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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Indonesia  >  Java
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Java

The very name Java conjures up evocative images of steamy jungle, smoking volcanoes, emerald green rice terraces, tea and coffee plantations. It is an island of ancient temple complexes, historic mosques, old colonial grandeur and modern cities, where skyscrapers loom alongside streets of rickety shacks and glittering shopping plazas stand amid the traditional street stalls and markets.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Not only is Java Indonesia’s capital island, it is also its most populous and cosmopolitan region. Over half the country’s 260 million inhabitants can be found here, living on an island half the size of Great Britain. But while Java’s cities are bursting with industrious humanity, the countryside remains scarcely populated, humming to a much quieter and gentler vibe. The landscape is dominated by volcanoes, vivid green rice paddies and the fruit, spice, tea and coffee plantations that Java is known for.

Java’s cultural heritage includes the influential Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms that held court on the island during the first millennium, elements of which are still visible today, most famously in the ancient Hindu temple complex at Prambaran and the Buddhist complex at Borobudur, which has some of the largest and most complete collections of Buddhist relief sculptures in the world. In fact, the spectacular temples at Borobudur are Indonesia’s top tourist attraction. The spread of Islam during the 16th century has also left a lasting impression on Java and most of the population are Muslim. Over the following 500 years, European powers struggled for influence, with the Dutch taking control of the lucrative spice trade, leaving a legacy of old colonial architecture in their wake.

Today, Java is an intoxicating mix of traditional customs and modernity, of fast-paced urban development and rural idylls, of eight-lane highways and active volcanoes, which we think makes it an exciting place to travel and explore. For those wishing to visit Java’s urban areas, nowhere epitomises the extremes of poverty and wealth, modernity and tradition, like the capital city, Jakarta. The traffic is crazy, but the people are friendly, the markets are vibrant and the bar and restaurant scene thriving. The same can be said for Surabaya, but both cities still retain some old colonial charms where you can slow the pace and cool off with a long drink. Yogyakarta is Java’s cultural, artistic and intellectual centre. This is a lovely city to visit and highlights include the Royal Palace, where the sultan still reigns supreme, and visiting the Prambanan temple complex. Owing to the large number of students here, the bar and restaurant scene is especially lively.

No trip to Java would be complete without visiting at least one volcano. Watch the sunrise over the other-worldly landscape of Mount Bromo or head to Ijen Crater to see its trademark bright blue waters as you share the winding the trail with miners carrying sulphur-laden baskets from the crater floor. The countryside is lovely, full of rice paddies and plantations and it’s worth spending some time in rural Java just to relax into the gentle rhythm and pace of life here.

 

Whilst famous for coffee, Java is a cultural hotspot with so much to see and do. Climb Mount Bromo, cycle to Prambanan and explore Borobudur for the ultimate experience in Java!


Hannah Mackie

Borobudur

Ijen

Jakarta

Mount Bromo

Surabaya

Yogyakarta

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Borobudur, Java

Amata Borobudur is a peaceful boutique resort offering accommodation in traditionally-styled bungalows close to the World Heritage Listed Borobudur Temple Complex.

Amata Borobudur Resort

Magelang, Java

Set within a working coffee plantation, MesaStila Resort & Spa is the ultimate Javanese mountain retreat, offering one-of-a-kind experiences rooted within local tradition and exceptional wellness facilities in Central Java's rural heartland.

MesaStila

Yogyakarta, Java

The Phoenix is an iconic and elegant Dutch colonial-era hotel right in the heart of the cultural city of Yogyakarta in the east of Java, offering excellent facilities, a great location and a chance to sample a bygone era worthy of Somerset Maugham.

Phoenix Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, Java

Spread across 22 hectares on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, The Hyatt Regency offers a tranquil respite from the city. With carefully landscaped gardens and an extensive range of facilities, it is ideal for families or couples with longer stays in the city.

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Ijen, Java

Secluded amongst sweeping rice paddies and forest-clad hills, Ijen Resort offers comfortable accommodation near the Ijen Crater coupled with a serene atmosphere, sublime views and well appointed views.

Ijen Resort

Mount Bromo, Java

Perched over 6,000 feet up on the slopes of Mount Bromo, Jiwa Jawa is a comfortable contemporary mountain lodge with spectacular views, conveniently placed for an early morning climb up Mount Bromo.

Jiwa Jawa Bromo

Ijen, Indonesia

Tucked away in the foothills of the Ijen Plateau surrounded by lush coffee plantations, Jiwa Jawa Ijen is one of the more comfortable and modern accommodation options for those wanting to visit the Ijen Crater.

Jiwa Jawa Ijen

Borobudur, Java

With its private pool villas, an excellent spa and sublime views of Borobudur, the Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa is an upscale retreat in the Menoreh Hills offering a luxury base from which to visit the mystical Borobodur temple complex.

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

Surabaya, Java

Bumi Surabaya is a modern city hotel in central Surabaya. Boasting extensive leisure facilities, varied dining options and lush tropical gardens it provides a comfortable base in the city.

Bumi Surabaya

Jakarta, Java

Conveniently located a short distance from Jakarta’s international airport, FM7 Resort Hotel offers comfortable and good value accommodation that is ideal for short stays in the city.

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta

Surabaya, Java

Featuring classic architecture and lush manicured gardens, Majapahit is a grand heritage hotel housed within a landmark building within central Surabaya ideal those looking to immerse into the rich history of the city during their stay.

Majapahit Surabaya

Jakarta, Java

Sparks Luxe is a contemporary hotel offering comfortable accommodation with a lovely swimming pool and spa in a great location for exploring the highlights of the city.

Sparks Luxe

Jakarta, Java

The only five star airport hotel, Bandara International Hotel is a great choice for short stays in Jakarta. The hotel has a more resort-style than other airport hotels, boasting a good range of leisure facilities including a nice pool area.

Bandara International Hotel

Jakarta, Java

The Four Seasons is a luxury all-suite hotel in the Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta. This upscale urban hotel is great for families and couples looking for an opulent base from which to explore Jakarta’s cultural attractions.

Four Seasons Jakarta

Jakarta, Java

The Mandarin Oriental offers 272 elegant rooms and luxurious suites in the heart of Jakarta, overlooking the city skyline. One of the most luxurious option in the city, it offers an array of dining options, a nice pool area and great spa facilities.

Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

Yogyakarta, Java

Melia Purosani is a contemporary city hotel with a resort-style feel in Yogyakarta. Its modern design, array of facilities and central location is well suited for both couples and families looking to discover the city's rich cultural heritage.

Melia Purosani

Borobodur, Java

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Central Java's Menoreh Hills, Plataran Heritage Borobudur is ideal for those seeking a comfortable and classic hotel near the renowned Borobudur temple complex.

Plataran Heritage Borobudur

Borobudur, Java

Taking design cues from the nearby temple complex of Borobudur which the property overlooks, Amanjiwo is an exclusive all-suite retreat in the menorah hills offering a luxury base for exploring the mystical Buddhist temple site of Borobudur.

Amanjiwo

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Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, Surabaya, Ijen, Menjangan, Ubud, Nusa Dua

This active itinerary is a great option for those wanting to explore the wild landscapes and cultural highlights of Bali and Java. Ascend smouldering volcanoes, explore ancient temples and experience some of the best sunrises Indonesia has to offer.

13 nights from $3963 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

Active Java and Bali

Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, Ubud, Sanur, Komodo National Park

Discover the diverse highlights of Indonesia on this 12-night itinerary. From Java to the beaches of Bali and Komodo National Park, encounter spectacular landscapes, rich history, sensational cuisine and come face-to-face with the Komodo Dragon.

12 nights from $4843 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Walking & Trekking

Classic Indonesia

Samosir Island, Lake Toba, Bukit Lawang, Borobudur, Yogyakarta

Explore two of Indonesia’s most adventurous islands on this nine night itinerary. Encounter orangutans in the Sumatran jungle, ascend the slopes of Mount Sibayak, discover Batak tribal culture, and visit Indonesia’s most iconic temple complex in Java.

9 nights from $3208 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Walking & Trekking

Classic Java and Sumatra

Jakarta, Tanjung Puting National Park, Bali, Flores and Komodo National Park

From endangered orangutans in the wild jungles of Indonesian Borneo to the mighty Komodo Dragon endemic to the volcanic islands of Komodo National Park, this eight-night itinerary takes you across Indonesia in search of its rare and exotic wildlife.

8 nights from $4340 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Wildlife

Wildlife of Indonesia: Orangutans and Dragons

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Malang, Java

Visit a Hindu-Buddhist temple and an ancient Buddhist shrine, before heading into Malang to explore a fascinating exotic bird market.

Malang Tour and Temples

Borobudur, Java

Discover the famed temple complex of Borobudur, a striking 9th century Buddhist temple that rises over the lush terrain of Central Java. The largest of its kind in the world, Borobudur is Indonesia's most famous temple and an iconic image of Java.

Visit Borobudur Temple Complex

Wonosobo, Java

Explore Central Java's Dieng Plateau, known for its ancient Hindu Temples, geothermal activity and volcanic calderas and stunning natural beauty.

Dieng Plateau

Yogyakarta, Java

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prambanan, a magnificent 9th century Hindu temple complex on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, one of Java's most renowned sights.

Prambanan Temple Tour

Yogyakarta, Java

Visit lesser-known temples and sample local village life and traditional activities on this day trip from Yogyakarta, finishing with spectacular sunset views from Ijo Temple.

Bugisan Village by Ox Cart and Ijo Temple Sunset

Puncak, Java

Visit Bogor’s world-renowned botanical gardens, before heading to Puncak mountain pass, where Jakartan residents head to for fresh air and beautiful views of tea plantations.

Bogor and Puncak Countryside Tour

Surabaya, Java

Browse indoor markets and step back in time when visiting the historic quarters of vibrant Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city.

Surabaya City Tour

Yogyakarta, Java

Cycle to the temple complexes at Plaosan and Prambanan, passing through lush rice paddies and small villages, before visiting to the village of Kaliopak to observe the local craft of making shadow puppets.

Prambanan Village Cycling

Yogyakarta, Java

Combine the cultural highlights of Yogyakarta city with the historic Borobudur temple complex. Visit the Sultan's Palace and a local silver workshop before heading into rural Java to visit the iconic Buddhist temple of Borobudur.

Royal City and Borobudur Temple

Jakarta, Java

Discover Jakarta’s Dutch colonial history on this tour of Old Batavia, stroll around the harbour and Indonesia’s largest Chinatown district, before visiting the Jakarta History Museum and the fascinating Puppet Museum.

Old Batavia Heritage Tour

Yogyakarta, Java

Explore the cultural and historic highlights of Yogyakarta on this full-day tour. Visit the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and the hub of Yogya's silver industry before heading to the outskirts of the city to visit the UNESCO Listed Prambanan temple complex.

Royal City and Prambanan Temple

Bandung, Java

Go shopping in Indonesia’s clothing capital, Bandung, and try exotic fruits in Lembang market, before summiting a volcano, Mount Tangkuban Perahu, and enjoying the rejuvenating hot springs at Ciater.

Bandung Mountain Explorer

Ijen, Java

Embark on an early morning ascent to the crater rim of Mount Ijen. Observe the sulphur miners traversing the steep slopes and soak up the stunning scenery and bright blue water of the crater lake.

Ijen Crater Trek

Yogyakarta, Java

Spend the day discovering the highlights of Yogyakarta, including the Sultan's Palace and its Water Castle, a cigar factory and the district of Kotagede, which is famed for its silver industry.

Yogyakarta City Tour

Mesastila, Java

Learn about the traditional tastes of Central Java on this coffee plantation and jamu-production tour, before an exquisite lunch at a luxury resort in the Menoreh Hills.

MesaStila Coffee Plantation and Jamu Production Tour

Borobudur, Java

Enjoy a glorious sunrise over the iconic Borobudur temple complex before visiting the tranquil village of Candirejo to gain an insight into local village life in Java.

Borobudur Sunrise and Candirejo Village

Yogyakarta, Java

Spend the day exploring the lesser-visited Hindu temples of Sukuh and Cetho located high on the slopes of Mount Lawu on this excursion from Yogyakarta.

Sukuh and Cetho Temples

Yogyakarta, Java

Enjoy dinner and a wonderful performance of the Ramayana Ballet at a choice of two venues.

Ramayana Ballet Performance

Mount Bromo, Java

Wake early to experience a stunning sunrise over Mount Bromo, one of East Java’s main attractions, before climbing up to the crater edge for dramatic volcano views.

Mount Bromo Sunrise Trek

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Inspiration

Bali for honeymoons

Hiking in Indonesia

Guide to Bali's beaches

Temples in Indonesia

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