There is something special about backpacking more remote parts of Indonesia. I love it to the core, although its highly incompatible with having small kids for many reasons, but anytime I can cut off a week or two to have most chores covered by family and wife approves, I go for it like there is no tomorrow. Did one trip to Togian islands in Sulawesi archipelago this summer after 6 year hiatus, can't recommend it enough.

Basically if you like tropical jungle and beaches/coral diving its Indonesia as #1. If you like culture (and sensory) shock and people its India. If you love mountains its Nepal.

There is way more out there of course, often a mix of above (ie India has all of it in droves and much more, but its a proper continent size-wise). I always come back physically tired but mentally permanently enriched and a slightly different person, this style is simply so intense compared to a more casual spending of holidays.

But compatible with small kids it isn't... even though I met few families with small kids it seemed properly selfish from parents - no real doctor or even medicine for 200km/overnight ferry around, kids struggling in equatorial humid jungle without AC, although it must be a very forming experience for them too.