Java holidays

What can you find in Java that you won't find anywhere else?

On arrival in Jakarta, and after you have adjusted to being surrounded by the capital's sheer volume of humanity, head as soon as possible to the surprisingly sparsely populated countryside. The scenery is wonderfully picturesque, with lush and extremely fertile green terraces and rice paddies, taking advantage of all possible space. It's at this moment you'll notice what else populates Java in huge numbers - volcanoes. There are over 50 on the island, with 20 or so proving in recent years that they are far from dormant. As a backdrop to almost every view on the island, the summits can prove quite a menacing sight on the horizon, but at sunset they are stunning with a wisp of smoke rising from the craters.

At least one volcano visit while holidaying on Java is a must, and touristy thought it may be, Mount Bromo is still worth exploration. Watching the sunrise over the caldera is hugely memorable, with dawn clouds spilling over the crater edge and the light changing across the four different peaks. After watching the sunrise from the crater rim, you can then head into the crater itself and then ride across to Small Bromo, the only active summit.

Away from the sheer natural beauty of the island, there are several cultural highlights including the stunning nine-tiered Buddhist temple of Borobudur Temple, which has miraculously survived some 1,200 years of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Less fortunate but still worth a visit is the Hindu temple at Prambanan, which sustained a great deal of damage in a recent earthquake. The main temple is currently off limits, but the serene gardens surrounding the temple are still lovely.

Who is Java best for?

Holidays in Java are perfect for the romantics, whether it’s a couple's getaway or celebrating recent nuptials with a luxury honeymoon to remember there is something for all to fall in love with here. There’s the Begonia Garden in Maribaya, Lembang, with its tranquil atmosphere and diverse array of fauna and flora - perfect for photographing. Or take a trip to the white sand shores of Tanjung Lesung Beach, perfect for beachside lounging, relaxing and unwinding. Of course, it’s not a destination that’s exclusive to loved up pairs, as there is plenty of adventure to be had as a family. From a temple complex tour, followed by beach games on the shore and swimming in the phosphorescent waters, to the magic of the Javanese shadow puppet shows (in places like Yogyakarta). One thing is for certain, however or wherever you chose to travel on your Java holidays, you won’t be short of memory-making moments. You can explore some our suggested itineraries for some further inspiration on how best to spend your Java holiday.

Special experiences in Java