Who discovered the island of Java. Java Island - the unique face of Indonesia

general information

The island, with a length of just over 2,000 km, has received such a role due to its favorable location in the center of the archipelago, as well as favorable conditions for growing rice, which for South-East Asia signifies the victory of life over death. Almost the entire history of Indonesia is the history of the struggle for Java and its fertile lands, first between local kingdoms, then with European colonizers. You can read more about these twists and turns in the general historical section.

The ethnic composition of the island is quite homogeneous. Muslim Javanese, who consider themselves an intellectual elite, are evenly distributed throughout. The Madureans adhere to an even stricter Islam and are concentrated mainly in the northeast of the island. Only in the eastern part, on the uplands of Bromo-Semeru, did the Hindu enclave of the Tenggers, descendants of the Majapahit empire, remain. IN port cities Arabs, and Hindus, and other trading people settled, but their influence is insignificant. Much more powerful is the small Chinese diaspora, whose representatives can be seen in the largest jewelry stores in the country.

“Java is overpopulated, Java is overindustrialized and overrun by tourists, there is nothing to do there,” one often hears from the lips of the “experienced”. Indeed, the population density here is one of the highest in the world, the industry is booming, and foreign guests are by no means a wonder. But those incredible in beauty natural landscapes, unique ancient temples and original culture, with which Java is so rich, make it perhaps the most fertile place for interesting trip in the country. Much more interesting than boring and touristy Bali. In favor of Java, the developed transport infrastructure, with which you can easily get into its most remote corners. As befits a capital, everything begins and ends in Jakarta.

How to get there

By air

Five international airports connect Java with the outside world, but only one " Soekarno-Hatta International Airport» ("Sukarno - Atta") in Jakarta is designed to receive large airliners from other continents. It serves the vast majority of international flights, being used as a transit point for continuing travel around the country. Airports in Jogja, Bandung and Surakarta (Solo) are connected only with the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, by flights of the Air Asia airline. Surabaya is another major transport hub, where flights from Malaysia and Thailand arrive.

Flights to other major Indonesian islands are usually operated by local airlines (more than a dozen) from Jakarta and Surabaya airports. Major national carriers Garuda Indonesia and Merpati price tickets at around $100 if bought a few days in advance. Other airlines ("Mandala Air", "Air Asia", "Lion Air", "Citylink", "Batavia", "Awair", "Sriwijaya" and others) they ask for 2 times cheaper, but when buying a few hours before departure, the price rises to the same $ 80-100. There are a lot of flights, and usually there are no problems with departure. Inside the island, flight schedules are also quite tight, competition is high, and prices are low. local terminal (Domestic Terminal) Jakarta Airport operates flights to Surabaya, Jogju, Surakarta and Semarang (Semarang).

From Russia to Java you can get regular flights Moscow - Jakarta of several airlines:

• Qatar Airways with a transfer in Doha and landing in Kuala Lumpur (2 flights per day);
• "Singapur Airlines" with a transfer in Singapore (2 flights per day);
• Emirates with transfer in Dubai (1 flight per day);
• Thai Airways with a transfer in Bangkok (1 flight per day).

In any case, the flight will take at least 18 - 20 hours and will cost from 30,000 rubles.

By sea. National shipping company "Pelni" (www.pelni.co.id) carries out passenger flights large capacity ferries between Java and some major islands such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bali. Ports are in Jakarta, Ciberone (Ciberon), Surabaya and Semarang. Travel like this is a pleasure. The ferries are extremely slow and crowded with people - usually those who are unable to pay for the airfare. On average, a trip to another island costs about $ 20, with increasing distance, the price increases proportionally.

By rail

This way of traveling around Java is very popular. The northern railway line connected Jakarta, Chiberon, Semarang and Surabaya. The southern one passes through Jakarta, Bandung, Jogju, Surakarta and ends in Surabaya. A line with local trains links Surabaya and the towns of East Java. From Jakarta, a separate short branch goes west to the coast.

Train cars are divided into 3 classes. The first one is exekutif (similar to our coupe, with air conditioning), the second - bisnis (seated, no air conditioning) and the third - ekonomi, the worst analogue of our electric trains. Time flies the fastest in the latter, in the fight against stuffiness, merchants and cockroaches. The cost, respectively, differs from the class of travel. Trains run only short distances to the suburbs. Driving from Surabaya to the towns of East Java and from Jakarta to west coast also carried out by the third class. It is convenient to find out about the schedule and fare on the website www.seat61.com.

On the ground

trip in the usual intercity bus you will never forget and tell your grandchildren. Cigarette smoke hangs like a rocker, the distances between the seats are usually designed for dystrophics and slender Asians, every 10-15 minutes another musician and entire orchestras enter the salon, arranging an express concert. Thank them for the accompaniment should be 1,000 Rp. You can estimate the fare at the rate of 100 km - 25,000 Rp, but the situation with the cost of gasoline is changing rapidly. Sometimes a tourist who wants to travel from point A to point B is transferred along a chain from one bus to another, and the entire journey is paid for even at the first landing. You should not be afraid that subsequent conductors will make you pay a second time - there is a mystical otherworldly connection between them, and they are aware of the payment and destination of foreign guests.

It should be noted that the bus usually breaks down on the way, so you cannot match its schedule with the departure of the plane or the departure of the train, you must have at least a few hours of a temporary handicap.

Java is one of the Indonesian islands. In the north it is washed by the Java Sea, and by the Indian Ocean in the south. The island stretches for 1000 kilometers in length. WITH north side nearest island- Borneo, from the east -, in the south - Christmas Island and in the west the nearest island - Sumatra. Most of the people in Indonesia live in Java. Here is the capital of this island nation – .

There are only two seasons on the island: in winter, from October to February, it rains, while the humidity sometimes reaches almost 100%, and the rest of the time, in summer, it is sunny and warm. The air temperature is almost the same, within 27-35 degrees. Thanks to this feature, thousands of tourists come here to relax and get to know the natural wonders and culture of Java.

The history of Indonesia is closely connected with the island: in the Middle Ages, it was in Java that the Majapahit empire flourished, the ancient states of Demak and Mataram were born here, and later Java became the center of the colonial East India Company. In addition, it was here that the struggle for freedom and independence unfolded in the middle of the last century.
Today Java is a major economic, cultural, political center states.

How to get to Java

The island has several airports, so you can get here from anywhere in the world. The ports also accept ships and ferries.
The most accessible and common form of transport is buses, which are ideal for both short trips around the city and longer trips around the island. If you wish, you can rent a car, especially since the quality of local roads is not inferior to European ones. There is also Railway, which is recognized as the best in Indonesia.

The nature of the island of Java

The island is famous for its unique nature: a chain of volcanoes stretched along its entire length, many of them are extinct, but about 30 are active, they are a unique sight. Magnificent landscapes give way to no less impressive beaches, and the jungle - gushing hot springs.
The third part of the island is covered with impenetrable jungle. Interestingly, only in Java there are such animal species as the Javan leopard, Javanese pig, green peacock.

Attractions of Java

The island has preserved a huge number of historical relics from different eras. Due to the unique layering of religions, which can only be found here, many shrines, mosques and palaces are scattered throughout the territory.
The most developed and favored by tourists are Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta.

Jakarta has a unique look. Islamic, European, Hindu and Buddhist cultures intertwined here, which was reflected in the architectural and historical appearance cities. Town Square Taman Fatahila is surrounded ancient palaces: historical national museum, which contains exhibits related to the thousand-year history of the island, drawbridge Chicken Market Bridge, the old city port of Sunda Kelapa. You should definitely visit Medan Merdek - the square on which there is a monument symbolizing the struggle for independence. Its top is covered with 35 kg of pure gold, and at the very top is built Observation deck, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city and impressive surroundings. China District is home to the most ancient temple in Jine Yuan City. Another favorite place for tourists is the Mini-Indonesia Park.

In addition, these are endless beaches and the azure warm sea. Many hotels have been built on the coast and all conditions for an unforgettable vacation have been created.
Not far from Jakarta is the world's largest zoo Ragunan.
The place was chosen by both tourists and Javanese, who like to have picnics here.
Surobaya is one of largest cities Indonesia. In addition to numerous museums and temples, it is worth visiting the Meru Metiri and Baluran reserves.
Not far from the capital is Bogora - one of the most popular mountain resorts countries. Most interesting to know - presidential residence Sokarno, which has its own zoological museum, and the palace of the Dutch governor of the East Indies, and a botanical garden spread over 80 hectares garden-park"Kebun Raya".
There is another mountain resort on the island amazing beauty— Bandung. Particularly popular are Jalan Chiham Pelas and Dago, these streets are lined with shops and offices. Outside the city are the beaches of Karang Bolong and Anyer.
The city of Jogya, or Yogyakarta, is known for temples from different times and cultures. Huge Muslim architectural complex Sultan Kraton, Taman-Sari Castle, Sono Badoyo Historical Museum - these are the main attractions.

To the south of Jogya, 45 km away is the architectural complex of the Borobudur Stupa - the largest Buddhist building, which is a pyramid, circled in a spiral by a many-kilometer road, symbolizing the spiritual principle.
Between Yogyakarta and the town of Solo there is another ancient Hindu masterpiece that deserves attention -. The most popular temples are Chandi Sari, Chandi Sevu and Chandi Kalasan.

Landscapes and volcanoes

There are picturesque tea plantations in the vicinity, hot underground springs operate in Chiater and Maribaya. It is worth visiting Dago Falls, Tangkuban Perahu Volcano.
There are many on the island natural parks and reserves. Alas Purvo is endless mangrove forests, exotic animal world and beaches lined with palm trees.
An hour's drive from the city of Bogor is another natural reserve - Gunung Halimun. It is famous for the fact that Javanese gibons are found only here.
Bromo Tengger Semeru - a peculiar business card Indonesia, thanks to the unique landscapes.

Big interest from the side of vacationers, of course, volcanoes cause. The most famous and picturesque are Bromo, Semeru, Merapi. In the center of the island, Bleduk Kuvu, a volcano spewing mud and steam, attracts tourists.
In everything picturesque corners islands are organized both group and individual excursions. Moreover, very often locals gladly, for a small fee, they undertake to acquaint tourists with the sights.
And, of course, it is worth buying souvenirs: masks, carved dishes, paintings. Handmade pearl products are very popular, besides, they are relatively inexpensive here.

Cuisine in Java

The cuisine is famous big amount rice and legumes, a variety of vegetables and exotic fruits. In small cafes with low prices, you can enjoy local dishes, ginger tea and tuak beer. Although, there are also quite unusual dishes, for example, pies from silted earth, which are considered very useful here. As in all of Southeast Asia, here you can taste a lot of rice dishes.

Holidays in Java are especially popular in winter, this lovely way escape from the cold by combining holidays on the seashore with excursions to the exotic corners of the island.

Sights of Java. The most important and interesting sights of Java - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

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Any unesco

The most unesco

Prambanan

A monument of medieval art, amazing in beauty and elegance temple complex on exotic island Java, in Indonesia, Prambanan is not accidentally considered the best attraction in the country. It dates back to the 10th century, although the exact date of construction cannot be determined for many years.

Even the name of the island of Java sounds somehow magical, only three letters, and how much lies behind them. Just try to quietly, in a chant, savoring the name of this main Indonesian piece of sushi - Ya-a-a-wa-a-a. Can you feel it? That's it, if one exciting hissing stirs the blood, then at the sight of smoking volcanoes, gurgling lakes, endless beaches and mysterious temple complexes, Stockholm syndrome is guaranteed to you. Java will capture, swirl, make you fall in love, rape your will and mind, and you will only ruthlessly cry out “more, more”! But these are just words, but the undisguised facts.

Java is the main Indonesian island, where all the conceivable and unimaginable capitals of Indonesia (past, present, surfing and religious capitals) are located, as well as 120 volcanoes, a lot of cults and religions, a flock of colorful ethnic groups and the devil knows what else. Of course, a tourist from the capital, Jakarta, begins his exciting "trip" through the country of a thousand islands. Quite modern city which will be of interest to both adults and children. For the first - first-class shopping, worthy museum collections, antiques at every turn. The little ones will be delighted with amusement parks, water parks and the like. entertainment places. Indonesians know how to relax.

After the tribute to the capital of the country is given, compulsory program for all Java travelers without exception will include the grandiose ruins of the Prambanan temple, the majestic Borobudur stupa, amazing in beauty Royal Palace in Yogyakarta and two or three national parks with volcanoes for a snack. All these names need no introduction - UNESCO and the word of mouth have made sure that these Javanese sights do not go unnoticed.

A mandatory program for all Java tourists without exception includes the grandiose ruins of the Prambanan temple, the majestic Borobudur stupa, the amazing beauty of the royal palace in Yogyakarta and two or three national parks with volcanoes for a snack.

But Java also has a couple of hidden secrets. For example, the amazing temple complex of Chandi Sukukh, as if having sailed here from South America and picking up a couple of obscene bas-reliefs from India along the way. The second place is the Ijen Plateau, where you can enjoy the views of the lake, gurgling like champagne bubbles in your glass. Finally, the Green Canyon is an amazingly beautiful place where hundreds of streams, waterfalls and jets of water ooze from sheer cliffs into turquoise-green water, along which charming monitor lizards love to scurry back and forth. And this is only part of the treasures of Java - the most colorful island in the world.

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

Geographic features

Java is a large island in the Greater Sunda Islands. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located here. The area of ​​the island is 132 thousand km². It is very densely populated, with over 140 million inhabitants. The island has an elongated shape and is almost parallel to the equator. A third of the territory is occupied by dense jungles of mangrove forests. Mountain ranges stretch along the entire island from west to east, among them 120 dormant and active volcanic craters can be found. highest point located on 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 puff 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 drinking water. Solo, Chimanuk, Brantas are famous for the largest channels.

Climate

Java is located in the tropical zone, the weather here is unchanged throughout the year. The climate on the island is humid and hot, the air temperature is in the range of +26…+29°C, and its humidity is 75-95%. The largest number rainfall occurs in November-February, but even at this time you should not refuse to travel. There are no prolonged rains and long cloudy weather. All moisture falls to the ground in 1-3 hours. The average rainfall for the island 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 inhabitants of the island are divided into three main ethnic groups:

• Javanese;
• Sudanese;
• Madurese.

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

Kitchen

On the island, as in most tropical countries, a huge amount of fruit is sold. Their prices are quite reasonable. Local kitchen is considered the most Europeanized, so you will not find much exotic here. The dishes use rice with spices and spices, beef, legumes, vegetables and chicken. Of the drinks, ginger tea, coffee, cane juice, Tuak beer, Arak vodka are popular.

Unique Jakarta

The largest and very interesting city is the metropolitan Jakarta. It is very diverse and densely populated. Here, a variety of buildings, including the era of the colonists, mixed with the local quarters near the picturesque canals. On central square there are several unusual buildings that come close to the waterways of the city. Expositions nearby historical museum. A little further away is the Wayang Doll Exhibition, Chinatown, Temple and Port.

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

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

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

Attractions

The hearts and minds of travelers who have traveled beyond the borders of Jakarta are conquered by no less striking sights. The most monumental, striking in its size, is the complex of temples of Borobudur. It is listed as a UNESCO heritage and is the basis of the cosmopolitan Buddhist model. Travelers and pilgrims start their movement in Borobudur from the base of the hill along a long, winding staircase. From it open great views on 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 offer tourists to admire the palace of the Sultan in Yogyarta - Kraton. They call it "the navel of the world." Visitors can see how the life of the Sultan was organized, the furnishings of the rooms, and adjacent buildings. In accordance with the preferences of the Sultan, the setting contains many elements of animism and Hinduism.

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

Tours start from here. active volcano Bromo, from the upper hills of which it is possible to look into the constantly smoking muzzle.

Beaches

Java is a cluster of industry and cultural attractions. In 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 white fine sand with islands of palm trees. They are washed by transparent azure waves.

Near Badung are the most prestigious beaches: Karang-Bolongi Anyer. Before the views of vacationers on the beach, Anyer appears mountain panorama, also nearby old lighthouse. Of the entertainment on site are offered water skiing, parachute, boat trips.

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

privacy lovers and a relaxing holiday like Carita beach. It is quite quiet, protected from strong tides and waves. The territory was chosen by tourists with children and snorkelers. Not far from 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 at sunset. Most vacationers take great pictures from here.

How to get there?

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

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

Java island on the map of Indonesia

Detailed Java island map

Tourist map of Central Java

Tourist map of West Java

East Java tourist map

Java map

Java on the world map is located in the Java Sea, which washes it north coast. From the south, the island has access to Indian Ocean. As will show geographic map Java, the length of the island from west to east is almost a thousand kilometers. This largest island in Indonesia, where the country's capital, Jakarta, is located.

Any map of Java will show that about a third of its territory is occupied by rainforests and jungle. Administratively, the island is divided into six regions. Java detailed map contains such provinces as Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Jakarta and Yogyakarta districts.

Natural attractions are represented on the island by nature reserves and numerous volcanoes. The map of Java in Russian will help you find the most famous hills of Krakatau and Mont Brom. It is noteworthy that in last time Krkatau, located not on the island itself, but between it and Sumatra, erupted in 2008.

Compose optimal route and find everything interesting places islands will help the map of Java with sights from Arrivo.