TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Raja Ampat continues to capture the world's attention. The regency located at the eastern tip of Indonesia has been included in The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025" list. In its January 2025 publication, the American daily newspaper placed Raja Ampat on par with world-class destinations such as the Galpagos Islands, New York City Museums, and the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
In an article written by New York Times journalist Ratha Tep, Raja Ampat is described as a hidden paradise that encompasses the world's most diverse marine ecosystem, the Coral Triangle. The area, consisting of 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals, holds a stunning natural landscape both underwater and on land.
"Swim among spotted yellow boxfish and dive among purple gorgonian sea fans," writes Ratha. "On land, explore secluded beaches surrounded by coconut trees or venture into the forest to see the striking and rare Wilson's bird of paradise," the American media review stated.
It's not just about the beauty, Raja Ampat is also noted for its conservation success story. At a time when the global population of stingrays and sharks is declining, the number of manta rays in this area is on the rise. In a tightly preserved landscape, Raja Ampat is also home to 186 bird species, 350 types of wood and palm trees, as well as dozens of other endemic flora and fauna, including orchids and pitcher plants.
Other Destinations in the 2025 NYT List
In addition to Raja Ampat, the 52 Places to Go in 2025 list by The New York Times features various destinations from five continents. Some of them are as follows.
- Jane Austen, England
In a review by AnneLise Sorensen, it is mentioned that fans of Jane Austen have a strong reason to explore southwestern England this year as there is a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the novelist's birth, celebrated grandiosely in various places. Hampshire, Austen's birthplace and a source of inspiration, is the center of the celebration with exhibitions and thematic festivals at Jane Austen's House, her former residence.
- Galpagos Islands, Ecuador
On this cluster of islands, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies coexist with a volcanic landscape and secluded beaches. Experiences like diving with turtles, hiking craters, and observing penguins from kayaks make Galpagos feel like another world. The beauty of nature combined with ecological awareness makes Galpagos not only astonishing but also sustainable.
- New York City Museums, USA
It is mentioned that in 2025, New York officially celebrates its 400th anniversary by reopening four major museums after a five-year renovation, including the Frick Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Museum, and Studio Museum in Harlem.
- Assam, India
The northeastern state of India, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, is increasingly open to global tourists. A region that was once remote and rich in culture began to attract attention since the ancient Charaideo Moidams or Ahom kingdom ancient tombs were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2024. Assam becomes a destination that combines natural wealth and history, seen from the legendary tea gardens to Kaziranga National Park, home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros.
- Lofoten Islands, Norway
Located about 160 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, these islands are one of the best places to witness the continuing aurora borealis activity until 2025. The cluster of five main islands offers a dramatic landscape of rocky peaks, white sandy beaches, and enchanting toska-colored fjords throughout the year. When winter arrives and darkness persists almost all day, the warm atmosphere is still present through the Christmas markets in the village of Henningsvaer, complete with concerts, culinary delights, and local crafts. In summer, the endless sunlight provides an ideal backdrop for hiking, kayaking, and surfing in the Norwegian Sea.
- Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra, a medieval city on the banks of the Mondego River, becomes a tranquil city amidst the bustle of Lisbon and Porto. This tradition-filled city has Coola Boola CoLAB, which offers retro space for vintage clothing shopping, tattoos, and vegetarian dining, as well as Alto Canto, a romantic boutique hotel with a wooden hall and a spacious terrace, and Malcata Eco Experience, which invites travelers to enjoy nature through fitness activities in the former royal hunting forest area. Not far from this place, there is also the Aristides de Sousa Mendes Museum in Cabanas de Viriato, which tells the story of a Portuguese diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews from the Nazis.
Mila Novita and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Raja Ampat Shines as Award-Winning Natural Destination Amid Nickel Scare
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