Heaptalk, Jakarta — Travel trends have changed due to uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic. Compared to looking for accommodation for a staycation, currently, tourists tend to look for holiday activities that are simpler, but still memorable. This is what has brought back the trend of nostalgic gateways in the tourism sector.
The nostalgic gateway trend stems from tourists’ desire to return to simpler times. In other words, they want holiday activities to feel more exciting and intimate, such as in the pre-digital era.
This trend focuses more on inviting tourists to reminisce about memories of the past or childhood rather than engaging in calming and relaxing activities such as staycations. Thus, holiday activities can also be a sweet nostalgic moment.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has listed a number of tourist destinations that are suitable for having nostalgic gateways, spanning Kelor Island in the Seribu Islands, Tanjung Tinggi Beach in Bangka Belitung, thematic eating places, and playgrounds.
Kelor Island in the Seribu Islands
As one of the small islands located in the Seribu Islands, Kelor Island is not only synonymous with white sand and clear sea water but is also famous for Fort Martello. This Dutch defensive fort was built in 1850 using iconic red bricks.
Visitors, especially the millennial generation, can reminisce in this place as Fort Martello is one of the filming locations in the film Petualangan Sherina 2. This fort is the place where the main characters Sherina and Sadam meet after 23 years apart, which fits the nostalgic gateway trend.
Tanjung Tinggi Beach in Bangka Belitung
This beach has soft white sand with clear green sea water. Visitors can reminisce by sitting relaxed on a giant, iconic granite rock like a scene in the film Laskar Pelangi. There are also several filming locations in Bangka Belitung that are worth visiting, such as a replica of the Muhammadiyah Elementary School and the Andrea Hirata Word Museum.
Apart from Tanjung Tinggi Beach, tourists can also visit several beautiful beaches nearby, such as Laskar Pelangi Beach, Mabai Beach, Paonggarona Beach, or island hopping to Kepayang Island.
Thematic eating places
Nostalgic gateways can also be done by visiting thematic eating places that carry the concept of grandma’s house. One of the famous thematic eating places is Kopi Klotok in Yogyakarta. Identical to traditional house buildings surrounded by a rural atmosphere, Kopi Klotok provides a warm and beautiful atmosphere like a grandmother’s house.
Tourists can also stop by Mangut Lele Mbah Marti in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. Visitors will be immediately directed to the traditional kitchen to take food according to their wishes, like at home. Afterward, they can eat dishes with authentic taste in a calm rural atmosphere.
Playgrounds
Age does not limit the tourist locations that can be visited. Adults can visit amusement parks or playgrounds to reminisce about their childhood. Going on holiday to the playground can be a nostalgic gateway moment to remember the first time their parents took them to the playground.
In this place, visitors can try the most memorable rides of their childhood, following the nostalgic gateway trend. For example, riding a roller coaster for the first time with their family, remembering the good times while riding the merry-go-round, or simply buying cotton candy and other sweet foods as a cure for childhood longing. (Translated by Sinta)
