By Rafiq Vayani
Embassy of Republic of Indonesia, Islamabad along-with the Consulate General of Republic of Indonesia in Karachi with the support of Thai Airways International arranged Fam trip program to Indonesia for leading travel agents, tour operators and travel consultants of Pakistan. The Fam trip includes trips to popular destinations of Bali, Yogyakarta and capital city of Jakarta. Propose of this FAM trip was to create awareness among travel and tourism industry of Pakistan.
Tourism in Indonesia is an important feature of the Indonesian economy as well as significant source of foreign exchange. The Country of sprawling archipelago ahs much to offer from natural beauty, historical heritage to cultural diversity.
This tour was headed by His Excellency Mr. Iwan Suyudhhie Amri, Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia in Pakistan and was seconded by honorable Mr. Muhammad Arifin, Vice Consul of Social & Culture of Consulate General Republic of Indonesia in Karachi. The tour started off with travel from Karachi to Bali. Denpasar is the capital city and main hub of the Indonesian province of Bali, in the southern part of the Island.
After landing in Denpasar, the sight-seeing begins with a 30 ride to Kuta Beach, which is where is where the modern era of tourism in Bali began. It has long sandy and waves are great too. Waves can be equally good for beginners and also for intermediate surfers). Night life in Kuta is also a mix of western and south eastern culture with bars, nightclubs, and hotels. It is a popular choice for younger travelers and especially for those who are on a budgets traveling.
After next Kuta next destination was Legian beach which is hardly 10 minutes away from our previous destination. Legian Beach is the second most popular area with visitors in Bali. First one is of course Kuta. Legian Beach feels very close to western culture with its extravagant nightlife which includes beach life and parties. Its sandy beaches are mostly occupied with wannabe tanned celebrities.
Up next was town of Ubud, which is hardly 30 kilometers away from Legian Beach but normal traffic takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Ubud. This town is famous for its traditional crafts and traditional dances. The town of Ubud is surrounded by rainforest and terraced rice paddies, dotted with Hindu temples and shrines. Some of the famous temples in Bali are located in the outskirts of Ubud which Goa Gajah (“Elephant Cave”) and Gunung Kawi, with its rock-cut shrines.
After spending some quality time in the midlands of Ubud, we move back to famous beaches of Bali, which is known as ‘Nusa Dua’ named after two small island on the eastern shoreline of Bali we are here at a place known as Nusa Dua beach. This beach is one of the most developed one in Bali and besides its state of development it still offers cultural sites. Nusa Dua also has an up-market shopping complex with well-maintained facilities and a luxurious 18 holes golf course.
Next was city of Yogyakarta which is capital of Yogyakarta Special Region. City of Yogyakarta has been capital of Indonesia during Second World War. During our trip to Yogyakarta our tour was taken to Malioboro Street, which is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; the name is also used more generally for the neighborhood around the street. This street centre of Yogyakarta’s largest tourist district surrounded with many hotels, restaurants, and shops nearby.
We now move towards Borobudur Temple which is located in the city of Magelang in the island of Java, Indonesia, Borobudur, is a 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple which consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa. Once a year, Borobudur Temple is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction.
Our next destination is City of Bogor which is located in west of Java and from there we travel towards Taman Safari Cisarua where we get to see animals in animal theme parks.
Final destination of our visit, Dunia Fantasi which is Jakarta’s own theme park complete with over 40 rides and attractions. It is located in North Jakarta, facing the Java Sea. The theme park is divided into eight regions which are Jakarta, Indonesia, Asia, Africa, America, Europe, and Fantasi Hikayat (Legendary Fantasy) region featuring Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt architecture.
On the concluding note; I would strongly suggest that you should visit to Indonesia, you will experience the best possible hospitality and food is excellent too. Visiting to Indonesia is something that you won’t regret and will be one of the most memorable one of your life too.
