Arab Tourists Love Puncak, But Indonesia Has More Hidden Paradises

JAKARTA – Every summer, Puncak in West Java once again becomes a popular escape for visitors from the Middle East. Its cooler climate, green landscapes, villas and relatively easy access from Jakarta have made the highland area particularly attractive to travelers looking to escape the heat.

The trend was visible again during the 2026 summer season, with local reports noting an increase in foreign visitors, particularly from Saudi Arabia, in the Puncak area.

Puncak is not a new destination for Arab travelers. Areas around Cisarua have long attracted visitors from the Middle East, partly because of their cooler temperatures compared with Jakarta, as well as the growing availability of villas, restaurants and tourism facilities.

But Indonesia's appeal to Arab travelers extends far beyond Puncak.

Government-cited data shows that 113,685 Saudi Arabian tourists visited Indonesia between January and September 2025. Saudi visitors are also already familiar with destinations such as Bandung, Bali, Lombok and Jakarta.

That leaves considerable room to introduce Middle Eastern travelers to less familiar destinations.

1. Sembalun, Lombok

If Puncak offers cool weather and mountain scenery, Sembalun delivers a more dramatic landscape.

Located around Mount Rinjani, the area features wide savannas, green hills and spectacular sunrise views. Pelawangan Sembalun sits at around 2,639 meters above sea level and is a popular stopping point for visitors heading toward Mount Rinjani.

Lombok also combines mountains, beaches and Sasak culture, allowing travelers to experience nature and local heritage within one destination.

2. Berastagi, North Sumatra

Another alternative is Berastagi, a highland town in North Sumatra's Karo region.

At approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, Berastagi has temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. The town is surrounded by views of Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung and is known for its flowers, fruits and vegetables.

For travelers looking for cool weather and green landscapes while exploring a different part of Indonesia, Berastagi offers a distinctly different experience.

3. Dieng, Central Java

Then there is Dieng, often described as Indonesia's “Land Above the Clouds.”

Located at around 2,000 meters above sea level, Dieng offers cool weather, mountain mist, Telaga Warna, Sikidang Crater and the Arjuna Temple complex. Its appeal also extends to local traditions and cultural experiences.

These destinations show that Indonesia's appeal to Middle Eastern travelers does not have to end in Puncak.

Puncak may already be a familiar name. But as travelers search for new experiences, Indonesia offers far more—from the savannas of Sembalun to the Karo highlands and the misty landscapes of Dieng.

The challenge is no longer whether Indonesia has beautiful destinations.