Eastern Europe Tour Operators explore the Wonders of Indonesia

Tour operators from 5 European countries are currently on a Fam Trip exploring the wonders of the Indonesian Archipelago from 17th to 25 October 2016, organized by the Indonesia Embassy in Poland and the Ministry of Tourism. 19 participants from Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria are now on a visit to the grand Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta, then on to Makassar and the Toraja Highlands  in South Sulawesi, and finally, the underwater paradise of Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi.

“The visit of European operators will further boost the awareness of the European public of the wonderful natural and cultural attractions that are in Indonesia, in particular those of Lake Toba, Jakarta, Toraja, and Wakatobi”,  said Nia Niscaya,  Assistant Deputy Market Development for Europe, Middle East, America, and Africa in the Ministry of Tourism.

Known as the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba truly offers some of the most beguiling landscapes one will ever see. The group has not only visited Samosir Island at the center of this huge lake that roughly equals the size of Singapore. Here they were also presented with the traditional Sigale-gale giant wooden puppet show. There is also the Ambarita Village, where one can observe the well preserved ancient heritage of the Batak ethnic group of North Sumatra, that are still very much intact and alive until today.

The capital city of Jakarta offers the opportunity for the participants to enjoy the modern  urban landscapeof the country. Aside from visiting the national landmark that is the National Monument (Monas) and tasting the true flavors of various distinct Jakarta’s cuisine, they are also given the chance to shop in some of the city’s top shopping centers including Grand Indonesia, and Plaza Semanggi.

In Sulawesi, the adventure will start in Makassar where they will visit Fort Rotterdam – historic heritage of Dutch colonial times, that was once  the site of the  palace of the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom;  the Paotere Port where the legendary Phinisi ships are docked. The journey will then continue to the Toraja Highlands, renowned for its fascinating culture, beautiful scenery and traditional burial ceremonies.

The pinnacle of the familiarization trip awaits at the underwater paradise of Wakatobi Islands in Southeast Sulawesi. Wakatobi  is widely recognized as having the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. The islands are also famous as the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Here can be found fringing, atolls and barrier reefs and offer more than 50 easily accessible from the major islands. This is the habitat of large and small fish species, the playground of dolphins, turtles and even whales. Wakatobi alone is said to have 942 fish species and 750 coral reef species from a total of 850 of world's collection.