9 Best Destinations in Indonesia; The Precious List 2022

Lombok, Indonesia (Photo by.Omjay/JPTG)

------ Our Indonesian Local Tour Guide & Contributors  ------ based in 8 cities across five islands in Indonesia ------ share their recommended destinations to go, spaces to stay, attractions to watch, and experiences to enrich life!
by. JPTG Editors  (Jan 6, 2022)

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Indonesia has been blessed by God with so many beautiful natural panoramas and cultures that make its people very grateful. These blessings will always be given to travelers from all over the world who want to come to Indonesia. Even though the atmosphere is still in the Covid-19 pandemic, it doesn't stop us from enjoying this gift of nature. Hopefully, the pandemic will pass quickly and foreign tourists can freely visit Indonesia.
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Here we convey, The 9 Best Destinations in Indonesia that can be a reference for travelers who want to visit Indonesia in 2022. These destinations are the results of recommendations from our several local guides and contributors in several regions of Indonesia for us to share directly with you, dear traveler.
 

Ubud-Gianyar. (Photo by Frans Daniels/Unsplash)

1. UBUD, GIANYAR – BALI

The Ubud area in Bali has long been known by travelers from all over the world for its beautiful panorama of rural nature, serenity, and spirituality of Balinese culture. Many people visit this area for solitude looking for inspiration and for a moment to get rid of life's problems that are being experienced and then rise to face life again. Balinese rice field terraces (subak), villas on the edge of the forest with the sound of flowing river water, traditional food with spices, and yoga classes, are the hallmarks of this area. The serenity of the hills of green rice fields and beautiful beaches not too far away is the special main attractions for Ubud. In addition to the immense hills of rice fields, beautiful beaches that you can visit are the beaches of Nusa Penida and Nusa Dua. (Demi Indriyanti)
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Kuta Mandalika Beach. (Image: Kemenparekraf)

​2. MANDALIKA, LOMBOK – WEST OF NUSA TENGGARA

If you like hunting for some new and natural places, Mandalika in Lombok – West Nusa Tenggara is one of the best recommendations. This area has just become the venue for the final series of year-end World Superbike Championship 2021. The Mandalika International Circuit, which was just inaugurated in November 2021 by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, will also be used for the 2022 World MotoGP event in March. Apart from being the newest world-class sports tourist spot on the beautiful side of Kuta Mandalika beach, this area also has tourist attractions that have been famous throughout the world before in Lombok. Call it such ; Senggigi beach, Gili Trawangan, Bangko-Bangko, “Pink Beach” and Komodo Island. Bangko-Bangko Beach is one of 10 surf locations with the fiercest waves according to the International Surfing Association. Another specialty is that there are also many hidden gems for tourism that not many people know about and that can be shown by our best local guide there; such as; waterfall tours, sunset and sunrise packages, trekking in the countryside of the Sasak tribe, etc. (Omjay)
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Sibea-Bea Hills, Harian Boho, Samosir Islands - Lake Toba

3. LAKE TOBA, NORTH SUMATERA

Lake Toba located on the island of Sumatra, the western part of Indonesia. Precisely in North Sumatra Province. This lake is the largest caldera volcanic lake in the world and is the site of the Unesco Global Geopark (UGG). This large lake has a beautiful island in the middle called Samosir Island and is dubbed the “piece of heaven”. The indigenous people who inhabit this area are called the “Batak” tribe which consists of 5 ethnicities: Batak Toba, Karo, Pakpak, Mandailing, and Angkola. The wealth of very unique cultural customs along with the extraordinary beautiful natural panorama is the attraction of this area. Many five-star hotels have been built in the Parapat area (side of Lake Toba) and beautiful bungalows on Samosir Island. Access to transportation is also very easy with the Silangit International Airport and the toll road from the city of Medan. You can start your adventure on Lake Toba from the airport by visiting the “Salib Kasih” Cross of Love in Tarutung, Overnight in Parapat (coffee and eating grilled fish), crossing via ferry ship to Samosir Island, visiting the ancient village of Huta Siallagan, Raja Sidabutar's old village in Tomok, daily tours Sibea-Bea Hills (Jesus Statue) in Boho-Samosir, homestay at the ancient Traditional House in Lumban Suhi-Suhi while watching the process of making traditional “Ulos” woven cloth, Tele-Turpuk Limbong Samosir viewing tower, Sipiso-Piso-Karo waterfall, and Bukit Simalem Resort in Karo-Samosir. (Ricky S.)
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Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta (Photo by.Rido Ivanus/JPTG)

4. YOGYAKARTA

Yogyakarta is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has the status of a Special Region due to the extraordinary role of the Sultanate in this province in supporting the independence of the country. Until now, the government is still in the form of a Sultanate and the head of government is held by a Sultan. There are only 2 provinces in Indonesia that have the status of Special Regions. (The other is the Province of the Special Region of Aceh on the island of Sumatra). Interested and beautiful places that can be visited here and close to Yogyakarta are; Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace, Malioboro Street, Borobudur Temple, Tourism Villages, Parangtritis Beach, and Gunung Kidul Beach Rows. If you are satisfied with exploring this city, continue to visit Bali by land which is only 1 day away where you will see many beautiful villages along the way. On the other hand, if you are currently exploring Bali, then continue your journey to Yogyakarta. Then your trip will be more memorable with many beautiful places to visit, such as Mount Bromo in Malang or the historic city of Surabaya in East Java. (Agus Rohmad)
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One of spot @Ngadiharjo Tourism Village, Magelang (Photo by.Rido Ivanus/JPTG)

5. NGADIHARJO TOURISM VILLAGE, MAGELANG

The one of main destinations for those of you who want to visit Yogyakarta is to go to Borobudur Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). But visiting specifically the Ngadiharjo Tourism Village and other Tourism Villages located in the city of Magelang (Borobudur’s city) or the outskirts of Borobudur Temple are hidden gems that you can enjoy. We recommend this area because you will experience up close the culture, uniqueness, and hospitality of the Javanese tribe that you may never meet again in your lifetime. Try to stay in a village community homestay and get world-class tourism facilities that you may never have thought of before. Such as a cool swimming pool in the middle of rice fields, western & Chinese food in addition to traditional Javanese cuisine, and the sunrise that emerges from the top of the stupa of Borobudur Temple. Safari jeep tour around the village while seeing the life of the people such as farming or making “Batik”, can be an unforgettable memory. In addition, you can continue the journey to watch the sunset and sunrise on the rows of Gunung Kidul beaches. (Rido Ivanus)
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Sentul Area, Bogor (Photo by.Rido Ivanus / JPTG)

6. SENTUL, BOGOR

Sentul is a new name for the world of tourism in Indonesia. Sentul growing rapidly in line with the Covid-19 pandemic that hit Indonesia and the world. The necessity to stay at home and travel not too far has developed a staycation method and nature tourism as a way out for traveling. Sentul located nearby (about 45 minutes drive) from the capital city of Jakarta as the epicenter of the Covid outbreak in Indonesia on June-July 2021. However, the beautiful natural panorama and the contours of the land which are under of Mount Gede and Pangrango - Bogor, have made this place a lot of improvement and become a place of escape for residents of Greater “Jabodetabek” (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi); suburbs of Jakarta; to unwind. In this area we can enjoy hill trekking, camping under the foot of the mountain, enjoying waterfalls, rafting at Kalibaru’s  Sentul, culinary cafes (traditional, western, oriental Chinese), fishing, motocross and mountain bike tracks, Instagram-able photo spots, to modern malls. (AEON & IKEA). (Lawrence T.)
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Raja Ampat. (Photo by Ridho Ibrahim / Unsplash)

7. RAJA AMPAT, WEST PAPUA

Raja Ampat is one of the world's paradises in Indonesia which has the most complete marine wealth on earth. The Raja Ampat archipelago covers an area of ​​4.6 million hectares consisting of land and sea. There are about 540 types of coral, 1,511 species of fish, and 700 types of mollusks. According to a report by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, there are about 75% of the world's marine species live in this beautiful archipelago. The name Raja Ampat itself is taken from the 4 beautiful main islands (Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool) which are the producers of ancient rock paintings. Its natural charm is unquestionable; such as visiting Batu Pencil, Start Lagoon, Arborek Village, Pasir Timbul, Piaynemo, Wayag, and many more. Feel the atmosphere of a challenging natural adventure in Raja Ampat by going on an adventure at Batanta waterfall, Bird Watching in Saprokren, Diving in Batu Lima, Island hopping, feeding sharks in Piaynemo, Snorkelling in Sawandarek Village, Trekking in Wasai and Kabui. (Nathan)
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Mount Bromo, Malang (Photo by.Dwi Montero/JPTG)

8. MOUNT BROMO, MALANG - EAST JAVA

Indonesia has many mountains that are still active but with fantastic and spectacular natural scenery. One of them is Mount Bromo in Malang, East Java. Visit this area during the dry season (clear weather) in Indonesia, from May to October. You can hike, ride or use a jeep to explore the unique charm of the vast desert beneath the foot of this mountain. Do these activities while enjoying the sunset or sunrise, and you will be fascinated by them. Although there are many local guides, homestays, and hotels in this area, actually the true adventurers do not need this information other than just to come, explore and see what experience happens next here. D’ya agree?! 😊 (Slamet Jerman)
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Lauan Bajo, NTT (Photo by.Fifani Cahyadi / Unsplash)

9. LABUAN BAJO, EAST OF NUSA TENGGARA

Labuan Bajo has been a typical tropical beach with beautiful Indonesian nature that is fantastic and enchanting. The expanse of the blue sea is inhabited by a group of amazing long exotic islands. The hilly contours of the land and overgrown by a wide expanse of savanna are the main attraction during the rainy season (become green savanna) and during the dry season (yellow savanna). Labuan Bajo, which is located in West Manggarai Regency, East of Nusa Tenggara, is closed to the Komodo Island area which is famous as a habitat for the only endangered Komodo dragon in the world, and you can directly witness it there. You can also enjoy the beauty of the underwater world by snorkeling, liveaboard with a traditional “phinisi” boat, trekking on Padar Island while enjoying stunning sunsets and sunrises, and witnessing up close the traditional cultural life of its unique and friendly people. Labuan Bajo is one of the 5 Super Priority Destinations being developed in Indonesia. (Omjay)
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