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Beyond the paradise of Bali, Indonesia offers many other stunning locations that you must include in your journey to explore this enchanting archipelago.
Toba Lake
The simple beauty of Toba Lake
Formed by the largest volcanic eruption in the past 25 million years, Toba Lake on Sumatra Island is a major tourist attraction in Indonesia. Often referred to as the precious gem of Sumatra, the lake boasts picturesque views, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant vegetation surrounding it. In the middle of the lake lies the small island of Samosir, which serves as the cultural hub for the Batak people. The expansive scenery and majestic landscapes around the lake have earned it comparisons to Switzerland and Norway. You can hike and experience the unparalleled beauty of the area.
The entire lake region exudes a serene atmosphere, offering a sense of tranquility with every breath you take. Toba Lake’s vast and breathtaking beauty is so grand that you might feel as though you’re on an island in the Pacific Ocean rather than a freshwater lake.
To reach Toba Lake, you will need to take a bus from Medan to Parapat, a 5-hour journey, and then take a ferry to the island of Samosir. It’s recommended to rent a bicycle or a motorbike to explore the peaceful island of Samosir at your leisure.
The island offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, with the most popular being the village of Tuk Tuk. This village is known for its picturesque beauty and incredibly relaxing atmosphere. There are many different types of rooms available, starting from 250,000 VND, offering a range of choices depending on your budget and preferences.
Komodo National Park
Take time to explore Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park proudly holds a spot on the list of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Indonesia, according to Lonely Planet. The park consists of three large islands and 26 smaller ones. Additionally, it encompasses the western coastline of Flores and the surrounding waters of Sape Strait. The islands in the park all have volcanic origins, and the terrain is generally rugged, with the most common feature being rounded hills, the highest of which rises to 735 meters. The climate in the park is one of the driest in Indonesia, creating the perfect habitat for the Komodo dragons.
The giant Komodo dragons, once thought to be creatures of legend, are one of the main draws of the park. They are both massive and awe-inspiring, yet their menacing presence also adds an element of fear, making them all the more fascinating to observe.
In addition to the Komodo dragons, this national park is also a sanctuary for many rare bird species listed in the Red Book. Moreover, its untouched natural beauty, with soft, winding coastlines and pristine, deep blue beaches, all combine to make Komodo an irresistible destination.
To reach Komodo National Park, you can arrange a boat trip from Labuan Bajo, or it’s best to join a guided tour that offers a well-planned itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Karimunjawa Archipelago
The beautiful Karimunjawa Archipelago
Located a few hundred kilometers north of central Java, you’ll encounter the stunning Karimunjawa Archipelago, a beautiful and secluded destination rarely visited by tourists. If you’re someone who enjoys adventure and exploration, Karimunjawa is the perfect choice. The island offers mesmerizing beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that invites relaxation. Foreign tourists rarely visit, with most visitors coming from Indonesia and neighboring countries. However, keep in mind that from December to February, the weather in Karimunjawa isn’t ideal, and there are often no boats traveling to the island during this time.
From Pulau Karimunjawa, you can reach Kemujan Island by bridge. Other transportation options are available on the island as well. Most of the other islands in the archipelago are uninhabited. Kemujan also has a small landing area for light aircraft. Finally, you can take a boat to the remote islands of Mejangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil – home to some of the most beautiful, unmatched beaches. It makes for a fantastic day trip. From Jepara on the mainland of Java, you can take a boat to the island. The fastest boat ride takes about 2 hours, and slower boats are available at a lower price.
The ancient city of Yogyakarta
Immerse yourself in the ancient architecture of Yogyakarta
This ancient city is the cultural heart of Java Island, home to numerous impressive cultural landmarks. Yogyakarta boasts the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia at Prambanan, and the Sultan’s Palace at Keraton. In many ways, Yogyakarta encapsulates all the heritage of Indonesia. You can also explore and try your hand at traditional crafts, such as batik fabric, shadow puppetry, or silver jewelry-making.
Right in the heart of Yogyakarta, you will find the shopping street Jalan Malioboro. This is the perfect starting point to explore the city. Both sides of the street are lined with souvenir shops offering very affordable prices. You can also enjoy dinner on this street or in the surrounding areas, at restaurants, malls, or even street-side eateries.
To reach Yogyakarta from Jakarta, the best option is by train. There are even overnight trains, but if your schedule allows, many recommend traveling by day for a scenic journey. The trip takes around 8 to 10 hours. From Solo, there are also several train routes to Yogyakarta, taking just 1 hour.
From most cities on Java, there are daily buses to Yogyakarta. The journey from Solo takes about 2 hours, from Bandung it’s 10 hours, and from Jakarta, it takes around 12 hours.
Another option is by minivan, which is faster than a bus but slightly more expensive. You can book tickets at your guesthouse or through a local travel agency.
Currently, many airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Jakarta (Indonesia), making it easy to reach the destinations mentioned above. From Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport), you can fly to Jakarta with airlines such as Malindo Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Dragonair, and Bangkok Airways. Ticket prices from Vietnam to Jakarta typically range from $90 to $160 per one-way.
If you need to book a ticket, you should contact the customer service hotline 1900 2083 of Mytour for detailed advice and support!
T.Hai, 27/06/2022 15:39
