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12 BEST ANTI-MAINSTREAM DESTINATIONS FOR EXPATS IN INDONESIA

Indonesia is a very large country with very beautiful scenery and tourist attractions. Also known as the Indonesian Archipelago, it may refer either to the islands comprising tourist attractions that spread around the equator. There are also many anti-mainstream tourist attractions, which mean that not many people have known and visited. This time, we recommend some of the best-kept-hidden tourist attractions that you can visit.

 

1. Misool Island, West Papua

Misool Island, West Papua

Misool Island, West Papua

The first anti-mainstream tourist spot in Indonesia is close to the Seram Sea, an island called Misool Island. This island is one of the four main islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua. The water on Misool Island is very clear where you can see up to about 30 meters below sea level. You can see the underwater life which is very amazing and colorful. To reach Misool Island, you can schedule a flight to Domne Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong. After that, to explore Misool Island, you can choose to join a tour using a phinisi boat.

 

2. Seram Island, Maluku

Seram Island, Maluku

Seram Island

Maybe you feel a little strange about the name of this one island, Seram Island. Seram means “scary” or “eerie”, but don’t worry, because you have nothing to be afraid of from this tourist spot. This island keeps the charm of the sea, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and other natural beauty. If you visit this island, don’t forget to stop by the Manusela National Park where you can do trekking, snorkeling, and diving activities!

 

3. Lamreh Hill, Aceh

Lamreh Hill, Aceh

Lamreh Hill by rass._8

Lamreh Hill has a land contour that tends to be sloping. This hill is formed from hilly karst rock with the tip protruding into the sea. The tip of the hill, known as Ujung Kelindu, is directly opposite the clear blue sea. Ujung Kelindu is the best spot, as well as the most popular in Bukit Lamreh. For those of you who like camping, you can also camp in this place.

 

4. Laguna Waterfall, Southeast Sulawesi

Laguna Waterfall, Southeast Sulawesi

Laguna Waterfall, Southeast Sulawesi

Laguna Waterfall is an anti-mainstream tourist spot in Indonesia because this place is very remote, in the middle of a very dense pine forest, and is about 24 km from Bau-Bau City. Not many people have come here, but it is certain that those who managed to come here would agree about the turquoise lagoon waterfall, which is very beautiful, even one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia. This waterfall has 5 steps of different heights, on the second step, there is a pool that you can use for swimming or just a dipping bath.

 

5. Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo, Yogyakarta

Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo, Yogyakarta

Gumur Pasir Parangsukmo

It might sound a little strange if a tourist destination in the form of sand dunes is in Indonesia, which incidentally is an archipelagic country. But make no mistake, it turns out that Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo in Yogyakarta can be used as a unique tourist spot and different from the others. This sand dune comes from the eruption of Mount Merapi whose sediment is carried by rivers that emptied into the South Coast, including the Opak River and the Progo River. Here you can try a new experience, like riding a sandboard in a very rare place in Indonesia, if the weather is good and clear, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunset here.

 

6. Tebing Citatah, West Bandung

Tebing Citatah, West Bandung

Tebing Citatah

For those of you who like the extreme sport of rock climbing, this place is perfect for you! Not many people know. This cliff is divided into three parts, namely cliffs 48, 90, and 125, which are sorted according to their height. Citatah 48 cliff has a characteristic that distinguishes it from other cliffs, namely the presence of a dagger-shaped monument that sticks right at the top of the cliff. Cliff Citatah 90, has a type of karst or limestone rock with a height of about 90 meters above ground level. Citatah Cliff 125 is located on the highest limestone mountain in the Citatah area. Don’t worry, the characteristics of this cliff are safe for rock climbing.

 

7. Pombo Island, Maluku

Pombo Island, Maluku

Pombo is an island located in Ambon, Maluku. Geographically, Pombo Island is in the middle of Ambon Island and Haruku Island. The area is not too big, only 4 km squared, but if you visit this beautiful island in Maluku, you can get a variety of natural charm and tranquility. This small island is like a hidden paradise with a blue sea and soft white sand. In addition, this anti-mainstream tourist spot in Indonesia is the habitat of the beautiful Pombo bird. Get ready to be fascinated by the underwater beauty that is ready to greet you.

 

8. Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang, Bali

Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang, Bali

Canyon Beji Guwang

Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang is an anti-mainstream tourist spot in Indonesia located on the island of Bali. This place is a canyon or deep valley that is narrow and steep. Even so, under this valley, there is the Beji River whose blue water is flanked by beautiful rock cliffs. The location is close to Sukawati Market and some local residents say that this place is a sacred place.

9. Sipiso Piso Waterfall, North Sumatera

 Sipiso Piso Waterfall, North Sumatera

Sipiso Piso Waterfall

This waterfall is included in the list of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia as high as 120 meters. The swiftness of the falling waterfall makes this waterfall look like a knife blade. However, you have to descend hundreds of stairs to get here. But guaranteed that the trip will be worth it!

 

10. Desa Ekowisata Bahoi, North Sulawesi

Desa Ekowisata Bahoi, North Sulawesi

Desa Bahoi

Tourists can stay in people’s houses while watching the village culture. Not only that, the people in Bahoi Village are aware of ecotourism. This village has a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from underwater to mangrove forests. Meanwhile, the mangrove forest is managed by the community itself, complete with a variety of flora and fauna in it. Other activities that can be done in Bahoi Village are snorkeling and diving. There are about two hectares of Marine Protected Areas that have protected coral reefs.

 

11. Buyan Lake, Bali

Buyan Lake, Bali

Buyan Lake by milkmint39

This is one of the twin lakes in Bali. The lake is surrounded by shady trees and cool air. Buyan Lake is located at an altitude of 1,350 above sea level which of course has cool and comfortable air and at night it becomes very cold. Don’t miss the exciting experience of riding a swing on a giant tree! Even though it sounds terrible, get ready to be amazed by the beautiful natural scenery!

 

12. Bukit Putung, Bali

Bukit Putung, Bali

Although not as well-known as other tourist attractions, the beautiful natural scenery of the valley and the cool air is the main attraction of this hill. When you are on this hill you can see plots of rice fields belonging to the surrounding population. You can also see hill valleys filled with lush plants. The beautiful atmosphere of the hills and plantations around it is as beautiful as a painting. Don’t forget to capture your vacation moments in Bukit Putung with your camera!

Read also: 

Why Indonesia Becomes the Number One the Most Beautiful Country in the World