2008 is a year which my country dedicate for tourism. I personally, really support this program. It is not only because of a kind of chauvinism, but Indonesia do has a lot of natural beauty!
To be honest, I feel agitate whenever I saw beautiful sites but there is no proper support from the local government to maintain and bring it out as tourism sites. I envy how great the tourism promo from other countries. I love the tag-line of “Incredible India”, it sounds exotic for me. However, what kind of citizen who ashamed with their own countries? 😉
Indonesia, the ultimate in diversity.
What do I like with traveling? Though, I am not dare to say that I am a travelers due to a lot of sites I haven’t go. As usual, time and money do matter. HeHeHe… But, I do like to travel. First, to feel and enjoy the beauty, to know the story behind. There are places which have theirs legends. To relax and enjoying the free time will always be a leisure. Not everyone has chance to do that, though they have a lot of money. Spiritually, we can smile with the big grin, how great the Creator is. Last but not least, due to its physical appearances, there would be a normative authorization to take pictures, the view and the tourists (read: me). HaHaHa… What kind of tourists who don’t take pictures? (self-justification).
To go to new places, we may have better understanding about people. Eliminate the stereotypes. So far, I really feel how bad stereotypes may caused! Jeez… I can understand better that why there were war within nations, or even in the same island or area. Stereotypes lead to the prejudices. I have quite lot experiences on this. Really a lot! Anyway, I won’t talk about this right now, so let’s back to the main topic.
Due to the targeted places, I’ve got a book from my friend in Germany. It is “1,000 places to see before you die“. And of course, it included sites in Indonesia, which are as follow:
1. Bali with all aspects since there are more than one described in the book (no doubt about it. Some people from other countries thought that Bali is not related with Indonesia).
2. Papua which be described as the lost world.
3. Borobudur in Central Java as the world’s largest Buddhist monument.
4. Yogyakarta with its Keraton (palaces).
5. Lombok, near Bali, famous for its snorkeling activities.
6. Amanwana, nature camp. To be honest, I never heard about this before. What a shame! And I can’t find information about it except the hotels.
7. Toraja for its cultural traditions.
That’s all. But, as usual, it is a book for top 1,000 places all around the world. Thus, a lot of places which haven’t been stated. For example, Nias Island which has great view and its famous Sorake – Lagundri Beach (surfers usually know it). Or Bangka Island with its white sand. Manado with Bunaken National Marine Park. And so on.
To be honest, I feel shame on myself. There are people from overseas who already explored my own country. A lot of books for Indonesia heritage which unfortunately didn’t write by Indonesian! Well, I really don’t mind. In fact, they help me. I just hope that someday there are Indonesian anthropologists or photographers or anything which have willingness and chances to do that…
Last but not least, I really want to go to Raja Ampat (Four Kings). I really have to!!! Someday and somehow. The richest marine biodiversity in the world.
Please see it by yourself in its web, National Geographic or Nature Conservancy.
*video was taken from youtube.
**picture was personal collection, located in Tapaktuan, South Aceh.
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