Travel in Java
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Java (Indonesian: Jawa) is an island in Indonesia.
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Understand
Java is only Indonesia's fifth-largest island in size, but with over 110 million people, over 65% of the country's population, Java is the most populated island not only in Indonesia but the entire world. Indonesia's capital Jakarta and most of its main cities culturally and economically are also located in Java. The island has given its name to a programming language and a blend of coffee.
The main ethnic group in Java is Javanese, except for the West Java region where most people are Sundanese. In the province of East Java, 22% of the population is of Madurese descent. Half of them lives on the island of Madura.
Jakarta the capital of Indonesia, is different from other areas of Java. This city has a population of around 10 million or 20 million, including the suburbs. Jakarta today consists of a mix of culture and people where many ethnicities, not only from Java but Sumatra, Borneo and other places live together.
Regions
Officially split into six administrative districts, Java is best thought of as three regions:
- West Java — including the capital Jakarta and its massive suburban sprawl, the university city of Bandung and the former sultanate of Banten
- Central Java — with Yogyakarta, Semarang and the mighty temples of Borobudur and Prambanan
- East Java — site of the mighty Mount Bromo and Indonesia's second-largest city Surabaya
Cities
West Java
- Bandung -- great nightlife, restaurants, cheap fashion
- Banten -- industrial port city but a good starting point
- Bogor -- the summer capital of the Dutch, known for its botanical garden
- Jakarta -- shopping place, fun & funky, great nightlife
Central Java
- Semarang -- old buildings and inspiring museums
- Solo (also known as Surakarta) -- old buildings, inspiring museums and batik factories
- Yogyakarta -- old buildings and inspiring museums
East Java
- Surabaya -- old buildings and inspiring museums
- Banyuwangi -- the most eastern regency of Java and port to Bali
- Selo -- small village where to start the trek of Gunung Merapi, magnificent active volacano
Other destinations
- Borobudur -- The largest ancient Buddhist temple, one of the world's seven wonders, north of Yogyakarta
- Prambanan -- A great Hindu temple just east of Yogyakarta
- Mount Bromo -- The region where one of the last pockets of Javanese Hindus is to be found.
- Mount Tangkuban Parahu -- Ancient volcano, located in West Java
- Krakatoa -- Ancient volcano, sinking island
Talk
While Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the lingua franca understood by almost everyone, the majority of Java's population also speak Javanese, a related but mutually incomprehensible language. As the largest single language in Indonesia, Javanese influence on Bahasa Indonesia has been quite significant, and particularly in Central and East Java you'll even hear the local pronunciation change — the most notable change is a turning into o, so eg. Surabaya becomes Suroboyo.
Other significant local languages include Sundanese, spoken in West Java, and Madurese, spoken on and around the island of Madura.
Get in
Most visitors to Java arrive via Jakarta. Surabaya and Yogyakarta also field some international and many domestic flights.
Get around
Java's infrastructure is by far the best in Indonesia, and it's possible to cross the entire island by land in a single (long) day. However, the sheer density of population means that roads, buses and trains can get overcrowded if you're moving at the same time as everyone else.
By bus
The main form of long-distance transport, vast armadas of buses cross the island and connect every city and mountain hamlet. Watch out though, as many drivers have near-suicidal driving habits that emphasize speed above all else.
By train
Java has an extensive train network, but it's creaky after years of neglect and services are generally slower than buses.
By road
Java's toll roads are built nearly to Western standards, with dual grade-separated lanes in both directions and elevated interchanges. Tolls are quite affordable, usually Rp 1,000-5,000 every 10 km or so. However, signage is often lacking and driving habits are atrocious, so it's very wise to pay a little extra and get a car with driver instead of attempting to drive yourself.
See
Itineraries
Do
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
Get out
External links