The name that Indonesia has chosen for itself refers to a land of oceans and seas, with a necklace of islands, islets, reefs and volcanoes, a vast garland stretching along the equator on the borders of Asia and Australia, the Indian and the Pacific oceans.

Packed with stunning photographs, easy-to-use maps, and all the information you really need to get the most from your visit! In this compact guide, our writers help you plan itineraries for short and longer stays. Complete with must-see sights on and off the beaten track as well as current hotel and restaurant recommendations. And the convenient size of the guide allows you to take it along in your pocket or handbag. Take the world in your pocket next time and travel with this handy Berlitz guide. Indonesia Pocket Guide (Berlitz Country Guide)

Scramble down rocky cliffs to find a private surf beach, then climb back up to your motorbike, tanned and supercharged, p. 79. Flip yourself over the edge of a boat while diving the blue depths off the Gili Islands in Lombok, p. 306. Dance the day’s sand off your feet at Kuta’s rowdy clubs or spruce up for Seminyak’s sleek bars and restaurants, p. 112. Sip honey-ginger tea in a rose-petal bath, drifting back to earth after a mandi lulur massage, p. 84.

–Two great authors, 68 days of in-country research, 51 detailed maps, 133 bottles of Bintang.
–An all new outdoor activities section with detailed diving and surfing information.
–Features a Food & Drink chapter by renowned Ubud restaurateur and author Janet de Neefe.

Bali & Lombok (Lonely Planet Travel Guide)

With over 17,000 islands and 300 ethnic groups, Indonesia is the perfect candidate for an Insight Guide. Filled with gorgeous color photographs, an emphasis on history and culture, and detailed descriptions of principal sites, this book is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the world’s largest archipelago. The country’s motto is “Unity in Diversity,” and while that lofty aim is being tested by independence movements, it’s true that the diversity and complexity of the people, languages, and customs is astounding. For while parts of the island nation are well-known tourist sites–Bali comes immediately to mind–there are numerous other areas which are equally fascinating, such as Flores, with its strange mix of Catholicism and animism; Irian Jaya (West Papua), where life still resembles the Stone Age; and Sumatra, where one of the world’s last matrilineal societies resides. To help you understand this strange blend, Insight Guides pulled together a team of experts to write about its features. The “People” chapter was written by a professor at the National University in Singapore who’s an expert on Indonesian communal politics. Dance and theatre were covered by a Javanese dancer, while gamelan music is explained by a musicologist. The chapter on modern history and separatist provinces, written by a journalist for the Far Eastern Economic Review, is particularly important with Indonesian politics changing practically daily. Other feature chapters explain the role of customs and rituals, the nuances of ritual dance and theatre, the range of spice-islands cuisine, and the fantastically varied tropical habitats. The bulk of the book–the “Places” section–is your guide to the sights themselves, divided into regions and cross-referenced to excellent maps. Valuable tips line the sidebars with hints about such things as the most likely time to see court dancers, the best batik course, and warnings about health hazards (like poisonous volcanic fumes). Up to this point, the book truly excels, and will whet your appetite no end. Unfortunately, it falls short when it comes to providing ample listings of where to stay and eat. The listings are adequate for those traveling with means, but budget travelers will want to look to guides like the Lonely Planet to meet their needs. Insight Guide Indonesia, Fifth Edition

A kaleidoscope of color, Indonesia’s 13,677 islands harbor hundreds of mammal species, birds and insects; its people originate from 300 ethnic groups encompassing all the Asian cultures and religions. A master of his subject, author Bill Dalton guides the reader to the best Indonesia has to offer, from ram fighting in Bandung to the isolated tribe of the Asmat people, together with detailed information on surfing, snorkeling, climbing volcanoes, and traditional dance and crafts. There is also a generous selection of excerpts from literature about Indonesia including V.S. Naipaul on a Japanese soldier and a bicycle and David Attenborough on the Komodo dragon. Read more…