Indonesia Tourist Guides — Activities  Water sports
With 80,000 kilometers of coastline, warm waters washed by equatorial currents and some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, Indonesia is a diver's delight. There are a number of dive sites catering to divers of various levels of skills. The best known diving and snorkeling spots are off various points in Bali, between Komodo and Labuhanbajo in Flores, around the Banda Islands and off Pulau Biak off the north coast of Papua. Surfing is popular at Ulu Watu in Bali, Grajagan in Java and at Nias off Sumatra, and all along the southern coast of most of the islands of Nusa Tenggara. All the southern resorts of Bali offer wind surfing facilities, and rafting is fast catching on as a popular adventure activity on the Ayung River. Jungle Trekking
The rain forests of Indonesia provide great treks through lush jungle. Popular trekking spots on Sumatra are in the Gunung Leuser National Park, Berastage and Bukit lawang areas. Irian Java, although now dangerous because of insurgent activity, has adventurous jungle trekking trails through almost virgin areas. Climbing and looking down the face of a volcano - a live one at that - is for the more adventurous. Most peaks can be reached in a day - Mount Bromo in Java and Agung in Bali are some of these. A more arduous, though worthwhile, three-day climb up the Gungung Rinjani, a volcano on Lombok. Shopping
Modern shopping malls and market places abound in the urban areas, and have fixed prices. But most other shops, whether in the cities or in the villages off the beaten track - bargaining is a way of life - the wise tourist needs to start bargaining at thirty percent of the trader's initial price. Antique replicas are produced in great numbers and are lapped up by tourists - copies of 13th century majapahit vases and jugs are very authentic. Batik textiles are Indonesia's best-known craft. Although the techniques of Batik most certainly came to Indonesia from India, Indonesia's batik craftsmen have developed and refined the craft - their fine workmanship and traditional designs are unparallel in the world. Other indigenous crafts such as pottery from Pejaten, glazed ceramics from Batu Jimbar, and leather goods from Yogya are both cheap and distinctive. Indonesian crafts persons also have a tradition of gold and silver jewelry making, comparable to anything made in nearby Thailand. Jewelry studded with Indonesian gems, Borneo diamonds, natural pearls and the West Javanese black opal are also popular with tourists. Dining
Indonesian food is a blend of its Hindu, Islam and South East Asian heritage, but has most strongly been influenced by Chinese cuisine. Most food is flavored with ginger, garlic and fresh turmeric and therefore is not very spicy; only the Pandung cuisine from Sumatra specializes in fiery hot food.
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