Jakarta Java Kini - Jakarta's City Magazine

From an island of gigantic lizards to a land that mirrors that of “Lord of The Rings”, here are ten mesmerising domestic destinations that you must visit before you even think about going on holiday abroad

Raja Ampat

Why Raja Ampat is, without a doubt, a true diving paradise. Situated off the western coast of mainland Papua, Raja Ampat means Four Kings, and according to local myth, the monarchs in question were hatched from four eggs out of seven that were found by a local woman.

Tanjung Puting National Park

Why Tanjung Puting National Park is a haven for nature lovers, eco warriors and primate fans. The Dutch colonial government created this park back in the 1930s for the protection of the native orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Later, in 1977, the park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve before officially becoming a national park in 1982.

Komodo Island

Why Home to some of the largest living lizards on the planet, Komodo national Park is made up of Rinca, Padar and Komodo. The biggest of the three islands, Komodo Island doesn’t just boast the world-famous flesh-eating dragons, but also other endangered species such as the Timor deer – Komodo dragon’s favourite meal – and orange-footed scrub fowl. Underwater, the national park is also a haven for sightseeing with its over 1000 species of fish and over 200 types of coral reefs. Diving, therefore, is naturally the main tourist activity in this area.

Manado

Why Whether you’re looking to dine or dive, Manado has it all. Long celebrated as one of the best diving spots in the world, Manado’s Bunaken Island attracts scores of tourists every year. Located on the northern tip of the huge island of Sulawesi, Manado is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia and has a rich and well-preserved Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese colonial heritage that encompasses a 16th century church and a war monument.

Lombok

Why Lombok’s new international airport (uninspiringly called Lombok International Airport) aims to provide the world with more access to the island many predicted would rival Bali. As a response to the opening of this new airport, investors have started to open their piggy banks and authorised resort projects which will eventually make Lombok look even more similar to Bali. Many, especially those who depend on the island’s tourism for a living, are excited about this prospect, but many, especially those who label themselves as niche travellers, are lamenting the possibility that this enigmatic island will become a giant tourist magnet.

Flores

Why Located in East Nusa Tenggara, Flores means flowers in Portuguese, and the island was indeed once colonised by this historic seafaring nation. Flores is a hidden Indonesian jewel that is finally starting to attract more and more visitors.

Sumba

Why Are you looking for picture perfect Indonesian landscapes similar to the ones seen in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of The Rings” trilogy? Then head to the island of Sumba, which is located in East Nusa Tenggara in the eastern part of Indonesia. Sumba is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and is one of few places in the world that still follows a living tradition of megalithic burials. In fact, in East Sumba people still live in traditional houses, and ancient traditions and ceremonies are deeply integrated into everyday life here, although the area is also modernising.

Ambon

Why Ambon is the administrative centre of Maluku in eastern Indonesia and boasts an enormous bay that loops around from the airport to the island’s capital of Kota Ambon. The island boasts timeless villages and tropical splendour galore and also makes a great jumping off point for the idyllic Banda Islands, which are undoubtedly one of the last tourism frontiers left in the world.

Pulau Weh

Why Pulau Weh sits at the northernmost tip of Indonesia just off the coast of Aceh, a fact marked by the island’s Indonesia Kilometre Zero Monument. Weh basks in the Indian Ocean and if you’re an avid diver or snorkelling fanatic, then its deep underwater canyons and vast array of colourful marine life shouldn’t be missed. Indeed, Pulau Weh offers some of the finest diving in the country, and considering which country this is then that’s high praise indeed.

Nias

Why This island in the western part of Sumatra may be diminutive in size, but it’s a hidden gem for surfers. Nias is internationally renowned as a surfer’s paradise and some even claim that the waves here are better even than those that can be enjoyed in Maui in Hawaii. During the 1960s, Nias was part of the hippie surfing trail.