Java Hotels
Java – Explore the World’s Most Populous Island, from East to West
Indonesia is an amazing archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, strung like pearls between the Indian and Pacific oceans. One island however, is the country’s beating heart: Java. Home to 141 million people, this is the most populous island in the world. Java also houses the country’s three largest cities, including the national capital. Guests who head outside Jakarta however, will discover a breath-taking world of wonders, both manmade and carved by Mother Nature. Nestled in the hills of West Java, Bandung is a cool city in both senses of the word. Its elevated location gives it a pleasant climate, while the cosmopolitan cafés and chic boutiques provide a trendy vibe. Over 700km away in East Java lies Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city, which is considered one of the country’s cleanest and greenest urban centers. In between these two metropolises, Central Java is the nation’s cultural heart, with cities like Solo, Semarang and Yogyakarta, and the 9th Century marvel of Borodudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. All across the island are vast swathes of spectacular and often volatile scenery, including tropical forests, rugged highlands and active volcanoes. Dramatic, diverse and completely compelling, Java is like nowhere else on Earth.
Tangkuban Perahu
Tangkuban Perahu is a volcanic peak in West Java, located just 30km from Bandung, Indonesia’s third largest city. This is no dormant rock however; it is an active volcano that erupted as recently as 2019! Despite this, Tangkuban Perahu is a popular tourist attraction, and intrepid guests can even drive right up to the rim of the crater – the only volcano in Indonesia where this is possible. Once at the crater, visitors can watch the boiling water and bubbling mud. The surrounding slopes of Tangkuban Perahu are also blessed with cool mountain air and spectacular scenery, which provide a blissful break from the heat of the city. The nearby hot springs provide a soothing place to relax.
Mount Bromo
Nestled in the atmospheric, otherworldly landscape of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, approximately four hours’ drive from Surabaya in East Java, Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes. At 2,392 meters, Bromo may not be the highest peak but its natural beauty attracts travelers from far and wide. Visitors should be prepared for a challenge however; Bromo is a highly active volcano that has experienced five major eruptions since 2004. The best way to experience it is with a 45-minute trek from the village of Cemoro Lawang. The viewpoint at Mount Penanjakan can also be reached on foot and promises breath-taking vistas of the mountain, especially at sunrise.
Keraton Kasunanan
The Surakarta Sunanate once reigned over Central Java. Based in the city of Surakarta (also known as Solo), it was ruled by Pakubuwono II and produced some exquisite traditional architecture and design. Perhaps the finest remaining example of this is Keraton Kasunanan, also known as the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, which was established in 1745 as the seat of the Sunan of Surakarta. Despite being damaged by fire in 1985, many of the buildings have been restored. Perhaps the main attraction for visitors however, is the Sasono Sewoko museum which houses a captivating collection of artifacts from the era, including antiques, weaponry and carriages. This is a wonderful place to uncover the cultural heritage of Central Java.
Neighborhoods to Explore
- Tebing Keraton
- Farmhouse Lembang or De’Ranch
- Ijen Plateau
- Suramadu Bridge
- Klewer Market
Top Things to Do
- Explore Gedung Sate and the heritage buildings of the Dutch colonial era
- Shop at the factory outlets
- Enjoy a horse ride or take pictures in the Hobbit House at Lembang Farmhouse
- Visit Suramadu Bridge
- Hike up to the majestic Mount Bromo
- Discover the natural beauty of Ijen Plateau
- Learn about the cultural heritage of Central Java at Keraton Kasunanan
- Watch a Solonese dance and Wayang puppetry performance
- Shop for handcrafted goods at the largest batik markets in Java
- Savor the local street food