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Things To Do
Discover Indonesia: The 10 Best Things To Do In Padang

Indonesia is a corner of paradise on earth, with stunning landscapes and magical places. If you're visiting Padang, you have to be ready for breathtaking views and relaxing beaches. Swimming in the clear waters, hiking and learning about a new culture are some of the many activities you can do here. We've made a list for you, with the best things to do in Padang, Indonesia. Take a look!
Things To Do
10 Places That Will Make You Fall In Love With Pekanbaru, Indonesia

The capital of Riau province, on the island of Sumatra, Pekanbaru rests on the banks of the Siak River. Pekanbaru was named the Adipura or “cleanest city” in 2011 for the seventh consecutive time. Up till today, Pekanbaru remains a beautiful and clean city. Pekanbaru is also a populous city, being an attractive stop for the citizens who are used to migration or “merantau” as they say in Bahasa Indonesia. Today, Pekanbaru is a highly urbanized city that sees a lot of activity. The city also houses citizens of many religions and each of these religions is represented by a place of worship with exquisite architecture. Here are the best things to do in Pekanbaru!
Things To Do
Top 10 Things To Do In Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Forget about Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok, and the capital city Jakarta when it comes to enjoying a vacation in Indonesia. Considered one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of land area, Indonesia is made up of provinces and cities. If it's your first time going to the Emerald of the Equator, why don't you explore Riau province for a memorable vacation? Although its most popular destination is Bintan Island, make sure to also stop and see its capital city Pekanbaru. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed in this dynamic city, from admiring mosques to visiting parks and museums. Check out our list of the top 10 things to do in Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
Things To Do
10 Things To Do In Palembang, Indonesia: Remnants Of An Ancient World

Once called the "Venice of the East" by the Dutch, Palembang is the capital of South Sumatra and one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia. It is also known as Kota Pempek (Pempek City) for its local delicacy, pempek (fishcake with sago or tapioca pearls). This port city lies on both banks of the Musi River, spanned by one of the longest bridges in Indonesia - the Jembatan Ampera (Ampera Bridge). Most of the 120 canals which have made the city comparable to Venice are now replaced by roads, but that doesn't make it any less charming. Palembang's existence can be traced as far back as the 7th-century. According to a 683 AD inscription, it was the first capital of the highly influential Srivijayan Empire. The city has always been an economic center, especially during the colonial period with the presence of oil refineries. As of 2015, the city has around 1 million residents. Although the population is predominantly Malay, Palembang is a culturally diverse city with influences from other countries evident in its people, history, and architecture. Today, this cosmopolitan quality lives on with the 2018 Asian Games to be held here and in Jakarta. The Festival of Srivijaya, which will be held from August 16 to 20 this year, will also allow visitors to witness a grand spectacle celebrating the foundation of Palembang. Read on to find out about the best things to do in Palembang, Indonesia.
Historical Places
Annai Velangkanni, Medan: One Of The Most Unique Churches In The World

When you see a church anywhere else in the world, normally it is a building with a typical Christian cross attached somewhere on top of the building. Rarely do you find components of another religion on its architecture. However, that's what you’d find in the church named Graha St. Maria Annai Velangkanni in the Indonesian city of Medan (North Sumatra province). In fact, it doesn't look like a church at all!
Things To Do
10 Best Things To Do In Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Located on the west side of Indonesia, Banda Aceh is a majestic city with its own character. It is also called, 'Serambi Mekkah', or 'the port to Mecca', from the olden days when people who wanted to go to pilgrimage had to make a stop first in Banda Aceh before continuing their journey to the Holy Land. Back in 2004, this city had a horrible event happened that turned their world upside down. A major earthquake and a tsunami hit Banda Aceh and caused the death of more than 170,000. However, the people of Banda Aceh kept striving to get their home back to how it was - beautiful, friendly, and ready to welcome guests from all over the world. So, keep reading to find out about the best things to do in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
Food To Try
11 Best Foods You Can't Miss Out On In Aceh, Indonesia

Aceh, a special region in the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra island, is typically recognised for the following: tsunamis, sharia law, mosques, the incredible diving at Weh island and Gayo coffee. However, you might not realise that , this gem of a region is also home to a wide array of rich-flavored and lip-smacking culinary delights. Once you step in Aceh, don’t forget to try these 11 incredible local foods and enjoy the blend of savory, spicy, and sweet tastes in your mouth.
Food To Try
10 Best Foods In Padang, Indonesia: Great Dishes You Need To Try

People might wonder why Padang food is so fabulously delicious and even top-ranked in the world. The answer is simply due to their multitude of fresh herbs and aromatic spices used when cooking -- not to mention the lengthy cooking process, creating distinctive, yet tempting flavors. Most of the typical dishes in Padang can easily be found in "warungs", or small, family-owned restaurants, across the city. Here are the top 10 Padang delicacies you shouldn't miss:
Food To Try
10 Best Palembang Dishes That Will Leave You Wanting More

Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, doesn't only come with cultural attractions and historic buildings, its incredible foods always draw people's attention. The host of the monumental Ampera Bridge offers a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and indigenous tastes and there are so many interesting and tasty dishes to sample if you're in the area. If this piques your curiosity, you better learn more about what type of delights await your taste buds. Here are the 10 best Palembang dishes you need to discover during your trip!
Food To Try
Top 5 Local Specialities You Must Eat When In Medan, Indonesia

Food is a never-ending topic. Why is that? Every time you go to an area with a different culture from yours, you will always find they cook differently. When you happen to be in the city of Medan, surely you will find that food specialties here are different from the ones you can find in other parts of Indonesia. Keep reading to find out more about Medan’s delicacies.
Things To Do
9 Best Things To Do On Belitung Island, Indonesia

Bali and Lombok are not the only towns in Indonesia that consist of the greatest white sand beaches. Just a one-hour flight from Batam is the equally marvelous Belitung Island. What makes the tiny island special is that most of its beaches are secluded, giving you your well-deserved tranquil moments. You can go for a relaxing swim, explore the underwater world, or just marvel at the sight of the granite rocks. There’s also a place where you can learn more about the local history and literature through colorful exhibits. This list promises to make your vacation a truly memorable one. Come to Belitung Island and check out these 9 best attractions.
Things To Do
Top 15 Things To Do In Medan, Indonesia

Nesting in the majestic province of North Sumatra in Indonesia, Medan is a beautiful city with a vibrant culture, rich heritage, and fascinating traditions. It is a bustling metropolis with skyscraping buildings and modern attractions. Two of the most popular landmarks you will find in the heart of the city are the octagonal Great Mosque of Medan and the stunning Mainum Palace. While in the city, you should check out the iconic Hakka merchant's house called Tjong A Fie Mansion. Also, you might want to see the breathtaking 19th-century Masjid Raya Al-Mashun and take lots of souvenir pictures of it. You can not end your Medan adventure without visiting the enchanting Graha Maria Annai Velankanni. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Medan, Indonesia. Feel free to browse below.
Food To Try
Enjoy Authentic Sumatran Cuisine: 10 Best Batak Dishes

Batak refers to an ethnic group inhabiting the region of North Sumatra. Besides their unique traditions, culture, and houses, the tribe boasts a wide variety of food that includes preserved foods using local spices, such as andaliman (Batak pepper), honje flower, asam cikala (a pineapple-like fruit), and lokio (Batak onion). Moreover, freshwater fish, chicken, and even blood and dog meat are sometimes used. Here are some of the great Batak dishes you should try whilst enjoying the panoramic view of Lake Toba.
National Parks
Up Close & Personal Activities With Elephants At Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

Lampung is a province located in the southern Sumatra island of Indonesia. It provides travelers with various intriguing and low cost attractions, one of which is Way Kambas National Park. Covering 1,300 sqm land area, this is the center for elephant training in Indonesia. There are around 100 Sumatran elephants living in the park. Half of them have been tamed for entertainment purposes and live together in a monitored area (the other half live freely in Way Kanan animal sanctuary, a part of the national park). These elephants have been tamed and they are trained to work in circuses. Whenever needed, these elephants are sent to different circuses all over Indonesia (they are rented by circus coordinators). So this place is where Indonesian circus elephants are from. What can you do in here?
Things To Do
An Island Of Adventure: Best Things To Do In Samosir Island, Indonesia

Beneath the sound of the traditional Tor Tor dance music and the smell of delicious food with Andaliman spices, lies Samosir Island, in the heart of Lake Toba and the home of the Batak Tribe. Beautiful Samosir Island is a large volcanic island in the middle of Lake Toba, in north Sumatra, Indonesia and is the fifth largest lake island in the world and almost the same size as Singapore. There are several ways to reach Samosir Island from Medan, the capital city of north Sumatra. You can hop on the tourist bus from Medan to Parapat and take the ferry to reach to Samosir Island, or you can take a domestic flight by Susi Air from Medan to Silangit, hop on the bus to Parapat and take the ferry. If you have a bit of extra room in your budget and depending on weather and season, you can rent a car and travel by land through the Karo district. During your road trip to Samosir, you will be granted with a breathtaking view of Lake Toba and Samosir Island as you approach. Samosir Island is not only one of the culturally rich regions of Indonesia that still preserves its traditional rituals, but it also preserves its natural scenery, which makes it a great alternative adventure holiday, in Indonesia.

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