Top 10 Things to Do in Java Island

Java, though maybe not by size the biggest, it is definitely the main island of Indonesia, being the central hub for business and also of course travel.

The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta lies in the west of this huge island and from there on towards the east lies much attraction such as temples, lush fields, and hills, volcanic mountains, waterfalls, castles, and rainforests. Besides Java is teeming with arts, food, and culture. Many travelers find it hard to dismiss all these if they are making an overland trip across Java.

Here are our take of Top 10 Things to Do in Java among the attractions.

Understand what it means to be a packed city in Indonesia at Jakarta

Jakarta is the main and largest city of Indonesia, with mixture of traffic congestions and soulless tourist attractions to hidden treasures, shopping haven and bustling nightlife. Come here to experience the ultimate Indonesian city, you haven’t been to Indonesia if you have not been stuck in the traffic for hours, surrounded by countless people and flooded with shopping sales and bargains. Besides, Jakarta is the main international airport hub for the entire Indonesia so take a little time to learn about this place before leaving. One of the best luxurious hotel in Jakarta is The Hermitage by Marriott *, located at the center of the city.

-> Find the Best Hotels in Jakarta
-> Top 10 Things to Do and Must See in Jakarta
-> Jakarta Travel Guide

Shopping in Bandung for one of the best bargains in the world

When mentioned shopping in Indonesia, Bandung will definitely come into mind. Moreover it is just short trip from Jakarta therefore making it a popular weekend destination. To top it off the food is cheap and delicious so fuel up in between all the shopping frenzy. Shopping here means ranging from factory outlets to local shops and stores, you may be sure to find something you fancy. Bandung is mostly famous for clothing, factory outlets for many designers products, denim jeans and also electronics.

-> Top 10 Things to do and What to See in Bandung
-> Bandung Travel Guide

Swim in Amazon-like waterfalls in Baturadden, Purwokerto

When I first got to Purwokerto I did not expect to be greeted by an Amazon-like waterfalls in Baturadden, which took us a bit of an effort to get to but definitely worth it. You will stand at the moment in awe of the tall and powerful waterfall dropping into the contrastingly serene lake while shrouded around by rainforest canopies. One of my favourite waterfall here is Curug Belot.

-> Purwokerto Travel Guide

Trek the lush rolling hills of Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau is a place up in the highlands and not only far from the rest of Java, but it is also different as well. It is a self-contained place here where you can do your own exploration by trekking through rolling hills of plantations and greens with mountains flanking from all sides in the horizon. It is a trek that will keep you fascinated throughout the journey and you wouldn’t even realize the distance. In bonus, you will be trekking in cooling climate as this highland have pleasant temperatures all year round. Stay at the new and modern Tani Jiwo Hostel * or in cozy Dewa Ndaru Homestay *.

-> Dieng Plateau Travel Guide

Be humbled by the serene and ancient Borobudur

Stay at Manohara Resort *s at Borobudur so that you can either catch the sunrise (which you would need to book a tour for) or be the first few people who enters as the temple opens to visitor at 8am. This is how to best enjoy it, when it is at its most quiet, with just a trickle of travelers like you who appreciate the silence and marvels at the beauty with respect. This 9th century temple is an Indonesia UNESCO Heritage site and one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Thousands of Buddhists does their pilgrimage here in Borobudur during Waisak day.

-> Check out where to stay in Borobudur

Experience everything Indonesian at Yogyakarta

To me Yogyakarta is truly the heart of Java and Indonesia as it offers everything from culinary delights to interesting attractions to arts and culture to shopping. Remember to eat the famous Gudeg, meat stew that is really delicious. Also, you can shop at Jalan Malioboro or Pasar Beringjaho. For the adventurous you can hike up ruins of Mount Merapi. In sightseeing, attractions not to be miss are the Water Castle and Kraton Palace. Besides, join a local myth or chill out at the cafe at the end of the day. Read more about things to do in Yogyakarta here.

-> Yogyakarta Travel Guide
-> Top 10 Things to Do in Yogyakarta

Be awed by the majestic Prambanan

Yet another temple but not one temple to be taken likely, Candi Prambanan is a well known ancient Hindu Temple that stood majestically nearby Yogyakarta. You will sure to find yourself mesmerized and in awe as you were greeted by the looming Prambanan temple that look somewhat foreboding yet drawing you in anyhow. It is one of the Indonesia UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the largest Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

Dive/snorkel off the only pristine waters of Java in Karimunjawa

Java’s answer to pristine waters and beautiful white sand beaches, Karimunjawa is proudly proclaimed so by the locals. A hidden paradise, Karimunjawa is an archipelago of 27 islands north of Semarang and off the coast of Central Java. This place is known by savvy travelers of Java finding a place to get some beautiful beaches and sea without needing to leave to other parts of Indonesia. Although relatively unknown, there are a number of places to stay in Karimunjawa * to select from. Stay in specialty lodgings like the huts in Ayu Hotel Karimujawa * or more private cottages like Casa Velion *.

-> Karimunjawa Travel Guide

Chill and soak in the laid-back Malang

Malang is the epitome of what a city would have been in Indonesia back in the days before everywhere are swarmed by developments and traffics. This laid-back city, wedged between Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo, has beautiful landscapes out in the nearby villages and dotted with many temple attractions. You can wander from within the city in becak or take the angkot out to the many hidden temples where one you even have to trek through paddy fields to get to. The most popular and unique luxurious hotel in Malang – Tugu Malang Hotel * and I have stayed in Hotel Santika in Malang * with good experience.

-> Top 10 Things to Do in Malang
-> Malang Travel Guide

Catch the breathtaking sunrise at Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo, one of the numerous volcanic mountains in Indonesia and Java but undoubtedly one of the most famous for the breathtaking view it offers. It beckons majestically despite having the entire top blown off and with a crater inside that keeps spewing off-white sulphurous smoke. Many travelers come here to trek up to the nearby mountain to catch the sunrise over Mount Bromo and the caldera which is coined ‘sea of sand’. In the morning, there is a bunch of clouds huddle around it making as if you feel you on top of the sky looking down. This experience itself is surely a notable attraction in Java and something you must do when you are here.

-> Guide to Hiking Mount Bromo
-> Check out where to stay near Mount Bromo

-> Find the best hotel deals in Java with Booking.com *

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