Java
Java (Indonesian, Javanese, and Sundanese: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia and the site of its capital city, Jakarta. Once the centre of powerful Hindu kingdoms and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies, Java now plays a dominant role in the economic and political life of Indonesia. Housing a population of 124 million, it is the most populous island in the world. Java is also one of the most densely populated regions on Earth.
Formed mostly as the result of volcanic events, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island of Indonesia. A chain of volcanic mountains forms an east-west spine along the island. It has three main languages, and most residents are bilingual, with Indonesian as their second language. While the majority of Javanese are Muslim (or at least nominally Muslim), Java has a diverse mixture of religious beliefs and cultures.
Jakarta
the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis.
Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.
Banten
Banten is a province of Indonesia, located at the western end of Java Island. Banten has an area of 9,160.7 km² and population of 9,083,114 (2005). Banten was established in October 2000 after being separated from West Java province. The capital of the province is Serang.
Banten in the fifth century was part of Tarumanagara kingdom. A stone inscription, called Prasasti Cidanghiang, coming from Tarumanagara era can be found at Lebak area at the bank of Cidanghiang river, in Pandeglang Regency, Banten. The Prasasti Cidanghiang, found in 1947, contains 2 lines of poetic sentences in Sanskrit written in Pallava characters. The inscription proclaims Purnawarman as the standard for rulers around the world.
West Java
West Java (Indonesian: :Jawa Barat), with population around 35.72 million, is the most populous province of Indonesia, located on Java Island. Its capital city is Bandung.
Sundanese share Java island with other Malayan people: Javanese people. They primarily live in their home province of West Java. Although Sundanese live in the same island with Javanese, they consider themselves a distinct cultural area called Sunda. Someone moving from West Java Province to Central or East Java Provinces, is literally said to be moving from Sunda to Java.
Central Java
Flanked by West and East Java, this province is centrally located on Java island with Semarang as its provincial capital situated on the northern coast. A network of good roads and highways in addition to solid railways linking its major cities and villages plus the accessibility to reach it by air through three main airports, all assure the visitor that he finds himself in a region with more than adequate communications
To most Indonesian visitors Central Java's history and its social influence over the whole nation are relatively known. The very first Moslem kingdom on the island was founded in 1511 at Demak, about 40 km from Semarang, which became the beachhead from which Islam spread out throughout the island. Today Demak is a sleepy little town, however, its glory of the past is still visible from one of the major relics now still well preserved, the Grand Mosque, a quaint blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, still honored and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
Yogyakarta
Or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions. The city itself has a special charm which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo).
Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of batiks, silver and leather work.
East Java
Magnificent mountain scenery include the crater and sea of sand at Mount Bromo, the "sulfur mountain" Welirang and rugged lien Plateau. Little of the Majapahit empire's former glory still stands in East Java to day with the exception of temple ruins and some archaeological discoveries. East Java's claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence against colonial forces in 1945.
Surabaya is the capital city for the east Java province that has the most bustling city. Business and leisure trip as a choice to visit the east of Java.
History has left its footprints across Central Java, an area rich in culture and tradition descending from a powerful Hindu and Buddhist past, and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Saliendra and Old Mataram kings. In the 8th and 10th centuries the Hindu-Javanese culture flourished, and it was during this period that Java's most remarkable religious monuments were built: Borobudur, the most magnificent monument to Mahayana Buddhism in the 'world; the enormous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java on the Dieng Plateau. All of these are testimony to the ancient power and influence of the region, and should be included in your travel plans.
The first Islamic kingdom in Java was established in 1511 in Demak, about 40 km from the Provincial capital of Semarang. One of the province's greatest Islamic structures is the Grand Mosque of Demak. Symbolic of the way the new faith was introduced, the mosque displays a curious combination of Islamic and Hindu architectural influences and is still revered and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
The rich and fertile plains of the region support an enormous population of over 30 million people. Surakarta, better known as Solo, is the cradle of Javanese culture in the province. TV courts of Solo embody the noble value that the Javanese attach to grace and refinement, with majestic ceremonies and royal festivals still held with great pomp and circumstance. Although no longer the seat of power it once was, descendants of the royal houses of Solo are regarded as leaders of, Javanese culture and traditions, upholding standards of sophistication and conduct.
An extensive network of good roads and railway links major cities and villages. With airports in both Semarang and Yogyakarta it is one of the most accessible provinces in the country. Two major seaports, Tanjung Emas on the Java Sea, and Cilacap, a natural ocean port in the Indian Ocean provide national and international outlets for the province's agricultural and industrial products.
Semarang
Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Central Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. From Candi Hill you get amazing views of the port, the lowlands and green paddy fields, the city itself and the surrounding mountains. The environs around Semarang are perfect for clay trips side-excursions.
In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial era and the Dutch Last Indies Company.
The city offers evening performances of Wayang drama played by live actors, actresses and dancers at Ngesti Pandowo Theatre. For sport fans there are tennis courts in all major hotels and 2 golf courses located in the towns suburbs.
For short trips out of Semarang within a radius of about 60 km, the following places arc recommended Jepara, northeast of Sentarang, is surrounded by white sand beaches, and is also famous for its wood carving industry. An ancient Portuguese Fort can be found to the east of Jepara.
Kudus, about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, is home to the Minaret Mosque, which was built in the 15th century.
Demak has the oldest mosque in Central, Java, which is said to have been built in a single night by one of the nine early leaders of Islam in Java.
Ambarawa Railway Museum
Fifty kms south of Semarang, Ambarawa has locomotives of various types and ages, and it is still possible to ride on a cog railway between Ambarawa and Bedono, a village nearby. Prior arrangements should he made for groups. Also of interest are a collection of antique telephones and other instrument used for railway communication.
Solo
A Pleasant city with a lively character, Solo is also called 'The City That Never Sleeps. One can always find something to eat or buy, as vendors of all kinds and small food stalls remain open 24 hours. Home of two royal houses with centuries of power and influence over the city, Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with an elegance all its own. It is one of the centers of batik and other Javanese fabrics, and souvenir hunters may find exquisite 'objects d'art" and ornate trinkets in the local markets. Those interested in old, Javanese culture and art should not miss Solo.
Sukuh Temple
Not far from Solo is the Sukuh Temple decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, anti the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture.
Tawangmangu
Located 40 kms east of Solo, this recreational resort offers fresh weather; scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels anti restaurants It lies on the slopes of Mt., Lawu, at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. Other features include nearby temples, a national park and the 40 in high waterfall of Grojogan Sewu.
Kasunanan Palace
The royal residence of King Pakubuwono in the 17th century, the palace has an art gallery exhibiting royal heirlooms, antiques and other invaluable objects in a genuine royal Javanese atmosphere.
Mangkunegaran Palace or Pura Mangkunegan
Another palace built 1757, with typical Javanese architecture consisting of "Pendopo" (an open front hall to receive guests), "Pringgitan" (a porch to hold leather puppet shadow play) and private apartments. Two sets of 17th century Javanese gamelan instruments are exhibited and played every Wednesday in the Pendopo. The palace also exhibits complete collection of masks, wayang orang costumes, leather and wooden puppets, religious articles and jewelry.
Sangiran, The Land of Mystery
In 1891, Eugene Dubois, a French anthropologist discovered fossils of Phitecantropos Erectus, or 'Java Man'. 1930 and 1931 marked the discovery of fossils of a man from the Pleistocene Period. In mid 1980, scientists were startled by the discovery of a complete 4 m tall elephant.
Bandungan and Gedong Songo Temple
This is a holiday resort on the slopes of Mt. Ungaran, about 900 meters above sea level. Gedong Songo (nine buildings), a group of small 8th century Hindu Javanese temples, can be reached either by ear or on horseback from the town. Built at about the same time as the temples of the Dieng complex, Gedong Songo is one of the most beautifully a temple complexes in Central Java. The views alone are worth the trip.
Borohudur 'Temple'
The name "Borobudnr" is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr", (Buddhist Monastery on the Hill). The Borobudur Temple was built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang 90 km southeast of Semarang or 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. One of the world's most famous temples, it stand majestically on a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray and a site stone. It rises in seven ten-aces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculpted in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief's in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece. The monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23 February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from UNESCO and donations from private citizens and foreign governments.
Mendut Temple
Located only three kilometers from Borobudur, Mendut is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught his five disclipes. The smaller temples of Mendut, which house the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, form an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three-meter tall Buddha and the two Bodhisatva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani are among the greatest manifestations of Buddhist thought and art.
Beturaden
Central Java's most outstanding resort, approximately 14 kms north of Purwokerto, occupies a fine site on the slopes of Mount Slamet, 650 m above sea level. It has remarkable weather, nice gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels.
Dieng Plateau
Four hours from Semarang is the Dieng Plateau, the site of some of the oldest Hindu temples on Java. These 50-foot high monuments stand on a crater floor amidst sulphurous fumes. The road to the Dieng Plateau passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.
History has left its footprints across Central Java, an area rich in culture and tradition descending from a powerful Hindu and Buddhist past, and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Saliendra and Old Mataram kings. In the 8th and 10th centuries the Hindu-Javanese culture flourished, and it was during this period that Java's most remarkable religious monuments were built: Borobudur, the most magnificent monument to Mahayana Buddhism in the 'world; the enormous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java on the Dieng Plateau. All of these are testimony to the ancient power and influence of the region, and should be included in your travel plans.
The first Islamic kingdom in Java was established in 1511 in Demak, about 40 km from the Provincial capital of Semarang. One of the province's greatest Islamic structures is the Grand Mosque of Demak. Symbolic of the way the new faith was introduced, the mosque displays a curious combination of Islamic and Hindu architectural influences and is still revered and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
The rich and fertile plains of the region support an enormous population of over 30 million people. Surakarta, better known as Solo, is the cradle of Javanese culture in the province. TV courts of Solo embody the noble value that the Javanese attach to grace and refinement, with majestic ceremonies and royal festivals still held with great pomp and circumstance. Although no longer the seat of power it once was, descendants of the royal houses of Solo are regarded as leaders of, Javanese culture and traditions, upholding standards of sophistication and conduct.
An extensive network of good roads and railway links major cities and villages. With airports in both Semarang and Yogyakarta it is one of the most accessible provinces in the country. Two major seaports, Tanjung Emas on the Java Sea, and Cilacap, a natural ocean port in the Indian Ocean provide national and international outlets for the province's agricultural and industrial products.
Semarang
Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Central Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. From Candi Hill you get amazing views of the port, the lowlands and green paddy fields, the city itself and the surrounding mountains. The environs around Semarang are perfect for clay trips side-excursions.
In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial era and the Dutch Last Indies Company.
The city offers evening performances of Wayang drama played by live actors, actresses and dancers at Ngesti Pandowo Theatre. For sport fans there are tennis courts in all major hotels and 2 golf courses located in the towns suburbs.
For short trips out of Semarang within a radius of about 60 km, the following places arc recommended Jepara, northeast of Sentarang, is surrounded by white sand beaches, and is also famous for its wood carving industry. An ancient Portuguese Fort can be found to the east of Jepara.
Kudus, about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, is home to the Minaret Mosque, which was built in the 15th century.
Demak has the oldest mosque in Central, Java, which is said to have been built in a single night by one of the nine early leaders of Islam in Java.
Ambarawa Railway Museum
Fifty kms south of Semarang, Ambarawa has locomotives of various types and ages, and it is still possible to ride on a cog railway between Ambarawa and Bedono, a village nearby. Prior arrangements should he made for groups. Also of interest are a collection of antique telephones and other instrument used for railway communication.
Solo
A Pleasant city with a lively character, Solo is also called 'The City That Never Sleeps. One can always find something to eat or buy, as vendors of all kinds and small food stalls remain open 24 hours. Home of two royal houses with centuries of power and influence over the city, Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with an elegance all its own. It is one of the centers of batik and other Javanese fabrics, and souvenir hunters may find exquisite 'objects d'art" and ornate trinkets in the local markets. Those interested in old, Javanese culture and art should not miss Solo.
Sukuh Temple
Not far from Solo is the Sukuh Temple decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, anti the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture.
Tawangmangu
Located 40 kms east of Solo, this recreational resort offers fresh weather; scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels anti restaurants It lies on the slopes of Mt., Lawu, at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. Other features include nearby temples, a national park and the 40 in high waterfall of Grojogan Sewu.
Kasunanan Palace
The royal residence of King Pakubuwono in the 17th century, the palace has an art gallery exhibiting royal heirlooms, antiques and other invaluable objects in a genuine royal Javanese atmosphere.
Mangkunegaran Palace or Pura Mangkunegan
Another palace built 1757, with typical Javanese architecture consisting of "Pendopo" (an open front hall to receive guests), "Pringgitan" (a porch to hold leather puppet shadow play) and private apartments. Two sets of 17th century Javanese gamelan instruments are exhibited and played every Wednesday in the Pendopo. The palace also exhibits complete collection of masks, wayang orang costumes, leather and wooden puppets, religious articles and jewelry.
Sangiran, The Land of Mystery
In 1891, Eugene Dubois, a French anthropologist discovered fossils of Phitecantropos Erectus, or 'Java Man'. 1930 and 1931 marked the discovery of fossils of a man from the Pleistocene Period. In mid 1980, scientists were startled by the discovery of a complete 4 m tall elephant.
Bandungan and Gedong Songo Temple
This is a holiday resort on the slopes of Mt. Ungaran, about 900 meters above sea level. Gedong Songo (nine buildings), a group of small 8th century Hindu Javanese temples, can be reached either by ear or on horseback from the town. Built at about the same time as the temples of the Dieng complex, Gedong Songo is one of the most beautifully a temple complexes in Central Java. The views alone are worth the trip.
Borohudur 'Temple'
The name "Borobudnr" is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr", (Buddhist Monastery on the Hill). The Borobudur Temple was built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang 90 km southeast of Semarang or 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. One of the world's most famous temples, it stand majestically on a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray and a site stone. It rises in seven ten-aces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculpted in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief's in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece. The monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23 February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from UNESCO and donations from private citizens and foreign governments.
Mendut Temple
Located only three kilometers from Borobudur, Mendut is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught his five disclipes. The smaller temples of Mendut, which house the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, form an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three-meter tall Buddha and the two Bodhisatva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani are among the greatest manifestations of Buddhist thought and art.
Beturaden
Central Java's most outstanding resort, approximately 14 kms north of Purwokerto, occupies a fine site on the slopes of Mount Slamet, 650 m above sea level. It has remarkable weather, nice gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels.
Dieng Plateau
Four hours from Semarang is the Dieng Plateau, the site of some of the oldest Hindu temples on Java. These 50-foot high monuments stand on a crater floor amidst sulphurous fumes. The road to the Dieng Plateau passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.