Java is the most populated island in Indonesia and also one the most visited, a must-see for travellers in Asia. A stay in Java is the perfect adventure for solo travellers and families. Below are our suggestions for your next holiday in Indonesia.
This city is where Javanese culture and Indonesian history all began. When visiting Yogyakarta your travel back in time. The Sultan’s Palace and baths, Batik workshops, temples are all relics of the past. Jalan Malioboro, Yogyakarta’s main street, will be a highlight of your stay in Java. It is a busy street where you can find traditional shops, handicrafts and taste local cuisine.
About an hour away from Yogakarta is the cultural highlight of your holiday in Indonesia: Borobudur and Prambanan, two temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The former is a Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the world, the latter is a Hindu temple.
Leave your hotel early morning and take a stroll in Borobudur temple at sunrise. The contrasting colours of the temple, the surrounding jungle and the palm grove will make your visit a unique and peaceful moment during your stay in Java. Under every stone bell is a statue of Buddha. Legend has it if you touch the fingertips of the raised hand of one of these statues your wish will come true.
Just 50 kilometres away, you can visit Prambanan temple. It dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and the second largest in Southeast Asia. The bas-reliefs and sculptures of the temple tells the story of the Ramayana, one of the two Indian epics. After the visit, you can enjoy a meal and attend Ramayana show to end this unforgettable day.
Just like Yogyakarta, Surakarta is a historic city. Walk in the tea plantations until you reach Cetho temple. It spans 13 terraces. Close by you can also visit Sukuh, the only temple decorated with erotic bas-reliefs.
Hiking Bromo volcano will be a highlight of your stay in Java, especially if you love beautiful landscapes. The first part of the ascent can be done by car then you will reach the top by foot. It is an easy walk but it should be done early morning to enjoy the sunrise from the summit.
For athletic travellers, it is possible to hike Ijen volcano. The adventure will start in the middle of the night and the hike will last for about 3 hours. It is a steady climb and the closer you will get to the top of the crater the stronger the sulphur smell will get. So much so you must finish the hike wearing a face mask. On your way you might meet local workers carrying up to 90 kilos of sulphur they will sell for a few euros. Once at the top of Ijen volcano admire the sulphur lake and sunrise on Java island. For sure this experience will be another highlight of your holiday in Indonesia.
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