Indonesia's 17,508 islands form a tropical emerald string across the equator with a rich cultural diversity and unique appeal.
Tiny Bali has great topographical variety. Located in the center of Indonesia's vast archipelago, the island has an area of 5,620 sq. km (roughly 2,192 sq. miles), only the size of a large metropolis. The land is divided in half east to west by a volcanic mountain chain and is scored lengthwise by deep river gorges. White-sand beaches line the coast to the east, as well as near Kuta in the most populated area of wider lowlands to the south. Active volcanoes dot the island, including Gunung Agung, a dynamic peak and a power point of Balinese culture and belief. Central Ubud is one of the more beautiful spots, with mountainous scenery, lush vegetation, and Bali's famed terraced rice farms. The far west is the least developed area of the island, with mountainous terrain mostly given over to national park land.
