Covering a third of the island, central Java is largely home to the majority of Indonesia's historic attractions.
In addition to picturesque views of the volcanic highlands, central Java boasts great cultural heritage and religious diversity. This is where the Sundan - Java border runs across the island to separate Muslim mosques from ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. It is the historic center of the country - the birthplace of Indonesian civilization and the land of national symbols, including the splendid temples of Borobudur, Prambanan and the royal cities of Yogyakarta and Solo.
The main tourist destinations of central Java
North coast region
The northern coast of central Java is crowded and industrial but it offers a fascinating insight into Indonesia's commercial heritage.
For centuries, coastal towns had been an important hub of commerce, once welcoming merchants from faraway Arab, Indian and Chinese who would bring new goods and value.
Nowadays, people have formed and developed arts and crafts traditions. Most clearly visible in Pekalongan with the famous batik, in Jepara for furniture, in Kudus with its signature clove tobacco, in Tengal the sugarcane and in Semarang the old seaport and the Islamic capital of the Central Java Indonesia .
Kudus is home to the sweet, seductive scent of Indonesian tobacco. Kudus is where clove tobacco was invented and you can learn all about the manufacturing process here.
Kudus is home to the famous Djarum clove tobacco
One of Java's best kept secrets is the pristine atoll Karimunjawa. Once a major stop for ancient merchants, it is today a popular Javanese diving and resort hub. Karimunjawa Islands - although relatively less known, these 27 offshore islands are actually a hidden paradise in the Java Sea defined by mangroves, coral reefs and green waters, protected areas. The surrounding sea is the perfect place to snorkel and snorkel wrecks.
Major Mosque of Central Java in Semarang
Central plateau area
One might argue that the ever-smoky volcanoes that tower over the central highlands of Java Island leaves the area barren. But quite the opposite, volcanic activity on high, black ash is the cause of agricultural land becomes fertile and has many lush trees. The mild climate makes great conditions for camping, hiking, swimming over waterfalls and taking pictures.
More importantly, this is the land of the national symbols of Indonesia: Borobudur and Prambanan. Central Java hides a myriad of natural treasures and it can be the most breathtaking part of Java when it comes to landscapes and landscapes, especially the Dieng plateau.
Here you can visit Ambarawa - a lovely market town and an important railway line between Semarang and Yogyakarta, a town built around the beautiful Rawa Pening Lake and has a well-developed tourist infrastructure (floating restaurant, craft center, fishing, boating), Gedong Songo Temple is located on the slopes of Gunung Ungaran mountain.
Another place you should not miss is Wonosobo - a town nestled between two volcanoes is a famous hiking destination: Mount Sindoro 3150 meters (5-6 hours from Kledung Village) and Mount Sumbing 3371m (climbing 2 days / 1 night) and is the gateway to the surrounding countryside: eco-tourism at Tambi tea plantation, Lake Manjer and traditional fishing villages, Lake Lubang Sewu with beautiful limestone cliffs where you can paddle to the island on the lake.
Dieng Plateau - volcanic complex with multicolored sulfur lakes (Telaga Warna, Telaga Nila, Telaga Dringo), ancient Gua Semar caves, remote villages of Dieng and some of the oldest Hindu temples in Java such as Arjuna Temple, Candi Srikandi, Candi Gatutkaca, Candi Bima. This is also a good place to go hiking when the sun rises to Mount Prau and camping overnight.
Magelang is the gateway to major attractions in central Java and is the symbol of Indonesia: Borobudur temple and Prambanan temple complex. Borobudur & Prambanan - known as the Mahayana Buddhist Temple in which Borobudur is the largest Buddhist complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Prambanan nearby similar to Cambodia's Angkor Wat - is a masterpiece of world Hindu architecture. Hikers and adventurers will want to hike Indonesia's most volatile volcano, which is 2930 m high Merapi or 3145 m high Mt Merbabu.
Finally, Purwokerto - this small but vibrant town is the gateway to Slamet mountain, 3428 m high or Batu Raden forest is home to adventure park, trekking through the forest, Curug Telu waterfall and is the gateway to the shore magic south sea.
Mount SlametSouth coast region
Facing the majestic Indian Ocean, the southern coast of Java Island is quite different from the north. It is less industrial, rugged and quite unspoiled with wild surf beaches and beautiful coastal resorts.
A large part of the coastline is the Yogyakarta special zone - the birthplace of Indonesian civilization and part of the ancient Mataram Kingdom.
The offshore island of Nusa Kambangan is often referred to as "Indonesia's Alcatraz".
Major attractions in the south:
Cilacap - a lovely coastal town with little tourist infrastructure but great places to see the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean, unspoiled forests and rich wildlife. This is home to the famous island off Nusa Kambangan, also known as "Alcatraz of Indonesia" or "Island of Execution" - a maximum security prison for killers, terrorists, drug dealers and All high-profile offenders were sentenced to death.
Kebumen - a small town located between the central highlands and the Indian Ocean coast has many things to see; Beautiful beaches, caves, waterfalls and lakes.
Yogyakarta is an autonomous province of Java famous for being the educational, artistic and cultural center of classical Java, batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, puppetry, theater and literature. Yogyakarta is one of two parts of the ancient Mataram Kingdom and is the historic center of the country
Surakarta city (Solo)
The eastern edge of central Java is home to the city of Surakarta , also known as Solo. It is considered as the twin sister of Yogyakarta, the second heir to the former Mataram Kingdom and the cultural and artistic extension of the royal city of Yogyakarta.
Solo is considered the least western city in Java. It's less touristy and more authentic than Yogyakarta with its well-preserved traditions. Once here, Solo will impress with her delicate beauty and sophistication. The city boasts exceptional architecture, fine arts, and a friendly, honest atmosphere. The best way to explore it is to rent a tuk-tuk with your private chauffeur who will take you around great palaces, fascinating museums, vibrant markets and show you more about the food Java.
Central Java travel guide
When should I go? The dry season in Java usually runs from May to October with the peak tourist season in July and August (so try to avoid these months as prices soar and most places are overcrowded) .
Yogyakarta city
Good times to visit Java are May, June, September and October. However, rain can happen at any time in this area. In addition, weekends and local holidays will be more touristy than usual
To get to central Java , fly to Semarang or Yogyakarta. If combined with a trip from West or East Java, it is best to use a train or bus (longer distances) and a pickup truck, taxi or scooter rental for local travel.