Beyond Bali
The PEAK Malaysia|May 2020
Get to know Indonesia’s “new Balis” - five destinations set to bring in tourists and bolster the industry for the country in the next few years.
Neda Al-Asedi
Beyond Bali

It’s undeniable that Bali has successfully solidified its place as one of the world’s greatest beach destination getaways. Whether it’s clear waters, a vibrant nightlife or a tranquil wellness getaway, the Indonesian island has proven to have something for everyone. Aiming to recreate that success and increase tourism’s share in the national income, the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry of Indonesia introduced five super-priority destinations earlier in the year. Dubbed the new Balis, you might want to add these places to your to-visit list while they’re still relatively untouched.

LAKE TOBA, NORTH SUMATRA

Lake Toba isn’t a new name in Indonesia’s travel repertoire, and with it being just a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, it’s been a decidedly popular choice amongst Malaysian travellers. Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake at more than 1,700 sq kilometres, and nestled within mountains that are home to waterfalls, hot springs, and rich cultural traditions. With direct flights to Silangit now available, Lake Toba is much more accessible than it used to be and all part of long term plans to boost tourism numbers to the mountainous attraction. Travellers looking to reconnect with nature will love it here, where evenings can be had with relaxing dips in Sipoholon hot springs, after an early morning climb up the Mount Sibayak volcano for a view of the breathtaking sunrise.

TOP TIP: Visit A Batak Village—The most prominent ethnic group in Lake Toba possesses a deep sense of heritage, from their food to the unique architecture, chiefly the roofs of the houses that are curved like the hull of a fishing boat.

LIKUPANG, NORTH SULAWESI

This story is from the May 2020 edition of The PEAK Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of The PEAK Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PEAK MALAYSIAView All
Designing In Continuity
The PEAK Malaysia

Designing In Continuity

The Importance of Embracing Sustainable Design in an Increasingly Challenging World

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
Beyond Bali
The PEAK Malaysia

Beyond Bali

Get to know Indonesia’s “new Balis” - five destinations set to bring in tourists and bolster the industry for the country in the next few years.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
A World Apart
The PEAK Malaysia

A World Apart

Discover unparalleled coastal tranquillity at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, where luxury and indulgence go hand in hand.

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2020
The Beat Of Their Own Dram
The PEAK Malaysia

The Beat Of Their Own Dram

This luxury independent bottler just released an impressively high-scoring whisky from a distillery many have never heard of. Here’s why it should be the first of many to add to your collection.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
Best Laid Plans
The PEAK Malaysia

Best Laid Plans

One of Malaysia’s legendary architects sheds light on being the latest recipient of the prestigious PAM Gold Medal.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
DESIGNING A LEGACY
The PEAK Malaysia

DESIGNING A LEGACY

Eduardo Cosentino of Cosentino Group talks taking over the family business, embracing a global market as well as leaving behind a legacy for the next generation.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
WHAT'S IN STORE
The PEAK Malaysia

WHAT'S IN STORE

HOW DANG TAI LUK PUT MYNEWS IN THE NEWS.

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2020
SO FAR, SO GOOD
The PEAK Malaysia

SO FAR, SO GOOD

The city of Auckland has all the bustling excitement of a cosmopolitan hub with none of the overcrowded frenzy, and the SO Auckland sits at the very heart of it all.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
UNITED IN BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19
The PEAK Malaysia

UNITED IN BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19

It is not business as usual for luxury brands this year as their stores are forced to close due to strict government lockdowns and their supply chains disrupted. However, that does not mean the luxury industry has been rendered idle by the Covid-19 pandemic. Far from it, luxury brands are stepping up to offer assistance to combat the spread of the disease. It is a rare display of solidarity of fierce rivals coming together to face the current global health crisis.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
Good Thinking
The PEAK Malaysia

Good Thinking

Our selection for the best in design marry form and function in outstanding conception and detail. Some have already gained accolades at the Red Dot Design Awards 2019, while others are quite simply stunning in creation.

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2020