Indonesia’s fifth largest island and the world’s most populated island, Java is a unique region with exotic sceneries, fascinating cultures and rich wildlife. Java is divided into four provinces: Banten, West Java, Central Java and East Java. Jakarta, the bustling capital, and Yogyakarta hold provincial status.
Banten Province Anyer, Carita, Karang Bolong, Labuan, Merak, Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary, Serang, Tanjung Lesung, Ujung Kulon National Park Central Java Borobudur, Cilacap, Dieng Plateu, Gunung Lawu, Gunung Merapi, Kaliurang, North Coast, Parangtritis, Prambanan, Purwokerto, Selo, Solo, Tawangmangu, Wonosobo East Java Baluran National Park, Banyuwangi, Batu, Blitar, Bondowoso, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Gunung Arjuna-Lalijiwo Reserve, Gunung Penanggungan, Ijen Plateau, Jember, Kalibaru, Malang, Meru Betiri National Park, Pacitan, Panataran, Pasir Putih, Probolinggo, Pulau Madura, Sarangan, Surabaya, Trowulan Jakarta and Surrounds Jakarta, Pulau Seribu West Java Bandung, Batu Karas, Bogor, Ciater Hot Springs, Cibodas, Cirebon, Cisarua, Garut, Gede Pangrango National Park, Gunung Halimun National Park, Lembang, Pangandaran, Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi Indonesia, Tangkuban Prahu, Tasikmalaya Yogyakarta
Introduction#
Javanese is the main ethic group in every province except for East Java where the Sudanese dominate the area. The population of Jakarta, however, is a combination of several ethic groups, contributing to its diverse cultures. Betawi is the native group in Jakarta.
Jakarta is the capital and the main cultural and economic hub of the country. The largest city in Indonesia, it is situated in northwest Java. Central Jakarta is home to the National Monument and West and South Jakarta are dotted with a number of shopping malls, sports complexes and exciting nightlife venues. North Jakarta, with its many beautiful islands, is an oasis for beach lovers and divers.
Once in Java, an ideal starting point for exploring is West Java, which is easily accessible from Jakarta by car, train or plane. Bandung, the capital city, is a vibrant university town with great shopping and lively atmosphere. Those seeking natural settings can also find impressive mountains and healing hot springs.
Other notable hotspots in West Java include Banten, a lovely coastal town with the magnificent Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary, and Carita, a peaceful resort town with long, sandy beaches. The Sunda Straits is where you can hire a boat to visit the renowned Krakatau volcano. Animal lovers will enjoy adventuring in the rich wilderness of Ujung Kulon National Park, looking for exotic species.
East Java is home to some of the highest volcanic peaks in the country such as Mt Semeru, Java’s highest and most famous peak, and the sand sea of Mt Bromo. An absolute delight for climbers and hikers worldwide, these peaks also make ideal viewing spots. For a different type of adventure in East Java, Surabaya, the second largest city in Indonesia, has a variety of eerie but delicious dishes to please versatile diners.
The bustling port city of Semarang, with a lively Chinatown and a famous morning market, is one of the highlights of Central Java. In addition to the capital city, the province also boasts a number of interesting towns such as Kudus, a pilgrimage town, and Jepara, famous for its woodcarvers. After a hard day of play, visitors can indulge in the ultimate spa treatments at the magnificent Lokasari, where several private villas are available for rent.
Java’s infrastructure is excellent, with countless accommodations and modern facilities to accommodate tourists. A number of international and domestic airlines serve Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta and Surabaya and ferry services reach Java from many parts of Indonesia.
Java, the largest populated island in the world, is also home to the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. With its chain of volcanic mountains, miles of tropical beaches and world of underwater wonders, Java draws tourists from near and far. Its mix of cultures, language and traditions offer an interesting edge to this predominantly Muslim island.
Nature tourists will not be disappointed by a trip to Java; with dive sites and surf breaks to national parks and volcanoes, natural offerings abound. The waters around the island are home to many species, lending a host of opportunities for underwater exploration, with the Kraktoa Volcano being among the best known sites for diving. For surfers, southern Java is the destination, with its large oceanic surf breaks, while G-Land, east Java is another celebrated site.** **
Despite being predominantly Muslim, there is a long history of Hindu and Buddhist influences in Java. The well-preserved Borobudur temple in Central Java is an impressive shrine dating back to the 8th century, and a little farther southeast you will find the Prambanan Hindu temple - both are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Yogyakarta is renowned as being an epicenter of Indonesian culture and Javanese fine art, while for shopping and bustling nightlife, head for Jakarta where you can brush shoulders with upper class Javanese.
Highlights
National Museum: located in Jakarta, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage and history of Indonesia.
Candi Sukuh: located on the slopes of Gunung Lawu mountain, Candi Sukuh with its unique pyramid building is considered one of the most interesting Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.
Jakarta: is the capital of Indonesia and a bustling center with more shopping opportunities than any other city in the country as well as plenty of nightlife entertainment.
Bandung: known as the Paris of Java, this city is a great alternative to Jakarta. A center for the Indonesian textile industry, it has many universities and charming road side cafés.
Bogor: a rainy city with plenty of charm, this city is really quite beautiful, with rivers, canals, tree-lined streets and some beautiful Asian flowers making the urban congestion seem a little more tolerable.
Borobudur: a 9th century Buddhist monument, considered one of the most spectacular temples in the world for its size and hilltop location, offers a great insight into Buddhist art, religion and customs.
Solo: the ancient capital of Java and an important cultural city, there are plenty of attractions here yet few tourists.