Java

• Kepulauan Seribu

Kepulauan Seribu or as known as the Thousand Island is a chain of islands located in the north region of Jakarta. There are more than 110 islands stretching 45 km north into the Java Sea. The most visited islands of the Thousand Islands are Pari Island, Harapan Island, Tidung Island and Pramuka Island. Most of these islands are inhabited and they can be reached by ferryboats from the Muara Anke Port. The reefs surrounding the islands are home to a variety of marine life thus it is one of the best spots for diving, snorkeling and fishing. Tourists can also enjoy the magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset from the white beaches of Thousand Island.

• Tangerang

Tangerang is a city in Banten, Indonesia. It is located about 20 km west of Jakarta. In recent years the urban expansion of Jakarta has covered Tangerang, and as a result many of its residents commute to Jakarta for work, or vice-versa. Many high-class and middle-class satellite cities have been developed in Tangerang, complete with their own shopping malls, private schools and convenience centers.

• Bogor

Bogor bears the nickname “the Rain City” (Kota Hujan), suggesting that it is very wet and nearly always rains even during the dry season. Bogor has a presidential palace, a deer park and a botanical garden in the town centre. It is known as a major center for agricultural and forestry research and also home to two CGIAR (Consultative Groups on International Agricultural Research) research centers, including CIFOR, the Center for International Forestry Research and the World Agroforestry Centre.

• Sukabumi

At the top of the list of must go to places for adrenaline junkies, Sukabumi is a place that is perfect for whitewater rafting. It is a city with a cool climate as it is located close to a mountain. From Jakarta, one can take the train to Bogor and take another train directly to Sukabumi. Outdoor activities lovers can try ziplining, kayaking and canoeing in Arus Liar. Besides engaging in outdoor activities, one can visit the Curug Cikaso waterfalls, enjoy the panoramic view and fresh mountain breeze at the tea plantation in Halimun Hills, see turtles laying eggs at Pangumbahan Beach or even warm up your body and relax at the Cikundul Hot Spring.

• Bandung

As one of the most popular cities in Indonesia for shopping and tourism, Bandung is the capital city of West Java province. Bandung is surrounded by mountain ranges, giving the city a cool climate throughout the year. Bandung city itself is very exciting place. If one can brave the seasonal crowds, Bandung has much to offer such as old art deco buildings, beautiful parks, and fine landscapes.

• Sentul

In Bogor lies a place named Sentul which is 48 km south of Jakarta. Sentul is known for its eco-tour development and its Palm Hill Golf Club. It’s eco city boasts a concept of plant biodiversity that enables its inhabitants to enjoy the beautiful green setting and clean living. Sentul aims to be a Global Green City which seeks to provide a green environment, provide state of the art amenities and transport access by integrating nature in its people’s daily life. Besides the eco city, there are other places of attractions such as JungleLand Adventure Theme Park, Leuwi Hejo Waterfalls, and the Bidadari Waterfalls.

• Gunung Bunder, Bogor

Mount Bunder is located near a village in the district of Pamijahan, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. The mountain has an altitude between 750-1050 meters above sea level. The Mount Bunder Perhutani forest is dense with pine trees. The best site in Mount Bunder is the Curug Seribu. It is located in Mount Salak Endah. There are many camping grounds for avid campers with good facilities. Other waterfalls located nearby are the Cihurang waterfall, Cigamea waterfall, Prince waterfall and waterfall Rocks. Moreover, there is a crater named Kawah Ratu.

• Cilegon

Cilegon is a major coastal industrial city located in Banten province. It is the home to many huge steel producing companies. The Krakatau Steel Company which produces steel for domestic and foreign needs is the largest steel maker in Indonesia. Moreover, Cilegon is known as the Steel City as it is the largest steel producing city in Southeast Asia.

• Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is an isolated untamed wilderness on the southwestern tip of Java on the Sunda shelf. The Dutch people opened the park in 1921 to conserve the Javanese rhinoceros prone to extinction. Nature lovers would love to hike in the park but hiking along the whole park takes about 3 days (45 km). Wildlife spotters would come to Ujung Kulon National Park to view the many species of birds, wild boars, river otters, deer, crocodiles and hornbills. Furthermore, many species of endangered plants can be found here. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest – particularly for the study of inland volcanoes – it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rainforests in the Java plain.

• Mount Krakatoa

Mount Krakatoa a part of the Ujung Kulon National Park. It is one of the most active volcanos in Indonesia that is located in the strait between Sumatra and Java. This beautiful sight brought devastation to the nation in 1883 when it erupted. The seismic activity was so intense that its earthquake can be felt as far away as Australia. The gigantic Krakatoa vanished after the eruption and smaller islands were created. A boat trip of 2 hours to the little volcano is worth the time. There are three islands surrounding Anak Krakatoa. There are a few lagoons created as a result of the eruption. They are home for the Giant Trivially, Red Snapper, Grouper and many other reef fishes.

• Anyer Beach

Anyer is a town in Banten located 100 km west of Jakarta, 15 km south of Merak and 38 km from Serang City. It is a place where people can experience the beautiful panoramic view of the beach and partake in activities such as jet skiing, speed boating, parasailing and other aquatic sports. The white sand of the beach is famous for its softness. The best part about Anyer Beach is the view of the magnificent Krakatoa Mountain and the historical lighthouse at Cikoneng. Not far from the coast of the beach is Sangiang Island which is an uninhabited island with an unexplored jungle. It is a perfect place for people to relief their stress from the city.

• Pelabuhan Ratu

The beach of Pelabuhan Ratu is popular among surfers due to its large and powerful waves. It is located in the south coast of West Java. The white sand beach is popular but some of the spots on the beach are unsafe for swimming due to the high rolling waves. The popular beaches in Pelabuhan Ratu are Cimaja Beach, Sunset Beach, Karang Sari Beach and Karang Aji Beach. Many seafood restaurants and good hotel facilities can be found along the beach. A popular myth surrounding the area is of the Nyi Roro Kidul, a mythical being known as the Queen of the Southern Sea of Java. Myths and mystical story are local wisdom becoming an integral part of the popularity of Pelabuhan Ratu itself as one of the most enchanting tourist destinations in Sukabumi and favored by many connoisseurs of domestic and foreign trips.

For more information visit Wonderful Indonesia.

Photographs: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain Pictures

JAVA CITIES

• • Yogyakarta
    The city has numerous thousand-year-old temples as inheritances of the great ancient kingdoms, such as World Heritage site, Borobudur and Prambanan. Jogja is also home of Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Palace) or Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Also, Jogja’s longest market of two kilometers, Malioboro Street, sells any kind of beautiful souvenirs like all the traditional Javanese artworks, clothes, accessories, etc.

• • Solo
    Located just 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Jogja, and right in the middle of the island of Java, the city of Solo, formally known as Surakarta was a center of power during the great Javanese kingdoms. Solo and Jogja are considered as the two main centers of Javanese culture. Although larger than Yogya, Solo has more of a small town feel and is not as visited as its neighbor. The royal city boasts two palaces, and the surrounding countryside is home to some of Indonesia’s more unusual ancient temples.

• • Semarang
    The city of Semarang, the capital of Central Java province, is located on the north coast, facing the Java Sea. The northern part of the city is mainly low-lying plain coast while the southern part is more elevated. Semarang is a busy administrative and trading city, with its hub on the low-lying northern side of the city. In the hillier parts, one finds residences with the beautiful gardens and views of the town and the sea. There are many monuments of the past in Semarang, including old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called Kota Lama (The Old Town or Oudstadt).

For more information visit Wonderful Indonesia.

Photographs: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain Pictures