Indonesian Cities Awarded by ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024

Tourism Awards Awards 2024, which took place in Vientiane (Laos). These awards, presented by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), recognize outstanding achievements in tourism, encouraging sustainable development and excellence in service.

In this article, we will introduce you to the Indonesian cities that received the prestigious award and tell you how they can surprise their guests.

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ASEAN Award for Sustainable Tourism (Gastronomy)

Ubud

The Sustainable Tourism Champion in the Countryside category was Ubud . It offers a vibrant culinary scene, from traditional warungs to stylish fine dining restaurants such as Aperitif Restaurant and Mozaic Gastronomic Bali .

In addition to dining options, travelers looking to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian food culture can visit cooking classes, rice fields, spice plantations and traditional markets.

To discover Indonesia not only through its rich culinary traditions, but also through its attractions, be sure to visit iconic places in and around Ubud such as:

• Monkey Forest is a sanctuary for Balinese macaques that is an important spiritual and conservation site .
• Tegallalang rice terraces offer breathtaking views , as well as an insight into traditional Balinese agriculture .
• Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) , where visitors can see traditional Balinese architecture and cultural performances .
• Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) is a location near Ubud , famous for its mysterious cave, ancient baths and fountains .
• Puri Lukisan Museum is the oldest art museum in Bali.
• Agung Rai Museum of Art is a center for visual and performing arts.
• Antonio Blanco Museum , dedicated to the works of the Spanish-Filipino artist and showcasing a combination of art and Balinese culture .
• Ubud Art Market is a lively market where you can buy traditional crafts, art and souvenirs .
• Tjampuhan Sacred Hills is a scenic trail that stretches about 2 kilometers and offers panoramic views of the lush landscapes of Ubud.

In addition, Ubud is famous for its many wellness retreats, offering ample opportunities for yoga and relaxation.

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Salatiga

The winner in the "urban" category was Salatiga - located in the province of Central Java. Here, in the village of Singkong, cassava is actively grown, widely demanded in the regional cuisines of Indonesia , in particular Javanese, Padang cuisine, as well as in the cooking of the Raja Ampat islands .

While traveling around the area, do not miss these interesting places:

• Dutch colonial era buildings including Salatiga City Hall .
• Tugu Historical Monument Jam Tamansari is a clock known as the central point of the city of Salatiga since colonial times.
• Picturesque city park Pancasila .
• Saloka Theme Park , located about 2.5 kilometers from the city. There are about 25 attractions and it is the largest holiday park in Central Java.
• Mount Merbabu National Park is a location for lovers of hiking and nature, with trails with stunning views.
• Kopeng Treetop Adventure Park is an exciting family-friendly adventure park located at the foot of Mount Merbabu . Zipline and rope park, ATVs and other entertainment are available to visitors .

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ASEAN Clean Tourism City Award

Surabaya

The second largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya , has the status of one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country. In addition to environmental initiatives, this modern metropolis with a developed economy and rich history boasts such attractions as:

• Tugu Pahlawan is a monument to the fighters for Indonesian independence.
• Submarine Monument Kapal Selam ) is a decommissioned submarine turned into a museum.
• Sepuluh Museum November , which stores weapons, photos and other exhibits telling about the rich history of the city.
• Educational and sports museums.
• Suramadu Bridge is the country's longest bridge, with a length of 5,438 meters, connecting Surabaya and Madura Island .
• Kenjeran Coastal Amusement Park Beach , which offers beautiful views of the Suramadu Bridge .
• Surabaya City Park ( Taman Suroboyo ), famous for the 25-meter statue of Suro (shark) and boyo (crocodile) - symbolic characters that give the city its name.
• Chinatown, offering an introduction to Chinese culture and national cuisine.

In addition, shopping enthusiasts can go shopping at the numerous shopping malls, which offer a wide selection of international and local brands. And travelers with children can visit the zoo, where more than 2,100 animals live, including rare species.

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Balikpapan

Balikpapan , a port city located in East Kalimantan, shared the honorary award for its commitment to cleanliness with Surabaya . Since the 19th century, this coastal community on the island of Borneo has grown from a humble fishing village to become a major economic city, becoming the financial center of Kalimantan.

Balikpapan harmoniously combines natural beauty and urban development. There are several large shopping centers for shopping lovers. And nature lovers can visit:

• Samboja Nature Reserve Lestari , home to orangutans and sun bears.
• A botanical garden with about 1,200 species of deciduous trees.
• Graha Mangrove Center Indah , which offers educational mangrove tours. Here you can rent a boat and go on a boat trip, gliding through the water between the trees, stroll along the pedestrian bridges, enjoying the sounds of nature. You may be lucky enough to meet mischievous monkeys frolicking on tree branches.
• Fans of beach holidays will appreciate the picturesque beaches of Manggar , Segara , Kemala and Melawai .

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