Overview
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1. Mount Bromo
One of the most popular things to do in Java is visiting Mount Bromo at sunrise. Bromo is an active volcano and a part of the Tengger Massif, a group of ancient volcanoes in East Java Indonesia.
You can witness the sunrise over the breathtaking Bromo landscape from one of the viewpoints such as Penanjakan or King Kong Hill.
After watching a magical sunrise, you can explore the sea of sand at the base of the volcano during a jeep safari and climb your way up to the top of the crater and see this impressive volcano crater closely.
Sunrise at Mount Bromo is the most magical but of course also the busiest. If you like to explore with fewer people, it is also possible to visit during the day. However, the sunrise is really worth it!
The easiest way to visit Mount Bromo is by joining a one or multiple-day tour, including some other sights, to Mount Bromo.
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2. Kawah Ijen
Kawah Ijen, or the Ijen Crater, is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Java. This volcano is known for its stunning and absolutely unique scenery.
The crater contains the world’s largest acidic volcanic crater lake, which is turquoise in color. This lake is rich in sulfur, and there are sulfur mines on the crater floor.
When visiting the Ijen Crater, you will see the miners extract and carry out the sulfur from the crater. These miners work in very challenging conditions, carrying heavy loads of sulfur up steep paths. The sulfur is then used in various industries, including the production of cosmetics and fertilizers.
And that is not the only unique thing about the Ijen crater. Even more famous is the Blue Fire, also known as Blue Flame. These ethereal flames are caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases emerging from cracks in the volcano at high temperatures.
The phenomenon is most visible at night and so that’s why it is such a popular place to visit right before sunrise.
You can visit the crater during the day as well, but then you might not be able to see the blue fire.
The best way to visit Kawah Ijen is by joining a multiple-day tour from different places in Java, which includes a visit to Kawah Ijen and Mount Bromo.
3. Jodipan Rainbow Village and Blue Village
Jodipan Rainbow Village, also known as Kampung Warna Warni, is a colorful and very interesting neighborhood in Malang.
Years ago, this district was a slum, completely run down and as good as lost. In 2016, a group of students from a local university took the initiative to paint the houses in bright and cheerful colors.
The aim was not only to beautify the place but also to attract visitors to the area. And with success! It is nowadays one of the best and most interesting places to visit in Malang and one of the best things to do in Java.
Practical
There's a small entrance fee of 5.000 IDR per person.
There are no official opening hours, but you can visit from approximately 8am to 6pm.
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4. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
The Tumpak Sewu waterfall is without a doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in Indonesia. It looks like a massive sinkhole with water flowing down 120m over about 180°.
To make it even more picture-perfect, you have the impressive Semeru volcano as an incredible backdrop.
You can visit the waterfall from a viewpoint at the top, or you can hike down quite a challenging trail and experience this massive waterfall from below. No matter what you choose, it is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Java, Indonesia.
The easiest way to visit Tumpak Sewu is by joining a tour from Malang. These tours often include other waterfalls as well, such as Kapas Biru, number 5 on this list!
Practical
Entrance fee (Viewpoint only): 20.000 IDR per person
To the bottom: +50.000 IDR per person
5.000 IDR for motorbike
Daily: 07:00 am - 03:00 pm
5. Kapas Biru Waterfall
Another impressive waterfall in Java is the Kapas Biru waterfall, not far from the more famous Tumapk Sewu. However, this waterfall is one of the lesser-known things to do in Java. You can easily combine a visit to both and make it a waterfall day. It’s a huge waterfall, flowing down a massive orange wall and surrounded by lush greenery.
To reach this waterfall, you have to do a 25-35 minute trek down to and along the valley floor. The way back might be more challenging as you’ll have to hike back up again but it is absolutely worth it.
Practical
Entrance fee is 20.000 IDR per person
5.000 IDR per motorbike
Daily: 07:00 am - 03:30 pm
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6. Jomblang Cave
On Java, you have the chance to visit a cave in a way you might have never done before. In the Jomblang cave, also known as the Goa Jomblang, you are lowered around 60 meters down into a cave on a rope.
Inside the cave, you can experience another unique and magical phenomenon: the ‘Ray of Light’. It’s a big beam of morning light shining in through a massive hole, creating this mesmerizing ‘spotlight’ effect.
Practical
You can only visit the Jomblang cave on a guided tour. The price of the tour is 500.000 IDR per person and includes
- Entrance fee
- Equipment
- Guide
- Rubber boots
- Lunch & water
Because you can only see the ray of light at one certain time, there's only one tour per day at 09.30am
7. Borobudur Temple
Borobudur is an impressive Buddhist Temple, close to Yogyakarta on Java. It is even the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple is decorated with originally 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa, that people often refer to as ‘bells’.
Tip: Watch the sunrise over Borobudur from Setumbu Hill.
Practical
Temple Ground: 375.000 IDR ($25)
Temple Structure: 455.000 IDR ($30)
Prambanan - Borobudur package: $45 (Only valid for Borobudur Temple Ground)
Daily: 6.30am - 4.30pm
The Temple Structure is closed on Monday for maintenance purposes.
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8. Prambanan Temple
Unlike Borobudur, Prambanan is not a Buddhist temple, but a Hindu temple. It is the biggest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and the second-largest in South East Asia, after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. On the whole site of Prambanan, there were originally 240 big and small temples, with 3 main temples, dedicated to the most important Hindu gods: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
With 47 meters, Shiva’s shrine is the highest and maybe even the most beautiful one of those three.
Practical
Adult: 387.500 IDR ($25)
Prambanan - Borobudur package: $45
Daily: 6.30am - 5.30pm
Note that on Monday, you can only visit the park around the temple, because the temple itself is closed for maintenance.
How to get to Java
Java has multiple international and domestic airports in several larger cities such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Flights arrive from both other major destinations in Asia and from elsewhere in Java or other parts of Indonesia.
You can easily book your flights on Trip.com or Skyscanner. If you come from Bali, it is also possible to get to Java by ferry.
How to Travel around Java
There are different options to travel around Java such as train, bus, and plane. Within the cities, the best ways to get around are to rent a scooter, use Grab or Gojek, hire a private driver, or join an organized tour.
Prices for a scooter rental vary between 60,000 IDR to 80,000 IDR for 24 hours.
By train
The best way to move from city to city on Java is by train. All the main cities on Java are connected by an excellent train system. The trains are comfortable, fast, clean, and relatively cheap. You can book your train tickets in advance online.
By bus
Another option to get around on Java is by bus. If you can, we recommend that you take the train, because it is much smoother and more pleasant to travel. If you have no other option, you can find and book buses on 12Go.Asia.
By air
Most of the major cities in Java have a domestic or even an international airport and have flights arriving from Jakarta. There are no direct flights between the other cities, so you will always have to fly via Jakarta. If you are not coming from Jakarta or need to get to Jakarta, the train is a better option to get around.
Best time to visit
Indonesia, and therefore also Java, has only two seasons: dry season and rainy season. Although it is a popular destination all year round, the best time to visit Java is during the dry season, from May to October.
During these months, you can expect sunny and dry weather, perfect for exploring! Overall, Java has a tropical climate, which means it can be very hot and humid and the average temperature is 27°C all year round.
July and August are considered peak tourist season on Java, and it will be extra busy these months.
Rainy season runs from November to April. You can still visit Java during these months, but there is a greater chance that it will be cloudy and you will miss the sunrise and the view.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
