Explore Indonesia
Blitar – Tales of Intrigue in East Java
Photos by David Metcalf/NOWJAKARTA Blitar is a quiet, friendly town in East Java. From mystical lakes with god-fish legends to the stunning Bung Karno Museum honouring the founder of Indonesia, it is full of history and intrigue, as well as colourful characters. At the entrance to the Bung Karno Museum and Library, a beautifully framed large

Bali’s Amorous Escapes
When the lounging on glittery sand and savouring cocktails at sunset have been ticked off the date list, perhaps its time to take the intimacy to the next level. Here we share some of the island’s unparalleled romantic escapes and stays that encourage you and your loved one to explore not only Bali, but also

Best of Celebes
Manado and Makassar promises pristine beaches, gorgeous coastlines, historical sites, cultural vibrancy, culinary delights, genuine local hospitality and modern urban lifestyle. One of the most compelling islands in the country, Sulawesi, charms travellers across the globe with its mountainous interiors cloaked in a dense jungle. This island was a special site for British scientist, Alfred

Subak – The Spirit behind Rice Cultivation
Subak is Balinese traditional water management. Photos by Gerda Kassing/NOWJAKARTA The jewel-like perfection and beauty of Bali’s rice terraces illustrate that it is not just about a crop, giving food and prosperity to the farmers. For over a thousand years, this cascading landscape has been shaped by men in accordance with nature and the gods.

A Road Trip to the West Coast of Java
Sunsets are always stunning in the west coast of Java. Photos by Rintang Azhar/NOWJAKARTA Starting from the zero-kilometre mark of the Great Post Road, roll down the window of your car to appreciate the endless nautical beauty of Anyer littoral zone that spans through its long coastline. Taking a two-hour road trip to the west

Revisiting Lombok: The Breathtaking View and The Intriguing Sasak People
Travel brochures advertise Lombok as “the way Bali was 30 years ago”, untouched and unspoiled. In other words, those venturing the island east of Bali will find equally enchanting beaches, surf, and culture. Photos by Namhar Hernanto/NOWJAKARTA I remember arriving in Lombok five years ago at Teluk Kode, an area in the northern part of

The Joys of the Harvest Festival in East Belitung
While Belitung island is unquestionably home to the most secluded and beautiful collection of beaches, it’s also remarkably known for diverse cultural heritage, ranging from thanksgiving celebrations to folk festivities. This year, the province successfully held its most anticipated event, bringing in more than 4,000 visitors. The perfomance of Alu Besantok played by Sanggar Tembang

Sunset Spots in Bali
Envision Balinese cliffs, golden beaches, and glorious ocean vistas—Bali’s tropical sunsets are second to none. The island of the Gods has harboured an ardent crowd hunting for the island’s best seat to revel in the sunset spectacle. Ji Terrace By The Sea in Canggu, Bali is one of the best spot to witnes sunset in

Brilliantly Designed Mosques in Indonesia
During the national coordination meeting at Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama last January, the then Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, who is also the chairman of Indonesia Mosque Council (DMI) stated that there are more than 800,000 mosques around the country. The government aims to develop and curate Muslim places of worship to be promoted as destination for halal tourism.

Medan, North Sumatra’s Hidden Charm
North Sumatra’s capital city, is often overlooked thanks to its gridlocked streets and industrial feel. Long regarded as a stopover en route to more glamourous destinations in the province, a closer look yields some delightful treasures. Little India in Medan. ulturally, this is a diverse city with Batak people, Chinese and Tamils originally from India who

Magical Places: Hindu Water Sanctuaries of East Java
Water is often called the elixir of life. It also plays an essential role in religious practice, especially in Hinduism where it is considered to have spiritual cleansing powers. Even today, sacred bathing spaces, such as Belahan and Jolotundo in East Java are used for purification ceremonies. About a one-hour drive from Jolotundo are the

In the Heart of Java, Yogyakarta and Solo Offer a Wealth of Cultural Experiences
Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some half a million people and the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The town is a hub of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourism spots. Prambanan or Rara Jonggrang is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound

A Spiritual Experience with an Ocean View
Think of an end-of-the-world spot, think Pacitan! These rugged and remote beaches in the southwestern province in East Java are not only beautiful, they are truly magical. Around 7 beaches are stretching along the sparsely populated Pacitan coastal line. In total unity there is a Hindu Temple, a Kebatinan place of worship and a Mosque,