For upwards of a million Australians every year, Bali is the destination of choice for a quick and easy vacation in the sun.
The Islands of the Gods is a home away from home for so many Australians, yet the Minister for Tourism wants to see more tourists adding destinations to their trips.
Indonesia is a country made up of over 17,000 islands. Home to over 1,330 indigenous groups and an incredible range of ecological regions, Bali offers so much to explore alongside a vacation.
What makes Indonesia so special as a travel destination is that domestic travel is relatively affordable.
Whether traveling by plane, boat, or overland, internal travel once in Indonesia rarely puts pressure on the travel budget.
This week, Indonesia’s minister for tourism and creative economies, Sandiaga Uno, visited Australia to talk about the future of tourism between the two nations.
In recent years, as part of a bid to promote destinations in Indonesia other than Bali, the Indonesian government has named five iconic locations as Super Priority Tourism Destinations.
Funds have been channeled into these areas to help level up tourism infrastructure and promote travel to both domestic and international tourists.
Indonesia’s five super-priority destinations are Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.
Minster Uno visited one of Australia’s largest travel agent groups, Flight Centre, to discuss how to promote both Bali and add-on destinations to Aussie holidaymakers.
He said, “Flight Centre has yet to offer tour packages to destinations in Indonesia other than Bali. Hence, we would like to encourage the travel agent to devise new tour packages with Indonesia’s five DPSP as destinations.”
He added, “Hopefully, Indonesia and Australia will further step up their cooperation to push for an even spread of foreign tourists, increase the length of their stay, and boost the spending of tourists during their visits.”
Minster Uno also spoke about the newly introduced Bali Tourism Tax, a regional levy that is only applicable to tourists visiting Bali Province.
He said, “The imposition of the levy is expected to help the government improve Balinese cultural tourism information services, build quality public facilities and infrastructure, and maintain cleanliness, order, comfort, and security on the Island of Bali.”
Wonderful Indonesia, the national tourism board, has been drawing attention to destinations Beyond Bali as a way to encourage tourists to both book in for a classic vacation on the Island of the Gods and spend a few days, or even the second week of a fortnight getaway, in another part of the country.
With such great connectivity from Bali Airport to the super-priority destinations and other incredible spots around the country, it’s actually very manageable indeed.
Beyond Bali, destinations for Australian tourists and all international tourists, in fact, to consider include Padar Island in East Nusa Tenggara.
Padar Island is part of the Komodo National Park and is as magical IRL as it appeared in natural documentaries and in travel magazines.
Tourists can travel from Bali to Lombok by ferry and then set sail to Labuan Bajo for a real intrepid adventure, or there are daily flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo for everyone’s convenience.
Raja Ampat, though not a super priority destination, is absolutely worth considering as an add-on Bali adventure.
Look for accommodation and tours that are based in Waigeo Island in Raja Ampat, the gateway to the tropical paradise.
One of the most in-demand luxury travel destinations in the world right now is Sumba Island. Part of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Sumba is a cultural wonderland and home to one of the best hotels in the world, Nihi.
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Boris
Monday 26th of February 2024
Sumba Island is the forgotten land , one of the poorest regions in Indonesia, but still an unspoiled paradise. More suited for Aussie tourists because surfing and beautiful beaches and only 50 minutes by air. There is an opportunity for the government to develop as an eco-island , higher spending destination away from mass tourism , but rarely mentioned in government promotions.
There is enough delays flying domestic without having to deal with another arrivals tax when returning to Bali. It will probably mean queueing for tourists to check or pay.
Roswita khaiyath
Sunday 25th of February 2024
Why go to bali WHEN the already Rp500.000,-/pp has to be added with another “tourism tax”???? I spoke to Indonesian tourism officials and they Said that A$50 is a small amount compared to the amount the Australian government charges for a tourist visa when Indonesians visit Australia. Visa charges should be reciprocal so governments must have discussions about it!!!!!!!
Shorty
Friday 23rd of February 2024
If he's serious, tourists using Bali as a hub to visit these other places should be exempt from the Tourist Tax on re-entry to Bali
Andrew
Friday 23rd of February 2024
Why would an Australian visit elsewhere in Indonesia and have to pay the Tourism Tax again?
Andrew
Friday 23rd of February 2024
Why would an Australian visit elsewhere in Indonesia and have to pay the Tourism Ta again?