papua, Indonesia

Nestled high amongst the lush central mountains of Papua, the breathtaking Baliem Valley offers a portal into the unique indigenous tribal culture and unspoiled wilderness of this region. Trekking through picturesque hillside villages dotted with traditional 'honai' huts and sweet potato farms, one encounters the warm and welcoming Dani people in their spectacular highland setting. From witnessing tribal rituals to exploring ancient battle sites, the enchanting Baliem Valley provides adventurous visitors with an unforgettable journey into Papua's mesmerizing heartland. This pristine river valley not only delights but also educates on a way of life stretching back centuries.

The main Sudirman-Thamrin avenues in Jakarta lead to the Merdeka Square, where in its center stands the National Monument (also known as Monas or Monumen Nasional) which houses the first red-and-white flag flown at the Proclamation of Independence on 17 August 1945. This flag has now become threadbare, and so nowadays on Independence Day ceremonies, the original flag is taken out but only to accompany the replica flag to be flown in front of the Merdeka Palace. The 137 meter tall National Monument is obelisk shaped, and is topped with a 14.5 meter bronze flame coated with 32 kilograms gold leaf. Within the pedestal is a museum depicting in diorama Indonesia’s fight for Independence as well as the original text of the Proclamation of Independence. A lift takes visitors up to the look-out platform at the base of the flame for a grand view of Jakarta. Surrounding the Monument is now a park with a musical fountain, enjoyed by the Jakarta public on Sundays for sports and recreation. Deer roam among the shady trees in the park. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/dki-jakarta/national-monument

Taman Mini Indonesia Park is a must-try for families visiting Jakarta or anyone looking to schedule one day in their city holiday plan to appreciate the rich arts and cultural diversity of the whole Indonesian islands. It’s one of the most unique amusement parks in the world and offers a great break away from the hectic metropolitan scenes. The park boasts multiple pavilions, each representing the unique architectures, traditional costumes and performing arts of the different islands. From the arching roofs of traditional Sumatran houses, eloquent moves of Javanese and Kalimantan traditional dancers, to the ornate wood carvings and heritage textiles from the Nusa Tenggara Islands. http://www.indonesia-holidays.com/jakarta/attractions/taman-mini-indonesia-park.htm

The Thousand Islands can be one of the destinations for residents in Jakarta to spend their holidays. Many objects and interesting spots can be enjoyed in the administrative districts of DKI Jakarta. From marine tourism to history. Destinations that can be visited on the Thousand Islands are Ayer Island and Bidadari Island which have floating cottages, Kelor Island which has Fort Martello as a historical heritage, Untung Jawa Island with a number of beaches and marine parks, and Pari Island which has beautiful white sandy beaches. There is also Tidung Island which has many tourist attractions and is famous for its love bridges, Pramuka Island with beautiful sea panoramas, exotic Semak Daun Island, Kelapa Island, and Harapan Island with its marine tourism destinations. Then, there is Sepa Island which allows tourists to walk freely surrounded by fish on the seabed without using a marine walk, Putri Island which has an underwater aquarium, Macan Island which is specifically designed for tourists, and Pelangi Island with its beautiful white sand. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/visit/blog/2019/06/interesting-thousand-islands-tourism-destination-variety-enjoyed-during-lebaran-holidays

Dufan or Dunia Fantasi is one big complex with the beach that I’ve talked about earlier. This is the biggest amusement park in Indonesia (probably? There is also Trans Studio Makassar and Bandung too, I have never been there so I am not really sure). Playing around for a full day in Dufan is like a short getaway from the busyness of Jakarta. I can tell that going to Dufan for some Indonesians who live on another island than Java is like a dream come true. As for me, spending one day with a bunch of friends in Dufan is definitely going to be a super fun day! Don’t go there on the weekend since it will be ridiculously busy. https://www.ancol.com/en/destination/dunia-fantasi

Faunaland is a zoo located in Ecopark Ancol, North Jakarta and stands on an area of ​​approximately 5 hectares consisting of land and water. Faunaland carries the concept of Papua which is a fusion of the continents of Asia and Australia so as to create the beauty of the flora, fauna and cultural arts of the region. This concept presents unique and rare animals from various regions in Indonesia, especially eastern Indonesia and also countries in the world. The land is packed in such a way that visitors can experience an experience that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Visitors can interact directly with most animals in Faunaland. That is because most animals are placed and released in open space. Visitors can also enjoy the cultural richness of the land of Papua which is seen from a variety of original carvings of the Asmat tribe and visitors can circle Faunaland with a canoe accompanied by Papuan regional songs. In addition, visitors will be presented with educational shows with the concept of "Natural Behavior" with the aim that visitors can be educated about the animals in Faunaland. http://www.liburananak.com/en/kids-holiday-spots/18-city-parks-zoo/458/faunaland-ecopark-ancol#.W0LjSdIzaUk

This Museum holds the collection of maritime artefacts collected from throughout the Indonesian archipelago from Sumatra to Papua. It has traditional and modern boats with all the necessary gear and equipments, the different kinds of underwater life available, the large variety of fish, Indonesia’s maritime heroes, a collection on the history of the Indonesian Navy, and the KPM shipping between Batavia-Amsterdam. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/maritime-museum

Ancol Dreamland is part of a huge tourism resort on the Jakarta Bay that comprises multiple amusement parks, making it a must-visit for families on holiday in the capital city. While it isn’t likely you’ll be able to experience all of the different highlights in a single day, each entertainment feature are destinations on their own. The park was home to Indonesia’s own Sea World until 2014, but continues to attract crowds to its ‘Fantasy World’, full of endless thrill rides. Considered the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Ancol Dreamland tourism resort also features an international championship golf course, a hotel resort and Ocean Dream Samudra. The latter serves as an edutainment marine theme park much in place of the closed Sea World, featuring eight different regular shows including a dolphin show, together with saltwater and freshwater aquariums and even an adjoining bird park. http://www.indonesia-holidays.com/jakarta/attractions/ancol-dreamland.htm

Located on Medan Merdeka Barat, the National Museum is the pride of Jakarta, providing visitors an insight into Indonesia’s long history in cultural heritage from prehistoric days up to today. Having recently been expanded, the museum houses an impressive collection of no less than 109,342 objects covering Indonesia’s Prehistory, Archaeology, Ethnography, Numismatics-Heraldic, Geography and Historical Relics. Here are statues and stone inscriptions discovered on sites throughout the archipelago starting from the first century AD, a complete collection of batik cloths and woven textiles produced through the years in the different islands. While on the top floor one finds displayed the collection of gold and silver ornaments and jewelry once owned by the rajahs and sultans of the archipelago. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/dki-jakarta/national-museum

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is a heritage building from Dutch colonial days, where artists regularly perform traditional and modern drama, concerts, and musicals. Built in 1821 its construction is in neo-renaissance style and was called the Theater Schouwburg Weltevreden or the Pasar Baru Theater since it is located just across the popular Pasar Baru shopping center. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/jakarta-performing-art-theater

Before going to Thousand Islands Regency, it is better to drop by in Tanjung Kait Beach. It is a popular coast in Tangerang, actually. For those who are looking for a unique sea view, such location should be your choice. The location is in Tanjung Anom Village. It is famous for its fishermen settlement and exceptional structures. Somehow, many photographers choose it as their photography objects. Though, the beach doesn’t feature white sand and clear water. That means it is not suitable for swimming. Once you reach Tanjung Kait Beach, you can see several “Panggung” houses. These are located near to the water. Usually, tourists gather in these houses for eating and witnessing sea scenery. Near to those structures, you can see a traditional pier. It seems fragile, but it is not. Some local boats are parked near to it. Visitors are allowed to rent a boat to explore the beach. Not to mention they can use it to reach nearby islands in “Kepulauan Seribu”, especially Untung Jawa Island. https://thousandislands.indonesia-tourism.com/tanjung_kait.html

Museum stands on the former New Holland Church holds a collection of rocks, home furnishings and pictures from the past related to Jakarta. The museum was established in connection with the incidence of awareness in Indonesia in general, especially the lovers of puppets, that art and rich culture of high value, not only to own but also should be preserved, developed and constructed and utilized for the nation. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/puppet-museum

Located within Indonesia’s largest recreation park, the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol’s Carnaval Beach has a large open area, perfect for outdoor musical concerts and other shows. The popular heavy metal band Iron Maiden successfully performed here to a most enthusiastic crowd. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/mata-elang-international-stadium

Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s directional temples, and is situated on a rock in the ocean, just offshore. From all the beautiful temples on Bali, Tanah Lot is quite special and for many one of the "must-things-to-do". It is said that Pura Tanah Lot has been built on the recommendation of an important Hindu priest Danghyang Nirartha in the 16th century, who has shaped Bali's Hinduism and religious architecture for the centuries to come. Tanah Lot is a very important site for pilgrimages and plays an important role in Balinese spiritualism and mythology. The rock that the temple sits on has been eroded by the ocean over the centuries, and is now undergoing a process of restoration. https://www.bali.com/temple_Tanah-Lot_Pura-Tanah-Lot_81.html

Set within a beautiful park in front of the Bali Governor Office in Renon, Denpasar, this massive cultural monument was built in order to mark the struggle of the Balinese people throughout history. The Bajra Sandhi Monument features a three-tiered black stone structure with a tall tower that’s surrounded by courtyards. There’s a spiral staircase that leads up to the top of the monument offering 360-degree views of Denpasar, including the surrounding government buildings and the towers of the Denpasar Cathedral. On the building’s second floor, a series of 33 dioramas trace Bali’s long and unique history: prehistoric times, the introduction of Hinduism, Dutch colonialism, and its independence. https://www.thebalibible.com/details/bajra-sandhi-monument-15058

Seminyak is Bali’s most sophisticated and upscale beach resort area, where the top draws are its beautiful beaches and chilled-out vibes. Compared to the likes of Ubud, there’s not a huge number of things to see and do here, but there are some fun, family-friendly attractions to enjoy. Despite humble beginnings, Seminyak is now a very modern part of Bali. Even so, among the glitz and glamour of the boutique shopping streets and fine-dining restaurants are some traditional touches like Petitenget Temple. If you’re looking for something to do between sunbathing sessions on some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll find a good selection of distractions here. http://www.bali-indonesia.com/seminyak/

Experience a wildlife adventure with elephants, crocodiles, lions and many more. You will never forget this! Eat breakfast like a king, start the most important meal of the day with our adorable orangutan at their playground. Or take a short Elephant Expedition with Revitalization Treatment Spa! Spend a night at the Zoo, its offers a fantastic experience exploring the zoo after dark! It is the next best thing to do while on the island besides gazing at dramatic sunset on the beach. https://www.bali-zoo.com/

Tegenungan is one of the many tourist places and destination in Bali, it is popular with waterfall. Tegenungan waterfall lies at Tegenungan Village, approx. 5 kilometers, south east Ubud. Bali has a selection of waterfalls that are fun to visit. For many people the idea of hiking through the jungle to a hidden waterfall and taking a cooling swim is the image of paradise. https://www.thebalibible.com/details/hidden-waterfall-tegenungan-12405

Bali Bird Park plays a key role in protecting and conserving Indonesia’s endangered wildlife. It accommodate more than 40 species of protected Indonesian birds in the park. Bali Bird Park is divided into regions that recreate the natural habitats of its birds, complete with indigenous plant life. So come with us on a magical journey across the Indonesian archipelago, Latin America, Africa and Australia. Travel from the deep misty jungle of Sumatra to Far East Indonesia and Papua to discover the native birds from these remote regions and venture to other tropical continents too. Walk side-by side with cassowaries, crested-cranes, storks and pelicans and many more birds as they wander freely through the park. Also explore a stunning collection of nocturnal owls live quietly in a specially-adapted traditional Toraja house, which you can't mis as you enter the park. Make sure you see the Barred Eagle Owl with its side-ways pointing ear tufts. http://www.balibirdpark.com/

Sanur Beach, Bali's earliest beach resort, features a relaxed coastal ambiance. Its famous for its shallow water and colorful boats. http://www.bali-indonesia.com/sanur/

The 3D Illusion art, started from Korea and have been praised all over the world, is coming to Bali, the beautiful vacation spot in Indonesia. The 3D Museum here in Bali has been becoming another attraction in Bali by diversely expressing beautiful sceneries and customs of Bali based on the expertise of DMZ Museum that have been creating numerous trick arts. From the illusion trickery art at the entrance to the labyrinth of Egyptian pyramid, and the world of imaginations afterwards will guide you to a whole new world you have never expected to see. Come to this space of surprises and excitements, and experience the world full of fun and joy that could be only brought to you through 3D special illusion art. In the museum, you will enjoy about 120 art pieces created by worldly renowned illusion artists from Korea. Come and make special memories at DMZ, the world's most fantastic illusion art museum. http://dmzbali.com/eng/index.php

The Sailendra dynasty built this Largest Buddhist monument in the world between AD 780 and 840. It was built as a place for glorifying Buddha and a pilgrimage spot to guide mankind from worldly desires into enlightenment and wisdom according to Buddha. http://borobudurpark.com/en/temple/borobudur-2/

Settled on a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more likely to have been a king of a local dynasty. http://indonesia-tourism.com/blog/ratu-boko-temple-yogyakarta/

Siung beach is located in Purwodadi Village, Tepus district, about 35 kilometers from Wonosari City with asphalt road to the beach. Siung beach lies between Two-step Mountains, http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/yogyakarta/siung-beach.html

The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. Prince Mangkubumi founded the palace in 1755. http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/yogyakarta/keraton.html

Tana Toraja is safely protected beyond the lofty mountains and rugged granite cliffs of the central highlands of the island of Sulawesi and the home of the Toraja people. 'Discovered' and opened to the world from their long isolation only since the beginning of the last century, the Toraja today still adhere to their age-old beliefs, rituals and traditions. The nobility of Toraja are believed to be descendants of heavenly beings who came down by a heavenly stairway to live here on earth in this beautiful landscape. To keep up the energy of the land and its people, the Toraja people believe that these must be sustained through rituals that celebrate both life and death, which are attached to the agricultural seasons. Tourists to Toraja, therefore, are either attracted by its unique culture and rituals, most of which are mostly centered around graves and death ceremonies. While others prefer to avoid the morbid images and go trekking through the spectacular, almost untouched Toraja countryside visiting remote villages, or exhilarate in rafting the Sa'dan river rapids. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/sulawesi/tana-toraja

Located in the Maros regency in the province of South Sulawesi, the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park is a mere 50 km from Makassar or 20 km from the Sultan Hasanuddin international airport. The Bantimurung National Park has a total area of approximately 43,750 hectares and is divided into three major types of ecosystems, namely the karst ecosystems, a lowland forest ecosystem, and a lower montane forest ecosystem. The valleys of limestone hills and steep karts walls with tropical vegetation have made Bantimurung an ideal habitat for various rare and endemic species of butterflies, birds and insects. Although there are not as many butterflies today as there were during Wallace’s expedition, visitors can still observe the wide variety of butterflies within the Butterfly Conservation Captivity managed by the Center for Butterfly Breeding. Within the national park, visitors can also find a butterfly museum which houses thousands of unique and rare butterflies that have and still inhabit the area. By the butterfly center, the fascinating Bantimurung waterfall draws visitors with its powerful rush of water and refreshing atmosphere. This is a favourite holiday destination, especially on weekends. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/sulawesi/makassar/bantimurung-bulusaraung-national-park

Standing majestically at the western coast of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Fort Rotterdam is recognized as the city’s most iconic landmark. With historical traces dating back to the Kingdom of Gowa from the 16th century to colonization by the Dutch, this Fort has silently witnessed many episodes in Makassar’s history, playing a most essential role in its development. Its magnificence and authenticity has always captivated those who set eyes on it. Originally called Benteng or Fort Jumpandang or Ujung Pandang, the huge complex was first built in 1545 in the era of Imanrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung or Karaeng Tunipalangga Ulaweng, the tenth King of Gowa. Initially, the fort was made from a mixture of Stone and burnt clay, and took the shape of a typical square Portuguese architectural style. The fort was also expanded and took on a new shape resembling a sea turtle, thus the fort gained a new name, Benteng Pannyua (Penyu) or Fort Sea turtle. The shape is not only unique, but also contains deep meaning. For just as a sea turtle lives both on land and at sea, the glory of the Gowa Kingdom also stretched on land as well as over the seas. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/sulawesi/makassar/fort-rotterdam

An impressive “Changing of the Guard” ceremony takes place at the Ballalompoa Museum, the former Palace of the Sultan of Gowa. Wearing resplendent bright red costumes, “soldiers” involved in the “Changing of the Guard” at the former Gowa Palace will perform their drill for the public to watch every morning at 09.0 am, promised the Bupati (Regent) of the district of Gowa. Built in 1936, the Palace of the Sultan of Gowa, formerly also known as the Sungguminasa Palace, is a large wooden structure built on stilts and has an imposing roofed staircase that leads to the reception room. It has five wooden panels in the gable of the roof, which denotes royalty and may be used only by the Sultan. The Ballalompoa Museum today houses the resplendent treasure and regalia of the former Sultan of Gowa, among which the Gowa gold crown, bracelets with precious stones, royal swords, keris and gold jewellery. Every year a special ceremony called “Acera Kalomponag” is held to cleanse and weigh the gold crown, which is believed to have been inherited from the first female ruler of Gowa, called I Tanisamanga. According to belief, the crown never weighs the same each year it is weighed. When its weight increases it is a good omen that all will be well in the region. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/sulawesi/makassar/ballalompoa-museum

Kawah Putih is located near the charming little market town of Ciwidey, approximately 50 Kilometers south of Bandung. The Crater Lake is one of two craters of Mount Patuha, with the dry Kawah Patuha or the Patuha Crater located 600 meters to its northwest, being the other. Stepping into Kawah Putih is like entering a different realm. As the name suggests, the Crater Lake and its surroundings are dominated by a pale white colour which radiates a rather hypnotizing ambience. The vast dormant volcanic crater is filled with surreal turquoise-coloured water. The tree-clad cliffs surrounding the crater reach around 2,500 meters above sea level and make for a stunning backdrop, especially when the clouds start to roll in. The altitude here brings with it chilly temperatures, which in a way, will add to the magical splendour of Kawah Putih. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/bandung/kawah-putih

Away from Cibodas, and further down the road is the town of Cipanas. Here is the Cipanas Palace, the President’s mountain residence set amidst manicured lawns and refreshing hot springs. Cipanas has grown into a sizable town, where is a market where tourists come to shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, decorative plants and souvenirs. And everywhere along the Bogor-Cipanas route up to Bandung, there are plentiful hotels, from the most exclusive accommodation complete with meeting facilities, to housing estates, to the more simple accommodation. There are also many flower gardens, fruit gardens, playgrounds and much more for families to enjoy. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/bandung/cipanas

Home to Indonesia's many textile factories, the city of Bandung offers a large number of factory outlets where Jakarta shoppers regularly flock to, to find the latest trendy apparel at reasonable prices. http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/bandung-factory-outlet#image-59e6cfa18bd1e-0

Batu Secret Zoo is a modern tourist and conservation area located in Batu City, East Java. On an area of ​​14 hectares, visitors can see up close a variety of animals whose habitats are spread throughout the world, from the tropical forests of Asia, the wilderness of Africa to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Meet a Pygmy marmoset, Patas monkey, Bear Cuscus, Sitatunga and many other animals in Batu Secret Zoo. Also come and experience the underground Aquarium. The Aquarium provides a variety of water animals that ready to welcome you. Not only see the various types of fish, you can also take pictures as if you are diving in a giant pond containing of exotic fishes. Cool, isn't it? Let's go to the Aquarium only in Batu Secret Zoo! https://jtp.id/batusecretzoo/

Not much remains of the once powerful 13th century East Java kingdom of Singosari. An unfinished temple and two giant statues that once stood guard in front of the palace are the only traces left of this great kingdom. http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/singosari-temple