Slap bang in the middle of the world's greatest marine biodiversity, Indonesia boasts more amazing diving destinations than anywhere else on earth. Not only is diving in Indonesia on every semi-serious diver's 'must do' list but there are also many great places for less experienced but no less enthusiastic divers. 

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and straddles the Equator between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It has land borders with Malaysia to the north as well as East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the east. Iit also neighbours Australia to the south, and Palau, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand to the north, India to the northwest. Take a look at the map.

The main island groups are:

Sumatra (incl. the Riau Islands and Bangka-Belitung) - wild and rugged, the 6th largest island in the world has a great natural and cultural wealth with more than 40 million inhabintants.

• Kalimantan (Borneo) - the vast majority of this, the world's third largest island, is covered by the Indonesian province. Uncharted jungles, mighty rivers, home of the orangutan, a paradise for the adventurer.
• Java (and Madura) - the country's heartland, big cities including the capital Jakarta, and a lot of people packed on a not-so-big island. Also features the cultural treasures of Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan. One of the most populous island in the earth with more than 120 million inhabitans in a land equal to New York state.
• Sulawesi - strangely shaped, this island houses a diversity of societies and some spectacular scenery, Toraja cuture, rich flora and fauna, world class diving site, finest undersea scenery.
• Nusa Tenggara (Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Komodo and West Timor)
  Also known as the Lesser Sunda Islands, the "Southeast Islands" contain scores of ethnic groups, languages and religions, home to Komodo lizards and one of the best undersea coral site.
• Maluku (Moluccas) - the historic Spice Islands, largely unexplored and almost unknown to the outside world.
• Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya (Papua) - the western half of the island of New Guinea, with mountains, forests, swamps, an almost impenetrable wilderness in one of the remotest places on earth.

DIVE TRIP REPORTS

Both these reports have been sent to us by Phil Tobin - thanks Phil!

The Archipelago Adventurer II

A Rare Encounter with Mola-Mola with AquaMarine Diving, Bali 

So very, very much, but take a closer look at:

• Bali - a volcanic island with wonderful reefs.  (We've included this as a separate destination - click here to view details).
• Komodo and Nusa Tenggara - advanced dive areas and a World Heritage Site.
• Manado - for Bunaken Marine Park - reported by the Guardian newspaper as probably the best dive site in the world.  Read the article here.
• Lembeh Straits - the best muck diving on the planet.
• Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya (West Papua) - frontier diving with over 1,200 of fish species.

• The diving season is year round but, overall, the best dive conditions exist from April to December, as many provinces have a rainy season from January to March.
• The liveaboard season cruises all year round.
• Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country except in Jakarta Municipality, big cities and within the areas of the tourist resorts of Bali and Java.
• There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia.  Check current Foreign Office Advice before travelling to any part of Indonesia.
• Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
• You should seek medical advice before travelling to any part of Indonesia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  Click here full details from the National Travel Health and Centre.