Five Alternative Tourist Attractions In The Archipelago

Tana Toraja tourist attraction. (Photo: Kemenparekraf)

JAKARTA - In the midst of the outbreak of the corona virus or COVID-19 abroad, the Indonesian government is boosting visits to local tourist destinations. There are several choices of local tourists' morning spots related to this, which are certainly no less interesting than tourist destinations outside the country.

One of the lodging booking service providers, RedDoorz, initiated a campaign with the hashtag #SemudahItu to attract tourists, especially domestic, who still want to vacation amid the outbreak of the corona virus or COVID-19.

This campaign is in line with the government's efforts to safeguard the domestic economy that has been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. As is well known, the tourism sector has been the most affected.

Therefore, the government through the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has also budgeted IDR 443.39 billion in the form of discount incentives for airplane tickets of up to 30 percent on 10 domestic destinations.

In addition, the government will also pay IDR 3.3 trillion to 33 regencies / cities of the 10 destinations, so that they no longer need to collect hotel and restaurant taxes for six months.

The COVID-19 epidemic is currently sweeping the world since it was discovered at the end of 2019. This virus has spread rapidly to various countries such as Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Italy, which are often holiday destinations. In fact, currently this deadly virus has entered the country.

Public Relations Manager of RedDoorz, Puji Agung Budiman said, there is nothing wrong if people refrain from traveling to risky countries or on vacation to tourist attractions in the country which are crowded with foreign tourists.

RedDoorz, said Puji, invites the public to stay active and have a careful vacation in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the #SemudahItu campaign is proclaimed as a solution for tourists.

"RedDoorz provides recommendations for anti-mainstream alternative tours that are no less interesting in the country to explore," said Puji, in a written statement received by VOI, in Jakarta, Monday, March 2.

1. Pontianak, West Kalimantan

Pontianak is a city that is perfect for those of you who like to hunt for regional specialties. This city has a variety of unique food menus that must be tried. One of them is Ce Hun Tiaw, a typical Pontianak-style mixed ice snack, served with cut sago mixed with red beans, black sticky rice, pearls, and bongko (liver pari).

Other snacks that you should try while in what is known as the city of the Equator are Angi ice cream, served on coconut shells, and a cup of Koh Asiang legend coffee made using the Hainanese method, pulled until it is bubbly.

2. Kebumen, Central Java

Have you ever heard of a tourist spot called Fort Van Der Wijck? Sounds like in the Netherlands huh. Eits, wait a minute, this Van Der Wijck Fortress is one of the tourist destinations located about 19 kilometers from the city center of Kebumen. This unique Dutch colonial heritage fort becomes the main attraction for travelers if they visit Kebumen.

Not only that, want to play water on the beach? Kebumen is also famous for its very beautiful Menganti Beach and has clear water. Having white sand and surrounded by green hills and cliffs, make Menganti Beach a must-visit if you stop in Kebumen.

3. Banyuwangi, East Java

Want to experience traveling around the savanna like in Africa? You don't need to go far to Africa, because Indonesia has Baluran National Park which is located in Banyuwangi, East Java. Even this place has the nickname 'Little Africa in Java', because it is similar to the savanna landscape in Africa.

Baluran National Park covers an area of about 25,000 hectares. This area is used specifically to protect various kinds of flora and fauna ecosystems. Not to be in Banyuwangi if you haven't set foot in Baluran National Park.

There is one more exciting thing about Banyuwangi, every year there is an annual carnival held in Banyuwangi Regency, namely 'Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival'. The annual festival that showcases these attractive clothes is paraded through a route of approximately two kilometers, starting from Blambangan Park to the Banyuwangi Regent's Office.

4. Sabang, Aceh

Indonesia's westernmost tourist spot, namely Sabang. One of the farthest cities located on Pulau Weh, has many marine tourism objects whose charm is very attractive. Among them there is Iboih beach which is the main destination in Sabang.

Iboih Beach has calm waves that can calm the mind from the busy routine. Besides that, here you can see the place that used to be a swallow's nest, namely the Sarang Cave.

5. Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

The charm of the eastern archipelago does not need to be doubted. Apart from marine tourism, you can also find the local wisdom of the people of eastern Indonesia with a strong culture wrapped in the mystical nuances of Tana Toraja.

One of the tourist destinations of North Toraja that should not be missed is Kete Kesu Village, the Tana Toraja traditional house complex, also known as Tongkonan. Located in a beautiful hilly area and rice fields, this traditional house is a place for a corpse to be buried before being interred.

If you have stopped at Tana Toraja, it doesn't feel legitimate if you haven't taken the time to visit Londa Tour, a burial complex that sits on a large rock cliff surrounded by mountains. The placement of corpses in this area cannot be arbitrary because it is said that it needs to be adjusted to the family line.

"These tourist destinations can be an alternative to make your vacation fun and memorable. RedDoorz initiated the #SemudahItu campaign to provide comfort and convenience for travelers who want to take a vacation," he said.