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The end of the year is fast approaching. Where best to spend New Year’s eve with your loved ones to remember fond memories of the past year, and watch the first rays of 2017 slowly appear on the horizon that will bring hope and promise for a better future?
Indonesia has many places where people flock to just to watch a spectacular sunset, or climb mountain tops to experience the dawn of 2017 slowly revealing a most breath-taking scene on volcanoes, deep valleys and the sparkling wide blue ocean beyond. But here are also places like Makassar and Manado, where you can watch the last sunset of 2016, then party the whole night, waiting for the first sunrise of 2017 to appear on the other side of the boulevard.
Below are a list of places where you can experience the best sunrise and sunsets in Indonesia, or both, - across the Indonesian archipelago.
The Best sunsets
1 | Tanah Lot (Bali)
Tanah Lot temple in Bali is undeniably the most iconic place to enjoy the view of a magical sunset. As the sun descends, the colors of the sky turn into hypnotizing gradients of orange, blue and red in the background, while in the foreground is the the silhouette of the temple standing gracefully on a solitary rock above the ocean. Others watch the dramatic sunset as background while being enthralled by the Kecak monkey dance, that is performed in the foreground just before sunset and finishes in the dark amongst glowing torches.
2 | La Plancha (Seminyak, Bali)
Image by La Plancha Bali
On a lighter note, capture a picture perfect moment of the tropical sunset while lounging on a colorful beanbag on the beach. La Plancha at Seminyak is the best place to catch a glorious scene of the sun seting over the Indian Ocean, while hanging out with your friends or making new acquaintances. The bonus? You can also spend a laid back New Year’s Eve bash here while marveling at the fireworks on the beach when the clock strikes midnight.
3 | Labuan Bajo in Flores
There’s no better way to welcome the New Year by ending it at a relaxing resort. If you seek a mellow atmosphere to end your year, then travel to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, before crossing the next day to watch the historic Komodo dragons, starting your evening witnessing an intense mind-boggling sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail with friends or loved ones, sitting in a romantic hill cafe.
4 | Senggigi and Gili Trawangan (Lombok)
While Bali is the party central for tourists traveling from across the globe, Lombok offers a more serene atmosphere for those who look to a relaxing ambience to end the year. And Senggigi Beach is the place to be if you want to witness an alluring view of the last sunset of 2016. Alternatively, watch the last rays of the year disappear over Gili Trawangan island just across Senggigi.
5 | Kalibiru (Yogyakarta)
Image by rinasubiyanto
For nature lovers, where can you enjoy a magnificent view of sunset from the top of a pine tree? Why, only at Kalibiru of course! Located in the province of Yogyakarta, this nature resort is far from the hustle and bustle of the city and will provide a peaceful end to the year, so you can start the new year ahead re-invigorated with energy and confidence. You will surely enjoy the cool air, every moment watching a unique view of the sun setting behind lush forests and mountains.
Experience both a Sunset and Sunrise in one place
1 | Losari Beach (Makassar)
Image by dwiwhie
Losari Beach has grown into one of the icons of the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi province. This beach is best known for the extreme hues of its captivating sunsets. And the sunrise? Well, you can imagine how hypnotic it would be to see it for yourself by merely taking a glimpse of pictures while surfing the web.
However, this esplanade along the coast does not have a sandy beach front . Its attractions lies not only in its wide view on the ocean but also for the rows of cafes and restaurants above the water where you can enjoy free wifi and marvel at the beauty of the ocean. It's a perfect place to spend the year end watching the last sunset of the year disappear behind the horizon, spend New Year’s eve with friends then watch the first rays of the sun opening the year 2017.
2 | Boulevard (Manado)
Image by nikenbudia
Another location in Indonesia where you can watch both the last sunset of the year and the first sunrise of the New Year is at the Boulevard in Manado city, North Sulawesi province. Manado is known as the land of “smiling people” for the friendliness of the people. At night, the Boulevard is well known for its culinary treats lined up along the street facing the open ocean. This is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your loved ones , and have some fun time all night long before watching the first rays and promise of the New Year. Besides, Manado has lined up an array of exciting December events to enjoy for the entire month until New Year's eve. .
3 | Gili Trawangan (Lombok)
This small island is one of the most popular dive sites in Indonesia. Gili Trawangan off the main island of Lombok, is where friendly locals and foreigners gather to experience a fun filled ocean adventure. Hotels line up by the beaches of the island so you can take your pick on which view you would prefer to watch: a sunset or a sunrise. Both are spectacular and unforgettable. Plus try a ride on the cidomo (horse carriage), which is also a fun way to explore the island that allows no motor vehicles. FYI, the island is so small that you can actually walk around it on foot, if you’re up to the task.
