Where to go in Indonesia

Lombok

Just east of Bali, Lombok is the quintessential tropical island paradise. Much less developed than Bali, it has unspoilt white sand beaches and turquoise waters backed by a sloping volcanic hinterland that's clothed in thick rainforest. To explore the island's interior; the trek to the peak of volcanic Mount Rinjani reveals mysterious caves, awe-inspiring views and includes a visit to the stunning Segara crater lake. The nearby Gili Islands are a world-class snorkelling and diving destination, with unique underwater life and mesmerising multi-coloured coral reefs.

Sulawesi

The island of Sulawesi, in the north-east of the archipelago, is a great place to experience some of Indonesia's unique ethnic cultures and fascinating history. The country's fourth largest island, Sulawesi spreads out into four peninsulas, with its most important city, Makassar, on the south-western tip. As an important trading centre since the 16th century, Makassar is an atmospheric city of faded colonial grandeur and traditional boat-building yards. Nearby, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park showcases the region's stunning natural beauty in its limestone cliffs, caves, rushing waterfalls and deep forested ravines. Further north is the fabled 'land of the heavenly kings', home to the ethnic Toraji tribe. From the town of Rantepao, you can visit their villages, famous for their peak-roofed wooden houses, hanging graves and elaborate animist funerary rites. In the villages around Lake Tempe, you can also meet the ethnic Buginese, known for their silk-weaving traditions.