With over 17,000 islands comprising the country, there is a lot of Indonesia travel information, so it is important to learn about Indonesia so travel there suits your needs and interests. Absolute Travel has a ton of Indonesia travel tips, but recommendations vary depending on what part of the archipelago you plan on visiting.

Java is home to the capital of Jakarta, where you can stroll along the old harbor wharf and visit the Wayang Museum to see intricate Indonesian puppetry exhibits. In Yogyakarta, learn about Indonesia by traveling to Royal Kraton to see a special gamelan performance in the Golden Pavilion, and take a class in batik design at one of the schools. In Borobudur, see the world’s largest stupa, venture into the highlands and explore the sulfur springs, caverns and petrified lava flows of Dieng Plateau, and voyage to East Java to watch the sunrise at Mt. Bromo.

Bali is known for its mystical atmosphere and one-of-a-kind Balinese Hindu culture. There are many temples you can visit in Bali, though Besakih, the ‘Mother Temple,” is certainly the most important to the Hindu tradition of the island. Celebrations also occur periodically throughout the year and are an interesting way to learn about Indonesia and travel in style. Gamelan performances and dance rituals, are great ways to get involved and Ubud is always a source of artistic inspiration. Check out a sunset at Tanah Lot or take a canoe ride on the volcanic Lake Batur, where you can see the ruins of a pre-Hindu civilization.

Sumatra is another great place to learn about Indonesia with travel to the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center near Bukit Lawang You can trek through spectacular rainforest and go whitewater rafting on the Alas River. Get adventurous and spend the night on Samosir Island, where you can visit traditional raised houses, enjoy a musical performance, or just walk around this peaceful island of Indonesia. Travel information about adding a day in Samosir Island can be discussed with a representative if it is an option that interests you.

Lombok, Flores, and Komodo are also great islands to visit in Indonesia, and travel tips include a full moon pilgrimage to the crater of sacred Mt. Rinjani, a view of the sunset in Labuanbajo, a visit to the volcanic lakes of Keli Mutu, a stop in one of the traditional weaving villages, and of course, a trek to the famous Komodo Dragon Park in Komodo.

If you want to spread your wings to the far reaches of Indonesia, travel information is available on areas of Borneo and New Guinea. Visit Papua, formerly known as Western New Guinea, or Irian Jaya, and you can get a rare glimpse into the lives of the Stone Age Dani tibespeople, trek to the villages of the Asmat to stay overnight with traditional wood carvers, and visit the Wasur Reserve on the border with Papua New Guinea. Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo, is also a great place to see. Take a boat up the river to Tanjung Puting Reserve, cruise along the Mahakam River in eastern Kalimantan, or visit the orangutan sanctuary.