Indonesia Wins Asia’s Leading Adventure Destination at the WTA

Indonesia was recently named Asia’s Leading Adventure Destination at the World Travel Awards 2024, held in Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

This year, Indonesia managed to beat seven other countries that were nominated for the Leading Adventure Tourism Destination in Asia, which was organized by World Travel, including China, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand.

It’s no surprise that Indonesia holds the title of the best adventure tourism destination. With its geographical location, Indonesia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an incredible wealth of nature that is sure to inspire awe.

Indonesia’s adventure destinations, from its majestic active volcanoes to lush tropical forests and beautiful coral reefs in the ocean, offer a unique and diverse range of experiences for adventure travellers.

Each adventure attraction in Indonesia offers a unique experience, from trekking in the mountains like Rinjani to white water rafting in the swift rivers of Borneo. Komodo Island even offers a rare experience with conservation tourism, where tourists can see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Meanwhile, Bali Island was named Asia’s Most Romantic Destination in the 2024 World Travel Awards held in Manila, Philippines, on September 3, 2024. Bali beat two other nominees, Koh Samui, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

According to the official World Travel Awards website, Bali has consecutively won this award since 2019. This is the sixth award in the same category.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) itself was founded in 1993 to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is globally recognized as a hallmark of industry excellence.

This prestigious awards event is held annually. The World Travel Awards Gala is considered a key event in the travel calendar, attended by key decision-makers, figures, influencers, and media in the travel industry.

Recommended 5 Best Adventure Destinations in Indonesia

Stretching from Aceh to Papua, there are tons of natural adventure travel recommendations that offer different experiences. If you are an expat in Indonesia and love adventure, try visiting these five places.

1. Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen), East Java

One of the most favoured adventure tourism locations, Ijen Crater in East Java, offers a completely different experience from other hikes. The peak itself is located at 2,386 meters above sea level and is famous for its beautiful landscape.

In addition, one of the most distinctive things about Kawah Ijen is the blue flame of the crater. Combined with the sunrise view, what you get in this area is truly one of a kind.

2. Bukit Lawang

In the west of Indonesia, specifically Bahorok District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province, there is a hill in Mount Lesuser National Park. This is Bukit Lawang, with a cool and beautiful atmosphere.

Surrounding the hill is a forest that can be explored. Bukit Lawang is a protected orangutan conservation site, namely the Sumatran Orangutan species, which is one of two types of orangutans that can only be found in North Sumatra.

3. Plengkung Beach, East Java

The next adventure travel destination turns to surfing spots in Indonesia. One of the world’s most popular surfing spots is Plengkung Beach, also known as G-Land.

It is very normal if surfers from various countries in the world are willing to come here. The reason is that the waves at Plengkung Beach are arguably one of the best waves that can be obtained to enjoy surfing.

4. Jomblang Cave, Yogyakarta

Jomblang Cave is an exciting destination that offers fantastic natural views inside the cave using a rappel rope. However, due to safety considerations, tours are limited to a set time.

5. Mount Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara

Another mountain included in Bob’s list of the best adventure tourism destinations is Mount Rinjani. At 3,726 meters above sea level, this mountain is said to be the best trekking destination in Southeast Asia.

This is not surprising; most foreign tourists visiting Bali usually also visit Mount Rinjani. Not only is it suitable for adventure, but the place also offers natural scenery that spoils the eyes.

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more News recommendations in Indonesia: