5 Highest Tourism Villages in Indonesia

Who has always been smitten with the allure of a tourist village? Minjoooo! hihihi. Tourist villages always have their own uniqueness in the eyes of tourists. Starting from the local wisdom owned by the local community, to the geographical location which can be a plus point for a tourist village. Well, in Indonesia, there are several tourist villages located in the highlands. Let’s discuss which villages are included in the highest tourism villages in Indonesia.

The beauty of the natural landscape that stretches and the wisdom of the local culture that is owned by a tourist village seems to be a super complete package offered to tourists, both local and foreign. Another interesting fact, the highest tourist village in Indonesia has been named one of the winners in the 2022 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI).

For you who want to see and experience local wisdom from the highest tourism villages in Indonesia, here are some recommendations:

So, for Kawanjo who want to experience first-hand the exciting experience of exploring the highest tourism villages in Indonesia, see the recommendations this time!

1. Sembungan Village

The first tourist village to be included in the list of the highest tourism villages in Indonesia is Sembungan Village. Tourists may find this area in the Kejajar District of Wonosobo, Central Java, at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level. Sembungan Village is home to breathtaking scenery and a culture whose ancient traditions have been kept remarkably well. These items achieved the highest ranking possible in the Pioneer Village at the ADWI 2022 awards ceremony.

While staying in here, one of the highest settlements on Java, you may take in the sights of a number of well-liked tourist hotspots that are guaranteed to please the eye. Sikunir Peak, Pakujawa Mountain, Cebong Lake, and Sikarim Waterfall are only a few of them.

In addition to the stunning scenery, Kawanjo must also take in the local knowledge. Ruwat Gimbal is one such event, and it is usually celebrated on the first day of the Javanese Suro calendar. A child’s dreadlocks are trimmed as part of the ancient cleansing ritual known as Ruwat Gimbal. The months of August and September are typical for this traditional celebration.

Also read: Likupang North Sulawesi, Indonesian Tourism Worth Going Global in 2023

2. Ranupani Village

Ranupani Village is the second tourist village which is included in the 5 highest tourism villages in Indonesia. At an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, this settlement may be found in the Senduro District of Lumajang, East Java. Climbing enthusiasts should know that the Ranupani tourist village serves as the authorized starting point for expeditions up Mount Semeru.

The village’s Lake Ranupani is its most famous tourist attraction. This lake has a surface area of 7,500 square meters, making it the largest lake in Indonesia in terms of altitude. This community also boasts a cultural center called the Ranupani Cultural House, where events like traditional dance and music shows are regularly held.

Also read: Cheap Trip to Labuan Bajo, Here’s the Details!

The Ranupani tourist village also still maintains the customs passed down by their ancestors. This is proven by routinely holding a tradition called Unan-Unan which is held every 5 years, in the Landung year to be precise, based on the local traditional calendar.

What is Unan-unan? In short, Unan-unan is a tradition in the form of planting buffalo heads, which is intended to rid the village of all kinds of calamities that might come and occur.

3. Bena Inire Village

In the next sequence, there is Bena Inire Village which is located in Tiwu Riwu Village, Jerebu’u, Ngada: Bena Inire Village, in the East Nusa Tenggara region. This tourist village is located at the foot of Mount Inerie, with a height of 2,245 meters above sea level. You should know that Kampung Bena Inire enjoys pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Not only that, but the area has preserved its village character by maintaining traditional dwellings that date back to the Megalithic period. Cool!

As seen in the picture, the houses in Bena Inire Village are indeed quite different from houses in general, their shape is still very traditional. The roof of the house is made of reeds and the floor of the house is made of mountain rocks.

It’s also fascinating to learn that weaving is fundamental to a local culture whose traditions date back to ancient times but are still practiced now. You can try your hand at weaving in one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations if Kawanjo visits Bena Inire Village.

4. Argosari village

Argosari Village is the fourth village on the list of the highest tourism villages in Indonesia. The main draw of this mountain town at the base of Mount Bromo is its lofty perch at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level. Beautiful scenery of the “Country Above the Clouds” can be seen from the Argosari tourist resort, which can easily mesmerize visitors.

Tourists can also find members of the indigenous Tengger Tribe living in this community. Folks in such villages are staunchly committed to the traditions of their forebears. In the second month of the Tengger Hindu Saka Year, the Karo Ceremony is held as one of the indicators. The Tengger people hold this ritual to help them regain their innocence and clean themselves of their crimes. One of the draws of the Argosari Village is its unusually insightful locals.

Also read: 6 North Sulawesi Tourisms that Has Amazing Enchantment

5. Kete Kesu village

Ranking 5th is Kete Kesu Village in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi. This tourist village is one of the highest tourism villages in Indonesia that Kawanjo must visit. Kete Kesu Village is located on mountain slopes with an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, to be precise in Bonoran Village, Tikunna Malenong Village, Sanggalangi, North Toraja.

When you set foot in Kete Kesu Village, Kawanjo could not only enjoy the beautiful hillside views, but also the ancestral culture which is still well cared for and maintained today. One of the local wisdoms that still exists today is the culture of traditional burials placed in caves on cliffs.

After looking at the 5 highest tourism villages in Indonesia, which one is the most interesting for Kawanjo?