Visiting Europe and enjoying the beauty that the continent has to offer must be on almost everyone's bucket list. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to travel there and we all might just end up admiring those fantastic landmarks through the silver screens. While waiting to for the day that you’ll be able to pursue that dream, we will gladly present you with the next best thing.
Credit: Giphy
Yes, you don't have to visit Europe to enjoy these views as our neighboring country, Indonesia, would be delighted to host your visit and ensure that you will feel as if you are in Europe while you are there!
1. Kota Tua (Jakarta)
Upon entering Kota Tua for the first time, its nostalgia charm and rich history will take your breath away. Previously called Oud Batavia, it is the first walled settlement of the Dutch in Jakarta area and it was an inner walled city with its own castle.
Credit: Hans Hansson on Flickr
This area really breathes the old European architecture and it is a home to five museums that will surely enhance your knowledge. The five museums are: Museum Fatahillah, Museum Wayang (Puppets), Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik (Fine Art and Ceramic), Museum Bank Indonesia and Museum Bank Mandiri. There is also a Dutch-themed café located in this area and it is called Batavia. The design really resembles the romanticism of the cafes that Netherlands has to offer.
Credit: Cafe Batavia on Facebook
Address: Jalan Lada, Pinangsia, Tamansari, RT.7/RW.7, Pinangsia, RT.7/RW.7, Pinangsia, Tamansari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
2. Telaga Warna, Dataran Tinggi Dieng (Wonosobo)
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks located in Croatia and it is famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. This nature beauty has been on the bucket lists of nature lovers around the world and we surely understand why. But you don't have to go all the way to Croatia to enjoy this beauty. Meet Indonesia’s version of it instead!
Credit: Trian Wida Charisma on Flickr
Introducing Telaga Warna, Dataran Tinggi Dieng that is located in Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia! The coloration of the water of the lakes is superbly stunning and the view surrounding it is enchantingly beautiful. You’ll feel completely relaxed and at ease while staring out at the open waters.
#HHWT Tip: This place is quite near Yogyakarta and it will be a good addition if you plan to visit Yogyakarta sometime in the future.
Credit: @aryadanurendro on Instagram
Address: Dieng, Kejajar, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java 56354, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
Phone: +62 822-2307-8208
3. Kampoeng Tulip (Bandung)
You might not have to go to the Netherlands after all to see beautiful tulips! Yup, Bandung has a similar tourist attraction that will satisfy your demand and you surely will not be disappointed. You only need to pay around 5000 IDR (Monday to Friday) or 7500 IDR (Weekends) and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of Kampoeng Tulip.
Credit: @kampoeng_tulip on Instagram
From a single selfie moment to a pre-wedding photoshoot, this place is surely a good location to satisfy your photography desire. Feel the gentle Bandung breeze caressing your face while you wander around snapping pictures of the gorgeous and vibrant places at Kampoeng Tulip. There are small ponds surrounding the area and you are allowed to feed the fish. Fish feed is sold at the entrance and if you have kids with you, surely they will be excited about it. Surely a family-friendly place that you would enjoy.
Credit: @shandy_yulia_permana on Instagram
Address: Komplek Banyu Biru Blok H No. 17, Ciwastra, Mekarjaya, Rancasari, Mekarjaya, Rancasari, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40292, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 9AM–5PM
Phone: +62 857-9724-7530
4. Pantai Semeti (Lombok)
The Giant's Causeway, located in Ireland, is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The formation of the rocks is stunningand it is surely a wonderful experience to witness such nature beauty. Well, you don't have to go to Ireland to witnesssuch wonders as Lombok’s own version of the Giant’s Causeway,Pantai Semeti (Semeti Beach) will do just fine!
Credit: @fullmoonoutdoors on Instagram
Yes, it would be so refreshing to get yourself bathed in the water of Pantai Semeti and enjoy the formation of the rocks here. The view around here is obviously glorious and the scenery is quite magnificent. Sitting down by the beach and waiting for the sunset would also be a remarkable experience that you don't want to miss while you are here. Apart from that, Lombok also has countless beaches that you may want to visit!
Credit: @britta_s92 on Instagram
Address: Jalan Pantai Mawi, Selong Belanak, Praya Barat, Selong Belanak, Praya Bar., Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83572, Indonesia
5. Ruteng (Nusa Tenggara Timur)
Located in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Ruteng really resembles the atmosphere of ancient Europe. It is a home to so many ancient buildings and old churches. The design and the architecture of the landmarks in Ruteng will make you feel as if you are in Prague, Czech. The temperature here is also so cool and relaxing (between 13 - 25 C) and it enhances your breathtaking experience here.
Credit: @marleenmars on Instagram
If you are an avid hiker, Gunung Ranaka (Ranaka Mountain) is definitely a spot to visit as it is only 15 minutes away from Ruteng. This Alpen-like nature beauty will surely take your breath away. And Cunca Lega waterfalls are definitely an attraction that you also don't want to miss as it is only 40 km away from the city center. Ruteng is a great place to immerse yourself in ancient history and nature beauty at the same time.
6. Little Venice, Kota Bunga (Cianjur)
Little Venice is a place where you can have a taste of Italy in Indonesia. Located inside the extravagant villa complex called Kota Bunga, this place offers so many beautiful things such as refreshing temperature, the view of tea plantations that looks like a green earth carpet, Venice-inspired buildings and a canal full of romantically designed boats.
Credit: Ikung Adiwar on Facebook
The entrance fee costs you only 25,000 rupiahs (around RM 8). Isn't it cheap for such beautiful place? Renting Gondola Boat with the capacity of 4 persons or Mississippi boat with the capacity of 20 persons will cost you 15,000 rupiahs (around RM 5) per person. This place is also a good spot for a pre-wedding photoshoot!
Credit: @igaarminiati on Instagram
Address: Batulawang, Cipanas, Cianjur Regency, West Java 43253, Indonesia
Hours: 9AM–4:30PM
Phone: +62 263 580511
7. Farmhouse Susu Lembang (Bandung)
Would you like to put your padlock of love (with your loved one) as if you are in Pont des Arts, France? And surrounding yourself in a flower garden as if you are in the Netherlands? Or simply dressing up like one of those Dutch ladies? Well, Farmhouse in Lembang, Bandung can grant those three wishes at the same time. The breathtaking view, awesomely chilling temperature, lovely gardens and European atmosphere, you can have all of them at this theme park.
Credit: Eksotis Indonesia on Facebook
The entrance ticket is only 20,000 rupiahs and it gives you a choice of getting a warm cup of milk or a delicious grilled sausage to enjoy. The milk and sausages here are freshly produced and they are so tasty. Being a kid-friendly destination, this place also offers some animals to interacts with the kids such as iguanas, rabbits, goats, swans, birds and many more.
Credit: Bandung Amanah Tour and Transport on Facebook
Address: Jl. Raya Lembang No.108, Gudangkahuripan, Lembang, Gudangkahuripan, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia
Hours: 9AM–8PM
Phone: +62 22 82782400
8. Kota Mini, Lembang (Bandung)
Having seen so many European themed attractions located in Bandung, it is no surprise that Bandung is also dubbed as Paris van Java (Paris in Java). And yes, we still have another European themed park located in Bandung. This time around, we will bring you to Kota Mini, a house to many European themed miniatures that will give you so many Instagram worthy pictures.
Credit: Yuk Liburan Hemat on Facebook
These buildings are more than just an accessory as they are actually utilized as a cafe, a culinary school or a restaurant. Also deemed as a kid-friendly attraction, this place also offers educational attractions for the kids as they can pretend to be a policeman, fireman, doctor and some other careers too. Entry ticket is 15,000 rupiahs (around RM 5) and 150,000 rupiahs (around RM 50) allows you to enjoy all the attractions inside.
Credit: Uhkhty Ukhty on Facebook
Address: Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Hours: Open today · 9AM–8PM
Province: West Java
So, we have provided you with the information on how to feel the European sensation in the most cost effective way. Did we miss any other attraction in Indonesia that resembles Europe? Let us know in the comment section below!