Yogyakarta is the focal centre of Javanese arts and culture, with the Sultan’s Palace, or Kraton, forming the town’s spiritual centre. The plains around the town are dotted with the remains of hundreds of small and large temples erected more than a thousand years ago; the two most famous, the Borobudur and Prambanan complexes, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Bali, the island of the Gods. Hinduism is alive in everyday life and one encounters colourful ceremonies at every turn. The countryside of mountains, terraced rice paddies and forests is covered with temples of all sizes. Traditional arts and crafts include wild ritual dances, gamelan music, wood carvings and the famous Bali painting. Famous for its white sandy beaches, the blue ocean is always nearby!

Sulawesi, former Celebes, is divided by the equator. High volcanic mountains are covered with dense tropical forests. Famous are the Toraja, an ethnic group living in a spectacular countryside of rugged mountains and lush valleys. Many of their beliefs and values are still deeply rooted in ancient animistic practices. In the city of Makassar, formerly Ujung Pandang, history is alive in the proud Makassarese.