Every tourism village always has their own uniqueness. It is not only about the local wisdom of the community, but also from geographical locations can be a significant attraction for tourism. In Indonesia, there are tourism villages that are located in the highlands, which show great value to every tourism village. 

The natural beauty and local wisdom of the tourist village are certainly a complete package that can attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Moreover, the high-altitude tourism village in Indonesia have been crowned as one of the winners of the 2022 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia/ADWI).

For Sobat Parekraf who want to see and experience the local wisdom of the highest tourism villages in Indonesia firsthand, here are some recommendations:

Sembungan Village

One of the highest villages in Indonesia, Sembungan Village, is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. The location of this tourism village is in Kejajar district, Wonosobo, Central Java. It has a beautiful landscape and local wisdom that is well preserved, this village was ranked 1st on 2022 ADWI Pioneer Village.

Labeled as the high-altitude village on Java Island, Sobat Parekraf can enjoy a variety of charming popular tourist destinations in Sembungan Village. Starting from Sikunir Peak, Mount Pakuwaja, Telaga Cebong, to Curug Sikarim. In addition to the enchanting natural scenery, the local culture is also well-preserved.

A local wisdom that exists in these high-altitude village on the island of Java is Ruwat Gimbal, which is held on the first Suro according to the Javanese calendar. Ruwat Gimbal is a traditional hair-cutting ceremony for dreadlocked children to cleanse them from bad things. Usually, this event is held around August and September.

Ranupani Village

Another high-altitude village that you can visit is Ranupani Tourism Village. It is located in the Senduro Regency, Lumajang, East Java. Located at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, Ranupani Village is also known as an official base camp for climbers who want to climb Mount Semeru.

One of the tourist attractions in this village is Lake Ranupani, the highest lake in Indonesia. The lake covers an area of about 7,500 square meters. Additionally, the Ranupani Culture House, located in the heart of the village, is often used for traditional dance and music performances.

Interestingly, Ranupani village still maintains its own local cultures and traditions by holding the tradition of Unan-unan every five years, specifically, on the year of “Landung” according to the traditional calendar. This tradition has the shape of a buffalo head which is used to keep the village away from havoc. 

Photo: Bena Inire Tourism Village in East Nusa Tenggara (Shutterstock/Barbara Bednarz)

Bena Inire Village

The next high-altitude tourism village in Indonesia is located in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), specifically in Tiwu Riwu Village, Jerebu'u, Ngada. It is called Bena Inire Village and is situated at the foot of Mount Inerie, which stands 2,245 meters above sea level. The village boasts a cool climate and is home to traditional houses that have existed since the megalithic era.

The traditional houses in Bena Inire Village are exceptionally traditional compared to others. They feature roofs made of reeds and floors made of mountain rocks. One unique aspect of the village that has been preserved to this day is weaving. Sobat Parekraf can experience weaving firsthand in this highest tourist village.

Argosari Village 

Located at altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, making Argosari Village as one of the highest villages in Indonesia. It's located at the slope of Mount Bromo, specifically in Senduro, Lumajang, East Java. The village is renowned for its "land above the clouds" view, which would amaze for everyone who visits.

As one of the homes of the Tengger tribe, people of Argosari Village still keep their traditions. The Karo Ceremony (Upacara Karo) is one of their traditions, which takes place during the 2nd month of the Tengger Hindu Saka year. The Karo Ceremony is to cleanse and purify the Tengger tribe from their sins. This local wisdom has been an enticement of the Argosari Tourism Village.

Kete Kesu Village

There is an interesting high-altitude village in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, called Kete Kesu Tourism Village. This village is located in Bonoran Village, Tikunna Malelong Village, Sanggalangi, North Toraja, and is located on the slopes of the mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level.

Besides enjoying beautiful scenery, Sobat Parekraf also can observe some ancestral cultures that are still well-preserved thus far. One of the well-preserved local wisdoms is a mortuary ritual having taken place in caves on a cliff. Other than that, Sobat Parekraf also can visit the ancestral house of Toraja, named Tongkonan. This house is considered a tilted house. The roof looks like a soaring buffalo’s horn, representing the daily life of the Toraja community. 

Want to experience firsthand the local wisdom of the high-altitude tourism villages in Indonesia, Sob?

Cover: The atmosphere of the high-altitude tourism village, Sembungan Village in Wonosobo (Pesona Travel/Jaka Thariq)