With Jakarta being the financial powerhouse of Indonesia and the island of Java, most would agree that Yogyakarta is its heart and soul. Called Yogya for short, this creative city hosts the island’s intellectual heritage, where the arts, culture and traditions remain at their purest. During your time here, you’ll see some of the historical temples and palaces, learn the local crafts and venture out into the surrounding areas. Perhaps the most notable visit outside the city is Borobudur, a celebrated World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

Dubbed Flores by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, so taken by the island’s natural beauty they could think of no other moniker than ‘flowers’, little has diminished the unvarnished natural beauty of this central Indonesian island since. There is a seemingly inexhaustible supply of breathtaking flora, pristine beaches and volcanic activity making this destination one of the more exciting stops along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Just a short boat ride from Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands offer the road-weary traveler idyllic locales perfectly suited for whatever your idea of a recuperative break might be. From the teeming reefs, white sand beaches and vibrant night life of Gili Trawangan to the unique local villages, waterfall rich rivers and magnificent views of nearby Mt. Agung in Lombok, there are ample opportunities to relax or explore at your own pace in this serene corner of the Pacific.

For those of us who are searching for the truly exotic, the island of Sulawesi boasts lush jungles, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. In Tana Toraja, take a trek around the villages to view the uniquely ancient architecture of lavish burial sites.