The world's 10 best value destinations

8. Indonesia

Despite its struggles with natural disasters and poverty, the Indonesian archipelago is as rich in natural beauty and culture as ever. Rippling across the equator for nearly 5,000 km, it embraces more than 18,000 islands, each with its own character. If you value variety, you can't go wrong. Bali's resorts and restaurants pamper, while threadbare backpackers are welcomed in Kalimantan. Yet the natural world remains its real treasure. The jungles of Sumatra and Papua are zoological wonders. For an experience to make you value your life, visit the last dinosaurs, the dragons of Komodo Island in Nusa Tenggara.

Pictured: Natural waterfall in Gunung Gede

Text reproduced with permission from Bluelist 2007, copyright 2006 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.