Indonesia’s new president, Joko Widodo, shares his Indonesian travel bucket list.

Between meeting world leaders and selecting cabinet ministers, new Indonesian President Joko Widodo has also issued via international media a welcome message to foreign tourists:

Joko Widodo: Please Come to Indonesia

In the message, he lists five destinations he would like travellers to consider visiting, other than Bali:

1. Raja Ampat, 2. Bunaken, 3. Yogyakarta & Solo, 4. Bukittinggi, 5. Aceh

Below are some facts, hints and tips for travelling interested in visiting one of these locations.

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1. RAJA AMPAT

What is it: Group of islands offering exceptional diving and snorkelling nearby Where is it: West Papua province, near Papua New Guinea Nearest airport: Sorong How to go there: Flight from Jakarta or Bali, then boat to Wasai Don’t forget: 1) To bring cash for the park entry fee (few ATMs) 2) If bringing dive gear, some airlines charge more than others

Sorong Weather

Sorong Hotels

Would you like to visit Raja Ampat? Please send an enquiry.

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2. BUNAKEN

What is it: Marine national park with more world-class diving Where is it: North Sulawesi province, near the Philippines Nearest airport: Manado How to go there: Flight from Jakarta or Bali, then boat Don’t forget: 1) To time your flight’s arrival/departure with the boat schedule, or stay one night at a hotel in Manado 2) Boats to/from Bunaken don’t operate in inclement weather/high seas, check the weather forecast

Manado Weather

Manado Hotels

Would you like to visit Bunaken? Please send an enquiry.

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3. YOGYAKARTA & SOLO

What is it: Centre of Javanese culture, with two world famous temples Where is it: Central Java Nearest airport: Yogyakarta How to go there: Plane – Jakarta or Bali, Train – Jakarta or Surabaya Don’t forget: 1) Many tours don’t include the large entry fees for Borobodur and Prambanan temples 2) Borobudur is far (42km) from Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Weather

Yogyakarta Hotels

Solo Weather

Solo Hotels

Would you like to visit Yogyakarta & Solo? Please send an enquiry.

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4. BUKITTINGGI

What is it: A hillside town with cooler climate, amazing scenery and many traditional villages nearby, there are several choies for the more active (and less active) Where is it: West Sumatra Nearest airport: Padang How to go there: Plane – Jakarta or Medan, then two hours by bus Don’t forget: 1) To check the status of nearby volcanoes Mt Marapi and Mt Singgalang before starting a trek/climb 2) Lake Maninjau is a giant thermal spring, visitors can swim there any time because the water is always warm 3) It is more traditional, so dress appropriately

Bukittinggi Weather

Bukittinggi Hotels

Would you like to visit Bukittinggi? Please send an enquiry.

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5. ACEH

What is it: Indonesia’s western-most province, known for the best coffee, trekking to visit wild orangutans and diving Nearest airport: Banda Aceh, Ketambe, Medan How to go there: Plane – Jakarta or Medan Don’t forget: 1) After the tsunami, Pulau Weh contains unique coral formations 2) It is more traditional and there is e.g. no alcohol, so dress and act appropriately

Banda Aceh Weather

Banda Aceh Hotels

Would you like to visit Aceh? Please send an enquiry.

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It is not known how new Tourism Minister, Dr Arief Yahya (right), plans to use Joko Widodo’s travel advice.

Perhaps the Minister could leverage the President’s popular appeal outside Indonesia – where he is famous as a fan of heavy metal music – to increase visitor numbers outside Bali or Indonesia’s appeal to younger travellers.