During the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2020 in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry officially introduced the country’s five priority travel destinations. These are Borobudur in Central Java, Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.
The reason behind this move to make these tourist spots a top priority is to spur Indonesia’s economic growth through its tourism industry. If you want to know more about the said tourist attractions, let’s take a look at them in this blog post.
Borobudur
Borobudur is a massive Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, built between AD 750 and 842 during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty. It’s considered to be the largest Buddhist temple in the world and one of the most important cultural sites in Southeast Asia.
The temple is composed of six square and three circular platforms with a central dome on top. It’s ornamented with more than 2,500 relief panels and 504 statues of Buddha. There are 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a stupa, surrounding the central dome.
Borobudur is very picturesque to look at when you visit it at sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy the view of the place, whether you’re on top or at the bottom of the temple. You can also take a walk around the green grass area surrounding this massive religious structure and learn about the history of the place.
If you want to buy mementos of your travel, there are various artworks and items sold outside the temple that represent the Javanese culture and Buddhism.
Lake Toba
When you see photos of Lake Toba on the internet, it’s easy to mistake it for an ocean. This lake in northern Sumatra is one of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia. It has a size of more than 1,140 square kilometers and a depth of 450 meters.
Lake Toba occupies the caldera of a supervolcano. The surrounding lush trees add up to the breathtaking scenery of the place. You can go kayaking in the lake while you take in the cool breeze and fantastic atmosphere around the lake.
There are also glamping and camping activities around Lake Toba. You can also visit the TB Silalahi Center and the Batak Museum to learn more about the lake and the history of the island of Sumatra.
Take with you as a souvenir the wonderful Ulos, a traditional cloth of Sumatra’s Batak people. You can also have a taste of Sumatra Mandheling coffee.
Labuan Bajo
In East Nusa Tenggara, you can find the beautiful fishing town of Labuan Bajo. This place has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and waterfalls. At Labuan Bajo, you can also visit the Komodo National Park, where you can find the popular Komodo dragons. The place is also rich with underwater and on-land wildlife.
Check out the islands of Kelor, Padar, and Gili Laba, and witness the incredible natural scenery of Labuan Bajo. Then, learn the local cultures and history by visiting the village of Cangar, Wae Rebo, and Bena. Make sure to book a hotel on sites like Planet of Hotels for your accommodation.
Recommend souvenirs that you should bring home with you are: the Flores coffee, local artworks, and the Flores Songket, which is a traditional cloth on the island of Flores.
Mandalika
Mandalika is a well-known coastal resort in West Nusa Tenggara. You can find impressive white sand beaches on the island, as well as explore the fascinating local culture. Indeed, it’s no surprise that Mandalika is one of the top travel destinations in Indonesia this 2020.
Among the most beautiful beaches in Mandalika are Serenting, Kuta, Tanjung Aan, Seger, and Gerupuk. You can go diving and snorkeling in these places, and behold the abundant marine life of one of Indonesia’s beautiful islands.
There are also nightclubs, bars, and spas in Mandalika. In these places, you can meet a lot of locals and tourists enjoying the island life. Also, don’t forget to visit traditional villages to learn more about local history and culture.
Try the local food, such as babi guling (roasted pork), taliwang (spicy roasted chicken), sate rembiga (grilled beef), and bebalung (beef soup).
Likupang
Likupang is an ultimate getaway if you love white-sand beaches. This district in North Sulawesi is very enchanting, which is why you shouldn’t miss it if you visit Indonesia.
One of the most beautiful beaches of Likupang is Paal Beach, which boasts picturesque scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. Then, there’s Pulisan Beach, with its smooth white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Don’t forget to drop by at the Bahoi Village Ecotourism and witness the amazing mangrove forest, the unspoiled corals, and the abundance of fish in the place. Then, enjoy Likupang’s traditional food, such as the Rica-Rica sauce paired with fish, beef, and chicken dishes. You can also try the delicious Manado porridge, which is a local favorite.
Takeaway
Indonesia is a place that will surely take your breath away with its amazing sceneries and beautiful tourist attractions. Visit the recommended places mentioned above if you want to have a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
