With a country as big and diverse as Indonesia, it would be impossible to summarize in one or two pages all its attractions. However, if a list could be set up of the twelve “must-see places” in Indonesia, here are suggested attractions that should be part of a trip:
Sumatra
1 Lake Toba is Southeast Asia’s largest lake surrounded by amazing landscapes composed of cliffs, hills and waterfalls. Batak people live in wooden houses richly painted and shaped like boats.
2 Bukittinggi and the Minangkabau Highlands are home to one of the most intriguing Indonesian ethnics in West Sumatra. In lush landscapes, visitors can admire finely sculpted wooden houses crowned by buffalo-shaped roofs, some of them over 300 years old. Minangkabau people is a devoted Muslim society, where women play however a pivotal role in daily life…
Java
3 Jakarta’s old town is one of the best preserved in Indonesia around Fatahillah Square, where the first house of the Dutch governor has been converted into the Jakarta History Museum. On the west side of the square, the Wayang Museum displays a fine collection of puppets from Indonesia and the rest of the world. Do not miss in Jakarta the National Museum for its outstanding art collections, Jalan Surabaya for its antique dealers shops, the great view from the top of the National Monument (Monas) and Taman Mini Indonesia, a theme park presenting all the various Indonesian islands.
4 Bandung, the capital city of West Java is either dubbed the “Parijs van Java” or an Asian “Miami Beach” because of its impressive collection of Art Deco buildings. Promised to be the new capital city of Dutch-ruled Indonesia, Bandung has striking examples of western inspired architecture. Not to be missed, the Asia-Africa Street with its fine 1930s-style hotels and the building which hosted the famous summit in 1955 as well as the “Gedung Sate”, an imposing structure in pure Art Deco style. Do not miss the view on Bandung from the top of the tower !
5 Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is considered as the cultural cradle of Java. The city still has within its premises the Royal Palace( Keraton), an old town with small traditional Javanese houses which host numerous batik workshops as well as the magnificent Taman Sari (Water Castle) complex, a century old royal spa. It also has easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko. There is magnificent natural beauty nearby as well in the mountains and sea.
The ancient city of Yogyakarta has been able to preserve centuries-old traditions under the rule of its Sultan. Today, it increasingly becomes a primary tourist destination with a sophisticated offer as well as a gateway to Central and East Java.
Yogyakarta is a “must” for any visitors to Indonesia and especially to Java. This city - with almost a million inhabitants- is located in the centre of Java island, half-way between Jakarta and Bandung in the west and Surabaya in the east. Considered by all Indonesians as one of their most historical cities, Yogyakarta is indeed the cradle of the Javanese culture. The town still today bears the testimony of the refined art and handicraft skills of Javanese people. Batik workshops, puppeteers, interpreters of Javanese classical dances, wood carvers, the people of Yogyakarta continue to maintain centuries-old traditions alive.
Yogyakarta’s symbol of its everlasting traditions is certainly the magnificent Keraton, the Sultan’s palace in the heart of the city. the. In contrary to other Indonesian Sultans, who mostly play an honorific role today, Hamengku Buwono X, ruling Sultan of Yogyakarta is still a well-known figure of Indonesia’s political life. The Sultan presides in fact over the destiny of Yogyakarta as the elected Governor of the Province. As such, he has large powers to implement economic, social and tourism reforms in his city. His residence, the Royal Keraton, belongs to the favourite attractions among visitors, who can learn more about the life and customs of Yogyakarta. Classical dance shows are regularly performed within the Keraton compound.
Yogyakarta has many other wonderful sites to discover: the bird market, old Javanese mansions, batik factories and the Water Palace (Taman Sari), a unique architectural “spa” ensemble from the XVIII° century and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Yogyakarta is also the gateway to two of the most magnificent temple complexes of Southeast Asia : Borobodur and Prambanan -both on the UNESCO World Heritage List- tell about a time where Hinduism and Buddhism were dominant in the Javanese kingdoms. Even today, the unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Islam religions continues to impregnate Yogyakarta’s way of life. For the visitors, the Yogyakarta Tourism Development Board proposes special meditations tours during the sunrise at Borobodur temple or spectacular Ramayana performances in front of Prambanan temple.
Tourism seen as an important economic factor
Yogyakarta is today one of Java largest city with a population of some 900,000 inhabitants is an important economic and education centre. However, priority has been given by the current Sultan to the development of tourism and infrastructures. Over the last five years, the city opened the Jogja Expo Centre (JEC) and currently works on its expansion with a new five-stars hotel as well as a conference centre. New hotels of major international chains, the upgrading of the airport with the construction of a new terminal are some of the initiatives fostered by the Sultan of Yogyakarta.
In 2004, the city recorded 103,000 international visitors in hotel accommodation and some 600,000 from domestic visitors. The target is to welcome a million international visitors by 2010 and a similar number of domestic travellers. In terms of hotel capacity, Yogyakarta has today a total 9,500 rooms of which 3,500 are classified from two to five stars.
The city is confident to become with Bali and Jakarta one of Indonesia’s major tourism hub. The opening of the airport to international flights last year already makes the city easily accessible. Today, Yogyakarta is directly served from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and more international destinations should be added once the new terminal completed and the runway extended for long haul flights in 2006.
Yogyakarta’s commitment to be a new gateway to Indonesia is more than ever true as the city has hosted in 2004 and 2005 TIME at the Jogja Expo Centre, the country’s largest inbound travel show. The event has been organized for 11 years by the Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) with the support from the entire tourism industry in Indonesia attracting each time over 100 buyers from all over the world and some 150 sellers from all Indonesia.
Information on Yogyakarta under:
www.indonesiatourism.go.id
www.visit-java.com
6. Borobudur and Prambanan, the two magnificent temples are both listed on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Borobudur, built between 778 and 856 is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and is surrounded by volcanoes. It is worth a visit at any time but particularly at sunrise. Prambanan dates from 856 and is Southeast Asia’s largest Hinduism temple with outstanding bas-reliefs. Ramayana performances are hosted for visitors at dawn.
Non-stop domestic and limited international flights from Yogyakarta and Solo (Central Java)
7. Mount Bromo. Two hours away from Malang in East Java stands the majestic Bromo mountain surrounded by paddy fields and fruit plantations in East Java. Visitors will enjoy a magical sunrise at the volcano with its various shades of colours. Accessing the crater is possible with small mountain horses. Nearby, Malang is a delightful Art Deco city with old bakeries and an interesting birds market.
Non-stop domestic and international flights from/to Surabaya (East Java)
Bali
8 Ubud. This village is known as a retreat for artists since the 30’s and is now a famed resort destination. Old houses and palaces, temples stand next to discreet boutique hotels, all bearing a distinctive Balinese style and surrounding by paddy fields.
Non-stop domestic and international flights from Denpasar (Bali)
9 Tanah Lot. Bali most famous Hindu temple is a delicate structure built on a top of a large rock facing the sea. At high tide, the temple is surrounded by the sea but at other times, visitors have an access to this sacred site. It is best to view in the sunset.
Non-stop domestic and international flights from Denpasar (Bali)
East Indonesia
10 The Mount Kelimutu is located a few hours from Ende, Flores island main city. It is the most visited natural wonder in the island as the mountain is topped by three crater lakes, separated by thin ridges and showing each a different colour. The largest lake is turquoise, the next one olive green and the third black. The colours vary over the time.
Direct flights Bali-Maumere and Surabaya-Maumere (Flores)
11 The Toraja Highland in South Sulawesi (Celebes) has some of Indonesia’s most spectacular landscapes. Elaborated houses with long roofs form typical villages nestled in valleys and surrounded by paddy fields. Strange tombs with sculpted wooden effigies representing deceased people can be observed.
Non-stop domestic flights from/to Makassar (South Sulawesi)
12. Bunaken National Park in North Sulawesi (Celebes) is one of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving area in the world with large coral reef populated by a rich maritime life.
Non-stop domestic and limited international flights from Manado (North Sulawesi)
