Yes, it is on the tourist radar and no doubt more tourist geared since I last visited many years ago. I think it still has a lot to offer as far as visiting cultural sites, it's history and areas not touched by tourism and therefore still quite traditional. Getting off the "beaten track" should also be part of the experience otherwise the view of a place is skewed and unbalanced.

For a first time visit to Indonesia with limited time available I suppose you have to start somewhere and Bali and Lombok would be where I'd start to get an overall feel. Java and Sumartra are also possibilities of course and as there are over 1,000 islands in the archipelago, where do you start? The cultural sites in Java such as Borobodur and Prambanan are fascinating and wonderful and worth the visit.

It is still possible to enjoy a bit of both worlds - the old and the new - and Bali's ancient cultural sites and more remote areas are still very accessible and also well worth the experience.

What would be your choice?

I'm rather sleep deprived at the moment, so hope I'm expressing myself adequately.

Catherine