to you the most. Culture vultures should head to Java or Sulawesi, wildlife lovers should stop in Sumatra, Komodo or Kalimantan, beach buffs should go to Lombok and everyone should spend at least a few days on the unique paradise island of Bali.

Culture and discovery

Most holidaymakers head straight to Java and Bali via regular international flights from the UK and both islands have immense tourist appeal. If you only have a short time in the country, start by exploring Java's cultural hub, Yogyakarta, linked with the country's capital, Jakarta, via regular internal flights and a good railway network. Then it's a simple business to catch an onward flight to Bali.

Yogyakarta is a city of wide avenues and universities with beautifully restored colonial buildings. One of the city's most appealing places to stay is the Phoenix Hotel. This heritage property is housed in a former Dutch colonial mansion with a peaceful inner courtyard filled with the gentle sounds of gamelan, a gorgeous spa and stylish balconied rooms overlooking a neat pool. The city itself boasts a fantastic array of cultural curiosities from shadow puppetry and batik fabric making to gamelan music and traditional dancing.

Two of Indonesia's most important cultural sites are close to the city - the ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan and the mystical Buddhist monument of Borobudur, best seen as the sun rises over the distant volcanoes. Mount Bromo, in the east of the island, is chief among its many volcanic peaks and a popular excursion for intrepid visitors. If you take a flight from Yogyakarta to Bali be sure to get a left-hand seat for amazing views of the Java's clusters of conical volcanoes.

Sitting pretty in the centre of the country's vast spread of islands, Bali has a unique culture and way of life that makes it a key stop on any trip to Indonesia. In fact, the island's symbol represents the key of life and it is renowned for its deep spiritualism and plethora of temples. The ancient Hindu temple of Uluwatu has a stunning location on a towering plateau on the southern tip of the island, while the tiny sea temple of Tanah Lot clings to a rocky outcrop washed by curling waves on the south-west coast. Up by the crater lakes of thickly-forested dormant volcanoes, tourists can discover yet more delicate water temples. Bali's spiritual and creative heartland, Ubud, is surrounded by verdant rice paddies and arts and crafts villages. Its gorgeous Balinese boutique hotels and yoga retreats make the perfect base if you want to immerse yourself in island culture.