Java, an Indonesian island located between Bali and Sumatra, is fast becoming one of the best Southeast Asian destinations for holidaymakers, backpackers, and adventurers.

The Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, is located in the western part of Java. Geologists believe that Java is formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, and there is a chain of volcanic mountains along one side of the island.

Java is one of the largest islands in the world, with a total area of over 130,000 square kilometres. This island is covered with tropical rainforests, coastal mangrove forests, rocky coastal cliffs, and dry savannas. Aside from the diverse natural environment, Java is also home to an incredibly rich biodiversity with a good number of endemic species of fauna and flora. Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy the diverse range of animal species unique to the island, including the Javan rhinoceros, the Javan silvery gibbon, the Javan hawk-eagle, the Javan banteng, the Javan rusa deer, the Javan mouse-deer, the Javan lutung, the Javan leopard, and the Javan warty pig. There are also plenty of local birds, marine life, and freshwater fish endemic to Java.

Regions

Java is subdivided into three major regions; West Java, Central Java, and East Java. West Java consists of the urban and centers of Bandung and Jakarta, as well as the areas of Anyer, Banten, Bogor, Bekasi, Cianjur, Ciamis, Depok, Cirebon, Kampung Naga, Pelabuhan Ratu, Tasikmalaya, Tangerang, the Mount Halimun Salak National Park, the Kepulauan Seribu National Park, and the Ujung Kulon National Park.

Central Java is home to Kendal, Karimunjawa, Mount Merapi, Salatiga, Parangtritis, Yogyakarta, Tegal, Salatiga, Semarang, Purwokerto, Tegal, and Prambanan. East Java, on the other hand, is home to Banyuwangi, Bojonegoro, Madiun, Jember, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (shown above), Batu, Baluran National Park, Blitar, Banyuwangi, and Madura.

Things to do

The Mount Halimun Salak National Park and the Ujung Kulon National Park are great for hiking Indonesia’s wonderful tropical rainforests and to spot the local wildlife. The Karimunjawa Islands (shown above) boast of great beaches and pristine waters that are perfect for underwater exploration through scuba diving or snorkeling. If you are up for a bit of island hopping and exploring, you can always head to the Kepulauan Seribu National Park and rent a boat or a sailboat to curise around the magnificent archipelago. Banyuwangi is always great for surfers and people who want to engage in water sports; the waves are great for surfing and are very consistent for year-round enjoyment.

Adventurers are always up for a trek to the Tagkuban Perahu crater in Bandung—you can see the crater up close (just make sure that you have a guide with you). The sunrise in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is always breathtaking, and it is an unmissable event whenever you are in the eastern part of Java.

For an enjoyable day trip, you can always head out to Yogyakarta from Jakarta by train—the landscapes that will unfold right out of the window will be unforgettable. The botanical gardens of Kebun Raya are always enjoyable for those who want a relaxing afternoon in tropical paradise.