Java

No, compared to the Indonesian island of Bali, Java is not that touristy at all. Cultural attractions or when visiting a volcano can be quite busy with tourists. Yet there are also plenty of places where you can be the only tourist among the locals. When you travel alone in East Java and visit the tourist spots there, it can feel a bit touristy.

Java staat met name bekend om de hoofdstad Jakarta en de bekende stad Yogyakarta en hun geschiedenis en de daar nabijgelegen Borobudur en Prambanan tempels. Toch worden plekken in Oost-Java ook steeds bekender, denk aan de Ijen and Mount Bromo, maar ook de Tumpak Sewu waterfall. 

The dry season in Java runs from May to October. The best time to travel is during these months. It is around 30 degrees in Java all year round, with it often hotter during the rainy season than during the dry season. Can you also go to Java during the rainy season? Yes, of course, but keep in mind that when it rains in Java it really pours down. There is a good chance that you will have to adjust your plans accordingly.

There are a number of things in Java that you must see/do if you decide to visit this Indonesian island. These are the following: 

• A visit to the Borobudur temple
• Climbing Mount Bromo and Ijen
• Eating at a local warung
• Visiting the city of Yogyakarta
• Visit the Tumpak Sewu waterfall

Java en Bali zijn, ondanks dat het beide eilanden van Indonesïe zijn, twee totaal verschillende eilanden. Zo zit er bijvoorbeeld verschil in de gerechten die geserveerd worden, maar het grootste verschil zit hem vooral in het feit dat Bali vele malen toeristischer is en ook veel meer “verwesterd”. Doordat Bali druk bezocht is door toeristen en er steeds meer toeristen wonen en werken, is het (zuiden van het) eiland flink veranderd. Op Java is dit veel minder het geval en krijg je veel meer mee van de lokale bevolking, cultuur en restaurants.

It is very safe on Java. This is because the locals are incredibly friendly and helpful. Robberies of tourists are also not common here. The only thing you have to pay attention to is news about possible volcanic eruptions on the island. Indonesia is located in the ring of fire and has many active volcanoes.

Java has a tropical climate. It is warm and humid here all year round. During the rainy season there is a lot of rain and there is a risk of major flooding.

This really depends on what you want to see. If you want to visit the entire island from Jakarta to Banyuwangi (East Java), you will have to allow at least 3 to 4 weeks. If you only plan to visit East Java, for example by flying directly from Jakarta or taking the boat from Bali, then 2 weeks are enough to admire everything here.

Yes, there are certainly beautiful beaches on Java. These are just not as easily accessible as in Bali, for example. The beaches close to cities are often ugly and polluted with a lot of garbage. If you want to visit a beautiful and quiet beach, you will have to drive quite a distance. Java is therefore not the ultimate option for a beach holiday.

Java is an island in Indonesia, situated between Sumatra to the west and Bali to the east. The capital city Jakarta is located on Java, as is the well-known city of Yogyakarta. Java is the most densely populated island in Indonesia and a popular destination for travellers looking for volcanoes, temples and adventure.