March 29, 2016 07:34 pm Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta - Indonesia May 2014

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What do we know about the island of Java, what is Java for us? Princess Java tea, the once popular Java motorcycle? For people who know enough about Indonesia, this may seem like an inappropriate joke, but for those who are just getting acquainted with the country, these associations can be a starting point. The Javanese really cannot live without tea; they brew it very strong and then dilute it with water. The raw materials for such tea are, of course, local—there are several regions with tea plantations on the island. And the princess was also not invented by the creators of the trademark; at different times in Java there were dozens of palaces with their own kings, princes and princesses. And the motorcycle...that’s a big joke.

And so, the island of Java for a tourist traveler is a chance to touch the Indonesian reality as it is. These include difficulties with transport and beautiful untouched beaches, these are good-natured, open residents, sometimes meeting foreigners for the first time,

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but also difficulties in understanding with them, since very few people in Java know English or other languages ​​other than local languages ​​(Indonesian Javanese).

Java is a land that preserves the memory of ancient civilizations, a land where people live who still preserve the traditions of Javanese palaces and their unique types of arts, this is a land wildlife(jungles, rocky beaches, active volcanoes, waterfalls, wild rivers). This is a place where anyone looking for new experiences should definitely go.

general description.

Java is primarily a geographical name - one of the islands of the Greater Sunda Islands group. Its territory is 132,000 km², with a population of 140 million, it is the most densely populated island in the world. True, in Java sometimes it seems that the row of houses along the road does not end. In addition to the island of Java, it is also historical region, the land of residence of the Javanese, covers the provinces of Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta. The island is inhabited by Javanese; Sundanese and Madurzi (among the most numerous ethnic groups) also live on it. In this brief overview of Java, I will focus on the central and eastern parts of the island, where there are the largest number of places worthy of visiting (when speaking about “Java” I will mean this particular part of the island).

Public transport(transpoprtasi umum)

Air(airplane-pesawat, airport-bandara)

Java has 4 international airports, and several more serving only domestic flights. Semarang, Yogyakarat, Surabaya equally suitable for entering Java from across the Indonesian border. There is also an airport in the city Surakarta, but it serves much fewer international flights than those mentioned above. In any case, most often tourists fly to Yogyakarta to be close to the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Surabaya is convenient if you want to immediately go to the Bromo and Ijen volcanoes. Semarang and Surakarta can be used as alternative airports.

Sugeng rawuh - welcome in Javanese.

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There are two other large international airports in West Java: Jakarta and Bandung. Jakarta has no equal in Indonesia and is a world-class airport in terms of traffic. From here you can very easily find flights to anywhere in Indonesia. As for domestic airports in Java, among them, in addition to those listed, it is also important Malang.

Zhelenodorozhny(train-kereta api, train station-stasiun kereta api)

Java is the only island in Indonesia where train travel is convenient and covers most of the island's territory. Compared to buses, trains are significantly faster. If, say, a bus travels from Yogyakarta to Probolinggo for 10-13 hours, then the train takes 8. For this reason, train tickets run out quickly, so you should buy them in advance. Speaking about possible destinations, I advise you to first of all remember about trains and check the possibility of getting to your destination by train. On different routes there are economy, business and executive class cars. Economy class is like a comfortable train with soft seats. All the way you will sit on a soft bench with two or one other passenger. It is much more comfortable to travel in business and executive class carriages. There you will sit in separate large chairs. All the carriages on long-distance trains are air-conditioned - it won’t be hot, so quickly prepare a sweater to avoid freezing. On such trains they sell tea and a standard set for lunch, which is quite fashionable to consider as an option to not go hungry on an 8-10 hour journey.

Buses. (bus-bis, bus station-terminal bis)

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Buses in Java are a special story. They go fast, but with one caveat - how fast the congestion of the highway allows... and the roads in Java are not wide... But if you do not have the opportunity to take a plane or train, then you should not be afraid of buses, you just need to choose them wisely. Tariffs for bus tickets This is the first thing you should pay attention to - there are cheap ones, and there are very cheap ones. If we are talking about distances of 100 km (or flights that follow a route of 100 km or more), then all buses must be air-conditioned and smoking is prohibited in them (yes, in small old buses all windows and both doors are open, you can smoke there - that’s Java, real Java). For long distances you can travel in economy class, or you can travel in business class. Speaking of prices, I’ll give an example: 100 km from Surakarta to Semarang in economy class costs about $2, business - $4-5. It is best to leave from bus stations, but all buses, even the largest and business class ones, stop on the road along the route. Local people usually know the places where buses stop in the direction you need. Simply name the city of your destination.

They travel to many cities public buses varying degrees of comfort. IN big cities like Jogjakarta, Semarang, Surabaya they are more comfortable and go more often, but in small ones there is practically no need to rely on them. Even in big cities they run until a maximum of 8 pm and do not cover a significant part of the city.

Ferries, ships(ferry-kapal ferry, boat-perahu)

The only ferry. Which arrives to Java from other islands runs along the Bali (Gili Manuk port)-Java (Ketapang port) route. This is a very popular way among travelers to get to Java or Bali, respectively. For a ridiculous $0.6 you will get on a ferry that will arrive at the neighboring island in an hour and a half. You can transport a car by ferry (in fact, bus routes from Java to Bali or other Lesser Sunda Islands also use this crossing).

When traveling around Java and small neighboring islands, you can use ferries or high-speed boats. For example, if you want to visit a not very popular, but heavenly place with the amazing beaches of Karimunjawa, then the cheapest way is to take a ferry from the city of Jepara and for $5 get on a ferry that will take you to the Karimunjawa archipelago in 5 hours. Ferries also operate between Javai and Madura Island, connecting several ports. These ferries are more likely to serve the local population, but sometimes particularly curious tourists get there, far from the tourist spots.

Motorcycles and pedicabs, motorcycle taxis(pedica-becak, motorcycle taxi-ojek)

In Java, the traditional form of transport - the rickshaw - is still preserved. In big and small cities, people still actively use the services of such transport. Of course it's fun and interesting to ride a rickshaw. The fare ranges from 10 to 100 thousand, depending on the distance. You are unlikely to pay more than 100 thousand because drivers often simply refuse to drive if the destination is very far away (pedaling with a load of 2 people is not an easy task), but be careful because drivers like to inflate prices for tourists: do not pay more than 25 thousand for the distance you would walk in an hour.

In Indonesia, another type of transport that is exotic for us, motorcycle taxis, is very popular. At any bus or train station you will definitely be attacked with offers of “ojek, becak”. We have already dealt with the bechaks above, but what about the ojeks. This transport should not cost more than becak, but it is faster. If you speak Indonesian, you can download the Gojek smartphone app - it's like an Uber taxi, only instead of a taxi there are motorcycles. For the most part, this type of transport is very convenient since motorcycles are more maneuverable and cost less in traffic jams than cars; and it is also cheaper than ordinary taxi.

Transport rental.(car-mobil, motorcycle-scooter-motor)

In some cities in Java you can rent a scooter or car. This is not difficult to do in Yogyakarta. In other cities and localities, renting a car is easier than renting a moped, but most likely you will be offered to rent a car after paying the driver’s fees and gas costs. The cost of renting a moped per day in Jogjakarta is about $5, a car from $30 per day.

Money and prices.(money-uang, price-harga, how much it costs-berapa harganya)

In the photo about $4000 or 60,000,000 rupees

As in all of Indonesia, in Java the Indonesian rupiah is in use, its approximate exchange rate is 1 $ - 13,000, and all visitors are happy that by changing 100 dollars you become a millionaire. With regard to withdrawing money from bank cards and exchanging foreign currency, it is worth making a few comments. If you want to change dollars, then you should have 50 and 100 bills with you; for them you will get the highest rate; 20, 10, 5 bills are accepted at a reduced rate. It is also important what series of your banknotes - banknotes printed earlier than 1996 do not change, anywhere and in any way. ATMs of various Indonesian banks can be found even in the most remote areas. From my own experience and from the stories of others, I know that the least problems occur when withdrawing from ATMs of CIMB NIAGA Bank. All ATMs in Indonesia have a limit on cash withdrawals per transaction - sometimes 12,500,000 sometimes 1,500,000 rupees, CIMB - 1,500,000.

How to communicate with people/the Internet can help

Most Javanese do not speak English, but almost all speak Indonesian (the national language of Indonesia)

and a few phrases in Indonesian will be very useful, say, at the market or while looking for transport.
Prices at the market and in souvenir shops for foreigners are, of course, too high. Sometimes they are slightly overestimated, sometimes three times. To get a price close to the original price, it’s worth taking time and of course it’s better to do this with at least some Indonesian words. It is understood that the ability to communicate using gestures is a universal skill, but very often the Javanese do not know how to count in English, what the names of some real fruits are, or what else you will need….it’s best to download a couple useful applications to your phone, at the same time I highly recommend buying a local SIM card and 3G Internet will always be at hand.

Of the mobile providers that provide 3G Mobile Internet I advise simPati/Telcomcell, by purchasing a SIM card for a price of about $10, with an Internet reserve of 2GB for a month, you will use a network with the best coverage among all possible operators.

It seems to me very important to point out one feature of the Javanese that distinguishes them from the inhabitants of the post-Soviet space. Javanese people are very soft by nature (like all generalizations, this does not pretend to be universal), they are not used to being at knifepoint, even when bargaining at the market or resolving a conflict situation. If you think that their service is not of high quality or they are trying to deceive you, you should not attack them, the only thing you will achieve is a break in contact, they will close like snails and you are unlikely to achieve anything. Balance helps to resolve the issue in your favor, rather a request than a demand, rather a smile than a grin - even when demanding a refund for bad service, it is better to smile and put pressure on the self-esteem of this person than to blame him and threaten with violence.

Java is Indonesia's most populous and diverse island. He took a little from different parts of this country, which allows the tourist to collect a lot of impressions and experience a wide variety of emotions in a short time. Java excites, relaxes, amuses, but leaves no one indifferent. Here, vast plains and terraces used for agriculture border bustling cities and filthy villages. The island has very beautiful temples, huge stone Buddhas, mosques, ancient armories and unusual colonial-era architecture. Numerous stories are not able to fully convey emotions, but they can spur the interest of future travelers.

Geographical features

Java is a large island in the Greater Sunda Islands. The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is located here. The area of ​​the island is 132 thousand km². It is very densely populated, with a population of more than 140 million people. The island has an elongated shape and is almost parallel to the equator. A third of the territory is occupied by dense mangrove jungle. Mountain ranges stretch along the entire island from west to east; among them you can find 120 dormant and active volcanic craters. The highest point is located at the peak of the Semeru volcano, 3676 m high. More than a quarter of the volcanoes are constantly active. This is not always accompanied by destruction and lava flows; some craters simply release a small stream of steam several times a year. Major eruptions occur once every seven years.

The surface of Java is dotted with rivers that feed huge fields and serve as a source of drinking water. The largest riverbeds are famous for Solo, Chimanuk, Brantas.

Climate

Java is located in the tropical zone, the weather here is constant throughout the year. The climate on the island is humid and hot, the air temperature is between +26...+29°C, and its humidity is 75-95%. Largest quantity precipitation occurs in November-February, but even at this time you should not refuse a trip. There are no prolonged rains or prolonged cloudy weather. All moisture falls to the ground in 1-3 hours. The island's average precipitation is 1100 mm per year. Moreover, in the east this figure is 900 mm, and in the west it reaches 3000 mm.

Population and religion

The island's inhabitants are divided into three main ethnic groups:

• Javanese;
• Sudanese;
• Madurese.

They created three language directions of the same name, although most residents understand and speak Indonesian. In remote villages, local dialects and dialects can be found.

In terms of religious composition, Java is predominantly Muslim (87%), with Protestants, Catholics, Buddhists and Hindus also found. However, none of these religions can be found here in their pure form. They are very closely intertwined with each other and with ancient animistic beliefs. Thus, Muslims partially perform the rituals of Buddhism or Hinduism. Some temple buildings contain a base in the style of Hindu architecture, and the top and roof are Buddhist. Hindu roofs have settled on some mosques.

Kitchen

The island, like most tropical countries, sells a huge amount of fruit. Their prices are quite reasonable. Local kitchen It is considered the most Europeanized, so you won’t find much exoticism here. The dishes use spiced rice, beef, legumes, vegetables and chicken. Popular drinks include ginger tea, coffee, cane juice, Tuak beer, and Arak vodka.

Unique Jakarta

The largest and very interesting city is the capital Jakarta. It is very diverse and densely populated. Here, a variety of buildings, including those from the colonial era, mix with local neighborhoods near picturesque canals. On central square There are several unusual buildings located close to the waterways of the city. There are exhibitions nearby historical museum. A little further there is an exhibition of Wayang dolls, a Chinese district, a temple and a port.

To continue exploring the sights of Jakarta, you will have to go to the second city center (Medan Merdek Square). There is a huge monument and museum with the largest historical and ethnic collections.

Those wishing to take a break from historical excursions should head to the south, where several entertainment and educational parks are located:

• Jaya Ancol Park;
• Water Palace;
• Ragunan Zoo;
• entertainment center Taman-Ismail-Marzuki;
• miniature park Taman Mini;

Attractions

The hearts and minds of travelers traveling beyond the borders of Jakarta are captivated by equally striking attractions. The most monumental, striking in its size, is the Borobudur temple complex. It is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and is the basis of a cosmopolitan Buddhist model. Travelers and pilgrims start in Borobudur from the base of the hill along a long, winding staircase. It offers beautiful views of the terraces and buildings.

Many tourists are attracted by the “Valley of the Kings” - a plain covered with ruins, in the center of which there is another temple complex- Paramban. This historical monument recognized as the most exquisite on the island.

The Javanese themselves honor and invite tourists to admire the Sultan's palace in Yogyaart - Kraton. They call it the “navel of the world.” Visitors can see how the Sultan’s life was organized, the furnishings of the rooms, and adjacent buildings. In accordance with the preferences of the Sultan, the decor contains many elements of animism and Hinduism.

For lovers of natural parks, Surabaya has two natural reserve, which collected 200 species of orchids, many birds and animals.

This is where excursions to active volcano Bromo, from the upper hills of which you can look into the constantly smoking crater.

Beaches

Java is a hub of industry and cultural attractions. Over the last decade, beach infrastructure has begun to develop here. Most suitable for beach holiday are the southern and western parts of the island. People come here to swim, sunbathe, dive and windsurf. The beaches are very wide, covered with snow-white fine sand with islands of palm trees. They are washed by transparent azure waves.

Near Badung there are the most prestigious beaches: Karang Bolongi Anyer. A mountain panorama appears before the eyes of vacationers on Asnieres beach, and there is also an old lighthouse nearby. Entertainment options on site include water skiing, parasailing, and boat rides.

In western Java, on Tanjung Lesung beach there are many resort complexes with closed beaches, among which there is also a paid public area. All beaches are well equipped.

For lovers of solitude and have a relaxing holiday I'll love Carita Beach. It is quite quiet, protected from strong tides and waves. The area is popular with tourists with children and snorkelers. Very close to the shore there are bright fish and small corals. From the beach you can admire the panorama of the Krakatoa volcano, which is beautiful in the midday sun and in the rays of sunset. Most vacationers take wonderful pictures from here.

How to get there?

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is home to a large international airport. There are flights from Moscow to Jakarta with transfers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or other major cities. Among the airlines' offers, you can choose the one that suits you based on price, flight duration or number of transfers. Within the island there are flights from Jakarta to Surabaya or Yogyakarta. The flight duration is about an hour.

To visit Indonesia, Russian citizens only need to apply for a visa for 30 days according to a simplified procedure upon arrival or in advance at the consulate. You will need a photo and a passport, the validity of which exceeds the end date of the trip by at least 6 months.

Java(in Indonesian "Jawa") is Indonesia's fifth largest island, home to more than half the country's population. Much of Indonesian history is inextricably linked with this island, where powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates and the colonial center of the Dutch East India Company were founded. Java played a decisive role in the Indonesian struggle for independence in the 1940s. Today the island occupies a dominant position in the political, economic and cultural life countries. The capital of the state, Jakarta (the largest city in Indonesia) is also located on this island.

Tourist attractions of the island

Borobudur- 9th-century Buddhist temple, the second largest Buddhist temple in the world after Angkor Wat, has 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 stone bas-reliefs. Listed in 1991 World Heritage UNESCO. More details in the article e Borobudur

Prambanan- a complex of ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More details in the article e Prambanan

Cities

Yogyakarta- popular tourist town in Indonesia, preserving the pure Javanese language and rich folk traditions. More details in the article e Yogyakarta

Story

Since 2000 B.C. Java was already populated by settlers from the mainland South-East Asia. In the first centuries AD, the Javanese established close trade and cultural relations with the Hindu cultures of India. The discovery of stone stelae (prasasti) with texts and images carved on them provided evidence of the existence of early Hindu kingdoms on the island.

Kingdoms of the Indo-Buddhist period

The small kingdoms of Taruma and Sunda in West Java were formed in the 4th and 7th centuries respectively. But the first major state formation on the island of Java was the Kingdom of Mataram (732-1043), founded at the beginning of the 8th century by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty. The first rulers of the Kingdom of Mataram professed Hinduism, then Buddhism became the dominant religion. From that era to the present day, great Buddhist and Hindu monuments have been preserved: Borobudur and Prambanan.

At the beginning of the 10th century, the Kingdom of Mataram fell into decline, the center of power began to shift from the central regions of the island of Java to the east. Mataram finally disintegrated around 1043 after a conflict with the growing Kingdom of Srivijaya from the island of Sumatra.

Another powerful state of the Indo-Buddhist period was the Majapahit Empire founded in 1293 (1293 - early 16th century). The Majapahit Empire reached its peak of power during the reign of Khayyam Wuruk. An important role was played by the talented commander Gajah Mada, thanks to whom the empire of Khayyam Wuruk completely established control over the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra and Madura.

The economy of previous Javanese kingdoms was based on agriculture. Majapahit's rulers established control over ports and shipping routes, becoming the first empire to actively promote trade. With the death of Khayyam Wuruk, the Majapahit Empire began to decline and finally collapsed in the early 16th century under the onslaught of the Islamic sultanates.

The spread of Islam and the emergence of Islamic sultanates

The emergence of Islam played a key role in the history of Java and Indonesia. Muslim traders have visited the Indonesian archipelago for centuries. With the rise of Islamic trade in the region, the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit began to decline. The Javanese were faced with a choice: fight or convert to Islam, and many ultimately chose the latter. In the early 16th century, Javanese trading ports in eastern Java, completely withdrew from the dying Majapahit empire. Until the end of the 16th century, Islam became the dominant religion on the island of Java. During this period, the independent Muslim sultanates of Pajang, Mataram, Cheribon, and Bantam were formed. The Sultanate of Mataram (not to be confused with the Kingdom of Mataram) reached its greatest power. The Sultanate reached the peak of its prosperity during the reign of Sultan Agung Hanyokro Kusumo (1613-1645). Agung managed to expand the territory of the sultanate to the regions of Central and East Java and the island of Borneo.

Colonial period

In 1596, four ships of the Dutch East India Company visited Java for the first time and a short time later the first Dutch trading posts began to appear on the coast of the island. In 1619, Dutch troops under the command of Pieter Cohen attacked and captured Jaikarta (the current capital of Indonesia). The Dutch changed the name of Jaikart to Batavia and rebuilt the city according to the classical canons of Dutch colonial architecture.

Internal conflict prevented the Javanese from forming an effective alliance to counter the Dutch. Beginning in the 1670s, the Dutch East India Company began to wrest control of the Muslim sultanates of Java. The West Java Sultanates recognized the company's sovereignty in the last quarter of the 17th century, and the north-central and north-east followed suit in 1743. In 1755, what remained of the once powerful Sultanate of Mataram, under pressure from the Dutch, was divided into two vassal states to the Dutch: Yogyakarta and Surakarta. By the end of the 18th century, the Dutch had extended their influence throughout the island.

On December 31, 1799, the Dutch government nationalized the Dutch East India Company and in 1807 officially declared the Indonesian archipelago to be part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire territory of Indonesia belonging to the Dutch was governed by a colonial administration centered in the city of Batavia (present-day Jakarta).

During the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the Netherlands and its colonies in the East Indies fell to the conquests of the French Republic. In 1811, Java was captured by the British and the island briefly became a possession of the British Empire under Governor Sir Stamford Raffles. Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1814, the British returned Java to the Dutch in 1816.

In the 19th century, under the influence of Europeans, machines appeared, railways and telegraph communication. The Dutch put an end to internecine wars, increased the area under rice cultivation, began to cultivate new crops, primarily cassava and corn, and productivity increased. All this contributed to the elimination of famine in Java and the rapid growth of the island's population.

Independence

During the 19th - early 20th centuries, Java developed industry and agriculture most intensively of all the islands of the Dutch East Indies. Along with the development of capitalist relations, Indonesian nationalism and the desire to achieve independence began to emerge on the island. The colonists managed to suppress the first serious uprising of the Javanese in 1825-1830 against the Dutch with great difficulty. Taking these factors into account, the Dutch changed domestic policy. Beginning in 1903, Javanese were allowed to participate in local government, and in 1925 Indonesians gained a majority in the Volksraad ("People's Council").

During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Java was occupied by the Japanese. After the end of the Japanese occupation, a war of liberation against the Dutch began on the island. Upon its completion, in 1950, the island became part of the independent Republic of Indonesia.

Geography and landscape

Java Island Map

Covering approximately 150,000 km2 of territory, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the 5th largest in Indonesia. The length from east to west is 1064 km, the maximum width is up to 210 km. The island is surrounded by the Java Sea in the north, the Sunda Strait in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Bali Strait in the east. To the west lies the island of Sumatra, Bali to the east. Borneo is in the north and Christmas Island is in the south.

Java is an island of volcanic origin. A volcano-crowned mountain range stretches from east to west along the center of the island. The highest is Semeru volcano (3676 m), the most beautiful is Bromo, the most active volcano Java and Indonesia - Merapi (2930 m).

Java is located at the junction of two tectonic plates. The friction of these two plates causes the heating and expansion of gas, magma and steam in the Earth's interior, followed by an eruption. The island has a total of 33 active volcanoes and is part of the so-called “Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire”, where about 90% of all earthquakes on the planet occur. Volcanoes shaped the rugged landscape, culture and religion of the inhabitants, and influenced the development of agriculture and the construction of cities and villages.

The longest river on the island is the Solo, almost 600 km long. The river originates from a spring on Mount Lawu and flows north to the mouth of the Java Sea near the city of Surabaya. Other large rivers: Brantas, Citarum, Cimanuk and Seraju. Most of Java's rivers flow in a northerly direction. Large and small rivers serve as a source of water for irrigation of flooded fields. Large rivers navigable only during the rainy season.

Natural environment

Java Island Map

Java's natural environment ranges from coastal mangrove forests on the north coast to coastal cliffs on the south, from lowland rainforests to barren volcanoes. The natural environment and climate gradually changes from west to east - from wet and humid tropical forests in the west to dry savannas in the east.

The wildlife world is rich in biodiversity with a large number of endemic species such as the Javan rhinoceros, Javan banteng, Javan pig, Javan hawk, Javan peacock, Javan silvery gibbon, spangled gulman, Javan deer and Javan leopard. The island is home to more than 450 species of birds (of which 37 are endemic), 100 species of snakes and more than 500 species of butterflies.

But it should be remembered that the island is inhabited by a huge number of people. With a population of over 143 million in 2014, that's more than half of Indonesia's population. As the population grew, tropical forests were ruthlessly destroyed, leaving only mountain slopes and isolated hard-to-reach areas to survive. In place of tropical forests new landscape With rice terraces, which significantly changed the island's ecosystem.

Some endemic animal species have already disappeared (the Javan tiger), while others are on the verge of extinction. To preserve the world of wildlife from human economic activity, a number of national parks: Mount Halimun Salak, Mount Gede Pangrango, Baluran, Meru Betiri and Alas Purwo, Ujung Kulon (the latter listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991).

Administrative division

Administratively, Java consists of 4 provinces (propinsi):

Banten, the administrative center of Serang;
West Java (Jawa Barat), administrative center of Bandung;
Central Java (Jawa Tengah), the administrative center of Semarang;
East Java (Jawa Timur), the administrative center of Surabaya;

and two special regions:

Jakarta (Special Capital Region);
Yogyakarta (semi-autonomous region).

1. Jakarta Special Capital Region

Officially, Jakarta is not a city, but a province with capital status, and is therefore governed not by a mayor, but by a governor. As a province, Jakarta consists of 5 municipalities: Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western (according to the geographical location on the map). It is the only city in Indonesia with provincial status. The Jakarta Special Capital Region includes the cities of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi with a population of about 23 million people. Until 1527, the city was called Sunda Kelapa, in 1527-1619 Jakarta, in 1619-1942 Batavia, and from 1942 to the present day Jakarta.

2. Semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta

The semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta is located in the south of the island of Java and borders the province of Central Java in the north. Unlike other provinces in Java, Yogyakarta is governed by a sultan, who is neither elected nor appointed by the central authority in the capital. The semi-autonomous region consists of 4 districts and one big city Yogyakarta. On the outskirts of Yogyakarta is Indonesia's most active volcano, Merapi, and two of Indonesia's most famous temples: Borobudur and Prambanan.

3. Banten Province

Banten Province was formerly part of West Java Province, but has been granted the status of a separate administrative unit since 2000. Banten Province consists of 4 municipalities and 4 cities. Serang - main city Banten Province. Total population 9,351,470 inhabitants (2006). Banten is advantageously located on the navigation route of trade ships between Australia and New Zealand, the countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), and the islands of Java and Sumatra.

4. West Java Province

This province has 17 districts and 9 cities. In 2002, the population of West Java reached 37,548,565. The majority of West Java's inhabitants are Sundanese. The administrative center of the province is the city of Bandung.

5. Central Java Province

The Central Province is considered the center of Javanese culture. The majority of Central Java's population is Javanese. Administratively, the province is divided into 29 municipal districts and 6 cities. The population of the province is 32,380,687 inhabitants. Administrative center located in the city of Semarang.

6. Provinces of East Java

With an area of ​​47,922 km² and a population of 37,070,731 (2005), it is the largest province in terms of territory and the second largest in population. The administrative center is located in the city of Surabaya. Includes the island of Maduro with a population of almost 4 million inhabitants.

Demography

With a population of over 143 million (2014) and a density of 1,029 people per km² and above, Java is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. 57% of Indonesia's population lives here. The highest concentration of population is in the west of the island (West Java, Banten and Jakarta), where the population density exceeds 1,400 people per km².

Taking 7% of total area Indonesia, the island is home to 57% of the country's population. From approximately 5 million inhabitants in 1815, the population has grown to 143 million in 2014. Five of Indonesia's largest and most populous cities are located on the island of Java: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Bandung.

From the 1970s until the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998, the Indonesian government pursued a program to resettle Javanese residents to other, less populated islands in the country. During the implementation of this program, conflicts often arose between local residents and newly arrived settlers. From the 1970s until the fall of Suharto's regime in 1998, the Indonesian government managed to resettle about 3 million residents.

Ethnic groups

Unlike others large islands Indonesia, Java in its own way ethnic composition relatively homogeneous. The bulk of the population is represented by three main ethnic groups: Javanese (approximately 70% of the island's inhabitants), Sundanese and Madurese. The Javanese live mainly in the central and eastern part of the island, the Sundanese mainly in the west, and the Madurese in the east. Historically, the Madurese people inhabited the island of Madura off the northeast coast of Java, and immigrated to East Java in the 18th century.

The fourth group is the Betawas (descendants of the people living around Jakarta, which was called Batavia from the 17th century until 1942). The Betawa were a result of the mixing of the island's local ethnic groups with foreigners: Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Indians. Their culture and language are different from the Sundanese and Javanese.

In the area of ​​Bromo volcano and mountain range Tengger has a population of about 600,000 Tengger. Other minor ethnic groups: Badui, Batak, Balinese, Papua.

Of the foreigners, the most common are the Chinese, who control a significant portion of the island's trade.

Languages

The island of Java has 3 main languages: Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese. Other languages ​​include Betawi (an Austronesian language, spoken in the west of the island), Osing (one of the Austronesian languages, spoken in the east of the island), Tengger (Hindu, living in the Tengger Mountains in the east of the island), Badui (living in mountainous areas Kedang in the west of the island), Balinese (eastern areas of the island around the city of Banyuwangi, neighboring Bali) and Banyumasan language. The vast majority of the population speaks Indonesian – state language countries.

Religion

The Indonesian constitution recognizes 5 "official" religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism and Catholicism. Confucianism was also previously recognized, but was removed from the list of “official religions” by the Indonesian government in 1979.

According to the 2000 census, the proportion of Muslims is 86.1%, Protestants - 5.7%, Catholics - 3%, Hindus - 1.8%, Buddhists and adherents of other religions - 3.4%.

There are few places on Earth where the three main religions (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) are mixed as deeply as on the Indonesian island of Java. Hinduism and Buddhism were the dominant religions for 1000 years, but were replaced by Islam in the 16th century. Influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, Indonesian Islam incorporated the practices of these two religions. Some of the excavated temples in East Java have a Hindu upper part and a Buddhist lower half, and a number of early mosques have roofs in the form of Hindu temples. Early mosques were built not in the direction of Mecca, but towards the west or east, in the style of Hindu temples. Islam in Indonesia developed under the enormous influence of the more developed Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Economy

Java is the most economically developed island in Indonesia. Based on 2012 statistics, Java produces 57.51% of Indonesia's gross domestic product.
Initially, the economy was based solely on rice cultivation. The power of the ancient kingdoms (Taruma, Mataram, Majapahit) largely depended on rice productivity. The island has been a renowned exporter of rice since ancient times, with rich harvests of this important crop contributing to the island's population growth. The hillsides covered with rice terraces remain to this day characteristic features landscape of the island.

During the colonial period, the Dutch introduced other crops: sugar cane, rubber, coffee, tea, cinchona. Java was the first of all the islands of the Indonesian archipelago to begin growing coffee (1699). In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Javanese coffee gained worldwide popularity. The name "Java" has today become synonymous with good coffee.

Nowadays, two-thirds of the island's land area is occupied by agricultural land. Kapok, sesame, vegetables, bananas, mangoes, durians, citrus fruits and vegetable oils are produced for local consumption. Tea, coffee, tobacco, rubber, cinchona, sugarcane, kapok and coconuts are exported abroad. The soils of Java are very fertile due to periodic enrichment with volcanic ash.

The need to transport rice, coffee and other goods from the plantations of the interior to the ports on the coast stimulated the construction of roads. In 1808, construction began on the Great Java Road, connecting the cities of Anier in West Java and Panarukan in East Java. Developed network toll roads began to be built during the reign of President Suharto, connecting big cities and industrial centers.

Oil is produced in the Arjuna region near the northwest coast and processed at refineries in Cilacap and Surabaya. There is also limited mining of manganese, sulfur, phosphates, gold and silver. Small-scale production includes the manufacture of clothing and textiles with batik painting, iron casting, silver jewelry, agricultural tools, leatherworking, and ceramics. Large-scale production is represented by the textile industry, car assembly, brewing, large industries are engaged in the production of shoes, paper, cement and cigarettes. Surabaya and Tanjung Priok (near Jakarta) are the main ports of the island.

Climate

Java's climate is hot and humid throughout the year. average temperature+22 °С +29 °С, average humidity 75%. Maximum temperatures are observed on the plains along north coast, on average, +34 °C in the dry season. The southern coast is cooler than in the north, in the mountainous inland areas the temperature is even lower (average +22 ° C, but in the dry season it drops to zero or even lower). Like other areas in tropical island, Java's climate has two seasons: the rainy season (November to March) and the dry season (April to October). Precipitation usually falls in the afternoon, with the wettest months being January and February. Rain is also possible during the dry season from April to October, but in general the weather is sunny and cloudless.

Precipitation is distributed extremely unevenly, for example, West Java is wetter than East Java, and the interior mountainous areas receive much more rainfall. Thus, the annual rainfall in the Parahyangan Highlands in West Java is more than 4,000 mm per year, on the northern coast of East Java it is only 900 mm, and in the capital of the country, Jakarta, on average, about 1,760 mm.

Dry season (April to October) - best time to visit the island.

In the island Republic of Indonesia there is the island of Java, which has become the world record holder for population. On the world map it is located in Southeast Asia. The island of Java is covered with tropical forests, which are adjacent to the concrete jungle of the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta.

The island is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago in Southeast Asia. On the map it is located between Eurasia and Australia, next to the island of Sumatra, which is located just north of Java. On the southern side, the island is adjacent to the smaller Sunda Islands and Bali, and to the east - the islands of Sulawesi and Malaysia.

The island of Java on the world map has the coordinates:

• Geographical: 7° 17’ 56” south latitude 109° 56’ 06” east longitude.
• Decimal degrees: longitude -7.298904; latitude 109.942516.

Altitude above sea level 3675 m.

Island length and width, area and shape

The island stretches for 1 thousand km in a west-east direction, and is 205 km wide. Its area is about 130 thousand km 2, of which 44 thousand km 2 are covered with tropical forests and impenetrable jungle.

The island has an oblong shape, similar to a horizontal boot. The shores of Java are washed by the Indian and Pacific oceans, and from the north by the Java Sea. Java is separated from Sumatra by Sunda Bay.

A significant part of the island's territory is occupied by 120 volcanoes, 30 of which are considered active. The island also has a large number of rec. But the main source of fresh water is the bed of the Solo River.

The island's territory is divided into:

• western;
• eastern;
• central.

How to get to the island?

There are several ways to get to the island.

By plane

There are 6 airports on the island of Java international communications. The largest of them is Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, which receives large-capacity airliners and is also used for transfers when traveling within the country.

You can get to the island of Java by plane from Jakarta.

The remaining 5 air terminals near the cities of Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Jatiwangi and Surabaya are connected only to the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and international airports Thailand. The island of Java can also be reached from Moscow.

Several airlines operate flights to Jakarta:

Airline name	Transfer	Final destination	Frequency of flights per day
Qatar Airway	Doha	Kuala Lumpur	1-2
Thai Airway	Bangkok	Jakarta	1
Singapore Airline	Singapore	Surabaya	2
Emirates	Dubai	Jakarta	1

On average, any flight takes at least 20 hours.

On the ferry of the national shipping company "Pelni"

This type of transportation can be used to get to the island of Java from other islands:

• Bali;
• Sulawesi;
• Sumatra.

Ports in Java are located in the following cities:

• Jakarta;
• Surabaya;
• Semerang;
• Cirebon.

Getting around the island

The island of Java stands out on the world map for its length. It is used for quick movement.

Aircraft

Flights between the cities of Java are carried out from the airports of Jakarta and Surabaya by the following companies:

• "Garuda";
• "Merpati";
• "Mandala"
• "Batavia".

Railway

There are 4 railway networks on the island of Java:

• Northern: Jakarta - Chiberon - Semarang - Surabaya.
• South: Jakarta - Bandung - Yogyakarta - Surakarta - Surabaya.
• Eastern: Surabaya - Sidoarjo - Banguil - Pasuruan.
• Western: Jakarta - Tangerang - Serang - Cilegon.

Each electric train has several types of cars:

• air-conditioned coupe;
• seat place;
• economy with a small number of seats.

Bus

You can also travel between cities by bus. It is worth noting that this type of transport on the island is considered the most inconvenient, since there are no flights exact schedule departure and arrival, and wandering musicians come into the salon along the way and, after an impromptu concert, demand a small payment.

Month	Western part of the island				Eastern part of the island
	Average temperature, degrees		Number of rainy days	Water temperature, degrees	Average temperature, degrees		Number of rainy days	Water temperature, degrees
	Day	Night			Day	Night
January	28	22	15	28	31	24	21	28
February	28	22	15	29	33	22	19	29
March	29	22	12	30	32	24	18	29
April	30	23	11	30	33	26	12	30
May	31	24	9	30	36	27	5	30
June	30	24	5	29	36	28	3	29
July	30	25	5	28	34	27	1	28
August	30	25	2	28	34	28	1	28
September	31	25	5	29	33	26	2	28
October	31	24	11	28	31	27	7	29
November	30	23	12	30	32	27	9	30
December	29	23	15	29	31	26	18	29

The buses also do not have air conditioning, and if they break down, no other transport is available.

Car rental

You can rent a car at the hotel or at rental points. It should be noted that the roads on the island are practically not repaired, and in combination with a two-lane road, this makes travel time-consuming, since there are a lot of traffic jams on the island.

Motorized rickshaws and motorized transport

The most convenient and popular transport on the island is the rickshaw. Carrier services cost little money. But such a device cannot move long distances.

Climate and weather on the island of Java by month

The island of Java is located almost parallel to the equator, so the temperature here ranges from 26° to 32° all year round. The island's climate is equatorial and subequatorial, so humidity varies from 70 to 95%. The time from March to October is considered favorable for relaxation; the rest of the time it rains heavily in Java.

The determining factor in climatic conditions is the monsoons:

• northwest wind creates rainy weather;
• The southeast monsoon determines dry weather.

At different times, the weather on the island of Java may vary slightly:

Island attractions

The island of Java occupies a significant area on the world map. It contains most of the attractions of the Indonesian Republic. Some of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The attraction is located in East Java near the city of Malang. The name of the park consists of three words: the names of the two peaks Semeru and Bromo and the local aborigines living in the territory - the Tenggers. The area of ​​the park is about 500 km2. There is a jungle and several lakes on the territory.

50 rivers and waterfalls, as well as volcanoes:

• Bromo;
• Batok;
• Kursi;
• Watangan;
• Vidodaren.

All volcanoes are surrounded by volcanic ash, which is called a “sea of ​​sand” and forms entire deserts. Entrance to the park is through the village settlement of Ngadisari around 3-4 am, as by 5 pm the sun sets and the park closes.

In Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park you can see:

• Mount Bromo, on which the crater of the active volcano of the same name is located.
• Peak Semeru. It takes several days to climb the mountain without special equipment.
• Mount Penanjakan. At the top there is an observation deck with a wonderful view of Bromo and the Tengger caldera. Most often, the sunrise is seen at this peak.
• Top of Batok. Batok Volcano is considered inactive and is heavily overgrown with jungle. The climb up the mountain takes about an hour. From the observation deck at the top, the Bromo crater and calderas are clearly visible.
• Pura Luhur Pothen Temple, on whose territory Yadna Kasada is celebrated - the triumph of the Teggers.
• Madakaripura Waterfall, located inside the rock.

Borobudur Temple Complex

Borobudur was built around 800. BC. The temple complex is located in Central Java, approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta in the northwest direction. Borobudur is a 9-story structure that contains over 500 Buddha statues and over 2,000 bas-reliefs.

At the base of the temple there are 6 square slabs of different sizes, and on top there are 3 round platforms. At its very top there is a dome surrounded by 72 Buddha statues.

Borobudur received the status of the largest building dedicated to the traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. The area of ​​the temple occupies 55 thousand km 2, and the dimensions of the lower slab are 120x120 m. Borobudur Temple was restored in 1982 and included in the UNESCO list.

Prambanan Temple Complex

Prambanan was built in the 10th century. The complex is located in Central Java, 17 km from Yogyakarta towards the east on the southern side of the Merapi volcano. The temple complex was restored in 1950, and in 1991 it was included in the UNESCO list.

The historical monument combines Buddhist and Hindu features and was erected in honor of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

The Prambanan complex includes 2 hundred temples, some of which have not been restored. Its main part is considered to be 3 temples above the center of one of the platforms. Nearby are the shrines of the bull Nandi and the riding bird Garuda.

Not far from them are the temples of Sevu and Lara Jonggrang, which are the main attributes of the Parambanan complex. Between them are smaller structures: Lumbun, Asu and Burakh.

Mount Merapi

The active volcano Merapi is located 22 km from the Borobudur Complex and the city of Yogyakarta. This is the most large volcano on the island: its height reaches 3 km. Merapi belongs to the Pacific volcanic ring.

The volcano is activated every 6-7 years in the form of strong eruptions, and 2 times a year in the form of small ones. In 1673, the volcano destroyed several cities in Java; this eruption was the most powerful in the entire history of Indonesia. The last major eruption occurred in 2006, when more than 3 thousand people died. Despite the great danger, ascents to the mountain are made daily.

You can climb the volcano from:

• villages Selo;
• Kaliurang villages;
• suburb of Surakarta.

At the observation decks you can watch the sunrise or watch the sunset.

Old city

The island of Java is rich in attractions. On the world map near the city of Jakarta, an area of ​​1.5 km 2 is visible called Old city. In Indonesian it is called Kota Tua and represents the main trade hub of Indonesia.

The old town was founded in the 14th century and over the course of 3 centuries the city received the title of the main port center of trade. Towards the end of the 18th century, a fortress wall was built around the Old Town. Kota Tua is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The city combines many cultures, times and religions. Nearby is Chinatown with the oldest temple in the history of Java - Vihara Dharma.

There are also museums on the territory of the Old Town:

• stories of Jakarta;
• Art and Ceramics.

Taman Sari Water Palace

Taman Sari is a whole complex consisting of:

• swimming pools;
• grottos;
• channels;
• palaces.

The palace was built in 1755 by order of the Sultan of Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwono I. Portuguese architects participated in the design.

Taman Sari had many secret passages, basements and rooms. During the reign of the Sultan, the palace was surrounded by an artificial reservoir, through which one could reach the internal pools. In the center of Taman Sari stands a tower from which Hamengkubuwono I watched over his wives. The castle became famous for its sewage system and fountains, as well as an underground prayer room.

Taman Sari was a resting place and a fortress at the same time, but in 1867 the castle was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Merapi. After this, restoration of the central building and the Sultan's baths was carried out. And in 1995, the Taman Sari Water Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bogor Botanical Garden

The botanical garden was built in 1817 in West Java near the city of Bogor. It is considered one of the largest gardens in the world. The garden collection includes 14.5 thousand different plants. The number of species totals more than 5 thousand specimens. The area of ​​the Bogor Garden is 88 hectares.

The botanical garden has several branches: on the island of Bali and in the city of Cibodas on the island of Java.

Since it belongs to the Scientific Community of the Republic of Indonesia, the following are located on the territory of the Bogor Branch:

• Museum of Zoology;
• Botanical Laboratory;
• Chemical laboratory;
• Laboratory of Pharmacology;
• Herbarium;
• Experimental garden;
• Laboratory of ichthyological research.

The entire area of ​​the central compartment is divided into many zones, in each of which certain types of plants grow.

On the territory of the Botanical Garden the following is carried out:

• relaxation courses;
• yoga;
• weddings

Sea of ​​Sands

The island of Java stands out on the world map as a large cluster high mountains and volcanoes:

• Bromo;
• Course;
• Batok.

They are located in the Tengger caldera, which has a diameter of 8 km. The bottom of this crater is a thick layer of volcanic ash. This place is called the sea of ​​sand. It covers the bases of all 3 mountains.

Thanks to volcanic eruptions and the accumulation of ash, the landscape of the crater resembles unearthly territories. On the territory of the sea of ​​sands, no plants grow and no animals or insects live. Officially, since 1919, the attraction has territorially belonged to the Bromsky Nature Reserve and is strictly protected.

thousand islands

There is an archipelago in Jakarta Bay that consists of 112 islands. These islands have an area of ​​100 thousand hectares. and stretched for 97 miles.

Approximately 100 km 2 islands have the status national reserve. This district is located 45 km north of Jakarta and includes 44 islands. The climate of the Thousand Islands is similar to the climate of Java: subequatorial humid with air temperatures of 29-36° and air humidity of 80%. The Thousand Islands amazes with the wealth of animal life and flora.

Active recreational activities are popular on the archipelago:

• fishing;
• canoeing;
• water skiing;
• scuba diving;
• windsurfing.

On the shores of each island there are areas for playing:

• Beach volleyball;
• tennis;
• golf.

The most popular islands among tourists are:

• Kotok;
• Bidadari;
• Putri;
• Sepa.

Resorts on the island. Names, descriptions, advantages

The island of Java is famous not only for its attractions, but also for its resorts.

Asnieres

The recreation area is located in West Java.

On its territory there are:

• own sandy beaches;
• restaurants;
• hotels;
• small local market.

Also in Anyer you can see the lighthouse, which was built by Portuguese architects. For a small fee you can watch the sunset at the lighthouse.

Karita

This resort is suitable for family vacation.

On the territory there are:

• wide embankment;
• sand beach.

Karita is close to the Krakatua volcano, providing plenty of options active rest from diving to mountain climbing.

Batu Karas

The shores of this resort are famous for their high waves, which allows surfing all year round.

On the territory there are:

• cafe;
• hotels;
• “black beach” is a mixture of sand and volcanic ash.

The resort is located near the town of Pangandaran.

Pangadaran

The resort is a beach complex located on a peninsula in South Java.

The resort has:

• guest houses;
• cafe;
• bus station from which you can go to Batung;
• surf base;
• the beach is dark brown in color as it contains sand of volcanic origin.

Pandagaran is distinguished by its comfort, silence and lack of crowds of tourists.

Panaitan Island

This resort is different from the rest, as it is the property of the Indonesian nation. Entry to the territory is possible only with permission from the governor. The island is not intended for tourists: there are no cafes or hotels. The shores of Panaitan are suitable only for surfing or diving.

Sukamade Beach

The resort is intended for recreation with tents away from civilization. Not on site cellular communications, electricity and cafe. Famous beach sea ​​turtles which lay eggs on its banks.

Also located on the territory is Meru Betiri Park. There is a hotel 5 km from the beach. It is also allowed to pitch a tent near the beach or rent a small cottage.

Bandung resort city

Bandung belongs to mountain resorts. Excursions to Dago Falls, Tangkuban Phraya Volcano and Situpatenngang Lake depart from the city. Not far from the city are the beaches of Anyer and Karagan-Bolong, Punchake tea plantations, national park Pendant and safari park.

Karagan-Bolong Beach

The resort is not intended for a beach holiday, as from the outside Indian Ocean strong waves come, and there are sharp rocks on the shore. On the beach you can have a picnic and watch the sunset through an arch formed from a coral reef after the tsunami.

Hotels on the island of Java, room prices and meals

Hotel table:

City	The name of the hotel	Room and services	Number of stars	Nutrition	Beach	Average tourist rating	Price for 7 nights, rub
Jakarta	Sotis Residence Pejom-pongan	2-bed deluxe	3	Breakfast	No	8,0	20160
	OYO 117 Blueberry Homestay	2-seater standard	2	No	No	7,8	6772
Badung	De Paviljoen Bandung by HIM Hotel	2-seater	4	Breakfast	Artificial	8,6	50300
		4-seater					55398
Surabaya	JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya	2-bed deluxe	5	3 times	No	8,9	46416
		2-seater premium					99078
	Askhara Guesthouse	2-bed deluxe	2	Breakfast		8,2	9892
		Common room for 6 people		No			4109
Yogyakarta	Hotel Neo Malioboro	2-bed deluxe	3	Breakfast	No	8,4	22753
	Royal Ambarr-ukmo	2-bed deluxe	5	Breakfast	No	9,0	33026
		2-seater premium					114526
Phangan Daran	Mini Tiga Homestay	2-seater standard plus	1	Breakfast	Eat	9,0	6392
	Pondok Wayang	1 local standard	2	Breakfast	Eat	8,5	5935
		2-seater standard plus					10300

A huge number of the main attractions of Indonesia are collected on the island of Java. Java is also rich in landscape diversity: the world map shows vast areas of tropical forests, mountainous terrain and desert steppes.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the island of Java

All the beauties of the Indonesian island of Java:

The Greater Sunda Islands, which form the Malay Archipelago, include the island of Java. On the map it can be found in the northeastern Indian Ocean.

It is not known exactly where the island of Java got its name. According to one of the existing versions, it comes from the Proto-Austronesian word for “house”. According to another, the consonant name of the island is found in the manuscripts of the early Indian epic. There is also the opinion of some experts that “Java” is a derivative of the word “Jau”. From Sanskrit it can be translated as “barley” or “lying in the distance.”

Geography

The island of Java (see photo below) was formed, according to scientists, approximately six to seven million years ago. During the same period, the entire Malay Archipelago appeared.

Java is considered to be the tip protruding above the water mountain range, which stretches from Burma to the Sumatra Islands, passing through the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. Many years ago, seismic and volcanic processes provoked the subsidence and uplift of the continent that previously existed in this place. As a result of all this, the island of Java appeared. The landscape of its central part is decorated with a mountain range stretching from west to east. The island of Java has volcanoes in this part of the territory. In total there are more than one hundred and twenty of them, among which there are thirty active ones. The most high volcano recognized as Semeru. Its height is 3676 m. It is highest point islands. Other, most significant:

Bromo - 2329 m;
- Merapi - 2914 m.

The latter of these two volcanoes is one of the ten most active on our planet. In 1006, its catastrophic eruption destroyed life on the island for three centuries. Fertile soils turned into desert. Java Island - "Valley of Death". So, without a doubt, one could call it in those days.

Unfortunately, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur in these places to this day. The consequences of such seismic activity are very sad. They lead to numerous destructions and casualties.

Unlike the central part of the island, the coastal areas are swampy lowlands. There are a large number of lakes and many rivers flowing here.

The island of Java has a rather winding coastline. In its bends there are a large number of convenient bays and bays, allowing ships with different landing positions to moor.

The coast of the island, along almost its entire length, has numerous narrow sandy beaches with small dunes that end in tropical jungle.

Climate

The island of Java is located near the earth's equator. This geographical position has a significant impact on the climate of this area. It is equatorial, relatively hot and humid. The weather on the island is characterized by the absence of seasonal temperature changes. All year round it's warm here. The air warms up in the range from twenty-three to twenty-six degrees. Precipitation on the island is usually short-term tropical showers. Their number during the year can exceed 1000-1100 mm. In the northwestern and northern parts of the island this figure is slightly higher. Sometimes it reaches 3000 mm.

Population

Today, Java is home to more than one hundred and forty million people. This allows us to recognize it as the most densely populated island in the whole world.

The majority of Javanese residents are Indonesians. In addition to them, representatives of a number of ethnic groups live on the island, the list of which includes:

Madurese;
- Sundanese;
- Minangkabau.

Alien peoples from India, China and Indochina also live here. They all speak Malay, which is recognized as the official language on the island. You can often hear Javanese words in everyday life. There are also Chinese dialects in the conversations of local residents.

What are the main directions of the national economy of which the island of Java is proud? The population of rural areas and small towns is engaged in growing barley, rice, coffee, including such a famous variety as Kopi Luwak. Industry is also developed on the island. Its industries, such as electronics, processing, mining and textiles, employ the population major cities.

Administrative structure

In Java, the largest city in terms of population, importance and size is Jakarta. On the map it can be found in the northwestern part of the island, on the very coast. It is the largest settlement in the Malay Archipelago and is also the capital of Indonesia. Jakarta has a population of 9.6 million. The list of major cities located in Java includes:

Semarang.
- Yogyakarta.
- Bandung.
- Serang.
- Kudus.
- Hook.
- Surabaya.
- Malang et al.
According to its administrative structure, the island is divided into three provinces. These are West, East and Central Java.

Pearl of the Malay Archipelago

Indonesia includes about seventeen thousand islands. However, Java is without any doubt the real queen among them. Despite the fact that this is the most densely populated island on our planet, there are many places untouched by man. A trip to Java will appeal to the most adventurous tourists who want to recharge their batteries and get a real drive. The island offers its guests ancient monuments and huge National parks, volcanoes and rice plantations adjacent to dense forests, areas of savannah and large cities.

Jakarta

Many tourists who want to explore Indonesia first fly to the island of Java. The capital of the country, Jakarta, which is a colossal metropolis, serves for many as the starting point from which the path to more interesting and relaxing routes begins.

This city is very complex and ambiguous. But it is from here that, as a rule, tourists begin to explore the island of Java. Only in Jakarta, after exploring the sights and areas, can you experience the country's rich history, its diverse culture and unusual architecture.

On the list interesting places The capital of Indonesia is home to numerous exhibition centers and parks. But among them there are those that deserve special attention from tourists. This is, for example, the Taman-Mini park. There are 27 pavilions on its territory, each of which displays traditional buildings, interesting decorations and other exhibits presented by various provinces. Here you can admire a miniature that represents Indonesia in every detail.

The Park of Dreams, located in the Anchola area, also attracts tourists. On its territory you can buy bone jewelry, batiks and other creations of local craftsmen.
Jakarta and the Tamaya Ismail Narzuki center are also interesting for guests. On its territory there are many venues, which house five theaters and numerous exhibitions. The complex includes a dance hall and a planetarium.

The main attraction of the capital, of which the island of Java is rightfully proud (see photo below), is the National Monument. It is a tower rising more than 130 m above the surface of the earth. The material for its manufacture was Italian marble. From above, the National Monument is decorated with an imitation flame made of gilding. For Indonesia, this tower is a symbol of the capital.

What else can the island of Java please its guests with? Reviews from tourists recommend including the Istiklal Mosque in the list of must-see sites. It is the largest Muslim sanctuary located in Southeast Asia.

Borobudur

Numerous tourists strive to visit the temples of the island of Java. When exploring Indonesia, it is impossible not to visit Borobudur. It is the third largest Buddhist-Hindu temple in the entire world. In size, Borobudur is second only to the Cambodian Angkor, as well as the Burmese Shwedagon.

The Indonesian temple is a step pyramid, the height of which is 34 m. It rises on an artificially created hill, embodying sacred mountain Meru (according to ancient Indian legends, it is the center of the whole world). According to teaching, any visitor to Borobudur or pilgrim begins his ascent “from earth to heaven.” Moreover, the road leading to the temple is a spiral. Walking along it, visitors explore the eight terraces of Borobudur and get acquainted with the history of the emergence of Buddhism, carved into one and a half thousand reliefs and stone sculptures.

The architecture of the temple itself indicates the influence of Persian, Greek, Indian and Babylonian architects. This is a majestic structure, from the upper levels of which an exciting and grandiose view opens. There is also a sculpture of Buddha here. There is a legend that whoever can reach his little finger will certainly have good luck.

The island of Java (Indonesia) is rightfully proud of this real wonder of the world. After all, the Borobudur Temple, which was built 1200 years ago, is a beautiful, grandiose and picturesque structure. It survived the eruption of the nearby Merapi volcano, a change in not only the political course on the island, but also religion. It retained its beautiful appearance even after the invasions of treasure hunters.

Prambanan

What else attracts tourists to the island of Java? The attractions located on its territory contain another masterpiece in their list, which ranks lower than Borobudur. This is the Prambanan temple complex. Unlike Borobudur, it is located on a plain, which local residents called the "Valley of the Kings". This territory is literally strewn with the ruins of ancient buildings.

The Prambanan complex itself is a collection consisting of three temples, each of which is dedicated to one of the gods - Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The walls of these amazingly beautiful buildings are decorated with bas-reliefs, the subjects of which are taken from scenes from the ancient Indian epic called the Ramayana.

The year 856 is considered to be the end of the construction of Prambanan. This temple commemorates the victory of the Hindu king Pikatan over the Buddhist king belonging to the Shailendra dynasty.

Kraton

What other temples does the island of Java offer its guests to explore? The attractions that the Javanese are proud of include the Kraton palace complex. Local residents consider it the “navel” of the world. The palace was not only the seat of the sultanate for the island. The Javanese believed that the center of the Universe was located here.

In Kraton there are:

The chambers of the Sultan himself and his family members;
- throne room;
- pavilions for various performances;
- mosque;
- chambers for contemplation.

In the 19th century the interior decoration of the palace complex was changed. It was given European features. Cast iron columns and Italian marble, furniture and chandeliers in the Rococo style appeared. All these interior details are in strong contrast to the Javanese base of the Kraton.

Bogor

Not far from the bustling capital of Jakarta is quiet town. Just an hour's ride from the metropolis by train, and you are in Bogor, famous throughout the island for its huge botanical garden. Here you can see the largest flower on our planet - “Amorphophaldus titanica”.

Local residents call Bogor “the city of rain”. Indeed, it always rains here every afternoon. That is why in botanical garden It's better to take a walk early in the morning. Visitors will see amazing trees that look like bell-bottoms. There is a Mexican garden, an orchid garden and much more. Deer roam in the royal park next door.

Gunung Halimun

This is one of the most national parks in Java. It differs from all the others in that the road to it is relatively simple. It is enough to drive from Bogor only an hour and a half.

Gunung Halimun Park is worth a visit for those tourists who are lovers of fauna and flora. Here you can see a large number of plants, dozens of bird species, as well as mammals (including the endangered West Javan gibbons).

Malang

This city was founded by the Dutch in the 18th century. Tourists who choose it get acquainted with the eastern part of the island of Java. Malang attracts visitors with its surroundings, where coffee plantations lie comfortably. There are also numerous Hindu temples built on the slopes of Mount Penanggungan, which the locals consider sacred. Not far from Malang are the most famous beaches among tourists, the most popular of which is Balekambang. From the city you can quickly reach volcanoes such as Seperu, Bromo and Ijen. Public transport runs to them from Malang.

Taman Sari

There are also special attractions in Java. One of them is Taman Sari. This is a water castle, built specifically for the Sultan in 1758. Taman Sari is a whole park of palace complexes with canals and pools. The castle has underground tunnels and special secret rooms.