TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lonely Planet, the leading travel guidebook and media publisher, listed Indonesia in the 10 must-visit destination countries in 2019. Indonesia stood at the seventh best country in the world.

The company owned by BBC Worldwide revealed the ten best countries in its latest book Best In Travel 2019 with a cover of Ulun Danu Temple, Bali, as reported by Antara in London, Thursday, Oct. 25.

In the list, the company placed Sri Lanka at the top destination, followed by Germany and Zimbabwe. The fourth, fifth, and sixth places are for Panama, Kyrgyzstan, and Jordan, respectively.

Indonesia made seventh above Belarus, Sao Tome and Principe, and Belize. The archipelago was chosen for three reasons as in the followings.

1. Cultural wealth

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands with various cultures, culinary, and religions. All islands span between islands and offer different experiences in each region.

2. Safe condition

Despite recently struck by devastating disasters, Indonesia remains safe for tourists. The earthquakes hit several regions located on the line of the Pacific Ring of Fire. “The response to these natural disasters is ongoing, but much of this sprawling country remains safe for visitors,” as quoted from Lonely Planet.

3. Visa-free access

Other than highlights on its magnificent landscape, Indonesia was lauded for providing visa-free access (BVK) to 169 countries. “Visa-free access for nationals of 169 countries, it has never been easier to explore this tropical country,” Lonely Planet noted.

Lonely Planet further appealed to readers to travel to the archipelago. “Go now [to Indonesia], before all its secrets are uncovered!”

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya considered the recommendation issued by Lonely Planet was vital to help Indonesia meet the target of 20 million tourist arrivals in 2019. “The reason is clear. Lonely Planet is the travel guide for foreign tourists.”

ANTARA