Apple is close to resolving its dispute over iPhone sales in Indonesia.
At a meeting on the weekend, Indonesia's president Prabowo Subianto told officials to accept Apple's $1 billion investment offer, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The offer was made in an effort to end the country's ban on iPhone 16 sales.
The southeast Asian country requires that at least 40% of the material in smartphones and tablets sold in stores nationally come from Indonesian producers β a measure to protect local producers and attract foreign investment.
Apple offered to expand its investment plans in Indonesia's growing tech economy in an effort to ease the ban.
The offer included a proposal for one of Apple's suppliers to set up a plant producing AirTags on the island of Batam, with the aim that it will one day account for 20% of global production of AirTags, Bloomberg reported.
Apple had previously proposed a $10 million payment for a factory in Bandung, located southeast of Jakarta, the country's current capital. The factory would manufacture accessories and components.
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo meets Apple CEO Tim Cook in April.
Secretary President of Indonesia/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Indonesian market represents an insignificant portion of Apple's total sales globally, but has become one of the company's key alternatives in the region as it looks to move manufacturing out of China.
In April, CEO Tim Cook visited Indonesia and said that Apple was investigating the feasibility of establishing local manufacturing facilities there. The tech giant has already built four developer academies in Indonesia.
With over 280 million citizens, Indonesia is the world's fourth-most-populous nation and is a growing market for Apple.
Bloomberg reported that Subianto told his cabinet to seek more future investments.
Apple did not immediately reply to a request for comment made outside normal US working hours.
CarDekho SEA, a Singapore-based auto financing service platform, has raised $60 million in equity, valuing the company at over $300 million, from Navis Capital Partners and Dragon Fund. This is its first round of external funding, following a previous investment of $40 million from its parent company, CarDekho Group. The company, the Southeast Asia unit [β¦]
Cities like Bangkok, Thailand; Kanazawa, Japan; and Brasov, Romania, made the list.
BI spoke with travel experts who shared their tips on how to best explore each of these spots.
The best trips are often a result of well-planned itineraries tailored to your tastes.
So when National Geographic published its annual Best Places to Travel report for 2025, unveiling 25 global destinations, we knew the ideal way to explore some of these spots would be to hear from experts.
Business Insider chose 10 places on the list and spoke to destination-specific travel experts to devise the best plan for each place, including what to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Whether you enjoy exploring the ocean or prefer luxury train tours traversing through tiny towns, the guide incorporates a range of experiences across continents.
Aerial view from the English Harbour viewpoint in Antigua.
Marco Bicci/Shutterstock
With its storied past and vast natural beauty, Antigua offers activities for people of all ages. But the best way to explore the island is to opt for private guided walking tours, says Carolyn Weppler, the senior vice president at Goway Travel, a travel agency that helps curate travel itineraries.
For those who prefer to stroll and shop, the streets surrounding Arco de Santa Catalina, the famous archway, are filled with artisan boutiques offering handwoven goods, colorful tableware, and clothing.
"The town is essentially run by women, the weaving industry is thriving, and there is art everywhereβon buildings, in shops, and woven into the landscape," said Weppler.
Where to eat: The best place to experience local cuisine is at the outdoor food markets, which Weppler says are "thriving, colorful, and a maze worth exploring." Her favorite local dishes to sample at the market include stews like hilachas and pepiΓ‘n, tamales called chuchitos, and sweets like canillitas de leche.
When to go: While the island enjoys tropical weather all year round, the best way to experience it is during late winter and early spring, from December to April, when there's little to no rainfall. For those who enjoy experiencing festivals, the annual Antigua Sailing Week and International Kite Festival both take place in April.
Ocala National Forest, Florida
An aerial view of Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest.
Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau
Spanning nearly 385,000 acres, Ocala National Forest highlights a unique side of Florida in contrast to its famous beaches and theme parks.
What to do:Β Swim or snorkel in one of the forest's four natural springs fed by the Florida aquifer that stay at 72Β°F year-round. Heller recommends checking out each spring β Silver Glen, Juniper, Alexander, and Salt SpringsΒ β to experience their "distinct personalities."
Hiking enthusiasts can take various trails, such as the Florida Trail or the Cross Florida Greenway, which cuts across the forest.
If you visit during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, you can cut your own Florida sand pine to take home.
Where to stay: While most people prefer to camp in the forest β Salt and Juniper Springs being the top camping spots β those who prefer hotels to tents and RVs can opt to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in the downtown square.
For a more upscale experience, The Equestrian Hotel, a 60-minute drive away, offers a great escape and easy access to the World Equestrian Center.
Where to eat:Β Downtown Ocala has many dining options, but Heller recommends trying out La Cuisine for French-inspired fine dining or District Bar & Kitchen if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Closer to the forest, Lena's, located on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway (open from October to June), is a local favorite for seafood.
When to go: According to Heller, January through March is the best time to visit if you'd like to watch horse shows. However, that's also when hotels are most expensive.
But if you're looking to bike, hike, or enjoy any water activities, Heller suggests planning your trip around wintertime. The end of summer β when it's not too hot β is most popular for springs.
"We even have a tubing season," said Heller, adding that their natural version of lazy river tubing is open from April through September.
Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun, a popular tourist spot, is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
Pinglabel/Shutterstock
From floating markets and temples to food tours, Bangkok offers a range of exciting activities.
Jack Tydeman, a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley, a travel agency, has visited Thailand over 20 times and has firsthand experience living and working there. He told BI that his suggestions for visitors usually include a mix of cultural and outdoor activities focusing on sustainability and support for local businesses wherever possible.
What to do: Most people prefer hopping on tuk-tuks to navigate the city, but for an off-beat experience, Tydeman recommends taking an eco-friendly Khlong tour. He says the boat tour will make you "feel like you're suddenly in rural Bangkok even though you're in the heart of the city" as you cruise past wooden shops, temples, and floating street food vendors.
The tour with Audley begins after breakfast and lasts about six hours, ending with lunch at Poomjai Garden, a 100-year-old family-run restaurant.
For street food enthusiasts, Tydeman suggests exploring Banthat Thong Road, where you can try everything from spicy soup and Thai-style castellas to fluffy omelets.
But if outdoor adventure appeals to you, Tydeman suggests driving out of town to the Khao Yai National Park, where, apart from trekking, wildlife spotting, and jungle hiking, you could also spend the day at a nearby local vineyard or mango farm.
Where to stay: The Siam Hotel, designed by landscape architect Bill Bensley, is set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and offers private pool villas as well as curated workshops such as sak yant tattoo β a traditional Thai tattoo design β or wet plate photography for its guests. It's a standout alternative to the typical 5-star properties, says Tydeman.
For a beachfront escape, consider The Six Senses Yao Noi, which Tydeman described as "a destination experience." Guests on-site can enjoy cinema screenings on the beach, private yacht charters, and a holistic spa with personalized wellness plans.
Another unique option is the transparent Jungle Bubbles experience at Anantara Golden Triangle, where guests can stargaze among elephants at night from their bubbles.
Where to eat:Β From a 10-course Michelin tasting menu at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin to a touring local establishment for pad Thai and other specialties, there's no shortage of food options in this city.
Tydeman recommends Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai for its egg noodles and Pad Thai Fai Talu for its standout pad Thai. To end your evening, he suggests soaking in city views with Thai beer at the Above Riva bar.
For something adventurous, consider reserving a table at Dine in the Dark, where you'll enjoy local and international food items in β you guessed it β complete darkness.
When to go: November to February is the best time to visit the city.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is home to a vibrant and diverse marine life ecosystem, where visitors can witness everything from colorful coral reefs and whales to sea turtles.
kkshxt/Shutterstock
If your idea of a holiday is to escape the daily hustle and explore life underwater, then Raja Ampat offers the most diverse aquatic experience.
"The waters around Raja Ampat are like no other," said Ellie Khoury, a senior travel designer for Asia Pacific at Jacada Travel.
What to do: Raja Ampat is home to vibrant coral reefs, jellyfish lakes, majestic manta rays, and various other colorful sea animals. The best way to explore this rich habitat, says Khoury, is by deep-sea diving or snorkeling.
Above the surface, Khoury says you can enjoy spotting "rare birds of paradise," hike up to viewpoints for panoramic views of the archipelago, swim in the turquoise waters of river Kali Biru β home to monkeys, birds, and butterflies β and visit the oyster pearl farm in Aljui Bay to see how pearls are cultivated.
Where to stay: For the most immersive experience, Khoury recommends chartering a luxury boat, which allows you to customize your itinerary.
"One of my favorite private charters," said Khoury, "is theΒ Alexa Luxury Yacht, an old Phinisi-style sailing boat that was once a vessel shipping spice between the Indonesian Islands." It is a good option for couples and honeymooners.
For those who prefer to join a small shared yacht, Khoury recommends the AquaBlu, a former British Naval Explorer transformed into an intimate 15-cabin vessel.
Where to eat:Β From traditional Indonesian cuisine to seafood staples, the archipelago offers a variety of options to choose from; the most popular dishes include fried fish, satay (grilled meat skewers), and fried banana.
When to go:Β TheΒ best time to sail is between November and early April, says Khoury, but for peak marine encounters, including whales and manta rays, she recommends planning your visit between December and February.
Cenobitic monasteries, Italy
The Sacra di San Michele, one of Italy's leading centers of Benedictine spirituality, is in the lower Susa Valley.
Andrea Frazzetta for National Geographic
Italy is a top tourist spot known for its beaches, architectural splendor, and fresh food.
But in 2025, the year of the jubilee in Rome β a religious event that happens once every 25 years in which all four of its papal Basilicas open their doors β it's also set to become popular for its spiritual activations.
"It's a massive year for pilgrimage," said Grace Harrex, the lead travel writer at Monasteries.com, adding that the city will host around 40 million pilgrims.
What to do: Cenobitic monasteries are religious communities where monks or nuns live together, focusing on prayer, work, and spiritual growth.
"You can join in morning prayers, help with daily chores, and share meals with the community," said Harrex, emphasizing that these visits are often treated as spiritual experiences rather than vacations.
Other noteworthy sites include Monte Cassino Abbey, a key pilgrimage site founded by St. Benedict, just two hours from Rome, and the Abbey of San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Rome, one of the city's most important religious sites.
If you prefer a coastal city to Rome, the Foresteria Monastero Santissimo in Agrigento is a cenobitic community known for its architecture and proximity to the sea. "It's a bit more flexible than some other monastic stays but still offers an authentic spiritual experience," said Harrex.
Where to stay:Β Whether you're on tour to explore the spiritual side of Italy or prefer the more popular touristy spots, Harrex recommends checking into monastic guesthouses run by nuns for a new experience. If you're looking for affordable stays, theΒ Casa Il Rosario, located in the center of Rome, is a great option, as isΒ the San Giuseppe House, which offers easy access to major religious sites.
Where to eat: According to Harrex, cenobitic monasteries in Agrigento, Sicily, are known for their local produce and sweets like cannoli and granita. They also offer communal meals, which include simple, farm-sourced dishes representing their lifestyle.
When to go:Β Spring and fall β March through May or early September through November β are the best times to escape the scorching summer heat, said Harrex, adding that it is best to avoid summer and especially August since that's when most people in Italy take time off, and many local businesses remain closed.
Los Angeles, California
Destination Crenshaw is the country's largest public/private Black art project β showcased here is the mural, "Hey Young World," made outside a local business in Crenshaw.
Fashion designer Isabel Marant once said, "In Los Angeles, you can have the city life and feel like you're on holiday at the same time."
Kelly Miller, the president and CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, attests to the city's laidback yet outgoing lifestyle.
What to do: Whether you enjoy surfing, shopping, or just strolling past streets, LA has something for everyone.
Explore the iconic Rodeo Drive, lined with luxury shops, public art, and upscale restaurants, or relax at one of the city's many beaches.
If you prefer to immerse yourself in art and culture, the Miracle Mile, home to several well known museums, is worth a day trip.
Where to stay: Miller says the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is ideal for couples and families. If you prefer something closer to downtown or the heart of the city, The Hoxton is just a few miles away from key travel hubs and attractions.
Where to eat:Β One perk of visiting LA is being able to sample a multitude of cuisines all in one place. You could begin with Italian staples at Dan Tana's or enjoy a plate of tacos at MΓrate.
For couples looking to escape the city, Miller recommends the newly launched LΕrea restaurant in Huntington Beach. Here, diners can enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Pacific.
When to go: September through November is the best time to visit, per Miller. This way, visitors can avoid peak season but still experience amazing weather.
Greenland
A small village featuring traditionally color-coded homes on the coast of Tasiilaq, East Greenland.
muratart/Shutterstock
"This year, we've seen Greenland and Scandinavia become some of the most popular destinations for what we're calling 'cool-cations,'" Duncan Greenfield-Turk, CEO of Global Travel Moments, told BI.
Now, with United offering direct flights from Newark to Nuuk, Greenland, starting June 2025, it is predicted to amass the same popularity as some of its neighboring destinations, like Spain and Iceland, The Wall Street Journal reported.
What to do:Β The Ilulissat ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of the country's most beautiful views. Visitors can travel to it by boat or helicopter.
Those who enjoy outdoor activities can hike to Sermermiut Valley, where you can see ancient Inuit settlements and views of the ice fjord's edge.
Traveling to see the northern lights? Take a Kangerlussuaq northern lights Safari tour for the best viewing chance. Greenfield-Turk says it is an ideal spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis, especially from October to April.
But amid the array of nature experiences, don't forget to explore the country's capital city, Nuuk, which, according to Greenfield-Turk, "offers a unique glimpse into modern Greenlandic life." Nuuk is also home to a rising tech and innovation scene focused on sustainability.
Where to stay: Would you enjoy living in igloo-style cabins? Hotel Arctic, an upscale hotel based in Ilulissat, offers this experience alongside incredible views of Disko Bay and the ice fjord.
Another pocket-friendly alternative is to stay at community-run guesthouses, which allow visitors to interact with locals.
Where to eat: Ulo at the Hotel Arctic serves dishes such as Arctic burgers made using reindeer meat, Arctic char, and musk ox, highlighting regional ingredients and culinary traditions with a contemporary twist.
But if you prefer to sample some of the street food, then Greenfield-Turk suggests heading to Kalaaliaraq Market, where you can try everything from dried fish and whale meat to seal blubber.
When to go: According to Greenfield-Turk, summer (between June and September) is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and exploring ice fjords. However, October to April is ideal for seeing the northern lights or experiencing winter activities like dog sledding.
Kanazawa, Japan
Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa during winter.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
What to do: Start at the renowned Kenroku-en Garden and nearby Kanazawa Castle, a quintessential Japanese feudal fortress, or, if you're an art enthusiast, watch the ancient art of Yuzen silk painting at Kaga Yuzen Kaikan, ending the day with a visit to Nagamachi Samurai District.
Travel experts at Enchanting Travels recommend stopping by the Nomura Samurai House, a historic home that features a traditional Kanazawa-style tea room, courtyard garden, and Edo-period artifacts.
Where to stay: Kanazawa Chaya Ryokan, located five minutes from JR Kanazawa Station, offers a luxurious spin on traditional Japanese-style inns. During your stay, you'll be provided a yukata β a cotton kimono β slippers, access to a relaxing onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals made from fresh local ingredients.
Closer to Omicho Market, there's Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, which has a more modern appearance but offers spacious rooms with incredible city views.
Where to eat: Enchanting Travels experts say Tsubajin, which was established in 1752, is a "legend in Kanazawa," most popular for its refined Kaga cuisine. Another top spot they recommended is Kagura, which they said serves excellent ramen.
When to go: To enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom at Kenroku-en Garden and around Ishikawa Gate, a picturesque corner of Kanazawa Castle, mid-April is the best time to visit, per experts at Enchanting Travels. Late December to March is ideal for a visit to Shirakawa-go, a village that's about an hour from Kanazawa and, in winter, is home to several snow-covered gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express briefly shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back on track.
Nicolas Quiniou/Belmond
Angela Walker, the vice president of operations at The Society of International Railway Travelers, first experienced Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, the train began its journey in Bangkok and ended in Singapore. Then, its services were shut down during the pandemic.
But since its reintroduction earlier this year, the luxury train's itinerary has been updated. Its round trips from Singapore travels through Malaysia. Recalling her experience from 2019, Walker told BI that she had an exceptional experience all around.
What to do: During the four-day journey, passengers can participate in excursions, from arts-focused tours to cooking classes, or, if you prefer, relax in the open-air observation car at the back of the train. "Sitting there with a cocktail, watching the scenery go by," was Walker's favorite part of her trip.
The train also features a luxury spa suite in collaboration with Dior, an experience Walker said only a few trains in the world offer.
Where to stay:Β You can select from three types of cabins, depending on your preferences and budget.
Walker said the state cabins are best for couples. They feature twin beds that convert into sofas during the day, an ensuite bathroom, and ample storage.
If you're celebrating a special occasion or prefer a more upscale experience, the presidential suites offer free-flowing Champagne and caviar and a 24-hour butler service, among other luxury amenities. The rooms and bathrooms are also much more spacious.
The most budget-friendly option is the Pullman cabin, which fits two people in one room on upper and lower berths. While they're cozy, Walker does not recommend them for travelers with mobility restrictions.
When to go:Β Walker recommends visiting between November and April, when the weather is more likely to be dry and slightly less humid.
Brasov, Romania
The old town and Tampa mountain in Brasov during winter.
SCStock/Shutterstock
Corina Leslie, a PR manager at email-services company ZeroBounce, is a native of Vulcan, a village 20 minutes from Brasov. Although she lives in the US now, she grew up in Romania and has personal, off-beat recommendations for those planning to visit this European nation.
Next, visit one of Romania's largest Gothic churches, theΒ Black Church. For a scenic, relaxing spot, head to PiaΘa George Enescu.
Vulcan, a quaint village, and Holbav, which is a 10-minute drive away, make for a perfect half-day outing, offering an authentic taste of Transylvania.
Where to eat: Leslie recommends trying the "Deliciu" cake, homemade fudge bars, and cookies at Vatra Ardealului bakery, opposite the Black Church.
For lunch or dinner, she recommends the Domeniul Valea MerilorΒ in RΓ’Θnov, which serves local dishes and offers great views of the town.
When to go: For a cozy, snow-covered experience, Leslie recommends planning your trip around wintertime, between December and February. If you prefer milder weather, then May to September is ideal.
Correction β December 19, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated the route taken by Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express. It starts and ends in Singapore and travels through Malaysia; it does not start in Malaysia and end in Singapore.
Negotiating with one of the largest companies in the world doesnβt sound easy, but thatβs precisely what Indonesia has been doing for the past few weeks with iPhone maker Apple. The backstory here is that after the country required smartphones which are sold domestically to be made of at least 40% locally manufactured parts, Indonesia [β¦]
The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is a great sunny spot for outdoor activities.
I loved getting to experience the rich history and great beaches in Cape Town, South Africa.
Though many people take their big trips in the summer, the winter is a great time for a grand escape. I've always been someone who needs sunshine and warmth in my bones, so when winter rolls around each year, I plan a sun-soaked getaway to escape the cold.
I've traveled to more than 50 countries and have come across a few destinations offering a winning combination of stunning scenery, memorable experiences, and warm weather.
Here are four places I'd recommend checking out in the winter months.
The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is sunny practically all year round.
Burleigh Head National Park is a great place to catch ocean views on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Kevin Hellon/Shutterstock
With beautiful beaches and plenty of theme parks, the Gold Coast in Australia's Queensland is filled with things to do.
The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with about 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're likely to encounter optimal weather for outdoor activities.
My favorite activity here was walking the trail from Tallebudgera Creek to Burleigh Heads, which goes through Burleigh Head National Park. I witnessed plenty of scenic ocean views along the way and often stopped to watch the surfers catch a wave.
If you have any interest in monkeys, Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, is the place to go.
Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was one of the highlights of our trip to Ubud.
Flash Vector/Shutterstock
If chill island vibes, monkey spottings, and melodious insect cacophonies appeal to you, Ubud is the place to go.
One of the top attractions is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to more than 1,200 monkeys. You can explore ancient temples and meet the local long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat.
Just make sure you follow the rules and don't take any food or water bottles with you. I learned that lesson the hard way when one enormous monkey leaped on my backpack, giving me the fright of my life.
Another highlight for me was sitting on our veranda at the Green Field Hotel while overlooking the rice fields at sunrise and listening to the cricket orchestra.
My 8-year-old son and I sat out there one morning for about two hours while everyone else was asleep, chatting and enjoying the sounds of nature around us.
For a nice, easy nature hike, check out Campuhan Ridge Walk. I loved the scenery and took my 4-year-old with me. At one point, we stopped for a rest on the trail, and I looked up to find the biggest spider I'd ever seen lurking right above us β so keep your eyes peeled.
Bonito, Brazil, is an incredible snorkeling destination.
The clear rivers in Bonito are a great place to spot fish.
Gustavo Castellon
Bonito, which means "beautiful" in Portuguese, lives up to its name. The town is in the southern region of the Brazilian Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland. We stopped here on our way from Rio de Janeiro to Bolivia and fell in love with this hidden paradise.
Surrounded by lush forests, Bonito has amazing crystal-clear rivers where you can spot an abundance of fish while snorkeling.
During our trip, a massive thunderstorm rolled in above us when we were snorkeling. Watching the fish dart around underwater as raindrops landed on my back was such an awe-inspiring experience.
I loved exploring wineries and beaches in Cape Town, South Africa.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Groot Constantia in Cape Town.
GTW/Shutterstock
When it comes to epic coastal scenery, warm people, delicious food, and historical sites, Cape Town delivers.
One of our favorite spots was Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa. We had a mouth-watering lunch and did a wine tasting before learning about the history of Cape farmers at the Manor House Museum and walking through the grounds.
Cape Town's sun-soaked beaches were also postcard-perfect. The water can be pretty chilly, however, even in the summer. I only dipped a toe in, but if you enjoy a little cold-water therapy, feel free to dive right in.
Oil wells from the Dutch colonial era lie scattered across Indonesia, polluting the earth and destroying locals' chances at making a living off anything but oil. We visited the workers who risk their lives daily to survive off the little oil that's left.
Indonesian business tycoons want to turn a formerly poverty-stricken area in North Jakarta (not pictured) into a tourist hotspot.
Bay Ismoyo/AFP via Getty Images
Indonesian tycoons are working on a huge real estate project βbuilding a new city in North Jakarta.
The city, PIK 2, is worth about $16 billion and is intended to drive tourism to the area.
Bloomberg reported the developers are in touch with partners in China and Singapore to build a port at PIK 2.
Indonesian business tycoons are moving ahead with an ambitious real estate project: building a new city in North Jakarta to boost tourism.
The city, called PIK 2, is being developed in a former poverty-stricken area now made up primarily of gated neighborhoods and golf courses, per Bloomberg.
The project, which is currently in its conceptual phase, is a collaboration between Agung Sedayu Group β run by entrepreneur Sugianto Kusuma β and Salim Group, led by billionaire Anthoni Salim.
The publicly traded parent company behind the project β PT Pantai Indah Kapuk Dua β has a $16 billion market capitalization.
Kusuma is the president, director, and owner of PT Pantai Indah Kapuk Dua, and both men are members of the influential group of ultra-wealthy businessmen known locally as the "Nine Dragons," per Bloomberg.
According to Agung Sedayu Group's website, PIK 2 will be "located approximately only 7 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport" and "will cover approximately 6,000 hectares."
The development could, by its slated completion in 2060, feature amenities including a safari area and an international motor racetrack, per Forbes.
Bloomberg reported that the development may also include a theme park and that the project's backers hope to make an appeal to major racing events, including Formula 1.
The Indonesian developers are also in touch with partners in China and Singapore to build a port at PIK 2 that would increase its appeal to international tourists, per Bloomberg.
However, the outlet reported the project's owner said its continued expansion depends on global economic conditions.
"It's going to require huge spending but we are not building everything in one go," Kusuma told Bloomberg of PIK 2. "This isn't a short-term project. It's not going to be built just by me but future generations can continue it. But we want to lay down a foundation first."
Kusuma's project isn't the only major development that's happening in Indonesia.
In 2019, then-Indonesia President Joko Widodo said the government plans to relocate the country's capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan.
The move β which involves a new city called Nusantara being built on the eastern coast of Borneo β is projected to cost Indonesia an estimated $35 billion. The project is set to be completed by 2045.
Representatives for Kusuma at PT Pantai Indah Kapuk Dua and Agung Sedayu Group did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
I stayed in Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel, a short ferry ride from Singapore.
The 110-year-old ship was brought to its resting place in Indonesia and renovated into a hotel.
It was a unique respite from the hustle and bustle of Singapore.
Life in Singapore, a small island state in Southeast Asia that's just slightly smaller than New York City, can get claustrophobic.
Weekend getaways to nearby islands are popular escapes for wearyΒ residents. Bintan, an Indonesian island just an hourlong, 107 Singapore dollars ($80) round-trip ferry from Singapore, is a top choice.
As my ferry turned into Bintan's harbor, I caught the first glimpse of what would be my home for the next 36 hours: a 110-year-old mammoth ship that's been converted into a hotel.
About Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel
The ship, retrofitted to become a hotel in 2019, was built in 1914, just two years after the Titanic sank.
Built in Texas, it was a cargo ship carrying onions from 1914 to 1948. Until 1953, it was a passenger ship that ferried pilgrims to Rome.
In 1953, it was acquired by a cruise company and served as a passenger ship before it was sold to a Christian missionary in 1977. There, it spent 33 years as a floating library sailing around the world.
When it was decommissioned in 2009 at 95 years old, the ship received a Guinness World Record as the oldest active passenger ocean-going ship.
Singaporean businessman Eric Saw bought the vessel in 2010 and spent nine years finding its final resting spot.
From the get-go, I was blown away by the vastness
The front of the ship hotel, with its two anchors preserved.
Aditi Bharade
As my taxi turned the corner from the ferry terminal, I took in the sheer size of the 430-foot-long ship hotel.
Dry-berthed on an anchor-shaped piece of reclaimed land, the hotel has 105 ship-cabin-inspired rooms, three operating eateries, an infinity swimming pool overlooking the sea, a gym, and a spa center.
I was greeted with a welcome drink as I checked into the hotel. The lobby was bright and polished.
Aditi Bharade
The lobby was bright, polished, and spacious. While I checked in, I was given a refreshing glass of chilled orange juice, a welcome respite from the nearly 90-degree heat of the island.
Its history as an ocean-going vessel was apparent: The staff were all dressed in sailor-inspired uniforms with nautical patterns, its rooms were called cabins, and its floors were referred to as decks.
The room was stunning
My "cabin" was a spacious executive suite.
Aditi Bharade
My room, which was an executive suite, was spacious and way too big for one person. It had a sofa area, a work desk, a king-sized bed, and a mini-fridge. The windows looked out to a beautiful view of Bintan's coastline.
The bathroom, too, was huge β much larger than some hotel rooms I've stayed in.
The bathroom was larger than hotel rooms I've stayed in, in the past.
Aditi Bharade
The room cost about $87 a night, which I thought was a good deal for the size and amenities. Business Insider paid for my stay in full.
There wasn't that much to do on the property β but the tour was fascinating
Scenes from a tour inside the ship hotel's engine room.
Aditi Bharade
I thought the activities "on board" the ship hotel could have been more extensive. The highlight was a ship tour, which takes place twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
The tour started from the upper decks, with the staff taking me through the various suites of the ship. It then wound its way to the engine room on the lowest deck.
The engine room looked like it was the most untouched part of the ship. A wall with maps of dozens of countries documented its 95 years of sails, and the preserved pipes and machinery gave me an idea of what the ship must have looked like while in operation.
Outside the ship, on the edge of the anchor-shaped reclaimed island, sat the hotel's infinity pool. The water was cool and refreshing, and given that it faced west, the view of the sunset was to die for.
The Doulos Phos' infinity pool.
Aditi Bharade
There was a small spa facility and benches and grass patches to sit around in.
The gym on-site had a traditional wooden roof and was equipped with weights, a treadmill, exercise balls, and other basic equipment. It was small but had a beautiful view of the sea.
The gym in the ship hotel was bare bones.
Aditi Bharade
Apart from that, there was not that much to do. But living and working in Singapore's noisy concrete jungle, I found myself gazing at the sea for a good part of my trip.
There was an odd lack of visitors
The tip of the anchor-shaped reclaimed island.
Aditi Bharade
One thing that shocked me about the place was the unsettling lack of visitors. Most of the visitors during my stay were the missionaries who owned the ship before it was decommissioned and were on a group retreat at the hotel.
Throughout my weekday stay, I only saw one visitor who was not a part of the missionary retreats. The visitor, Truphena Omolo from Kenya, was a teacher working in Singapore who was on a short getaway to Bintan.
She said she had found the hotel on Booking.com and booked it for five days and four nights, paying about $400 for her trip.
The food needed some work
The three meals I had in the hotel were Indonesian fare.
Aditi Bharade
I am a huge fan of Indonesian cuisine and had high hopes for the food. But it fell short, with the chicken being a bit too dry for my liking.
Omolo, the visitor from Kenya, said she thought the only area the hotel could improve on was its food.
"I think if there were a variety of maybe choices in terms of meals for people who are vegetarian, then I would appreciate that," she said, adding that the choices for her were "slim."
I returned home refreshed
The selfie I sent to my editors to prove I was safe and alive.
Aditi Bharade
Overall, I returned from the short trip rejuvenated. It was a perfect place for a quick and inexpensive escape from city life.
However, other hotels and resorts in Bintan with water sports and golf courses might be a safer bet for more activity-seeking vacationers.
