Java – the island of untold natural beauty, enchanting archaeological sites and zealous traditions in art and music – is the heart of the nation. Very much like its sister-island Sumatra, here the tours are defined by scenic excesses due to the iridescent rice paddies, rain forest, endless beaches and smoking volcanoes. Yet, Java has something special. The island`s immense cultural heritage adds an extra value to its attractiveness. The blend of ancient Buddhism, beguiling Hinduism and intriguing Islam creates a kind of sacred atmosphere and makes Java be the absolute cultural jewel of Indonesia.

Geologically more similar to Sumatra yet spiritually closer to Bali, Java offers a complete tourist package rewarding the visitors with the dazzling insights, shopping haven, bustling nightlife and all-natural wonders.

THE WILD GRACE OF BANYUWANGI

Back in the day, a long time before Islam absorbed Java; it was Hindus and Buddhists who resided on the island. Once their beliefs were pushed away, most of the devotees fled to Bali, with some settling in the eastern regions of Java. Banyuwangi is where Islamic and Hindu acculturation led to a birth of a distinct culture that is rarely encountered. Amplified by staggering natural attributes, the country offers an incredibly attractive travel package for any type of visitor.
EAST JAVA - THE LAND OF VISTAS

A territory much travelled – for close distance to Bali and a large display of attractions - East Java truly presents spectacular images with the ability to take one`s breath away at every corner. While the countryside was blessed with volcanic beauty, exotic boats adorn all coasts the buzzing sound of cities reminds that one is in Southeast Asia and the province surely won`t lack vibe. Whoever pays a visit should pack a good camera.
YOGYAKARTA -THE SOUL OF JAVA

Yogyakarta is the soul of Java and the core of the island`s cultural heritage. Locally called ‘Yogya’, the city is one of the oldest in Indonesia and its historic heartland. For being renowned as a centre of education, fine art and classical Javanese culture, most of the international visitors come here to admire the local batik, puppet shows, ballet, drama, music, poetry, theatre and literature. More importantly, however, the walled old town of Yogya takes pride in Indonesia`s most exquisite royal complex and a fascinating ancient palace of the Mataram sultans – Kraton.
CENTRAL JAVA - THE HISTORIC HEARTLAND

Covering one-third of Java, the central part of the island is vast landmass and home to the majority of Indonesian historical points of interest. Apart from the picturesque scenery in the volcanic highlands, Central Java takes pride in great cultural heritage and religious diversity.  It is right here where the Sundanese-Javanese border runs across the island to separate the Islamic mosques from the ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. This is the country`s historic heartland – the birthplace of the Indonesian civilisation and the land of national symbols, including the glorious temples of Borobudur, Prambanan and the royal cities of Yogyakarta and Solo.
JAKARTA - THE BIG 'DURIAN' VILLAGE

Exotic scents and flavours are what defines the Asian continent. Indonesia, in particular, is a destination which truly can tease the senses: burning incense, frangipani, massage oils, roasting coffee and the most pungent fruit on Earth is almost the national hero. Indeed, Durian is a big part of Indonesian cooking, served as a snack between main meals or a popular dessert dish, and it can be seen and smelled literally everywhere. Even in modern Jakarta, street markets still play an important role – they are the whereabouts to get hold of all sorts of goods and vibrant social venues – this is Southeast Asia after all.
BANTEN - THE FINAL STRONGHOLD OF RHINO

It seems like an extension to the fiery island of Sumatra; the western regions of Java are defined by spewing volcanoes, dense foliage, bountiful wildlife and Islamic culture. Both islands share the horrific story of Krakatoa that, for its enormous blast in 1883, has been written into the history of mankind. Today, Anak Krakatau still fumes restlessly, sending a clear message that its crater never sleeps. While the local residents are apprehensive about the notorious dome there is something under much greater threat – the indigenous Baduy people are losing their sacred territory and Javan Rhinoceros faces extinction. The good thing for adventurers who enjoy travelling the paths less trodden is that they can still meet both the indigenous tribes and native species. Read our guide to Banten before you go.
WEST JAVA - BETWEEN A MEGALOPOLIS AND STEAMING ACID LAKES

Looking at the map of Java, it is clear that this will be a pretty busy territory. Indeed, West Java is the most populous province in Indonesia with one of the highest population density worldwide and some of the most populated suburbs on Earth. When landing in the gigantic, ultra-modern Jakarta, it is hard to believe that once this place was home to the earliest Indonesian civilisation, and that there is a staggering natural beauty to enjoy, unbelievably, just stone`s throw away from the capital. West Java`s interior takes pride in green volcanic panoramas, steaming craters with fumaroles, sulphur lakes, mud pools and hot springs.
BOROBUDUR & PRAMBANAN (THE SACRED JEWELS OF JAVA)

Resembling a ‘microcosm of the universe’, to provide a visual image of the teaching of Buddha, and demonstrate the steps through life that each person must follow to achieve enlightenment – Borobudur is the world`s largest Buddhist religious complex and a phenomenal architectural site where having a good camera is almost compulsory.
BROMO-TENGGER-SEMERU NATIONAL PARK (A COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE)

The legendary natural attraction of Java has almost become a cliché. Literally, thousands of tourists visit the island each year. Their target is reaching the summit of Mount Bromo at sunrise. Rising from the Sea of Sands, Gunung Bromo offers a pre-dawn trek to view the stunning play of the early sunshine over the vast volcanic valley, its fuming domes and sacred temple. No matter how popular and busy the volcano gets, it images never fail to take one`s breath away.

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