
Visit Java, Indonesia
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From about the 8th century Java was at the heart of a series of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires that built magnificent temples and only fell into decline with Indonesia’s eventual conversion to Islam in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Islamic sultanates in turn faced suppression by the Dutch in their quest for control of the lucrative spice trade, but today all these influences combine to create modern-day Java, an island that has embraced all of these cultures and their rich architectural legacy.
The royal city of Yogyakarta is one of Asia’s treasures; a city which reveals Java’s cultural and intellectual personality. Lively streets and markets surround the majestic Sultan’s Palace, where attendants stand in customary dress and regular performances showcase traditional orchestras and shadow puppeteers.
The temples are some of the most spectacular you will see — Borobudur features the largest and most complete collection of Buddhist relief sculptures in the world. This shrine to Buddha took 75 years to complete and offers a guide for those wishing to follow the noble path of enlightenment. To the northeast of Yogyakarta is the huge Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. Built in the middle of the 9th century, about 50 years after Borobudur, it is thought to have been constructed to celebrate the return of a Hindu dynasty to Java.
Finally, Java is surrounded by volcanoes — Mount Butak to the west, Mount Arjuna to the north, and Kepolo and Bromo to the east — Malang is one of the most beautifully situated cities in Java.
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Places to visit in Java
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Java, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Java
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Java, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Java
- Bandung Java
- Borobudur Java
- Ijen National Park Java
- Jakarta Java
- Malang Java
- Mount Bromo Java
- Mount Krakatau Java
- Prambanan Java
- Surabaya Java
- Yogyakarta Java
Photos of Java
Accommodation choices for Java
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Java. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Kura Kura Resort
Kura Kura Resort (meaning 'turtle' in Bahasa Indonesia) is the only island property we use off the coast of central Java and indeed the only one on Pulau Menyawakan. It has become a favoured spot for our clients looking to dive, snorkel or simply relax after exploring the sights of Java or jungles of Kalimantan.
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Padma Hotel
The most tranquil and best hotel in Bandung. It is a little bit out of the town but its uniqueness more than makes up for its location out of town.
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Tugu Blitar
The Tugu Blitar is housed in an old colonial building that was built in the 1850s and previously owned by a distinguished family of Blitar.
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Tugu Malang
This is a hotel that will surprise and delight from the moment you arrive and is sure to be one of the highlights of your time in Java.
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Ijen Resort & Villas
A fabulous resort with breathtaking views and great service, Ijen offers a comfortable base for exploring the unspoilt beauty of East Java.
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Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo
Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo is the best accommodation near to Mount Bromo and is at a height of 2,000 metres above sea level. It is open plan cabin style, the interiors contemporary in design and well furnished and the suites have small balconies.
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Alila Jakarta
Alila Jakarta offers a cool, modern retreat for young urbanites and executives. The hotel’s clean, modern lines embrace an abstract-minimalist interior.
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Dharmawangsa
The Dharmawangsa is a welcoming and comfortable property offering a luxurious retreat from an otherwise bustling city.
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Phoenix Hotel
This gorgeous colonial hotel dates back to the early 1900s and provides guests with comfort, a great central location and fascinating history in one setting.
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Majapahit Hotel
Hotel Majapahit is a classic landmark hotel full of history. Its graceful architecture, landscaped gardens, pool, spa, gym and tennis court complete the Majapahit's colonial style with modern comforts that make for a pleasant rest on a busy itinerary.
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Amanjiwo
Opulent, secluded and exuding in class this resorts offers quality found in few other places and is one of our favourites in Southeast Asia.
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Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Located in the hills of Tanjungan village an hour from Yogyakarta, Plataran is a small boutique hotel overlooking the ancient relic of Borobudur.