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6 Beautiful Places to Celebrate Christmas in Indonesia

 

With Christmas just around the corner, families are anticipating a Christmas celebration of happiness and rejoice. You can surely discover a one-of-kind Christmas in Indonesia, experiencing harmony between traditional Christian and Catholic ceremonies fused with Indonesia's heritage.

So to assist your travels to Indonesia during the Christmas season, here are 6 destinations you should consider to celebrate Christmas.
 

1 | Discover the history behind Jakarta Cathedral

low angle shot of Jakarta Cathedral

Standing across Jakarta's largest mosque, Istiqlal Mosque, lies a historical neo-Gothic church named Jakarta Cathedral. Its location is not a coincidence as it was planned by Indonesia's first president, Soekarno. He wanted to create a nation where different religions can coexist in harmony. Hence, these holy places are close in distance.

As you enter the area, you can sight its grand statues or observe its stunning paintings once you step foot inside the church. The upper floor has also been transformed into a museum, showcasing ritual relics used during the days of Dutch East Indies. The history of Jakarta Cathedral will surely add color as you explore the site to celebrate Christmas.

Address: Jl. Katedral No.7B, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710
 

2 | Observe the stunning architectures at Blenduk Church Semarang

Blenduk Church Semarang

Another historical church in Indonesia is Blenduk Church Semarang, a site with stunning European-inspired architecture and unique dome-like roofs. Constructed in 1753, this church is the oldest Christian church in Indonesia. You can visit this church for your offline church service. However, those who want to visit this site outside of the mass schedules can also discover the architectural beauty for a small retribution price. While you're there, you can also explore Semarang's vibrant city and landmarks, including its Marba Semarang, Kerta Niaga Building, and Semarang Tawang Train station.

Address: Jl. Letjen Suprapto No.32, Tj. Mas, Kec. Semarang Utara, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50174
 

3 | Experience a Spiritual Connection at Maria Cave Sendangsono, Kulon Progo

beautiful candles lit in Maria Cave Sendangsono

Take a spiritual journey to Maria Cave Sendangsono for your Christmas celebration. As you start your exploration to Maria Cave Sendangsono, you will see an entrance with stone walls on both sides, leading to a pilgrimage complex. There, you will find their chapels. Get ready to be mesmerized as you explore the path of Jesus Sacrifice and the Cave of Maria. Both of which can be a peaceful spot to pray. Besides reconnecting in a spiritual journey, you can also enjoy the natural surroundings by standing on the small bridge created just above its flowing rivers. You can easily reach this site from Yogyakarta, which will take you around one hour by motorcycle. 

 Address: Semagung, Banjaroyo, Kalibawang, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55672
 

4 | Immerse yourself in Balinese culture at Pniel Church Blimbingsari, Bali

front view of Pniel Church Blimbingsari

Immerse yourself in Balinese culture and heritage in Pniel Church Blimbingsari. Located in Banjar Blimbingsari, this church is surrounded by rural beauty and a clean atmosphere, showcasing a fresh comfortable feeling of Blimbingsari Tourism Village. Pniel Church Blimbingsari is also a unique church designed in Balinese traditional architecture. During special events, such as Christmas, those holding the church service will wear Balinese traditional clothes. They also play traditional Balinese gamelan during their church service, presenting a cultural vibe to those who take part in the event. You can surely feel the harmony between traditions and their religious ceremonies. This is especially true during Christmas where they will decorate the village with penjor, a traditional handmade decoration created from bamboo and coconut leaves. Celebrate Christmas with Balinese-style vibes in Pniel Church Blimbingsari!

Address: Blimbingsari, Melaya, Jembrana Regency, Bali

5 | Capture memorable photos of Jesus Christ Blessing Statue in Buntu Burake

low angle shot from side of Jesus Statue Buntu Burake

Sight the majestic Jesus Christ Blessing Statue in Buntu Burake, Tana Toraja. Though Islam is the dominant religion in the island of Sulawesi, the statue is a unique symbol of harmony among diverse religions in Toraja. From its base, this Jesus Christ Blessing Statue stands as the second world's tallest statue of Jesus, with a height of 40 meters. Be sure to try some landscape photography as you take a thrilling walk on the glass bridge surrounding the Statue. It will surely be a memorable spot to celebrate Christmas.

Address: Buntu Burake, Makale, Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi 91817
 

6 | Glimpse panoramic views at Chapels of Larantuka

Tuan Ma Chapel with Piete Statue on the front

In the capital of East Flores, lies the city of Larantuka, famous for its long Catholic history and grand Easter celebrations. One well-known landmark is the Chapels of Larantuka, consisting of Kapel Tuan Ma, and Kapel Tuan Ana. You can surely experience a spiritual journey as you sight the panoramic view in the chapels' background. Those who want to celebrate Christmas in the Chapels of Larantuka can explore further to some traditional village and learn some local traditions by making Flores hand-weaving cloth, tenun ikat.

Tuan Ma Chapel

Address: Balela, Larantuka, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

Tuan Ana Chapel

Address: Lohayong, Larantuka, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara
 

Whether you want to celebrate Christmas to deepen your religious journey or want to enjoy the joyful season by visiting Indonesia's religious sites, Indonesia provides religious landmarks and churches to support both! These places can bring more color to your future trip to Indonesia.