Explore the Indonesia’s five new Bali with its natural wonders, cultural highlights and Indonesian government initiatives. Indonesia is not just Bali. But it cannot be denied that the Island of the Gods is indeed the most popular place for foreign tourists. Bali is well known as a ‘paradise’ for world travelers. There are even foreigners who know the name of Bali better than Indonesia itself.
In fact, there are still many areas in Indonesia that own great beauty, with nature and breathtaking scenery. Moreover, many among those destinations also have charming things better than Bali.
This is the background for the government to launch a program called “The 10 New Bali”, in early 2016. When introduced, this program was predicted to be the target destination for both local and foreign tourists, so that travelers would not only go to Bali.
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The ten areas included in the “New Bali” development program list are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Tanjung Kelayang in Bangka Belitung Island, Thousand Islands in West Java, Tanjung Lesung in West Java, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru in East Java, Mandalika in Lombok, Labuan Bajo in Flores, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi and Morotai Island in Maluku.
In terms of targets, the development of those 10 potential destinations is carried out within 4 years, starting from 2016-2020. The main goal is to bring in 10 million foreign tourists or revenues of around US$10 billion.
Unfortunately, there was a pruning. From those 10 potential destination areas, it was narrowed down to five. The priorities are Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo in Flores and one area that was not previously on the list, Likupang. The five areas were developed in the Priority Tourism Destinations program. Here are the Indonesia’s five new Balis:
1. Lake Toba North Sumatra
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Lake Toba is listed as the largest lake in Southeast Asia and the second largest in the world. Behind its splendor, there are interesting tourism storynomics that can be developed. Like the legend or story of the formation of Lake Toba in the past, which is rarely known to tourists. Storynomics is a tourism approach that emphasizes narrative, creative content, living culture and uses the power of culture to introduce a destination.
2. Borobudur Temple, Central Java
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The next Super Priority Destination or New Bali which is packed with interesting tourism storynomics is Borobudur Temple in Central Java Province. This Buddhist temple is the largest temple in the world that has existed since 750 AD. Borobudur Temple also has 2,672 relief panels along 4 kilometers which makes it the “Longest Temple Relief in the World”. Thanks to its splendor, Borobudur Temple was named by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1991.
3. Likupang, North Sulawesi
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The name Likupang is not very popular. But don’t doubt its natural wealth, especially its underwater ecosystem, which is one of the best in Indonesia. Not surprisingly, Likupang gets the nickname “hidden paradise” with white sand along the beach and stunning underwater scenery. Likupang is located in North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. The distance to be traveled from Manado to Likupang is about 48 km. The area is developed on an area of 197.4 hectares in Pulisan Village. It is said that Likupang is where nine heavenly angels descend to bathe.
4. Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara
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Mandalika is an area located on the island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) which has a natural beauty. Mandalika is known for its beautiful beach and sea tourism because the area is directly facing the Indian Ocean. With an area of 1,035.67 Ha and facing the Indian Ocean, Mandalika is expected to accelerate the tourism sector of West Nusa Tenggara Province. Mandalika comes from the name of a legendary figure, Princess Mandalika, who is known for her beautiful appearance. Every year, the people of Central Lombok celebrate the Bau Nyale ceremony, a ritual to find sea worms that are believed to be the incarnation of Princess Mandalika. Moreover, the Mandalika circuit, Lombok, is an international racing street circuit built to host world-class motorcycle racing, MotoGP 2021, in Mandalika. The entertainment and sports area integrated in the middle of the circuit will be a special attraction for tourists who come to MotoGP.
5. Labuan Bajo, Flores
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Labuan Bajo is one of the hidden paradises in eastern Indonesia. The village is located in Komodo Sub-district, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, directly adjacent to West Nusa Tenggara and separated by the Sape Strait. With its exoticism, Labuan Bajo has become a Super Priority tourist destination that is even famous abroad. Being a tourist destination, Labuan Bajo then became the capital of East Manggarai Regency with dock, port and airport transportation facilities. Labuan Bajo has a lot of tourist objects. Those famous tourism objects include Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point and many more.
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