Statista reports that by March 2024, this province already had 1.34 million international tourists. While Bali offers a vibrant nightlife, many cultural sites to visit, and unique beaches, it’s not the only place Indonesians want to share with the world.
According to the Business Times, the country’s tourism minister is trying to get Chinese tourists to look beyond Bali for their tropical getaway. Sandiaga Uno also aims to finalize visa waivers for twenty other countries like America, India, etc.
Why do you think that is? Well, Indonesia’s cultural diversity is undeniable, and tourists won’t get the entirety of it just by chilling in Bali. Let’s understand this in detail.
Bali’s Popularity: A Bane and a Boon for Indonesia
In 2024, Indonesia generated a tourism revenue of USD 3,632.88 million between January and March. Most of that came from Bali. About 544,601 foreign tourists have already visited the island this year.
Bali witnessed 7.03% economic growth in the second quarter of 2024 due to tourist visits. This number was just 6.59% in the first quarter.
Even with such contributions, why is Indonesia trying to compel tourists to visit other destinations?
There are 17,500 islands in the country, with over 7,000 uninhabited. According to the Indonesia Travel Guide, places like Jakarta, Sumatra, Komodo Island, and Yogyakarta are a must-visit. While visiting these places, you can explore better historical locations than Bali and go on adventures like trekking, snorkeling, etc.
Even with so many locations to explore, tourists flock to Bali because of its popularity. The thing is, not everyone is aware of these locations. They only know the lush Ubud forest, Seminyak’s beach bars, and the Canggu cafes of Bali.
But what’s the dark side of this popularity?
According to ResearchGate, Bali’s popularity has given rise to various environmental issues in the country. For instance, there’s critical land depletion and coastal erosion. Bali is also grappling with water contamination, coral reef degradation, and waste management issues.
Why Does Indonesia Want Tourists to Visit Locations Other Than Bali?
Nobody can deny that Bali is a major tourist hub, and its popularity remains unmatched. The U.S. News states that Bali ranks #11 on the list of the best places to visit in Asia. It’s also called the “Heaven on Earth” because of the valleys, scenic beaches, picturesque mountains, etc.
However, the Indonesian government wants to redirect tourists from Bali to other regions because of the following reasons:
- To balance the promotion of their diverse culture and economic benefits.
- Bali’s popularity can strain the local ecosystems, resources, and environment.
- Promoting other destinations can ‘distribute’ tourists across the country.
- The economies of lesser-visited areas can thrive.
All in all, encouraging diverse exploration of Indonesia can enhance everyone’s tourism experience. By visiting other places along with Bali, you can explore the country’s rich cultural and natural diversity.
Getting Travel Packages: The Only Way to Explore Indonesia’s True Splendor
How can a traveler who knows little about Indonesia create the perfect itinerary? It’s simple—they’ll have to look for the best travel packages in Indonesia. A well-organized package will include exclusive experiences across various destinations along with Bali.
Getting a travel package will mean there’s no hassle of planning the trip. In an Indonesia travel package, you’ll get the following included:
- Accommodation
- Guided tours
- Transportation
- Flights
To visit all the best places in Indonesia, you’ll need a week-long vacation. Within these seven days, tourists can visit and experience:
- The history of Jakarta
- The temples of Yogyakarta
- Relaxation on the beaches of Bali.
Let’s say you chose a 14-day trip. In that case, you can add visiting Komodo Island for its wildlife and Sumatra for trekking along with these.
All in all, travel packages can provide a seamless experience on a budget for a family, a couple, and a solo traveler. These can be convenient, and you can get expert guidance. You’ll also get to explore the unique places of Indonesia (apart from Bali) to gain exclusive experience and insights.
Indonesia receives a 2.3% GDP contribution from tourism. Moreover, the inbound tourism expenditure in this country was USD 7.06 billion in 2022. Most of that came from tourism in Bali.
Unfortunately, a rise in popularity has also led to the depletion of natural resources in this location. That’s why the people of Indonesia are happily opening up other islands for tourists. Examples include Jakarta, Komodo Island, etc.
However, to get the best out of Indonesian tourism, you must get a travel package. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and always respect the local culture.
