Bali
Bali never fails to warm the hearts of visitors. As soon as you step off the plane, the island’s colourful sights, aromatic smells and people’s gentle smiles conjure up an indescribably magical aura. As one of the world’s most exotic and diverse destinations, Bali boasts an impressive range of international-standard meeting facilities, award-winning hotels and resorts, exquisite food, and vibrant nightlife, complimented perfectly by unforgettable scenery and genuinely friendly and hospitable people who practice an authentic age-old culture. Add to this almost unlimited recreational and cultural options and you have a superb MICE venue. Bali may be traditional, but today the ancient is charmingly blended with the new, and modern facilities and amenities are widely available in most parts of the island, particularly in the developed tourist areas. At purpose built convention centers you can expect the best in technology, incorporating the latest equipment operated by expert technicians. Broadband internet and wireless connections are now accessible in all major tourist spots. As a MICE destination, the relaxed atmosphere of balmy Bali is guaranteed to remove any inhibitions between participants, breaking down barriers and potentially strengthen business relationships.
Useful Link: www.micebali.com
Jakarta
As Capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta does not only serve as the center of government of this nation but also plays the most vital role in the country’s commerce, business and the entertainment industry. The metropolitan city itself is a showcase that reflects the diverse dynamic activities of Indonesia, and is a magnet drawing different peoples, industries, and cultures in a massive interaction through conventions, exhibitions, cultural shows, fashion and music. This sprawling mega-metropolis has hosted many important conferences besides offering many opportunities for large-scale exhibitions. The capital also has many deluxe hotels that offer first class services in rooms, function halls and superb cuisine, whether for individuals or for large delegations. The city has also become the venue for some of the world’s greatest arts and musical performances and continues to attract more and more international celebrities to meet their never ending enthusiastic fans in Indonesia.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Today the city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, master painters and master craftsmen. Situated in the heart of Javanese civilization and steeped in culture while offering stunning mountain scenery and the unrivaled hospitality of locals, Yogyakarta is a most attractive venue to hold Meetings and Conventions. This city has both well-known national and international hotel chains that provide facilities for conferences and meetings. Yogyakarta’s Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) records that there are 36 starred hotels (from one to five stars) and over 200 non-starred hotels. The number does not include over 500 hotels that are not registered with Yogyakarta’s Hotel Association (PHRI). The numbers indicate that Yogyakarta is able to provide 1,500 rooms at starred hotels and over 1,700 rooms at non-starred hotels.
Bandung
Surrounded by lush green mountains, Bandung today is Indonesia’s center for learning and creativity. The city has several well-known universities and centers of learning. Bandung has also gained a reputation as a shopping haven, especially for textiles and clothing, shoes and footwear, trinkets and other accessories. The city is also popular for its diverse and unique cuisine and snacks. At weekends and long holidays Bandung is filled with young people from Jakarta and other cities who flock to Bandung to enjoy its youthful creative atmosphere in music, painting, fashion, and the culinary arts. Bandung has perfect venues to fit any occasion, ranging from concerts and gigs, exhibitions, and many types of conferences. Bandung also has many hotels complete with facilities to support MICE events. In its heyday the city was known as “Parijs van Java” or the Paris of Java, and today its many tropical art-deco buildings attest to its importance. Bandung made history by hosting the first Asian-African Conference in 1955 which brought together for the first time ever the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa. The Asian-African Conference, held at the “Gedung Merdeka”, established Bandung as the first city in Indonesia to have hosted an international convention.
Medan
The booming city of Medan, third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya and provincial capital of North Sumatra, is an economic hub and commercial centre for the region. This city attracts people from all over Indonesia who come here to do business. The province’s economy relies primarily on oil exports, making it one of the most prosperous business and commercial centers in Sumatra. As one of the three main gateways to Indonesia, Medan is easily accessible from major points in the country and beyond, with international flights to Singapore and Malaysia as well as to many cities in Indonesia. In recent years, Medan has added some 700 hotel rooms of five-star standard and a number of meeting venues. Despite not yet having spacious exhibition halls, Medan can rely on JW Marriott Medan, which boasts a ballroom with a total capacity of 1,200 persons, and the Aryaduta with its 1,000 person capacity ballroom. The Grand Aston City Hall Hotel & Residences boosts the biggest meeting capacity within the city with a ballroom that holds 2,500 people and 8 meeting rooms with a total capacity for 1,500 participants.
