KUALA LUMPUR: While Indonesia is popular with Malaysians as a ho­­liday destination with family and friends, it can also be alluring for single women tourists.

Visit Indonesia Tourism Malaysia country manager Muhammad Sha­fie Obet said although the country was less well known in the tra­vel circuit as a destination for single women travellers, there were many places in Indonesia which might attract them.

“I can recommend Yogyakarta, as it is safe and you can see many single European women tourists walking around at night.

“It’s a laidback city. Culture and heritage are emphasised, so if someone is into that, it’s a great choice,” Muhammad Shafie said.

He said a choice that was always popular with single women travellers, especially those from western countries, was Bali, but its quieter sister, Lombok, was also becoming popular.

He said Indonesia recognised that a single woman traveller would prioritise safety and security.

“Cities such as Bandung are nice as it is easy to move about, you can find food within short distances of hotel areas, there is public transport, so it will be appealing to women,” he said.

Muhammad Shafie was speaking at a press conference to announce Indonesia as Asean’s favourite destination at the upcoming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair next month.

Indonesia Tourism Mi­­nistry de­­­pu­­­ty director (South-East Asia) Erwita Dianti said the Indonesian booths at the fair would feature agents specialising in tour packages and activities for visitors that would give them a taste of Indonesia.

Erwita said actors Di­­mas Seto and Elyzia Mu­­la­chela would also be ma­king an appearance at the Indone­sian booths.

She said the country’s target for Malaysian visitors was at two million for 2016.

“Looking at current economic si­­tuation and currency, we are doing the best to achieve our target,” she added.

MATTA Fair will be held from Sept 2 to 4 at the Putra World Trade Centre and the doors will be open to the public from 10am to 9pm daily. The entrance fee is RM4 per person per day.

The Indonesian booths will be in Hall 3.