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