As the year winds down, Traveloka is helping travelers rediscover Indonesia’s locally loved destinations through its upcoming Travel Fair, running from August 25th to September 14th. The campaign offers a range of travel deals designed to make regional getaways more accessible and affordable. Highlights include:
- Merdeka Flash Sale (29 Aug – 1 Sep, 9 AM daily): Enjoy up to RM80 OFF Flights, Hotels, Attractions & Activities
- 9.9 Flash Sales (5 – 11 Sep, 12 PM Daily): Grab an RM199 Flat Price to Indonesia with Malaysia Airlines
- All-day coupons (25 Aug – 14 Sep): Save up to RM40 OFF Southeast Asia Flights, Hotels, Attractions & Activities
Year-end holidays are the perfect excuse to slow down, explore, and tick a few items off your bucket list. While the likes of Bali and Jakarta might steal the limelight, the world’s largest archipelagic state, with 17,000 islands, is home to countless hidden destinations that locals hold close to their hearts, from quiet island escapes to charming highland towns. These are locally approved gems that are worth the travel and time for when one needs to breathe, reconnect, and reward oneself for a job well done as the year comes to a close. From sunlit shores to misty hills, these locally approved gems are worth discovering before the year ends. With a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, these gems are closer than you think, making them perfect for a long weekend trip.
Untouched trails and tranquil scenes for Malaysian adventure lovers
Banyuwangi
Located at the eastern tip of Java, Banyuwangi is known as the “Sunrise of Java” and offers easy access to some of Indonesia’s unique natural attractions. Visitors can trek up Kawah Ijen to see its rare blue fire phenomenon, explore towering tamarind trees in De Djawatan Forest, and spot wildlife across the open plains of Baluran National Park. The island also boasts Coklak Waterfall and the coral-rich waters of Bangsring, a community-run marine sanctuary ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Mount Bromo
Standing 2,329 meters above sea level in East Java, Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes that is known for its smoking crater and barren, desert-like surroundings. Alongside that, the mountain offers cool temperatures year-round and panoramic sunset views over the Tengger Caldera. Visitors can hike the crater rim, explore the surrounding Sea of Sand, and capture the dramatic volcanic landscape that draws travelers from around the world.
For Malaysians looking for incredible, family-friendly gems that promise both relaxation and adventure.
Sumba
Sumba Island, in East Nusa Tenggara, is known for its long stretches of golden sand, calm surf breaks suitable for beginners, and traditional villages where ikat weaving and megalithic tombs remain part of daily life. Families can visit hidden waterfalls, ride horses across open savannahs, and explore quiet coastal areas, while also experiencing the island’s distinctive culture and slower pace.
Home to the famous Komodo dragons, this island offers safe and guided tours to see these incredible creatures up close. Beyond the dragons, families can enjoy crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, explore pristine beaches, and take gentle hikes with breathtaking views. It’s a perfect destination for bonding through shared discovery and awe-inspiring moments in one of Indonesia’s most unique landscapes.
Tana Toraja
Couples and friends traveling together will be enchanted by Tana Toraja’s rich culture and dramatic landscapes. In the highlands of South Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is renowned for its distinctive cliffside tombs, traditional tongkonan houses with intricately carved wooden facades, and elaborate funeral ceremonies that attract visitors from around the world. The region offers views of terraced rice fields, forested hills, and winding mountain roads, along with opportunities for trekking and visiting local markets. Malaysians will love this because it offers a cool highland climate and a deep cultural experience that feels a world away from home.