Enchanting tourist destinations around Indonesia<\/p>\n
Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia has many other fascinating
\nresorts to choose from beyond Bali for both domestic and foreign
\ntourists.<\/p>\n
Tourist attractions abound here, with each province having its
\nown quintessential appeal. From the wonders of nature, cultural
\ninterests, holy charms to adrenaline-pumping adventure quests; it
\nall makes up the diversity of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Bintan island and Batam island, both in the Riau archipelago,
\nLake Toba in North Sumatra, Pulau Seribu or the Thousand Islands,
\nlocated north of Jakarta, Pelabuhan Ratu, in Sukabumi, West Java,
\nBunaken in Manado, North Sulawesi and Senggigi beach in Lombok -
\nto name but a few - are among the top seaside resorts in
\nIndonesia beyond Bali.<\/p>\n
Each seaside resort has its own uniqueness.<\/p>\n
On Bintan island, for instance, most parts of the resort site
\nare still surrounded by forests. So, a stroll through Bintan's
\nnature trails while enjoying the lush tropical flora and fauna
\nmight even provide a glimpse of the shy mouse-deer.<\/p>\n
Unlike Bintan island, Batam has grown into one of the largest
\nindustrial centers in the country. However, both Bintan and Batam
\nare known for their pristine white beaches and azure waters, rich
\nwith marine life. Bintan is the largest of 3,200 islands in the
\nRiau archipelago.<\/p>\n
Located just 45 kilometers southeast of Singapore and twice
\nits size, northern Bintan is easily accessible via a 45-minute
\nride on a high speed catamaran from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry
\nTerminal.<\/p>\n
Other surfing and diving sites can also be found in the
\nThousands Island, Banten, Pelabuhan Ratu and Senggigi Beach in
\nLombok.<\/p>\n
If you are a real lover of sea, sand and sun, the Thousands
\nIslands are an ideal place because several the islands have been
\ndeveloped specifically for holiday retreats from the big city.<\/p>\n
The Thousand Islands are scattered in the Bay of Jakarta, some
\njust 20 minutes away, while others can be two hours away by
\nspeedboat. The Thousand Islands consist of around 340 islets and
\nsand bars.<\/p>\n
The further out one goes the cleaner and bluer the sea
\nbecomes, filled with a myriad of tropical fish living among
\nmulticolored corals, they are tremendously tempting place to
\nspend a weekend.<\/p>\n
The islands can be reached from Tanjung Priok or Pasar Ikan
\n(Sunda Kelapa) by ferry or by chartered boat.<\/p>\n
While a variety of water sports have partly contributed to the
\npopularity of the Thousand Islands, Pelabuhan Ratu is
\nincreasingly popular among Western visitors or expats, not only
\nbecause of its ideal place for world-class surfing and diving,
\nbut also the legend of Nyai Loro Kidul or Queen of the South Seas
\nsurrounding the resort.<\/p>\n
Pelabuhan Ratu is located about 90 kilometers south of
\nJakarta. It has also become popular weekend getaway spot from
\nJakarta. The resort is reachable by road (around four hours) from
\nthe capital.<\/p>\n
However, if one is a diving fanatic, it is best to head over
\nto Bunaken Island in North Sulawesi. The Bunaken dive resort is a
\nmagnet for travelers from far and wide due to the breathtaking
\nbeauty of colorful fish and other marine life.<\/p>\n
Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991. The park
\ncovers an area of 89 hectares and includes the five islands of
\nBunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain as well as parts
\nof the coastal area and coral reef of over 8,000 hectares.<\/p>\n
The marine park's extremely deep seabed coral walls and large
\nseagrass beds are home to an astonishingly rich variety of coral,
\nfish and sponges.<\/p>\n
Lombok, located some 50 kilometers east of Bali, is a perfect
\nalternative to Bali's crowds. Top tourist resorts in Lombok
\ninclude Senggigi beach, the Gili islands, Saranah and Mount
\nRinjani.<\/p>\n
Senggigi Beach is frequently said to be Lombok's equivalent to
\nBali's Kuta Beach, but is in many ways totally different. It's
\nfar more quiet and peaceful, the nightlife here is also more
\nlimited. It is located north of Mataram and not far from the
\nairport, many tourists prefer to stay here for the first few days
\nbefore they explore the rest of the island, but you can also use
\nSenggigi as your permanent base.<\/p>\n
In addition to seaside resorts, Indonesia is also rich in
\nmountain resorts where you can spend your vacation trekking or
\nclimbing. Among the country's top mountain resorts include
\nKrakatau volcano in Banten province, Mt. Merapi in Central Java,
\nMt. Bromo in East Java and Mt. Rinjani on Lombok.<\/p>\n
Another choice is Krakatau volcano, which lies in the Sunda
\nstrait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Krakatau volcano
\noffers an exciting sight of caldera, remnants resulting from the
\nnearly cataclysmic eruption that occurred on Aug. 26, 1883. It
\ntakes just 20 minutes to climb the 150 or so meters to the rim of
\nthe new crater. Inside, the steaming cone is surrounded by a
\nlunar landscape of fumaroles.<\/p>\n
If you enjoy scenic beauty while trekking in a tranquil
\natmosphere, then Mount Bromo, a volcanic mountain in East Java,
\nis the right place. Bromo is famous for its spectacular and
\nbeautiful views of the sunrise panorama from its peak. It also
\nfeatures a remarkable and vast \"sand sea\" covering some 10 square
\nkilometers across which is the caldera of an ancient volcano.<\/p>\n
Other ideal sites for trekking include Ujung Kulon National
\nPark, home of the nearly extinct one-horned Javanese rhino.<\/p>\n
The park is situated at the Southwestern tip of the island of
\nJava, in the administrative district of Pandeglang regency of the
\nProvince of West Java. It's a good place for a real
\nnature\/rainforest experience, with bird watching, jungle
\ntrekking, photographing and camping.<\/p>\n
But for those who are fond of historical and cultural remains,
\nthey can visit Yogyakarta in Central Java.<\/p>\n
The 300-year-old city of Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of
\nJava. Here you can find the country's oldest palace 'The Kraton'
\nwith its ancient heirlooms.<\/p>\n
Most areas of interest in the city center around Jalan
\nMalioboro, with its wide, canopied sidewalks offer shelter from
\nthe mid-afternoon heat and by night turn into a colorful street
\nmarket where you can buy various handicrafts such as leather
\ngoods, textiles, batik and wayang puppets.<\/p>\n
From Yogyakarta, you can travel easily to archaeological
\nsites, such as the temples of Borobudur, which is the world's
\nlargest Buddhist Monument, and the magnificent Hindu Temple at
\nPrambanan.<\/p>\n
Several other mountain resorts in Indonesia are also famous
\nfor having communities that can maintain their unique culture and
\nancient tradition. They include Torajan in Tana Toraja in South
\nSulawesi and Badui in the Kendeng Mountain in south Banten, West
\nJava.<\/p>\n
Plentiful resorts with varied places of interest are available
\nin Indonesia beyond Bali and now the choice is yours!<\/p>",
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