9 Destinations Along The Asian Para Games 2018 Torch Relay Route to Visit!

The athletes will compete in 18 sports competitions from 8 October until 16 October,  which will be held at 19 sports venues across the nation’s capital, Jakarta.
However, the torch relay for the Games has already begun since 5 September 2018. During its 30-days journey, the torch will pass through several wonderful places in the nine cities across Indonesia while also promoting the para games to the Indonesian people to ensure the continued support for the sports in the para games.

The 3rd Asian Para Games also marks the first time for Indonesia to host such an event. If you do not want to miss your opportunity to witness the historical moment of the torch relay, here is some information about the beautiful destinations that you can visit the relay. if you have missed the relay, you can still visit these amazing places anytime!

1 | Grobokan, Mrapen

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The relay started at Mrapen in Grobogan Regency, Central Java on 5 September. A popular tourist destination, Mrapen famous for its hundred years of Eternal Flame, which was created from a natural geological activity.

Although the exact ignition of the Eternal Flame was still a mystery, the Flame has been known by the indigenous Javanese community since the 15th century.
The flame is considered sacred in Javanese culture. For years the flame was brought from Mrapen to Mendut and Borobudur temple by the Buddhist community to celebrate the Enlightenment or annual Waisak day. Right next to the Flame spot you can soak in the natural hot spring tub, called Kolam Sendang Dudo to have a moment of relaxation.

2 | Solo City Hall

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The torch was also carried to the Solo City Hall on 5 September, which it stayed for four days before it heads out to its next destination. The City Hall could be a very interesting place to visit as you would be able to visit an old bunker which was built by the Dutch during the colonial era.

The mysterious 16 x 24 meters bunker was found hidden underground inside the City Hall complex in 2012 and renovated in 2017. In January it was finally opened for public and since the admission is free, it won’t cost you anything! So, what are you waiting for?

3 | Ternate, Kedaton Kesultanan-Gelora Kie Raha

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On 9 September, the torch passed through Ternate city, which it was placed at the Gelora Kie Raha field inside the Kesultanan palace complex
Ternate city, located on Ternate Island in North Maluku, is home to numerous forts and historical buildings erected by different European empires and the local tribes.

The Kesultanan Palace existed since 1813, making it as one of the oldest palaces in Indonesia. Within the palace, you will be welcomed by sacred, almost mystical nuance when you entered the hundred-year-old palace. Two tiger statues were put in front of the gate, adding a more mysterious vibe to the place.

The Palace which also becomes a museum nowadays allow visitors to roam the rooms to see the historical arts and belongings from the ancestors.
If you have more times, after visiting the island you could also swim at the beautiful beaches around the island.

4 | Makassar, Balaikota Walikota-Lapangan Hassanudin

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On 12 September, the torch returns to the west and placed in Makassar, South Sulawesi, which it will remain there until 18 September.
The relay in Makassar was a festive carnival! The torch was carried in a parade from the Hassanudin field to the Karebosi park. The Karebosi park is the most popular landscape in Makassar after the Losari beach.

Karebosi is a public place built in 1957 and whilst visiting Karebosi, you must not miss the opportunity to taste the famous Sop Konro Karebosi, Makassar’s most popular dish: a bowl of hot soup which contains meat with peanut sauce, black pepper, and traditional spices, and the roast version called. Konro Bakar.

You can taste the good dish in the iconic restaurant called Rumah Makan Konro Karebosi at Jalan Gunung Lompobattang 41-43 Makassar.

5 | Bali, Kantor Gubernur Bali-Lapangan Puputan Renon

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The fourth stop for the torch relay was Bali and the torch will stay in the paradise island until 19 September.
The parade would pass through some iconic spots on the island, starting from the Governor house, to the Sanur beach, the Bajra Sandhi monument, Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Nusa Dua and ends at Renon Square.

Sanur area has been known for its quiet and calming vibe, far from the downtown hustle bustle. You will be pampered with the natural sounds and scenery while relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches.

Visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which has been named as the second tallest statue in the world after the Spring Temple Buddha in China, would be a jaw-dropping experience. Stood at 121 m tall, the statue was built since 1997 and just finished its completion in August.

Finally, the Bajra Sandhi Monument, which is the main landmark in Denpasar located across the Bali Governor’s office. The grand structure monument is dioramas of the struggles of the Balinese throughout the years.  Sitting on the second floor of the monument, you could meditate while looking at the panoramic view of Denpasar.

6 | Pontianak, Kantor Walikota Pontianak – Perbasi Park

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From 19 September until 23 September the torch relay will start in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The torch will be brought from the Mayor office to the Perbasi Sports Complex.
Pontianak is the only city in the world that sits right on the Equator, therefore one thing that you must visit while you are in the city was the Equatorial Monument, which located only around four kilometers from Perbasi sports complex. 

If you are a coffee lover, the city is the place to be due to its coffee traditions! You could also stroll around Jl. Gajah Mada to find many traditional or modern coffee shops that offer delicious coffee.

7 | Medan, Kantor Walikota Medan – Merdeka Square

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The torch will finally visit the Sumatera island by landing on Medan, North Sumatera on 23 September. It will be brought from the Mayor office to the Merdeka square.
Merdeka Square, which was built in 1872 is the main landmark in Medan.

The square was surrounded by many historical spots such as the first Post Office in Medan and Hotel Mijn de Boer, popularly called as Hotel de Boer, a Dutch colonial style hotel built in 1898 by Dutch businessman Aeint Herman de Boer, located at Jalan Balai Kota.
If you are hungry, you could walk to the eastern part of the park, at the Merdeka Walk square. There you could find local cuisines in the indoor and outdoor restaurants.

8 | Pangkal Pinang 

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On 26 September, the torch will arrive at Pangkal Pinang in Bangka Belitung islands and it will be paraded from the Bangka Belitung Golden Gate to the Merdeka Park Square. Here, you would be able to witness the beauty of the Golden Gate, which was inaugurated in December 2017. Since then, the 784-meter long bridge across the Batu Rusa River has become the newest Pangkal Pinang tourism icon. During the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful and colorful LED lights which shine gracefully from the bridge

9 | Jakarta

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The torch will arrive in its final destination on 30 September in Jakarta as the host city for the 2018 Asian Para Games.

The torch will be paraded from the city hall to the South Plaza of Senayan. The City Hall is the office of the Governor of Jakarta and it was built in the early 19th century. The Hall is the oldest building in the Jakarta City Hall complex and it was once used as the office and residence of the Regent of West Java.

Meanwhile, the South Plaza of Senayan provides the closest access to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which will host the events during the Para Games. Additionally, the plaza is also close to several shopping centers such as Plaza Senayan, Senayan City, and FX Sudirman Mall.

Photo Source of Header Banner: rioo_motret