Things to do in Java
Discover the best attractions and experiences Java has to offer
Historic Monuments
Java's ancient temple complexes and royal sites tell the island's long history, from Buddhist stupas to Hindu temples and hilltop ruins.
Borobudur Temple
The world’s largest Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th–9th centuries, set amid green hills near Magelang.
Prambanan Temple
A dramatic 9th‑century Hindu temple complex known for towering shrines and intricate reliefs near Yogyakarta.
Ratu Boko Temple
A hilltop fortress with ancient ruins and sunset views overlooking the Prambanan plain.
Museums
From national history to regional art, Java’s museums span megacities and cultural towns.
National Museum of Indonesia (Jakarta)
A comprehensive collection tracing Indonesian archaeology, ethnography, and history.
Geology Museum (Jakarta)
Exhibits fossils, minerals, and the geologic story of Indonesia.
Sri Baduga Museum (Bandung)
West Java's main provincial museum with artifacts and regional history.
Affandi Museum (Yogyakarta)
Museum dedicated to the modern Indonesian expressionist painter Affandi.
Religious Monuments
Java's spiritual architecture spans grand mosques and sacred temple complexes across the island.
Prambanan Temple
A UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex renowned for its tall spires and detailed reliefs.
Sambisari Temple
An ancient Hindu temple partially buried underground, rediscovered in the 20th century.
Masjid Istiqlal (Jakarta)
The largest mosque in Southeast Asia and a landmark of modern Indonesian Islam.
Masjid Agung Demak (Demak)
Historic mosque at the heart of Java’s oldest sultanate, with a serene riverside setting.
National & Theme Parks
Nature lovers will find volcanoes, jungle shores, and lush highlands within Java’s protected lands and parks.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Home to Mount Bromo and the Tengger caldera, famous for sunrise views.
Ujung Kulon National Park
A remote coastal park on Java’s western tip, protecting wildlife including the last Javan rhino.
Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park
Lush highland park offering forest treks, waterfalls, and volcanic scenery near Bogor.
Meru Betiri National Park
Coastal rainforest park on East Java with rugged beaches and biodiversity.
Neighborhoods
Explore Java’s urban cores and historic districts full of markets, cafes, and local life.
Kota Tua (Old Town), Jakarta
Historic harbor district with Dutch colonial architecture and riverside views.
Braga Street, Bandung
A stylish, art‑deco street filled with cafes, boutiques, and nightlife.
Malioboro, Yogyakarta
Vibrant street known for night markets, street food, and handicrafts.
Ampel District, Surabaya
Chinatown-Arab quarter known for its mosques, markets, and eateries.
Free Things to Do
Low-cost ways to soak up Java’s atmosphere, from public spaces to lively streets.
Walk around Kota Tua, Jakarta
Stroll the square and admire colonial architecture and riverside vibes.
Explore Malioboro Street (Yogyakarta) at night
Browse street stalls, watch performances, and enjoy local snacks.
Relax on Parangtritis Beach (Bantul, Yogyakarta)
A long beach perfect for sunset views and beach walks.
Stroll Bandung’s old streets and parks
Casual exploration of city squares, cafes, and greenery.
Gastronomy
Java’s dishes bring bold flavors—from sweet and savory to smoky and spicy.
Gudeg (Yogyakarta)
A sweet-savoury jackfruit stew served with rice and toppings.
Sate Madura
Savory skewered meat with a rich, sweet-sour sauce from East Java.
Rawon
Dark beef soup flavored with keluak and aromatic herbs.
Bakso Malang
Meatball noodle soup known for its rich broth and toppings.
Nightlife
Java’s cities glow after dusk with bars, cafes, and live music.
Jakarta – Kemang & SCBD
Chic bars, clubs, and live music scenes in the capital.
Bandung – Dago & Braga nightlife
Casual lounges, cafes, and retro vibes in a university city.
Yogyakarta – Prawirotaman & Malioboro area
Relaxed bars and street-side spots near cultural hubs.
Entertainment
Cultural shows and stage performances bring Java’s arts to life.
Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan
Epic dance drama performed against the Prambanan temple backdrop.
Wayang kulit performances
Shadow puppet theatre presenting ancient stories in Yogyakarta or Jakarta.
Angklung performances at Saung Angklung Udjo
Live traditional music featuring the bamboo Angklung.
Gamelan performances at TIM (Jakarta)
Classical Indonesian music in the capital’s cultural venue.
Sports
Active adventures across Java—from volcano treks to coastal pursuits.
Mount Semeru trek
Challenging ascent to Java’s highest volcano with stunning views.
Bromo sunrise trek
Witness a volcanic sunrise over the surreal crater landscape.
Pangandaran surfing
Coastal waves and relaxed surf spots along West Java’s coast.
Off the Track
Ventures into lesser-visited corners for a deeper sense of place.
Baduy Village trek
Cultural immersion in the indigenous Baduy communities of Banten.
Dieng Plateau exploration
Mist-shrouded highland with ancient temples and colored lakes.
Sempu Island (Malang)
Remote beach and lagoon destination reachable by a hike and permit.