Indonesia awarded favorite destination in ASEAN

[Hailstorm]

Gorgeous country, equally gorgeous people.

@yoshi.oda

You're welcome in Indonesia. Please visit us sometime.

 

[Aepsilons]

You're welcome in Indonesia. Please visit us sometime.

Thank you!! I want to visit Riau, and also Metro Jakarta. Any recommendations on popular beach resorts?

 

[CountStrike]

Komodo Fighting in Komdo Island.. Komodo island is near with Lombok island..

 

[Hailstorm]

Thank you!! I want to visit Riau, and also Metro Jakarta. Any recommendations on popular beach resorts?

@Nihonjin1051 san,

Well, i can only speak from my own experience. For me the top notch beach resorts are in Bali, there are many of them. Especially Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Kuta Selatan (Uluwatu) areas.
A good resort i know:
- Ayana Resort and Spa Bali ( It has the famous rock bar cafe), Hard Rock Kuta.

Kuta is the most interesting one but they're crowded of tourist.


Other than bali, you can go to Lombok Island which is less crowded than Bali but the beaches are good too.
You can try to go to resorts in Senggigi Beach area, and Lombok Kuta Beach.
A good resort i know in Lombok:
- Sheraton Sengigi, Novotel Lombok
Novotel is situated in Kuta beach where the sea is very clear like mirror, tranquil, and the beach is surrounded by hills.
The last time i went there, it was like that.

Other than these islands, in Jakarta you can take a boat trip to Kepulauan Seribu, but sorry don't know much of these area. There is a beach in Jakarta as well, but i don't recommend them.

Maybe you do like hiking as well? You can hike on Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen in east java. They have spectacular view.

Good luck!

えーと、これが初めて話してますね、よろしくお願いしまーす。
Best regards.

 

[CountStrike]

Spain praises Indonesia`s diverse tourism destinations
Senin, 7 Desember 2015 20:27 WIB | 1.343 Views

Isabel Maria Borrego Cortes. (EFE)

London (ANTARA News) - Spanish Tourism Secretary of State Isabel Maria Borrego Cortes praised the diversity and beauty of the Indonesian tourism destinations while receiving her Indonesian counterpart, Arief Yahya, in Madrid.

Yahya was in Spain on a working visit from December 3 to 5, 2015, the Indonesian embassy in Madrid said in a statement on Monday.

In the meeting with Cortes, Minister Yahya was accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to Spain Yuli Mumpuni Widarso, and Deputy in charge of international tourism marketing, I Gde Pitana.

The Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism was flanked by the Director of Tourism Cooperation and Competition, Isabel Alonso Pinar.

The Indonesian Tourism Minister informed his counterpart about Indonesias target of doubling the number of foreign tourist arrivals from 10 million to 20 million a year.

He also expressed his wish to learn about tourism promotion from Spain which manages to attract 67 million foreign tourists a year, making the tourism industry its national economic backbone.

Cortes expressed her support for Indonesia for achieving its target and offered cooperation in this regard.

Yahya proposed cooperation in human resources capacity building in the tourism sector by allowing Indonesian students of higher learning institutes in this sector to do internships in Spain.

He also offered investment opportunities in the development and management of Tourism Special Economic Zone and National Tourism Strategic Zone, beyond just Bali.

The Spanish minister welcomed an offer to develop a big data program for digital marketing and smart destinations in Indonesia.

She said she was also interested in investing in maritime tourism in Indonesia.

Yahya invited Cortes to visit Indonesia.

While in Madrid, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya also held a meeting with Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN WTO) Thaleb Rifai and some UN WTO executives at the organizations headquarters.

Minister Yahya also invited the UN WTO to establish cooperation to analyze the visa-free policy and to organize a seminar on "Beyond Bali Destination: Opportunities and Challenges."
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Spain praises Indonesia`s diverse tourism destinations - ANTARA News

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Indonesia home to ‘world’s best hotel’ of 2016

• 
  Intan Tanjung
  The Jakarta Post
  

Jakarta | Tue, July 12 2016 | 11:03 am

Unlike other luxury resorts, the Nihiwatu also offers a philanthropic experience to those who stay there.(Nihiwatu website/-)
Topics

• Nihiwatu resort Hotel

It is nice to know that a resort offering native ambiance and an authentic local experience has been named the world’s best hotel of 2016 – and that this hotel is located in Indonesia.

The Nihiwatu Sumba resort was announced as the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure from a list of 100 hotels across the globe based on the magazine's annual readers' survey.

Readers reportedly considered the property superior to the Peninsula Shanghai, which is famed for its huge, luxurious bedrooms and fancy rooftop bar offering a sweeping view of Shanghai skyscrapers.

(Read also: 6 Instagram-worthy hotels for your next holiday)

Readers reportedly considered the property superior to the Peninsula Shanghai, which is known for its huge, luxurious bedrooms and fancy rooftop bar offering a sweeping view of Shanghai skyscrapers.(kompas.com/-)

"Hospitality-centric luxury has changed," Nihiwatu owner Chris Burch stated in a press release. "It is more than just the finer touches. It has evolved to a custom itinerary, a personal journey, unexpected experiences and a curiosity for the unknown. We have been extremely fortunate to exceed everything we set out to deliver with the Nihiwatu concept."

Nihiwatu Sumba is a luxurious resort located on the Nihiwatu beach in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The island is known for pristine nature and world-class waves that are popular with surfers.

Unlike other luxury resorts, the Nihiwatu also offers a philanthropic experience to those who stay there. Each guest will be offered to watch a documentary made by the Sumba Foundation that helps local communities in the region build water well, clinics, a malaria training center and run poverty prevention programs. (kes)

 

[skyhigh88]

More pictures of Nihiwatu Resort - Number 1 Hotel in the World
From Dailymail UK

Part 1 of Paradise in Sumba Island, Indonesia

 

[skyhigh88]

Part 2 of Paradise in Sumba Island, Indonesia

 

[skyhigh88]

Part 3 of Paradise in Sumba Island, Indonesia

 

[skyhigh88]

Indonesia’s hidden destinations beckon to the world
Koreaherald
Published: 2016-07-15 14:31

At a glance, Indonesia’s bustling capital Jakarta seems like many other metropolitan cities in Southeast Asia. Its streets are lined with cutting-edge skyscrapers and packed with cars and motorbikes that cause heavy congestion.

But only a few hours away, the tropical country, composed of more than 17,500 islands, boasts natural beauty in every corner -- from white sandy beaches and colorful marine treasures to active volcanos that have been well-preserved.

With the aim of attracting 16 million foreign tourists by 2017, the Indonesian government adopted in June 2015 a 30-day visa-free system for 169 countries, including Korea, making it easier for travelers to discover the exotic destination.

For those seeking to indulge in nature and experience Indonesia’s unique culture shaped by diverse tribes and religions, Indonesia offers more than its famous resort island of Bali. Here are a few of the hidden destinations.

Yokyakarta: a glimpse into Indonesia’s history

Yokyakarta, Indonesia’s former capital, provides travelers with a quick glimpse into Indonesia’s rich history through its ancient monuments and sites. The historic city is the second most visited after Bali and is usually swarming with local students on school trips.

An hour from the city center, there is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobudur Temple, known as the world’s biggest Buddhist temple. Built in the ninth century and discovered in 1815 under volcanic ash, the temple’s design shows India’s influence on the region and is also fused with Indonesian elements.

(Sourced from anekatempatwisata)

Standing against the panoramic backdrop of Menoreh mountain range, the 31.5-meter-long temple has 700 stairs and stone wall carvings representing the life of Buddha. When tourists walk through the crowds busy taking pictures to finally reach the top, a monumental hemispherical stupa awaits them.

(Sourced from jogjakartatouristinformation)

Excited to see a group of Korean tourists, some Indonesians, wearing school uniforms and hijabs or holding umbrellas to avoid the blazing sun, sheepishly approach foreigners to ask for a selfie together.

Visitors wearing shorts and skirts above their knees are required to wear a sarong provided by the temple’s management office before entering the site.

A quick guided tour on a horse carriage around a traditional village, called Andong Village Tour, is also available near the temple. Tourists can get a sense of the rural life of local residents, make pottery and watch villagers making tofu during the hop-on-hop-off journey.

Located only a few hours away is Mount Merapi, also known as the Mountain of Fire, the most active volcano in Indonesia standing on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an intersection of different plates. One of the most deadly volcanic eruptions in decades was from Mount Merapi, which began a series of eruptions in 2010 and claimed 353 lives. Over 350,000 people have had to evacuate from the affected area.

(Sourced from anekatempatwisata)

What takes adventure to a whole new level are the off-road trips to the mid-spot of Mount Merapi at 2,930 meters. The roughly two-hour ride on Jeep vehicles takes passengers through a bumpy road on which debris from the 2010 eruption can still be spotted. If lucky enough, passengers are able to be drenched by splashes of water, while driving through streams created by rainfall.

For a more local experience, instead of taking the one-hour flight from Jakarta, travelers can take a train from Bandung to Yokyakarta, which takes eight hours and costs only $10 per person. A picturesque view outside the windows -- from local houses with red roofs to vast lush green fields -- is a bonus. Trains run three times a day and tickets can be booked online.

Labuan Bajo: snorkeling, trekking and more

A cruise ship sails through the sea around Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, at sunset. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald)

Labuan Bajo, a fishing town an hour away by plane from Bali, serves as a base to start a breathtaking journey through neighboring islands which largely remain unexplored.

Waking up to a stunning sunset and sleeping under a starry sky in the middle of the sea is a perfect escape for city dwellers in search of relaxation. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to look into the fascinating underwater life of colorful tropical fish and corals all around. Along the white sandy beaches, the water is warm, clear and surprisingly calm, which makes diving and snorkeling the most popular activities there.

(Picture sourced from e-perpustakaan)

It is possible to hire boats -- from budget to luxury -- through local operators based in Labuan Bajo for a few days to travel around Rinca Island, Komodo Island, Padar Island, Kelor Island, Pink Beach and others. The cost depends on the size of the group and quality of the ship. Book cruise ships at least two weeks in advance as fuel, food and water should be transported from Bali.

Komodo Island: hide-and-seek with living dragons

(Picture sourced from e-perpustakaan)

The Komodo National Park, which tourists can reach by ferry from Labuan Bajo, is home to some 2,500 komodos, the biggest lizard species which are also called “living dragons.” The site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 due to the rarity of the animal.

Looking for 3-meter-long dragons that can weigh up to 89 kilograms is not an easy task. According to rangers who guided a group of Korean tourists, most of the Komodo dragons stay off mountain trails, rest in shaded areas during the day and are active in the morning and early afternoon. They hunt only once a month as they have slow metabolism.

(Picture sourced from e-perpustakaan)

Tourists must be on a strictly guided tour with trained rangers because the Komodo dragons prey on mammals including humans. They are extremely sensitive to the smell of blood, so those who having their period or have cuts on their skin are advised not to enter the island.

Along the trekking path lined with exotic trees and flowers, there were several signs reading “Please stay on trail.”

Bandung: locals’ weekend destination

The crater of Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano near Indonesia’s third-largest city Bandung, which sits at an altitude of 2,084 meters. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald)

Three hours away by car from Jakarta, Bandung, the capital of West Java Province, is popular among locals for weekend getaways, due to its cool temperature all year-round and European vibe.

Dubbed “Paris of Java,” the country’s third-largest city by population boasts Dutch colonial architecture, luxurious hotels, European boutiques and factory outlets selling affordable clothes.

Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano on Bandung’s outskirt, is one of the major tourist attractions in the area. Situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters, tourists can ride minibuses or walk through the jungle for an hour from the main gate to the edge of the crater to see the hot water springs and boiling mud on the top of the mountain.

Unlike a group of Korean travelers wearing summer clothes, Indonesians are seen wearing long-sleeved shirts and even leather jackets due to the cooler climate of the highland. Vendors go around selling furry hats, scarves and hand-picked strawberries.

Only half an hour away, travelers can enjoy a two-hour traditional musical performance at Saung Angklung Udjo. At the breezy outdoor venue surrounded by bamboo trees, audiences can watch children dancing and singing to traditional music played by a Sundanese musical instrument Angklung made of bamboos.

In the middle of the show, spectators are each given an Angklung named after Indonesia’s major provinces and learn how to play it following presenters’ simple hand gestures. They can then witness how the small instrument brings the audience together to create a magnificent sound.

By Ock Hyun-ju