Java

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Java (Indonesian: Jawa) is an island in Indonesia.

Mount Bromo (left) and Mount Semeru (top right), East Java
Mount Bromo (left) and Mount Semeru (top right), East Java

[edit] Demographics

Java is Indonesia's fifth-largest island. Its 120 million people make up 65% of Indonesia's entire population, and makes Java the most populated island in the world. Covering an area of 127,569 sq. km (7% of Indonesia's area) and with a population density of 940 people/sq. km, Java is the world's most crowded island, as well.

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located on northwest region of Java. Surabaya (the second largest city in Indonesia), is located on East Java. Java acts as Indonesia's center of cultural and economic activity.

The main ethnic group in Java is Javanese, except for the West Java region where most people are Sundanese. In the province of East Java, 22% of the population is of Madurese descent. Half of them live on the island of Madura.

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. Population: 8 million (within city limits). The total population of Jakarta and its suburbs: 12 million people. The population of Jakarta is a mix of many ethnic groups. The group native to Jakarta is Betawi.

[edit] Regions

Map of Java
Map of Java

Java is split into four provinces:

The cities of Jakarta and Yogyakarta have provincial status.

[edit] Cities

  • Bandung - great nightlife, restaurants, cheap fashion
  • Banyuwangi - the most eastern regency of Java and port to Bali
  • Bogor - the summer capital of the Dutch, known for its botanical garden and beautiful palace
  • Cirebon - historical city, transits and culture
  • Depok - suburb of Jakarta, and home to the University of Indonesia
  • Jakarta - the chaotic, congested capital of the country
  • Semarang - port city, old buildings and inspiring museums
  • Solo (Surakarta) - a center of Javanese culture, famous for batik fabric
  • Surabaya - Indonesia's second-largest city
  • Yogyakarta - center of Javanese art and access point for Borobudur and Prambanan

[edit] Other destinations

  • Anyer - beautiful beach (Banten)
  • Borobudur - the largest ancient Buddhist temple, one of the world's seven wonders (Central Java)
  • Mount Anak Krakatoa - new active volcano, sinking island (Banten)
  • Mount Bromo - the region where one of the last pockets of Javanese Hindus is to be found (East Java)
  • Mount Tangkuban Parahu - ancient volcano, located in West Java
  • Pelabuhan Ratu - beautiful beach on south Sukabumi, West Java
  • Prambanan - great Hindu temple (Central Java)
  • Ujung Kulon - beautiful national park (Banten)

[edit] Language

While Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the lingua franca understood by almost everyone, the majority of Java's population also speak Javanese, a related but mutually incomprehensible language. As the largest single language in Indonesia, Javanese influence on Bahasa Indonesia has been quite significant, and particularly in Central and East Java you'll even hear the local pronunciation change — the most notable change is a turning into o, so eg. Surabaya becomes Suroboyo.

Other significant local languages include Sundanese, spoken in West Java, and Madurese, spoken on and around the island of Madura.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Most visitors arrive at Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. There are several domestic airlines such as Garuda, Lion Air, Mandala, Sriwijaya Air. International airlines: AirAsia, SQ, Qantas, MAS, Cathay Pacific, PAL, Thai International, JAL, KAL, Eva Air, Air India, etc.

[edit] By sea

PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan/ASDP ferry services:

  • Gianyar(Bali) from/to Gilimanuk (East Java)
  • Bakauheni (Lampung/Southern Sumatera) from/to Merak (Banten)
  • Kamal (Madura) from/to Tanjung Perak (Surabaya)

PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia/PELNI passenger ship routes include:

  • Medan (North Sumatra) from/to Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)
  • Pontianak (West Kalimantan) from/to Tanjung Priok (Jakarta)
  • Makassar (South Sulawesi) from/to Tanjung Perak (Surabaya)

[edit] Get around

Java's infrastructure is by far the best in Indonesia, and it's possible to cross the entire island by land in a single (long) day. However, the sheer density of population means that roads, buses and trains can get overcrowded if you're moving at the same time as everyone else.

[edit] By bus

The main form of long-distance transport, vast armadas of buses cross the island and connect every city and mountain hamlet. Watch out though, as many drivers have near-suicidal driving habits that emphasize speed above all else. Many criminals often offer drinks laced with sleeping pill.

[edit] By train

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

Ticket reservations can be made starting one month in advance. No on-line ticket reservation is available, but availability can be gleaned on PT Kereta Api's ticketing site. Descriptions of various trains are available on Kereta Api website.

[edit] By road

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

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Itineraries

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

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