Java is the most populated island in Indonesia. It’s home to more than 130 million people and is one of the most densely populated places on earth. Java Island has a rich history, which is evident when you visit any of its many historical sites. There are also plenty of natural wonders to discover. From volcanoes to rainforests, there are so many things to see when you visit Java. There are so many places to explore if you plan on visiting Java. Here are 15 of the best destinations on this island that you won’t want to miss out on!
Borobudur Temple
You cannot talk about visiting Java without mentioning its most famous and popular tourist attraction, Borobudur Temple. This world-famous Buddhist temple is actually made up of a series of terraces, each containing a number of stone stairs. The temple is located in Central Java and is a massive structure made from andesite stone blocks. The reason this temple is so famous is because it’s absolutely huge and is an incredible feat of engineering. It’s believed that the construction of the Borobudur Temple started in the 8th century and that the total building process took around 75 years to complete.
The Borobudur Temple is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws millions of tourists every year. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in Java, although it can get very crowded and busy during certain times of the year. If you are able to visit outside of the busiest times, it will be a much more peaceful and enjoyable experience for you.
Mount Merapi
Located in the Central region of Java, Mount Merapi is the most active and dangerous volcano on the island. It’s an extremely popular tourist destination due to its close proximity to Yogyakarta. Every year, thousands of tourists travel to the mountain to see it erupt and shoot lava from its top. Due to its active nature, Mount Merapi is a very dangerous place to be. Many people have lost their lives to this volcano. It’s important to be aware of the risks and stay safe if you choose to visit. There are several different ways to experience this volcano. You can choose to hike up to the peak of the volcano, or you can use a car or truck to drive to the base.
Indonesia Safari Park
If you’re a fan of animals and nature, then you must visit Safari Park Indonesia while you’re in Java. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and has won many awards over the years. This wildlife park is home to more than 3,000 animals, including tigers, orangutans, and many other different species. You can experience things like elephant rides, feeding giraffes, and snorkelling with reef sharks at the park. You can also visit the park’s aquarium and marine life centre.
Baturaden Waterfall
The Baturaden waterfalls in Purwokerto, Java, look like something out of the Amazon.
Just like most places, getting to the most beautiful places requires some sacrifice. The hike to the waterfalls is fairly long and demanding, but the beautiful scenery you see along the way will make up for it when you reach the massive falls that cascade through the forest canopy into quiet pools at the end.
Pack your sunscreen, insect repellents, water bottle, and some bandaids just in case!
Climb Mount Ijen
Despite Mount Ijen’s beauty, it doesn’t get as much attention as other Indonesian mountains.
Mount Ijen is one of Indonesia’s most picturesque peaks, but it is also home to the world’s largest acidic crater lake, which is particularly popular at night because of the blue flames that flare up around it.
The blue glow emitted by the Kawah crater is caused by the combination of moonlight and sulfuric acid that rises to the surface and ignites. It’s definitely a sight worth seeing.
Pangandaran Seaside
Pangandaran is a seaside town near Jakarta and Yogyakarta, where you can take in some sun and sand. Aside from being near the sea, this location offers fresh seafood, which is one reason it is popular.
In the event that you come here in the evening, you can dine at one of the seaside stalls that sells barbecued fresh fish simply cooked over hot coals, as well as a wider national park if you want to eschew the beach and go trekking instead.
Sewu Temple
Borobudur and Candi Prambanan frequently steal the limelight from Sewu Temple, which is a mere 10 minutes away on foot.
There are many temples in the area, and the temple isn’t as well preserved as others, so its deterioration is graceful. You will also find alleys and hidden corners to explore, in addition to 200 temples. Make sure to examine the elaborate carvings so you can picture the temple as it was in its heyday.
Timang Beach
An hour from Yogyakarta, Timang Beach is found in the Gunung Kidul region.
A day at the seaside is the perfect escape from the city, and there are numerous little food stalls lining the beach that sell fresh coconuts and noodles.
Lobster, shrimp, and crab are among the most popular dishes here, and one reason for this is the proximity of seafood restaurants from which you can get fresh seafood.
Hike up the Dieng Plateau
The Dieng Plateau, at 2,100 meters, is a popular destination in Java. Many people come here to visit the Buddhist temples that are scattered about the route.
When you hike up the plateau, you will pass by clear pools filled with spring water as well as some steaming hot springs.
The sunsets from the summit of the escarpment are awe-inspiring, and you should attempt to time your visit to coincide with one to get the most out of the light.
Take a Trip to Solo
Despite Solo not being an obvious stop-off location, an authentic slice of Indonesia is exactly what anyone looking for a more down-to-earth experience should seek out.
Some of the highlights here include the traditional touches like the central market which has been running since the Dutch colonial period, and you can also travel to Borobudur and Candi Prambanadan from Solo.
Diving at the Karimunjawa Islands
If you want some of the best waters in Java then consider taking a trip to the Karimunjawa Archipelago.
Here you will find 27 different tropical islands off the coast of Semarang, many of which are uninhabited.
The crystal clear waters around Karimunjawa are perfect for snorkeling or diving, and the sandy beaches are picturesque. If you want to island hop around the islands, renting a boat is the best way to do it. So, if you are looking for an idyllic beachside experience in Java, don’t forget Karimunjawa.
Tasty Treats in Bandung
Bandung has a great food scene, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of it if you’re in the area. If you’re in Bandung, you should try keradok, a local specialty similar to gado-gado, one of Indonesia’s most popular dishes.
A combination of sprouts, beans, cabbage, and cucumber is used to make keradok, which is then covered in a spicy peanut sauce and topped with basil. Make sure to try the gepuk, a spicy curry made with fried beef. Finally, finish your meal with a steamed chocolate sweet at Amanda Brownies, a Bandung favourite.
Rainbow Village
This village is still a part of Semarang, but it’s also a small village in its own right. Its called Kampung Pelangi which means Rainbow Village in Indonesian.
The residents of this village decided to paint it in a multitude of bright colours to entice more visitors a few years back. Everything is coloured in this village, and it appears as if something out of a fantasy story, but it appears as if the strategy has worked, and people now come here to snap photos of this colourful scene.
Surfing at Pelabuhan Ratu
The pounding surf at Pelabuhan Ratu in West Java draws people from Bogor, Bandung, and Jakarta, and you can surf here surprisingly well. Swimming, however, is not advised, as the surf is quite strong.
As you follow the coastline you will find different bays and inlets and some of the best places to find waves. This includes Sunset Beach, Karang Sari Beach, and Cimaja Beach.
Shop for Batik in Yogyakarta
There are many places in Yogyakarta where you can purchase batik, a type of textiles produced by applying varicoloured wax to cloth. You can also take a factory tour to learn about how batik was created in Indonesia.
Taking a batik making class and fashioning your own souvenir fabric are two things you can do if you want to get hands-on experience. Enjoy and remember to have fun!
Final Words on Things To Do in Java
These are just a few of the many places you can visit in Java. There are so many different things to see here, no matter what kind of interests you have. Java is a very beautiful and diverse place, so it’s a must-visit if you’re travelling to Indonesia. When you are visiting, make sure you explore as many places as possible so that you get the most out of your trip.
Find your perfect Java tour package right here. Indonesia Impression Tour is always ready to cater your travel needs. Book your travels with us and have a blast!