Have you planned a vacation in 2023 or even in the near future? Vacationing during a pandemic is not an easy activity. The need to implement health protocols and always maintain a prime condition is something that must be prepared. Various efforts continue to be made by the government so that the Indonesian tourism sector grows and rises. These include building the first MotoGP and F1 circuits in Indonesia, establishing 10 New Bali destinations, and implementing the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability) certification for tourism industry players and managers. Of course, it is hoped that in the near future, the Covid-19 pandemic will soon disappear and the world tourism sector, especially Indonesia, will return to normal as usual.
Now, while BFI friends are planning a vacation, this time the BFI Finance team provides 20 recommendations for beautiful and worldwide tourist attractions in Indonesia! Wow, is there a list below that is your favorite? Let's find out!
20 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Indonesia by BFI Finance
1. Bali
The first global tourist spot in Indonesia is none other than Bali. Bali has already received hundreds of awards as the best and favorite tourist destination on the international scene. Recently, Bali was included in the Top 4 Travelers' Choice Awards 2022 Most Popular Destinations from Tripadvisor. Talking about Bali is endless. There are always new tourist attractions every year. From nature to culture, Bali has it all. Some of Bali's famous tourist icons are Tanah Lot, Seminyak, Uluwatu Temple, Ubud, Bedugul Lake, and many more.
If you like nature tourism, you should try visiting Nusa Penida Island. To get to Nusa Penida Island, you need approximately 40 minutes from the mainland of Bali. You can see a variety of stunning white-sand beaches. Among them are Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Crystal Bay Beach, and the iconic Kelingking Beach, whose land is shaped like Tyrex.
2. Komodo National Park
The next tourist spot in Indonesia is Komodo National Park. As the name implies, this island is the habitat of the ancient giant Komodo dragon which can only be found in Indonesia. Komodo Island consists of three main islands, namely Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island. Komodo National Park is located at the westernmost tip of the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Not only can you see the prehistoric Komodo dragon, but there are also several other tourist destinations in the Komodo National Park area that are interesting to visit. These include Labuan Bajo, Pink Beach, Kampung Melo Cultural Tourism, and snorkeling on Manjarite Island. In Labuan Bajo, there is one famous resort that is designed similar to Santorini, Greece. In addition, you can take a trip using a cruise to enjoy the beauty of the Komodo Islands from above the sea.
3. Bunaken National Park
This tourist spot in Indonesia presents the beauty of its marine life which is truly amazing. Yep, Bunaken National Park is located in the province of North Sulawesi. Just like Bali, Bunaken National Park has long been a prima donna for Indonesian tourism. Inaugurated in 1991, the Bunaken National Park area has an area of 89,065 hectares. This area includes five main islands, namely Bunaken Island, Manado Tua Island, Naen Island, Mantehage Island, and Siladen Island.
It is not surprising that Bunaken National Park has a rich diversity of marine life because it is located in the central area of the Coral Triangle which stretches across the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Timor Leste. There are approximately 390 species of coral reefs, 2,000 species of reef fish, 200 species of mollusks, and 8 species of marine mammals in the Bunaken National Park Area. Wow, that's a lot huh? From Manado City to Bunaken it only takes about 40 minutes! Let's go to Bunaken!
4. Raja Ampat
Apart from Bunaken, a tourist spot in Indonesia that has an amazing diversity of marine life in Raja Ampat, which is located in West Papua Province. Raja Ampat is one of the 10 New Bali Regions which has been launched by the Indonesian government since 2015. The purpose of establishing 10 New Balis is none other than to equalize the tourism potential of Indonesia, which is not only centered in Bali. The choice of Raja Ampat as the 10 New Bali destinations is not wrong. Gems from the East is the right nickname for the Raja Ampat tourist area. How not, you will be presented with clear seawater and unspoiled white sand beaches. The air in the Raja Ampat area is so clean, you can see a stretch of bright stars shining at night.
The Raja Ampat Islands consist of four main islands, namely Waigeo Island, Batanta Island, Salawati Island, and Misool Island. For lovers of diving and snorkeling, Raja Ampat is paradise. Not surprisingly, Raja Ampat is a haven for 75% of the world's coral species, according to data from The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International. There are approximately 1,318 species of fish, 699 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral reefs scattered in the depths of the Raja Ampat sea. The year 2023 to Raja Ampat?
5. Derawan
Talking about beaches and the diversity of the underwater world, Indonesia is indeed endless. Tourist attractions in Indonesia this time are located at the northern tip of Indonesia, precisely in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan province. The tourist destination is called the Derawan Islands. The main attraction of the Derawan Islands is of course the wide white sand beach and underwater garden. There are four main islands in the Derawan group of islands, namely Maratua Island, Derawan Island, Sangalaki Island, and Kakaban Island. On Maratua Island, you can see the beauty of the blue sea, do diving and snorkeling, and explore Halo Tube Cave. Meanwhile, on Kakaban Island you can swim with jellyfish that don't sting, to be precise in Brackish Water Lake! No less interesting, Derawan Island has a tourist destination of Lake Labuan Cermin. From the name, you would have guessed because the water is so clear that you can even use it for a mirror. Interesting right?
6. Wakatobi
Another rich marine life of Indonesia can be found in the Wakatobi Islands, Southeast Sulawesi Province. 750 of the 820 types of coral in the world can be found in Wakatobi, you know! Because of this potential, Wakatobi deserves to be designated as the 8th Earth Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia by UNESCO in 2012. The Wakatobi Archipelago is divided into four main islands, namely Binongko Island, Tomia Island, Kaledupa Island, and Wangi-Wangi Island. Just like on Lovina Beach, Bali, if you visit Wangi-Wangi Island, precisely on Kapota Island, you can see the attractions of dozens of dolphins swimming beautifully in these waters. Don't forget to taste Wakatobi's local culinary, BFI friends. It is Kasuami which is a cone made from cassava and has a yellowish-white color. The taste is complete when juxtaposed with grilled fish and colo-colo sauce. Yum!
7. Gili Trawangan
The next tourist attractions in Indonesia are still from West Nusa Tenggara Province, precisely on the island of Lombok. Yep, Gili Trawangan! Gili Trawangan is located in the western part of Lombok, adjacent to the island of Bali. Gili Trawangan has been the belle of Lombok tourism for a long time. Activities that you can do on Gili Trawangan are snorkeling, diving in shark habitats, riding a typical Lombok wagon, or just enjoying the beautiful beaches. Don't forget to enjoy the special culinary of plencing kangkung and the Nasi Balap!
8. Warinding Hill, Waingapu
Located in the eastern part of Indonesia, Bukit Warinding should be your must-do list when visiting Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara. Tourist attractions in Indonesia this one is different from the others. Because Warinding Hill presents a truly magical hill view! The color of the hill will be different as the season's change. In the dry season, the color will be semi-brown. Meanwhile, if the rainy season arrives, it will turn green and refreshing.
Not only hill views, but Sumba Island also offers other natural attractions that can be a place of healing! Visit Weekuri Lake which is located in the west of Sumba Island. Lake Weekuri has high salt content, so you can float on it easily. Interesting right?
9. Tanjung Pandan Island
Do you remember the beach that has a beautiful rock composition in the Laskar Pelangi movie? Yep, Tanjung Pandan Island is the place to be. The success of the Laskar Pelangi film has had a positive effect on tourism in the Province of Bangka Belitung in particular. Along Tanjung Pandan Island, there are several beaches that have rocky contours such as Tanjung Tinggi Beach and Penyabong Beach. Not far from Tanjung Pandan Island, there is Lengkuas Island which is no less beautiful and offers views of the blue sea with fine white sand. Still on Lengkuas Island, there is also a lighthouse that was left by the Dutch government in 1882. Even though it is old, the lighthouse can still be used properly. Come to Lengkuas Island between March and November, because the weather is good and the waves tend to be calm.
10. Lombok Mandalika
Well, this is a tourist spot that is on the rise lately. Yep, that's right, Lombok Mandalika area, West Nusa Tenggara. As you know, Indonesia already has an international standard MotoGP circuit in the Lombok Mandalika area. This area is also a destination for 10 New Balis and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) which are expected to be Indonesia's main source of income from the tourism sector. In addition to the MotoGP circuit which has beautiful beach views, the Lombo Mandalika area also offers cultural tourism through Sade Village and Ende Village. In both villages, you can witness the process of making songket woven cloth which is worth millions of rupiah, and the performances of interesting and entertaining traditional dances. Hungry stomach after traveling all day? You should try Lombok's mouthwatering culinary specialties, namely Taliwang Chicken and Bulayak Sate.
11. Mount Rinjani
West Nusa Tenggara Province apparently not only presents the beauty of its beaches but mountain natural attractions can also be found! Yep, if you like mountain climbing, pay a visit to Mount Rinjani which is the sixth highest mountain in Indonesia. From above, you can see the blue ocean, neatly arranged rice fields, and beautiful clouds. At an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, you can find Lake Segara Anak which is also a favorite spot for climbers to stop by. There are also many climbers who fish in Segara Anak Lake because in it there are Goldfish and Mujair.
12. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
In addition to marine tourism, Indonesia has mountain tourism that is no less interesting. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is located in the province of East Java. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area is where six volcanoes meet, namely Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, Mount Kursi, Mount Watangan, and Mount Widodaren. However, of the six volcanoes, Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo are still active. The attraction of this TNBTS area is the expanse of black sand that stretches for 10 km, watching the sunrise, and of course the diversity of flora and fauna. There are approximately 38 types of wildlife protected by the government in the TNBTS area, including the Javan Eagle, Javan Leopard, and Javan Lutung. If you like mountain climbing, of course, this tourist spot in Indonesia is perfect for you!
13. Lake Toba
Switch to the western part of Indonesia, namely from the Sumatra Islands. Precisely in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia has one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world. This is Lake Toba. The formation of Lake Toba is thought to have originated from the massive eruption of the Toba volcano that occurred about 74,000 years ago. From the eruption, a crater with an area of 1,145 km2 and a depth of 450 meters was formed, which is currently called Lake Toba. In the middle of Lake Toba, there is an inhabited island, namely Samosir Island which is also the main attraction. Lake Toba is also one of the tourist attractions in Indonesia which has a thick history and myth. One of them is about the myth of the goldfish that has been inhabiting the lake for hundreds of years. It is said that this goldfish is 5 to 8 meters in size and no one should catch it. If caught catch him, local residents believe that a disaster will come to him.
14. Morotai Island
Tourist attractions in Indonesia this time come from the North Maluku Islands. Morotai Island is a historic island for Indonesia. Because on Morotai Island, the Trikora Monument was erected which contains the struggle of the Indonesian army in liberating West Irian at that time. In addition, it turns out that Morotai Island became a military base for World War II, you know, during the battle between the United States and Japan. Thus, many historical objects from World War II were found on Morotai Island, which is now enshrined in the World War II Museum.
Not only historic, of course, but Morotai Island is also rich in marine tourism potential. Come to Dodola Island, where there is a natural bridge made of white sand that connects Dodola Besar Island and Dodola Kecil Island. There are still many other interesting spots on Morotai Island that must be visited, namely Tabaelenge Island, Kolorai Island, Tanjung Gorongo Beach, and Raja Waterfall.
15. Ijen Crater
Adjacent to Bali, the province of East Java also has tourist destinations that are no less amazing. Located in Banyuwangi Regency, there is a sulfur crater with a diameter of 700 m and an area of 5,466 hectares called Ijen Crater. Ijen Crater has an acidity level up to zero, so it can easily dissolve any object that enters it. Due to its acidity, it blends with the sun's rays, making the color of Ijen Crater a very beautiful Tosca green. Enjoying the sunrise view from Ijen Crater is also one of the best. Come in August, because the sun will be seen more clearly. And what should not be missed from the list, of course, is the phenomenon of the blue fire of Ijen Crater! Because in the world, the blue fire phenomenon can only be found in Indonesia and Iceland. The phenomenon of blue fire occurs because of the meeting between sulfur substances that evaporate in the air with oxygen. This unique phenomenon can be witnessed from the early hours of the morning from 01.00 to 05.00. Come between July and September, because the blue fire will be seen more clearly and bigger.
16. Ngarai Sianok
This tourist spot in Indonesia presents a panoramic view of beautiful high cliffs accompanied by the roar of a refreshing river flow. Located in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra province, it is Panorama Ngarai Sianok. Sianok canyon stretches for 15 km with a cliff depth of 100 m and a gap width of up to 200 m. Apart from taking pictures, other activities that can be done in the Ngarai Sianok area, namely trekking, cycling, or just walking leisurely are certainly not a problem. Because the air that is served is really cool and clean, Ngarai Sianok is a suitable place to unwind and restore your energy.
17. Three-Colored Lake
The three-colored lake or also known as Lake Kelimutu is located in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The three lakes have different colors and are located at the top of Mount Kelimutu with an altitude of 1,690 meters above sea level. With its natural tourism potential, Mount Kelimut is the only mountain in Indonesia that has a crater with three different colors. There are lakes that are blue-black, turquoise green, and brownish-black. The lake with blackish-blue color is Tiwu Ata Mbupu, the lake is green Tosca named Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo, and the brownish-black lake is Tiwu Ata Polo. Due to its uniqueness, the Indonesian government made it an ornament in the 5,000 rupiah currency issued in 1992. However, behind its beauty, Lake Kelimutu cannot be used as a place to swim, BFI friends, because it contains very hot water and contains dangerous sulfur substances.
18. Borobudur Temple
From nature tourism, we turn to cultural tourism. The Borobudur Temple is one of the tourist attractions in Indonesia which is thick with history. Borobudur Temple is located in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province. Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world which has an area of 123 m2 with an arrangement of 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels. Because of its history and background, Borobudur Temple has been awarded the title of world heritage site by UNESCO since 1991. Access to Borobudur Temple is relatively easy. The closest major cities to Borobudur Temple are Yogyakarta and Semarang. If you use air transportation, it's best if you land in one of the big cities followed by land transportation. Accommodations around Borobudur Temple are also quite varied, ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels. Let's go to Borobudur!
19. Tana Toraja
Switch to the land of Sulawesi, to be precise in the province of South Sulawesi. This tourist spot in Indonesia is famous for its unique culture and has a thick magical feel. Precisely in Tana Toraja, 329 km from Makassar City, the capital city of South Sulawesi Province. The main attraction of Tana Toraja lies in the burial tradition which is placed on the rock cliffs of Goa Landa. Besides being buried on a rock cliff, Tana Toraja has other unique burial traditions such as hanging graves, stone burrows, passiliran tree graves, and pattane graves.
Of course, that's not the only attraction that Tana Toraja has. You should taste Toraja Coffee which is worldwide and has a less bitter taste. Furthermore, it's incomplete if you don't take pictures in front of the Tongkonan Traditional House, the traditional house of the Toraja tribe. Tongkonan Traditional House is a house on stilts made of wood and the roof is made to resemble a buffalo horn. This traditional house can be used as a residence, traditional ceremonies, to social activities.
20. Yogyakarta
"Jogja Istimewa" is the slogan of the City of Yogyakarta. It is true, special represents the uniqueness and warmth of its culture. Malioboro Street, Ullen Sentalu Museum, Breksi Cliff, are a small part of Yogyakarta's tourist destinations. In addition to offering attractive destinations, Yogyakarta is one of the tourist attractions in Indonesia that excels in culinary terms. Are there any BFI friends here who like gudeg and bakpia? Or have you ever tried Kopi Jos served with charcoal on the edge of Jalan Malioboro and the roasted firecracker? Everything that is authentic only exists in Yogyakarta.
Those are the twenty tourist attractions in Indonesia that are popular worldwide and can be your reference on vacation. During the current pandemic, of course, you must continue to apply health protocols while on vacation. If you need funds for travel purposes, you can apply for a travel loan through BFI Finance, you know! It is enough by guaranteeing the BPKB for a car, motorbike, or house certificate, you have the opportunity to get a tourist loan with low interest and a fast approval process. So, where are you going in 2023?