Wonderful Indonesia, the country’s tourism brand, is working to introduce Australians to other destinations within Bali, enticing them out of the usual hubs and into the lesser-known, more diverse locations.
“Australia has a long-term love affair with Bali, however there are many Australians who will never go to Bali because of the perception that it has in many Australian minds that it is only for young people who are partying,” Visit Indonesia Tourism Office’s Australia country manager Miriam Tulevski told travelBulletin.
“What these Australians are missing out on is a destination that is close to Australia, that was warm, it is relatively inexpensive compared to longer-haul trips and if people enjoy warm weather, there is something for everyone.”
Tulevski highlighted three areas where Australian agents could send their clients to explore.
Sanur
Sanur is one of the quieter areas in Bali, offering a seaside village with a 10km path that hugs the beach. Tulevski said the path is perfect for a scenic cycle, jog or stroll and offers plenty of opportunities to stop at a caf or restaurant along the way. A new option in Sanur is the Good Indonesian Food Tour’s Sanur Foodie Cycling Tour. The 3.5km morning cycling adventure packs in six types of Balinese culinary offerings and covers the local culture and lifestyle.
Lombok
Lombok is fly and flop destination, which Tulevski describes as “suitable for people who really want to get away from it all”. The tropical and lush island has spectacular beaches, good Indonesian food and the opportunity for diving or trekking. A 25-minute flight from Denpasar, or the choice of a one-hour or three-hour ferry from Padang Bai, the destination offers simple accommodation, along with a couple of chain hotels and luxury boutiques. This year the Lombok Elephant Park opened, claiming the title for the first conservation institution in east Indonesia. The park’s main purpose is conservation and it features over 18 animal exhibits spread across 3.5 hectares of jungle.
Flores Island
Flores is an undeveloped island in East Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia featuring spectacular land and seascapes. Tulevski recommends the island for couples seeking romance, friends seeking adventure and families seeking gentle walks, snorkelling and sailing. From Flores it is possible to hop on a traditional Indonesian sailing ship, a phinisi schooner, or a yacht to visit Komodo Islands to see the dragons.
Wonderful Indonesia is working to highlight these destinations and more to the trade with a sales mission visiting Sydney and Brisbane in early July.
“The challenge for us, promoting Indonesia and for the trade selling Indonesia to Australians is that Indonesia is so diverse — 34 different provinces and they are all quite different,” Tulevski said. “Indonesia is almost 30-odd different destinations in one.”
