Indonesian Tourist Destinations that Resemble Overseas

Stretching from Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia's abundance of tourist destinations is unparalleled. What's more, you might be surprised to find several spots that could be mistaken for popular destinations overseas. Experience vistas reminiscent of Asia, America, Europe, and even Africa, all without leaving Indonesia.

Let's set aside those artificial selfie spots with printed or miniature backdrops of international landmarks for a moment. Here are 7 Indonesian tourist destinations that look like foreign countries. The locations are in several regions and can be a reference for you when traveling with loved ones.

Recommendations for 7 Indonesian Tours that Resemble Overseas

Myanmar's Temples Mirrored in Lumbini Natural Park

Lumbini Natural Park isn't merely a reflection of Myanmar's famed Shwedagon Pagoda in architectural design; it's one of the world's tallest pagodas and serves a similar purpose as a revered Buddhist place of worship.

Nestled in Tongkoh Village on Jalan Barusjahe, Dolat Rayat District, Karo Regency, it's about a two-hour drive from the bustling city of Medan. While there's no fixed entry fee, visitors are encouraged to make a contribution to the provided donation box.

Additional Indonesian sites echoing the serene spirituality of Myanmar and Thailand include the Reclining Buddha Statue at Maha Vihara Mojopahit in Mojokerto, and the Four-Faced Buddha in Kenjeran Park, Surabaya. When visiting these sacred spaces, please remember to dress respectfully and be mindful not to disturb those in prayer.

Curug Malela, West Java's Own "Mini Niagara"

West Java, renowned for its plethora of stunning waterfalls, is home to the Curug Malela in West Bandung Regency. This terraced waterfall has earned its nickname as a "mini Niagara", an homage to the waterfall spanning the borders of the United States and Canada.

Unlike many of West Java's other waterfalls, Curug Malela distinguishes itself with a broad expanse, stretching up to 70 meters wide with a height of 60 meters.

However, please note that the road conditions leading to Curug Malela are not always ideal. To ensure a smooth journey, make sure your vehicle is in top-notch condition before heading out.

Dusun Butuh, Magelang, The "Nepal of Java"

Known as the "Nepal of Java", Dusun Butuh offers a taste of rural tranquility set against the backdrop of tiered houses and towering mountains, reminiscent of a Himalayan country scene.

Administratively located in the Kaliangkrik District, Dusun Butuh is about an hour's drive from the bustling center of Magelang Regency and two hours from Yogyakarta City.

Perched at an altitude of 1600 meters on the slopes of Mount Sumbing, the air in this quaint Nepalese-esque village is refreshingly cool. For the best view, plan your visit in the clear early morning hours when the breathtaking view is at its prime.

Brown Canyon Semarang - A Glimpse of America in Indonesia

With its dramatic limestone cliffs, Brown Canyon in Semarang draws immediate comparisons to America's iconic Grand Canyon. The key difference, however, is that while the Grand Canyon was formed naturally through water erosion, Brown Canyon is a byproduct of mining activities—a stark yet stunning beauty born from a poignant past.

Situated just an hour's drive from Simpang Lima, Semarang City's bustling hub, or 20 minutes from the Tembalang Campus of Diponegoro University, this site is easily accessible. If you find the name familiar, there is a similar destination in Demak Regency, as well as the White Canyon in Grobogan Regency and the Green Canyon in Pangandaran Regency, West Java.

Baluran National Park, An African Safari in Indonesia

With a visit to Padang Savana Bekol in Baluran National Park, you might feel like you've journeyed to the heart of Africa. If luck is on your side, you could witness herds of wild deer and Javanese bulls, perfect for memorable photo opportunities. Covering 10,000 hectares, Savana Bekol covers a third of Baluran National Park's total area.

To truly capture the essence of an African adventure, plan your visit during the dry season. As the savanna grass takes on a golden hue, you'll feel as though you've been transported to the African plains. Although the park's entrance is located in Situbondo Regency, it's conveniently closer to the city buzz in Banyuwangi Regency.

Derawan, A Slice of Maldivian Paradise in Indonesia

With breathtaking beauty above and below sea level, the Derawan Archipelago is often likened to the stunning Maldives. The pristine waters and rich biodiversity that inhabit them have launched Derawan onto the world stage.

Just imagine the excitement of waking up in an overwater cottage, similar to those in the Maldives and Bora-bora in the Pacific Ocean. A morning dip is just a step away, and you can delight in the water all day long.

The Derawan Archipelago encompasses several islands, the most renowned of which are Derawan, Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki Islands. Notably, Kakaban Island is home to a unique lake filled with stingless jellyfish, reminiscent of similar phenomena found in Palau and the Philippines.

Buntu Burake Jesus Monument, Tana Toraja, Outdoing Brazil's Iconic Christ Statue

Tana Toraja is celebrated not only for its unique funeral rituals, but also for its Jesus Blessing Statue. Towering above the landscape, this monument ranks among the world's tallest statues of Jesus, surpassing even the famed Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Standing at an impressive 45 meters high, the statue reaches an overall height of 52.5 meters when you include the steps leading up to it. Adding to its imposing stature, the Jesus Blessing Statue sits at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, making it appear even more commanding.

A trip to Tana Toraja usually starts from Makassar. The 300km journey typically takes 7-8 hours. Many travelers opt for a nighttime drive to arrive in Tana Toraja by morning. If you're unfamiliar with the road conditions, it's wise to entrust your journey to an experienced driver.

Exploring Indonesia's Tourism Similar to Overseas with TRAC Services

Beyond the seven destinations, Indonesia boasts countless other tourist spots reminiscent of foreign landscapes, many of which offer even greater charm and allure.

Explore the beauty and abundance of Indonesian tourist destinations with the car and bus rental services provided by TRAC. With an extensive network spread across major cities in Indonesia, TRAC is ready to be the solution for all transportation needs, both for business and leisure.

TRAC offers two flexible car rental services - one where you drive yourself and another that comes with a professional driver for added comfort. To ensure your safety and ease on the road, TRAC drivers are provided with defensive driving training and are committed to delivering service excellence.

When it comes to vehicle selection, TRAC leaves no room for doubt. You can choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. For instance, an MPV with a 7-person capacity is an excellent option for adventure.

If you require a larger vehicle, TRAC's bus rental service offers a wide array of options, from small buses capable of accommodating dozens of passengers to large buses that can carry up to 59 people.

For ease of booking, you can do it through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various facilities in TRAC services.

For the latest information, don't forget to follow TRAC's social media through Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter @TRACastra.

Wherever the track, just use TRAC!