Where is the island of Java located? Resorts of Indonesia. Java Island. There are also museums in the Old Town

The main Indonesian island has 120 million inhabitants, 120 active volcanoes and at least one wonder of the world. Java changed rulers and religions like gloves. History looks at the tourist here from all sides: in the form of the grandiose ruins of the Hindu temple of Prambanan, the smiling stone Buddhas of the grandiose Borobudur stupa, royal palace in Yogyakarta, ancient mosques and Dutch armories.

The island of Java has dense tropical vegetation, crystal clear ocean waters, temples of unprecedented beauty, a somewhat difficult climate and... various disasters are not uncommon. The island of Java has long been known for its earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. If we take into account the size of the island of Java and divide its territory into approximately one hundred and twenty parts (the approximate number of volcanoes on the island), then we can confidently say that main island Indonesia - Java is completely strewn with volcanoes. In addition, many of the volcanoes of the island of Java (there are over thirty of them) emit acrid smoke and smog, often stretching for several hundred kilometers. The peaks of the volcanoes, close to purple in color, emit tons of gray-black ash and toxic gas vapors. All this boiling “hell” sometimes descends on villages, washing away and taking them with it from the face of the earth. And the hot dust burns the lungs even at a distance of tens of kilometers from the eruption site.

The most active current volcano in Indonesia is Merapi, on the island of Java. It was not for nothing that thousands of local residents of the island of Java in 2006 managed to collect their belongings and livestock in time and wait out the moment of volcanic activity away from the volcano.

In Java, incredible luxury coexists with appalling poverty, pastoral rural landscapes coexist with ultra-modern megacities, corners of the pristine jungle coexist with rice fields. Holidays on the island of Java can combine walks through bustling cities and hikes in the jungle.

And, despite the fact that the “wrath of the Gods” sometimes falls on the island of Java, Java is still called paradise. All the volcanic ash that covers the earth, the monsoon showers that then irrigate it, the sun that nourishes the earth with its warmth - all this contributes to the growth of lush, rich vegetation on the island. Not so long ago, in the bright thickets of tropical forests there were tigers, rhinoceroses, wild buffalos, crocodiles, pythons, squealing monkeys, jumping coconut squirrels and flying foxes. But now there is no such abundance anymore. Although some things can still be seen on the island of Java.

The island of Java is simply a real priceless treasure for nature lovers, for people interested in culture, religion, and linguistics. After all, the volcanoes of the island of Java are not all that this region is rich in. On the island there are nature reserves with rare animals and tropical forests untouched by humans. Also, the Javanese language is of great interest. It is an ancient branch of the Austronesian group of languages. His vocabulary includes many words borrowed from the languages ​​of different countries and peoples - Dutch, Indian, Arabic, Portuguese, Malay and English.

The temples of the island of Java are truly beautiful. But they are of other religions - Hindu, Buddhist. And the Javanese, unfortunately, have not practiced them for a long time. Today, the temples of Java are simply museums and memorials. Local residents visit them very rarely. Today they look down on them, considering their religion more, so to speak, advanced. So, without tourists they look completely lonely and forgotten. The only thing that sometimes walks around the nearby island of Java are the local goats in search of tasty grass and bushes.

The island of Java is the administrative, cultural, historical and political center of the country; it is here that the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is located, the famous volcanoes Krakatoa and Mont Bromo, the Ujung Kulon National Reserve with Javan rhinoceroses, and the oldest cultural center of the country - the city of Yogyakarta, famous for its universities, art galleries, craft workshops, and, of course, the grandiose temple complexes of Prambanan and Borobudur.

The city of Surabaya is also located here - an industrialized city, the second largest in Indonesia, located in the eastern part of the island of Java. There is a large one here seaport, the country's metalworking and machine-building enterprises, as well as oil refineries and chemical plants, are concentrated.

How to get there

Flights from major international airlines fly to Jakarta, the capital of Java. The most convenient flights from Moscow are Singapore Airlines via Singapore, or Transaero + Garuda. The flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta or Surabaya is 1 hour 10 minutes.

Population

Java is the most populated island in the world, with about 125 million people, 60% of Indonesia's population.

Location

The island of Java is the economic and geographical heart of the archipelago, Indonesia's most populated island, but a third of its territory is still occupied by impenetrable jungle.

Java is separated from the island of Sumatra by the Sunda Bay. There are at least 16 peaks in Java whose height reaches 3000m. Active volcanoes (and there are about 17 of them) united in Java into the most active volcanic chain in the world. Semerenu, the main giant among all the volcanoes of Java, erupts most often.

The territory of Java is divided into three provinces: western, eastern and central. West Java attracts tourists with the ancient capital of the Sundanese Cirebon, the gorgeous beach in Pandaran, famous volcano Krakatoa, the virgin jungle of the national park and the Bogor Botanical Garden, which contains the most diverse and bizarre forms of equatorial flora.

In Central Java you can see material traces of various cultures and peoples: temples and ancient buildings, ancient capitals of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim kingdoms, modern centers of Yogyakarta and Solo. But even here, in the central regions of the Dieng plateau, areas of virgin nature have been preserved

Climate

Tropical climate with fairly even temperatures throughout the year: 28-32°C. Climatic conditions differ in different islands, but in general two seasons can be distinguished: rainy - from November to February and dry - from March to October. Humidity is quite high, averaging from 75 to 95%.

History of the city

Since ancient times, the island has been a “melting pot” in which various peoples, cultures and religions mixed. In the Middle Ages, the island was divided into dozens of kingdoms and sultanates. Descriptions of the wars between them make up most of the content of Indonesian history textbooks. In between wars, the Javanese built grandiose temples and palaces, created unique forms of theater and music, and developed literature.

Attractions

Jakarta(until 1949 - Batavia) - the capital and the most big city Indonesia, located on the northwestern coast of Java. This is a city of an original mixture of numerous buildings of the 17th-18th centuries, canals and many “national” quarters, each of which has its own unique appearance. One of the centers of old Batavia is the stone-paved square of Taman Fatahila in the Kota district, surrounded by old buildings overlooking the banks of the canal. Nearby are: the Jakarta Historical Museum in the building of the former city hall (1627), the ancient cannon "Si Yago", the museum of dolls and ritual accessories "Wayang", the Chicken Market Bridge drawbridge (XVII century), the Bahari Museum observation tower, the ancient port of Sunda Kelapa and the Chinese district of Glodak with the oldest temple in the city - Jine Yuan (XVII century). The second recognized center of the capital is Medan Merdeka Square (Freedom Square) with the 132-meter National Monument (Monas), the National Museum of Indonesia with unique historical and ethnological collections, the Museum of National History and the Museum of the Institute of Indonesian Culture and many others. historical monuments. Also, at your leisure, you can visit the Taman Mini park (“Indonesia in miniature”), where traditional dwellings are presented (life-size with all interior details preserved), characteristic of all 27 provinces of Indonesia; Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Park (Anchol Dream Park) - an amusement park with many attractions: water slides, cars, roller coasters and much more; Taman Safari - a safari park in the suburbs of Jakarta will allow you to see in close proximity the Sumatran tiger, llamas, bulls, giraffes, bears and other animals from America, Europe and Asia.

It is considered the third largest Buddhist-Hindu temple complex in the world, behind Angkor in Cambodia and the Burmese Shwedagon. It is believed that if you can touch the little finger of the Buddha located in the mortar by reaching through one of the carved holes, then good luck awaits you.

The temple complex is located on a plain dotted with the ruins of ancient buildings and known among the locals as the “Valley of the Kings”. Prambanan is considered the most exquisite of Indonesian historical monuments. The largest temple building, located in the center, is dedicated to the god Shiva.

Kraton- the Sultan's palace complex, which the Javanese call the “navel” of the world. The palace was for them the center not only of the sultanate, but of the entire Universe. It contains the personal chambers of the Sultan and his family members, a repository of royal regalia, a majestic throne room, chambers for contemplation, pavilions for performances, and a mosque.

From Jakarta, it is best to escape to neighboring (55 km) tranquil Bogor, famous throughout the island for its impressive botanical garden. An hour's train ride from the metropolis - and you are in the former summer residence of Dutch and British rulers. It’s cool and quiet here, rooms in hotels and guest houses are much cheaper, and if you’re lucky, then with a gorgeous view of the mountain valley. Locals call Bogor “the city of rain”, and indeed, it is guaranteed to rain in the afternoon, so strolling through the garden is best done on a cool morning. The Botanical Garden has trees that look like bell-bottoms, an orchid garden, a Mexican garden and other natural “installations”. Deer roam in the nearby Royal Park. Idyll.

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Java considered one of the largest and most famous islands. This picturesque stretch of land, about 1000 km long, has rich history, an impressive number of cultural attractions, incredible natural beauty, many temples and shrines, as well as more than a hundred majestic volcanoes stretching along the coast in a continuous line.

Peculiarities

According to its administrative structure, the island is divided into 6 provinces, including Banten, West, Central and East Java, as well as Jakarta and Yogyakarta, which have the status of districts. Each of them is formed from cities and towns, and most importantly administrative center The island is the capital of the entire country - the city. The main industry areas here are industry, agriculture and tourism, which brings significant profits to the treasury of the entire state. One of the symbols of Java is coffee – Kopi Luwak, grown on local plantations.

In total, about 30% of the entire surface of the island is covered with jungle, which in many ways serves as a reason for lovers of eco-tourism to come here to enjoy the beauty of the tropical forest, making an exciting journey through hiking trails to its most mysterious corners. Java is also extremely popular among fans of diving, plunging into the waters of the Java Sea on one side and the abyss Indian Ocean, on the other hand, in order to admire the diversity of the underwater world of these places. The ethnic composition of the population here is quite diverse and is formed from a number of nationalities, including Banten, Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese and representatives of other countries and races. Islam is the dominant religion, although there are also adherents of other religious faiths, including Christians, admirers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism and other beliefs. Common languages ​​include Javanese, Madurese, Indonesian, Sundanese and English.

General information

The area of ​​Java is 132 thousand square meters. km, with a population of about 140 million people. In terms of population, the island confidently ranks first in the world. His highest point has 3676 meters above sea level. Time is 4-5 hours ahead of Moscow, depending on the specific location of a particular city. Time zone UTC+7, UTC+8. Indonesia does not switch to daylight saving time.

A brief excursion into history

During the Middle Ages, Java played an important role in the political, cultural and religious life of Indonesia. From 1293 to the beginning of the 16th century, the Majapahit Empire existed here, during whose reign the country achieved its greatest prosperity. After its collapse, the Demak Sultanate became the most powerful state on the island, and in XVII century Dutch colonization began, during which the district of Batavia emerged, later renamed Jakarta. At the very beginning of the 20th century, the islanders began an active struggle for the independence of Indonesia, which ended with the proclamation of this status in 1945, after the surrender of Japan.

Climate

Java has a humid tropical climate with two distinct seasons. It rains from November to February, and the rest of the year is dominated by dry, sunny weather. The air temperature is not subject to major changes and throughout the entire 12 months fluctuates between +26 - +32 degrees. You can come here at any time, but stop have a nice holiday Only an earthquake or a volcanic eruption can occur, which, however, is not so uncommon here.

How to get there

Major airports receiving flights from other parts and countries of the world are located in several cities on the island, including, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, Solo and Yogyakarta. From here the most convenient flight is with a transfer to. Ferries travel across the waters to the ports of Jakarta, Banten, Surabaya and East Java.

Transport

Within the island, the most common means of transportation is buses. In addition, there is a good railway connection here. Car rental is frankly cheap, but tourists are not recommended to drive on these roads on their own due to the specific rules traffic and their interpretations by local drivers.

Main cities

Stolichnaya, home to over 9 million people, serves as the most important economic, industrial and cultural center all over Indonesia. This colorful city is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Java and, possessing a lot of interesting attractions, combines luxury and poverty, wealth and poverty. The glamorous skyscrapers of the center contrast sharply with the dilapidated slums on the outskirts, and the well-groomed and neat courtyards of elite mansions do not fit in with the dirty streets where the asphalt has not been changed for several decades. Due to its low location relative to sea level, the city is prone to floods, which, however, has not yet affected it too much. hectic life, which does not subside either day or night. There are many museums, palaces, temples, mosques, as well as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment venues. There are parks, there are National Gallery arts, planetarium, zoo, a number of sports facilities.

One of best places For a holiday in Java, the city of Bogor is considered, where the Soekarno Presidential Palace with the Zoological Museum and the world famous Kebun Raya Botanical Garden, with many exotic plants, stand out. The second largest city in the country, after Jakarta, is an important industrial center of Surabaya, in and around which are the Baluran and Meru Metiri nature reserves, as well as the active Bromo volcano, rising 2,400 meters above sea level. In the area mountain resort Bandung's attractions include the Tangkuban Phraya volcano and Lake Situpatenngang. The city of Yogyakarta, which has unique architectural attractions, is of quite great tourist interest. Among others major cities we can highlight Cirebon and Serang in Banten. There are many other interesting cities and towns on the island, each of which has its own history.

Beaches

The coast of Java abounds sandy beaches, but not all of them are suitable for swimming. In the western part of the island, not far from the city of Bandung, are the beaches of Karang Bolong and Anyer, characterized by a gentle entrance to the water and marvelous landscapes. On the same side of the island is resort village Pagandaran, with rich flora and fauna. There are good beaches in the east and in the Yogyakarta region, but the metropolitan area is not very good for beach pleasures due to the increased pollution of the coastline.

Attractions and entertainment

It serves as one of the main architectural structures of Java. buddhist stupa Borobudur, which is the most important element of the entire temple complex surrounding the shrine. This place is included in the list of the brightest architectural and historical monuments of UNESCO and belongs to the world heritage sites. An impressive share of other interesting attractions are located in the capital Jakarta. National quarters, unique buildings of bygone years, Taman Fatahila Square in the Kota district, the charming Chinese district of Glodak with the oldest temple in the city - Jing Yuan - all this creates a unique flavor and makes you sincerely admire the capital of the island. Worth special attention here historical museum Jakarta, the stunning Chicken Market Bridge, the famous ancient cannon "Si-Yago", the Wayang Museum of Dolls and Ritual Objects, as well as a great many other outstanding buildings, museums and monuments. Of great interest to children are the Ragunan Zoo, the large Taman Mini Park, which characterizes Indonesia in miniature, the Water Palace and the beautiful recreation park Jaya Ankol. Adults are recommended to visit the Taman-Ismail-Marzuki cultural and entertainment complex.

In the vicinity of Bandung, the hot volcanic springs in Chiatera, the grandiose safari park, the picturesque tea plantations in Puncak and the Kulon National Park stand out. For lovers walking tours It is proposed to take a route to the hot springs of Maribaya, surrounded by majestic volcanic landscapes. Yogyakarta boasts an exquisite palace complex called the Sultan's Kraton with the Taman Sari water palace, the Agastya Art Institute, as well as the Sono Badoyo and Benteng Vredeburg museums. Between it and the city of Solo, there is the largest Hindu temple complex in Java - Prambanan, which annually receives thousands of pilgrims. There are practically no uninteresting cities on the island. Every square kilometer of island space contains the history, culture and traditions of entire peoples, so traveling around Java simply cannot help but be fascinating.

Kitchen

Traditional elements included in the dishes of restaurants, cafes and eateries on the island are vegetables, seafood, chicken, beef and rice. Popular drinks include freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, ginger tea, tuak beer brewed with palm flowers, and local palm vodka called arak.

Shopping

In the shops and shopping complexes of these cities, visitors are invited to purchase a wide variety of goods, from clothing and shoes to jewelry and the latest electronic developments. Prices, in most cases, are surprising in their affordability, so island shopping can bring true pleasure to even the most thrifty shoppers.

Java is an amazing combination of natural beauty and the benefits of modern civilization. Majestic volcanoes towering above the tropical jungle coexist with skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, and ancient temples look harmonious against the backdrop of snow-white beaches and evergreen palm trees. Stay on it exotic island allows true travelers to get into the spirit Southeast Asia, and get a complete picture of the mysterious, located in the far reaches of our planet, somewhere between the Pacific and Indian oceans.

General information

The island, which is just over 2,000 km long, received this role due to its advantageous location in the center of the archipelago, as well as favorable conditions for growing rice, which for Southeast Asia means the victory of life over death. Almost the entire history of Indonesia is the story of the struggle for Java and its fertile lands, first between local kingdoms, then with European colonialists. You can read more about these vicissitudes in the general historical section.

The ethnic composition on the island is quite homogeneous. Muslim Javanese, who consider themselves an intellectual elite, are evenly distributed throughout. The Madurese adhere to an even stricter Islam and are concentrated mainly in the northeast of the island. Only in the eastern part, on the Bromo-Semeru highlands, did the Hindu enclave of the Tenggers, descendants of the Majapahit empire, remain. Arabs, Indians, and other trading people settled in port cities, but their influence was insignificant. Much more powerful is the small Chinese diaspora, whose representatives can be seen in the largest jewelry stores in the country.

“Java is overpopulated, Java is over-industrialized and overrun by tourists, there is nothing to do there,” we often hear from the lips of “experienced” people. Indeed, the population density here is one of the highest in the world, industry is booming, and foreign visitors are by no means a novelty. But those incredibly beautiful natural landscapes, unique ancient temples and original culture that Java is so rich in make it perhaps the most fertile place for have an interesting trip in the country. Much more interesting than boring and tourist-filled Bali. Java's development also speaks in favor of transport infrastructure, with which you can easily get to its most remote corners. As befits a capital, everything begins and ends in Jakarta.

How to get there

By air

Five international airports connect Java with the outside world, but only one “Soekarno-Hatta International Airport» ("Sukarno - Atta") Jakarta is designed to accommodate large airliners from other continents. It serves the overwhelming number of international flights, being used as a transit point to continue traveling around the country. Airports in Jogja, Bandung and Surakarta (Solo) are connected only to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, by Air Asia flights. Surabaya is another big one transport hub, where flights arrive from Malaysia and Thailand.

Flights to other major Indonesian islands are usually operated by local airlines (there are more than a dozen of them) from Jakarta and Surabaya airports. Major national carriers Garuda Indonesia and Merpati price tickets at around $100 if purchased several days in advance. Other airlines (“Mandala Air”, “Air Asia”, “Lion Air”, “Citylink”, “Batavia”, “Awair”, “Sriwijaya” and others) They ask for 2 times cheaper, but if you buy a few hours before departure, the price rises to the same $80-100. There are a lot of flights, and there are usually no problems with departure. Within the island, the flight schedule is also quite dense, competition is high, and prices are low. Local terminal (Domestic Terminal) Jakarta Airport has flights to Surabaya, Jogja, Surakarta and Semarang (Semarang).

From Russia to Java you can get regular flights Moscow - Jakarta of several airlines:

• Qatar Airways connecting in Doha and landing in Kuala Lumpur (2 flights per day);
• Singapore Airlines with a connection in Singapore (2 flights per day);
• Emirates with a connection in Dubai (1 flight per day);
• "Thai Airways" with a transfer in Bangkok (1 flight per day).

In any case, the flight will take at least 18 - 20 hours and will cost from 30,000 rubles.

By sea. National Shipping Company "Pelni" (www.pelni.co.id) operates high-capacity passenger ferry services between Java and several large islands such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bali. Ports are located in Jakarta, Chiberon (Ciberon), Surabaya and Semarang. Travel like this is not for everyone. The ferries are extremely slow and crowded with people - usually those who can't pay for their airfare. On average, a trip to another island costs about $20, and as the distance increases, the price increases proportionally.

By rail

This way of traveling in Java is very popular. The northern railway line connected Jakarta, Chiberon, Semarang and Surabaya. The southern one passes through Jakarta, Bandung, Jogja, Surakarta and ends in Surabaya. Branch with local trains connects Surabaya and the towns of East Java. From Jakarta, a separate short line goes west to the coast.

The carriages on the trains are divided into 3 classes. The first one is eksekutif (similar to our coupe, with air conditioning), second - bisnis (sedentary, no air conditioning) and the third - ekonomi, the worst analogue of our electric trains. Time flies most quickly in the latter, in the fight against stuffiness, merchants and cockroaches. The cost, accordingly, varies depending on the class of travel. Electric trains run only short distances to the suburbs. Traffic from Surabaya to the towns of East Java and from Jakarta to west coast also carried out third class. It is convenient to find out about the timetable and fares on the website www.seat61.com.

On the ground

Trip as usual intercity bus you will never forget and tell your grandchildren. Cigarette smoke hangs like a rocker, the distances between the seats are usually designed for dystrophic people and slender Asians, every 10-15 minutes another musician and entire orchestras enter the salon, organizing an express concert. You should thank them for their accompaniment with 1,000 Rp. You can estimate the cost of travel at the rate of 100 km - 25,000 Rp, but the situation with the cost of gasoline is changing rapidly. Sometimes a tourist who wants to travel from point A to point B is transferred along a chain from one bus to another, and the entire journey is paid for upon the first boarding. There is no need to be afraid that subsequent conductors will force you to pay a second time - there is a mystical otherworldly connection between them, and they are aware of the payment and destination of foreign guests.

It should be noted that the bus usually breaks down on the way, so you cannot match its schedule with the departure of an airplane or the departure of a train; you must have at least a few hours of a time handicap.

The island of Java is part of the Greater Sunda Islands and is located near Sumatra. Scientists to this day cannot understand why it received such a name. There are several theories. According to one of them, the word “Java” is of Protonesian origin and is translated as “home.” Some scholars believe that the name comes from Sanskrit and means either “barley” or “lying on the other side.”

Basic information

Experts classify “Java” as both mainland and volcanic islands. This is due to the fact that at its base lies a long mountain range, stretching across the central part of the island.

The highest point is the Semeru volcano, which has remained active to this day. In general, more than 120 volcanoes can be counted throughout the entire area of ​​the ridge. Central part The island has a mountainous landscape, but as soon as you go down to the coast, you find yourself in a swamp.

There are a lot of rivers and lakes here, among which Jangari, Jatiluhur, and Sungai deserve special attention.

The first man appeared on the island, presumably, in the second millennium BC. e. Scientists suggest that he most likely came from the island of Sumatra. Around the 3rd century AD, cities arose on the island and the first state formations were formed. One of the very first was Sakalanagara, which gave rise to Tarum, Sundu and Matar. The latter has a rich past and a long history of rule. Over time, it fell into decay and broke up into several small state entities.

At the end of the 13th century, an expedition was assembled to Java led by the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, famous for his conquest of China. The empire he created on the island extended its influence to almost everything. Sunda Islands. After a couple of centuries, it weakened greatly and broke up into a number of Muslim states.

In the 17th century, European invaders began to enter Java. They created a huge number of colonies and trading posts on the coast. The Dutch showed great activity in conquest. Step by step they subjugated all the islands Sunda archipelago, founding the trading post city of Batavia, which is known to contemporaries as Jakarta, the capital. Immediately after the end of World War II, Indonesia became independent and annexed Java.

Time has passed and today the island of Java is the largest cultural, historical and political center of Indonesia with a well-developed infrastructure.

Population of Java

According to recent estimates, the island's population has long exceeded the number of 140 million people. Thus, Java is recognized as the most densely populated island in the world. The national composition is diverse, but the majority of residents are Indonesian-Javayans. In addition, in the composition you can meet Sundanese, Madurese and people who came at different times from,. The official language throughout the island is Malay. It is not uncommon to hear Chinese and Javanese dialects.

The main occupation of the local population is agriculture. Villagers grow rice and other cereals. The cities have developed industries: textiles, electronics, mining and processing.

The largest city on the island is Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. It is home to more than 9 million people. Next in size and number of inhabitants are Semarang, Serang, Bandung and others.

Weather on the island of Java

The island's climate is determined by its location relative to the equator. It is always warm and very humid here. Sudden changes there is no temperature, even despite the pronounced seasonality. The average air temperature remains at 24 degrees.

Showers and hurricanes here are always short-lived.

Flora and fauna

The flora is not particularly exotic and unique. Lianas, bamboo, and huge ficus trees grow in tropical forests. Just above sea level, the diversity of vegetation becomes richer. You can find oaks, chestnuts and some types of conifers.

The fauna of the island is much more interesting and diverse. Java is home to more than 150 species of animals. Among which there are many endemics.

The island's cuisine is considered the most non-exotic. The main components of the dishes are rice, vegetables, and beef. Local fruits, of which there are a lot in Java, are very popular. If you really want to try real traditional food, you should go to small cafes where the local population eats. They are always delicious and very cheap, unlike restaurants where guides constantly lead you. However, even here you can find exotic things.

In the village of Tuban, earth pies are popular. They are made from silty soil from rice fields. According to local residents, this dish is considered nutritious and very healthy. The village population tries not to talk about the taste of the pies.

The Javanese drink cane juice, ginger tea, local beer “tuak” and palm vodka.

In Indonesia, the islands of Bali are the most famous and beloved by tourists, but Java also has a lot of interesting things to offer. The beaches on the island are covered with white, coarse sand, and the sea is always clean. In addition, local cities have many attractions that will surprise any tourist. Let's get acquainted with the most popular places on the island of Java.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bromo National Park is located near the city of Surabaya. This is one of the most amazing attractions in Indonesia, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The park covers an area of ​​more than 800 square meters. meters. Its territory contains a huge number of dense forests, waterfalls and several active volcanoes. Thanks to them, most national park covered with black, volcanic sand, creating a special alien effect. The park got its name from local tribe– tenggers and two mountains.

The park is unique thanks to its five volcanoes, which, according to legend, lead to underworld. You can climb to the top on foot or by jeep. This place is wildly popular among tourists and is rightfully considered the highlight of the island.

Borobudur Temple Complex

The temple complex is located 40 kilometers from Jakarta. This place is not only considered the highlight of the city, but is also known throughout the world. It was erected around the 8th-9th century. For a long time, the temple complex was hidden from human eyes in the shadow of a dense jungle, covered with tons of volcanic dust. The ancient structure still remains a mystery to scientists. No one can give an exact answer when and by whom Borobudur was built. Also, no one can understand why it was abandoned after the eruption of one of the five volcanoes.

If you look from the outside, the entire temple complex resembles a huge 34-meter bell. In its structure, it is a pyramid, the base of which is made up of several large concrete slabs. They have carved stupas in the shape of bells. Inside each stupa there are Buddha statues.

Prambanan Temple Complex

This is an amazing landmark dating back to the 9th century. The temple complex is located a few kilometers from Jakarta. Prambanan is considered the largest in Indonesia. There is a huge statue of Shiva inside the temple. Prambanan is often called the Lara Jonggrang Shiva Temple. On the sides of the main temple there are small structures that represent the sacred animals of Indonesia. Also on the territory of Prambanan there are numerous tombs and premises for sacrifices. Recently the temple complex was recognized world heritage UNESCO.

This ancient structure was destroyed more than once. This was due to numerous earthquakes, as well as the volcanic activity of Merapi. For more than a hundred years, restoration work has been underway to restore Prambanan.

Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia. He smokes constantly. Small eruptions occur every two years, but large ones occur every 15 years. The last time strong volcanic activity was observed was in 2006. Thanks to this, Merapi is among the top ten active volcanoes in the world.

Such fame does not prevent the local population from living at the very foot, and tourists from climbing to the very top. The beauty seen from a great height surprises and amazes.

Old town

The Old Town is located in Jakarta and covers an area of ​​about 1.5 square meters. kilometers. This place is a cultural center that brings together greatest number ancient monuments. First locality on this territory was created in the 14th century. Then the port was built. Over time, more and more new objects appeared in the city. The Dutch made a great contribution to the development of the Old City, building amazingly beautiful temples. The site is currently listed as a World Heritage Site.

The Old Town is home to many different cultures. That is why this place has a special atmosphere that attracts thousands of tourists.

Taman Sari Water Palace

The palace was founded in the 18th century by the ruler of Jakarta. The complex included leisure rooms, a main palace, a lake, and a swimming pool. The building took several years to build with money allocated from the state treasury. Taman Sari was a real work of art at that time. The palace had its own individual sewer system. The castle was separated from the outside world by a huge dug canal. The water supply came from the lake. Some rooms had warm, heated floors.

In addition, a large network of underground passages was dug under the palace, which connected some rooms with each other. About the magnificent garden palace complex There have always been legends. That is why the castle is called Taman Sari, which translates as “blooming garden”. Today, ruins remain of the once majestic structure. Some of the territory is inhabited local residents. In recent years, restoration of the palace complex has been carried out. The swimming pool and several rooms have been restored and are open to the public.

Bogor Botanical Garden

This is one of the most famous places on the island. The garden is located near Jakarta in the province of West Java. It is otherwise called “Kebun Raya”. The entire territory of the botanical garden has a huge area of ​​87 hectares. In addition, there are 4 branches of Kebun Raya scattered around the island of Java. The garden's collection includes more than 15 thousand of a wide variety of plants, comprising 6,000 species. In this place you can still see the plants planted at the founding of Kebun Raya. In addition to endemic plants, there are many specimens brought from other countries, as well as rare species.

The Bogor Garden is also called a center for nature studies. And for good reason, since scientists from all over the world constantly come here. The Kebun Raya gate is constantly open to numerous visitors. Here you can not only take a break from the bustle of the city, but also learn a lot of new things by visiting the zoological and botanical museum. One of the main exhibits of the Bogor Garden is the collection of orchids. Some species of this amazing flower are found in indoor greenhouses, while others grow on open-air lawns.

Sea of ​​Sands

The sea of ​​sand is a unique sight and is located in a large caldera with a diameter of 10 kilometers. Majestic volcanoes have erupted tons of lava rock for many millennia, which over time turned into large volcanoes. Once here, you plunge into a special atmosphere.

The landscape that reveals itself is very reminiscent of the surface of the moon. A special effect is added by the foggy haze over the crater, which constantly hangs over the volcano.

thousand islands

Off the northern coast of Java you can see a huge number of small islands. From a great height it seems as if there are more than a thousand of them. However, calculations have shown that there are about 115 continental formations in this area. Their number may vary depending on the tides. So Jakarta is the only place with more than a hundred islands.

central stupa

Prambanan

18 km east of Yogyakarta there is another unique temple complex - Prambanan. It is believed that this Buddhist shrine was built in the 10th century. In the first half of the last century, restoration was carried out through the efforts of Dutch scientists. Particularly popular among tourists is the Prambanan Temple - a 47 m high structure consisting of four tiers made in the form of concentric square platforms.

There are smaller temples around. The walls of the temples are decorated with bas-reliefs based on scenes from the Ramayana. A visit to the Prambanan complex for foreigners is paid - $15. A beautiful green alley leads to the complex. Although the main stage of restoration has been completed, there are still piles of stones everywhere. Excavations and restoration continue.

Surabaya

In the east of Java is Surabaya, one of the main ports of Indonesia, the second largest city.

For most tourists it is " transhipment point"on the way to Sulawesi and the island of Bali. However, Sarabai has its merits. Here you can experience a charming mixture of antiquity and modernity. Masjid al Akbar Surabaya is worthy of attention - a majestic mosque in the Arab quarter, the height of which is 65 m. By taking the elevator to its upper part, you can admire Surabaya from a bird's eye view.

Definitely worth a look suspension bridge Suramadu, connecting Fr. Java with o. Madura. Its length is 5.5 km, width – 32 m, height – 35 m.

Volcanoes

Human nature is such that danger frightens and fascinates at the same time. Indonesia's volcanoes attract a huge number of tourists who want to see natural beauty and the power of active volcanoes. On about. Java has more than 35 active volcanoes, and the island itself is also of volcanic origin. Each of them is famous for something: Merapi for activity, Semeru for heights, Krakatoa for destruction, Kawa Ijen for sulfur lake, Tangkuban for accessibility.

In the east of. Java is located beautiful volcano Bromo, one of the most active in the world and the most visited in Indonesia. The formidable volcano, whose height is 2329 m, amid a surreal alien landscape, occasionally releases clouds of smoke. Tourists come here to watch the sunrise in order to look at the miracle of nature in the early morning.

Volcano Bromo

The next in the popularity ranking is the Kawah Ijen volcano, height 2400 m. It became famous for its unique emerald lake located inside the crater - the largest acid lake in the world, containing sulfuric acid instead of water. During the daytime, a white haze swirls above it, and at night, tongues of blue flame appear.

Sulfur collectors work in the crater of the volcano, extracting pieces of sulfur on the shores of the lake in very harmful and dangerous conditions. The temperature on the surface of the lake is about 60 °C, and at its bottom – 200 °C. Despite its unusual and frightening beauty, the crater of the Kawa Ijen volcano and the lake are used not so much to attract tourists as to extract sulfur. In this case, inhumanly hard manual labor is used.

The active volcano Tangkuban is a popular tourist site. Perhaps its popularity was facilitated by its easy accessibility - the top of Tangkuban can be reached by car along a specially built convenient road. The height of the volcano is 2000 m, its basin looks like an overturned boat, as the name suggests - Tangkuban Prau.

The main crater is a constant reminder of activity, emitting volcanic gases. The relatively small lower crater is filled with hot springs and steam. Tourists can walk around the main crater of the Tangkuban volcano and see it from all sides. The ubiquitous merchants here sell souvenirs and pieces of sulfur from trays.

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung-Kulon is located in the southwest of the island. Java. It includes the Ujung-Kulon Peninsula, as well as a group of islands of volcanic origin, Krakatoa. A third of the park is occupied by the sea. The places here are very picturesque, especially on the part of the land where unique low-mountain tropical forests grow.

The flora and fauna of Ujung Kulon are well preserved due to the fact that the surviving inhabitants left the area after the Krakatoa eruption that occurred in 1883. Since then, the volcano has become significantly lower. Several years ago, 6 km from this place, a young volcano became active, and smoke smokes above it from time to time. Ujung Kulon Park is home to rare species of animals, in particular Javan rhinoceroses.

Entrance tickets to Ujung Kulon are sold at the office, which is located near the village of Taman Jaya. Here you can rent a boat and hire a guide. You can sunbathe on luxurious beaches or exercise hiking into the jungle to see the rich natural world of Ujung Kulon. The best option– a three-day trek through the park to explore the area. Organized more individual tours– recreation with fishing, snorkeling and spearfishing in the coastal waters of Ujung-Kulon. Tourists have at their disposal a boat with a crew and Russian guides.

Karimunjawa Archipelago

To the north of central Java in the Java Sea is the Karimunjawa Archipelago, which is a marine national park in Indonesia. Its main attraction is its pristine nature with coral reefs and desert snow-white beaches. The unique archipelago includes 27 islands, of which only 5 are inhabited. People like to visit the islands of the Karimunjawa archipelago for the purpose of... resort holiday wealthy people in Indonesia.

The archipelago is popular among surfing and diving enthusiasts. Coral reefs are located right off the coast inhabited islands, so novice drivers do not need to rent a boat. All they need is a mask and a snorkel to explore the coastal bottom right from the beach. More experienced scuba divers go to uninhabited islands Karimunjawa archipelago as part of excursions, or by agreeing with fishermen to rent a boat. underwater world in the waters of the Java Sea is very diverse. There are 250 species of fish and about 90 varieties of corals.

Most big island has the same name as the archipelago - Karimunjawa, but the abbreviated name Karimun is more often used. It has main city Karimun, which is the capital of the entire Karimunjawa archipelago. From this port city in a northerly direction there is a road, ending with a bridge. Long Bridge connects the main island with the neighboring one, which is called Kemujan. On these two islands there are campsites, hotels, dive centers, restaurants, and boat rentals. By renting a boat for $40, you can travel around several deserted neighboring islands in one day.

Landscape o. Karimun is represented by green hills covered with tropical forests. There are over 30 species of mangrove trees alone. The islanders especially revere a rare breed - the Devadaru. They believe that an amulet made from this tree prolongs life, protects the house, and cures snake bites. Amulets and other items from Devadaru are the most popular souvenirs that tourists bring from Karimunjawa.

Beaches o. Karimun are quiet and secluded. The free Nirvana Beach is located near the town of Karimun. It looks very beautiful - palm trees near the shore, snow-white sand, turquoise water, but swimming here is problematic. The shore is very shallow and there are corals in the water. At Tanjung Gelam Beach, located 30 minutes by bike from the main city of the Karimunjawa archipelago, swimming is much more comfortable, and the nature is no less delightful. Entrance fee is 1 thousand rupees, there are warungs with Indonesian food. The most beautiful beach The island is considered Pantai Anora.

The Karimunjawa archipelago has its own airport on the island. Karimun, where small planes fly several times a week from Semarang, a port city ( north coast O. Java). From here you can take a speedboat to Karimuna and Kemujan Islands. It is better to come to the islands of the archipelago during the dry season, which here lasts from late April to October. Public transport no, so it's better to rent a scooter.