Home to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, Java remains the most populous island in the world, but it’s the treasures that lie beyond its urban centres that make it well worth adding to any tour of Indonesia.
Positively churning with life, Java has the lion’s share of Indonesia’s population and a wealth of culture and landscapes to match.
Looming out of a patchwork of bottle-green rice paddies, the colossal Buddhist temple of Borobudur is best seen at sunrise, when the early-morning mist clings to the surrounding hills.
Tap into Java’s cultural soul in Jogyakarta, the centre of the island’s artistic and intellectual heritage.
Borobudur may grab the headlines but be sure too to visit the enigmatic temples at Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Java.
Rising from the guts of an ancient caldera, Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking natural wonders and a must on any visit to the island.
No journey through Java would be complete without a visit to Borobudur, the single largest Buddhist structure ever built. Constructed in the 9th century, the pyramid-shaped temple comprises nine tiers, the higher levels studded with 72 enormous bell-shaped stupas and more than 400 Buddha images. Sitting among the stupas at dawn, watching the sun light up the surrounding hills and valleys, it’s easy to see why it’s been a place of pilgrimage for over a millennium.
It's rumoured that the great Hindu temple complex at Prambanan was built as a counterpart to Borobudur. One of the largest Hindu temples in South-East Asia, it’s an essential stop on your journey east towards another of Java’s most spectacular sights, Mount Bromo, whose steaming volcanic cone stands in a sea of ashen, volcanic sand, surrounded by the towering cliffs of a larger caldera. Bromo is one of three volcanoes to have emerged from this vast crater, and with Java’s highest peak, Mount Semeru, also on the horizon, the result is landscape of near-supernatural beauty.
Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta is a peaceful riverside escape tucked away in the quiet village of Gabugan, just outside the city. The resort offers stylish villas—many with private pools—and a strong focus on wellness and relaxation. Whether you're here to unwind, explore local culture, or enjoy a bit of both, Garrya Bianti is a refreshing and laid-back base for your Yogyakarta adventure.
Not only do the suites at Amanjiwo look out over a wooded valley towards the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur, but as a guest here you get unparalleled access to the monument itself.
Tucked away in the scenic highlands of East Java, Plataran Bromo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, refined comfort, and authentic local charm. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and misty valleys, this mountain retreat allows you to experience the magic of the Bromo landscape in style.
Perched on scenic hills with stunning views of the iconic Borobudur Temple, Plataran Borobudur Resort offers a serene luxury escape in the heart of Java. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, the resort combines elegant comfort with deep cultural heritage, allowing you to experience the timeless beauty of Borobudur in a peaceful, immersive setting. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking both relaxation and a rich connection to Indonesia’s history.