Java

Java Regions Map

Java is Indonesia's fifth-largest island, compromising only 7% of Indonesia's territory (127,569 sq. km), but 65% of Indonesia's entire population (130 million people) fills the island, it is the world's most populated island with a density of 940 people per sq. km!

Indonesia's most important cities are on this island. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located on Java's northwest coast. Surabaya (the second largest city in Indonesia), is located in East Java. Bandung (the third most populous city in Indonesia), is the capital city of West Java province. Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo), although not large in population are very significant centres of culture, in southern central Java.

The island of Java has distinct cultural zones. In the west Sundanese , Betawi in Jakarta. Javanese, for most of central and eastern javanese provinces with the Madurese at Madura Island. Smaller indigenous tribes include the Badui of the west and Tengger from the east.

This is a quite remarkable island with no less than 30 active volcanoes. Add to that a host of major national parks with lots to offer the visitor who appreciates outdoor attractions.

Banten

Anyer Beach

Ujung Kulon National Park

Carita Beach

Jakarta

Ancol Dreamland

Taman Mini

Thousand Islands

The Ragunan Zoo

West Java

Puncak

Pelabuhan Ratu

Pangandaran

Central Java

Borobudur Temple

Dieng Plateau

Karimunjawa Island

Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temple

Malioboro Street

Merapi Mount

Parangtritis

East Java

Baluran National Park

Bromo National Park

Ijen Crater

Entry

By air

Most visitors arrive at Jakarta where most international airlines that fly to Indonesia land at, and has excellent connections to all points on Java. An increasing number of international carriers also fly to Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Flying to these secondary airports can be dramatically cheaper than connecting from Jakarta thanks to the role of low cost carriers from Malaysia and Singapore, so you might want to transit at one of these two countries before heading here. Domestically, all the airports are well connected with more than 10 flights a day, most fly from Jakarta.

By sea

PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan/ASDP ferry services:

Gianyar(Bali) from/to Gilimanuk (East Java)

Bakauheni (Lampung/Southern Sumatra) from/to Merak (Banten). Rp 12,000 for a 2-3 hour journey

Kamal (Madura) from/to Tanjung Perak (Surabaya). Due to operational of Suramadu (Surabaya Madura) Toll Bridge, avaibility and using of the ferries are less frequent

PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia/passenger ship routes include:

Medan (North Sumatra) from/to Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)

Pontianak (West Kalimantan) from/to Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)

Makassar (South Sulawesi) from/to Tanjung Perak (Surabaya)

Get Around

Java's infrastructure is comprehesive in - it is possible (but not advisable to try) to cross the entire island by land in a single (long) day. However, the sheer density of population means that roads, buses and trains can get overcrowded if you're moving at the same time as everyone else.

By bus

The main form of long-distance transport, vast armadas of buses cross the island and connect every city and mountain hamlet. Watch out though, as many drivers have near-suicidal driving habits that emphasize speed above all else. There are two type of buses, with aircon and without aircon; the fare of non-aircon is only about a third of using aircon. If you do take a bus, take one with aircon, because drivers of such buses are known to be safer, as a general rule. For long trips, people tend to use cheap airlines, because their fares are usually comparable to bus fare. However, in peak season, even 'cheap airlines' fares increase to 3 to 4 times the cost for air conditioned buses.

By train

Java has the most comprehensive railway network in Indonesia, with trains connecting the capital city of Jakarta with most other cities and towns in the island. The eksekutif class is the luxury class, and consequently the most expensive.

Ticket reservations can be made starting 90 days in advance. On-line ticket reservation is available through PT Kereta Api's ticketing site and several other on-line ticket agent websites and also thousands of Alfamart and Indomart mini markets. Travelers can also buy ticket from a ticket agent's shop or local post office which is available in most of all cities in Indonesia. Either buying from internet or ticket shop, travelers will get printable voucher with Rp6,000 additional administration fee and it must be exchanged with the real ticket at the nearest or departure train station. Please remember that your name in the ticket should be same with your identity or you can't get into the train, if the name is different or you must pay double.

All transportation moda in Indonesia relatively are not facilitate need of disability persons. In October 2014, PT Kereta Api released a breakthrough with disability wagon(s) which has wide door, ample space for wheelchair and toilet for disability persons. No additional charge to use diability wagon. It is applied in new route through north of Java double tracks, Jakarta-Surabaya-Malang vice versa and gradually will be implemented to all executive long routes.

By road

Java's toll roads are built nearly to Western standards, with dual grade-separated lanes in both directions and elevated interchanges. Tolls are quite affordable, usually Rp 1,500-5,000 every 10 km or so. However, signage is often lacking and driving habits are atrocious, so it's very wise to pay a little extra and get a car with driver instead of attempting to drive yourself.