There are only a few months left to 2017, believe it or not, but one thing's for sure: you deserve a sweet vacation to cap off this wonderful, roller-coaster ride of the year. There's no need to travel all the way out to Europe, or the Americas for breathtaking natural landscapes, and intricate architecture steeped in history.
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Don't believe us? Just look at these 6 incredible places in Indonesia!
1. Belitung Island
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The peaceful island of Belitung is about 2.5 times the size of Singapore, but has a total population of only 300,000. Don't expect to find any malls here as this island is as sleepy as it gets!
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If you were thinking of traveling all the way to Maldives to frolic in pristine white sand and blue waters, cancel those plans and visit the quieter, less touristy Belitung instead ?
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Best time to visit: April to October
Location: Bangka-Belitung, Indonesia
2. Sulawesi, East Borneo
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Yet another untouched destination is Sulawesi, which interestingly, looks like the letter "K" on the map! The 11th largest island in the world, Sulawesi is the perfect "off the beaten track" island ?
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There is so much more you can do here than some of the other destinations - you can scuba dive, trek through the jungles, and explore volcanoes!
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Serious scuba divers head straight to Sulawesi for the rich marine life within the Celebes Sea, and even non-divers will enjoy its crisp, sparkling waters. If you're stressed out, literally keep yourself afloat on the turquoise water!
Best time to visit: June to October
Location: Sulawesi, Indonesia
3. Ambon, Maluku Islands
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Ambon is an unspoiled island and totally a hidden gem! It is a city rich in history, and was a busy port that traded with European seafarers back in the 16th and 17th centuries due to its amazing variety of spices?
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Ambon is still undiscovered by tourists, so the island looks just like a postcard and its jewel waters are rife with snorkeling opportunities!
Best time to visit: October to March
Location: Maluku, Indonesia
4. Borobudur, Central Java
No list on Indonesia's incredible views would be complete without a mention of Borobudur! This temple dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries, and is easily accessible from Yogyakarta.
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As with many good things, some sacrifices have to be made. In order to catch the magnificent sunrise that is synonymous with Borobudur's views, you'll have to wake up early and purchase a sunrise ticket which lets you visit the temple as early as 4.30AM? But even if the sunrise is a no show that day, you'll have the whole sanctuary to yourself!
Ticket price: IDR 450,000 (USD 33.80)
Best time to visit: April to October
Location: Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
5. Raja Ampat Islands
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The humongous Raja Ampat is home to more than 1,500 little islands and sits in the Coral Triangle, which reaches from the Philippines to Timor to Papua New Guinea. Over 1,200 fish species happily live here, so life at Raja Ampat must go really swimmingly! "Raja Ampat" means "four kings", and refers to its four deserving main islands that are so grand, they really could be kings in a hierarchy of islands.
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The view looks just as (or even more amazing) under that gorgeous blue water ☺️
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P.S.Still not convinced? Perhaps you will be after reading these 9 Reasons Why The Beauty Of Raja Ampat Will Mesmerize You!
Best time to visit: October to April
Location: Raja Ampat Regency, Indonesia
6. Dieng Plateau, Central Java
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Potato and tobacco fields fence the breathtaking Dieng Plateau, which is perched 2,000 metres above sea level! Visit the volcanically active plateau during the wee hours of the morning to catch the glowing sunset, and you'll realise this plain isn't plain at all!
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The area can be covered in a day, and you'll be able to explore its 8th and 9th century architecture and natural highlights by foot!
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Best time to visit: May to October
Location: Bakal, Batur, Banjarnegara, Central Java, Indonesia
Indonesia is blessed with many natural wonders and a rich history in its land, we're sure that no matter which of these 6 destinations you choose for your getaway this year-end, you'll find it hard to leave ? And seeing as there's only so long before flights and accommodations get booked up- just close your eyes and pick out your year-end vacay destination already!! ?