6. Central Java
Central Java is also rich in tourist attractions. The natural attractions are: Tawangmangu, Baturaden, Dieng plateau, Kopeng, Penyu Bay in Cilacap, Kartini beach in Jepara, Widuri beach in Pemalang, Petruk cave, Lawa cave, Jatijajar cave, swallow nests in Kebumen and Nusa Kambangan. Among its cultural-cum-historical sites are the Borobudur, Prambanan, Gedong Songo and Sukuh temples.
7. West Sumatra
Although this province’s tourism potential is not as large as Bali or Yogyakarta it still has huge opportunities to develop its tourism potential.
West Sumatra’s natural tourist attractions include: Ngarai Sianok at Bukit Tinggi, the following lakes: Maninjau, Diatas, Dibawah and Singkarak and a waterfall in Anai valley, then there is Ambun Pagi, Carolina beach, Bumpus beach, Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) and the Singgalam volcano. The cultural attractions include the Minang culture and traditions at Padang Panjang while the historical sites are caves inhabited by the Japanese during the war at Agam and Pagarujung Kingdom Palace at Batusangkar.
8. Riau and the Riau islands
Riau has much potential as a tourism destination although it has not been developed to the maximum, such as its Batam and Bintan islands and other areas. Most tourists visit the islands of Batam, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Tanjung Uban and Tanjung Pinang.
Meanwhile the province of Riau islands is the country’s second gateway after Bali. Some of the tourism sites available here are its beaches: Melur and Nongsa at Batam city, Belawan in Karimun regency, Lagoi, Tanjung Berakit, Trikora and Bintan Leisure Park in Bintan regency. Natuna regency is famous for its diving and snorkeling spots.
9. North Sulawesi
This province has huge potential for its natural, marine and cultural tourism attractions. Some of its assets are: Bunaken National Sea Park and Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park. The province also features numerous panoramic locations.
Being the northernmost province and on the border of the Pacific Ocean this province has a huge potential of becoming the regional and global economic gateway for the country. Thus the province also has ample opportunities to develop international cooperation with foreign countries, especially with nearby countries such as the Philippines and Malaysia.
10. West Nusa Tenggara
Mataram is the capital of West Nusa Tenggara province. It has land, sea and air transportation. Central Lombok is one of its tourist destinations. It is only 30 kilometers from Selaparang Mataram airport. Its pristine, exotic beaches face the Indian Ocean, not to be missed by surfing lovers.
The Sasak tribe living at Sade and Tansang-Angsang villages continues to practice and preserve its ancient traditions. Traditional weaving at Sukarare, earthenware goods at Penujak, handicrafts made from ketak and rattan at Beleka village all support the area’s tourism industry.
Then there are the numerous unique, traditional, magical rites performed by the Lombok people which also draw tourists. All tourist destinations in Central Lombok are reachable via land transportation. (Burhan Abe)
The Jakarta Post, September 05, 2011
