Java Island, Indonesia

Java is the smallest island of the five main islands in Indonesia. Approximately 60% of Indonesia's population (± 136 million people) live here, on the 13^th largest island in the world with an area of ​​139,000 km². This is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated places in the world. Much of Indonesian history took place on this island. Java was the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, the Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Java was also a destination for traders from all over the world. And during the 1900s and 40s, Java was the center of the Indonesian struggle for independence. So it is not wonder if Java dominates Indonesia politically, economically and culturally.

Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is located on the island of Java. It is the center of economic, cultural and political of Indonesia. With a population of 9,761,407 (December 2012), Jakarta becomes the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia.

With the density and congestion, Jakarta is not a major tourist destination. However, it does not mean that Jakarta does not have a tourist attraction. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is a very popular tourist destination. And now is also on the rise is an old city tour where we were invited to tour in the Dutch colonial administration in the past. Old buildings are large and magnificent with interesting architecture will welcome the tourists. 

One of the main icons in the old city is Fatahillah Museum, which used to be a City Hall. This building was built in 1707-1710 by order of the Governor General Johan van Hoorn.

Besides Jakarta, you should also visit cities such as Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Malang and Surabaya. They offer a variety of uniqueness and beauty that is loaded with culture and history.

History and culture are the major tourist attractions on the island. There are so many relics of the royal past that can be found on the island, such as temples.

The temples are divided into two types, Buddhist temple and Hindu temple. 

The Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is the most visited by tourists. As for the Hindu temple, Prambanan is  the most attractive tourist attention. The temples are already more than 1000 years old and was built during the reign of different kingdoms. In addition to these two temples, there are many more scattered temples like, Mendut, Ratu Boko Temple, Pawon, and many others.

  

Not far from Borobudur and Prambanan, there is the most active volcano in Indonesia, Mount Merapi. Another most active volcano is Mount Kelud. Both of them are in the chain of volcano of Indonesia, elongated from the northwest Sumatera to Nusa Tenggara Timur.

The highest mountain in Java is Mount Semeru (3.676m asl) and it is a volcano, too. And the most beautiful mountain is Mount Bromo (well, a volcano, too).

Most of the mountains it was quite safe to climb, as long as we are ready physically and mentally and following rules and instructions.

Java Island also has beautiful beaches and fun. And Carita Beach Anyer Beach Banten, both beaches attract many tourists. Calm waves and the sloping beach is a fun place to play. There is also Pangandaran Beach and Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is a bustling tourist destination, especially during the holidays.

The beaches in the south of Yogyakarta also offers beautiful scenery. For example Parang Tritis, Parang Kusumo, Indriyanti Beach, Sundak Beach, Baron Beach and many more.

Likewise Bale Kambang Beach and Bajul Mati Beach in the southern city of Malang which offer a beautiful view.

If you surf lovers, then Panaitan Island, Beach of Cimaja, Srau Beach, Watu Karung Beach, G-Land and many more, will challenge you to play around with the big waves.