Some people, I mean some of my friends usually tend to choose country neighbors as their holiday destination. Most of them often make a plan to visit Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia. Some of them also comfy to visit other ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. Beside the air ticket price factor, which is getting cheaper time after time, as the effect of emergence of budget airlines, staying in the neighbors countries (ASEAN countries) is not taking a high cost. a lot of hotel can offer us a cheap cost starting from 20 USD, even less. So going vacation in neighbor countries, sometimes no need much consideration to do.
For upper middle class people, most of them usually have more choice to visit other countries that is more distant and expensive. Hongkong, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and European countries can be a favorite destination for most Indonesian people. It is apparently to be so distinctive when young people will spend their holiday time in Hongkong for shopping, or to Gold coast for surfing.
Something that can be noted here is the choice to holiday in Overseas can be an option because: 1. It offers a benefit by visit other countries with lower cost, or 2. it can give a particular prestige, no matter what kind of place, what benefit we can get there, as long as we can achieve Hongkong or Japan or Austalia it will give own prestige. (Correct me if I am wrong)
That's why sometimes Indonesian people a little bit reluctant to choose holiday option in their own country for holiday destination. If Air Asia can offers a low cost to Bangkok or Jetstar with its low fare can allow us to go to Singapore only with USD 50 (return). So why we have to make difficult by choosing Tana Toraja in Sulawesi island. That's many of Indonesian people minds!.
Whereas, if we can see, Indonesia has many of not only beautiful but also unique and wonderful places and culture, that is not less than other countries. Let see, we have a Pulau Komodo (Komodo island)that is to be one of wonderful place in the world, or Raja Ampat archipelago that is great for diving activities and have a lot of species, which most of them is not found in other hemisphere.
I hope this year I can realize my planning for holiday, either with my friend or single journey :). This is some Indonesian great places that I want to visit, or may be, can be on your list as well if you want to visit Indonesia.
1. Toba Lake and the Samosir island
It is located in Sumatra Island, exactly in Medan city. Toba lake is the greatest lake in Indonesia. According to the history, Toba Lake exist as a result of erupting volcano 73.000-75.000 years ago. In the middle of the lake there's an island called Samosir. In Samosir we can enjoy the wonderful scenery around the lake. A lot of accommodation is also spread over the Samosir and Prapat (coastal area in the lake. In Toba we can enjoy also cruise over the lake, and also indigenous villages that is offer the beauty of local cultural heritage.
2. Tana Toraja
Tana Toraja is a district located in South Sulawesi. Inhibited by Toraja tribe that live in the mountain area and maintain the typical lifestyle of Austronesia. Tana Toraja is well known with its Tongkonan (Traditional House of Tana Toraja), Lemo (a famous cliff grave site of Tana Toraja), and some traditional ceremonies called Rambu Solo and Rambu Tuka.
3. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat which literally translates as "Four Kings" has offered best marine sight in the world.
The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. (http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/248)
4. River Cruise in Kalimantan
As we know that Kalimantan island, has many of forest and big river. Currently many of river in Kalimantan become a particular attraction for some people. For instance Mahakam river and Kayan river which famous in Kalimantan. People now can cruising Mahakam river with House Boat for some days. They can enjoy an attractive scenery around the side of river like rain forest wild life which contain several species of monkey and bird, passing villages along the river, which is inhabited by Dayak Tribe, and sometimes also crossing dangerous rapids between high rocky mountain. So interesting :)
5. Komodo Island
Komodo island or often called KOmodo National Park is located between island of Sumbawa and Flores. The main purpose of the park is to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon and its habitat. In 1986 the park was declared world Heritage site and a man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
6. Lombok Island
Lombok island is located near Bali. We can enjoy the simple pleasure of sunshine, white sandy beaches, unique culture and eco tours make this island is prefect for family holiday, those who looking for relaxation as well as honey moon. In Lombok we can find some geat destination such as: Senggigi beach, The islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Meno.The beach in Lombok also become a favorite object by tourist for surfing.
7. Bali
Who never heard about Bali? The Island of Gods with the million of beauty? Bali is my favorite place so far in Indonesia, and honestly it's rather difficult for me to describe it. A lot of people said this is the world paradise. So just visit it before you die :) :)
