Where is the future for tourism in Indonesia? If you immediately think ‘Bali’, you might want to think again. Due to the impacts of overtourism, Bali could lose its appeal in the coming decade. 

Fodor’s Travel recently listed Bali as a no go for 2020. Fodor’s annual ‘no go’ list discourages travel to 13 destinations due to ethical, environmental, or social concerns. Bali joins Barcelona, Angkor Wat, and Big Sur on the list. 

Why is Bali a no go? 

Fodor’s Travel reckons tourists should give Bali a miss in 2020 so the island can recover from the pressures of mass tourism. 

Bali doesn’t have the infrastructure to cope with the sheer number of tourists. Over-tourism has had a major impact on the tiny island’s ecosystem. In 2017, so much plastic washed up on the beaches that Bali announced a ‘garbage emergency’. Single-use plastic was subsequently banned island-wide. 

There have since been murmurs of introducing measures to restrict tourism in Bali. Among these measures are a possible tourist tax and a list of behavioural guidelines. 

Bali is an incredibly popular destination. But its popularity has become a thorn in its side. Given 4% of Indonesia’s economy is derived from tourism, and much of that is from Bali, it begs the question: If not Bali, where else are tourists going to go in Indonesia? 

Indonesia’s top new destinations 

The Indonesian government is working to build the necessary infrastructure to encourage tourism in ten new underdiscovered regions from North Sumatra to South Sulawesi. 

At the moment, there are three priority locations. For those interested in hiking and volcanoes, Lake Toba in North Sumatra is set to be a new hot spot. Tourists who want a more cultural experience will flock to Borobudur where they can find an expansive Buddhist temple complex akin to Angkor Wat. 

The government’s efforts are starting to catch on. Some lesser-known destinations have recently made it onto must-visit lists across the Internet. 

As well as a ‘no go’ list, Fodor’s Travel publishes a hot spots list each year. This year, Raja Ampat made their must-visit list. 50km off the coast of West Papua, Raja Ampat is a mecca for marine diversity. It’s set to be a hit for tourists who want to go diving, snorkelling or boating. 

Luxurious Lombok

As Bali falls out of favor, tourists who want the luxurious Bali experience will start to look elsewhere in Indonesia. That’s why the government’s third focus destination is Lombok. 

The Indonesian government is investing big dollars into tourist development on the south side of the island including improved airport infrastructure and preparations for the Moto GP.  

Lombok has already been listed on Planetware’s 15 top-rated tourist attractions in Indonesia. It was also mentioned on The Telegraph’s 15 Reasons to Visit Indonesia list.

Lombok is often described as Bali 30 years ago. However, that does the island’s unique features a disservice. 

Empty roads weave through its beautiful mountainous interior. It’s encircled by paradisaical beaches lined with 5-star eco-resorts. Its secluded coves are perfect for surfing. The Gili Island’s captivating coral reefs are just a short boat ride away. 

Now connected to the rest of the Asia-Pacific with direct flights to a number of cities including Perth, Lombok is ripe for exploration. 

What’s more, the local people of Lombok are enthusiastic to open their island to tourism. Despite the earthquake in 2018, the island has recovered and it’s ready to become Indonesia’s new tourism hot spot. 

For tourists that want to experience authentic Indonesia without the hustle and bustle of Bali, Lombok could be the next big hit. 

Reach Markets have been engaged by LPG to assist with private investor management. Lombok Property Group has recently launched a brand new website detailing development updates and more information for its unique SIWA Cliffs project. You can see more at https://www.siwacliffs.com/

Sources:

• Fodors.com: Fodor’s No List 2020
• Fodors.com: Top places to go in Asia in 2020.
• Telegraph.co.uk: 15 reasons why Indonesia should be your next holiday destination
• Planetware: 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Indonesia