What to know before visiting Indonesia

The archipelago of Indonesia, which spans 17,000 islands between the Asian mainland and Australia, is home to a diverse range of natural wonders and unusual animals. From the charred terrain of Komodo to the lush volcanic slopes of Flores and the gleaming corals of the Gili Islands, you'll see it all. Spectacular crater lakes change color before your eyes, and dueling dragons seem straight out of a Jurassic Park movie.

Between April and October is the greatest season to visit Indonesia since the weather is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. Indonesia, which straddles the Equator, is hot all year, with the exception of November to March, when the nation has extensive rain, especially in the south.