Your travel guide to Java, Indonesia’s main island and fifth largest island. Java makes up 65% of Indonesia’s population, making it the most populated island. Java boasts many natural and historical tourist attractions. Here you can find ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan. There are also volcanoes, mountains, and national parks to trek and explore.

Moreover, the train transport in Java is well connected from west to east, being the only reliable train network among the archipelagos of Indonesia. Javanese are well known for their friendliness and hospitality, while their food along Sundanese has a lot of delicious variety.

java travel guide
Java Travel Guide. Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is located here in West Java, while the second largest city of Indonesia, Surabaya, is in the east. Java is the largest economy and cultural center of Indonesia. The population in Jakarta city itself is 8 million, while its suburbs is home to 12 million others. The main ethnic group here is Javanese, except in West Java, where people are primarily Sundanese. About 20% of the population in East Java is Madurese, where half of them live in Madura.

Java Travel Map

Java Travel Map

 

Java Travel Map
Click on for larger map

 

Popular Route

Jakarta -> Purwokerto -> Wonosobo -> Dieng Plateau -> Borobudur Temple -> Yogyakarta -> Prambanan Temple -> Malang -> Hiking Mount Bromo -> Ijen Crater -> Surabaya or Banyuwangi -> Bali

Places to Visit

West Java

Jakarta

Jakarta is the largest and main city in Indonesia, known for its crazy traffic but still loved for its exciting tourist attractions, shopping haven, and vibrant nightlife.

Jakarta Skyline at Night, Indonesia

 

Jakarta Skyline at Night. Photo by yohanes budiyant

Bandung

Bandung is a popular weekend destination or a trip of its own, having delicious food with a variety of affordable shopping. It also has exciting tourist attractions like lakes and volcanoes.

More West Java Destinations

Central Java

We have Purwokerto in the heart of Java, this little city holds many hidden treasures to be discovered, with beautiful waterfalls and highlands nearby. Then there is Dieng Plateau, a secret spot up in the highlands, great for sunrise view, trekking through rolling hills of plantations, and appreciating history with its ancient temples.

Yogyakarta, my favorite city in Java, has delicious food, arts, and cultures to discover in the hidden alleys and the two most famous ancient temples in Indonesia. While savvy travelers know how to go to Karimunjawa Islands for a slice of hidden paradise in Java, with tranquil and secluded white beaches.

Yogyakarta

More Central Java Destinations

East Java

Surabaya, a springboard to the famous Mount Bromo, this city is worth a short stop to get a feel of Indonesia’s city, is the second biggest. Mount Bromo is arguably the most iconic and most hiked volcanic mountain in Indonesia, one not to be missed.

Malang is popular with the locals, and international tourists are slowly discovering it. A fresh view of the way of life here in this university city. Ijen Crater intrigued many with its sulfur collectors in harsh working conditions. The place is magical, especially with its magnificent turquoise sulfur lake and blue fire at night.

Mount Bromo

More East Java Destinations

Photo: Street (Gang) Food Seller in Malang, Java

Malang Travel Guide

Being one of the largest city in East Java, Malang serves as an important hub…

Tourist Attractions in Java

Activities in Java

Festivals in Java

Best of Java

Java Itineraries