Sunday, August 10, 2008

Mystical and Marvelous Java

Java is by the far the most populated of Indonesia's islands. It is a land of enormous diversity ranging from unspoiled tropical beaches and colorful marine gardens to virgin jungles and active volcanoes. Ancient monuments reveal a rich and colorful history strongly influenced by Hindu-Javanese culture that flourished between the 8th and 10th centuries, and Mahayana Buddhism. Visit Borobudur, the world's biggest Buddhist monument and one of the eight wonders of the world.

Adventure & Outdooor Activities


The coastline from Anyer to Labuhan in Banten, the island's westernmost province, is very popular as a seaside resort. Inland, Java's magnificent mountain scenery is spectacular. The Volcanoes Gede Pangrango, Papandayan in West Java are covered in lush forests, " sulphur mountain " of Welirang and the rugged Ijen Plateau in East Java boast magnificent stark landscape. Take a hike Telaga Warna, a pretty colored lake, or to Kawah Sikidang in Central Java, with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. The limestone and quartz landscape of Gunung Kidul have created caves that beg to be explored. There's also a vertical wall that is often frequented by climbers. java is also increasingly known as a surfing destination thanks to the numerous locations that have high waves perfect for surfing, such as Plengkung-Grajagan in East Java, better known as G-Land.

Nearby
Meru Betiri and Alas Purwo National Park offer superb trekking. Yearning for an adrenalin rush? Climbing volcanic Mount Semeru or challenge the rapids in the Padegolan and Progo rivers in Central Java. The lush and fertile land offers inimitable opportunities for agro tourism. Various regions in Central Java offer tea, coffee, rubber, cloves and cocoa plantations tours. Other invite you to experience life in a traditional Javanese village, such as working in the rice fields, making traditional snacks and jamu, the all-curing herbal concoction.

Nature Reserves

With awesome Krakatau looming in the distance, explore the undisturbed wildlife reserve Ujung Kulon on the southwestern tip of Java, home of the Javan one-horned rhinoceros. Watch thousands of migrating birds arrive at Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary off the coast of Banten between the months of March till July.

Sheltering hundreds of tropical plant species of the world, the world renowned
Bogor Botanical Gardens next to the Presidential Palace is a treat to visit. Almost every plant species in Indonesia exist here and some of the trees are centuries old. Where else can one view seven volcanoes from one spot? At the Ketep View Point mid way between Solo and Borobudur, seven mountains form a spectacular background for the paddy fields. On tranquil Sukamade beach, East Java, take a peek at the giant turtles that often come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand.

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