Indonesians refer to their country as "Our Earth and Water", the republic consists of 15508 islands. It is the 4th biggest country by population, after China, India and USA. The population is 225 million, with 88% muslims (200 millions) it is the largest Muslim country in the world.

Some interesting facts:

- in 2003 there were 2000 illegal TV and radio stations
- the archipelago has 667 airports
- indonesia has 129 active volcanos, more than any other country in the world
- when the Krakatau volcano blew itself in 1883, people could hear it in Perth, Australia, almost 5000km southwest
- on 26 December 2004, in North Sumatra, the sea floor bounced up 6m creating a tsunami wave that, seven hours later, would be felt in Somalia, almost 5000km away. The wave traveled 800km/h and rose to a towering 25m, leaving 131000 dead
- indonesia is a home to the biggest lizard: Komodo Dragon. The largest authenticated specimen measured 3.1m

 

The country has some of the planet's most pristine landscapes. But it also has the worst deforestration rate in the world - every year they destroy an area of the size of Switzerland. 70% of indonesians forests have already gone.

 

 

What am I going to see in Indonesia:
I am now in North Sumatra, trekking in a jungle with real orangutans. I will visit the largest volcano lake in South East Asia - Danau Toba - 450m deep. On Bali I will gain my Advanced PADI diving certificate and explore some exciting underwater ship wrecks. This time I hope to take some underwater photography, so you can actualy see the world underwater. And I will most definitely surf the Balinese waves and check out the local club scene. So, where are you guys?