Bali is a predominantly Hindu island

With 17,000 islands spread across 5,000 kilometers of territory you'd need a couple of lifetimes to explore the all the wonders of Indonesia.

With less time it's still possible to canoe down a Borneo river, surf the giant waves of G-land, hunt with the native tribesmen on Siberut, dance 'til dawn in a Bali nightclub, or get up close and personal with a dragon on the island of Komodo.

If that sounds too hectic, there are countless beaches where the best activity is simply digging your feet in the sand.

Indonesia's diversity - culturally and geographically - is so distinct that island-hopping across the archipelago feels like transiting between different countries without the hassle and expense of acquiring visas.

Indeed, until about 60 years ago, the people that make up Indonesia were divided by 300 different ethnic groups and around 360 languages and dialects. Since gaining independence after WWII, a carefully planned program of national unity has allowed many diverse people to live under one flag, language and motto: Bhinneka tunggal ika (They are many, They are one).

Once considered a tranquil paradise, Indonesia has been rocked in recent years by communal violence, terrorist attacks, political upheaval and economic meltdown. Adding to its woes has been a series of natural disasters of biblical proportions; the tsunami that struck Sumatra on Christmas Day 2004 was followed by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes on Java. Yet through these troubles Indonesians have proven their fortitude; visitors are still greeted with smiles as the country gets back on its feet.

The jewel in Indonesia's crown is the island of Bali, a lush island paradise that combines natural beauty with a unique local culture, deeply embedded with music, dance and art. Bali's secret was leaked long ago and decades of mass tourism have left an infrastructure of mega-resorts and hedonism. But for the intrepid, even tiny Bali retains secluded beaches and quiet towns hardly tainted by the tourist brush.