Coolest Travel Places of 2021

Since it doesn't appear I will be doing much traveling for awhile, time to review the best travel I experienced in 2021.

Despite the pandemic, I was able to make a few trips around Indonesia during the year.  It was a difficult decision, but the coolest place I visited in 2021 was the Prambanan Hindu Temple complex near the historic central Javan city of Yogyakarta.  

Prambanan was built in the 7th century, but centuries later, devastated by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the site was almost completely in ruins.  Finally, in the 18th and 19th centuries, reconstruction began, however only a fraction of the original complex has been restored.  

Still, what has been rebuilt is an astonishing architectural marvel that made me feel as though I had traveled back in time.  Prambanan truly is a treasure and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Travel can create a feeling of awe and wonderment and that's what Prambanan did for me. That's why it was my Coolest Travel Place of 2021.

The Rest of My Top 5 Coolest Places of 2021:

2. Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Lombok, Indonesia (I love waterfalls and Tiu Kelep was my favorite in Indonesia so far.)

3. Borobodor Buddhist Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (The largest Buddhist Temple in the world is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and magnificent too.)

4. Uluwatu Hindu Sea Shrine, Bali, overlooks the ocean and is one of the most stunning natural settings I have ever visited.  Even the sinister Grey Macaques who try to steal your possessions while you visit have a certain roguish appeal. 

5. The City of Semarang, Indonesia, is an under-appreciated gem of a city in Central Java.  The colonial old town, which is in the middle of a restoration and an artistic community renaissance, and the Chinese temples throughout the city, make it an interesting visit. 

Check out my Instagram posts @erikhk21 to see pictures of these and other magnificent Indonesian attractions. (The largest Prambanan temple is pictured here.)

I've only scratched the surface of this extraordinarily diverse and beautiful country and I hope to have the chance to visit more places in 2022.


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