Introduction : Java

Java is the most populous island in the archipelago. It is divided into :

1. West Java
2. Central Java
3. Yogyakarta
4. East Java
5. Banten and
6. Jakarta

The Sundanese and Javanese are two main ethnic groups that live on the island, each nurturing a rich and fascinating culture.


West Java is endowed with verdant landscape of forest covered hills, volcanic mountains, raging rivers and tea plantations. Many part of the region are natural havens for trekkers, paragliders, rafters and all adventure junkies. The highland with natural springs and cascading waterfalls offer healing in the hills, the perfect spot for cleansing both body and mind, such as Javana spa on the slopes of mount Salak and Sari Ater on the slopes mount Tangkuban Perahu volcano which has mineral and sulpur springs. Souhteast asia's most magnificent botanical garden is the Kebon Raya in Bogor where more than14.000 species from giant tress to delicate orchids are included in its collection.

Bandung, the Provincial capital of West Java is the center of Sundanese culture. Mand Udjo's Angklung Workoshop in Padasuka regularly stage bamboo orchestra performances. Here, fine bamboo musical instruments are made and sold. Bandung is also famous for its factory outlets which is sell the latest off the rack fashion. When on a souvenir hunt, be sure to look for authentic items, such as hand-carved wooden statues and screens, hand woven and painted cottons and silks, embroidery, shell ornaments, rattan and grass plaiting, sandstone statues, bamboo furniture, hand painted Tasikmalaya umbrella and the Wayang Golek, a three dimensional puppet used in the traditional theater.

Central Java and Yogyakarta are cradles of javanese culture. Which is largerly influenced by  the hindu and budhist period that extended from the 4th century till the end of the 13th century. Stark Hindu shivaite temples on the Dieng Platue, the elaborate 9th century Prambanan Hindu tamples complex and Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world stand witness to a glorious era of ancient Javanese kingdoms. Age-old culture, traditions and values of the Javanese are kept alive in the courts of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat and Pakualam in Yogyakarta and Kasunanan also Mangkunegara in Surakarta, which are all partly open to the public.

Travelling from the center to the eastern part of Java is an amazing and enriching experience. Sit through an all night Wayang Kulit or classic leather puppet theater performances or see skilled carvers at work producing teak carvings from Jepara or leather goods, batik, lurik cloth and masks from Yogya and Surakarta. Kota Gede is famed for its delicate and intricately made silverworks. Here, workshops are open to the public and offer a first hand experience on how silver is transformed into lovely works of art. On the island of Madura, see the daring local bull races called Karapan Sapi.

The landscape of Java is largely carved by numerous active volcanoes. Across the island from West to East, it is easy to enjoy majestic mountain scenery, such as sunrise over the sea of sand in the ancient caldera of Mount Bromo, East Java.

" Die-hard Traditions

All year long, Javanese communities hold variuos rituals and festivals that keep alive ancient traditions. One of the most important is Grebeg Maulud, a festive occasion commemorated annually by the royal courts of Cirebon, Surakarta and Yogyakarta during which royal heirlooms and the granduer of palace life are put on display for all to see, Sublime court dances, mesmerizing gamelan performances or the unique process of batik making are regularly available for one to enjoy in the most large towns arround Java."