Comprised of over 17 000 islands and the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is a vast country. While the majority of the country is Muslim, Bali is an oddity, with its own version of Hinduism and being the major tourist destination, making it culturally unique from its neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. Temples, carvings, ceremonies, and artwork make Bali a very interesting place. Unfortunately, the mass development and large population have taken a serious toll on the natural landscape. The lack of a waste management system sees roadsides resembling landfills, and many beaches are best avoided due to runoff contaminants and debris. A trip over to Lombok reveals a more pure landscape for now, but even so, Indonesia as a whole is caught in a losing struggle between exploiting its natural resources and preserving its unique biodiversity.
