Java

Travel Guide

Prambanan
Prambanan
Magelang
Prambanan
Magelang

In Indonesia’s central island discover ancient wonders and rich traditions, smoldering volcanoes and sprawling megacities, tapestries of rice paddies and the lively atmosphere of busy markets.

As one of the most populated islands on earth, Java presents an awe-inspiring spectrum of Indonesian culture and heritage. The long and narrow island is Indonesia’s fifth largest and home to a rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, landscapes and histories.

Discover the island’s three distinctive regions. West Java contains the labyrinthine streets of the country’s capital, Jakarta, as well as spectacular national parks. In Central Java, you’ll find the somber allure of ancient temples and captivating Yogyakarta, while East Java’s volcanoes smoke restlessly around the rambling city of Surabaya.

Experience the exciting chaos of Jakarta, Indonesia’s main political, economic and cultural hub. See fantastic views of the city sprawl from the tower of Monas, the national monument in Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Square). You’ll see Dutch colonial architecture, towering mosques and ancient temples amid the urban spread. Go shopping in bustling markets or explore the historic port. Take a speedboat to the sandy archipelago and national park of the Thousand Islands to enjoy beautiful views of the Java Sea.

In Central Java discover some of the island’s most important temples watched over by spectacular Mount Merapi. Stroll down the picturesque heritage streets of Yogyakarta and see the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta). Visit Kota Gede, the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Mataram. Don’t miss seeing the breathtaking Buddhist temple complex, Borobudur, or the collection of ancient Hindu temples in Prambanan. Go diving in the clear waters of Karimunjawa.

Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya, sits north of a ridge of volcanoes in East Java. Visit charming Marang or hike amid the rumbling volcanoes of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. See the brilliant blue of Kawah Ijen lake or explore the forest and coastline of Baluran National Park on your way to Bali. Be sure to try local Javanese dishes from a street vendor, paired with a cold beer or a sweet traditional coffee.

Java is easily accessible via major airports in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Solo. Public ferries, speedboats, intercity trains and buses connect many cities and rural areas, and taxis are cheap and readily available. Visit between April and October for the dry season, or enjoy the island’s warm tropical weather at any time of the year.

Where to stay in Java

Central Jakarta featuring a monument and flowers

Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Sarinah Mall and National Monument, and you can get around town on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Central Jakarta
Kraton Complex

Central Yogyakarta

4/5(42 area reviews)

Central Yogyakarta is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall.

Central Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta

Malioboro

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Malioboro. You might want to make time for a stop at Malioboro Mall or Pasar Beringharjo.

Malioboro
Menteng showing modern architecture

Menteng

Discover Menteng, memorable for its monuments. Popular attractions in Menteng include Bundaran HI and Sarinah Mall, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Menteng
Jakarta which includes a city as well as a large group of people

Sudirman Central Business District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in Sudirman Central Business District. You might want to make time for a stop at Kidzania or Pacific Place.

Sudirman Central Business District
#Jakarta skyline #CityScape #Indonesia #JitTravelDiaries #Asia #Sunset

Kuningan

Kuningan is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Kuningan City Mall and Ambassador Mall while you're in town.

Kuningan
ibis Bandung Trans Studio
ibis Bandung Trans Studio
3 out of 5
Jl Gatot Subroto No 289, Bandung West Java, Bandung, West Java
The price is ₩29,807 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
₩29,807
₩36,067 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Bandung. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Braga City Walk and Bandung Supermall are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (246 reviews)
"Nice property with very convenient location. Close to major mall, and very nice mosque. Good breakfast buffet and reasonable room rates. Staff is very friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

ibis Bandung Trans Studio
Shangri-La Jakarta
Shangri-La Jakarta
5 out of 5
Kota BNI, JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₩162,769 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
₩162,769
₩196,951 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (641 reviews)
"lovely stay - staff"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Shangri-La Jakarta
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
4 out of 5
Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is ₩59,682 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
₩59,682
₩80,421 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (391 reviews)
"The hotel itself is clean and nice for business stayings."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta
Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta
5 out of 5
Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung, Blok E4.2 No. 1, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, Jakarta
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Kota Kasablanka Mall and Gelora Bung Karno ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (446 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay in terms of location, quality of rooms and service. Apartment affordable lifestyle with close to 5 stars amenities and attentions."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl. Karet Sawah 219,, The Newton 1 at Ciputra World 2, Jakarta
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
"Close to 3 major malls( Lotte Mall, Ambassador, Kuningan City. ). Staffs are fluent in English, immediate response on any requests, Siloam hospital nearby."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
4.5 out of 5
Jl. M.H Thamrin No. 10, Thamrin Nine Luminary Tower, Jakarta
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Grand Indonesia and Thamrin ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
Amazing stay!
"I love my stay here and we have been using this as a benchmark for our future booking. This certainly sets the new benchmark. Staff had been womderful and helpful. Property is centrally located next to largest mall.. room wise, it is cosy amd hige with 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom. Everything we needed ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Java