Bali surrounds Java Island in Indonesia in the west and Sumatra in the east. Java Island is known for its volcanic and nice scenery and many fascinating locations for tourists to discover.
Although Java is larger than Bali by about 20 times, it is not known as Bali. The best time to visit Java is between April and October when there is rain, and you can enjoy good weather.
Let’s explore if Java is worth visiting, providing some reasons in this article to help you to organize your next trip wisely.
History of Java Islands
Java’s rich history, influenced by various cultures, has shaped its multicultural society today. It has experienced the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, the growth of Islam, Dutch colonization, and independence after World War II.
Despite being scarred by wars and earthquakes, Java’s ancient sights remain unmatched in Indonesia. It is now a thriving economic hub and one of Indonesia’s most developed islands.
With its elongated shape, travelling from East to West (or vice versa) is convenient, thanks to well-connected public transport and affordable hostels.
While hosts are friendly and helpful, it’s important to note that English proficiency is lower than in Bali, and there may be fewer fellow travellers.
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Is Java Worth Visiting? Why Yes?! (7) good reasons
Java has become popular lately! People love its amazing cities, beautiful jungles, breathtaking volcanoes, tea plantations, and stunning temples.
Here are reasons that telling you is it worth visiting:
The scenery! It is breathtaking.
The beautiful landscapes of Java are the first thing every visitor will notice, which is the important reason cause the worthiness of Java. The eastern side is home to the breathtaking peaks of Mount Bromo and Mount Penanjakan.
Both are famous places to watch the sun come up and from the top of Mount Penanjakan, you may get a breathtaking view of the pink sea of mist that covers the landscape.
The Ijen volcano, located farther east, is notable for the blue crater lake it contains. Sulfur is mined here.
The blue flame, produced by the reaction of sulfuric gases with air at temperatures exceeding 360 °C, is a natural sight that attracts tourists on a two-hour trek at midnight.
Baturaden Waterfalls in Purwokerto are another option due to their unearthly appearance. The journey to get there may be tough, but the spectacular waterfalls and scenic landscapes along the way more than makeup for it.
The waterfall is beautiful in its own right, and it might have been plucked straight from the Amazonian jungle.
The culture! It is civilization
We have already established that Java is an excellent place to experience other cultures, and it can be the second reason that makes it worth visiting. Yogyakarta, or “Yogya” as the locals call it, is undoubtedly one of the Island’s most fascinating cities.
It’s a great spot to get Western luxuries like beer, which may be hard to come by on the mostly Muslim Island of Java, and it’s full of winding alleys, lively marketplaces, and historic palaces.
Yogya is home to several prestigious educational institutions and is renowned for its long artistic and cultural achievement history.
There are many opportunities to learn about Javanese culture, from traditional food to dancing. Beautiful batik fabrics, created by pouring wax onto a piece of cloth and using various colours to create complicated designs, have made this city famous.
You can find this material for sale all across Yogyakarta, and there are even classes you can attend to learn how to build your souvenir out of it.
You might also tour the facility where they make these textiles to learn more about their background.
Then there’s Kampung Pelangi, or Rainbow Village, as it’s known in Indonesia. It all started when the villagers had the bright idea of painting their town, and now it does appear like something out of a storybook.
The whole town has been painted, and since then, sightseers have rushed there to snap images of the colourful scenery.
The activities! Things done
The activities are the third reason that causes the worthiness of visiting Java.
You won’t have to look very hard in Java to discover interesting things to do. In the Karimunjawa Archipelago, why not charter a boat and go Island hopping?
There are gorgeous beaches for miles in every direction since Semarang is surrounded by 27 distinct tropical islands, many of which are deserted. The clear water makes it a great site for snorkelling or scuba diving.
The Goa Jomblang cave in the Gunung Kidul region is yet another excellent alternative. It’s approximately an hour outside of town, and getting there involves descending 60 meters down the side of a cliff into a tunnel that leads to a cave system surrounded by gorgeous trees. It’s also a fantastic spot for cave exploring.
Java is home to several beautiful flower gardens, many of which provide additional attractions like zip lines and other fun activities for visitors. The Bogor Botanical Gardens and the Begonia Garden are must-sees.
The beaches! Locations along the coast
The other reason for visiting Java is the Island’s breathtaking coastline. If you’re looking for a location to relax on the sand or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the coast, where you won’t have to look hard to locate beautiful beaches.
If you’re looking for a fantastic area to catch some waves, Pelabuhan Ratu in West Java is an excellent option.
Surfers may also go to Sunset Beach, Karang Sari Beach, or Cimaja Beach, all located along the coast. Timang Beach, located in the Gunung Kidul region, is a popular option for those searching for a more relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to the many seafood restaurants in the area, you can discover several quaint shops selling traditional foods like fresh coconuts and noodles.
Located midway between Jakarta and Yogykarta, Pangandaran Beach is another must-see. It’s no wonder this beach was chosen as the finest in Java by visitors because of its breathtaking sunsets, world-class surf breaks, delicious cuisine, and pristine seas.
Tours of ancient cave sites and a national park may be had at a reasonable price, and lodgings, in general, are inexpensive.
Just outside of Blitar lies a beach called Tambakrejo. You might expect calmer beaches and perhaps even a volcano here than in other major tourist areas of Java.
Beautiful rubber trees surround the beaches here, and hiking paths go up to the headlands, where you can view panoramic ocean vistas.
The best part is that you can swim in these secluded spots.
The cuisine! Cooking Styles
Java boasts a surprisingly high-quality restaurant scene. Even though Bandung is a terrific place to dine, Java is full of excellent restaurants, and you should try as many as you can throughout your stay and is the last reason in our list that shows Java is worth visiting.
Keradok is one of our favourite meals; it’s made up of bean sprouts, beans, cabbage, cucumber, and a spicy peanut sauce with a sprinkle of basil.
Nasi Liwet, rice cooked in coconut milk, chicken broth, spices, and geek, a spicy fried beef curry, are two more must-try dishes.
When is Java’s ideal vacation time?
Java has two different weather seasons – the dry season and the wet season.
From May to October, the weather on the Island is just fantastic! It’s hot, dry, and sunny, making it the perfect time to go out and explore, hike, or relax on the beautiful beaches.
The temperatures stay consistent throughout the year in Java, like in most of Indonesia. You can expect the highs to be around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the season.
If you’re okay with a little rain, the wet season can be a nice time to visit. Yeah, it can get pretty humid from November to April with all that daily rainfall.
The good news is that the prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds during that time, so the Island is still just as awesome!
The bottom line
Java, Island located in Indonesia, is one of the best places for the trip. Due to the several reasons mentioned in the article, you can determine if Java is worth visiting.
This Island may not be as famous as Bali, but it is larger and filled with many things you can discover during your trip there.
Hopefully, you find this article helpful and make a wise decision when you look for a place to visit.
Are you a fan of adventure trips? Do you go to put snorkeling in your trip plan?
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about Java, and tell us if that is Java worth visiting.
