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Balmy breezes, silky sand and the occasional Komodo Dragon.
Adventure looms large in this vast and steamy archipelago, where the best of southeast Asia's spicy melange simmers tantalisingly. Heady scents, vivid colours, dramatic vistas and diverse cultures spin and multiply, their potent brew leaving your senses reeling.
Indonesia's cities are in a constant state of urban evolution, where dense populations, technology and construction live in hectic symbiosis. But most of the archipelago's territory remains unexplored, concealing a wealth of cultures and a myriad of landscapes.
An earthquake of around magnitude 8.0 struck 130km (80mi) off the west coast of Sumatra on 12 September. Deaths and extensive damage were reported in the Mentawai Islands, Bengkulu and Padang areas. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are ongoing.
High level terrorism-related warnings have been issued by Western governments concerning travel in Indonesia. Travellers are advised to check their local consular information and monitor the situation in Indonesia closely before making travel plans.
Indonesia has suffered several natural disasters in recent years. Areas of Aceh and Northern Sumatra continue to recover from the Dec 2004 tsunami. The area around Yogjakarta in Central Java was struck by a major earthquake in May 2006. Pangaradan in southern Java was devastated by an tsunami in July 2006. Travellers visiting these areas should be aware that they are still rebuilding and transport and infrastructure may be affected.
Mt Merapi in Central Java, Mt Kelud in East Java and Mt Karangetang on Siau Island, north of Sulawesi, are highly active volcanoes. Mt Kelud is currently on an eruption warning and nearby villages have been evacuated. Travellers should check news sources for any heightened activity before visiting these areas.
Areas of Central Sulawesi, Aceh, Papua and Maluku are experiencing unrest; however, safe travel to some parts of these areas is still possible. There are also heightened security risks in parts of Kalimantan and West Timor. Monitor news if travelling extensively in Indonesia, especially relating to the volatile situation in Aceh.
Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.
