Top 11 Villages to Visit in Indonesia

TheIndonesia.id - Villages have become one of the focuses for the Indonesian government to develop the national tourism sector. Besides optimizing the already-mesmerizing natural landscapes, the government also continues to build and develop supporting infrastructures and facilities to make villages a more accessible and desirable tourist destination.

The country, more particularly, also relies on villages to become the backbone of national economy as they have the potential to create more jobs.

In December, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said, "These creative and touristic villages are job makers. Thus, the drivers are villagers, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and local business entrepreneurs.”

As reported by Antara here are the 10 villages across Indonesia tourists must visit this year.

Tetebatu Tourism Village, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Located at the foot of Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara, this village has a cool and pleasant atmosphere – it’s even dubbed as the Ubud version of Lombok Island.

Tourists can take a walk around the coffee, cacao, vanilla, and clove farms owned by the locals or can enjoy the view of Mount Sangkareang and Mount Rinjani. There is also a Sarang Walet (Bat Cave) waterfall that can be reached by foot in 15 minutes. The Kokok Duren waterfall is another choice.

After that, tourists can visit the Monkey Forest and watch the endemic black monkeys of Tetebatu. Eco farm tours are also offered in this tourism village, such as seeing the process of producing coffee and coconut oil.

Wae Rebo Tourism Village, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara

The village is located at an altitude of 1,000 meter and is often called a paradise above the clouds. It has seven traditional houses that have become the icons of Wae Rebo, one of which is Mbaru Niang, a cone-shaped house.

The villagers' customs and culture have blended in with the habits of Flores Island's people, but the building architecture maintains the Minangnese elements. The influence of Minang culture can be seen in the roof style of Mbaru Niang, usually called "Niang Dangka".

Bonjeruk Tourism Village, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

In Bonjeruk, tourists can explore various old buildings with European architecture that contrasts with the rural scenery. It also offers a diverse agrotourism experience, such as tasting fruits freshly picked from the garden.

Nglanggeran Tourism Village, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta

This tourism village was named by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the best tourism villages in the world in 2021. Nglanggeran can be reached from Yogyakarta within an hour's drive. The breathtaking and scenic ancient volcano already awaits there.

Visitors can spend time sightseeing and enjoy the inactive volcano Gunung Api Purba. Aside from that, there are many cultural arts to enjoy, such as Reog Nglanggeran dance and Gejog Lesung musical performance.

Lembang Nonongan Tourism Village, North Toraja, South Sulawesi

Lembang Nonongan offers quirky and competitive attractions that showcase the locals' nature-centered daily lives. To Mangrengnge 'Pare is an activity wherein people harvest rice, while To Ma’lambuk is when the harvested rice is getting mashed. Meanwhile, To Mangrengnge’ Utan is harvesting the forests' resources and To Mewai is drawing water from the river.

Visitors can appreciate a variety of woven fabrics and bead accessories. Tongkonan Nonongan, the oldest traditional house with high historical value, represents Toraja people's mythology, cultural system, and customs that prevail even until now.

Tamansari Tourism Village, Banyuwangi, East Java

In Tamansari, tourists can witness the glory of Kawah Ijen, a volcanic crater that flares glowing blue fire. Other must-visit locations are the Sendang Seruni Springs whose water flows from mountains, a pine forest, and a flower village.

This village also offers homestays in a mining area where curious guests can inspect closer what the diggers do and how they work.

Edutourism, such as dairy and honeybee farming, is also on the market. Meanwhile, local art performed in this village are Pencak Silat, jaranan, and goat racing that is held once a year.

Arborek, Raja Ampat, West Papua

The Biak tribe language "Arborek" means thorns in English. The word originated from the island that was once full of prickly shrubs. Here, visitors can engage in underwater activities, such as snorkeling and feel adventurous by exploring the marine life.

Pujon Kidul Tourism Village, Malang, East Java

Tourists can watch sunrise on Nirwana Hill, practice playing gamelan at Kampung Budaya, learn traditional dance, create batik writing, or stop by "The Roudh 78" to play paintball or ride on a motor trail.

Selasari Tourism Village, Pangandaran, West Java

Selasari is located in Parigi subdistrict, and it offers destinations, such as the Sutra Reregan Cave, Lanang Cave that functions as a river outbound, and Pepedan Hill for enjoying sunsets and sunrises.

Cisande Tourism Village, Sukabumi, West Java

Cisande Village is ideal for adventure-seeking tourists and nature lovers, as it offers river tubing, hill trekking, flying fox, camping on paddy fields, and gardening activities.

Penglipuran, Bali

Situated in Bali, this tourism village was once awarded for being the cleanest village in the world. This village has a 45-hectare bamboo forest area that serves as a maintained water catchment for the sake of preserving nature. Religious rites can be witnessed along with enjoying the local dishes, such loloh cemcem and tipat cantok. The Penglipuran Village Festival is held every December.