The Island of Java

Java is one of the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north. With a population of 148.76 million people, Java is the world's most populous island, constituting approximately 55% of the Indonesian population.

Java’s central spine is dominated by volcanoes, their fertile slopes supporting glimmering rice fields dotted with countless villages. To the south is the homeland of the ethnic Javanese and the center of their traditional arts, culture and language, epitomized by the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo. To the east, the volcanic massif of Gunung Bromo offers excellent hikes, particularly at sunrise. Elsewhere are the ancient temples of the Dieng Plateau, the turquoise lake of Kawah Ijen and the palm-fringed beaches around Pangandaran.

Java is widely known for having some of the best spots to visit in Indonesia, such as Borobudur, which is regarded as the biggest Buddhist stupa in the world, with surroundings that are just as spectacular, with looming volcanoes on three sides and jagged limestone cliffs on the fourth. Not to mention, the fishing village of Grajagan, located on the borders of Alas Purwo National Park in the far southeastern corner of Java, which has become famous for its world-class surf.